Acvolades:

• 6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
• 6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
• 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998)
• 14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003)
• 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
• 10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
• All-NBA Second Team (1985)
• NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
• 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985)
• 10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
• 3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993)
• 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988)
• No. 23 retired by Chicago Bulls
• No. 23 retired by Miami Heat
• 3× AP Athlete of the Year (1991–1993)
• Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (1991)
• NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
• NCAA champion (1982)
• National college player of the year (1984)

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Background:‍

Michael Jordan was born in 1963 in Brooklyn, New York, and raised in North Carolina. He played college basketball at UNC, winning the NCAA championship in 1982 before being drafted 3rd overall by the Chicago Bulls in 1984.

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Why He’s Great:‍

Michael Jordan's skill, athleticism, and competitive spirit revolutionized basketball. He became the first global NBA superstar and, for a time in the 90s, the most recognizable person on the planet. Jordan dominated the decade, leading the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships and earning the title of "Greatest of All Time" (GOAT) by many.

Although in our eyes he was surpassed recently by the player above, Jordan's clutch performances, scoring ability, and defensive prowess make a strong case for him as the undisputed GOAT.

Acvolades:

• 6× NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985)
• 6× NBA Most Valuable Player (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980)
• 19× NBA All-Star (1970–1977, 1979–1989)
• 10× All-NBA First Team (1971–1974, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1986)
• 5× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1985)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1974, 1975, 1979–1981)
• 6× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1970, 1971, 1976–1978, 1984)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1970)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1970)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (1971, 1972)
• NBA rebounding leader (1976)
• 4× NBA blocks leader (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980)
• NBA anniversary teams (35th, 50th, 75th)
• No. 33 retired by Milwaukee Bucks
• No. 33 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
• 3× NCAA champion (1967–1969)
• 3× NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1967–1969)

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Background:‍

Born in 1947 as Lew Alcindor, Kareem played college basketball at UCLA, winning 3 NCAA titles. He was drafted 1st overall in 1969 by the Milwaukee Bucks before later playing for the Lakers.

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Why He’s Great:‍

Kareem’s unstoppable skyhook made him one of the most dominant scorers in basketball history. His longevity and consistency allowed him to excel for two decades, setting records that stood the test of time.

In any other universe — where the two legends above him don’t exist—he would be the undisputed GOAT of basketball.

Beyond his countless accolades, Kareem was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer for nearly 40 years, a record once thought to be unbreakable.Put some respect on his name—he has a strong argument to be in the GOAT conversation.

Acvolades:

• 5× NBA champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
• 3× NBA Finals MVP (1980, 1982, 1987)
• 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1987, 1989, 1990)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1980, 1982–1992)
• 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1990, 1992)
• 9× All-NBA First Team (1983–1991)
• All-NBA Second Team (1982)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1980)
• 4× NBA assists leader (1983, 1984, 1986, 1987)
• 2× NBA steals leader (1981, 1982)
• NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
• No. 32 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
• NCAA champion (1979)
• NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (1979)
• Consensus first-team All-American (1979)
• Second-team All-American – NABC (1978)
• Third-team All-American – AP, UPI (1978)
• 2× first-team All-Big Ten (1978, 1979)[2]
• No. 33 retired by Michigan State Spartans
• First-team Parade All-American (1977)
• McDonald's All-American (1977)
• Mr. Basketball of Michigan (1977)

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Background:‍

Born in 1959, Magic played at Michigan State, where he won the 1979 NCAA Championship. He was drafted 1st overall by the Lakers in 1979 and became the face of the “Showtime” era.

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Why He’s Great:‍

Magic revolutionized basketball as a 6'9" point guard, leading fast-break offenses and making flashy plays on any given night.

Winning the 1980 NBA Finals MVP as a rookie, while playing center in Game 6, was something no one has done since, or even come close to replicating.

A genius floor general with a fierce competitive spirit, yet also a charismatic joker, Magic truly lived up to his name. The “Showtime” Lakers of the 80’s was him.

