Who is the best bball player

Wood had a tremendous breakout season last year and has since carried over that success into this season. He along with Kevin Porter Jr. Recently acquired by Miami in a blockbuster sign-and-trade with the Toronto Raptors , the year-old Kyle Lowry continues to prove himself as a top-end point guard. He will play a major role in the Miami Heat looking to hang their fourth championship banner in franchise history as one of many marquee acquisitions for the team this offseason.

Provided he has fully healed from the injuries that plagued him last season, Lowry and the Heat could be in for a historic season this year.

Since given the opportunity to be the full-time starter in Toronto, Pascal Siakam has shown that he is among the best power forwards in the league today. However, a torn labrum suffered late last season has prevented him from seeing the floor so far this year.

Fortunately for Siakam, he could be returning to the court for the Raptors very soon. In the latter half of last season, Miles Bridges began to show signs that he was ready to have a breakout year coming into this season. In his last 19 games of the year, he averaged Bridges has continued his great production this season averaging Pretty much the centerpiece in the trade that sent Paul George to the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the season, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has morphed into a star and leader for the rebuilding Thunder.

Coming off of suffering a season-ending injury last season, SGA has picked up right where he left off averaging After the Philadelphia 76ers were eliminated from the playoffs, Ben Simmons trade rumors were rampant after his dreadful performance against the Atlanta Hawks.

There has been a lot of drama surrounding these trade rumors including Simmons reporting to practice only to be kicked out for not participating. The chances of Simmons stepping back on the court in a Sixers jersey seems unlikely but not impossible. A former No. He still needs to work on his defense but as long as he keeps working, he should be serviceable on that end. In the past two seasons, Towns has averaged Unfortunately, the Sacramento Kings have not been in the postseason since Related: NBA Playoff and championship predictions.

Acquired in a sign-and-trade with the Bucks prior to the season, Malcolm Brogdon has morphed into a star in Indiana. The year-old guard continues to develop into a star averaging Perhaps, with new head coach Rick Carlisle calling the shots this year, the Pacers have high expectations to take the next step to becoming a contender but have not gotten off to the best start.

Even without a three-point shot, the year-old Demar DeRozan has found a way to stay effective. An excellent mid-range shooter, he improved his rebounding and passing pretty much every season.

Now a member of the Chicago Bulls after a blockbuster sign-and-trade , DeRozan has played a major role in the team being a contender in the Eastern Conference going forward. For a while, CJ McCollum was the subject of trade talks but nothing has materialized and he remains in Portland for the time being. Despite the chatter surrounding him, McCollum has not let this distract him from putting on great performances every time he steps out on the court.

With the Blazers having moved on from Terry Stotts, the only head coach McCollum had since joining the NBA in favor of Chauncey Billups, the pressure for Portland to win has ramped and CJ will need to take his game to a new level if the team wants to finally do what they have not done in over 40 years.

Former Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green may not get much recognition due in part to him not being a prolific scorer, but he is arguably one of the best playmaking bigs the NBA has to offer. He along with Stephen Curry are spearheading a Warriors hot start to the season in a quest to get back to championship contention after missing the playoffs in each of the past two seasons. Once they get Klay Thompson back in the lineup and in a rhythm, that will make their chances of competing for a title even better.

While all of the buzz surrounding the New Orleans Pelicans is based around Zion Williamson, not enough is said about the player that Brandon Ingram has developed into. Ingram signed a max contract extension ahead of the campaign, Ingram is now continuing to play at a high level. He set a record for wins in a season with the Bulls in when he led the team to 72 victories and a championship, a feat that wasn't broken for 20 years.

He also has two separate threepeat championship runs, and a perfect 6—0 Finals record. Jordan was offensively godlike and was also a great defender. Jordan led the league in steals three times and was an all-defensive selection nine times!

He also led the postseason in steals twice and led the postseason in scoring 10 times. Jordan was an unstoppable force throughout his time in the league, even with two separate retirements during his career. Michael Jordan was a visionary who took his dominant play on the court and created an empire with it. He's the greatest scorer the game has ever seen; his unblemished Finals record is something that many people claim make him the greatest. He completely owned the '90s, he created a shoe empire that made him a billionaire, and he made of the greatest kids movies of all time.

