Watching Michael Jordan play feels like watching a basketball deity in action. In his prime, from 1991 to 1998, he led the Chicago Bulls to six NBA championships, achieving two separate three-peats (1991-1993, 1996-1998). Jordan’s 30.1 points per game career average reflect his extraordinary scoring ability. Who could forget the “Flu Game” in the 1997 NBA Finals, where despite illness Jordan scored 38 points against the Utah Jazz? That’s the epitome of resilience and performance under pressure.
LeBron James, often compared to Jordan, holds the record for highest points in NBA playoffs history, with over 7,600 points as of 2022. A player of enormous versatility, he’s influenced modern basketball with his unique combination of size, athleticism, and IQ. Remember his 29 points in a row performance against the Detroit Pistons in the 2007 Eastern Conference Finals? Single-handedly leading his team to victory at age 22? Absolutely insane.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with his skyhook and 38,387 points over 20 seasons are milestones that stand almost transcendent in basketball history. Not only did he play until he was 42, but his six MVP awards—a record—cement his legacy as a beacon of longevity and sustained brilliance.
Magic Johnson’s rivalry with Larry Bird took professional basketball to new heights in terms of viewership and popularity. Magic’s vision and playmaking ability redefined the point guard role, evidenced by his 11.2 assists per game career average, the highest in NBA history. Jeopardizing the Lakers-Celtics rivalry in the 1980s made the NBA what it is today.
Larry Bird once participated in the All-Star 3-point shooting contest and won while wearing his warm-up jacket, proclaiming, “Who’s coming in second?” before the contest even started. Bird collected three MVP awards consecutively from 1984-1986 and the precision of his 49.6% field goal career shooting percentage reflects a shooter with unparalleled confidence and skill.
Wilt Chamberlain’s dominance could be summed up by his 100-point game on March 2, 1962—a record that stands unchallenged. Averaging over 50 points per game during the 1961-62 season, his athletic prowess is something of myth and legend. Wilt’s impact went beyond scoring; he redefined the center position.
Tim Duncan defined the modern power forward with exceptional fundamentals and consistency. His five championships with the San Antonio Spurs, along with two MVP awards, highlighted his understated yet undeniable dominance. Duncan spent his entire career with one team, a rarity that speaks volumes of his loyalty and consistent performance.
Shaquille O’Neal’s imposing physicality made him an unstoppable force in the paint. Averaging 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds per game, he led the Lakers to a three-peat from 2000-2002 and won three Finals MVPs in the process. His blend of brute strength and dexterity was simply dazzling.
Oscar Robertson’s greatest achievement might be his 1961-62 season, where he averaged a triple-double— a feat that wasn’t repeated for 55 years. The “Big O” racked up career milestones, including an NBA championship in 1971 and an MVP award, with his all-around skill setting a benchmark for guard performance.
Kobe Bryant’s scoring prowess and competitive spirit are legendary. Known for his “Mamba Mentality,” Kobe scored 81 points in a single game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, the second-highest individual game score in NBA history. His five championships and relentless work ethic resonate as profound contributions to basketball’s rich narrative.
By touching on these iconic moments and career landmarks, it’s clear why these athletes are celebrated as the sport’s top ten icons. If you are curious to know more facts and figures, check out the comprehensive list of the top 10 best nba players of all time.