The 15 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time – Legends and Their Legacy

Summary: This ranking presents 15 outstanding basketball players who shaped the NBA. It highlights their most important achievements, tells their stories across different eras and discusses the ongoing GOAT debate. Thanks to captivating photos, fans can relive historic moments and appreciate their legacy.

Below, we first list the 15 players briefly before presenting detailed sections on each legend. Between the player profiles you will also find a section about image licensing that shows how you can legally use the photos shown through IMAGO. At the end of the article there is a conclusion focusing on the GOAT debate and pointers to further topics.

Ranking at a glance

1. Michael Jordan – The embodiment of winning with six NBA titles and ten scoring titles.

2. LeBron James – All‑time scoring leader, four-time champion, four MVP awards and 22-time All-Star.

3. Magic Johnson – Revolutionary point guard and five-time NBA champion.

4. Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar – Record holder for MVP trophies (six) and long-time leading scorer.

5. Kobe Bryant – Five-time champion, two Finals MVPs, 18-time All-Star.

6. Larry Bird – Three championships, three consecutive MVPs and a franchise icon.

7. Shaquille O’Neal – Four titles, three Finals MVPs and one of the most dominant centers in history.

8. Wilt Chamberlain – Two titles, four MVPs, countless records and the legendary 100‑point game.

9. Stephen Curry – Revolutionary three-point shooter, four-time champion and holder of the three-point record.

10. Tim Duncan – Five championships, three Finals MVPs and “Mr. Consistency.”

11. Bill Russell – Eleven titles in 13 years, five-time MVP and a pioneer as a player-coach.

12. Kevin Durant – Two-time champion, four-time scoring champion and one of the most versatile offensive players.

13. Oscar Robertson – First player with a season-long triple-double and pioneer of free agency.

14. Kevin Garnett – Emotional leader, 2008 champion and Defensive Player of the Year.

15. Dirk Nowitzki – European pioneer, 2011 champion and first international player with 30,000 points.

1. Michael Jordan – The benchmark of success

Michael Jordan is considered by many to be the GOAT (Greatest of All Time). Six NBA titles, six Finals MVPs and five regular-season MVP awards speak volumes. Particularly impressive are his ten scoring titles – still an NBA record. In the 1990s he dominated with the Chicago Bulls, leading them to two “three-peats” (1991–1993 and 1996–1998) and shaping pop culture with his aerial acrobatics and “killer instinct.” The Kiddle entry summarizes his most important accolades: six championships, six Finals MVPs, five MVP awards, 14 All-Star selections, ten times All-NBA First Team, Defensive Player of the Year in 1988 and ten scoring titles. Jordan propelled the NBA forward globally and became the worldwide face of brands such as Nike. His relentless work ethic and winning mentality set new standards for professionalism.

In the Finals nobody could stop him. His scoring average (30.1 points per game) is still a record. Even after his playing days he remained connected to basketball, including as a part-owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Jordan’s influence isn’t limited to statistics; his iconic moments – the “Flu Game,” the deciding shot against the Utah Jazz in 1998 or his Slam Dunk Contest victories – are part of sports history. For many fans he remains the unrivaled yardstick against which all other legends are measured.

IMAGO / PCN Photography | Michael Jordan shoots the ball.

2. LeBron James – The king makes history

LeBron James is the current all‑time scoring leader of the NBA. On February 7, 2023, he surpassed Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar by draining his 38,388th point with a stepback jumpshot. Since then he has been extending this record and is expected to be the first player to reach the 40,000‑point mark. In an impressive career, LeBron has won four championships (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020) and has been named Finals MVP and regular-season MVP four times each. He holds numerous records, such as being the only player with at least 10,000 points, rebounds and assists.

The Kiddle statistics page highlights his countless accolades: He is a record 22-time All-Star, three-time All-Star Game MVP, 13-time All-NBA First Team member and five-time All-Defensive First Team member. In 2024 he led Team USA to Olympic gold in Paris. In the summer of 2024 a family dream came true: At the season opener of the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron and his son Bronny stood on the court together. They became the first father‑son duo to play in an NBA game. In a joint interview, LeBron said the moment was unforgettable.

