There have been numerous stars who have graced the court of an NBA game. Most were able to make a name for themselves, but some have their name etched into the record books as the best in the history of the sport. We count down the top 10 basketball players in the NBA of all time, in our humble opinion.

Also Read: Top 10 Most Expensive Basketball Players in the NBA

Tim Duncan

One of the best power forwards in the history of the game, Tim Duncan, was selected as an overall first draft pick by the San Antonio Spurs. He would go on to spend his entire career loyal to the franchise. Dubbed “The Big Fundamental”, Tim Duncan was typically not a flamboyant player but rather depended on the fundamentals of basketball. This made him terrifyingly efficient throughout the court. Whether it be offense or defense, Tim Duncan bought that stability in the team. Having won the final MVP award 3-times in his career, Tim Duncan also guided the Spurs to the NBA championship 4 times. Tim Duncan was also considered quite underrated throughout his career. Nonetheless, one thing cannot be overstated that Tim Duncan truly was one of the greats to grace the basketball court.

Bill Russell

With 11 NBA Championships, the name of Bill Russel is etched in history to be one of the greats to ever do it. A defensive player by heart and trade, he is considered one of the greatest rebounders in the history of the NBA. His rebounding game was crucial in the many championships he won with the Celtics. One of the greatest moments of Bill Russel’s career was the 1962 finals between Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. Lakers were leading the series 3-2. However, in Game 7, Russel took matters into his own hand and single-handedly destroyed the Lakers by scoring 30 points and putting up an incredible 40 rebounds on the board.

His blocking game was too revered by many. Since NBA did not officially start recording blocks per game but several newspaper articles during that time reported around 20 blocks in a single game. A 5 time MVP award winner, Bill Russell surely is a legend in the game and is an inspiration to many players today.

Larry Bird

Larry Bird was known for his shooting and his trash talking. However, he backed up his trash talking with legitimate results. This made him a fearsome foe to encounter, Having a high basketballing IQ and skills to go along, Larry Bird’s name is revered to this date as one of the greatest ever. Drafted 6th overall in the 1978 NBA Draft by the Boston Celtics, he remained with them for the entirety of his career.

A well-known story about Larry Bird is that he memorized the dead spots of the Celtics court, which was made with oak wood. The alleged dead spots on the floors meant that the ball would not bounce quite as high as the rest of the court. So he used to defend the players and lure them into those spots, which aided him tremendously while stealing off the opposition. This story is certainly a testament to his dedication and competitiveness. He was also the only person to never lose a playoff game against the great Micheal Jordon. He got the better of him both times they met in the play-offs. Larry “Legend” Bird was certainly not the most athletic but surely the most dedicated and competitive player we got to witness in the history of the NBA.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Earvin Johnson Jr.

Better known as Magic Johnson, he was one of the greatest ever to play basketball. His greatness cannot be defined by mere statistics. The ’80s was a transitional period for NBA. It was slowly adapting to the high-paced and athletic NBA of today. Among everything, Magic Johnson was drafted first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the LA Lakers. He went on to win the Rookie of the Year as well as the NBA Championship. To make matters even more ridiculous, he even won the Finals MVP award that year.

Earvin “Magic” Johnson was a 6’9″ point guard who used his high stature to dominate the game from the get-go. Having won 5 NBA Championships and 3 Finals MVP awards, he was destined for even more if his health did not deteriorate. In the summer of 1991, a piece of tragic news was abruptly broken by Johnson that he had contracted HIV and had to retire immediately. He would not play for 4 years. Until he returned in 1996 for a brief period but then again retired in the same year for good. A true legend of the game who achieved greatness and was perhaps destined for more. Nonetheless, his impact in the league is truly unmatchable.

Wilt Chamberlain

One of the most dominant players to ever step foot on the court, Wilt Chamberlain’s impact is undisputed. A player who averaged 50.4 points and 25.7 rebounds in a 1961-62 season can only be revered as something out of a manga or comic book. One of the originals to bring the level of basketball to new heights, he set numerous outlandish records, which we can only marvel at. His score of 4000 points in a season is simply as ridiculous as it sounds. His dominance would later prompt several rule changes in the league. Some of them are widening the lane, revising the rules governing in-bounding ball, and even shooting free throws. Since Chamberlain practically deposited the ball so easily by just leaping with the ball from behind the foul line.

