I do have the stats here for head to head against various other great defensive guards of his era and it’s safe to say that nobody could really guard Jordan.
Vs Sidney Moncrief (2x DPOY)
Vs Joe Dumars (5x All-Def)
Vs Michael Cooper (1x DPOY)
Vs Dennis Johnson (9x All-Def)
Vs Alvin Robertson (1x DPOY)
Vs Gary Payton (1x DPOY)
Jordan dropped 30+ on every great defensive guard of his era. And what’s more, held them all to 15pts and below.
Now that the NBA season has ended (and what a season it was!) now comes to time to revisit the top 100 greatest players of all time, as well as the top NBA players by position. I’ve decided to discard my old post on this since that post was made back in 2013, and this one has been updated through the new NBA season, with top 25 per position making a total of 100 players here.
These are all gleaned by my composite score for each player, all ranked by tallying their stats and awards together. You can download it here
I’ve also agreed with Rick Barry’s assertion that we should judge NBA players by position, because how can you compare Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain and definitively say one is better than the other when they play totally different positions? You can’t. So let’s go by position. Here’s the new list:
Point Guard
1. Magic Johnson “The Magic Man”
19.5 PPG/7.2 RPG/11.2 APG, 5x Champion, 3x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 10x All-NBA, 12x All-Star, 9x Finals Appearances (1980, 1982-1985, 1987-1989, 1991)
2. Jerry West “Mr Clutch”
27.0 PPG/5.8 RPG/6.7 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 12x All-Defensive, 14x All Star, 9x Finals Appearances (1962-1963, 1965-1966, 1968-1970, 1972-1973)
3. Oscar Robertson “The Big O”
25.7 PPG/7.5 RPG/9.5 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 12x All-Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1971, 1974)
4. Bob Cousy “Houdini of the Hardwood”
18.4 PPG/5.2 RPG/7.5 APG, 6x Champion, 1x MVP, 12x All-NBA, 13x All Star, 7x Finals Appearances (1957-1963)
5. Chris Paul “CP3”
18.7 PPG/4.4 RPG/9.5 APG, 7x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, 9x All Star
6. John Stockton
13.1 PPG/2.7 RPG/10.5 APG, 11x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1997-1998)
7. Jason Kidd “J-Kidd”
12.6 PPG/6.3 RPG/8.7 APG, 1x Champion, 6x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, 10x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (2002-2003, 2011)
8. Walt Frazier “Clyde”
18.9 PPG/5.9 RPG/6.1 APG, 2x Champion, 6x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, 7x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1970, 1972-1973)
9. Russell Westbrook “Beastbrook”
23.2 PPG/7.1 RPG/8.3 APG, 1x MVP, 8x All-NBA, 9x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2012)
10. Stephen Curry “Chef Curry”
23.5 PPG/4.5 RPG/6.6 APG, 3x Champion, 2x MVP, 6x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (2015-2019)
11. Gary Payton “The Glove”
16.3 PPG/3.9 RPG/6.7 APG, 1x Champion, 9x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, 9x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1996, 2004, 2006)
12. Steve Nash
14.3 PPG/3.0 RPG/8.5 APG, 2x MVP, 7x All-NBA, 8x All Star
13. Isiah Thomas “Zeke”
19.2 PPG/3.6 RPG/9.3 APG, 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-NBA, 12x All-Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1988-1990)
14. Dennis Johnson “DJ”
14.9 PPG/3.9 RPG/5.0 APG, 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, 5x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1978-1979, 1984-1987)
15. Tony Parker
15.5 PPG/2.7 RPG/5.6 APG, 4x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 4x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (2003, 2005, 2007, 2013-2014)
16. Chauncey Billups “Mr Big Shot”
15.2 PPG/2.9 RPG/5.4 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 3x All-NBA, 2x All-Defensive, 5x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2004, 2005)
17. Tiny Archibald
18.8 PPG/2.3 RPG/7.4 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1981)
18. Damian Lillard “Dame”
23.1 PPG/4.1 RPG/6.2 APG, 3x All-NBA, 4x All Star
19. Maurice Cheeks
11.1 PPG/2.8 RPG/6.7 APG, 1x Champion, 4x All-Star, 5x All-Defensive, 3x Finals Appearances (1980, 1982-1983)
20. Rajon Rondo
10.7 PPG/4.9 RPG/8.5 APG, 4x All-Star, 1x Champion, 2x Finals Appearances (2008, 2010)
21. Kyrie Irving “Uncle Drew”
22.0 PPG/3.4 RPG/5.5 APG, 1x Champion, 6x All Star, 1x All-NBA, 3x Finals Appearance (2015-2017)
22. Jo Jo White
17.2 PPG/4.0 RPG/4.9 APG, 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1974, 1976)
23. Dave Bing
20.3 PPG/3.8 RPG/6.0 APG, 3x All-NBA, 7x All-Star
24. Kevin Johnson “KJ”
17.9 PPG/3.3 RPG/9.1 APG, 5x All-NBA, 3x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1993)
25. Lenny Wilkens
16.5 PPG/4.7 RPG/6.7 APG, 9x All Star
Shooting Guard
1. Michael Jordan “Air Jordan”
30.1 PPG/6.2 RPG/5.3 APG, 6x Champion, 5x MVP, 6x Finals MVP, 11x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, 14x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1991-1993, 1996-1998)
2. Kobe Bryant “The Black Mamba”
25.5 PPG/5.3 RPG/4.8 APG, 5x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 15x All-NBA, 12x All-Defensive, 18x All Star, 7x Finals Appearances (2000-2002, 2004, 2008-2010)