Jordan is absolutely one of the greatest to ever do it. LeBron James is the greatest player of all time. He has dominated the NBA since he came into the league at the young age of 18, fresh out of high school. When James came into the league, he was looked at as "The Chosen One" who would take the mantle of greatest from Jordan, and he did. LeBron has done things that no other player before him has been able to do.

He carried a decrepit Cleveland Cavaliers team to the Finals all on his own. He's defeated not one but two of the league's greatest dynasties for championships in the San Antonio Spurs and Golden State Warriors. He also brought a championship to Cleveland after a year championship drought. Not only has James accomplished great things, but he also plays at a higher level and a more well-rounded level than anyone in history.

James can do it all. He can score on any given night, he can rebound the ball, and he is the greatest passing forward in league history. He currently is the only player in league history that sits in the top 10 for points scored and assists. He also sits in the top 50 all-time in rebounds. He's the only player ever to record over 34, points. James recently finished playing in his 17th season, and yet he still is arguably the best player in the league and is unarguably a top-five player.

He has dominated in his youth, his prime, and now in his later years. When the game is on the line, even if he doesn't win, he is going to be the best player on the court. Outside of basketball, James also impacts the world in a positive manner.

He's guaranteed each of the students a full-ride scholarship if they graduate through his school, ensuring 2, kids will get a college education when they may not have previously had the chance.

He has advocated for African-Americans against police brutality and has spoken publicly against discrimination throughout America. He's an advocate for positive change and an improved culture. All of these things, combined with his many accolades, make him the greatest basketball player in the history of the game.

Because of this, these stats will be updated throughout his career at midseason and the end of the season each year.

This is a great list man. I really like LeBron at 1, and Shaq over Hakeem. I would have Wilt at 10, and Magic over Larry, and Tim a bit higher but regardless, it is still an awesome list. What are you people smoking, where is wilt. Wilt should at least be in top 3!!!

Look at the stats and highlights. MJ is the goat, not even a debate. The other players you mentioned all had great teams built around them or actually DID team hop though. Magic was drafted with multiple HOFers around him. Same with Bird. Mike was under an 8 year contract and never had an option to leave, so that reasoning is null, but also had a HOFer drafted in Scottie and they went after a high level rival in Rodman.

Kareem team jumped, as did Shaq. Kobe was drafted with Shaq on his way and great team managing that brought talent around him his entire career. Who was even brought onto LeBron's teams that was a worthwhile teammate to help in a league that was fully of big 3s and power duos? Antawn Jamison? A washed up Shaq? Lebron is NOT an alpha dawg with a killer instinct like mike, Larry, or magic had. The only individual involved with the NBA who is responsible for fundamental rules changes to the game is Wilt Chamberlain.

No other player, coach, front office person, officiating representative, or league official can make that claim. Jordan was in Chicago for 5 full seasons before the Bulls made it out of the Eastern Conference, and that occurred only after the Bulls franchise made the necessary off season moves, that brought in Bill Cartwright, a legit pivot man.

Magic - without Kareem - played all 5 positions on the floor in the deciding Game 6 of the Finals against a HOF laden 76ers team in his rookie season. I appreciate much of your list and have just a few disagreements. Your take on LeBron as the best player ever, particularly from your article comparing he and Jordan, is bold because few are willing to legitimately look beyond the ring argument and look at the facts.

Anyone who disagrees on this, please read the man's article, it's really tough to argue against LeBron at this point with all things considered, and I'm not a LeBron fan.

LeBron had to face the dynasty Spurs or Warriors in seven of his nine Finals, he tallied a record in those series. When Jordan faced a dynasty team in its prime such as the Pistons and Celtics, he failed to the tune of a record in those series. LeBron is superior statistically and has had similar playoff success against mediocre to good teams with little success against historically great teams, same as Jordan.