He retired at the end of the 1972-73 season and went on to have a successful and happening post-retirement, even acting alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie Conan The Barbarian. The list could go on, but it truly remains undisputed that Chamberlain is one of the best to ever play basketball.

Shaquille O’Neal

It is impossible to like Shaquille O’Neal. One of the most likable personalities in the NBA. However, on the court, it was a different story for the opposition. Standing at 7 ‘ 1″ tall and weighing more than 145 kgs, there has seldom been a dominant force like Shaq. Drafted in the year of 1992 by Orlando Magic, Shaq became notorious for dominance throughout the game. Averaging 23.4 points and 13.9 rebounds per game, he picked up rookie of the year award in 1993. 

Shaq, despite being a giant, was surprisingly athletic. He was also known to intentionally break the basketball glass boards while dunking. It leads to a modification of the entire basket mechanism to prevent it from happening so frequently. He has played for numerous clubs. However, his career peaked when he was bought by the LA Lakers, and he paired up with Kobe Bryant. He was instrumental for the Lakers as their Center and helped win 3 consecutive NBA championships. After his retirement, Shaq’s impact on the pop culture media is still prevalent and has only added to his popularity. One of the greatest to ply his trade in the NBA, and we certainly will never see such larger than life personality as Shaq in the NBA.
There is plenty of evidence to support Michael Jordan’s GOAT status, however, his greatest feat of all might have come before he even won an NBA title. In the 1988 season, he won MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and the NBA’s scoring title. His insane ’88 season went like this: 35 points on 53% shooting, 5.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 3.2 steals, and 1.6 blocks.

Lebron James

Kobe Bryant

After Micheal Jordan, the title of the greatest was up for grabs. “The Black Mamba” Kobe Bryant grabbed it with both hands, and the rest is history. He was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th pick overall. However, the Lakers had a prior deal fixed in place to obtain him from the Hornets, and they did. Regarded as one of the best scorers of our generation, Mamba’s cold-blooded nature on and off the court made him a fierce rival. His rock-hard mentality and dedication were second to none. He seemed to be out there to prove the world wrong, and he did. Winning 5 NBA Championships and breaking numerous personal records, Kobe Bryant has inspired an entire generation.

His most jaw-dropping inspiring story came during a match in 2013 against Golden State Warriors. An unfortunate foul on Kobe resulted in him tearing both his Achilles tendon. However, he went to the free-throw line to drop the free throws, all the while being in excruciating pain. This moment solidified his already legendary career.

Michael Jordan

Synonymous with the game of basketball is Micheal Jordan. Such is the impact of this individual that there is probably nobody who hasn’t heard about Micheal Jordan. Basketball is Jordan. His dominance took over the entire industry by storm. His godlike technical ability makes it wonder maybe the game was designed for Micheal Jordan. One of the greatest scorers in the history of the league. Winning the NBA Championships 6 times and having 6 Finals MVP awards, Jordan’s impact on the game cannot be disputed. Widely regarded as one of the best players to ever step foot in the NBA, and his unblemished finals record of never losing an NBA final is perhaps the biggest argument for GOAT status.

Outside of the game, he has been a successful actor, played baseball for a few years, and has made a business out of sports shoes which also became synonymous with sneakers. MJ has done it all in the game and is certainly the greatest player in the history of NBA.

Also Read: Dallas Mavericks Vs Golden State Warriors Picks, Odds: Who wins NBA Playoffs Game 1?

The post Top 10 Basketball Players in NBA of All Time appeared first on Sports Al Dente.

Therefore it is imperative that these players are highly sought after. From the moment these stars are drafted from the colleges, they are destined for greatness. The fees that these players are offered can set up anybody for life. A dream for many aspiring basketball players, getting signed by a franchise can make anybody’s career. So keeping that in mind, let us look at the top 10 most expensive basketball players of all time.

