As I sit down to compile this list of the top 75 NBA players of all time, I can't help but think about what truly separates the great from the legendary. Having followed basketball for over two decades, both as a fan and analyst, I've developed my own criteria for evaluating greatness. It's not just about statistics or championships—though those matter immensely—but about that intangible quality that makes certain players unforgettable. When I read comments like Rondae Hollis-Jefferson's recent remarks about Calvin's performance—"Calvin had an amazing game. 9-for-14 from three, 50 percent from the field. Amazing. I'm always happy to see Calvin play well, and see the smile in his face"—it reminds me that basketball excellence isn't just about numbers. It's about those moments when a player's performance becomes art, when the statistics only tell half the story, and the real magic happens in the way they elevate everyone around them.
The conversation about all-time greats inevitably begins with Michael Jordan, and in my view, he remains the undisputed number one. I know some younger fans might argue for LeBron James, and I respect that perspective, but having watched Jordan's entire career, there was something almost mythical about his competitive fire. The numbers speak for themselves—six championships with two separate three-peats, five MVP awards, and that incredible 1988 season where he averaged 35 points per game while winning Defensive Player of the Year. But beyond the statistics, what I remember most was his absolute refusal to lose. I've never seen another athlete with that combination of skill, athleticism, and sheer willpower. LeBron comes closest in terms of longevity and all-around impact—his career averages of 27.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.3 assists over 19 seasons are simply mind-boggling—but Jordan's perfect 6-0 record in the Finals gives him the edge in my book.
When we move beyond the top two, the debates become even more fascinating. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sits comfortably at number three for me, with his unstoppable skyhook and record 38,387 points. I've always been fascinated by how his game evolved from the high-flying days at UCLA to his later years with the Lakers, where he maintained elite production well into his late 30s. Then comes Magic Johnson, whose vision and leadership transformed what we thought was possible from a 6'9" point guard. I'll never forget watching his rookie season Finals performance where he started at center for an injured Kareem and dropped 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists to close out the series. That's the kind of legendary moment that separates the all-time greats from merely excellent players.
The middle portion of this list is where personal biases really start to show, and I'll admit mine upfront—I value two-way players more than most analysts. That's why I have Tim Duncan ranked higher than many would, at number five overall. He never sought the spotlight, but his fundamental excellence on both ends defined the Spurs dynasty. Similarly, Bill Russell's defensive dominance and 11 championships earn him the sixth spot, though I know some will argue Wilt Chamberlain's gaudy statistics should place him higher. But when I look at Russell's impact—how he completely revolutionized team defense and winning—I have to give him the nod. Speaking of revolutionary, Stephen Curry completely changed how basketball is played, and that innovation earns him a spot in my top 15. The way he stretched defenses beyond recognition created opportunities for everyone around him, much like Calvin's 9-for-14 three-point performance that Hollis-Jefferson praised represents the modern game Curry helped create.
As we move deeper into the list, between spots 20 and 50, we find some of the most difficult comparisons across eras. How do you properly evaluate Kevin Garnett's two-way excellence against Dirk Nowitzki's revolutionary scoring? I give Garnett the slight edge because of his defensive versatility, but I understand arguments for Dirk, especially considering his 2011 championship run where he single-handedly carried the Mavericks past the Heat superteam. Then there's the challenge of placing current players like Giannis Antetokounmpo—already with two MVPs and a championship at just 28 years old—against established legends. I have Giannis at 25 for now, but I fully expect him to climb into the top 15 by the time his career concludes.
The final 25 spots on this list are where the most heated debates occur, and where I've likely made some controversial choices. I've included several active players like Luka Doncic and Joel Embiid who haven't yet achieved the team success of some retired players, but whose individual brilliance is simply too significant to ignore. Meanwhile, I have to acknowledge that some beloved champions like Dennis Rodman and Robert Horry barely missed my cut, despite their incredible championship pedigrees. The reality is that with only 75 spots and over 70 years of NBA history, some excellent players simply won't make it. What fascinates me about these debates is how they reflect our evolving understanding of basketball excellence. The game has changed dramatically, from Russell's era where defense and rebounding dominated to today's three-point revolution, and our evaluation criteria must adapt accordingly.
Ultimately, creating this list reminds me why I fell in love with basketball in the first place. It's not about definitively ranking players—that's ultimately impossible—but about celebrating the incredible diversity of talent that has graced the NBA throughout its history. From Jordan's aerial artistry to Curry's long-range bombs, from Russell's defensive genius to Jokic's passing wizardry, each generation brings something new and magnificent to the game. And when I see current players like Calvin delivering those special performances that make their teammates smile, as Hollis-Jefferson described, I'm reminded that the NBA's future is in good hands. The next 75 years will undoubtedly produce new legends who will challenge and eventually join the names on this list, and I can't wait to watch that story unfold.