3. Dwyane Wade “Flash”
22.0 PPG/4.7 RPG/5.4 APG, 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 8x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, 12x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (2006, 2011-2014)
4. Allen Iverson “The Answer”
26.7 PPG/3.7 RPG/6.2 APG, 1x MVP, 7x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2001)
5. George Gervin “Iceman”
25.1 PPG/5.2 RPG/2.5 APG, 9x All-NBA, 12x All Star
6. James Harden “The Beard”
25.1 PPG/5.3 RPG/6.3 APG, 1x MVP, 6x All-NBA, 8x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2012)
7. Sam Jones
17.7 PPG/4.9 RPG/2.5 APG, 10x Champion, 3x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 11x Finals Appearances (1958-1966, 1968-1969)
8. Clyde Drexler “The Glide”
20.4 PPG/6.1 RPG/5.6 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1990, 1992, 1995)
9. Bill Sharman
17.8 PPG/3.9 RPG/3.0 APG, 4x Champion, 7x All-NBA, 8x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1957-1961)
10. Ray Allen
18.9 PPG/4.1 RPG/3.4 APG, 2x Champion, 2x All-NBA, 10x All-Star, 4x Finals Appearances (2008, 2010, 2013-2014)
11. Hal Greer
19.2 PPG/5.0 RPG/4.0 APG, 1x Champion, 7x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1967)
12. Tracy McGrady “T-Mac”
19.6 PPG/5.6 RPG/4.4 APG, 5x All-NBA, 7x All Star
13. Joe Dumars
16.1 PPG/2.2 RPG/4.5 APG, 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 3x All-NBA, 5x All-Defensive, 6x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1988-1990)
14. Sidney Moncrief
15.6 PPG/4.7 RPG/3.6 APG, 5x All-NBA, 5x All-Defensive, 5x All Star
15. Michael Cooper
8.9 PPG/3.2 RPG/4.2 APG, 8x All-Defensive, 5x Champion, 8x Finals Appearances (1980, 1982-1985, 1987-1989)
16. Reggie Miller
18.2 PPG/3 RPG/3 APG, 5x All-Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2000)
17. Manu Ginobili
14.6 PPG/3.8 RPG/4 APG, 2x All-Star, 4x Champion, 5x Finals Appearances (2003, 2005, 2007, 2013-2014)
18. Vince Carter “Vinsanity”
18.2 PPG/4.6 RPG/3.3 APG, 2x All-NBA, 8x All-Star
19. Mitch Richmond
21.0 PPG/3.9 RPG/3.5 APG, 1x Champion, 3x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2002)
20. David Thompson “Skywalker”
22.1 PPG/4.1 RPG/3.3 APG, 2x All-NBA, 5x All Star
21. Alvin Robertson
14.0 PPG/5.2 RPG/5.0 APG, 6x All-Defensive, 4x All-Star
22. Walter Davis
18.9 PPG/3.8 RPG/3.0 APG, 6x All-Star, 2x All-NBA
23. Pete Maravich “Pistol”
24.2 PPG/4.2 RPG/5.4 APG, 4x All-ABA, 5x All Star
24. Gail Goodrich
18.6 PPG/3.2 RPG/4.7 APG, 5x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 1x Champion, 3x Finals Appearances (1968, 1972-1973)
25. Klay Thompson
19.5 PPG/3.5 RPG/2.3 APG, 3x Champion, 5x All-Star, 5x Finals Appearances (2015-2019)
Small Forwards
1. Lebron James “King James”
27.1 PPG/7.4 RPG/7.1 APG, 2x Champion, 4x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 15x All-NBA, 6x All-Defensive, 16x All Star, 9x Finals Appearances (2007, 2011-2018)
2. Julius Erving “Dr J”
24.2 PPG/6.7 RPG/4.2 APG, 3x Champion, 4x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 17x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1972, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1982-1983)
3. Larry Bird “Larry Legend”
24.3 PPG/10.0 RPG/6.3 APG, 3x Champion, 3x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 10x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, 12x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1981, 1984-1987)
4. John Havlicek “Hondo”
20.8 PPG/6.3 RPG/4.8 APG, 8x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 11x All-NBA, 14x All-Defensive, 13x All Star, 8x Finals Appearances (1963-1966, 1968-1969, 1974, 1976)
5. Kevin Durant “KD”
27.4 PPG/6.9 RPG/3.5 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 7x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 4x Finals Appearances (2012, 2017-2019)
6. Scottie Pippen “Pip”
16.1 PPG/6.4 RPG/5.2 APG, 6x Champion, 7x All-NBA, 10x All-Defensive, 7x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1991-1993, 1996-1998)
7. Rick Barry “The Miami Greyhound”
24.8 PPG/6.7 RPG/4.9 APG, 2x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 6x All-NBA, 8x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1967, 1969, 1975)
8. Elgin Baylor “Mr Inside”
27.4 PPG/13.5 RPG/4.6 APG, 10x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 8x Finals Appearances (1959, 1962-1963, 1965-1966, 1968-1970)
9. Kawhi Leonard “The Klaw”
18.6 PPG/6.4 RPG/2.7 APG, 2x Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 3x All-NBA, 5x All-Defensive, 4x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (2013, 2014, 2019)
10. Paul Arizin
22.8 PPG/8.6 RPG/2.3 APG, 1x Champion, 4x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1956)
11. Paul Pierce “The Truth”
19.7 PPG/5.6 RPG/3.5 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 1x All-NBA, 10x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2008, 2010)
12. Connie Hawkins “The Hawk”
18.7 PPG/8.8 RPG/4.1 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 3x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1968)
13. Adrian Dantley
24.3 PPG/5.7 RPG/3.0 APG, 2x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1988)
14. Billy Cunningham “The Kangaroo Kid”
21.2 PPG/10.4 RPG/4.3 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 5x All-NBA, 5x All-Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1967)