LeBron combines the physique of a power forward with the court vision of a point guard. His versatility made him the leader for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers. Particularly legendary is his 2016 comeback with Cleveland: He led the team from a 1–3 deficit against the Golden State Warriors to the franchise’s only title. With every season he continues to play at top level, he cements his position in the eternal debate about the greatest player of all time.

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire | LeBron James dunks the ball during a game against the New Orleans Hornets in 2013.

3. Magic Johnson – Showtime and revolutionary playmaker

Earvin “Magic” Johnson transformed the point guard position. Standing 2.06 meters tall, he was unusually large for a playmaker, yet his ball control and court vision were unsurpassed. According to his biography, Johnson won five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), three Finals MVPs and three regular-season MVP awards. He was selected to 12 All-Star Games and nine All-NBA First Teams. His ability to play every position – he earned the 1980 Finals MVP after stepping in at center in the decisive game – made him the ultimate weapon of the “Showtime” Lakers. Johnson’s creativity on fast breaks redefined the fast break, and his duels with Larry Bird shaped the 1980s.

Off the court Magic also made an impact. He was part of the 1992 “Dream Team” and later became an entrepreneur and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. His open discussion of his HIV diagnosis in 1991 changed public perception of the disease. Today he is considered one of the best playmakers of all time and a pioneer for athletes who move into business after their careers.

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire | Earvin Magic Johnson points to his teammates while dribbling.

4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Master of the skyhook

Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar held the NBA scoring record for nearly four decades and remains the player with the most MVP trophies. He won six championships (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) and collected six MVP awards. His unmistakable skyhook was nearly unblockable and made him an offensive constant. When he broke Wilt Chamberlain’s scoring record in 1984, it seemed untouchable – until LeBron James surpassed him. Besides his points, Abdul-Jabbar amassed 17,440 rebounds and 5,660 assists. He played at the highest level for two decades, first with the Milwaukee Bucks and later with the Los Angeles Lakers. His calm demeanor on the court and his commitment to social justice shape his legacy. 

IMAGO / Imagn Images / Manny Rubio | Milwaukee Bucks center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar against the New York Knicks in 1971.

5. Kobe Bryant – “Black Mamba” and eternal Laker legend

Kobe Bryant, nicknamed “Black Mamba,” embodied obsession and perfectionism. The shooting guard won five NBA titles (2000–2002, 2009, 2010), was twice Finals MVP and once regular-season MVP (2008). Eighteen All-Star selections, four All-Star Game MVPs as well as 15 All-NBA and 12 All-Defensive Team nods show his versatility and longevity. His 81-point game in 2006 against the Toronto Raptors is the second-highest scoring performance in NBA history. He won Olympic gold in 2008 and 2012, and his greatest triumph came in 2010 when he led the Lakers to victory over the Celtics in Game 7. Bryant died in a helicopter crash in 2020, which caused worldwide mourning. In his honor, the All-Star MVP award was renamed. His “Mamba Mentality” – relentless ambition and mental strength – continues to inspire athletes in all sports.

IMAGO / UPI Photo | Kobe Bryant dribbles with the ball during the NBA season 2001/2002.

6. Larry Bird – The complete Celtic

Larry Bird’s name is inextricably linked with the Boston Celtics. He won three championships with the team (1981, 1984, 1986) and was twice Finals MVP and three times in a row regular-season MVP (1984–1986). Bird was selected to 12 All-Star Games and nine All-NBA First Teams. Remarkably, he is the only person to be named Rookie of the Year, MVP, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year and Executive of the Year. His rivalry with Magic Johnson began in college and continued in the NBA. Bird was known for his outside shooting, rebounding ability and trash talking. After his playing career he stayed with basketball as president of the Indiana Pacers. His influence is also evident in the Celtics retiring his number 33.

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire | Larry Bird dribbles during the NBA season 1979/1980.

