DC's Top 10 NBA Players of All Time

Written by Dylan Hunter Carter

There is only one question that can immediately bring debate amongst basketball fans:

Who would you include in your Top 10 All Time Greatest Players?

This is my personal opinion on the Top 10 Greatest Players of all time, so please understand that this list comes entirely from my perspective and from all time achievements.

10. Hakeem- “The Dream” is a fitting nickname for a player of Olajuwon's caliber. As a 2 Time Champion and a 2 Time Finals MVP, Hakeem was easily the craftiest post player in the NBA’s history. Hakeem is the spitting image of the perfect center. He was a  dominant presence, an incredible rebounder, an exceptional passer, and could score in any way he wanted to. Hakeem could hit his jumpers or shake any defender in the post. While the Dream only took home 1 MVP Award in his 14 year NBA career, Hakeem was the perfect role model for any aspiring NBA big man.

9. Shaq- Arguably the most dominant post player of all time , Shaquille O’Neal revolutionized the way that centers played in the NBA. Shaq created a new era of big men who learned that dominating the paint doesn’t just take skill in the post, but also strength and power. His accolades include 1 MVP award and 4 NBA Championship victories, 3 of which he won Finals MVP for. Shaq’s personality has also been a model for NBA players to come, being one of the most lively personalities in history, but also one of the most intense. Shaq loved to embrace the fun in the game, but also could be the most fierce player on the court. Shaq never ceased to impress.

8. Wilt- Amongst his 4 MVP awards, 2 Championship victories, and 1 Finals MVP victory, there is still only one stat to truly define Wilt’s extraordinary legacy in the NBA: His legendary 100 Point game, a record that will live with the NBA forever. The closest anyone has ever gotten is still 19 Points off from his incredible record. Wilt Chamberlain will live with the NBA through his record forever.

7. Robertson- While he may not be defined by his accolades, being 1 championship victory and 1 MVP award, “The Big O”’s career can be defined by his incredible statistics and individual performance in the NBA. Robertson is the only player in NBA history to average a triple double- Yes, a TRIPLE DOUBLE- for an entire regular season. That is one feat that I don’t think will ever be matched again.

6. Duncan- In terms of the discussion of all time greats, Duncan can be considered the underdog, although he is very deserving. As a 5 Time Champion and 2 Time MVP, Duncan has led the Spurs to victory since he was drafted in 1997. Whether alongside David Robinson or Matt Bonner, Duncan has consistently been the epitome of the Spurs organization and a role model for NBA big men. While consistently overlooked as an all time great, there is no disputing in my mind that he deserves a spot on this list.

5. Bird- There was nothing that Larry Legend couldn’t do. Whether it’s a clutch 3, an extraordinary assist, an impossible rebound, or a defensive miracle, Larry would always without a doubt be there for whatever play was necessary. Bird is also known for having one of the most unique personalities, demeanors, and play styles the NBA has ever seen. He’s led his Boston Celtics to 3 Championship victories, with 2 Finals MVP’s. He also earned himself 2 Regular MVP Awards. Bird is certainly deserving of a spot on this list.

4. Magic- It’s incredible to think that a man who had the height of a Power Forward and the scoring ability of a Shooting Guard built a career as one of the greatest Point Guards of all time. As a 5 time Champion, 3 time Finals MVP, and 3 time MVP, Magic is historically one of the most achieved players of all time. Only two things would’ve improved Magic’s already incredible lifetime legacy:

1. An Extended Playing Career

2. If he had never made his Twitter account.

3. Kareem- The leader of all time MVP selections (6 time MVP) needs to be respected for his historic career and incredible finesse. The man revolutionized the post game with his incredible and innovative post mastery. We’re talking about the man who perfected the sky hook and with it; earned 6 Championships and 2 Finals MVP’s. Kareem built an incredible legacy for himself and revolutionized the game of basketball.

2. Russell- While it can be argued that Bill Russell played in a different era with different competition, there is no dispute in the numbers. 11 Championship victories and 5 MVP trophies are undeniable. Russell and his classic Celtics dominated the league for around a decade. He never won the finals MVP, but that’s because it didn’t exist yet. And by the way, they named the trophy after him. That should say enough.

1. Jordan- When someone refers to “The GOAT”, you always know who they’re talking about. Michael Jordan earned that title for himself through years of effortlessly dominating the competition. Jordan performed at a level of intensity that no other player has ever reached. The competition he faced was some of the best in history, and he still became a 6 Time Champion, 6 Time Finals MVP, and 5 Time League MVP.

And there you have it, the Top 10 Greatest Players of All Time. Keep in Mind that everyone has different perspectives, so don't take any of this to heart. I'm talking to you Kobe and LeBron fans. So now i pose the question to you, who makes up your list for the greatest NBA players of all time?

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