Top 100 Basketball Players Of All Time
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#100 - J.R. Smith
J.R. Smith was a flamboyant player who always brought a lot of energy to the court. He had a great ability to score from outside, and his athletic ability made him a highlight reel waiting to happen. And off the court, he was known for his fun-loving personality and love of sneakers.
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#99 - Luol Deng
This guy was a versatile player who could play multiple positions. He had a great ability to score from all over the court, and his length and quickness made him a great defender. Plus, he was known for his charitable work off the court.
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#98 - Andre Iguodala
Iguodala is a jack-of-all-trades on the court. He can score, rebound, pass, and play tough defense. And his high basketball IQ makes him a valuable asset to any team to this day.
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#97 - Joe Johnson
Recently retired Joe Johnson was a smooth operator on the court. He had a great ability to create his own shot, and his shooting range was almost unlimited. But he was also a great teammate and leader who always put the team first.
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#96 - Tayshaun Prince
Tayshaun Prince was a defensive specialist who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. His length and quickness made him a great perimeter defender, and he was always willing to sacrifice his body for the team.
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#95 - Richard Hamilton
With his signature face mask and smooth shooting stroke, Richard Hamilton was a fan favorite. He had a great ability to score from all over the court, and his tireless work ethic made him a great teammate.
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#94 - Caron Butler
A fierce competitor who always gave his all on the court. He had a great combination of size, speed, and skill that made him trouble defender. And off the court, he was known for his charitable work and community involvement.
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#93 - Josh Howard
This guy had a versatile skill set that made him a valuable asset to any team. He could shoot from outside, drive to the basket, and play tough defense. Plus, his laid-back personality made him a great guy to have in the locker room.
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#92 - Jameer Nelson
Despite his smaller stature, Jameer Nelson played with a big heart. He was a feisty competitor who never backed down from a challenge. And his quickness and agility made him a tough player to guard.
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#91 - Dolph Schayes
One of the greatest players of his time, Schayes was a dominant scorer and rebounder for the Syracuse Nationals during the 1950s and early 1960s.
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#90 - Eddie Jones
Smooth, cool, and collected. That's the best way to describe Eddie Jones. He had a silky-smooth shooting stroke and always seemed to be in control of the game. And off the court, he was a great role model for young players.
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#89 - Elton Brand
This guy was a beast on the court. He had a great combination of size, strength, and skill that made him a force to be reckoned with. Plus, he always seemed to have a smile on his face, which made him a fan favorite.
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#88 - Baron Davies
A flashy and explosive point guard with an uncanny ability to get to the rim, Davis was a joy to watch in his prime.
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#87 - Kyrie Irving
Yes, he definitely made the list. Uncle Drew is the most recent basketball magician with mind-bending handles and clutch shooting skills.
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#86 - Rasheed Wallace
A versatile big man with a silky shooting touch and a fiery personality, 'Sheed was a fan favorite wherever he played.
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#85 - Monta Ellis
A fearless scorer with a deadly mid-range game, Ellis was a highlight reel waiting to happen every time he touched the ball.
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#84 - Marcus Camby
Despite a disappointing carreer, Marcus was a shot-blocking wizard and a high-flying rebounder, Camby was a force to be reckoned with in the paint.
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#83 - Shawn Marion
A long and athletic forward with a funky shooting form, Marion was a defensive menace and a versatile scorer.
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#82 - Mark Jackson
A crafty point guard with excellent court vision, Jackson was a master at setting up his teammates for easy buckets.
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#81 - Latrell Sprewell
A lightning-quick slasher with a mean streak, Spree was a tenacious defender and a potent scorer.
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#80 - Peja Stojakovic
A lethal shooter with a sweet stroke and quick release, he was a key contributor to some great Sacramento Kings teams.
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#79 - Antoine Walker
A versatile forward who could shoot from deep, handle the ball, and bang inside with the big boys.
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#78 - Glen Rice
A deadly accurate shooter with a quick release, Rice was one of the best pure scorers of his era. His ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court made him a dynamic force on offense.
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#77 - Jamal Mashburn
A smooth-shooting forward with a silky-smooth game, Mashburn was a prolific scorer and playmaker. His ability to create for himself and his teammates made him a valuable asset to any team.