Kareem is an easy choice at 3. I think it's fair to put Shaq at 4, but I do think Magic has a slight edge over Bird I personally value playmaking and assists over rebounding. I would be interested in your logic for putting Duncan over Russell and Wilt. Sorry pal, head-to-head, Duncan is destroyed in this match-up, much more physical game when Hayes played, and just look at the minutes played alone, Hayes is lighting it up while you're guy is on the pine.

When Duncan came into the league, there were 29 teams. When Hayes came in, but 14 and never more that 17 throughout his career. Any idea how many stiffs in today's NBA wouldn't make rosters in a 17 team league, much less in the mid to late 70's? Get real! While i appreciate your argument, a slight point advantage and rebound advantage dont make up for 13 less all defensive teams, 8 1st team all defense selections, and two MVPs. Much less 4 less rings, which are team accomplishments but a cherry on top.

Duncan is one of the greatest defenders of all time which is his skillset. The scoring and rebounding were good also, but were second fiddle to his ability to lock down the court. There's a reason his 15 all defensive selections are a record. Hey Jess, trust you're well, just wanted to touch on a couple things real quick, and if I'm being redundant here, I apologize. First however, you've frequently opined that the NBA "wasn't as athletic" when - just one point of reference here - Wilt was in his prime; I believe your opinion to be incorrect in this regard.

Mine, based upon my experience during the last 55 years in observing NBA contests. Be that as it may, giving you the benefit of any doubt here, I on the other hand would contend that during that same "lesser athletic" period, the league was certainly more physical, a point I'm sure we could agree on?

During his 16 seasons, Hayes was eligible to participate in 1, regular season games - he missed 9 - NINE games his during his career.

Duncan on the other hand, was eligible to play in 1, contests during his 19 season career - Duncan missed games knocking his regular season total to 1, games played. Now it could be argued Duncan's lower total in this category was due to illness and or injury, and this is PRECISELY the point of what I've argued here and elsewhere relative to "The Era Card" being played on players of the past - There can be little question, the "modern era" athlete has been able to take advantage of FAR superior medical technology, enabling the extending of careers, not possible before the 's, much less the 70's or 60's.

In my opinion, this "Access to 21st century medical tech" - among others - MUST be factored when comparing players from different chronological periods. Wilt is top 12 and curry isnt even close to top 10 yet. He chokes regularly and has done nothing without HOF support around him. A great player, but in no way is he top 10 all time. LeBron is the greatest just think guys Jordan comes with a different mindset. Jordan just wants to win and diominate just like Kobe.

But LeBron comes with a mindset that he wants everyone to win and drop 20 plus points. Which is what makes people think Jordan is better but jst think if LeBron can be compared to Jordan with a different mindset just think if he came with the same mindset as Jordan he is for sure going to be the best of all time.

Okay, I can tell you're young, so I'll refrain from insulting you like everybody else on here. Gene Shue. Yao Ming. Mark Price. Rasheed Wallace.

Calvin Murphy. Bobby Wanzer. Bobby Jones. Mark Jackson. Otis Birdsong. Johnny Green. John Drew. Tom Gola. Larry Nance. Randy Smith. Terry Porter. Rolando Blackman. Andy Phillip. Clyde Lovellette. Chris Bosh. Bill Bradley. Larry Johnson.

Jermaine O'Neal. Andrew Toney. Reggie Theus. Elton Brand. Jerry Sloan. Jamal Mashburn. Bob Rule. Derrick Coleman. Gilbert Arenas. Joe Johnson. Joe Caldwell. Norm Nixon. Mark Aguirre. Micheal Ray Richardson. Archie Clark. Jimmy Walker. Doug Collins. Kiki Vandeweghe. Larry Kenon. Alvin Robertson. Sam Cassell. World B. Stephon Marbury.

Fat Lever. Baron Davis. Bill Bridges. Lamar Odom. Kelly Tripucka. Wayne Embry. Mookie Blaylock. Alvan Adams. Carlos Boozer. Don Ohl. Marcus Camby. Rod Strickland. Carl Braun. Jeff Malone. Danny Manning. Charles Oakley. Sidney Wicks. John Williamson. Arnie Risen. Cedric Maxwell. Darrell Griffith. Ray Scott. Cazzie Russell. Dale Ellis. Reggie Lewis. Richard Hamilton.

