Achievement/Statistical Categories:
DISCLAIMER: All stats and accolades are accurate as of June 2nd, 2026
Championships
Finals MVP’s
Regular Season MVP’s
DPOY’s
All-NBA Teams
All-Defensive Teams
All-Star Appearances
Seasons Top 3 in Stats (Points, Rebounds, Assists, Steals, Blocks)
Career Points Per Game
Career Rebounds Per Game
Career Assists Per Game
Career Total Points
Career Total Rebounds
Career Total Assists
Career Player Efficiency Rating (PER)
Career Win Shares Per 48 Min
Subjective Categories:
Offensive Engine — Measure's a players impact on offense. It accounts for their scoring ability, playmaking ability, passing and vision, and overall gravity and leadership they bring to a team offensively. This was added to counteract defensively inflated players, and give credit to generational talents.
Peak — Accounts for a players absolute best 3-4 seasons. Includes individual statistics, achievements, awards, and how they compared to the best of the best in the league. Team achievements are included, but only to boost a players peak, not to be the reason for it, so the impact of team achievements is small.
Eye Test — Assesses a player's technical skill, abilities, and athleticism. This is used to help understand and compare player's from different era's and how they would adjust to those era's.
Dominance — Measure's the consistent ability to take over games on either end of the floor, and be the opposing teams primary focus to slow down offensively or avoid defensively.
Impact — Measures a players impact on and off the court. More specfically their leadership, cultural impact and relevance, and their overall effect on the game of basketball. Successes are considered among these things as well.
Era Tax — Addresses differences in time periods across different eras. Including, league size, rules, officiating, pace of play, play style, absence/presence of the three-point line, and overall talent pool across the league in each given era.
Honorable Mentions:
The following players barely missed the top 25 based on their ranking totals, but deserve to be mentioned.
Charles Barkley
Scottie Pippen
Isiah Thomas
John Stockton
John Havlicek
Tier 8: 25-21, GOAT Score Range 155-163 Points
Tiers are created by the groups of players who have GOAT Scores that are close to one another
25. Kawhi Leonard: 156 Points
Credit: Getty Images
Kawhi Leonard ranks 25th all-time largely due to a relatively short, but extremely strong peak. He proved himself as one of the best two-way players in the league, showing elite perimeter defense, and efficient high-volume scoring. Strong postseason performances while winning championships with two different teams also show his greatness.
Injuries and load management hurt his career averages and totals, and overall statistical resume compared to others, but his proven postseason dominance and two-way ability ranks him in the top 25 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 2x Champion, 2x Finals MVP, 2x DPOY, 7x All-Defense, 20.42 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 23.42 PER, .2214 WS/48
24. Dwyane Wade: 156.5 Points
Credit: Isaac Baldizon
Dwyane Wade makes it to 24th all-time due to championship success as a primary option, and as the second option to LeBron James. At his peak he was one of the most dominant two-way guards the league has ever seen; combining elite slashing and playmaking, with strong perimeter defense and shot blocking. His 2006 Finals run was one of the most impressive individual runs ever
His peak did not last too long, due to injuries throughout the back half of his career. This hurt his individual stats, career totals, and individual accolades. Wades proven championship and two-way dominance places him in the top 25 greatest players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 3x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 22 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 5.4 APG, 23.48 PER, 23,165 Total Points, 5,701 Total Assists, 23.48 PER
23. Jerry West: 158.5 Points
Credit: CBS Sports
Jerry West ranks 23rd due to his success as an all-time level scorer, and a high-level playmaker. At his peak, West dominated opposing guards in the league, went toe-to-toe with Bill Russell’s championship teams multiple times. He is also the only player ever to win Finals MVP while being on the losing team. West’s play style and clear skill, has inspired generations of players after him.
