Breaking down the best NBA players by each position, including point guard, center, and forward.

NBA Greats

When it comes to the top NBA players of all time, there&#39;s plenty of speculation and room for debate, though many may not think so. Though Michael Jordan is easily considered the greatest player ever, some may say players like Kobe&nbsp;Bryant, LeBron James, or Kevin Durant give him a run for his money. Who are the best NBA players? This list includes the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best basketball players</a> in NBA history, along with the top basketball players today.

Anyone can vote on the best NBA players here, which means these players are truly fan favorites. NBA fans can even add their own rankings to this list. Whether they have a famous jumper that just won&#39;t quit or ball-handling skills that leave their opponents spinning, these top 100 NBA players rule the hoop and the hardwood, and this list is a celebration of those skills. This list should answer who is the top 100, top 10, and best NBA player ever.&nbsp;

If you&#39;ve ever asked, &quot;Who&#39;s the greatest basketball player of all time?&quot;,&nbsp;look no further. Ranked by votes from thousands of fans, this list features the all time&nbsp;NBA GOATs, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Wilt Chamberlain, and Larry Bird. Vote up the best basketball player ever, and those who follow close behind. Then head over and vote on <a href="/list/best-nba-players-2010s/ranker-nba" target="_blank">the best NBA players of the 2010s</a>.

Bill Russell

The Top NBA Players Of All Time

Basketball Player

The 100+ Best NBA Players Of All Time, Ranked by Fans

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Basketball

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Ohio.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">list of basketball players</a> who were born in Ohio includes John Havlicek, C. J. McCollum, and Akron basketball players&nbsp;LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Ohio?

Vote up the top Ohio NBA players, and add your favorite players if they&#39;re missing from the list. Then head over and check out some more top athletes from Ohio with a list of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-nfl-players-from-ohio/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best NFL players from Ohio</a>.

The Best NBA Players From Ohio

The 150+ Greatest NBA Players From Ohio, Ranked By Fans

Ranker NBA

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Wisconsin.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-male-basketball-players/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">list of basketball players</a> who were born in Wisconsin includes Latrell Sprewell, Nick Van Exel, Fred Brown, Caron Butler, and Tyler Herro. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Wisconsin?

Vote up the top Wisconsin NBA players, and add your favorite players if they&#39;re missing from the list.&nbsp;Then head over and check out some more top athletes from Wisconsin with a list of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-nfl-players-from-wisconsin/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best NFL players from Wisconsin</a>.

The Best NBA Players from Wisconsin

The 50+ Best NBA Players from Wisconsin, Ranked By Fans

The greatest players in NCAA history, ranked by team.

College Basketball Blue Bloods

College Sports

<a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-kentucky-point-guards-ever/ranker-ncaa-basketball" target="_blank">Check out the best Kentucky&nbsp;point guards ever!</a> 
Many colleges have storied traditions of tremendous Men&#39;s NCAA basketball programs. When thinking of some of the absolute best of all time, the Kentucky Wildcats have to be on the short list. Here is a list of the best Kentucky Wildcats of all time! The best Kentucky Wildcats in the history of their men&#39;s basketball program. Take a look at this list of Kentucky Wildcats basketball players and vote up your favorites!

From all time greats like Brandon Knight to Demarcus Cousins, to other players you might not remember so well, this is a great list of the top Kentucky Wildcats basketball players. So, take a look at these great&nbsp;Kentucky Wildcats and vote up the players that you think are truly some the greatest Kentucky basketball players of all time.

Who are the greatest Kentucky Wildcats?&nbsp;Who do you think are the best Kentucky Wildcats of al time?

Rajon Rondo

The Greatest Kentucky Basketball Players of All Time

The 50+ Best Kentucky Wildcats Basketball Players Ever, Ranked

Ranker NCAA Basketball

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Virginia.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">list of basketball players</a> who were born in Virginia includes Allen Iverson, Moses Malone, Alonzo Mourning, and Ralph Sampson. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Virginia?

Vote up the top Virginia NBA players.Then head over and check out some more top athletes from Virginia with a list of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-nfl-players-from-virginia/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best NFL players from Virginia</a>.

The Best NBA Players from Virginia

The 50+ Greatest NBA Players from Virginia, Ranked By Fans

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from South Carolina.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this list of basketball players who were born in South Carolina includes Kevin Garnett, Alex English, Khris Middleton, and Larry Nance. Possibly two of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best basketball players</a>&nbsp;to ever come out of SC, current rising stars Zion Williamson and Ja Morant, once&nbsp;played on a small regional AAU team called the South Carolina Hornets before their respective&nbsp;leaps to superstardom. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from South Carolina?