Acvolades:

• 3× NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (1984, 1986)
• 3× NBA Most Valuable Player (1984–1986)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1980–1988, 1990–1992)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1982)
• 9× All-NBA First Team (1980–1988)
• All-NBA Second Team (1990)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1982–1984)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1980)
• NBA All-Rookie Team (1980)
• 3× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (1986–1988)
• 2× 50–40–90 club (1987, 1988)
• AP Athlete of the Year (1986)
• NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
• No. 33 retired by Boston Celtics
• National College Player of the Year (1979)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1978, 1979)
• Third-team All-American – NABC, UPI (1977)
• 2× MVC Player of the Year (1978, 1979)
• 2× First-team All-MVC (1978, 1979)
• No. 33 retired by Indiana State Sycamores

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Background:‍

Born in 1956, Bird played at Indiana State before joining the Boston Celtics.

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Why He’s Great:‍

While not known for his athleticism or quickness, Larry Bird was one of the toughest competitors ever—some even say the toughest. One of the best all-around players in history and an elite shooter, Bird led the Celtics to greatness and had an iconic rivalry with Magic Johnson. Larry "Legend" was the embodiment of competitiveness, standing alongside Magic as the best player of his decade. He had countless moments where he willed his team to victory, often adding an extra challenge just for the thrill of it.

In one legendary performance, he scored 47 points while shooting mostly with his left hand—simply because he was "saving" his right hand for a matchup against the Lakers. He won the NBA 3pt contest three times in a row, the last one while he was wearing his jacket on. Larry was a problem.

Acvolades:

• 4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006)
• 3× NBA Finals MVP (2000–2002)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
• 15× NBA All-Star (1993–1998, 2000–2007, 2009)
• 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000, 2004, 2009)
• 8× All-NBA First Team (1998, 2000–2006)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1995, 1999)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (1994, 1996, 1997, 2009)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2001, 2003)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (1995, 2000)
• NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
• No. 34 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
• No. 32 retired by Miami Heat
• No. 32 retired by Orlando Magic
• Associated Press Player of the Year (1991)
• UPI Player of the Year (1991)
• Adolph Rupp Trophy (1991)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1991, 1992)
• NCAA rebounding leader (1991)
• NCAA blocks leader (1992)
• 2× SEC Male Athlete of the Year (1991, 1992)
• 2× SEC Player of the Year (1991, 1992)
• No. 33 retired by LSU Tigers

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Background:‍

Born in 1972, Shaq was drafted 1st overall in 1992 by the Orlando Magic. He later dominated with the Lakers.

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Why He’s Great:‍

Shaq was the most physically dominant center ever. His size, power, and skill made him virtually unguardable in his prime.

"The Diesel" dominated the NBA to such an extent that the only effective strategy against him was to foul him—known as the "Hack-a-Shaq" tactic—because his only real weakness was free-throw shooting.

Any basketball fan knows that if Shaq had a stronger drive to improve his shooting from the line, he might have finished higher on this list—and possibly added at least one more championship to his legacy.

Acvolades:

• 5× NBA champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014)
• 3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
• 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2002, 2003)
• 15× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2011, 2013, 2015)
• NBA All-Star Game co-MVP (2000)
• 10× All-NBA First Team (1998–2005, 2007, 2013)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (2006, 2008, 2009)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (2010, 2015)
• 8× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999–2003, 2005, 2007, 2008)
• 7× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1998, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2015)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998)
• No. 21 retired by San Antonio Spurs
• USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2003)
• Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2003)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• National college player of the year (1997)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1996, 1997)
• Chip Hilton Player of the Year (1997)
• 3× NABC Defensive Player of the Year (1995–1997)
• NCAA rebounding leader (1997)
• ACC Athlete of the Year (1997)
• 2× ACC Player of the Year (1996, 1997)

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Background:‍

Born in 1976, Duncan played for Wake Forest before being drafted 1st overall in 1997 by the San Antonio Spurs.

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Why He’s Great:‍

Nicknamed "The Big Fundamental," Duncan was the most consistent power forward ever, excelling in both offense and defense. His cerebral play and deep understanding of basketball positioning allowed him to outshine more athletic players, overpower stronger forwards and centers, and outsmart quicker opponents.

He was never flashy, loud, or focused on highlight plays, but he was a powerhouse—a vital part of a well-oiled machine. While many pieces moved around him, he remained the core, the engine of the incredible system known as the Spurs.It’s no surprise that perhaps the greatest NBA coach ever, Gregg Popovich, who coached him, admired and respected him so much.