Also Read: Top 10 Point Leaders in the NBA

David Robinson: San Antonio Spurs

Salary: $5,740,000 Year: 1993-94

David Robinson can be argued as the one who put the Spurs on the map as a dominant force in the NBA. His passion for the game and personality off the court really portrays the nature of the city of San Antonio. Joining in 1989, he remained at Spurs throughout his career, and San Antonio made sure they kept him by all means necessary. In the year 1993-94, Robinson became the highest-paid NBA player of the year, and rightfully so.

His performance on the court was remarkable, however, his work in the community was praiseworthy, to say the least. His presence in the city became a symbol of hope and solidarity. From donating money to 5th graders for completing their diploma to establishing the David Robinson Foundation, which would provide help and care to children’s charities. A leader for the city and club, David Robinson, makes our list as one of the top 10 most expensive players in basketball.

Larry Bird: Boston Celtics

Salary: $7,070,000 Year: 1991-92

The legendary Larry Bird was crucial for the success of the Boston Celtics. Thus making it a no-brainer to keep him in the club without thinking about the cost. In the year 1991-92, Larry Bird was offered a contract of $7,070,000, which made him the highest-paid basketballer at the time and 9th overall on our list. Known for his shooting and his trash-talking skills, Larry Bird would generally back up his trash talk with results. His game IQ was off the charts.

The infamous story about him memorizing the dead spots of the Celtics court, which was made with oak wood, gave him an edge while stealing the ball off the opposition. This only goes on to prove his dedication to his craft and the desire to be the best. Truly a once in a lifetime player.

Magic Johnson: Los Angeles Lakers

Salary: $14,660,000 Year: 1994-95

Earvin Johnson Jr. or better known as Magic Johnson, was considered one of the best to ever set foot in the NBA. Playing for LA Lakers in the season of 1994-95, he was offered an extension contract of $14,660,000 even if he did not play. Magic Johnson in 1991 announced he had contracted HIV and had to retire immediately. However, owner Jerry Buss decided to offer him an extension even though he wasn’t sure he would be able to play that season. Having played in the transitional period of the NBA, where the game was slowly becoming more athletic and high-paced, Magic Johnson easily dominated and paved the way for future players.

He was drafted first overall in the 1979 NBA draft by the LA Lakers. He went on to win the Rookie of the Year as well as the NBA Championship. To make matters even more ridiculous, he even won the Finals MVP award that year. Playing as a point guard, his contributions led to 5 NBA Championships for the Lakers. Therefore, the Lakers were very keen to hold on to him.

Patrick Ewing: New York Knicks

Salary: $18,724,000 Year: 1995-96

Drafted as a 1985 overall first pick, Patrick Ewing would go on to be one of the leading forces behind the Knicks’ short-lived dominance in the league. His presence on the team soon changed the core dynamics of the squad. The Knicks started to adopt a more physical style of play to dominate other teams. This change bought about a revolution, and in the 90s, the Knicks were able to become one of the most feared teams in the league. However, their short-lived dominance would fail to bore them any fruits since they were unable to win the championship on two separate occasions.

Nonetheless, the impact of Ewing on the team warranted a huge contract, given the legacy he just left them with. In the year of 1995, Patrick Ewing was handed a contract of $18,724,000. Which makes him 6th on our list of the most expensive basketball players.

Shaquille O’Neal: Miami Heat

Salary: $27,696,430 Year: 2004-05

One of the most marketable players in the NBA, Shaq, is money. It was impossible not to like him, and in the 2000’s Shaq was everywhere. Whether it be movies, commercials, or billboards, Shaq’s prominence in pop culture was booming. Additionally, his career in the NBA as a dominant force was also rampaging through everybody. In 2004-05 Miami Heat broke the bank and offered him a whopping $27,696,430 contract. It proved to be good business for the Heats as it bought a lot of eyes to the team, which resulted in high revenues. Always a larger-than-life personality, Shaq’s presence and domination on the court and in pop culture deemed him worthy of such a massive contract at the time. He ranks 5th on our list of the top 10 most expensive basketball players.