Although he has one championship, his lack of further team success in a relatively weaker era, and smaller league; along with a lack of individual accolades, like MVP’s, limit his success and overall impact. West’s scoring and playmaking dominance, and influential play style ranks him into the top 25 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 10x All-NBA First-Team, 5x All-Defense, 27.03 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.69 APG, 25,192 Total Points, .2214 WS/48
22. Dirk Nowitzki: 159.5 Points
Credit: NBA.com
Dirk Nowitzki ranks 22nd all-time due to his consistency as a scorer, and his revolutionary influence on the modern “stretch big” position. Nowitzki combined efficient shooting and versatile scoring throughout his career, and his play style allowed him to have great longevity. His historic 2011 Championship run, is arguably the most impressive individual and team accomplishment ever.
Nowitzki’s peak was relatively short, and his lack of defensive dominance hurt his overall success. However, his scoring consistency, longevity, and impact on the game place him into the top 25 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 1x Champion, 1x Finals MVP, 1x MVP, 20.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 31,560 Total Points, 11,489 Total Rebounds, 22.44 PER
21. Oscar Robertson: 162.5 Points
Credit: NBA.com
Oscar Robertson ranks 21st all time due to his statistical dominance over a long period of time, his ability to lead and run an offense at an all-time level, and his achievement to win an MVP as a guard in a league dominated by bigs. His consistent excellence, and being the triple-doubler leader for decades, added to his positive impact on the game.
While Robertsons team success was limited to one championship, and his playstyle was influenced by the era he played in, his individual dominance, and influence as a guard place him into the top 25 players of all-time
Key Stats and Accolades: 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 9x All-NBA 1st Team, 25.68 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.51 APG, 26,710 Total Points, 9,887 Total Assists, .2069 WS/48
Tier 7: 20-17, GOAT Score Range 170-180 Points
20. Karl Malone: 171 Points
Credit: NBA.com
Karl Malone ranks 20th all-time due to his historical longevity as one of the leagues top scorers and rebounders. For almost 20 years, Malone remained an offensive force, through his skill, strength, and athleticism. This led to multiple MVP’s and seasons of that caliber.
While Malone’s consistency and ability are undeniable, his lack of championships with multiple Final’s appearances hold him back from ranking higher. As well as his off-court image, which is flawed and hurt his impact and influence on the game of basketball, but still keeps him in the top 20 players ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 2x MVP, 11x All-NBA 1st Team, 25.02 PPG, 10.14 RPG, 3.6 APG, 36,928 Total Points, 14,968 Total Rebounds, 23.9 PER, .2053 WS/48
19. Kevin Garnett: 174 Points
Credit: Yahoo Sports
Kevin Garnett ranks 19th all-time due to his incredible longevity, defensive and rebounding dominance, and his extreme competitiveness. He proved himself as an MVP of the league with the Minnesota Timberwolves, and as a winner a few years later with the Boston Celtics. His 2004 season is one of the greatest two-way peaks ever.
While Garnett’s scoring consistency didn’t last late into his career, his two-way dominance, his strong peak, and his historical energy and competitiveness solidify him in the top 20 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 1x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x DPOY, 12x All-Defense, 15x All-Star, 17.8 PPG, 10.03 RPG, 3.7 APG, 26,071 Total Points, 14,662 Total Rebounds, 22.66 PER, 4x Rebounding Title
18. David Robinson: 177 Points
Credit: DubNationHQ
David Robinson ranks 18th all-time due to his dominant ability on both sides of the ball, by winning both a scoring title and DPOY in his career. His physical ability to run the floor and display his strength was impressive as a center. Robinsons technical skill was advanced for a big. And he was able to prove himself as a winner alongside Tim Duncan in the later part of his career.
Robinson’s stats had dipped in the playoffs compared to his regular season stats on multiple occasions, and he lacked strong statistical longevity, which held him back. Despite this, his physical ability, skill, and dominance on both sides of the ball firmly place Robinson into the top 20 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 2x Champion, 1x MVP, 1x DPOY, 8x All-Defense, 21.06 PPG, 10.64 RPG, 2.5 APG, 26.18 PER, .2502 WS/48
17. Moses Malone: 179 Points
Credit: Liberty Ballers
Moses Malone ranks 17th all-time due to his incredible regular season dominance, and longevity over a 21 year career. He was one of the best rebounders ever; offensive rebounds specifically. He was also a dominant scorer during the peak of his career. Malone, alongside Julius Erving, was able to win a championship to add to his resume.
