Crafting a list of the greatest NBA players

Crafting a list of the greatest NBA players ever stirred intense debates among the Complex Sports crew. While LeBron James’ ranking above Michael Jordan wasn’t contentious, the real contention arose around players like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Deliberations raged over whether Shaq, an unparalleled force in the league’s history, should outshine Kobe, who claimed more championships and evoked comparisons to Michael Jordan. The tug-of-war continued over the trio of iconic guards—Chris Paul, Steve Nash, and Allen Iverson—competing for a single spot.

The challenge was striking a balance between exceptional achievements and consistent excellence, with voices advocating for both. The debates underscored the complexity of the task, distinct from other less reputable rankings. Ultimately, the process illuminated the difficulty of consensus-building, as basketball aficionados grappled with differing perspectives on how to value remarkable feats versus consistent performance and the nuances of awards’ worthiness.

3. Kobe Bryant

Let’s address this upfront: this decision isn’t a reaction to Kobe Bryant’s passing. I firmly believe excluding Kobe Bryant from the top five all-time list is disrespectful. Notably, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal dubbed Kobe the greatest Laker after his retirement, a testament worth considering. Kobe’s impact on basketball’s culture and game transcends quantification. While his numerous accomplishments include NBA MVP, 5 championships, two Finals MVPs, 18 All-Star appearances, and nine All-Defensive First Team selections, critics scrutinize him with advanced stats like usage rate and efficiency. This criticism seems trivial given Kobe’s equal or greater titles than legends like Bird, LeBron, Wilt, Magic, and Shaq. Did you truly watch the 20-year NBA veteran Kobe Bryant and think, his efficiency diminishes his greatness? Don’t succumb to social media’s misleading chatter; Kobe’s true greatness shouldn’t be doubted. Rest in peace, Mamba.

2. LeBron James

Having LeBron James as my top-ranked NBA player makes this an effortless task. LeBron embodies greatness from his debut to the present, living up to and surpassing the immense high school hype in Akron, Ohio. The ongoing debate of Michael Jordan versus LeBron James persists, yet LeBron’s climb to this echelon is undeniably remarkable. Highlighting stats and awards seems redundant; his feats are universally acknowledged. The pivotal moment solidifying LeBron’s position alongside MJ was his 2016 leadership, overturning a 3-1 deficit against the 73-win Golden State Warriors. This epic achievement, including consecutive 41-point games and a decisive block in Game 7, elevated him. A member of the NBA’s 75th anniversary team, LeBron and Jordan reside on a distinct plane of basketball eminence. Remarkably, LeBron is just 1,326 points away from eclipsing Kareem as the all-time leading scorer. His scoring prowess, often overlooked, is exceptional. While LeBron’s narrative continues, his off-court endeavors also shine, from establishing a hometown school to crafting a media empire. 

1. Michael Jordan

No extensive explanation required: Michael Jordan indisputably claims the top spot. His unmatched journey includes back-to-back three-peats, a hiatus for baseball, another triumphant return for a three-peat, and even a late-career resurgence as a prolific scorer. No doubt, he’s the GOAT. Noteworthy is his Defensive Player of the Year award (’88), coupled with five MVPs, six Finals MVPs, and inclusion in the NBA’s 75th anniversary team. Jordan excelled offensively and defensively, much like Bill Russell, consistently propelling his team to victory. He epitomized relentlessness, never resting and pushing teammates passionately. ESPN’s “The Last Dance” attempted to capture his basketball dominance but couldn’t fully encapsulate it. His unparalleled guard dominance cements his universal top ranking. Michael Jordan’s incomparable legacy spans triumphs, endorsements, iconic shoes, and an unparalleled impact. All achieved with his signature grin and a poised cigar.