Vote up the top South Carolina NBA players, and add your favorite players if they&#39;re missing from the list.&nbsp;Then head over and check out some more top athletes from South Carolina with a list of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-nfl-players-from-south-carolina/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best NFL players from South Carolina</a>.

The Best NBA Players from South Carolina

The 40+ Greatest NBA Players from South Carolina, Ranked By Fans

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Maryland.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and current and active players, this <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/notable-basketball-player_s)/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">list of famous basketball players</a> on an NBA team&nbsp;who were born in Maryland includes Rudy Gay, Victor Oladipo, Steve Francis, and Josh Hart. Included below are some of the best professional athletes from Baltimore and other parts of Maryland, but who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Maryland?

Vote up the top Maryland NBA players, and help decide who is the best Maryland basketball player of all time!&nbsp;

The Best NBA Players from Maryland

The 80+ Best NBA Players from Maryland, Ranked By Fans

Breaking down the best all time basketball players from all 30 NBA teams.

Best NBA Players of Every Team

Lists that rank the team's greatest players and coaches, now and throughout history.  Can you feel the heat?

Miami Heat

A list of the best Miami Heat of all time. Formed in 1988, the Miami Heat are the most successful of the recent NBA expansion teams. Though it took four years for the team to make its first appearance in the playoffs, Miami has more than made up for lost time. Under the leadership of Pat Riley, Miami has had some of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time">best basketball players of all time</a> on its roster. Beginning with the acquisition of Alonzo Mourning from Charlotte, the Heat have always had a superstar on its roster. While superstars are generally the best players for the team, it doesn't always equal playoff success.Once the team drafted Dwyane Wade in 2003, it helped provide the foundation for the most prosperous period in the team's history. After Wade, the team traded for Shaquille O'Neal and together the duo helped the Heat win its first NBA title in 2006. After a few years clearing cap space, Miami landed the greatest free agent class in NBA history when it signed LeBron James, the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-10-current-nba-players">best current player in the league</a> and Chris Bosh. With Wade, James and Bosh, Miami went to three NBA Finals, winning two of them. The sky is the limit for Miami, as long as the best players in Heat history can stay healthy. These players have the potential to be considered the greatest of all time if they continue to win championships.This is the list of the best Miami Heat players of all time. If you think someone is missing from this list, feel free to add him. Vote or rerank this list so it best reflects who you think are the greatest players in Miami Heat history.&nbsp;

Dwyane Wade

The Best Miami Heat Players of All Time

Best Miami Heat Players of All Time

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from North Carolina.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">list of basketball players</a> who were born in North Carolina includes Chris Paul, John Wall, Brandon Ingram, and James Worthy. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from North Carolina?

Vote up the top North Carolina NBA players, and add your favorite players if they&#39;re missing from the list. Then head over and check out some more North Carolina star athletes with the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-nfl-players-from-north-carolina/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best NFL players from North Carolina</a>.

The Best NBA Players From North Carolina

The 50+ Greatest NBA Players From North Carolina

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Illinois.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this list of&nbsp;basketball players&nbsp;who were born in Illinois includes some of the most famous athletes in sports, including&nbsp;Chicago native NBA players Anthony Davis, Dwyane&nbsp;Wade, Isiah Thomas, and Derrick Rose. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Illinois?

Vote up the top Illinois NBA players, and help decide <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">who is the best basketball player</a> from Illinois.&nbsp;

The Best NBA Players from Illinois

The 50+ Best NBA Players from Illinois, Ranked

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Washington.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this list of basketball players who were born in Washington includes Gary Payton, John Stockton, Isiah Thomas, and Brandon Roy.&nbsp;Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Washington?

Vote up the top Washington NBA players. Then head over and check out some more top athletes from Washington with a list of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-nfl-players-from-washington/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best NFL players from Washington</a>.

The Best NBA Players from Washington

The 70 Best NBA Players from Washington, Ranked By Fans

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Michigan.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-male-basketball-players/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">list of basketball players</a> who were born in Michigan includes Magic Johnson, Chirs Webber, Devin Booker, and Kyle Kuzma. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Michigan?

Vote up the top Michigan NBA players, and help decide <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">who is the best basketball player</a> from Michigan.&nbsp;

The Best NBA Players from Michigan

The 50+ Greatest NBA Players from Michigan, Ranked By Fans

Lists that rank the team's greatest players and coaches, now and throughout history.