15. Dominique Wilkins “The Human Highlight Reel”
24.8 PPG/6.7 RPG/2.5 APG, 7x All-NBA, 9x All Star
16. Carmelo Anthony “Melo”
23.6 PPG/6.5 RPG/2.9 APG, 2x All-NBA, 10x All Star
17. Alex English
21.5 PPG/5.5 RPG/3.6 APG, 3x All-NBA, 8x All Star
18. James Worthy “Big Game James”
17.6 PPG/5.1 RPG/3.0 APG, 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 7x Finals Appearances (1983-1985, 1987-1989, 1991)
19. Roger Brown
17.4 PPG/6.2 RPG/3.8 APG, 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 3x All-ABA, 4x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1969-1970, 1972-1973, 1975)
20. Bernard King
22.5 PPG/5.8 RPG/3.3 APG, 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA
21. Bob Dandridge
18.5 PPG/6.8 RPG/3.4 APG, 4x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 2x Champion, 4x Finals Appearances (1971, 1974, 1978, 1979)
22. Jamaal Wilkes
17.7 PPG/6.2 RPG/2.5 APG, 3x All-Star, 2x All-Defensive, 4x Champion, 6x Finals Appearances (1975, 1980, 1982-1985)
23. Andre Iguodala “Iggy”
12.1 PPG/5.1 RPG/4.3 APG, 1x All-Star, 2x All-Defensive, 3x Champion, 5x Finals Appearances (2015-2019)
24. Grant Hill
16.7 PPG/6.0 RPG/4.1 APG, 7x All-Star, 5x All-NBA
25. Chet Walker
18.2 PPG/7.1 RPG/2.1 APG, 7x All-Star, 1x Champion
Power Forward
1. Tim Duncan “The Big Fundamental”
19.9 PPG/11.1 RPG/3.1 APG, 5x Champion, 2x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 15x All-NBA, 15x All-Defensive, 15x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2013-2014)
2. Karl Malone “The Mailman”
25.0 PPG/10.1 RPG/3.6 APG, 2x MVP, 14x All-NBA, 14x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1997-1998)
3. Kevin Garnett “KG”
18.6 PPG/10.3 RPG/3.9 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 9x All-NBA, 12x All-Defensive, 15x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2008, 2010)
4. Bob Pettit
26.4 PPG/16.2 RPG/3.0 APG, 1x Champion, 2x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 4x Finals Appearances (1957-1958, 1960-1961)
5. Dirk Nowitzki “The German Juggernaut”
20.7 PPG/7.5 RPG/2.4 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (2006, 2011)
6. Charles Barkley “Sir Charles”
22.1 PPG/11.7 RPG/3.9 APG, 1x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 11x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1993)
7. Dolph Schayes
18.2 PPG/12.1 RPG/3.1 APG, 1x Champion, 12x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1950, 1954, 1955)
8. Elvin Hayes “The Big E”
21.0 PPG/12.5 RPG/1.8 APG, 1x Champion, 6x All-NBA, 12x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1975, 1978-1979)
9. Dennis Rodman “The Worm”
7.3 PPG/13.1 RPG/1.8 APG, 5x Champion, 8x All-Defensive, 2x All-Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1988-1990, 1996-1998)
10. Dan Issel “The Horse”
22.6 PPG/9.1 RPG/2.4 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1971, 1973, 1975)
11. George McGinnis
20.2 PPG/11.0 RPG/3.7 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1972-1973, 1975)
12. Kevin McHale “The Black Hole”
17.9 PPG/7.3 RPG/1.7 APG, 3x Champion, 1x All-NBA, 6x All-Defensive, 7x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1981, 1984-1987)
13. Spencer Haywood
20.3 PPG/10.3 RPG/1.8 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 5x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1980)
14. Tom Heinsohn
18.6 PPG/8.8 RPG/2.0 APG, 8x Champion, 4x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 9x Finals Appearances (1957-1965)
15. Dave DeBusschere
16.1 PPG/11.0 RPG/2.9 APG, 2x Champion, 1x All-NBA, 10x All-Defensive, 8x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1970, 1972-1973)
16. Anthony Davis “The Brow”
24.0 PPG/10.4 RPG/2.2 APG, 3x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, 7x All-Star
17. Pau Gasol
17.0 PPG/9.2 RPG/3.2 APG, 2x Champion, 2x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (2008-2010)
18. Bobby Jones
12.1 PPG/6.1 RPG/2.7 APG, 1x Champion, 11x All-Defensive, 5x All-Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1980, 1982, 1983)
19. Giannis Antetokoumpo “The Greek Freak”
20.0 PPG/8.9 RPG/4.3 APG, 2x MVP, 4x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 2x All-Defensive
20. Jerry Lucas “The Computer”
17.0 PPG/15.6 RPG/3.3 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 7x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1972-1973)
21. Horace Grant
11.2 PPG/8.1 RPG/2.2 APG, 1x All-Star, 4x All-Defensive, 4x Champion, 6x Finals Appearances (1991-1993, 1995, 2001, 2004)
22. Chris Bosh
19.2 PPG/8.6 RPG/2.0 APG, 11x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 4x Finals Appearances (2011-2014)
23. Chris Webber “C-Webb”
20.7 PPG/9.8 RPG/4.2 APG, 4x All-NBA, 5x All Star
24. Amare Stoudemire
18.9 PPG/7.8 RPG/1.2 APG, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star
25. Bailey Howell
18.7 PPG/9.9 RPG/2.0 APG, 2x Champion, 1x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1968, 1969)
Center
1. Bill Russell
15.1 PPG/22.5 RPG/4.3 APG, 11x Champion, 5x MVP, 11x All-NBA, 13x All-Defensive, 12x All Star, 12x Finals Appearances (1957-1966, 1968-1969)
2. Wilt Chamberlain “The Big Dipper”
30.1 PPG/22.9 RPG/4.4 APG, 2x Champion, 4x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 12x All-Defensive, 10x All-NBA, 13x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1964, 1967, 1969-1970, 1972-1973)
