The 10 Greatest Basketball Players of All Time

Britannica's list of the 10 greatest basketball players of all time:

Michael Jordan: Jordan is widely considered to be the greatest basketball player of all time. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and was named Finals MVP each time. He also won five regular season MVP awards and ten scoring titles. Jordan was a dominant force on both ends of the court and his impact on the game was undeniable.

LeBron James: James is considered by many to be the second-best basketball player of all time. He has won four NBA championships with three different teams (Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers) and has been named Finals MVP four times. He has also won four regular season MVP awards and four scoring titles. James is a versatile player who can score, rebound, and pass at an elite level.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA's all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points. He won six NBA championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers and was named Finals MVP twice. He also won six regular season MVP awards. Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant force in the paint and his skyhook was one of the most unstoppable shots in NBA history.

Wilt Chamberlain: Chamberlain is one of the most physically dominant players in NBA history. He averaged 50.4 points per game in 1961-62, which is still an NBA record. He also averaged 25.7 rebounds per game for his career, which is also an NBA record. Chamberlain won two NBA championships with the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers and was named Finals MVP once.

Bill Russell: Russell is one of the most successful winners in NBA history. He won 11 NBA championships with the Boston Celtics, which is an NBA record. He also won five regular season MVP awards. Russell was a dominant defensive player who led the Celtics to a record 8 straight NBA championships.

Magic Johnson: Johnson is one of the most versatile players in NBA history. He could play any position on the court and was a dominant force on both ends of the floor. Johnson won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named Finals MVP three times. He also won three regular season MVP awards.

Larry Bird: Bird is one of the most skilled players in NBA history. He was a great shooter, passer, and rebounder. Bird won three NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and was named Finals MVP twice. He also won three regular season MVP awards.

Kobe Bryant: Bryant was a prolific scorer and one of the most clutch players in NBA history. He won five NBA championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and was named Finals MVP twice. He also won two regular season MVP awards.

Tim Duncan: Duncan is one of the most consistent players in NBA history. He won five NBA championships with the San Antonio Spurs and was named Finals MVP three times. He also won two regular season MVP awards.

Stephen Curry: Curry is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He has revolutionized the game with his long-range shooting ability. Curry has won three NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors and has been named Finals MVP twice. He has also won two regular season MVP awards.

This list is subjective and there are many other great players who could have been included. However, these 10 players are widely considered to be the best of the best.