TOP 5 NBA GOATS
I give my Top 5 NBA Goats I have witnessed with my very own eyes. Greats such as Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Kareem, Wilt, and Dr. J will not be on this list as I did not see them play. All stats have been used via basketball reference . Their requirements for being in their top 5 consist of three things; Statistics, Accolades, and Eye Test. Nothing more, nothing less.
‘Prime Years’ are based on best PER numbers in a span throughout a player’s career. Some players prime years varied.
#1 THE GOAT ~ Michael Jordan
During this 7 year run: 3 NBA Titles, 3 Finals MVPs, 3 NBA MVPs, NBA All-Star Game MVPs, NBA Defensive Player of The Year Award, 7 NBA Scoring Titles and an Olympic Gold Medal.
My prime years for Jordan would have been 1987–1993, but when you’re the GOAT your prime could literally last a whole career. Except the time he was in Washington of course, where he posted a 19.9 PER.
Led league in PER 1987–1993
#2 ~ LeBron James
During 6 year run: 2 NBA Titles, 2 NBA Finals MVPs, 4 NBA MVPs, NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Scoring Title, and 2 Olympic Gold Medals.
Prime Years: 2007–2013 (28.2 points, 7.7 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 1.7 steals, 0.9 blocks, 51% FG, 34% 3PT, 76% FT) PER: 30.2
My prime years for LeBron were 2010–2018, his entire 8 year finals run. It just felt like during that time period he just kept getting better and better and defying father time. His recent season in LA saw his lowest PER since the 2006–2007 season. During that year though, he carried a Cavs team to the NBA Finals.
#3 ~ Kobe Bryant
During 4 year run: NBA Title, NBA Finals MVP, NBA MVP, 2 NBA Scoring Titles, 2 NBA All-Star Game MVPs and an Olympic Gold Medal.
Prime Years: 2005–2009 (30.5 points, 5.6 rebounds, 6 assists, 1.6 steals, 0.4 blocks, 46% FG, 35% 3PT, 85% FT) PER: 25.7
Kobe doesn’t have the PER numbers to back his case as one of the GAOTs, but he passes the eye test by far. My respect for Kobe grew as I got older and appreciated his skill and dedication to get better. I chose his prime years as 2004–2010. His first season without Shaq up until his 5th championship.
#4 ~ Shaquille O’Neal
During 5 year run: 3 NBA Titles, 3 NBA Finals MVPs, NBA MVP, NBA Scoring Title, and an Olympic Gold Medal.
Prime Years: 1997–2002 (27.9 points, 12. rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.6 steals, 2.5 blocks, 57% FG, 0% 3PT, 53% FT) PER: 30.0
The Big PER? Okay maybe not a great nickname but we all know and remember how great Shaq was. Or do we? I had his prime years from 1999–2004 but the 5 year run above was a lot more impressive.
#5 ~ Dwyane Wade
During 5 year run: NBA Title, NBA Finals MVP, NBA All-Star Game MVP, NBA Scoring Title, and an Olympic Gold Medal.
You thought you weren’t going to see the GHOAT?! On the right day, at the right time, watching the right set of highlights, I could convince ANYBODY that D-Wade is the greatest basketball player ever. I had his prime an extra year longer, and he doesn’t have as many accolades as the others but his 2006 Finals performance in easily Top 3 of this group; Jordan (Pick 1), LeBron (2016), and D-Wade (2006).
Follow Tony on Twitter | @TonyEacklerJr
