Top 10 all time NBA players ever part 1

There is a lot of debate about who ten greatest NBA players of all time. So many lists are compiled and so many reasons to all of these lists. A top ten list is a delicate subject. As I proceed to compile mine, I want you to bear in mind that my basis is off of legacy, accomplishments, impact, and numbers.

1. Michael Jordan

Career averages: 30.1ppg/6.2rpg/5.3apg

The obvious choice here. Jordan is pretty much the greatest guy to ever step on a basketball court. Jordan set the standard on an NBA finals performance. With so many accolades to his name and numerous records set, Jordan is that basketball player that everyone can identify with. The leader of 90s basketball, Jordan brought a flash to the league that the NBA hadn’t seen in decades. Truly a one of a kind player and once in a lifetime talent.

Most impressive accomplishment: three peating on two different occasions. Record for most Finals MVP awards.

2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Career averages: 24.6ppg/11.2rpg/3.6apg

What can you not say about Kareem? Arguably the greatest big man to ever play the game. Over a career that spanned 20 years, Kareem had seen them all from Wilt Chamberlain to Michael Jordan. A standout athlete at UCLA, Kareem arguably had the greatest college career in history (88-2 record durning his stint). This success translated to the NBA where he is currently the all time leader in points scored in a career. This legend has pretty much accomplished everything there is to accomplish in basketball.

Most impressive accomplishments: NBA record for most regular season MVP awards (6 awards). All time scoring leader (38,387 points).

3. Magic Johnson

Career averages: 19.5ppg/7.2rpg/11.2apg

The greatest point guard the NBA has ever seen. Magic Johnson changed basketball with his fast break and his no look passing. With being one of the only 5 men in NBA history with 10K assists and the all time career assists per game title to his name it’s safe to say Magic Johnson is one of, if not the greatest, passer in NBA history.

Most impressive accomplishment: winning Finals MVP in his rookie season, winning the MVP award in the most competing race in history.

4. Larry Bird

Career averages: 24.3ppg/10rpg/6.3apg

Larry Bird doesn’t really get much credit for helping revitalize basketball in the 80s. Bird went to the NBA finals four straight seasons in the 80s and in doing so his Celtics are the last team to accomplish this feat. Bird is the first player in history to shot 50-40-90 for a season (50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT) and has done it on two occasions. Also Bird is considered one of the better 3 point shooters in NBA history (keep in mind the 3 point line was relatively new whenBird came in the league). Bird is also the only person in history to be named MVP Coach if the year and Executive of the year.

Most impressive accomplishment: charter member of the 50-40-90 club. Twitter’s logo is named after him

5. Wilt Chamberlain

Career averages: 30.1ppg/22.9rpg/4.1apg

Wilt Chamberlain. Arguably the greatest athlete of all time Wilt could do it all. Wilt Chamberlain was pretty much a man amongst boys and imposed his will on pretty much anyone that stood in front of him. Wilt has has his number 13 jersey retired by 3 teams (Lakers, Warriors, 76ers) and is credited by many as the greatest rebounder of all time. When you think of once in a lifetime, Wilt Chamberlain should come to mind.

Most impressive accomplishment: highest scoring output in 1 game (100 points) only big man to ever lead the league in assists. Only plater to ever age average 30 points and 20 boards for a career.

Images provided by Google images.