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar “Cap”
24.6 PPG/11.2 RPG/3.6 APG, 6x Champion, 6x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 15x All-NBA, 11x All-Defensive, 19x All Star, 10x Finals Appearances (1971, 1974, 1980, 1982-1985, 1987-1989)
4. Shaquille O’Neal “Diesel”
23.7 PPG/10.9 RPG/2.5 APG, 4x Champion, 1x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 14x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, 15x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1995, 2000-2002, 2004, 2006)
5. Hakeem Olajuwon “The Dream”
21.8 PPG/11.1 RPG/2.5 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 12x All-NBA, 9x All-Defensive, 12x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1986, 1994-1995)
6. Moses Malone “Chairman of the Boards”
20.6 PPG/12.2 RPG/1.4 APG, 1x Champion, 3x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 8x All-NBA, 2x All-Defensive, 12x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1981, 1983)
7. Artis Gilmore “The A-Train”
18.8 PPG/12.3 RPG/2.3 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-ABA, 11x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1971, 1973, 1975)
8. David Robinson “The Admiral”
21.1 PPG/10.6 RPG/2.5 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 10x All-NBA, 8x All-Defensive, 10x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1999, 2003)
9. George Mikan “Mr Basketball”
22.6 PPG/13.4 RPG/2.8 APG, 7x Champion, 1x MVP, 6x All-NBA, 4x All Star, 4x Finals Appearances (1950, 1952-1954)
10. Dwight Howard “Superman”
16.8 PPG/12.3 RPG/1.4 APG, 8x All-NBA, 5x All-Defensive, 8x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (2009)
11. Mel Daniels “Big Mel”
18.4 PPG/14.9 RPG/1.8 APG, 3x Champion, 2x MVP, 5x All-ABA, 7x All Star, 5x Finals Appearances (1969-1970, 1972-1973, 1975)
12. Willis Reed “The Captain”
18.7 PPG/12.9 RPG/1.8 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 5x All-NBA, 4x All-Defensive, 7x All Star, 3x Finals Appearances (1970, 1972-1973)
13. Dave Cowens
17.6 PPG/13.6 RPG/3.8 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 3x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, 8x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1974, 1976)
14. Patrick Ewing
21.0 PPG/9.8 RPG/2.0 APG, 7x All-NBA, 3x All-Defensive, 11x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1994)
15. Bob McAdoo
22.1 PPG/9.4 RPG/2.3 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 2x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 4x Finals Appearances (1982-1985)
16. Robert Parish “The Chief”
14.5 PPG/9.1 RPG/1.4 APG, 4x Champion, 2x All-NBA, 9x All Star, 6x Finals Appearances (1981, 1984-1987, 1997)
17. Dikembe Mutombo
9.8 PPG/10.3 RPG/1 APG, 6x All-Defensive, 8x All-Star, 1x All-NBA, 1x Finals Appearance (2001)
18. Wes Unseld
10.8 PPG/14.0 RPG/3.9 APG, 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 1x All-NBA, 5x All Star, 4x Finals Appearances (1971, 1975, 1978-1979)
19. Neil Johnston
19.4 PPG/11.3 RPG/2.5 APG, 1x Champion, 5x All-NBA, 6x All Star, 1x Finals Appearance (1956)
20. Ben Wallace “Big Ben”
5.7 PPG/9.3 RPG/1.6 APG, 4x All-Star, 3x All-NBA, 6x All-Defensive, 1x Champion, 2x Finals Appearances (2004-2005)
21. Walt Bellamy
20.1 PPG/13.7 RPG/2.4 APG, 4x All-Star
22. Zelmo Beaty
16 PPG/10.5 RPG/1.5 APG, 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 5x All-Star, 2x All-ABA, 1x Finals Appearance (1971)
23. Alonzo Mourning “Zo”
17.1 PPG/8.5 RPG/1.1 APG, 7x All-Star, 2x All-NBA, 2x All-Defensive, 1x Champion, 1x Finals Appearance (2006)
24. Bob Lanier
20.1 PPG/10.1 RPG/3.1 APG, 8x All Star
25. Bill Walton “Big Red”
13.3 PPG/10.5 RPG/3.4 APG, 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x Finals MVP, 2x All-NBA, 2x All-Defensive, 2x All Star, 2x Finals Appearances (1977, 1986)
Greatest white players in NBA history
1. Larry Bird
2. Jerry West
3. John Havlicek
4. Bob Pettit
5. Bob Cousy
6. John Stockton
7. Rick Barry
8. Dirk Nowitzki
9. Steve Nash
10. Bill Walton
11. George Mikan
12. Dolph Schayes
13. Paul Arizin
14. Dave Cowens
15. Dan Issel
16. Kevin McHale
17. Billy Cunningham
18. Jerry Lucas
19. Pete Maravich
20. Neil Johnston
All-NBA teams for 2K18 simulation
1st team – Lakers uniform range: 92-99
2K20:
Starting: Magic Johnston, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Karl Malone, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Backup: Jerry West, Tracy McGrady, Elgin Baylor, Anthony Davis, Shaq
Reserve: Pau Gasol, James Worthy, George Mikan
Starting: Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James, Elvin Hayes, Kareem Abdul Jabbar
Backup: Walt Frazier, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Dan Issel, Shaq
Reserve: James Worthy, Tracy McGrady, George Mikan
2nd team – Celtics uniform range 88-98
2K20:
Starting: Bob Cousy, Ray Allen, Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, Bill Russell
Backup: Dennis Johnson, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, Dave Cowens
Reserve: Tom Heinsohn, Paul Pierce, Robert Parish
Starting: Bob Cousy, James Harden, Larry Bird, Kevin Garnett, Bill Russell
Backup: Dennis Johnson, Sam Jones, John Havlicek, Kevin McHale, Dave Cowens
Reserve: Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Tom Heinsohn