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#76 - Larry Nance
A dominant forward with exceptional athleticism and shot-blocking ability, Nance was a fan favorite known for his highlight-reel dunks and tenacious defense. He was a key component of multiple playoff teams, known for his toughness and leadership.
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#75 - Michael Finley
A versatile swingman with a smooth shooting stroke, Finley was a key member of multiple championship teams. His ability to play multiple positions and score from anywhere on the court made him a valuable asset to any team.
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#74 - Gilbert Arenas
A prolific scorer with a fearless mentality, Arenas was one of the best shooting guards of his era. He was known for his ability to hit tough shots and his clutch performances in key moments
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#73 - Steve Francis
A high-flying guard with a flair for the dramatic, Francis was a fan favorite known for his highlight-reel dunks and creative scoring ability. His athleticism and scoring prowess made him a dynamic force on the court.
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#72 - Mark Price
A deadly accurate shooter with a quick release and exceptional court vision, Price was one of the best pure point guards of his era. His ability to knock down shots from anywhere on the court and create for his teammates made him a valuable asset to any team.
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#71 - Kevin Johnson
A lightning quick point guard with an explosive first step, Johnson was a prolific scorer and playmaker. His speed and agility made him a difficult matchup for any defender, and his leadership and toughness made him a fan favorite.
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#70 - Robert Parish
A dominant center with a silky smooth shooting touch, Parish was a key member of multiple championship teams. His longevity and consistency made him one of the most durable and reliable players in NBA history.
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#69 - Ben Wallace
A ferocious defender and rebounder, Wallace was the backbone of some of the best defensive teams in NBA history. He was known for his tenacity, athleticism, and ability to intimidate opponents.
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#68 - Chris Bosh
A versatile forward with a silky smooth shooting stroke, Bosh was a perennial All-Star and an important piece of multiple championship teams. His ability to stretch the floor and defend multiple positions made him a valuable asset to any team.
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#67 - Pau Gasol
A skilled big man with an exceptional post game, Gasol was one of the best power forwards of his generation. He was a key component of multiple championship teams, known for his scoring, rebounding, and passing ability.
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#66 - Penny Hardaway
A dynamic guard with a smooth all-around game, Hardaway had the potential to be one of the greatest players of his era before injuries derailed his career. He was known for his scoring ability, ball-handling skills, and creativity on the court.
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#65 - Jason Kidd
A master of passing and court vision, Kidd is one of the greatest playmakers in NBA history. His leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game made him a valuable asset to any team.
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#64 - Chauncey Billups
A calm and steady presence on the court, Chauncey Billups was known for his clutch play and leadership. His ability to hit big shots and control the game from the point guard position made him a fan favorite, while his work ethic and professionalism set an example for his teammates.
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#63 - Gary Payton
A lockdown defender and pesky playmaker, Gary Payton was one of the best point guards of his time. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses and score in clutch situations made him a valuable asset to any team.
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#62 - Chris Webber
A versatile and dynamic player, Chris Webber was a force to be reckoned with on the court. He could score from inside and outside, rebound with authority, and pass the ball with precision, making him a complete player.
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#61 - Reggie Miller
A deadly shooter and clutch performer, Reggie Miller was one of the most feared players of his era. His ability to hit from long range and score in bunches made him a scoring machine, while his competitive spirit and leadership were an inspiration to his teammates.
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#60 - Manu Ginobili
A crafty and unselfish player, Manu Ginobili was a key part of the San Antonio Spurs' championship teams. His ability to create his own shot and hit clutch baskets made him a fan favorite, while his passing and defense were crucial to the team's success.
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#59 - Derrick Rose
A former MVP of the league, Derrick Rose was one of the most explosive players in the game before injuries took their toll. His ability to get to the basket and finish with authority made him a highlight reel regular, and his leadership and toughness were an inspiration to his teammates.
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#58 - Tony Parker
A smooth and crafty point guard, Tony Parker was a key part of the San Antonio Spurs' championship teams. His ability to drive to the basket and hit midrange jumpers made him a dangerous scorer, while his passing and ballhandling skills were second to none.
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#57 - Shawn Kemp
A high-flying dunker with a flair for the dramatic, Shawn Kemp was one of the most exciting players of his era. He could also score and rebound with ease, making him a valuable addition to any team.
