Who Are the Best Basketball Players of All Time? Our Definitive Ranking

When I sat down to compile my definitive ranking of the best basketball players of all time, I immediately thought about what truly separates the legends from the merely great. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've come to believe that greatness isn't just about scoring averages or championship rings—it's about that intangible ability to elevate everyone around you. That's why when I look at the Barangay Ginebra 92 game where J. Aguilar dropped 17 points while players like Abarrientos added 14 and Rosario contributed 13, I see more than just numbers on a scoresheet. I see the kind of balanced team performance that only happens when you have truly special players who make their teammates better.

Now, let's get straight to my top tier. Michael Jordan sits comfortably at number one in my book, and I don't think this is particularly controversial. The man wasn't just a scorer—he was a six-time NBA champion with six Finals MVP awards, and his defensive prowess often gets overlooked. I'd put LeBron James right there with him though, and this is where some fans might disagree with me. LeBron's longevity is simply unprecedented; he's been dominant for nearly two decades, and his ability to transform any team he joins into a contender is something we've never seen before. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rounds out my top three, largely because his skyhook was the most unstoppable move in basketball history and his 38,387 points remain the NBA's all-time scoring record.

What fascinates me about these discussions is how context matters. When I analyze that Barangay Ginebra game where Thompson, Holt, Torres, and Gray all scored exactly 10 points each, it reminds me that basketball isn't just about individual brilliance. The greatest players make their teammates better—they're the reason why role players suddenly look like All-Stars. Magic Johnson did this better than almost anyone, which is why he's fourth on my list. His vision was supernatural, and he made everyone on the court with him more dangerous. Larry Bird, my number five, had that same effect—his basketball IQ was off the charts, and he could beat you in a dozen different ways.

The middle of my list gets more contentious, and this is where personal bias definitely comes into play. I have Bill Russell at six because his 11 championships with the Boston Celtics can't be ignored, even if the league was different back then. Wilt Chamberlain follows at seven—yes, his stats are mind-boggling (averaging 50.4 points in a season is just ridiculous), but I've always felt he prioritized individual achievements over team success. Kobe Bryant sits at eight for me, and I know many would place him higher. His mamba mentality was real, and his work ethic was legendary, but I think his efficiency compared to others in the top ten keeps him from climbing higher on my personal ranking.

When I look at modern players, Stephen Curry has to be in this conversation somewhere. He completely revolutionized how basketball is played, forcing defenses to extend beyond what was previously thought possible. His impact on the game is similar to what Michael Jordan did in popularizing basketball globally. That Barangay Ginebra stat line with multiple players contributing reminds me of today's Golden State Warriors—when Curry is on the floor, everyone becomes more effective because defenses simply can't account for his range.

The international players deserve their flowers too. Dirk Nowitzki's one-legged fadeaway became one of the most unstoppable shots we've seen, and his 2011 championship run was one of the most impressive individual carry jobs in recent memory. Meanwhile, Tim Duncan's fundamental excellence might not have been flashy, but his five championships speak volumes about his sustained excellence. I have Duncan at nine on my list, just ahead of Hakeem Olajuwon, whose footwork for a big man remains the gold standard.

As I reflect on these rankings, I keep coming back to that idea of making teammates better. The Barangay Ginebra game where multiple players scored in double figures illustrates what happens when talent is properly utilized and elevated. The true greats don't just put up numbers—they create ecosystems where success becomes contagious. Kevin Durant might be the purest scorer I've ever seen, but his moving between teams keeps him from cracking my top ten. Giannis Antetokounmpo, however, is climbing rapidly and might eventually find himself in this conversation if he maintains his current trajectory.

At the end of the day, these rankings are subjective, and that's what makes them fun. My list differs from yours, which differs from the next person's, and that's perfectly fine. What we can all agree on is that basketball has been blessed with incredible talents who've transformed how we view the game. From Jordan's aerial artistry to Curry's long-range bombing, these players didn't just play basketball—they redefined it. And that, to me, is the true mark of greatness.

By Heather Schnese S’12, content specialist

2025-11-17 14:01