Malone was not as technically skilled as other dominant players of his era, and this hurt his influence on future players. However, his scoring and rebounding dominance, alone with strong regular season success, being 1 of 9 players to have at least 3 MVP’s, firmly place him in the top 20 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 1x Champion, 1x Final’s MVP, 3x MVP, 20.33 PPG, 12.26 RPG, 1.3 APG, 29,580 Total Points, 17,824 Total Rebounds, 6x Rebounding Title
Tier 6: 16-14, GOAT Score Range 193-198 Points
16. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 193.5 Points
Credit: David Richard
Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks 16th all-time due to his physical dominance and two-way impact. Giannis’ inside presence on offense has given him nods to be the “modern Shaq” which is a huge compliment. He also is very strong on the defensive end winning the DPOY award. His Championship run had some of the most dominant individual Final’s performances ever.
Giannis has received criticism for his lack of being a perimeter threat in the modern NBA. Also, his great consistency in the 2020’s has actually hurt him in some ways because people are so used to him playing well, he doesn’t always receive that credit he could. However his historical two-way dominance firmly ranks him in the top 20 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 1x Champion, 1x Final’s MVP, 2x MVP, 1x DPOY, 7x All-NBA First-Team, 5x All-Defense, 24.06 PPG, 9.92 RPG, 5.01 APG, 26.07 PER, .2062 WS/48
15. Julius Erving: 196.5 Points
Credit: Fadeaway World
Julius Erving ranks 15th all-time due to his immense impact on the game, and his game changing playstyle. He played in both the NBA and ABA and dominated in both. His athletic-above-the-rim playstyle inspired many generations of players ahead of him. Also, Erving alongside Moses Malone proved themselves as winners in the NBA when they won a ring together in 1983.
Because Erving played in two leagues, his stats can be flawed or criticized when being analyzed, because there can be disputes about the ABA accomplishments not being worth the same as the NBA. However as one of the most influential scorers of all-time, he was able to win an MVP in both leagues, which solidifies his spot in the top 15 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 3x Champion (2x ABA, 1x NBA), 4x MVP (3x ABA, 1x NBA), 5x All-NBA First Team, 16x All-Star, 24.16 PPG, 8.47 RPG, 4.2 APG, 30,026 Total Points, 10,525 Total Rebounds, 5,176 Total Assists, 23.52 PER, .1922 WS/48
14. Kevin Durant: 197 Points
Credit: CBS Sports
Kevin Durant ranks 14th all-time due to his incredible skill and offensive ability. His combined height and guard skills make him one of the most unique players ever. He is considered by many to have the best scoring ability that the league has ever seen. Durant was able to win 2 Championships as a key part of the Warriors Dynasty.
Durant has been criticized throughout his career for joining the Warriors dynasty after losing to them previously in the playoffs, and for not being able to win “by himself”, as he has not had any major playoff success on any other team than the Warriors. Durant’s generational skill and influence on modern players, and continuously being one of the top scorers in the league rank him in the top 15 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 2x Champion, 2x Final’s MVP, 1x MVP, 6x All-NBA First Team, 16x All-Star, 27.14 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 4.4 APG, 32,597 Total Points, 24.55 PER, .2026 WS/48, 4x Scoring Title
Tier 5: 13-12, GOAT Score Range 217-223 Points
13. Nikola Jokic: 217.5 Points
Credit: Rich Storry
Nikola Jokic ranks 13th all-time due to his historical offensive ability and efficiency. He is widely regarded as the best passing big man of all-time as well as being one of the best shooting bigs ever. To go along with that, he’s one of the most efficient scoring bigs the league has ever seen. The way Jokic is able to carry an offense while keeping everyone involved has never been done before, and results in ridiculous stat lines. He is one of 9 players to have 3 MVP awards, and in 2023 won a championship with the Denver Nuggets.
