Top 12 Greatest and Famous Basketball Players of All Time

Basketball is a fast-paced and exciting sport that has captured the hearts of millions of fans around the world. From the court to the stands, the thrill and excitement of the game are unmatched. However, when it comes to discussing the greatest basketball players of all time, opinions can be divided. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the top 12 players who have left an indelible mark on the sport and cemented their place in history.

Michael Jordan - The Ultimate Competitor and God of Basketball

One of the most well-known basketball players in history is Michael Jordan, commonly known as "Air Jordan" and "His Airness." Throughout his playing career, Jordan was a powerful force on the court, winning six NBA championships, five MVP honours, and fourteen nominations to the All-Star game. He was a talented player with an unmatched attacking arsenal, and he is still regarded as one of the most prosperous and significant athletes in the history of the game.

Basketball was Michael Jordan's primary sport as a child. He was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1963. He was given scholarships to play at many institutions because he was a standout player in high school. He eventually decided to enrol at the University of North Carolina, where he swiftly rose to become one of the top players in the country. After winning a National Championship with the Tar Heels, Jordan was selected third overall in the 1984 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls.

In his rookie season, Michael Jordan won Rookie of the Year honours and had an immediate influence on the game. He kept getting better every year and eventually became one of the league's most dominant players. He was renowned for his amazing scoring prowess, fierce competitiveness, and clutch performances in crucial situations. In 1991, Jordan led the Bulls to their first NBA title; during the following ten years, the team won five more titles under his leadership.

Magic Johnson - The Floor General who Revolutionized Basketball

Magic Johnson is considered by many to be one of the greatest basketball players. He played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) and was a part of five championship-winning teams.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson was born on August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan. He began playing basketball at a young age and quickly developed a love for the basketball game. Johnson attended Everett High School in Lansing, where he was a standout player. His exceptional talent earned him the nickname "Magic" because of the way that he made his teammates better and seemed to always make the right play.

After high school, Johnson attended Michigan State University, where he continued to shine on the basketball court. In his two seasons with the Spartans, he helped lead the team to two NCAA Championships and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player in 1979.

In 1979, Johnson was selected first overall in the NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He made an immediate impact in his rookie season, leading the Lakers to the NBA Finals and earning the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Johnson's unselfish style of play and ability to make his teammates better made him a fan favorite and earned him the reputation as one of the best players in the league.

In 1991, Johnson announced that he had tested positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. He immediately retired from the NBA game and began advocating for HIV/AIDS awareness and education. Although he made several comeback attempts, he was never able to return to the court as a player.

Kobe Bryant - The Legend of the Basketball Court

Kobe Bryant was a former professional basketball player who played his entire 20-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with the Los Angeles Lakers. He is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time and has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Bryant was born on August 23, 1978, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of three children and grew up in a family of basketball players. His father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, was a former professional basketball player who played for various teams in Europe and the United States.

At the age of six, Bryant moved with his family to Italy where his father continued to play professional basketball. It was there that he developed a love for the sport and began to hone his skills. When he returned to the United States, he continued to play basketball and attended Lower Merion High School in Pennsylvania.

Bryant made an immediate impact in the NBA, winning the 1997 Slam Dunk Contest and earning a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team. He continued to improve and establish himself as one of the league’s top players, leading the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002.

During his career with the Lakers, Bryant won five NBA game championships, was selected to the All-Star team 18 times, and was named the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2008. He also led the league in scoring twice and was known for his clutch shooting and ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Bryant’s untimely death in a helicopter crash in January 2020 shocked the world and brought together fans from all over to mourn the loss of a true legend. He will forever be remembered as a true icon in the sport.

LeBron James - The King of the Basketball Court

LeBron James is a professional basketball player who is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time. He has spent 18 years in the NBA, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers.

During his time with the Cavaliers, James established himself as a dominant player and one of the faces of the league. He led the Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA Finals appearance in 2007, although they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs.

In 2010, James became a free agent and signed with the Miami Heat. He teamed up with fellow All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh and led the Heat to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances and two championships in 2012 and 2013.

After four years in Miami, James returned to Cleveland and led the Cavaliers to their first-ever NBA championship in 2016, coming back from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors.

In 2018, James signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he continues to play today. He has continued to perform at an elite level and has established himself as one the best player in the league.

In 2020, James led the Lakers to their first championship in a decade, earning Finals MVP honors in the process. He continues to dominate the sport and shows no signs of slowing down.

James’ impact on the sport of basketball cannot be overstated. He has established himself as one of the greatest players of all time and has left an indelible mark on the game.

In addition to his basketball career, James is also known for his philanthropic efforts and dedication to giving back to his community. He has used his platform to raise awareness for important social and political issues and has been a vocal advocate for change.

