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0 The National Basketball Association (NBA) has witnessed many basketball legends and icons that have left an indelible mark on the game itself and have inspired generations of fans and players alike. The debate and discussion on who is the greatest of all time, or the GOAT, in NBA history is one that always sparks controversy. Determining the GOAT of the NBA is not an easy task, as there are many different factors and aspects to consider, including individual statistics, team achievements, awards, longevity, impact, influence, and more. Moreover, different eras and rules may affect the comparison and evaluation of players from different generations.
In the world of basketball, some players have left an indelible mark that is hard to surpass. Three such players are Hakeem Olajuwon, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, Shaquille Oneal Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James, Tim Duncan, and Michael Jordan. Each of them has a unique story, style, and record that makes them stand out as among the greatest players in the history of the NBA.
10. Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon
Career Stats: 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 1.7 SPG, 3.1 BPG, 51.2% FG, 71.2% FT
Starting at number 10 with Hakeem Olajuwon. He played for the Houston Rockets and is considered by some as one of the GOATS, and widely regarded as the greatest. Hakeem won two championships with the Houston Rockets and was named the Finals MVP in both. He also won one regular season MVP award, 12 All-Star selections, 12 All-NBA selections, nine All-Defensive selections, two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and one Rookie First Team in 1985. He is the only player in NBA history to win the MVP, Finals MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year awards in the same season, which he did in 1993-94. He is the all-time leader in blocks, with 3,830, and the only player in NBA history to record at least 200 blocks and 200 steals in a season, which he did twice. He was a phenomenal player, who could dominate on both ends of the floor with his skill, athleticism, and footwork. He was also a clutch performer, who led the Rockets to two titles.
9. Larry “Kodak” Bird
Career Stats: 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG, 1.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG, 49.6% FG, 37.6% 3PT
Moving on to number 9 and meeting us there is Larry Bird. He played for the Boston Celtics and won three championships with the team. He was named the Finals MVP in two of them. He won three regular season MVP awards, 12 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA selections, three All-Defensive selections, and one Rookie of the Year award. He is the only player in NBA history to average at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists per game for his career. He also holds the record for the most consecutive free throws made, with 71. He was a phenomenal player, who could shoot, pass, rebound, and lead with his skill, intelligence, and competitiveness. He was also a clutch performer, who delivered in big moments and had many memorable duels with other legends. He was a cultural icon and a leader, who revived the Celtics franchise and the NBA in the 1980s and inspired millions of fans and players around the world.
8. Wilt “The Big Dipper” Chamberlain
Career Stats: 30.1 PPG, 22.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 54% FG, N/A Blocks and Steals
Next at spot 8, Wilt Chamberlain. Wilt played 14 seasons in the NBA, seven with the Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, five with the Philadelphia 76ers, and two with the Los Angeles Lakers. He won two championships, one with the 76ers and one with the Lakers, and was named the Finals MVP in one of them.
He also won four regular season MVP awards, 13 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA selections, two All-Defensive selections, and one Rookie of the Year award. He holds the record for the most points scored in a single game, with 100, and the most rebounds in a single game, with 55. He is the only player in NBA history to average more than 50 points and 20 rebounds in a season, which he did in 1961-62.
He is also the second all-time leading rebounder in NBA history, with 23,924 rebounds. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. His size, strength, and athleticism were unmatched in his time, and his records and achievements are still awe-inspiring today.
7. Shaquille “The Diesel” O’Neal
Career Stats: 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 0.6 SPG, 2.3 BPG, 58.2% FG, 4.5% 3PT
At number 7, we have Diesel or Shaquille O’Neal, who is considered one of the greatest players of all time due to his impressive track record. He has won four championships, three with the Los Angeles Lakers and one with the Miami Heat, and was named the Finals MVP in three of them.
Additionally, he won one regular season MVP award, 15 All-Star selections, 14 All-NBA selections, three All-Defensive selections, two scoring titles, and one Rookie of the Year award. He is the eighth all-time leading scorer in NBA history, with 28,596 points, and the sixth all-time leading rebounder, with 13,099 rebounds. He was a physical specimen, who could overpower and outplay any defender with his size, strength, and skill. He was also a charismatic and entertaining personality, who had a huge fan base and media presence.
6. Kobe ” Black Mamba” Bryant
Career Stats: 25.0 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 44.7% FG, 83.7% FT
Similarly, at number 6, Kobe Bryant has also been considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time due to his impressive achievements. He won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named the Finals MVP in two of them. He won one regular season MVP award, 10 scoring titles, 18 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections, 12 All-Defensive selections, and four All-Star Game MVP awards.
He holds the record for the most points scored in a single game after the 3-point line was introduced, with 81, and the most game-winners in NBA history, with 36. He is the fourth all-time leading scorer in NBA history, with 33,643 points, and the most assists and rebounds by a shooting guard, with 6,306 and 7,047 respectively. He was a phenomenal player, who could score from anywhere, defend multiple positions, and elevate his team in clutch situations. He was also a cultural icon and a global ambassador for the game, who influenced millions of fans and players around the world.
Exclaimer: We are now in the Top 5 and things are about to get HEATED.
5. Tim “Mr. Fundamentals” Duncan
Career Stats: 19.0 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.2 BPG, 50.6% FG, 69.6% FT
At number 5,Tim Duncan has been recognized as one of the best players in NBA history, and some people may consider him as the GOAT, or the greatest of all time. He won five championships with the San Antonio Spurs and was named the Finals MVP in three of them. He won two regular season MVP awards, 15 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections, 15 All-Defensive selections, and one Rookie of the Year award.