Because of a lack of raw athleticism, Jokic has been criticized heavily for his defensive abilities. Although his paint defense is actually solid, and his ability to be in the passing lanes is great, he has been exposed at times when brought outside the paint. However Jokic’s one-of-one abilities and unheard of production, which has resulted in him having one of the best peaks ever, firmly place him in the top 15 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 1x Champion, 1x Final’s MVP, 3x MVP, 6x All-NBA First Team, 22.23 PPG, 11.08 RPG, 7.51 APG, 28.85 PER (1st), .2648 WS/48 (1st)
12. Hakeem Olajuwon: 222.5 Points
Credit: Ken Levine
Hakeem Olajuwon ranks 12th all-time largely due to his historical two-way dominance. Offensively he had a large skillset to score in many ways, and is most known for his footwork in the post/mid-post. And on the other end, Hakeem is arguably the greatest defender ever, for his ability to protect the paint, and switch onto guards. Hakeem was able to lead the Rockets to back-to-back championships, and in one of those seasons won MVP, DPOY, and Final’s MVP in the same year.
Although Hakeem’s peak was historical, it was relatively short in terms of accolades, which hurt his continued success, along with some front office issues. However Hakeem is one of the most influential players of all-time, and was clearly the second best player in the world during Jordan and the Bulls’ Championship runs. Along with this and Hakeem’s historical two-way dominance he firmly ranks in the top 15 players ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 2x Champion, 2x Final’s MVP, 1x MVP, 2x DPOY, 6x All-NBA First Team, 9x All-Defense, 21.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.5 APG, 3.1 BPG, 26,946 Total Points, 13,748 Total Rebounds, All-Time Blocks Leader
Tier 4: 11-8, GOAT Score Range 236-242 Points
11. Wilt Chamberlain: 236.5 Points
Credit: NBA.com
Wilt Chamberlain ranks 11th all-time due to his untouchable stat achievements and his dominance in his era. Some of Wilt’s achievements include his 100 point game, 55 rebound game, 50 PPG season, and many other wild stats. Him and Bill Russell constantly battled for the title of the “best player in the world” during the 60’s. Wilt was able to prove himself as a winner in the later part of his career winning 2 championships.
Wilt was criticized for being selfish, and it wasn’t until his individual stats hit a major decline, is when he began to have team success. Also, some of Wilt’s achievements may be slightly inflated due to his era, considering there were less teams and some weaker competition, as well as the extremely fast pace of play. All in all, Wilt still has some of the greatest accomplishments ever, and proved himself as a team player, which firmly ranks him in the top 15 players ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 2x Champion, 1x Final’s MVP, 4x MVP, 7x All-NBA First Team, 30.07 PPG, 22.89 RPG (1st), 4.4 APG, 31,419 Total Points, 23,924 Total Rebounds (1st), 26.16 PER, .2480 WS/48
10. Bill Russell: 237 Points
Credit: NBA.com
Bill Russell ranks 10th all-time due to his one-of-one leadership and winning ability. Bill Russell is one of the most winningest team sport athletes ever, winning 11 NBA Championships. Russell’s historic defensive and rebounding abilities, along with his unselfishness, are what anchored the Boston Celtics and allowed them to become so dominant. Russell was capable of blocking/altering shots at a generational level, getting the rebound, and starting the fast break for his team.
