\\The NBA has a rich history. For decades, the league has seen some amazing players come and go, with all of them leaving an undying legacy. From the league’s original stars such as George Mikan to the modern-era stars such as LeBron James, there has been no shortage of top-tier talent. As the game has grown and evolved, new eras have seen new stars rise and cement themselves as legends of the game.
Even among all the greats that play today, there are still a select few players who could always be considered better than all the rest. They set a standard so great that it would take a great deal to match it. From the Kobe Bryant-led Lakers to the revolutionary shooting of Stephen Curry, basketball is full of legends. So without further ado, here are the top three players of all time.
Michael Jordan
The GOAT. That is the best way to describe Michael Jordan. Jordan, who immediately became a superstar when the Chicago Bulls drafted him 3rd overall in the 1984 draft, was a major catalyst for helping the NBA become popular. While basketball was always big in the United States, Jordan’s superstardom helped the sport gain traction in other countries, eventually leading to some teams such as the Bulls playing some preseason games in other countries.
During his career, Jordan won five MVPs, made 14 All-Star teams, 10 First-Team All-NBA teams, and nine All-Defensive teams, among many other accolades. He is perhaps best known for his six championships, being the central player in the Bulls’ three-peats (1991-1993 and 1996-1998). Jordan not only dominated on the court, but his popularity made him one of, if not the most, marketable player of his era and his career helped make basketball what it is.
LeBron James
Some may say that King James is the greatest player of all time. Sure he may not have as many championships, having won four in his career, but the longevity of his dominance puts him in the conversation for the greatest player ever. He began his NBA career in 2003 when his hometown Cleveland Cavaliers drafted him first overall. James has been named an All-Star every single season since 2005 and even at age 40, he is averaging 24.5 points, 8.4 assists, and 7.9 rebounds.
In his 20-plus season career, James has won four championships. Two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cavaliers, and one with the Lakers. He was named the Finals MVP in all four of those wins. He has also won four NBA MVP awards, been named an All-Star a record 21 times, and has made numerous All-NBA and All-NBA defensive teams, among other awards. Still playing high-level basketball for the Lakers this season, James continues to prove just how great he is.
Stephen Curry
I know what you’re thinking. There’s Kobe, there’s Kareem, there’s Shaq and so many others. But Curry has changed the game of basketball while consistently playing like one of the league’s top players year after year. The greatest shooter of all time, Curry’s three-point shooting has led to many more teams implementing that strategy with long-range shots becoming even more prevalent at the youth, high school, and college levels.
Coming out of high school, Curry was not highly touted given his size but after a strong Davidson career, he started to turn some heads. Drafted 7th overall by the Warriors in the 2009 draft, Curry’s early career saw him deal with ankle issues before bursting onto the scene a few years later. He eventually led the Warriors to their first NBA Championship since the mid-1970s in 2015. He has four titles, two league MVPs, 11 All-Star appearances, and many other accolades, Curry has become one of basketball’s biggest icons.