Washington Wizards

A list of the best Washington Wizards of all time. Originally the Chicago Packers, the NBA's first expansion team, the Bullets moved to Baltimore before the 1963 season. After a few lean years in Baltimore, the Bullets started to have some success, drafting some of the best players in team history. These teams were constant contenders and featured Hall of Fame players like Wes Unseld, the only player to win the MVP award as a Bullet, Walt Bellamy and Earl &quot;The Pearl&quot; Monroe. From the late 1960s through late 1970s were a decade of dominance for the Bullets. They were a consistent playoff threat and won a NBA title behind some of the best players in team history in 1978. Overall, the Bullets made the Finals four times in the 1970s&nbsp;In 1997, the team changed its name from the Bullets to the Wizards. While the Wizards haven't had too much success in recent years, the team has had its fair share of great players on its roster. Even the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time">greatest player of all time</a>, Michael Jordan, playing his final days in Washington, the team had trouble mustering a playoff threat.At one point, superstar guard GIlbert Arenas was one of the best players in the league. Arenas was one of the most prolific scorers in the league and along with Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler, made the team a perennial playoff team in the mid 2000s. This trio is considered one of the best Wizards history. Today, the Wizards hopes are pinned to star point guard John Wall, the number one overall pick in the 2010 draft. Wall is one of the most exciting players in the league and has the potential to be one of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-10-current-nba-players">best in the NBA</a>.This is the list of the best Washington Wizards of all time. If you notice a player missing from this list, feel free to add him. Vote or rerank this list according to who you think is the greatest Washington Bullets/Wizards player ever.

Manute Bol

The Best Washington Wizards of All Time

Best Washington Wizards of All Time

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Indiana.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this list of&nbsp;basketball players&nbsp;who were born in Indiana includes Larry Bird, Gordon Hayward, Zack Randolph, and Shawn Kemp&nbsp;. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Indiana?

Vote up the top <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/top-10-indiana-pacers-and-_39_-players-of-all-time/tristanshaw?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Indiana NBA players</a>, and help decide <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">who is the best basketball player</a> from Indiana.&nbsp;

The Best NBA Players from Indiana

The 100+ Greatest NBA Players from Indiana, Ranked By Fans

Rankings, picks, and predictions for how this NBA season will play out.

The 2021-2022 NBA Season

Who is the best NBA player under 25 right now? With the average age of an NBA player being 26 years old, the league&#39;s youngest players definitely deserve props. While younger NBA players are generally more athletic&nbsp;and energetic than their older guys, players under 25 might lack league experience, strength, and basketball IQ.&nbsp;NBA rookies, sophomores, and juniors are usually&nbsp;hazed on and off the court in order to build mental tenacity and character. Who are the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-10-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best current NBA players</a> under 25 today?&nbsp;

Joshua Primo&nbsp;is&nbsp;the youngest active NBA player in 2021-2022, but surely he isn&#39;t the best?&nbsp;Who is? Many young NBA players, like Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, and Trae Young, have already proved that they will grow up to become NBA superstars later in their careers. Rookies Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, and Evan Mobley hope to reverse their disappointing franchises fortunes next.&nbsp;

Vote for the best NBA young players&nbsp;currently playing in the league. Keep in mind that the following active NBA young bloods&nbsp;that are under 25. &nbsp;

The Best Current NBA Players Under 25

25+ Best Current NBA Players Under 25 | Youngest Players in NBA

Ranker Sports

Here are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA players</a> from Louisiana, including&nbsp;NBA players&nbsp;from&nbsp;New Orleans and Baton Rouge.&nbsp;Featuring Hall of Fame greats, superstars, and active players, this <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-current-nba-players?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">list of basketball players</a> who were <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/famous-people-from-louisiana/reference?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">born in Louisiana</a>&nbsp;includes Bill Russell, Karl Malone, Clyde Drexler, and Danny Granger. Who is the greatest NBA player&nbsp;from Louisiana?

Vote up the top Louisiana NBA players, and add your favorite players if they&#39;re missing from the list.&nbsp;

The Best NBA Players from Louisiana

The 50+ Greatest NBA Players from Louisiana, Ranked By Fans

Famous basketball players lists: Top 10, best, worst players.

Basketball Player lists on Ranker

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Basketball Players

LeBron James

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Magic Johnson

Larry Bird

Julius Erving

Chris Mullin

Wilt Chamberlain

Shaquille O'Neal

John Havlicek

Who is the best #1 NBA draft pick of all time? Having the number one&nbsp;overall pick in the NBA Draft could set your team up for success for more than a decade. However, not all no. 1 picks are created equal (as this list shows) and teams can regret passing up on superstars such as Michael Jordan or Kevin Durant. We&#39;ve compiled a list of all the number one overall draft picks in NBA Draft history to see who is voted the best top overall first round pick of all time. Which NBA player selected #1 was the best?