It was clear Russell was a defensive minded player, and didn’t focus on offense. This led to Russell lacking offensive ability and lack of translatable skills. Similar to Wilt’s case, the league Russell played in, had a smaller overall talent pool, less teams, and very fast pace, which all assisted in Russell and his teams being so dominant. At the end of the day, Russell is one of the most influential leaders, and winners the world of sport has ever seen, and that places him in the top 10 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 11x Champion (2x Champion as a Player-Coach), 5x MVP, 15.1 PPG, 22.45 RPG, 4.3 APG, 21,620 Total Rebounds, 4,100 Total Assists, First Black NBA Coach
9. Stephen Curry: 238.5 Points
Credit: Lachlan Cunningham
Stephen Curry ranks 9th all-time due to him being arguably the most influential player of all-time, and his revolutionary shooting ability which changed the modern NBA. Being the clear “greatest shooter ever”, Curry has a gravity that opens up his teammates at a historical level. Being the leader of the Warriors Dynasty, Curry was able to win 4 Championships with them. Curry and the Warriors changed the modern NBA, and led to almost every team to focus on spacing and shooting three’s.
Curry has been criticized for his overall defensive abilities, which can be shown when comparing him to larger, more athletic wings. Also, Curry only has 1 Final’s MVP award, and although that can hurt his legacy, it was his offensive gravity and shooting presence which allowed his teammates to thrive. All in all, Curry being one of the most influential players ever, and changing the game of basketball with his offensive abilities, places him into the top 10 players ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 4x Champion, 1x Final’s MVP, 2x MVP (Only Unanimous MVP ever), 24.8 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.3 APG, 26,161 Total Points, 6,658 Total Assists, 23.48 PER, .1958 WS/48, All-time Three’s leader
8. Larry Bird: 242 Points
Credit: Getty Images
Larry Bird ranks 8th all-time due to his transcendent playstyle and impact on the NBA. Bird was one of the first players to build their game around shooting a high volume of jump shots. Along with his shooting ability, Bird is one of the most talented passers ever, as well as one of the best rebounding wings ever. His competitiveness and unselfishness made Bird one of the most impressive and influential players to watch, and helped the Boston Celtics become dominant again. Bird and Magic Johnson are credited with “saving” the NBA with their rivalry; in the late 70’s the league was at a scary low in ratings and reputation.
Due to a shortened career due to back injuries, Bird’s overall career stats may seem lacking due to other all-time greats. However, Bird has one of the greatest individual peaks of all-time. Winning 3 straight MVP’s and having postseason success, showed why the mid 80’s were Bird’s to dominate. This is all why Bird ranks in the top 10 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 3x Champion, 2x Final’s MVP, 3x MVP, 9x All-NBA First Team, 24.3 PPG, 10 RPG, 6.3 APG, 21,791 Total Points, 8,974 Total Rebounds, 5,695 Total Assists, 23.5 PER, .2032 WS/48
Tier 3: 7-4, GOAT Score Range 269-274 Points
7. Kobe Bryant: 269 Points
Credit: Jennifer Stewart
Kobe Bryant ranks 7th all-time due to his relentless competitiveness, historic skill, and success over a long career. Kobe’s “Mamba Mentality” came from his generational competitiveness and hard-core leadership. This resulted in him being one of the hardest workers the league has ever seen, and that resulted in him being one of the most skilled players ever. Up until his achilles injury in 2013, for the majority of his career he was one of the leagues best players, and a high-level defender as well. Kobe was able to win 5 championships and was a part of the historic three-peat alongside Shaquille O’Neal.
Kobe was criticized for being selfish and harsh towards his teammates. As well as for not being able to lead a team since during the three-peat with Shaq; Shaq was the statistical leader of the team, and the main focus for the teams they played against. However in 2009 and 2010, Kobe proved he could be a winning leader by winning back-to-back championships and being the Final’s MVP both times. Kobe’s longevity, unique competitiveness, and proof as a winner firmly place him in the top 10 players of all-time.
Key Stats and Accolades: 5x Champion, 2x Final’s MVP, 1x MVP, 11x All-NBA First Team, 12x All-Defense, 18x All-Star, 25 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 33,643 Total Points, 7,047 Total Rebounds, 6,306 Total Assists, 22.9 PER
6. Shaquille O’Neal: 270 Points
Credit: Reddit
Shaquille O’Neal ranks 6th all-time due to his undeniable physical dominance, and historic peak. Shaq’s combination of strength and agility at his massive size was never really seen before. On top of that, his touch, footwork, passing, and ability to run the floor made him basically unstoppable. Shaq’s peak is arguably the greatest ever, in a 3 year span he won 1 MVP, and 3 Final’s MVP’s averaging 28.5 PPG, 12.4 RPG, and 3.3 APG in the regular seasons. These numbers would improve in all three postseasons where the Laker’s three-peated as champions.
