The National Basketball Association has produced some of the greatest athletes of all time. Be it Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson, be it Kevin Durant or John Stockton, the NBA has seen them all. From crazy dunks to body tackles, from the muscle to swift movement, the athletes have showcased a lot of prowess. The NBA is undoubtedly the best grooming field for any young basketball player. The Lakers, Celtics, Patriots have always dominated the league but who are the legends in this sport? Here’s a roundup of the top 5 players in the NBA of all time: –
Shaquille O’Neal: –
Big-old Shaq has dominated the league ever since he played in it. Missing out on the 1992 Dream Team, seemed to be a big setback for him, and ever since he took his game to another level. The 7-foot 1 inch, the giant was agile as ever. His athleticism was unquestionably smooth. Born in Newark, New Jersey, Shaq is said to be the most dominant Center, the game has ever witnessed. Shaq debuted for the Orlando Magic back in 1992. Since then, he was on a roll. After missing on the Dream Team Shaq won the gold at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996 for Team USA. Throughout his career, Shaq dunked 28596 points.
Kobe Bryant: –
Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant is one of the best Shooting Guards in the sport. He was the first guard in the history of the sport to play for 20 seasons. He is the all-time leading scorer for the Los Angeles Lakers. Kobe, unfortunately, lost his life in a tragic helicopter crash at Calabasas in January 2020. Before bidding adieu, Kobe had done enough to be listed as one of the best players in NBA history. From 1996 to 2016, Kobe played for the Lakers! This just states the sense of loyalty that Kobe had for the club. Kobe has featured 18 times in the all-star NBA team a record in itself. Bryant scored 33643 points throughout his career. Kobe captained the Redeem Team in the 2008 Bejing Olympics.
Earvin “Magic” Johnson: –
Magic Johnson as the NBA community calls him truly justifies his name. Magic had the ability to create magic on the court. Hailing from the small town of Lansing in Michigan, the 6ft 9-inch dude had big dreams. Dreams of being the boss on court. Magic played Point Guard and was a great shooter as well. Magic was captain of the Barcelona Dream Team and won the Gold with them at the far end of his career. Though his career was marred by the HIV controversy, you can never ignore the fact that his athleticism was second to none. Be it a quick turn or supreme ball control, Magic portrayed all of it. Throughout his career, he scored 17707 points. They might relatively seem lesser but all the points were impactful. Earvin too played 13 long seasons and most of them were for the Lakers.
LeBron James: –
The Maestro of Modern Basketball, LeBron is one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. He is an inspiration for billions. Coming in from Akron, Ohio he also plays for the Lakers. Lebron began playing professional basketball at St. Vincent School. LeBron back then averaged a mass of 21 points per game! He was heavily promoted by the media as the next sensation of basketball right from school days. James’s father has an extensive criminal record and had little part to play in his life. Lebron was the first pick in the 2003 draft while playing for Cleveland Cavaliers. He then moved to Miami Heat then back to the Cavaliers before settling at the Lakers in 2018.
LeBron has been named 13 times in the All-Star NBA team. 4 times he has been named as the MVP in the league. King James as he is called is also an idol for other athletes. He is an inspiration for his work ethic and physical fitness. His recovery methods are also renowned. Lebron has scored 35367 points in his career up till now. He is often compared to the greatest NBA legend Michael Jordan.
Michael Jordan: –
The greatest NBA player of all time has to be Michael Jordan. Imagine a player having an entire line of shoes named after him. The “Jordans” as they are called are a rage! Michael a shooting guard is the best in his position. Maybe Scottie Pippen comes just about near to him but doesn’t overshadow Jordan. Jordan in fact is the greatest American Sportsman! His fandom is all over the world. He had the ability to instill fear in the minds of the opponents just by mere presence. Jordan comes from Brooklyn, New York, and was born to a bank employee. He came in from a decent financial background and dominated the Basketball world.
Michael and his energy on the field just energized the entire stadium. His game often won accolades and standing ovations from the opposition crowds. Michael came into the NBA in 1984 playing for the Chicago Bulls and ended his career in 2203 with the Washington Wizards. Michael could foresee the game! His predictions and anticipations were always on point! He has featured 14 times on the NBA ALL-STAR team and was the MVP 5 times.