James’ continued success on the court and his impact off of it has solidified his place as a true icon in the sport.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar - A Basketball Legend

Basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a name synonymous with success and excellence. He is widely considered to be one of the greatest basketball players of all time, with numerous accolades and records to his name. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of this legendary basketball player and learn about his achievements, his impact on the game, and what made him so special.

He first gained national attention in high school, where he led Power Memorial Academy to a 71-game winning streak and three New York City Catholic championships. He was also named Parade magazine's High School Player of the Year in 1965. Abdul-Jabbar then went on to play college basketball at UCLA, where he continued to dominate on the court and lead his team to three consecutive national championships.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He is widely regarded as a fantabulous player in the history of the game, and his skills and accomplishments have inspired countless players to follow in his footsteps. He was known for his unmatched shot-blocking ability, his fluid and graceful offensive game, and his exceptional footwork. He was also a role model off the court, always conducting himself with class and dignity.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's legacy extends far beyond the basketball court. He is a six-time NBA champion, a 19-time All-Star, and a two-time Finals MVP. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1995, and his jersey number (33) has been retired by the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers. In addition to his basketball accomplishments, Abdul-Jabbar is also an accomplished author and social activist. He has written several books, including a bestselling autobiography, and has been a vocal advocate for various social and political causes.

Larry Bird - The Hick from French Lick

Larry Bird, also known as "The Legend" or "The Hick from French Lick", is a former professional basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics in the NBA for 13 seasons. He is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time and has left a lasting impact on the sport.

After graduating from high school, Bird attended Indiana State University where he played college basketball. During his three seasons with the Sycamores, he established himself as an outstanding player in the country. In 1979, Bird led Indiana State to the NCAA Championship game, where they lost to Magic Johnson and Michigan State. Despite the loss, Bird was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player.

Bird was selected as the sixth overall pick in the 1978 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics. He joined the team in the 1979-80 season and quickly made an impact. During his rookie year, he was named the NBA Rookie of the Year and led the Celtics to the NBA Finals, where they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. Over the next 12 seasons, Bird continued to dominate the league, winning three NBA championships and earning a record twelve All-Star selections.

Throughout his career, Bird won numerous awards and accolades. He was named the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) three times and was a nine-time All-NBA First Team selection. In 1996, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Today, Bird's impact on the sport of basketball continues to be felt. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and his rivalry with Magic Johnson is often cited as one of the greatest in sports history.

Bill Russell - A Shot Blocker

Bill Russell is a retired American professional basketball player who played for the Boston Celtics in the NBA from 1956 to 1969. During his illustrious career, Russell established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the game and one of the most dominant big men of all time.

Bill Russell was known for his unique and innovative style of play. He was a dominant defender and rebounder, regularly leading the league in both categories. He was also known for his exceptional shot-blocking skills and his ability to control the game on the defensive end. Russell was also a strong team player, always putting the success of the team ahead of his individual statistics.

Bill Russell retired from the NBA in 1969 and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1975. In 1996, he was named one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history. Russell's impact on the game of basketball continues to be felt today and he remains one of the most respected and revered figures in the sport.

Wilt Chamberlain - A Legend in the History of Basketball

Wilt Chamberlain, born on August 21, 1936 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He is best known for his incredible physical skills, record-breaking performances, and his larger-than-life personality.

Chamberlain began his professional career in 1959, when he was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors of the NBA. In his rookie season, he averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He went on to play for the Warriors, the San Francisco Warriors, the Philadelphia 76ers, and finally, the Los Angeles Lakers, over the course of his 14-year NBA career.

Throughout his career, Chamberlain was known for his remarkable physical attributes and his dominant play on the court. He was a ten-time NBA All-Star, and he holds numerous records, including the highest scoring average in a single season (50.4 points per game in 1961-62), the most points scored in a single game (100 points), and the most rebounds in a single game (55).

Wilt Chamberlain's impact on the game of basketball cannot be overstated. He was a dominant force on the court, a record-breaker, and a true original. His physical skills and competitive spirit made him one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, and his larger-than-life personality continues to inspire generations of fans.

Shaquille O'Neal - A Dominant Force in the World of Basketball

Shaquille O'Neal, popularly known as "Shaq," is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 19 seasons. He is considered one of the greatest centers of all time and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. Throughout his 19-year career, he played for six different teams, including the Magic, the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics.

With the Lakers, Shaq won three consecutive NBA championships (2000-2002) and was named the Finals MVP in each of those seasons. He also won a championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. In total, Shaquille O'Neal was a 15-time NBA All-Star, four-time NBA champion, and three-time NBA Finals MVP.