He is the only player in NBA history to win at least 1,000 games with one team, and he has the highest winning percentage of any player with at least 1,000 games played, with 71.9%. He is the only player in NBA history to record at least 26,000 points, 15,000 rebounds, 3,000 blocks, and 4,000 assists in his career. He is the only player in NBA history to win championships in three different decades, and he is the only player to be a starter on championship teams 19 years apart.
4. Erving “Magic” Johnson
Career Stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG, 1.9 SPG, 0.4 BPG, 52% FG, 84.8% FT
Magic Johnson is another player who has been recognized as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He won five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named the Finals MVP in three of them. He won three regular season MVP awards, 12 All-Star selections, 10 All-NBA selections, four All-Star Game MVP awards, and one Rookie of the Year award. He is the all-time leader in assists per game, with 11.2, and the fifth all-time leader in assists, with 10,141.
His career high in assists in a single game, with 24. He was a phenomenal player, who could play and excel in any position and role, from point guard to center. He was also a masterful playmaker, who could create opportunities for himself and his teammates with his vision, creativity, and leadership. He was also a clutch performer, who delivered in big moments and had many memorable duels with other legends.
THE TOP 3
3. Kareem ” The Captain” Abdul-Jabbar
Career Stats: 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.9 SPG, 2.6 BPG, 55.9% FG, 72.1% FT
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played a total of 20 seasons in the NBA, 14 of which he spent with the Los Angeles Lakers and the remaining six with the Milwaukee Bucks. Throughout his illustrious career, he won six championships, five of which were with the Lakers and one with the Bucks. He was also named the Finals MVP in two of those championship victories.
Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant force on the court, winning six regular season MVP awards, 19 All-Star selections, 15 All-NBA selections, 11 All-Defensive selections, and one Rookie of the Year award. He is also credited with inventing the skyhook, which is one of the most iconic moves in basketball history and considered one of the most unstoppable shots in the game.
The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inducted Abdul-Jabbar in 1995, and he was also named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. Even after retiring from the game, Abdul-Jabbar continues to be involved with basketball in various ways, including coaching, writing, and mentoring young players.
2. LeBron ” KING” James
Career Stats: 27.2 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 7.5 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 50.5% FG, 73.5% FT
LeBron James is another legendary basketball player who has made a significant impact on the sport. He has played professionally for a total of 19 seasons, with 11 of those with the Cleveland Cavaliers, four with the Miami Heat, and the remaining four with the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout his career, James has won four championships, two with the Heat, one with the Cavaliers, and one with the Lakers, and was named the Finals MVP in each of those championship victories.
James has also received several individual awards, including four regular-season MVP awards, 20 All-Star selections, 19 All-NBA selections, six All-Defensive selections, one scoring title, and one Rookie of the Year award. He holds several records, including being the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, with over 39,509 points and counting, and the fourth place on the NBA all-time leading assist list, with over 10,672 assists.
James is known for his versatility on the court, as he can play and excel in any position and role. He is also one of the most influential and popular players of all time, with a massive fan base and a significant social media following. Off the court, James is actively involved in various business ventures, media projects, and philanthropic endeavors, including his foundation, which focuses on empowering and supporting underprivileged youth.
1. Michael “His Airness” Jordan
Career Stats: 30.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.3 SPG, 0.8 BPG, 49.7% FG, 83.5% FT
Our pick for the GOAT of the NBA is Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, players of all time. He played a total of 15 seasons in the NBA, 13 with the Chicago Bulls and two with the Washington Wizards. Throughout his career, he won six championships, all with the Bulls, and was named the Finals MVP. He also won five regular season MVP awards, 10 scoring titles, 14 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA selections, nine All-Defensive selections, three steals titles, one Defensive Player of the Year award, and one Rookie of the Year award. He holds the record for the highest career scoring average in NBA history, with 30.1 points per game. Additionally, he is the fourth all-time leading scorer in NBA history, with 32,292 points. He is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and was named the greatest North American athlete of the 20th century by ESPN.
Michael Jordan was not only a phenomenal player, but also a cultural icon and a global ambassador for the game. He revolutionized the game with his athleticism, skill, competitiveness, and charisma. He elevated the popularity and status of the NBA to new heights and influenced millions of fans and players around the world. He also transcended the game with his successful ventures in business, media, and philanthropy. He is the owner of the Charlotte Hornets, and the founder of the Jordan Brand, which is one of the most successful and influential sports apparel and footwear companies in the world. He is also involved in various charitable and social causes, such as education, health, and racial justice.
Michael Jordan is our pick for the GOAT of the NBA because we think he has the most impressive and balanced resume of any player in NBA history. He dominated the game in every aspect and achieved everything there was to achieve in the NBA. He also had a huge impact and influence on the game and the world. He is the epitome of greatness, excellence, and legacy.
Of course, other players are also worthy of being considered for the GOAT title, such as LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Magic Johnson, among others. Each of these players has their unique strengths and achievements that make them significant in the history of the NBA. However, for us, Michael Jordan stands out as the GOAT due to his exceptional talent, achievements, and impact on the game and beyond.
in the 1980s and inspired millions of fans and players around the world. The National Basketball Association (NBA) has witnessed many basketball legends and icons that have left an indelible mark on the game itself and have inspired generations of fans and players alike. The debate and discussion on who is the greatest of all time, or the GOAT, in NBA history is one that always sparks controversy. Determining the GOAT of the NBA is not an easy task, as there are many different factors and aspects to consider, including individual statistics, team achievements, awards, longevity, impact, influence, and more. Moreover, different eras and rules may affect the comparison and evaluation of players from different generations.
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