3rd team – 76ers uniform range 88-98
2K20:
Starting: Oscar Robertson, Allen Iverson, Julius Erving, George McGinnis, Moses Malone
Backup: Russell Westbrook, Clyde Drexler, Billy Cunningham, Jerry Lucas, Dwight Howard
Reserve: Bobby Jones, Horace Grant, Dikembe Mutombo
Starting: John Stockton, Allen Iverson, Julius Erving, Bob Pettit, Wilt Chamberlain
Backup: Oscar Robertson, Clyde Drexler , Billy Cunningham, Spencer Haywood, Moses Malone
Reserve: Russell Westbrook, Dominique Wilkins, Bob McAdoo
4th team – Bulls uniform range 91-99
2K20:
Starting: Jason Kidd, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dan Issel, Hakeem Olajuwon
Backup: Walt Frazier, Dwayne Wade, Connie Hawkins, Spencer Haywood, Artis Gilmore
Reserve: Tiny Archibald, Dominique Wilkins, Wes Unseld
Starting: Jason Kidd, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing
Backup: Tiny Archibald, David Thompson, George McGinnis, Chris Webber, Wes Unseld
Reserve: Vince Carter, Alex English, Artis Gilmore
5th team – Warriors uniform range 91-98
2K20:
Starting: Steph Curry, James Harden, Kevin Durant, Bob Pettit, Wilt Chamberlain
Backup: John Stockton, Sidney Moncrief, Rick Barry, Elvin Hayes, Patrick Ewing
Reserve: Chris Webber, Jack Sikma, Nate Thurmond
Starting: Steph Curry, Dwayne Wade, Kevin Durant, Dirk Nowitzki, Hakeem Olajuwon
Backup: Chris Paul, Mitch Richmond, Rick Barry, Jerry Lucas, Nate Thurmond
Reserve: Tim Hardaway, Connie Hawkins, Bob Lanier
6th team – Spurs uniform 89-98
2K20:
Starting: Chris Paul, Michael Cooper, George Gervin, Tim Duncan, David Robinson
Backup: Steve Nash, Manu Ginobili, Kawhi Leonard, Dirk Nowitzki, Willis Reed
Reserve: Tony Parker, Chris Bosh, Carmelo Anthony
Starting: Steve Nash, George Gervin, Kawhi Leonard, Tim Duncan, David Robinson
Backup: Gary Payton, Sidney Moncrief, Carmelo Anthony, Anthony Davis, Bill Walton
Reserve: Tony Parker, Blake Griffin, Alonzo Mourning
7th team – Pistons uniform
2K20:
Starting: Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Adrian Dantley, Dave Debusschere, Bob Lanier
Backup: Gary Payton, Mitch Richmond, Giannis, Dennis Rodman, Bill Walton
Reserve: Chauncey Billups, Ben Wallace, Alex English
Starting: Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, Grant Hill, Dave Debusschere, Willis Reed
Backup: Dave Bing, Pete Maravich, Adrian Dantley, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard
Reserve: Bernard King, Chauncey Billups, Pau Gasol
Note: All players on these teams are top 125 players all time. Charles Barkley, Hal Greer, Dolph Schayes, Paul Arizin, Neil Johnston, Bill Sharman, Mel Daniels, Roger Brown, Reggie Miller are all missing from the game due to licensing issue else they might have appeared on here.
All-NBA team for each decade
1950s:
PG: Bob Cousy/Slater Martin
SG: Bill Sharman/Richie Guerin
SF: Paul Arizin/George Yardley
PF: Bob Pettit /Dolph Schayes
C: George Mikan/Neil Johnston
1960s:
PG: Oscar Robertson/Dave Bing
SG: Jerry West/Hal Greer
SF: Elgin Baylor/Billy Cunningham
PF: Willis Reed/Jerry Lucas
C: Wilt Chamberlain/Bill Russell
1970s:
PG: Walt Frazier/Tiny Archibald
SG: John Havlicek/Pete Maravich
SF: Rick Barry/Bob McAdoo
PF: Elvin Hayes/Dave Cowens
C: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar/Bill Walton
1980s:
PG: Magic Johnson/Isiah Thomas
SG: George Gervin/Sidney Moncrief
SF: Larry Bird/Dominique Wilkins
PF: Julius Erving/Kevin McHale
C: Moses Malone/Patrick Ewing
1990s:
PG: John Stockton/Gary Payton
SG: Michael Jordan/Mitch Richmond
SF: Scottie Pippen/Clyde Drexler
PF: Karl Malone/Charles Barkley
C: Hakeem Olajuwon/David Robinson
2000s:
PG: Jason Kidd/Steve Nash
SG: Kobe Bryant/Allen Iverson
SF: Dwayne Wade/Paul Pierce
PF: Kevin Garnett/Dirk Nowitzki
C: Shaquille O’Neal/Tim Duncan
2010s:
PG: Chris Paul/Stephen Curry
SG: James Harden/Russell Westbrook
SF: Kevin Durant/Kawhi Leonard
PF: Lebron James/Giannis Antetokounmpo
C: Anthony Davis/Dwight Howard
2K teams
1960s team (Celtics uni): Oscar,Cousy, West, Greer/Sam Jones, Baylor, Cunningham, Pettit,Lucas, Wilt, Russell, Heinsohn, Reed
1970s team (Knicks uni): Frazier, Archibald, Maravich, Thompson, Barry, Hondo, Hayes, Issel, Cowens, Walton, Thurmond, Gervin
1980s team (Lakers uni): Magic, Isiah, Moncrief, Dumars, Bird, Dr J, McHale, Barkley, Moses, Kareem, Dennis Johnson, Wilkins
1990s team (Bulls uni): Stockton, Payton, Jordan, Drexler, Pippen, Hill, Malone, Rodman, Hakeem, Robinson, Ewing, Richmond
2000s team (Spurs uni): Kidd, Nash, Kobe, Iverson, Pierce, Melo, Duncan, Garnett, Shaq, Dwight, Tmac, Webber
2010s team (Warriors uni): Chris Paul, Steph Curry, Wade, Harden, Lebron, Durant, Dirk, Davis, Embiid, Cousins, Westbrook, Giannis
2K Divison teams
All time Atlantic Team:
Starting: Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, Larry Bird, Charles Barkley (76ers) / Kevin McHale (Celtics), Bill Russell (Celtics)
Backup: Jason Kidd (Nets), Allen Iverson (76ers), Julius Erving (76ers), Jerry Lucas (Royals, Knicks), Wilt Chamberlain (76ers)
Reserve: Walt Frazier (Knicks), Willis Reed (Knicks), Sam Jones (Celtics)
All time Central Team:
Starting: Oscar Robertson (Bucks), Michael Jordan (Bulls), Scottie Pippen (Bulls), Dennis Rodman (Pistons), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Bucks)
