The Best 10 Players of All-Time (6–10)

When talking about the greatest basketball players to ever play, one thinks of MVP’s, championships, and many other things. There is a definitive line of greatness when it comes to the NBA and who is in the top players to ever play, and it gets even closer when talking about the top ten.

10. Kobe Bryant: Many people think that Kobe should be in the discussion of greatest of all time, but I do not think that is the case. He is a very good player, but he never really had a team to himself where he could carry the load himself to solidify himself. He was teamed with Shaq early in his career and later on, he had many all-stars join him. He also only one MVP, which contributes to why he is low on this list.

9. Larry Bird: Larry Bird is one of the greatest shooters of all time and has the accolades to back it up. He is a three time MVP of the NBA and has helped lead his team to three championships in the 80’s. He was involved in one of the biggest sports rivalries of all time with Magic Johnson, who will also be on this list. He also helped save the NBA, as ratings were at an all time low, until Larry and Magic were drafted into the league.

8. Hakeem Olajuwon: Not on many peoples top ten lists, Hakeem is one of the most underrated players ever. He was a defensive monster, still leading the NBA in all time blocks, about 20 years later. Just like Kobe he only has one MVP, but he won two Finals, with no other all-stars on his team. He is in the top five centers of all time, and it’s not even close.

7. Tim Duncan: Tim had so much success because of the program he was in and the coach that led him his entire career. He was coached by one of the greatest to ever coach, Gregg Popovich. Tim Duncan did everything very fundamentally, which is why he is known as one of the least flashy players off all time. Although he was so basic, he did the basics to perfection, winning five championships and two MVP awards.

6. Shaquille O’Neal: Shaq is known as one of the most dominant big men as all time, as in his prime he was around 7'1" and 285 pounds. He used his physical gifts to destroy his opponents and backboards, something he regularly shattered. Shaquille is a 4 time champion and one time MVP. He also has many scoring titles, and was also very good on the defensive end.