The Best Basketball Players of All Time: A Data-Driven Ranking

Michael Jordan tops the MetaScale with a score of 91.1. Although his score is less than that of LeBron and Kareem, Jordan, one of the best dunkers in league history, is the unanimous greatest player to have ever lived, due to his unmatched accolades and legacy impact on the sport of basketball.

Throughout his career he was the undisputed alpha, equipped with an other-worldly work ethic and competitive spirit that sent fear down the spine of his opponents. Jordan was the first global NBA star to pave way for other athletes to build brands that have dominated sports and pop culture.

LeBron James has his sheer dominance and prolonged excellence that has seen him play at the highest level deep into his 22nd NBA season. He has attained the highest MetaScale score of 96.4 due to his sustained longevity that has helped redefine what's possible in professional sports.

LeBron still dwarfs Jordan on the accomplishment charts but who knows, maybe by the time he decides to hang up his boots, he might have passed the ghost that is Jordan. His dismal NBA finals record certainly derails his case as the greatest player, as well as his mentality, which sometimes lacks the killer instinct.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ranks third with a MetaScale score of 91.2. His dominance in the NBA lasted nearly two decades, with his six championships tied for the most of any player on this list. He was part of one of the most electrifying dynasties to have graced the NBA, the “Showtime Lakers”, as one of its centerpiece and captains.

However, his rank at third place is due to him being the second best player on some of his championship-winning Lakers teams, later in his career.

Magic Johnson is ranked fourth on this list despite registering a MetaScale score of 80.9. Magic is one of the two greatest point guards to have ever played the game. He revolutionized the position with his dynamic playmaking ability and unique blend of size and skill. His competitive edge was a stuff of legends.

However, he comes in at fourth due to his career being cut short while at the peak of his powers after being diagnosed with the HIV virus. He clearly had a lot left on his tank and could have launched his case as the greatest player ever. 

Shaquille O’Neal comes in at fifth with a MetaScale score of 83.2. Shaq is the most dominant and athletic big man to have ever played in the NBA. His combination of size, speed and athleticism was unheard of. O’Neal was a physical behemoth standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, capable of sprinting coast to coast and finishing with a dunk.

One thing that stood against him in the greatest player debate is his questionable dedication to condition and training. He could have broken endless NBA records if he took the game of basketball a little more seriously.

Larry Bird is ranked sixth with a MetaScale score of 87.7. Larry Bird was an elite unguardable scorer, who stands out as one of the best shooters in NBA history. He was a threat from the half court to the paint. He was one of the greatest trash talkers the NBA has ever seen and his rivalry with Magic was box-office stuff.

Larry could have gone down as the greatest player, but his career was cut short by injuries. He battled career-altering back, knee and ankle injuries that shortened an otherwise legendary career. 

Wilt Chamberlain was the pioneer giant of the game. He comes in seventh with a MetaScale score of 88.1. Wilt was a statistical monster that was athletic, fast and skilled. He dominated the early decades of the NBA. Wilt has 72 NBA records to his name including a 100-point game.

However, his accolades and accomplishments such as championships are pale, compared to others on this list. He is often accused of stat-padding instead of sacrificing for the greater good of the team, thus leading to his lack of team championships.

Tim Duncan comes eighth with a MetaScale score of 82.9. Duncan, nicknamed the Big Fundamental, is often considered as the greatest power forward in NBA history. Tim Duncan exemplified leadership, consistency and poise while dominating on the court and had a selfless nature.

His selfless approach to the game has resulted in his rank being this low on this list as he chose team success over individual accolades throughout his 19 seasons in the NBA.

Kobe Bryant ranks ninth with a MetaScale score of 81.6. Kobe was one of the fiercest competitors to have ever played in the NBA. A lifelong Laker, the “Black Mamba” was a cerebral nightmare on the court, capable of breaking down even opponents with his sheer will. He had one of the greatest work in NBA history.

However, his lack of accolades and accomplishments affects his ranking as well as him being the second best player on the Lakers’ three championship-winning teams.