Backup: Isiah Thomas (Pistons), Joe Dumars (Pistons), Bob Dandridge (Bucks), Dave Debusschere (Pistons), Artis Gilmore (Bulls)
Reserve: George McGinnis (Pacers), Bob Lanier (Pistons) / Mel Daniels (Pacers), Sidney Moncrief (Bucks)
All time Southeast Team:
Starting: Penny Hardaway (Magic), Dwayne Wade (Heat), Lebron James (Heat), Bob Pettit (Hawks), Dwight Howard (Magic)
Backup: Tim Hardaway (Heat), Tracy McGrady (Magic), Dominique Wilkins (Hawks), Elvin Hayes (Bullets), Wes Unseld (Bullets)
Reserve: Earl Monroe (Wizards), Alonzo Mourning (Heat), Chris Bosh (Heat)
All time Northwest Team:
Starting: John Stockton (Jazz), Clyde Drexler (Blazers), Kevin Durant (Thunder), Karl Malone (Jazz), Bill Walton (Blazers)
Backup: Russell Westbrook (Thunder), Ray Allen (Sonics), Carmelo Anthony (Nuggets), Kevin Garnett (Wolves), Jack Sikma (Sonics)
Reserve: Gary Payton (Sonics), Dan Issel (Nuggets), Spencer Haywood (Sonics)
All time Pacific Team:
Starting: Magic Johnson (Lakers), Kobe Bryant (Lakers), Rick Barry (Warriors), Chris Webber (Kings), Shaq (Center)
Backup: Jerry West (Lakers), Michael Cooper (Lakers), Elgin Baylor (Lakers), Amar’e Stoudemire (Suns), Bob McAdoo (Clippers)
Reserve: Steph Curry (Warriors), Steve Nash (Suns), Connie Hawkins (Suns)
All time Southwest Team:
Starting: Chris Paul (Pelicans), James Harden (Rockets), George Gervin (Spurs), Tim Duncan (Spurs), Hakeem Olajuwon (Rockets)
Backup: Tony Parker (Spurs), Manu Ginobili (Spurs), Kawhi Leonard (Spurs), Dirk Nowitzki (Mavs), Moses Malone (Rockets)
Reserve: David Robinson (Spurs), Anthony Davis (Pelicans), Pau Gasol (Grizzlies)
Greatest players for each NBA team
Boston Celtics – Bill Russell – 11 rings, 12 Finals, 5 MVPs with the Celtics
Brooklyn Nets – Julius Erving – 2 rings, 3 Finals, 3 MVPs with the Nets
New York Knicks – Willis Reed – 2 rings, 3 Finals, 1 MVP, 2 Finals MVPs with the Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers – Wilt Chamberlain – 1 ring, 1 Finals, 3 MVPs with the 76ers
Toronto Raptors – Kawhi Leonard – 1 ring, 1 Finals, 1 Finals MVP with the Raptors
Dallas Mavericks – Dirk Nowitzki – 1 ring, 2 Finals, 1 MVP, 1 Finals MVP with the Mavs
Houston Rockets – Hakeem Olajuwon – 2 rings, 3 Finals, 1 MVP, 2 Finals MVPs with the Rockets
Memphis Grizzlies – Marc Gasol
New Orleans Pelicans – Anthony Davis
San Antonio Spurs – Tim Duncan – 5 rings, 6 Finals, 2 MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs with the Spurs
Chicago Bulls – Michael Jordan – 6 rings, 6 Finals, 5 MVPs, 6 Finals MVPs with the Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers – Lebron James – 1 ring, 5 Finals, 2 MVPs, 1 Finals MVP with the Cavs
Detroit Pistons – Isiah Thomas – 2 rings, 3 Finals, 1 Finals MVP with the Pistons
Indiana Pacers – Mel Daniels – 3 rings, 4 Finals, 2 MVPs with the Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – 1 ring, 2 Finals, 3 MVPs, 1 Finals MVP with the Bucks
Denver Nuggets – Alex English
Minnesota Timberwolves – Kevin Garnett – 1 MVP with the Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder – Kevin Durant – 1 Finals, 1 MVP with the OKC
Portland Trail Blazers – Bill Walton – 1 Finals, 1 MVP, 1 Finals MVP with the Trailblazers
Utah Jazz – Karl Malone – 2 Finals, 2 MVPs with the Jazz
Atlanta Hawks – Bob Pettit (St Louis Hawks) – 1 ring, 4 Finals, 2 MVPs with the Hawks
Charlotte Hornets – Kemba Walker
Miami Heat – Dwyane Wade – 3 rings, 5 Finals, 1 Finals MVP with the Heat
Orlando Magic – Dwight Howard – 1 Finals with the Magic
Washington Wizards – Wes Unseld (Baltimore Bullets) – 1 ring, 4 Finals, 1 MVP, 1 Finals MVP with the Bullets
Golden State Warriors – Stephen Curry – 3 rings, 5 Finals, 2 MVPs with the Warriors
Los Angeles Clippers – Chris Paul
Los Angeles Lakers – Magic Johnson – 5 rings, 9 Finals, 3 MVPs, 3 Finals MVPs with the Lakers
Phoenix Suns – Steve Nash – 2 MVPs with the Suns
Sacramento Kings – Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati Royals)- 1 MVP with the Royals
Top 10 what if? careers in NBA history
1. Bill Walton (ankle injuries limited him, but when healthy was MVP, Finals MVP and champion)
2. Arvydas Sabonis (came into NBA post prime but was supposedly one of the most skilled big men ever like a 7’3 foot Hakeem)
3. Maurice Stokes (averaged 16 points and 17 rebounds a game before hitting his head on the floor and becoming a quadriplegic for the rest of his life 🙁 )
4. David Thompson (was pre-Michael Jordan basically before he got into coke problems in the late 70s; scored 73 points in a game before)
5. Grant Hill (was pre-Lebron James before ankle injuries)
6. Drazen Petrovic (a rising all star shooting guard before he died in a car accident only 28 years old)
7. Bernard King (averaged 33 points a game and was on his way becoming a top forward in the 80s before he tore his ACL and wasnt the same again)
8. Penny Hardaway (a Magic-like player who was one of the top point guards before injuries got to him)
9. Derrick Rose (former MVP who was going to be one of the top point guards of his generation but tore his ACL and wasnt the same again)
10.Tracy McGrady (could have been better than Kobe and Iverson if he didn’t have so many back injuries)
Honorable mentions: Yao Ming, Len Bias (never played in NBA but died of cocaine overdose before he could have), Pete Maravich (at his peak before suffering knee injuries), Ralph Sampson
