Following the exhilarating FIBA World Cup 2023, the NBA 2023 has claimed its status as the second most beloved sport globally! The Denver Nuggets etched their name in history by securing the championship, triumphing over the Heat in a compelling four out of five games. This monumental victory marked the franchise’s inaugural NBA championship in its 47-season history. Notably, player Nikola Jokić earned the distinguished title of NBA Finals Most Valuable Player, adding another remarkable chapter to the team’s legacy.
In the wake of this extraordinary triumph, let’s turn our attention to a tribute to the greatest basketball players of all time!
10. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan stands as an enduring legend in NBA history, revered as one of the greatest players ever. A linchpin in the franchise’s triumphs throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Duncan’s impact is immeasurable. From clinching the NBA Rookie of the Year title after college to his consistent excellence, notably as a five-time NBA champion and two-time NBA MVP, Duncan’s legacy is etched in a remarkable journey that spans 15 All-Star appearances and unprecedented selections to both the All-NBA and All-Defensive Teams for 13 consecutive seasons.
9. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon, at 224cm, journeyed from Nigeria to the University of Houston and emerged as the first overall pick in the 1984 NBA draft by the Houston Rockets. In a draft boasting talents like Michael Jordan and John Stockton, Olajuwon shone. During the 90s, he achieved historic feats, becoming the first non-American NBA All-Star starter, the first non-American to win NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and the inaugural player to secure MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP awards in a single season (1993-94). His impact propelled the Rockets to consecutive championships.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, a global icon, boasts a storied 19-year NBA career. Emerging from the 1992 NBA draft, he swiftly ascended to become one of the league’s premier centers. Crowned Rookie of the Year in 1992-93, O’Neal led his team to the 1995 NBA Finals before joining the Los Angeles Lakers. There, he clinched three consecutive championships (2000-2002). O’Neal’s extensive list of accolades includes Most Valuable Player (1999-2000), 15 All-Star Game selections, three All-Star Game MVP awards, three Finals MVP awards, and 14 All-NBA team selections.
7. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s extraordinary basketball journey began in high school, where he achieved record-breaking success. Leading his team to three consecutive New York Catholic championships, a remarkable 71-game winning streak, and an outstanding 79-2 overall record, he set the stage for greatness. Opting for the NBA over the Globetrotters, Kareem was a key pick in the 1969 NBA draft. His impact with the Bucks was immediate, propelling them to second place in the NBA’s Eastern Division. In 1970, a standout performance, scoring 51 points, solidified his stardom. His numerous accolades include NBA MVP, All-NBA First Team, and more.
6. Bill Russell
Boasting an impressive 11 championships, Bill Russell wasn’t just a legendary player on the court but also a resounding voice for justice off it. Serving as center for the Boston Celtics from 1956 to 1969, he was the linchpin of the Celtics dynasty, securing 11 NBA championships in his 13-year career. Russell’s historic achievements include being the first of only five players to win an NCAA championship with USF in 1956 and an NBA championship with the Celtics in 1957 in consecutive seasons, solidifying his place in basketball history.
5. Larry Bird
Larry Bird, widely celebrated as one of the all-time basketball greats, holds a unique status in NBA history. He accomplished an unparalleled feat, securing distinctions as Most Valuable Player, Rookie of the Year, Finals MVP, Coach of the Year, All-Star MVP, and Executive of the Year. Entering the NBA in the 1979-80 season, Bird’s impact was immediate, steering the Boston Celtics to a 32-win improvement. Throughout his 13-year career, Bird exclusively played for the Celtics, guiding them to five NBA finals appearances and securing three championships, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
4. Magic Johnson
Johnson is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time! He played 13 seasons in the NBA. After winning a national championship in 1979, Magic was selected first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He worked his magic by leading the team to five NBA championships during their Showtime era. After his abrupt retirement, he returned to play in the 1992 All-Star Game, winning the All-Star MVP Award. His many career achievements include three NBA MVP Awards, three NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Awards, nine NBA Finals appearances, 12 All-Star games and nine All-NBA First Team selections.
3. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant dedicated his entire 20-season career to the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA. Revered as one of the finest athletes in history, he achieved five NBA Championships and earned distinctions as an 18-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team member, and 12-time All-Defensive Team member. He notably clinched the 2008 NBA MVP and two-time NBA Finals MVP. Bryant, a dual time scoring leader, presently holds the fourth position in all-time regular season and postseason scoring. The curtain fell on his illustrious career in 2016, marked by an unforgettable 60-point feat in a triumphant game against the Jazz.
2. Lebron James
Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, James is the all-time leading scorer in NBA history. James has accumulated victories during his career, some of which are four NBA Championships, 10 NBA Finals, four MVP Awards, four final MVP awards, two Olympic gold medals, and 19-times All- Star and All-NBA Team, and finally was a runner-up for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award twice in his career. Lebron started his career in 2003 while in high school and now is the oldest player in the NBA.
1. Michael Jordan
Universally acclaimed as the unrivaled maestro of the game, Michael Jordan’s legendary journey unfolded in 1984 after his selection in the 1984 NBA draft. In a spectacular debut, he notched up 16 points, foreshadowing a legacy of greatness. Spanning 15 seasons in the NBA, Jordan etched an indelible mark, securing six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. His extraordinary feats include six NBA Finals MVP accolades, five NBA MVP titles, fourteen NBA All-Star appearances, ten All-NBA First Team selections, and three NBA All-Star Game MVP distinctions. A pinnacle moment was the brilliance displayed in Game 6 of the 1998 NBA Finals, highlighting Jordan’s unparalleled prowess and clutch performances.
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