7. Shaquille O'Neal – Unstoppable dominance

Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most physically imposing athletes to ever hold a basketball. The 2.16-meter, 150-kilogram center led the Los Angeles Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002, earning the Finals MVP each time. In 2006 he claimed another title with the Miami Heat. O’Neal was a 15-time All-Star, three-time All-Star Game MVP and the 1999–2000 regular-season MVP. His stats are impressive: 28,596 points, 13,099 rebounds and 2,732 blocks. Off the court Shaq is known for his humorous personality and media presence. Yet his legacy remains his dominance in the low post: opponents often needed multiple defenders to stop him.

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire | Portrait picture of Shaquille O’Neal during his time at Miami Heat.

8. Wilt Chamberlain – Record hunter of the early days

Wilt Chamberlain is the man of records. His career numbers are staggering: 31,419 points, 23,924 rebounds (both top marks) and averages of 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds per game. He holds 72 NBA records, including the 100-point game in 1962, considered one of the greatest single-game feats in sports. Chamberlain won two championships (1967, 1972) and was four-time MVP. He is the only player to average over 50 points and 48 minutes per game in a season. Despite his individual dominance, he was often criticized for not winning as many titles as Bill Russell. Nevertheless, he revolutionized the center position and laid the foundation for later stars.

IMAGO / Imagn Images / Malcolm Emmons | LA Lakers Center Wilt Chamberlain dunks against San Diego.

9. Stephen Curry – Revolution of the three-point shot

Stephen Curry has changed the NBA like no one else in recent years. With his incredible range and accuracy, he made the three-pointer a central element of modern offenses. In 2025 Curry became the first player in NBA history to make more than 4,000 threes, and he has held the record for most threes ever since 2021. He led the Golden State Warriors to four championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022) and won his first Finals MVP in 2022. Curry was twice regular-season MVP (2015, 2016) and is also an Olympic champion: he won gold in Paris 2024. His off-ball movement, quick release and leadership inspire an entire generation. The Warriors dynasty would be unthinkable without him.

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire / Brian Rothmüller | Stephen Curry during game four of the first round of the 2019 playoffs against the LA Clippers.

10. Tim Duncan – “The Big Fundamental”

Tim Duncan epitomized calm and consistency. The 2.11-meter power forward/center spent 19 years with the San Antonio Spurs and is considered the best power forward of all time. He led the Spurs to five championships (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2014) and was three-time Finals MVP and two-time regular-season MVP. Duncan was known for excellent footwork, defensive timing and his precise bank shot. Fifteen All-Star appearances and ten All-NBA First Team selections underline his consistency. Although he never sought the spotlight, he was regarded as a quiet leader and shaped the Spurs dynasty along with coach Gregg Popovich. 

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire | Tim Duncan (l) holding his MVP Finals Award up in 2003.

11. Bill Russell – The ultimate champion

Bill Russell won an incredible eleven championships with the Boston Celtics between 1957 and 1969. This number remains unmatched and makes him the most successful basketball player in history. Russell dominated the game defensively: his shot-blocking, rebounding and leadership revolutionized the center position. As the first African-American head coach in the NBA (player-coach from 1967 to 1969) he paved the way for later generations. He was named MVP five times. Russell passed away at age 88 in 2022, but his legacy lives on in every team that values defense and teamwork over individual stats.

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire | Bill Russell (r) dribbles past Oscar Robertson (l) in 1965.

12. Kevin Durant – The versatile scoring star

Kevin Durant combines height, agility and shooting ability like few others. At 2.11 meters he can shoot almost unhindered over defenders. Durant won two championships and the corresponding Finals MVPs (2017, 2018) with the Golden State Warriors. He also collected four scoring titles, a regular-season MVP (2014) and four Olympic gold medals. KD is a six-time All-NBA First Team player and has been one of the league’s most efficient scorers for years. His decision to join the Warriors in 2016 was controversial but led to an almost unbeatable offense. Despite injuries he remains one of basketball’s most dangerous scorers.

IMAGO / UPI Photo / Carlos Avila Gonzalez | Kevin Durant goes in for a dunk in the fourth quarter against the Golden States Warriors in Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals 2016.

