The NBA has hosted some of the greatest athletes not just in basketball but in all of sport. Athletes who have given everything to leave the greatest legacy possible and have left their mark on the game of basketball. However, it doesn't matter who you ask, everyone will always have a different list of players for a different number of reasons; each more controversial than the last. So in that spirit, here is mine:
1. LeBron James
LeBron James has met the criteria in order to be called the Greatest of All Time. His combination of Longevity, Success, and Legacy alongside an ability to play anywhere on the court and be effective has earned him the title has the GOAT.
2. Michael Jordan
As a longtime Jordan fanatic, it was hard to place MJ at number 2 on the list. He will forever be the heart and soul of the NBA and every basketball fanatic knows what he did for the game of basketball.
3. Kobe Bryant
Despite several career-damaging injuries and numerous setbacks, Kobe still managed to win and capture the hearts and minds of people all across the globe. His utter desire and sheer determination (otherwise known as "Mamba Mentality") earns him a top 3 spot and will go down in history as one of the greatest competitors of all time. #RIP
4. Shaquille O'Neal
Although not technically skilled, "The Big Diesel" will go down as the most dominant force in all of basketball history. Pair this with a backcourt superstar in Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, or Penny Hardaway and there is no question why Shaq has earned his place among the greats.
5. Scottie Pippen
Often overlooked as the greatest side-kick the NBA has ever seen, you're probably wondering what Pippen is doing so high on this list when the likes of Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul Jabbar are still to come. But Pippen was so much more than just a side-kick, with the ability to guard any position and contribute on both the offensive and defensive end, Scottie Pippen deserves a lot more than the title of "Robin" to Michael Jordan's "Batman".
6. Magic Johnson
In today's game, Magic Johnson would fit perfectly. At 6'9", 225lbs, and an unmatched passing ability, he could pretty much do it all and led the Lakers to 5 championships from 1980-1987. However, due to time travel not being possible, Magic Johnson was ahead of his time as a player and therefore sinks to 6th on the GOAT list.
7. Stephen Curry
With seemingly limitless range, great handles, and acting as a crucial part of the most successful team in NBA history, it would take a strong argument to knock Stephen Curry off this list. Not only will he go down as the greatest shooter of all time, but will also go down as one of the most influential players ever. Not many people can literally change the way the game is played and is why Curry deserves the number 7 spot.
8. Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Before Jordan, there was Magic. And before Magic, there was Kareem. Not only did he act as a giant among men and led both the Bucks and the Lakers to a combined 6 championship rings, but he also possessed the skyhook; arguably the most unstoppable shot in NBA history. But then again, if I were the biggest kid on the playground, I would have probably won a lot too.
9. Tim Duncan
Whenever anyone talks about great franchise players, only 2 great names come up: Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan. But whilst one is a global superstar, the other would hardly be noticed by anyone passing by; other than the occasional "Wow he's tall!". But to a basketball enthusiast like myself, Tim Ducan is a coach's dream: fundamentally perfect, consistent, driven, and elite leadership capabilities. With 5 NBA championships, starting in 1999 and ending in 2014, Tim Duncan was a crucial part of the San Antonio Spurs' success for close to 2 decades and is something he deserves more credit for.
10. Bill Russell
11 NBA Championships. Enough said.
Comments
Post a Comment