Shaq was criticized for a lack of defensive effort at times, as well as not always having the ball in big moments due to his struggles at the free throw line. Despite this, Shaq’s presence allowed him to have gravity in a similar way to Stephen Curry, where teams main focus was to slow him down and live with the results. Shaq’s historic peak, unstoppable physicality, and success as a superstar are what firmly place him in the top 10 players ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 4x Champion, 3x Final’s MVP, 1x MVP, 8x All-NBA First-Team, 15x All-Star, 23.7 PPG, 10.9 RPG, 2.5 APG, 28,596 Total Points, 13,099 Total Rebounds, 26.43 PER, .2081 WS/48
5. Tim Duncan: 272.5 Points
Credit: KSDK.com
Tim Duncan ranks 5th all-time due to his historic consistency, strong leadership, and defensive impact. Duncan is one of the greatest interior defenders of all-time and this anchored the successful Spurs teams he was a part of. And offensively he deserved the nickname “The Big Fundamental”, because although he wasn’t flashy, he was one of the most effective post, and mid-post scorers. Over his 19 years with the Spurs, he was able to lead them to 5 championships, in three different decades.
Because of Duncan’s quiet personality and quiet play style, he didn’t always get the recognition he deserved. Also, his scoring may not look super impressive on average, but he was more than capable of being a strong scorer, and his play style allowed his teammates to create more for themselves. Duncan’s successful career shows how unselfish and dominant he was as a leader/player, and this places him in the top 5 players ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 5x Champion, 3x Final’s MVP, 2x MVP, 10x All-NBA First Team, 15x All-Defense, 15x All-Star, 19 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 3 APG, 26,496 Total Points, 15,091 Total Rebounds, 24.22 PER, .2091 WS/48
4. Magic Johnson: 273.5 Points
Credit: Fox Sports
Magic Johnson ranks 4th all-time due to his truly generational playmaking and leadership, as well as his massive impact on the NBA. As I said earlier, during some of the lowest moments of the NBA, Magic and Larry Bird’s rivalry helped boost the NBA out of the low moments, to being one of the most popular and successful sports. As a 6 foot 9 inch tall point guard, the NBA had never seen a player quite like him. His one-of-one passing and unselfishness are what became the driving engine of the successful “Showtime” Lakers. This leadership and play style brought out the best of his teammates and ultimately extended Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s prime.
Due to health scares at arguably the peak of his abilities, Magic was forced to retire. Similar to Larry Bird, this caused his stat totals to appear weaker compared to some other players. However, Magic’s supreme leadership and dominance as one of the league’s most unique players firmly places him in the top 5 players ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 5x Champion, 3x Final’s MVP, 3x MVP, 9x All-NBA First Team, 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.19 APG (1st), 10,141 Total Assists, 24.11 PER, .2249 WS/48
Tier 2: 3, GOAT Score Range 318.5 Points
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 318.5 Points
Credit: Fadeaway World
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar ranks 3rd all-time due to his generational consistency, incredible peak, and his historic resume. Within a 7 year span Kareem was able to win 5 MVP’s; with his unstoppable skyhook, other post abilities, and rim protection, this is one of the most dominant stretches by a player ever. After becoming teammates with Magic Johnson, although he wasn’t always the same unstoppable scorer as he was earlier in his career, his incredible consistency and leadership as the first or second option helped the Lakers win 5 championships he while was there.