Michael Redd. Latrell Sprewell. Derek Harper. Steve Francis. Mickey Johnson. Jason Richardson. Purvis Short. Orlando Woolridge. Austin Carr. Max Zaslofsky. Bill Laimbeer. Antawn Jamison. Clark Kellogg. Antoine Walker. Jim McMillian. Truck Robinson. Jeff Ruland. Walter Dukes. Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Quinn Buckner. Glenn Robinson. Bruce Bowen. Detlef Schrempf. Terry Dischinger. Mike Bibby.

Ralph Sampson. Frank Ramsey. Anthony Mason. Andre Miller. Happy Hairston. Shareef Abdur-Rahim. Doug Christie. Geoff Petrie. Rony Seikaly. David West. Eddie Jones. Dan Majerle. John Lucas. Jeff Hornacek. Dan Roundfield. Caldwell Jones. Brian Winters. Otis Thorpe. Jack Marin. Terrell Brandon. Clifford Robinson. Zach Randolph. Scott Wedman. Bob Boozer. Rik Smits. Vlade Divac. Sleepy Floyd. Doc Rivers. Larry Costello.

Xavier McDaniel. Eddie Johnson. Bill Cartwright. Cliff Robinson. Kenny Sears. Michael Finley. Phil Ford. Jeff Mullins. Mel Hutchins. Zeke not being on the Dream Team is the biggest snub ever, no exaggeration. But if you hold being a third or fourth option in the Spurs system against him, you also have to consider the other side—what if he got the keys to a team earlier than he did? Sure, his game has holes, and Bucks haters will say their run to the title was a breeze.

Few guys in the league have ever affected the game in all facets like Antetokounmpo does, even if that 3-point shot forever remains a work in progress. There should be no shock that Dwyane Wade lands on this list.

Once Wade burst onto the scene in it was almost immediately clear that he was a special kind of player. From the high-flying dunks to the clutch mid-range jumpers off that patented D Wade pump fake, there was moment after moment where No. The moments he delivered in South Beach will live in basketball infamy. The arena on Biscayne will always reside in Wade County.

He never did anything as good as Jordan—except, that is, defend. A Dream Team member and two-time gold medal winner who was skilled enough to be considered one of the 50 Greatest Players by the NBA in , Pippen did so much more than his averages indicated Six times Malone, nicknamed the Chairman of the Boards, led the NBA in rebounds and for 14 straight seasons, he averaged double-digits cleaning up the glass. He had to get famous. Elgin Baylor never won a ring.

The No. A no-brainer Naismith Hall of Famer inductee in , the only thing missing from his sterling resume was a championship. Technically, Baylor earned one since he was part of the Lakers squad that won it all, but he only played 9 games that season, retiring well before the playoffs started because of a nagging knee injury at age Regardless of whether you consider Baylor a champion or not, know that another immortal on this list thinks Baylor deserves way more props than he receives.

Oscar Robertson once asked. Nobody could. The Admiral. David Robinson is a true generational talent comes in at No. That really shows you how hard it is to rank these guys. Robinson was a guy who really did it all, and his numbers prove that. Robinson averaged a The Admiral was able to do it all and then some. J floated through the air as his lanky limbs cut to the rim and his hair blew in the wind.

I can only imagine how that shit looked back in those days. It was probably like watching an alien. Sometimes I watch his reverse layup during the fourth quarter of Game 4 of the Finals against the Lakers and try to figure out how the hell he was able to stay in the air that long. He averaged Karl Malone falls into a long list of players from the 90s who were really good but ultimately overshadowed by Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Still, Malone is the No. The numbers all show that Malone is easily a top 20 player in NBA history.

His career will undoubtedly always be tied to the failures to win a ring, but the production was always there for Malone. Before he was known as The Logo, his teammates called him Mr. Jerry West was that lethal shooting the ball—an absurd West legitimately did it all, including leading the league in scoring during the season and assists during his lone championship season.

Sure, he played with some other legendary Lakers and the record in the Finals stands out. But as great as he was in the regular-season, West shined in the playoffs.