It can be challenging to rank the many great players that have graced this sport. When it comes to a top-five conversation, some people deserve to be involved without questions. In no particular order, here are the top 5 basketballers of all time.
LeBron James
His 2016 show-out in bringing the Cleveland Cavaliers to a win against the Golden State Warriors after being down 3-1 in the series earns him a spot in this conversation. He had to bring up two consecutive 40-point games on demand to level up. King James has two Olympic gold medals, three All-star MVP, four NBA finals MVPs, and most notably, four NBA championships to his name.
He is the playoffs leading all-time scorer and has the third most career points in the NBA. He is also seventh on the all-time career assists list, making him a versatile player. His record All-NBA, All-Defensive first, and finals appearances solidify his status in the top five.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar played twenty seasons in the league. He became the NBA’s highest scorer of all time within those seasons with 38,387 points. He still holds this title to this day. The 6-time NBA most valuable player is one of the best centers the sport has ever seen. Kareem has been a part of eight NBA championship-winning sides. Six were as a player, with the other two victories coming as an assistant coach. He was also being named on many All-star, All-NBA, and All-Defensive teams during his illustrious career. No top 5 list is complete without him.
Michael Jordan
Many people regard Michael Jeffery Jordan as the best player of all time, so it’s no surprise he’s on this list. Michael Jordan had a perfect showing at the NBA finals, winning all 6 he played while also being the finals MVP. Jordan notably had a spectacular ’88 season where he won the Defensive Player of the Year, NBA’s highest scorer, and MVP with unbelievable stats. In his 15 seasons, MJ popularized the sport globally. The amazing hangtime during his dunks earned him the ‘Air Jordan’ nickname. He temporarily retired from basketball to play baseball but came back to win three championships in grand style.
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is perhaps the best point guard to ever do it. His impact in the 80s basketball scene earns him an undisputed spot on this list. Born Earvin Johnson, he was nick-named ‘Magic’ for his spectacular play in Everett High School, and it stuck. Despite his struggles with the stigma of contracting HIV, Magic Johnson has five championship rings to his name. During his career, the three-time MVP was also named to nine All-NBA first teams. He is undoubtedly an all-time great.
Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant had a 20-year long NBA career. During those 20 years, the shooting guard won five NBA championships, two Olympic golds and became the fourth highest scorer in the history of the NBA. He became a 15-time All-NBA, 12-time All-Defensive, and 18-time All-star member while at it. Kobe is known for popularizing the ‘Mamba Mentality, which pushes people to become the best they can be. Sadly, He passed away in a helicopter crash in 2020.
Other honorable mentions include Shaquille O’Neal, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Kevin Durant.