After retiring from basketball, Shaquille O'Neal has remained active in the sports and entertainment world. He has worked as a television analyst, recording artist, and film actor. He has also been involved in various business ventures, including his own shoe line and fast food chain.

Tim Duncan - A Legendary Power Forward in the World of Basketball

Tim Duncan is a former American professional basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for 19 seasons. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest power forwards of all time and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2020.

Tim Duncan was born on April 25, 1976, in Saint Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. He began playing basketball at an early age and excelled in high school. He then attended Wake Forest University where he played college basketball for four years. In 1997, he declared for the NBA draft and was selected as the first overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs.

Tim Duncan made an immediate impact in the NBA. In his rookie season, he averaged 21.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. Throughout his 19-year career, he played for the San Antonio Spurs, helping the team win five NBA championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014).

In total, Tim Duncan was a 15-time NBA All-Star, two-time NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and three-time NBA Finals MVP. He was also named to the All-NBA First Team 10 times and was a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year.

After retiring from basketball, Tim Duncan has remained involved with the sport as an assistant coach for the Spurs. He is widely respected for his work ethic, basketball IQ, and leadership on and off the court.

Hakeem Olajuwon - A Dominant Force in Basketball History

Hakeem Olajuwon, also known as "The Dream", is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players. With two NBA championships, two Finals MVP awards, and 12 All-Star selections, Olajuwon was a dominant force on the court during his playing career. He was a skilled player with an unparalleled offensive arsenal and remains one of the most successful and influential players in the history of the sport.

Olajuwon was born in Lagos, Nigeria in 1963 and grew up playing soccer and handball. He didn't start playing basketball until he was 15 years old, but he quickly developed a love for the sport and became one of the top players in his country. After being noticed by American scouts, he was offered a scholarship to the University of Houston, where he would go on to become one of the best players in college basketball.

Olajuwon was selected first overall in the 1984 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets, and he quickly made an impact in the league. He was named the Rookie of the Year in his first season and was selected to the All-Star team in his second season. Olajuwon continued to improve year after year, developing into one of the most dominant centers in the league. He was known for his incredible footwork, his ability to block shots, and his all-around offensive skills, which made him one of the most difficult players to guard in the league.

Julius Erving - The High-Flying Legend of Basketball

Julius Erving, also known as "Dr. J," is a former American professional basketball player who played in the American Basketball Association (ABA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1971 to 1987. Throughout his career, Erving was known for his incredible athleticism and innovative style of play, earning him a reputation as one of the greatest basketball players.

Erving began his professional basketball career in 1971, joining the Virginia Squires of the ABA. It was during this time that he began to make a name for himself with his incredible athleticism and high-flying style of play. He quickly became one of the most exciting players to watch, earning the nickname "Dr. J" for his remarkable dunks and other incredible feats on the court.

In 1973, Erving was traded to the New York Nets, where he continued to dominate the ABA. He was a three-time league MVP and led the Nets to two ABA championships. His impressive play and showmanship made him one of the most recognizable and popular players in the league.

Over the course of his 16-year professional career, Julius Erving cemented his place as one of the greatest basketball player. In total, he won three MVP awards in his career - two in the ABA and one in the NBA.. In 1993, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, further solidifying his legacy as a basketball legend.

Julius Erving's impact on the sport of basketball cannot be overstated. With his incredible athleticism, innovative style of play, and electrifying showmanship, he brought a new level of excitement to the game and inspired countless future players. His legacy as a basketball legend will continue to live on for generations to come.

Here's a table of the achievements of the top 12 famous basketball players:

Player	Championships Won	MVP Awards	All-Star Selections	Olympic Medals
Michael Jordan	6	5	14	2 (gold)
Kobe Bryant	5	1	18	2 (gold)
LeBron James	4	4	17	3 (2 gold, 1 bronze)
Magic Johnson	5	3	12	2 (gold)
Larry Bird	3	3	12	2 (gold)
Wilt Chamberlain	2	4	13	0
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar	6	6	19	2 (gold)
Shaquille O'Neal	4	1	15	1 (gold)
Hakeem Olajuwon	2	2	12	0
Tim Duncan	5	2	15	3 (2 gold, 1 bronze)
Bill Russell	11	5	12	2 (gold)
Julius Erving	2	3	11	0

Note: This table includes only the most significant achievements and may not include every honour or award won by each player.

In conclusion, these 12 players have left a lasting impact on the sport of basketball and remain some of the most iconic figures in its history. From Michael Jordan's dominance and Kobe Bryant's competitiveness to LeBron James' versatility and Magic Johnson's vision, each of these players has contributed to the growth and popularity of the sport. Whether you're a fan of the modern game or the classics, these players are sure to be remembered for generations to come and these are the best basketball players of all time.

Share your comment/suggestions, if you think we missed someone and must find a place here.