As I sit here scrolling through basketball news, I just saw that MERALCO has extended big man Raymond Almazan's tenure with the team. It got me thinking about longevity and legacy in the NBA—how some players carve out solid careers like Almazan, while others etch their names into history books. That’s what brings me to today’s topic: who makes the cut as the top 20 players in NBA history? It’s a debate that never gets old, and everyone from casual fans to die-hard analysts has an opinion. Let me share my take, blending stats, impact, and a bit of personal bias—because let’s be honest, that’s what makes these lists fun.
First off, you can’t talk about the top 20 without starting with Michael Jordan. I mean, the guy’s a legend—six championships, five MVP awards, and that killer instinct that defined the ’90s. I remember watching his flu game in the 1997 Finals; he dropped 38 points while looking like he could barely stand. That’s the kind of moment that cements a legacy. Then there’s LeBron James, who’s been dominating for over two decades. With four rings and more than 38,000 career points, his longevity is insane. Compare that to someone like Bill Russell, who won 11 titles in the 1960s but in a much smaller league. It’s tough to weigh eras, but Russell’s defensive prowess and leadership can’t be ignored.
Now, let’s dive into some personal favorites. Kobe Bryant, for instance—his Mamba mentality inspired a generation. I’ll never forget his 81-point game in 2006; it felt like watching art in motion. And then there’s Stephen Curry, who revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting. He’s hit over 3,000 threes in his career, changing how teams play offense. But not everyone makes my list easily. For example, while Raymond Almazan’s extension shows his value as a reliable big man in today’s game, he’s nowhere near this conversation. It highlights how the bar for greatness is sky-high.
When I stack up the legends, I lean toward players who dominated both individually and as winners. Magic Johnson’s flashy passes and five championships with the Lakers? Pure entertainment. Larry Bird’s rivalry with him in the ’80s? Iconic. But then you have modern giants like Kevin Durant, a scoring machine with two Finals MVPs, though some argue his team-hopping hurts his legacy. Personally, I think his 27 points per game average speaks for itself. And let’s not forget Shaquille O’Neal—his prime in the early 2000s was unstoppable; he averaged 30 points and 14 rebounds in the 2000 Finals. That’s dominance you can’t overlook.
In the end, ranking these players is subjective, but it’s a blast to debate. From Wilt Chamberlain’s 100-point game to Tim Duncan’s quiet consistency, each brings something unique. As I wrap this up, I’m reminded that while players like Almazan contribute to the league’s fabric, the top 20 are in a league of their own. What do you think—who’s on your list? Drop a comment; I’d love to hear your picks!