Who Makes the Cut? Ranking the Top 75 NBA Players of All Time

As I sit down to compile this list of the top 75 NBA players of all time, I can't help but reflect on what truly separates the great from the legendary. Having followed basketball religiously for over two decades, I've developed my own criteria that goes beyond just championships and statistics. When I think about players who "make the cut," I'm considering their peak performance, longevity, cultural impact, and that intangible quality that makes them unforgettable. The recent comments about Calvin's performance remind me of those special moments when a player transcends the game itself. Hollis-Jefferson's observation about seeing "the smile in his face" captures something essential about greatness - it's not just about numbers, but about the joy and passion these athletes bring to the court.

The conversation around all-time rankings inevitably starts with Michael Jordan, and I'll be honest - in my book, he's still the undisputed number one. His combination of competitive fire, two three-peats, six Finals MVPs, and that perfect 6-0 record in championship series creates a resume that's simply unmatchable. I know some younger fans might argue for LeBron James, and I respect that perspective - his longevity is absolutely insane. But when I watched Jordan in the 90s, there was this aura of inevitability about him that I haven't seen replicated. The way he dominated both ends of the floor, his clutch gene, and his cultural impact beyond basketball - it's the complete package. LeBron comes in at number two for me, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar rounding out my top three. Kareem's longevity numbers are often overlooked - 38,387 points over 20 seasons is just absurd when you really think about it.

What fascinates me about these rankings is how much they reveal about our changing perspectives on the game. When I first started watching basketball in the late 90s, the conversation was completely different. Players like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain were mythical figures, but the statistical revolution has given us new ways to appreciate their dominance. Russell's 11 championships in 13 seasons will likely never be matched, while Wilt's 100-point game and 50-point season averages seem almost fictional today. Yet I struggle with where to place these legends because the game has evolved so dramatically. That's why I have them in my top 10 but not cracking the top 5 - the level of competition and athleticism has increased so much that direct comparisons become nearly impossible.

The modern era presents its own challenges for evaluation. Stephen Curry completely revolutionized how basketball is played, and in my view, he belongs in the top 15-20 range. The way he changed defensive schemes and extended the court beyond what anyone thought possible - that's a different kind of impact that goes beyond traditional statistics. Meanwhile, Giannis Antetokounmpo is climbing these rankings faster than almost anyone I've seen. His two MVPs and championship by age 27 put him on a trajectory that could eventually land him in the top 10 conversation if he maintains this pace. What I look for with active players is not just what they've accomplished, but their potential to move up this list before they retire.

International players have particularly captured my imagination over the years. Dirk Nowitzki's 2011 championship run was one of the most impressive individual carry jobs I've ever witnessed. The way he dismantled the Heat's superteam with that unstoppable fadeaway jumper - it was basketball poetry. Meanwhile, Luka Doncic is already making a case for himself despite being so early in his career. His statistical production through his first five seasons rivals anyone in history, and if he can lead Dallas to a championship or two, he'll rocket up these rankings. The globalization of basketball has enriched these conversations tremendously, giving us different styles and approaches to appreciate.

When I evaluate players from different eras, I try to balance statistical achievements with that elusive "eye test." Magic Johnson's vision and flair made him must-watch television in a way that statistics can't fully capture. Larry Bird's trash-talking confidence and clutch shooting defined an entire era of Celtics-Lakers rivalry. More recently, Kevin Durant's scoring efficiency feels almost unfair - a 7-footer with guard skills and unlimited range. His 53-45-91 shooting splits during his 2023 playoff run were just ridiculous efficiency numbers that few players in history could match. These are the moments that stick with you years later, the performances that define greatness beyond the box score.

The hardest part of creating this list is dealing with the players ranked between 40-75. This is where passionate debates really heat up among basketball fans. Players like Damian Lillard with his iconic playoff moments, or Chris Paul with his brilliant floor generalship - they all have compelling cases. I've always had a soft spot for Allen Iverson, who at his peak carried the 2001 Sixers to the Finals with one of the most impressive individual playoff runs I've ever seen. His cultural impact through his style and attitude influenced an entire generation of players in ways that statistics can't measure. Similarly, Vince Carter's longevity and dunking prowess make him a personal favorite, though I acknowledge he might not have the playoff success of some contemporaries.

As I finalize my rankings, I keep returning to the idea that greatness isn't just about accumulation - it's about moments that define eras and change how we view the game. The way Calvin's performance inspired his teammate's comments about seeing the joy in his play reminds me that basketball at its best combines supreme skill with genuine passion. The top 75 players aren't just statistical marvels - they're artists, innovators, and competitors who left indelible marks on the sport we love. While reasonable people can disagree about specific placements, what's undeniable is how fortunate we've been to witness such incredible talent across basketball's history. These players didn't just make the cut - they helped define what excellence looks like on the basketball court.