13. Oscar Robertson – Pioneer of the triple-double

Oscar “The Big O” Robertson was a trailblazer. In the 1961/62 season he became the first player to average a triple-double over the entire season – 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists. He recorded a then-record 41 triple-doubles that season. Robertson was selected to 12 All-Star Games, won the 1964 MVP and captured his only title with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971. Off the court he shaped the NBA by leading an antitrust lawsuit against the league. The “Robertson v. NBA” case delayed the merger of the NBA and ABA and led to fundamental changes in free agency, allowing players to negotiate higher salaries. His versatility and commitment to player rights make him a true legend.

IMAGO / Imagn Images / Malcolm Emmons | Milwaukee Bucks guard Oscar Robertson (r) and center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (m) in April 1971.

14. Kevin Garnett – Intensity and versatility

Kevin Garnett, nicknamed “KG,” brought a unique mix of size, athleticism and energy to the power forward position. In Minnesota he carried the Timberwolves almost single-handedly for years and won the MVP in 2004. His greatest success came in 2008: He led the Boston Celtics to a championship and was named Defensive Player of the Year. Garnett was a 15-time All-Star and nine-time All-NBA selection. His intensity on the court and loyalty to teammates made him beloved. After stints with the Brooklyn Nets and a brief comeback in Minnesota, Garnett retired in 2016.

IMAGO / Icon Sportswire | Kevin Garnett at the Minnesota Timberwolves media day 2002/2003.

15. Dirk Nowitzki – German pioneer and “fadeaway” artist

Dirk Nowitzki revolutionized basketball for European players. With his high, one-legged fadeaway perfected with coach Holger Geschwindner, he became one of the best shooters in NBA history. Nowitzki scored over 30,000 points, becoming the first international player to reach that mark. He played 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks, setting an NBA record for most seasons with one franchise. His greatest triumph was the 2011 championship, when the Mavericks upset the favored Miami Heat in the Finals. Nowitzki was named Finals MVP and proved that a European player could lead a franchise to a title. He is regarded as a sporting role model and modest idol. His career paved the way for numerous international stars.

IMAGO / ZUMA Press Wire / Ron Jenkins | Dirk Nowitzki celebrates after he hit the game-winning three-point shot with less than a second remaining against Utah Jazz.

License images legally with IMAGO

Images are a central part of any story – they capture readers’ attention and give historic moments authenticity. However, there are clear legal rules when dealing with photos. A license never transfers ownership of the photo but defines the usage right; copyright remains with the photographer or agency. IMAGO offers three common licensing models that precisely define the usage:

• Rights Managed (RM): This license is suitable for clearly defined, one-time uses – for example, an article, a specific social media post or a defined print run. Duration, geographic areas and media can be precisely specified.

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• Royalty Free Premium (RF Premium): For particularly flexible projects with larger scope, this license offers far-reaching rights for print, campaigns or packaging, provided the additional rights are available.

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It’s also worth checking the sections “Licenses,” “Rights Managed” and “Royalty Free Premium” to choose the right license type for different projects.

By using high-quality, licensed images, you can enrich your stories visually while publishing legally. IMAGO ensures that you get the right image with clearly defined usage rights with just a few clicks. This makes your reporting as professional as the performances of the basketball legends presented here.

Closing thought: the endless GOAT debate

In the end, the question remains: Who is the greatest basketball player of all time? Michael Jordan brought perfection and a winning mentality, LeBron James combines longevity and versatility, Magic Johnson reinvented the point guard position, and Kareem Abdul‑Jabbar set standards with his skyhook. Wilt Chamberlain wrote records, Stephen Curry changed the game from outside, and legends like Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird or Dirk Nowitzki shaped entire generations. The answer ultimately depends on personal preferences, historical context and the weighting of different criteria. It’s worth studying the career paths of all 15 players and letting their stories inspire you.

This article does not claim to provide a definitive truth but offers an informed overview. It considers championships, individual accolades, revolutionary playing styles, cultural influence and sustained excellence. Regardless of the ranking, it’s clear that each of these athletes accomplished extraordinary things in their era and left a lasting legacy in the world of basketball.