Acvolades:

• 11× NBA champion (1957, 1959–1966, 1968, 1969)[a]
• 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1958, 1961–1963, 1965)
• 12× NBA All-Star (1958–1969)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1963)
• 3× All-NBA First Team (1959, 1963, 1965)
• 8× All-NBA Second Team (1958, 1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968)
• NBA All-Defensive First Team (1969)
• 4× NBA rebounding champion (1958, 1959, 1964, 1965)
• NBA anniversary team (25th, 35th, 50th, 75th)
• No. 6 retired by Boston Celtics
• No. 6 retired by NBA leaguewide
• 2× NCAA champion (1955, 1956)
• NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1955)
• UPI College Player of the Year (1956)
• 2× Helms Player of the Year (1955, 1956)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1955, 1956)
• WCC Player of the Year (1956)
• 3× First-team All-WCC (1954–1956)
• No. 6 retired by San Francisco Dons
• Presidential Medal of Freedom (2011)

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Background:‍

Born in 1934, Russell played for the Boston Celtics from 1956-1969.

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Why He’s Great:‍

Russell was the greatest defensive player and leader ever, dominating with rebounds and shot-blocking.Till this day, Russell is considered the greatest winner (maybe in any sports), and led to an amazing 11 championships out of 13 seasons. Though, due to less competition and a slower pace than today’s NBA, we cannot set him as the NBA GOAT, he can definitely be considered the GOAT of the old era.

Acvolades:

• 2× NBA champion (1967, 1972)
• NBA Finals MVP (1972)
• 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (1960, 1966–1968)
• 13× NBA All-Star (1960–1969, 1971–1973)
• NBA All-Star Game MVP (1960)
• 7× All-NBA First Team (1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968)
• 3× All-NBA Second Team (1963, 1965, 1972)
• 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1972, 1973)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1960)
• 7× NBA scoring champion (1960–1966)
• 11× NBA rebounding champion (1960–1963, 1966–1969, 1971–1973)
• NBA assist leader (1968)
• NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th)
• No. 13 retired by Harlem Globetrotters
• No. 13 retired by Golden State Warriors
• No. 13 retired by Philadelphia 76ers
• No. 13 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
• NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1957)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1957, 1958)
• First-team All-Big 7 (1957)
• No. 13 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks
• Mr. Basketball USA (1955)

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Background:‍

Born in 1936, Wilt was the most statistically dominant player ever.

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Why He’s Great:‍

Wilt “the stilt” set record after record, while still a lot of them considered unbreakable like averaging more than 50 Points in a season. His 100-point game, season averaging 50.4 PPG and 27.2 rebounds, 55 rebounds per game are among many other records he set  that will never be broken. He was an athletic specimen of the kind that will be dominant in the modern NBA, and his combination of skills, size and athleticism were ahead of his time even by today's standards. His domination fell short only to Bill Russell’s winning mentality.

Acvolades:

• 5× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2009, 2010)
• 2× NBA Finals MVP (2009, 2010)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2008)
• 18× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2016)
• 4× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2002, 2007, 2009, 2011)
• 11× All-NBA First Team (2002–2004, 2006–2013)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (2000, 2001)
• 2× All-NBA Third Team (1999, 2005)
• 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006–2011)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2001, 2002, 2012)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (2006, 2007)
• NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1997)
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1997)
• NBA 75th Anniversary Team
• Nos. 8 & 24 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
• Naismith Prep Player of the Year (1996)
• Gatorade National Player of the Year (1996)
• McDonald's All-American (1996)

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Background:‍

Born in 1978 in Philadelphia, Kobe entered the NBA straight from high school in 1996. He spent his entire career with the Los Angeles Lakers. His life ended alongside his beloved daughter in a tragic helicopter accident on January 26th 2020, a tragedy that made the whole basketball world cry.

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Why He’s Great:‍

Kobe’s "Mamba Mentality" made him one of the most dedicated and fearless players ever. He was an elite scorer, clutch performer, and relentless competitor. His 81-point game is the second-highest in NBA history.Why he is not higher on the list is because in three of his five championships he wasn’t the best player on the team. The second reason is though his impressive scoring ability and fearless mentality are elite, he could not lead the Lakers deep in the playoffs by himself until the 2nd time Phil Jackson came back and a good team was built around him.

Unlike the other greats on this list, who were able to carry their teams by themselves during their prime, Kobe could not accomplish the same due to his more selfish style of play. This is probably one of the main reasons that while he was considered the biggest star in the league at the time, he won the league MVP only once during his whole career.He adjusted himself in the later part of his career and won two unforgettable back to back championships to prove that he is undoubtedly one of the greatest to ever play this game.