Kevin Garnett: Minnesota Timberwolves

Salary: $28,000,000 Year: 2003-04

Kevin Garnett of the Timberwolves would go on to become a legend for the team. In the year 2003-04, Garnett was offered a whopping $28,000,000 contract which at the time it was an astronomical figure. It’s still a huge figure even after almost 20 years. He won the MVP award after averaging 24.2 PPG and 13.9 RPG. In that same season, he even managed to take the Timberwolves to the finals. However, they were unsuccessful in the end. Nonetheless, Kevin Garnett had already etched his name in the club’s history books as this was the first time they managed to reach the conference finals. Garnett places 4th on our list of the top 10 most expensive basketball players.

Kobe Bryant: Los Angeles Lakers

Salary: $30,453,805 Year: 2012-14

After Micheal Jordan, the title of the greatest was up for grabs. “The Black Mamba” Kobe Bryant grabbed it with both hands, and the rest is history. He was drafted in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets as the 13th pick overall. However, the Lakers had a prior deal fixed in place to obtain him from the Hornets, and they did. Regarded as one of the best scorers of our generation, Mamba’s cold-blooded nature on and off the court made him a fierce rival. His rock-hard mentality and dedication were second to none. He seemed to be out there to prove the world wrong, and he did. Winning 5 NBA Championships and breaking numerous personal records, Kobe Bryant has inspired an entire generation.

His most jaw-dropping inspiring story came during a match in 2013 against Golden State Warriors. An unfortunate foul on Kobe resulted in him tearing both his Achilles tendon. However, he went to the free-throw line to drop the free throws, all the while being in excruciating pain. This moment solidified his already legendary career.

LeBron James: Cleveland Cavaliers

Salary: $30,963,450 Year: 2016-17

Arriving at the age of 18 and being the first overall pick by Cleveland Cavaliers, King James was destined for greatness. He was touted as the one to take the mantle from Micheal Jordan, and he did. He even guided Cleveland to an NBA Championship in 2007. It was their first NBA Championship after 52 years, and going by the stats that season, it was pretty clear that LeBron James single-handedly carried his team to glory.

Still playing at the highest level with the LA Lakers, LeBron James, now 37, is still the best player in the league. It is hard to argue the impact and dominance of LeBron James when talking about their accomplishments. He has done it all and is in no mood to stop. Truly he is one of the greatest to grace us in the sport. He ranks 3rd on our list of top 10 most expensive basketball players.

Michael Jordan: Chicago Bulls

Salary: $33,140,000 Year: 1997-98

Synonymous with the game of basketball is Micheal Jordan. Such is the impact of this individual that there is probably nobody who hasn’t heard about Micheal Jordan. Basketball is Jordan. His dominance took over the entire industry by storm. His godlike technical ability makes it wonder maybe the game was designed for Micheal Jordan. One of the greatest scorers in the history of the league. Winning the NBA Championships 6 times and having 6 Finals MVP awards, Jordan’s impact on the game cannot be disputed. Widely regarded as one of the best players to ever step foot in the NBA, and his unblemished finals record of never losing an NBA final is perhaps the biggest argument for GOAT status.

Outside of the game, he has been a successful actor, played baseball for a few years, and has made a business out of sports shoes which also became synonymous with sneakers. MJ has done it all in the game and is certainly the greatest player in the history of the NBA. Jordan ranks 2nd on our list of the top 10 most expensive basketball players.

Stephen Curry: Golden State Warriors

Salary: $48,070,014 Year: 2022-23

Steph Curry this year becomes the highest-paid player in the history of the NBA. He signed a deal back in 2021 with the GSW, which runs through till 2025, and he will pocket $201,158,790 in the 5 years. Curry also becomes the first NBA player ever to sign two $200m+ contracts. There isn’t much to say about Steph Curry that hasn’t already been said. A three-point machine. Multiple MVP award winner Steph Curry is in his prime and is in no mood to stop. He has already led the GSW to five consecutive NBA Finals. Out of which, he managed to win three championships and end a 40-year trophy drought in 2015.

Curry has undeniably made himself a GSW icon whose name will forever be engraved in the halls of Chase Center. Stephen Curry is the highest-paid NBA basketball player in history and concludes our list of the top 10 most expensive basketball players.

Also Read: Top 10 youngest NBA players ever

The post Top 10 Most Expensive Basketball Players in the NBA appeared first on Sports Al Dente.