The Greatest Offensive Players in NBA History
The greatest offensive players in NBA history are among some of the best athletes of all time as well as some of the best basketball players of all time. These elite basketball players are best known for putting points on the board as well as putting amazing plays on sports highlights reels.
Some of these players, like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, are obvious entries onto this list of the best offensive players ever in the NBA, but others are just now coming into their own like Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Whether the player you're voting for as top offensive player in NBA history is a current NBA player or already an NBA legend, this is the list to determine who the best offensive player ever really is.
What makes the best offensive players in NBA History? Who is the top offensive player in NBA history? Who are the best NBA offensive players ever? There's no slam dunk of an answer here, but this list of the NBA's best offensive players ever seeks to bring some clarity to the top offensive player debate. This is by no means a list of all the best offensive players in the NBA (since there are more that could be added every year) so make sure to add your favorite NBA offensive player to the list if he's not on there. That way, other fans can vote for your top NBA offensive player to move up the list of the greatest offensive players and into the #1 spot as the best offensive player in NBA history.
If this isn't enough NBA action for you, check out the best basketball dunk fails for a glimpse at the other side of basketball.- Shooting guard
- Age: 60
- Birthplace: New York City, New York
- Number: 23
- Teams: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards
As a ferocious competitor with a seemingly endless arsenal of offensive moves, Michael Jordan's impact on the NBA is immeasurable and has undoubtedly led to his status as one of the best to ever play the game. Possessing unparalleled athleticism and a penchant for coming up clutch in high-pressure situations, His Airness often left defenders grasping at straws while they tried to contain him. With six championships under his belt, Jordan solidified his place in history by revolutionizing the way that basketball is played and setting the gold standard for greatness in the sport.
- Center
- Age: 76
- Birthplace: New York City, USA, New York
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's impact on the sport of basketball can hardly be overstated, as the 7'2" center dominated the NBA landscape throughout his illustrious 20-year career. With an unstoppable skyhook that was every bit as graceful as it was effective, Abdul-Jabbar routinely made short work of even the toughest defensive opponents. As the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, Kareem's immense skill and consistency earned him a reputation as one of the most dominant offensive forces the game has ever seen.
- Point guard
- Age: 35
- Birthplace: Akron, Ohio
- Teams: Golden State Warriors
Steph Curry has taken the league by storm with his dazzling displays of ball-handling skills and shooting prowess, undoubtedly making him one of the most electrifying players to watch in NBA history. His uncanny ability to drain shots from seemingly impossible distances has not only won him widespread acclaim but also changed the way teams approach their offensive strategies, with a new emphasis on the value of three-point shooting. Not one to rest on his laurels, Curry's constant evolution as a player has made him a nightmare for opposing defenses and cemented his status as a bona fide superstar.
- Shooting guard
- Age: 45
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number: 24
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers
The Black Mamba, Kobe Bryant, was well-known for his killer instinct and unyielding drive for success, often drawing comparisons to Michael Jordan himself. Bryant's offensive prowess was built on a lethal combination of footwork, athleticism, and sheer determination, making him one of the most feared scorers the league has ever seen. His dedication to the game led to five championships, and his legacy as one of the all-time greats is forever etched in the annals of NBA history.
- Center
- Age: Dec. at 63 (1936-1999)
- Birthplace: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia Warriors, San Francisco Warriors
Wilt "The Stilt" Chamberlain's statistical dominance in the NBA is a testament to his incredible offensive abilities. Standing tall at 7'1", Chamberlain showcased an array of skills that made him nearly impossible to guard, allowing him to score with an effortless ease rarely seen before or since. With multiple scoring records to his name, including the legendary 100-point game, Wilt's impact on the sport cannot be understated.
- Center
- Age: 51
- Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, USA
- Number: 33
- Teams: Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics
The sheer dominance of Shaquille O'Neal in the paint was nothing short of awe-inspiring, using his imposing size and strength to simply bully opponents out of his way. With a mix of power and surprising agility for a man of his stature, Shaq solidified himself as one of the most unstoppable offensive players in the history of the league. The Diesel's presence on the court forced teams to reconsider their defensive strategies, often double or even triple-teaming him to keep his scoring in check.