Top 10 basketball players of all time

So as we all know, we regrettably have to deal with the current status of the NBA and its personal problems. The NBA is in a financial dispute with its players and neither side is willing to compromise. I myself am extremely influenced by the sport of basketball, and a faithful follower of the sport. So as the lost season quickly disappears, great players lose credentials and opportunities to create legacies.  For the many true basketball fans out there, I will give my personal list of all-time all around best basketball players. This is a personal list and does not reflect the views of this website as a whole.

10. Tim “The Big Fundamental” Duncan

Born Timothy Theodore in the Virgin Islands on April 16, 1976. As a kid he swam, and did not start to play basketball until his freshman year in high school. After dominating at his high school, he went to Wake Forest University. He was the first all around draft pick for the San Antonio Spurs.  In his first season alone he shot a total of 1731,  averaged 11.9 rebounds, and was the rookie of the year.

9. Karl “The Mailman” Malone

Born on July 24, 1963 in Summerfield, Louisiana Malone was the youngest of nine children. He eventually attended Louisiana Tech University and became a star athlete. In the 1985 draft pick, he was the first for Utah Jazz and 13th all around. He was 6’9″ and weighed 250 lbs. His records include All-Star games from 88-98 and the honor of being named 1986 All Rookie. His career totals are 54852 minutes played, 2085 steals, and 36928 points. He is currently the assistant coach of the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs.

8. Bill Russell

Born February 12, 1934 in Monroe, Louisiana. In the 1956 NBA draft, he was the 2nd pick overall for the St. Louis Rams. At the time he was only 22 and six foot nine inches and weighed 215 lbs. His achievements are some of the most outstanding even to this date. He was in every All-star game from 1958-69, five time NBA MVP, and won 11 NBA championships, the most ever.

7. Kobe “Black Mamba” Bryant

One of the only players on the list who still has time to supercharge his legacy, Kobe was the 13th all around pick for the Charlotte Hornets in the 1996 NBA draft pick. Although he may not be the most liked player in the NBA right now, he is undoubtedly one of the best. He has played in every All-star game since 2000-present, is the ’97 slam dunk contest winner, and has five NBA championships.

6. Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr.

He was the first all around pick in the ’79  NBA draft for the Los Angeles Lakers. He stood at 6’8″, weighed 215 lbs, and would soon become one of the industry’s best. He has five NBA championships, played in twelve all-star games, and was inducted into the NBA hall of fame in 2002. He has achieved all this while battling AIDS.

5. Julius “The Doctor” Erving

Erving is one of my all time favorite athletes, as well as one of the most entertaining. He played most of his career for the ABA and was one of its top players when it merged with NBA after the 1976 season. He was 6’6″ and 200lbs, and played most of his career with the Philadelphia 76ers. He had 2 ABA and 1 NBA championships, played in 16 all star games, and scored a total of 30026 career points.

4. Larry “The Hick from French Lick” Bird

 One of the most influential players of all time, and one of the greatest shooters as well. He played with the Boston Celtics his entire career. His achievements are three NBA championships, 4 time NBA MVP, 21791 total career points, and coaching the Pacers for three seasons.

3. Kareem “Cap” Abdul-Jabbar

Born Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. was the first all around draft pick for the Milwaukee Bucks in the ’69 drafts. He stood 7’2″ and weighed 225lbs, making him one of the most unstoppable forces in the NBA. He played in every all star game from ’70-’89, was inducted in the hall of fame in 1995, has 6 NBA championships, and scored a total of  38387 career points.

2. Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain

Born August 21, 1936 in Pennsylvania and was picked in the 59′ NBA draft pick. He played in 13 NBA all-star games, was inducted into the hall of fame in 1979, has two championships, and is the only player in the NBA to score 100 points in a single game.

1. Michael “Air” Jordan

Obviously one of the greatest players to ever step or fly on the court, he stands at 6’6″ and weighs 195lbs. His presence is well known all over the world, and has a made a living by being the greatest. He has six NBA championships and was inducted into the hall of fame in ’09, and scored a total of 32292 career points.

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