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#56 - Alonzo Mourning
A fierce competitor and tenacious defender, Alonzo Mourning was a force to be reckoned with in the paint. His intensity and drive made him one of the most respected players of his time.
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#55 - Vince Carter
Known for his incredible athleticism and electrifying dunks, Vince Carter was a fan favorite wherever he played. He could also shoot and pass the ball with skill, making him a complete player.
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#54 - Grant Hill
A versatile player with a smooth style, Grant Hill was a joy to watch on the court. He could score, pass, rebound, and play defense, making him one of the most well-rounded players of his era.
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#53 - Yao Ming
A towering presence on the court, made the most popular Chinese in America, Yao Ming, one of the most dominant centers of his time. His size and skill made him a force to be reckoned with, and his impact on the game can still be felt today.
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#52 - Steve Nash
A two-time MVP and one of the greatest point guards of all time, Nash was known for his incredible passing ability and his deadly three-point shooting.
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#51 - Ray Allen
One of the greatest shooters in NBA history, Allen was known for his smooth stroke and his ability to hit big shots in clutch situations.
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#50 - Paul Pierce
An underrated forward who played most of his career with the Boston Celtics. Known for his clutch performances and his incredible scoring ability.
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#49 - Tracy McGrady
A high-scoring swingman who was known for his incredible athleticism and scoring ability. One of the most talented players of his era.
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#48 - Bernard King
A high-scoring forward who played most of his career with the Knicks. Known for his unstoppable scoring ability and his resilience in coming back from a devastating knee injury.
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#47 - Earl Monroe
A crafty guard who was known for his incredible ball-handling ability and his patented "spin move." One of the greatest players in New York Knicks history.
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#46 - Bob Cousy
One of the greatest point guards of all time, Cousy was known for his creative passing and ball-handling skills. A six-time NBA champion with the Boston Celtics.
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#45 - Wes Unseld
A bruising center who played most of his career with the Washington Bullets. Known for his physical play and his outstanding rebounding ability.
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#44 - Dave Cowens
A scrappy, hard-working center who won two championships with the Boston Celtics in the 1970s. Known for his toughness and hustle.
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#43 - Nate Thurmond
A dominant center who played most of his career with the San Francisco/Golden State Warriors. Known for his rebounding ability and shot-blocking prowess.
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#42 - Walt Frazier
A smooth-shooting point guard who led the Knicks to their two championships in the early 1970s. Known for his impeccable fashion sense and his clutch performances.
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#41 - Willis Reed
A tough center who led the New York Knicks to two championships in the early 1970s. Known for his fierce competitiveness and leadership.
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#40 - Rick Barry
A high-scoring forward who was known for his unorthodox underhanded free throw shooting style. One of the greatest players of the 1970s.
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#39 - Bob Pettit
One of the greatest players of the 1950s and 1960s, Pettit was a dominant scorer and rebounder who won two MVP awards and a championship with the St. Louis Hawks.
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#38 - Elgin Baylor
Hell of a forward who could score from anywhere on the court. Known for his graceful moves and his incredible rebounding ability.
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#37 - Giannis Antetokounmpo
The reigning MVP of the league, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a dominant force on both ends of the court. His combination of size, athleticism, and skill make him a nightmare for opposing teams, and his tenacity and work ethic make him a true leader.
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#36 - George Gervin
A silky-smooth scorer known for his finger roll and incredible offense consistency. One of the greatest players in San Antonio Spurs history.
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#35 - Dominique Wilkins
A scoring machine who was known for his spectacular dunks and acrobatic finishes around the rim. One of the most exciting players of the 1980s.
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#34 - Patrick Ewing
A dominant center who played most of his career with the New York Knicks. Known for his intimidating presence on defense and his reliable mid-range jump shot.
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#33 - Clyde Drexler
A high-flying shooting guard who was known for his smooth moves and electrifying dunks. One of the greatest players in Portland Trail Blazers history.
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#32 - Allen Iverson
A diminutive guard with a larger-than-life personality and scoring ability. Known for his crossover dribble and fearless attitude.
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#31 - Kawhi Leonard
A two-way superstar who can dominate both offensively and defensively. Known for his stoic demeanor and clutch performances.
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#30 - Russel Westbrook
A triple-double machine known for his incredible athleticism and tenacity on the court.
