Top 10 NBA Players of All Time

[TheKilo]

I heard this debate on Dale and Holley this morning and thought it would be an excellent discussion here.

 

Dale was saying how he feels by the time Kobe hangs them up, he will be regarded as one of the top 10 basketball players of all time. Holley disagreed with him, saying there's far too many impactful big men in the sport for Kobe to crack the top 10.

 

In the game's history, what would your top 10 look like?

 

Here's mine (in no particular order):

 

Michael Jordan

Bill Russell

Wilt Chamberlain

Magic Johnson

Larry Bird

Oscar Robertson

Shaquille O'Neal

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Julius Erving

Hakeem Olajuwon

 

The bottom part of the list is totally up for discussion though, with guys like:

 

Pete Maravich

David Robinson

Bob Cousy

Kevin McHale

Moses Malone

John Havlicek

Kobe

LeBron James

 

 

What's your list?

[CrespoBlows]

When LeBron's career is over, I think he'll be number two on that list.

[Keeper]

Solid list, Kilo. I agree with Crespo. LeBron will replace Erving when it's all said and done. Dwyane Wade will wind up on the bottom of the list. Chris Paul has a chance to make it.

[TheKilo]

Not sold on Wade making this list at all, his style of game will continue to lead to health problems further down the line.

 

I'd be inclined to put LeBron on this list this year if he wins the title.

[YanksHater213]

If LeBron even sniffs, let alone beats Jordan's six titles, LeBron goes down as the GOAT, IMO.

 

Right now, this is my order:

 

Jordan

Chamberlain

Abdul-Jabbar

Bird

Magic

Russel

Dr. J

West

Shaq

Oscar Robinson

 

I wouldn't put Hakeen on the list over a guy like West or Robinson.

[TheKilo]

There's also the argument that LeBron will not age well because of the mass on his frame (he's what 265?).

 

YH...how many titles does LeBron need? 2? 3? 4?

 

I would say three if you put a gun to my head right now.

[YanksHater213]

First off, I read an article that said LeBron is somewhere between 260 and 275, but I think he's closer to 275-280. The guy is a beast.

 

Just one title, he'll be a top ten player regardless.

Two titles he's top 5.

Three he's top 3, maybe GOAT.

 

Any more than 3 and sorry MJ.

[Keeper]

If LeBron even sniffs, let alone beats Jordan's six titles, LeBron goes down as the GOAT, IMO.

 

Right now, this is my order:

 

Jordan

Chamberlain

Abdul-Jabbar

Bird

Magic

Russel

Dr. J

West

Shaq

Oscar Robinson

 

I wouldn't put Hakeen on the list over a guy like West or Robinson.

 

Robertson. I'd put The Dream over Shaq. Hakeem was a much, much better defender and could actually make a free throw. Shaq bulldozes his way to the basket whereas Hakeem was graceful.

 

LeBron hasn't shown he can close a game like Jordan could. Personally, I'd want the ball to be in Jordan's hands over LeBron's for the final shot. LeBron will get his rings and his triple doubles, but he'll never win 6. Had Jordan not initially retired, the Bulls would have probably won 8 in a row. LeBron's Cavs were swept in the Finals a few years ago. Put Jordan on that team, and that doesn't happen.

[TheKilo]

Shaquille O'Neal over Olajuwon and it's not even close. You could make the argument that Shaq was the most dominant player of the last 30 years, if not of all time.

 

No one could stop Shaq in his prime. No one.

 

edit - And Jordan's supporting cast when we won titles was MUCH better than LeBron's - LeBron carried a terrible Cavs team to the finals, Jordan had the luxury of playing with very talented players (and I'm not even talking about Pippen).

[msubulldogs21]

Michael Jordan

Bill Russell

Wilt Chamberlain

Magic Johnson

Larry Bird

Oscar Robertson

Shaquille O'Neal

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Julius Erving

Kobe Bryant

 

I pretty much agree with your list, Kilo, although I have Kobe in there over Hakeem. And I hate Kobe. I agree with Lebron being in there very soon though. There's no doubt about that.

 

Interesting comments about his weight though. I never have really thought about that before. I always just assumed for his size he was about 240-245. Looks like I underestimated a lot.

[YanksHater213]

I don't see houw peeople are omitting Jerry West.

[TheKilo]

Hakeem was better than West, IMO, but he's another one of those "could be in the bottom part of my top 10" guys.