NBA All Time Greatest

While watching ESPN and other Sports Stations I noticed a trend. Their discussion on Best Player only included players from the 80's, 90's & Modern era. Which inspired me to create a real Best Player list that included all decades and a current best player list.

Also I wanted to leave my comments to why different decades were ignored. Well without much thought the average analyst is going to highlight only a few from a decade. As well they're going to focus on the players that were the top when they were in college/ starting their career. Which explains why Magic and MJ are as far back as analyst will cover. Plus ESPN was created in 1978.

As for my List here it is

1- Kareem Abdul Jabbar

The all time leading scorer, top 5 in various other stats with 5 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs, 19 All Star appearances and 6 Championships. No matter if your a stat guy, awards guy or championship guy; Kareem is the top or near the top in everything. That's why he's the greatest all time.

2- Wilt Chamberlain

Not the all time scorer but he would have if he played a few more seasons. He was and still is the most dominant athlete in sports history. As a single player he was the closest to a "win a title by yourself" player. He could lead the league in every stat but free throws if he wanted including assist where he average over 8 in one of his last years active. No one can guard him. Period.

3- Bill Russell

The greatest champion of all time. I know it's hard to believe someone winning more rings than Jordan but Russell nearly doubled Jordan with 11 championships. The most shocking part was he only played 13 years!

4- Larry Bird

The definition of a fighter. Larry Bird was the original killer. Yes he won championships, awards and had the best stats for his position of small forward ever but his best qualification was how serious he took the game. While others quit competing after the game Bird didn't. Magic Johnson got 2 more rings than Bird during the 80's but if Bird had Kareem I'm certain Magic would have never won a single ring. Oh and just for a bonus Jordan never beat Bird while Bird was playing healthy. So I guess you could say Bird kept  "Air Jordan" grounded.

5- Oscar Robertson

The best all around guard ever to play. He could do what LeBron does in the modern era plus some. Oh and he was only 6 foot 5!

6- Kobe Bryant *    7- Micheal Jordan

I'm not going to describe every player on this list but I will explain why I put Kobe in front of Jordan.

Kobe and Jordan play the exact same way but there is a difference to them. Jordan had a consistent up bringing in America, played college ball, had a consistent supporting cast and once he had Phil he won every year in the 90's. ( Every year he played with Phil that is. And neither Kobe or Jordan has won without him.) Kobe who has had no consistency with Phil, supporting cast, college ball or growing up in the same place he has performed at nearly an identical level as Jordan. Plus he has outperformed Jordan with longevity and shooting ability. If Kobe had the same consistency as Jordan Kobe may have 8 plus titles, 35 thousand points and all the bragging rights that go with saying your GOAT.

8- John Stockon

The best point guard to ever play. Period.

9- Karl Malone

Second on the all time scoring this. Enough said.

10- Jerry West

If the 3 point shot was around when the Logo was playing all of the records would say Jerry West number one.

11- Julius Erving

12- Magic Johnson

13- Hakeem Olajuwon

14- Elgin Baylor 

15- Bob Cousy

16- George Miken

17- Shaquille O'Neal

18-  Moses Malone 

19- Elvin Hayes

20- Kevin Garnett 

21- Robert Parrish 

22- Nate Thurmond 

23- Lebron James  *

24-Tim Duncan *

25- Scottie Pippen

* indicates best current players

-Chris Schlierman