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#29 - James Harden
A prolific scorer and playmaker who can take over a game with his shooting, passing, and ball-handling skills.
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#28 - Chris Paul
A skilled and cerebral point guard who can control the game with his passing, scoring, and defensive skills.
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#27 - Dennis Rodman
A tenacious rebounder and lockdown defender, Rodman was one of the most colorful and enigmatic players in NBA history. His relentless pursuit of the ball and defensive intensity made him a valuable asset to any team.
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#26 - Dwyane Wade
A dynamic and athletic player who could score, pass, and defend with equal skill and intensity.
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#25 - David Robinson
A skilled and athletic big man who could dominate the game with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills.
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#24 - Isiah Thomas
A skilled and crafty point guard who could score, pass, and lead his team to victory with his competitive fire and leadership.
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#23 - John Stockton
A masterful passer and ball-handler who set numerous records and led the Jazz to multiple NBA Finals appearances.
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#22 - Charles Barkley
A charismatic player with a larger-than-life personality who could dominate the game with his scoring, rebounding, and defensive skills.
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#21 - Julius Erving
A graceful and acrobatic player who revolutionized the game with his style, athleticism, and creativity.
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#20 - Kevin Garnett
A versatile and intense player who could score, rebound, and defend with equal skill and intensity.
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#19 - Dirk Nowitzki
A skilled and versatile big man who revolutionized the game with his outside shooting and ability to create his own shot.
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#18 - Moses Malone
A dominant rebounder and scorer who was known for his relentless work ethic and toughness.
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#17 - Kevin Durant
A gifted scorer and athlete who can take over a game with his shooting, scoring, and defensive skills.
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#16 - Jerry West
A dynamic scorer and clutch performer who led the Lakers to numerous championships and left an indelible mark on the game.
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#15 - Oscar Robertson
Loved by many, remebered by all. A versatile guard who could score, rebound, and pass with ease. A true all-around player.
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#14 - Scottie Pippen
Right arm of the goat (oops, spoilers), Piipen was a star player in one of NBA's top teams ever! A versatile and tenacious defender who was also a skilled scorer and playmaker.
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#13 - Karl Malone
A scoring machine and tenacious rebounder who was known for his durability and consistency.
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#12 - Hakeem Olajuwon
A skilled and versatile big man who dominated the game with his footwork, post moves, and defensive skills.
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#11 - Wilt Chamberlain
A towering figure in the game who set numerous records and dominated his opponents with his size and skill.
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#10 - Larry Bird
Larry Bird, the Boston Celtics' legendary forward, was more than just a basketball player - he was a human highlight reel of court domination, trick shots, and trash talk. With a shooting touch so sweet it could make a honey bee jealous, Larry Bird made basketball look easy, and his competitive fire burned brighter than a thousand suns. Whether he was sinking a buzzer-beater or calling out opponents for being "just a bunch of sissies," Larry Bird was always entertaining and always at the top of his game.
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#9 - Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan, aka "The Big Fundamental," was a basketball player so fundamentally sound that watching him play was like watching a symphony of footwork, post moves, and bank shots. His signature move, the "bank shot," was so smooth and reliable it could put you to sleep - but in a good way! With a quiet intensity and a humble demeanor, Tim Duncan let his game do the talking, and boy did it speak volumes. He may not have been the flashiest player on the court, but he was certainly one of the most effective, and his five championship rings prove it.
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#8 - Kobe Bryant
RIP Kobe Bryant, the Black Mamba himself, was a basketball player so deadly he could strike fear into the hearts of opponents with just a flick of his wrist. With a work ethic so fierce it could make a drill sergeant cry, Kobe was always pushing himself to be better, faster, stronger. He had a killer instinct on the court, a tenacity that refused to accept defeat, and a drive to win that was contagious. His highlight reel is like a highlight reel of the impossible, with shots and moves that seemed to defy the laws of physics. Kobe may be gone, but his legacy lives on - as a basketball player, as a father, and as a force to be reckoned with.