Top 10 #1 draft picks all time
1. Kareem Abdul Jabbar (1969)
2. Lebron James (2003)
3. Magic Johnson (1979)
4. Tim Duncan (1997)
5. Shaquille O’Neal (1992)
6. Hakeem Olajuwon (1984)
7. David Robinson (1987)
8. Allen Iverson (1996)
9. Elgin Baylor (1958)
10. Dwight Howard (2004)
Top 20 greatest college players of all time
Top 20 greatest offensive players of all time
1. Michael Jordan (10x scoring titles, 12x seasons 25pts+)
2. Wilt Chamberlain (7x scoring titles, 10x seasons 25pts+)
3. Kobe Bryant (2x scoring titles, 12x seasons 25pts+)
4. Jerry West (1x scoring title, 11x seasons 25pts+)
5. Allen Iverson (4x scoring titles, 11x seasons 25pts+)
6. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (2x scoring titles, 10x seasons 25pts+)
7. Karl Malone (12x seasons 25pts+)
8. Kevin Durant (4x scoring titles, 9x seasons 25pts+)
9. Dominique Wilkins (1x scoring title, 10x seasons 25pts+)
10. George Gervin (4x scoring titles, 8x seasons 25pts+)
11. Lebron James (1x scoring title, 13x seasons 25pts+)
12. Shaquille O’Neal (2x scoring titles, 10x seasons 25pts+)
13. Elgin Baylor (8x seasons 25pts+)
14. Oscar Robertson (9x seasons 25pts+)
15. Rick Barry (2x scoring titles, 8x seasons 25pts+)
16. Bob Pettit (2x scoring titles, 7x seasons 25pts+)
17. Bob McAdoo (3x scoring titles, 7x seasons 25pts+)
18. Adrian Dantley (2x scoring titles, 8x seasons 25pts+)
19 Carmelo Anthony (1x scoring title, 9x seasons 25pts+)
20. Alex English (1x scoring title, 8x seasons 25pts+)
Top 20 greatest defensive players of all time
1. Bill Russell (4x rebounding leader, 1x All-D 1st team)
2. Wilt Chamberlain (11x rebounding leader, 2x All-D 1st team)
3. Hakeem Olajuwon (2x rebounding leader, 3x blocks leader, 2x DPOY, 5x All-D 1st team)
4. Dikembe Mutombo (2x rebounding leader, 3x blocks leader, 4x DPOY, 3x All-D 1st team)
5. Nate Thurmond (2x All-D 1st team)
6. Ben Wallace (2x rebounding leader, 1x blocks leader, 4x DPOY, 5x All-D 1st team)
7. David Robinson (1x rebounding leader, 1x blocks leader, 1x DPOY, 4x All-D 1st team)
8. Kevin Garnett (4x rebounding leader, 1x DPOY, 9x All-D 1st team)
9. Dennis Rodman (7x rebounding leader, 2x DPOY, 7x All-D 1st team)
10. Scottie Pippen (1x steals leader, 8x All-D 1st team)
11. Michael Jordan (3x steals leader, 1x DPOY, 9x All-D 1st team)
12. Dwight Howard (5x rebounding leader, 2x blocks leader, 3x DPOY, 4x All-D 1st team)
13. Gary Payton (1x steals leader, 1x DPOY, 9x All-D 1st team)
14. Sidney Moncrief (2x DPOY, 4x All-D 1st team)
15. Tim Duncan (8x All-D 1st team)
16. Walt Frazier (7x All-D 1st team)
17. Kawhi Leonard (1x steals leader, 2x DPOY, 3x All-D 1st team)
18. Bobby Jones (8x All-D 1st team)
19. Mark Eaton (4x blocks leader, 2x DPOY, 3x All-D 1st team)
20. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1x rebounding leader, 4x blocks leader, 5x All-D 1st team)
Top 20 Greatest NBA teams of all time
1. 1996 Chicago Bulls (72-10, 15-3, HOFers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman)
2. 2017 Golden State Warriors (67-15, 16-1, HOFers: Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green)
3. 1997 Chicago Bulls (69-13, 15-4, HOFers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Dennis Rodman)
4. 1967 Philadelphia 76ers (68-13, 15-4, HOFers: Wilt Chamberlain, Billy Cunningham, Hal Greer, Chet Walker)
5. 1972 LA Lakers (69-13, 12-3, HOFers: Jerry West, Wilt Chamberlain, Gail Goodrich, Elgin Baylor)
6. 1986 Boston Celtics (67-15, 15-3, HOFers: Larry Bird, Robert Parish, Kevin McHale, Dennis Johnson, Bill Walton)
7. 1971 Milwaukee Bucks (66-16, 12-2, HOFers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson) 60
8. 1987 LA Lakers (65-17, 15-3, HOFers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, James Worthy) 60
9. 1992 Chicago Bulls (67-15, 15-7, HOFers: Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen)60
10. 1983 Philadelphia 76ers (65-17, 12-1, HOFers: Julius Erving, Moses Malone) 59
11. 2013 Miami Heat (66-16, 16-7, HOFers: Lebron James, Dwayne Wade, Chris Bosh, Ray Allen) 59
12. 2009 LA Lakers (65-15, 16-7, HOFers: Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol)59
13. 1989 Detroit Pistons (63-19, 15-2, HOFers: Adrian Dantley, Joe Dumars, Isiah Thomas, Dennis Rodman)57
14. 2008 Boston Celtics (66-16, 16-10, HOFers: Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce) 56
15. 1985 LA Lakers (62-20, 15-4, HOFers: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Bob McAdoo, Jamaal Wilkes, James Worthy) 53
16. 1999 San Antonio Spurs (37-13, 15-2, HOFers: Tim Duncan, David Robinson) 53
17. 1965 Boston Celtics (62-18, 8-4, HOFers: John Havlicek, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Satch Sanders, Bill Russell)
18. 2001 LA Lakers (56-26, 15-1, HOFers: Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal)
19. 1970 New York Knicks (60-22, 12-7, HOFers: Bill Bradley, Dave Debusschere, Walt Frazier, Willis Reed)
20. 1961 Boston Celtics (57-22, 8-2, HOFers: Bob Cousy, Tom Heinsohn, KC Jones, Sam Jones, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Satch Sanders, Bill Sharman)
Here’s my take on the 100 greatest players in NBA/ABA history as of 2020
Disclaimer: First off, non-basketball fans can ignore this post, because this is a nerdy b-ball post and stats are coming up.