Kareem had an interesting career for the fact that a good portion of his individual success happened early, and resulted in 1 championship. And then when he had a slightly lesser role alongside Magic Johnson for most of the time they were together; that resulted in 5 championships won. Despite this Kareem was able to achieve arguably the most impressive resume ever, and this places him in the top 5 players ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 6x Champion, 2x Final’s MVP, 6x MVP, 10x All-NBA First Team, 11x All-Defense, 19x All-Star, 24.6 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 38,387 Total Points, 17,440 Total Rebounds, 5,660 Total Assists, 24.58 PER, .2284 WS/48
Tier 1: 2-1, GOAT Score Range 351-363.5 Points
2. LeBron James: 351.5 Points
Credit: David Zalubowski
LeBron James ranks 2nd all-time due to his unmatched longevity, being arguably the most skillfully complete players ever, and an incredible resume. Over the course of a 23 year career, LeBron has been one of the best athletes the league has ever witnessed, and has always been one of the top players in the league with minimal major injuries. LeBron is able to score at all three levels, and being one of the leagues best finishers at the rim are what helped him become the all-time scoring leader. Also, LeBron is one of the best playmakers ever, and a solid rebounder, and during the peak of his career he was a great defender as well. It is likely that LeBron’s scoring record won’t be touched for a very long time, as well as seeing someone so consistent from year to year in almost all aspects of their game.
LeBron has received criticisms for his Final’s record of 4-6, and for his underperformance in the 2011 Finals. He’s also been criticized for his attitude and effort at times. As well as his involvement in roster changes, whether that’s demanding trades, or leaving organizations. Despite this, LeBron making 10 Final’s is one of the most impressive achievements of his career, even though some would argue he should have been able to win a couple more championships. Also, although LeBron has played for different teams with some drama that followed, he is the only player ever to win Final’s MVP for three different teams. LeBron is also one of the most influential athletes of all-time and has had the spotlight on him since he was a teenager, and all of this is why LeBron is undoubtedly a top 2 player ever.
Key Stats and Accolades: 4x Champion, 4x Final’s MVP, 4x MVP, 13x All-NBA First Team (First), 6x All-Defense, 22x All-Star (First), 26.78 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 7.4 APG, 43,440 Total Points (First), 12,095 Total Rebounds, 12,016 Total Assists, 26.69 PER, .2177 WS/48
1. Michael Jordan: 363.5 Points
Credit: Beth A. Keiser
And finally, Michael Jordan comes in as the best player ever due to his unmatched global impact, individual and team dominance, and historic two-way abilities. Jordan is arguably the most famous and influential athlete of all-time, and his influence still holds strong today. After many years of development and team building, Jordan and the Bulls got to the point where they were able to win two separate three-peats. And during his time with the Bulls, for a majority of the seasons, Jordan was clearly the best player in the NBA. Jordan is arguably the best scorer the league has ever seen, even with some three-point struggles, because of his finishing abilities, mid-range skills, and historic athleticism. And on top of this, Jordan is regarded as one of the best perimeter defenders ever. And in 1988 became and remains the only player to ever win the Scoring Title and DPOY award in the same year.
Because of a shorter career than some other all-time greats, some of Jordan’s total stats may be weaker than others, especially because of the 2 Wizards seasons. Also, Jordan has received criticism for the era he played in, but to say the era was bad is not true. The best of the best in his era could undoubtedly still be great today, however the talent pool then was not as deep as it is now, and the Era Tax addresses that for players in or before Jordan’s era. Jordan’s extreme competitiveness and work ethic is unmatched and helped him and his teams become so dominant in the 90’s. It also is the reason Jordan had this near perfect career arc, where the first half of his career took learning and growing as a teammate and player, and second half of his career turned into success and accolades. All of this is why Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all-time according to the GOAT Model.
Key Stats and Accolades: 6x Champion, 6x Final’s MVP, 5x MVP, 1x DPOY, 10x All-NBA First Team, 9x All-Defense, 30.12 PPG (First), 6.2 RPG, 5.3 APG, 32,292 Total Points, 6,672 Total Rebounds, 5,633 Total Assists, 27.91 PER, .2505 WS/48, 10x Scoring Titles (First)