An easy case could be made for seventeen-time All Star, four-time MVP, and four-time NBA Champion LeBron James. There are other great NBA stars picked first such as Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Magic Johnson,&nbsp;Shaquille O&#39;Neal, Tim Duncan,&nbsp;Hakeem Olajuwon, Allen Iverson, and David Robinson. A few <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-current-nba-players-under-25/ranker-sports?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">young NBA stars</a> who went first like&nbsp;Zion Williamson and Ben Simmons are already making an impact on the game.&nbsp;

Vote up the best No. 1 NBA draft picks below, and help decide who is the best first overall NBA draft pick in history.

The Best No. 1 Overall NBA Draft Picks of All Time, Ranked

Ranking All Number One Picks In NBA History, Best To Worst

NBA Players Over the Decades

80s Sports

Small forward is arguably the most challenging positions in all of basketball. Requiring the speed of a shooting guard with the power of a power forward, it requires brains and brawn in order to become one of the greats. If&nbsp;you're looking for the best 80s small forwards, this list is perfect for you! Take a look at this list of the top 1980s <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-current-nba-small-forwards/ranker-nba?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">NBA small forwards</a> and vote for the ones you like! Don't think someone should be on this best NBA SFs 1980s list? Vote them down!One can't talk about the best SFs of the 80s and 90s without bringing up the legend, Larry Bird. but there are plenty of others as well! Clyde Drexler is considered to be one of the greatest NBA small forwards of the 1980s, as is the estimable Detlef Schrempf. With this list of NBA small forwards from the 80s, you really can't go wrong.So take a look at this list of 1980s small forwards and vote for your favorites! Then take a look at some of our other lists across the decades and see how your favorites stack up!&nbsp;

David Thompson

The Greatest Small Forwards of the 1980s

Best '80s Small Forwards | Greatest 1980s NBA SFs

Lists that rank the team's greatest players and coaches, now and throughout history. It's not luck.

Boston Celtics

Who are the best Boston Celtics of all time?&nbsp;When people think of the NBA, one of the first teams that comes to mind is the Boston Celtics. Throughout the franchise&#39;s storied history, the Celtics have had many of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-top-nba-players-of-all-time">greatest players of all time</a> on its roster. The number of the game&#39;s greatest players to play in Boston is an embarrassment of riches compared to many of the league&#39;s also-rans. Bill Russell was the first great player to wear the Celtics green and white. During his tenure with the team, the Celtics won a whopping 11 championships in 13 legendary seasons. Russell is considered the best player of his generation and one of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/greatest-centers-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best centers of all time</a>.

This wouldn&#39;t be a proper Ultimate List if we didn&#39;t include Larry Bird on it. Perhaps the most popular player in Celtics history, Larry Legend is one of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-10-small-forwards">best small forwards of all time</a>. During his historic run in Boston, Bird, along with teammates Kevin McHale and Robert Parish, powered the Celtics to five NBA Finals berths, winning three championships.

After Bird retired, the Celtics relied on Paul Pierce as the team&#39;s leader. Along with Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen, Pierce led the Celtics to a league record 17th championship when it defeated the rival Los Angeles Lakers in 2008. These three players are beloved by Celtics fans and look at them as some of greatest players to wear a Celtics uniform.

Vote up the best Boston Celtics of all time, and help decide who is the greatest player to ever wear the green and white!

Sam Jones

The Best Boston Celtics of All Time

The 100+ Best Boston Celtics of All Time, Ranked by Fans

Throughout basketball history, having a franchise center has been a crucial part of building a championship team. The best&nbsp;NBA centers&nbsp;have carried the success of many basketball teams. A lot of teams spend years looking for a dominant center, but not too many graduate from project to an iconic, Hall of Fame big man. Some teams have had better luck than others when landing a great NBA center. The Los Angeles Lakers has been the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-single-season-nba-teams/loganrapp?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best NBA team</a> at developing and trading for the best centers in the league. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, George Mikan and Shaquille O'Neal are all centers who have played for the Lakers.Another team that's had a number of great&nbsp;centers on its roster is the Houston Rockets. Counting Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Yao Ming as its alumni, not to mention Dwight Howard, could all be considered some of the top centers in the NBA. While a great center may not guarantee a championship, it certainly doesn't hurt to have any of the big men on this list on your team.Many of these centers are the biggest names in basketball history. They have MVP awards, scoring titles, and Defensive Player of the Year awards spread among them. Vote for the players you think deserve&nbsp;to be called the best centers of all time.