Ok, so Kobe Bryant is one of the most well-known basketball players on the planet. He’s practically god in China, and many fans, particularly Lakers fans put Kobe as one of the top 5 players of all time, and some even consider Kobe to be the greatest Laker of all time, or on par with Michael Jordan.
Edit: Looks like those guys over at Boxscore Geeks (one of my favorite bball sites) just wrote an article about how Kobe is overrated a few days after me. Good timing, heh.
Now, I’m a big LA Laker fan, but even then, I think Kobe is incredibly over-rated by the vast majority of the public (in fact he got voted in this year’s all-star game despite being injured). Why? Lets take a look at his stats and his overall resume:
Why is Kobe overrated?
from Basketball-reference.com
-Regular season: He averages 25.5 points a game, 5.3 rebounds a game and 4.8 assists a game.
-Playoffs: He averages 25.6 points a game, 5.1 rebounds a game, and 4.7 assists a game.
-His field goal percentage for his whole career is a measly .454 (45%), and his three point percentage is .335 (33%). Those are not outstanding numbers for someone who is a top 5 player.
-His first three championships are because of Shaq, period. Shaq was just so dominant, that I think an average shooting guard could have won those three championships from 2000-2002 playing with Shaq. Remember Shaq was often double or triple teamed, giving a guard better looks.
-Kobe is a ball hog, period. The years he led in scoring (2006,2007) he also not coincidentally had a high number of field goal attempts as well. His career assists average is only 4.8, which is lower than Allen Iverson’s assists average (6.2), who most people consider selfish as well.
-Kobe is consistently not clutch, despite there being a popular misconception that he is. In fact he only shot .413 (41%) from the field during the 2004 playoffs, and .405 (40%) from the field against the celtics in 2008, the years that the Lakers lost the Finals.
Comparison with Michael Jordan
So, a lot of people want to compare Kobe to Michael Jordan. Ok, lets do that:
| Michael Jordan | Kobe Bryant |
| 16 seasons | 18 seasons |
| Career stats: 30.1 ppg/6.2 rpg/5.3 apg | Career stats: 25.5 ppg/5.3 rpg/4.8 apg |
| True FG%: .569 (56.9%) | True FG%: .555 (55.5%%) |
| 6 Championships | 5 Championships |
| 6 Finals MVPs | 2 Finals MVPs |
| 10 Scoring titles | 2 Scoring titles |
| 1 Defensive Player Of The Year | 0 Defensive Player Of The Year |
| 5 MVPs | 1 MVP |
…As you can see, Jordan beats Kobe at every category, despite playing less seasons. Also, Kobe’s first 3 championships was because of Shaq. Jordan’s 6 championships were all his. So, there’s no argument here. Jordan is better in every way.
Comparison with other Legends
The worst thing about Kobe is that he’s inefficient. Let’s compare him to some other legends:
| Kobe Bryant | Magic Johnson | Oscar Robertson | Lebron James | Jerry West | Larry Bird | |
| Career stats | 25.5/5.3/4.8 | 19.5/7.2/11.2 | 25.7/7.5/9.5 | 27.6/7.3/6.9 | 27.0/5.8/6.7 | 24.3/10.0/6.3 |
| Field Goal % | .555 | .610 | .564 | .581 | .550 | .564 |
…So when we compare to other legends that are great shooters, Kobe actually has the worst field goal percentage, as well as coming up the lowest rebounds per game, and assists per game when compared to Oscar, Magic, LeBron, Bird, and Jerry West (in addition to Jordan).
Comparison with other shooting guards (who were former scoring leaders)
| Kobe Bryant | Michael Jordan | Dwayne Wade | George Gervin | Jerry West | Pete Maravich | Allen Iverson | |
| Career stats | 25.5/5.3/4.8 | 30.1/6.2/5.3 | 24.4/5.0/6.0 | 26.3/5.4/2.8 | 27.0/5.8/6.7 | 24.2/4.2/5.4 | 26.7/3.7/6.2 |
| Field Goal % | .555 | .569 | .568 | .564 | .550 | .500 | .518 |
Comparison with forwards (who were former scoring leaders)
| Kobe Bryant | Rick Barry | Adrian Dantley | Alex English | Bernard King | Dominique Wilkins | Tracy McGrady | Lebron James | Kevin Durant | Carmelo Anthony | |
| Career stats | 25.5/5.3/4.8 | 25.6/6.7/4.9 | 24.3/5.7/3.0 | 21.5/5.5/3.6 | 22.5/5.8/3.3 | 24.8/6.7/2.5 | 19.6/5.6/4.4 | 27.5/7.2/6.9 | 27.4/6.9/3.5 | 25.2/6.5/3.1 |
| Field Goal % | .555 | .525 | .617 | .550 | .561 | .536 | .519 | .581 | .600 | .547 |
Kobe is not that great
So when people tell me they think Kobe is the greatest player, or a top 5 player, or greatest Laker, I’m like Are you kidding me??, Kobe is the result of great marketing, and he’s a top 10 player because of his competitiveness, but definitely not a top 5 player.
And when people say he’s the greatest Laker, I mean c’mon, if Magic Johnson shot the ball more, he would score way more than Kobe, since his field goal % is a full 7% higher than Kobe’s. Not to mention, Magic lead the Lakers to 9 NBA Finals, never caused any locker-room issues, and averaged more than twice as many assists, but anyways, you get my point. I’m not even gonna mention other Laker greats Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaq, Elgin Baylor, or Wilt Chamberlain because obviously their stats would blow Kobe’s out of the water.
So in conclusion, gimme a break; Kobe’s over-rated, he’s not as good as people think he is, and he’s not a top 5 player (Jordan, Russell, Kareem, Wilt and Magic are my picks). And definitely not the greatest Laker (Magic Johnson is).