As I sat watching the recent news about MERALCO extending Raymond Almazan's contract, it struck me how basketball greatness manifests differently across leagues and eras. Having followed the NBA religiously for over two decades, I've developed my own perspective on what separates legendary players from merely excellent ones. Today I'm sharing my definitive ranking of the top 20 NBA players ever - a list that's bound to spark some debate among fellow basketball enthusiasts.
When compiling such a list, I always emphasize sustained excellence over flash-in-the-pan brilliance. That's why my number one spot goes unquestionably to Michael Jordan. His six championships with the Bulls, coupled with five MVP awards and that perfect 6-0 record in Finals appearances, creates an untouchable legacy. What many forget is his defensive prowess - nine All-Defensive First Team selections that often get overshadowed by his scoring titles. Right behind him sits LeBron James, whose longevity alone deserves recognition - making ten NBA Finals across three different franchises demonstrates a versatility we may never see again. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rounds out my top three, largely because his 38,387 points remain the league's all-time scoring record nearly thirty years after his retirement.
The middle of my list features some personal favorites who defined their eras. I've always had Larry Bird slightly above Magic Johnson, though I acknowledge this preference stems from appreciating Bird's more complete offensive game. Bird's three consecutive MVP awards from 1984-86 represent a dominance we rarely see in modern basketball. Meanwhile, Bill Russell's eleven championships with the Celtics feel almost mythical today - though I should note his era featured only 8-14 teams, which contextualizes rather than diminishes his achievement. Modern greats like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant make my list because they've fundamentally changed how basketball is played - Curry's 402 three-pointers in the 2015-16 season didn't just break records, it revolutionized offensive strategy across the entire league.
Watching players like Raymond Almazan secure their professional futures reminds me that career longevity matters in these evaluations. That's why Tim Duncan occupies such a high position in my ranking - his 19 seasons with the Spurs produced five championships and a winning percentage that's mathematically staggering. Similarly, Kobe Bryant's 20-year tenure with the Lakers demonstrates the kind of franchise loyalty that's becoming increasingly rare. My list certainly has some controversial placements - I have Hakeem Olajuwon above Shaquille O'Neal, largely because Hakeem's 1994 season where he won MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Finals MVP represents the most dominant individual campaign I've ever witnessed.
As basketball continues evolving, these rankings will inevitably shift. Already I'm watching young stars like Luka Doncic who might someday challenge these established legends. But for now, this list represents what I consider the perfect blend of statistical dominance, cultural impact, and pure basketball artistry. The beauty of such rankings lies in their subjectivity - every fan has their own criteria, their own memories, their personal favorites that color their evaluations. What remains constant is our shared appreciation for the extraordinary talent that has graced NBA courts throughout history.