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#7 - Steph Curry
The Golden State Warriors' "Baby-Faced Assassin," is a basketball player so good, he could make a three-pointer with his eyes closed - and probably has! With a shooting touch so pure, it's like he's throwing darts at the rim, Curry has revolutionized the game of basketball, turning the three-point shot into an art form. His quick release, lightning-fast crossovers, and mind-boggling accuracy make him one of the most exciting players to watch on the court. Off the court, he's a family man, a philanthropist, and a bona fide celebrity - but on the court, he's still the same humble kid from Davidson College, out to prove that anything is possible with hard work and determination.
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#6 - Shaquille O'Neal
The "Big Diesel," is a basketball player so massive, he could block out the sun with just his smile. With a combination of size, strength, and agility that defied the laws of physics, Shaq dominated the court like a one-man wrecking crew. His rim-rattling dunks, thunderous blocks, and playful personality made him a fan favorite wherever he played. And when he wasn't busy dunking on opponents, he was busy dunking on pop culture, starring in movies, TV shows, and even releasing his own rap albums. Shaq may be retired from basketball, but his larger-than-life personality and infectious smile continue to make him a beloved figure around the world.
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#5 - Bill Russell
The Boston Celtics' "Secretary of Defense," was a basketball player so dominant on defense, opponents had nightmares about him for weeks. With a wingspan longer than a stretch limo, Russell could swat shots into the cheap seats with ease. He was a master of positioning, footwork, and intimidation, and his defense was so suffocating, it made the most confident of players second-guess themselves. Off the court, Russell was a civil rights activist, a mentor, and a respected author - but on the court, he was simply unstoppable. With 11 NBA championships to his name, he remains one of the greatest basketball players of all time - and one of the most feared defenders to ever lace up a pair of sneakers.
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#4 - Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson, the Los Angeles Lakers' "Showtime" point guard, was a basketball player so flashy, he could make a no-look pass while blindfolded - and probably has! With a smile as wide as the Staples Center court, Magic brought joy and excitement to the game of basketball like no one else. His court vision was so good, it was like he had eyes in the back of his head, and his ball-handling skills were so smooth, it was like the ball was glued to his hand. He had a flair for the dramatic, a love of showmanship, and a magnetic personality that made him one of the most beloved players of his generation. And when he wasn't busy dominating on the court, he was busy dominating off the court, as a successful businessman, philanthropist, and HIV/AIDS activist. Magic may have retired from basketball, but his impact on the game and on the world will never be forgotten.
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#3 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
The Los Angeles Lakers' "Sky Hook" master, was a basketball player so tall, he could dunk without leaving the ground. With a wingspan longer than a stretch limousine, Kareem had a shot so deadly, it could make a rattlesnake jealous. His signature move, the sky hook, was so smooth and reliable, it was like watching poetry in motion. He was a master of footwork, positioning, and timing, and his unstoppable offense made him a nightmare for opponents. Off the court, Kareem was a writer, actor, and social justice activist - but on the court, he was simply the most dominant center in basketball history. With six NBA championships, six MVP awards, and the all-time scoring record, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains a basketball legend and a true icon of the sport.
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#2 - Lebron James
Called the G.O.A.T by many, LeBron James is Cleveland Cavaliers' "Chosen One" and the Los Angeles Lakers' "King," he is so talented, he could probably dunk a basketball while blindfolded and riding a unicycle. With a physique like a Greek god and the agility of a jungle cat, LeBron has been a force to be reckoned with since his high school days. He's a master of all aspects of the game, with a deadly combination of scoring, passing, rebounding, and defense that makes him a nightmare for opponents. He's also a true leader on and off the court, with a fierce determination to win and a commitment to giving back to his community. And let's not forget about his acting skills - he's been known to steal scenes in movies and TV shows. LeBron James is a basketball legend and a cultural icon, and his reign as the king of the court is far from over.
The G.O.A.T
Get ready to lace up your sneakers and take to the court, because we're talking about the one and only GOAT, Michael Jordan, the Chicago Bulls' "Air Jordan.". With a combination of skill, athleticism, and killer instinct that was unrivaled, Jordan dominated the game like no one before or since. He was a master of the mid-range jumper, a wizard with the ball, and a defensive nightmare for opponents. And when the game was on the line, there was no one more clutch than MJ. Off the court, Jordan was a fashion icon, a movie star, and a respected businessman - but on the court, he was simply the greatest basketball player of all time. With six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and countless other accolades, Jordan remains a basketball icon and a pop culture legend.