Nba Best Players of All Time

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is one of the most exciting professional sports leagues in the world. It features some of the greatest athletes on earth competing for top honors, and its presence can be felt all around the globe. From iconic teams like Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls to LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers, NBA fans have plenty to look forward to every season regardless of their favorite team or player. With unique uniforms that represent each team’s identity, there are lots of interesting stories behind each design from classic looks like Seattle SuperSonics’ first uniforms back in 1967 up until today’s modern designs – making it a great topic for discussion.

1. LeBron James

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• 2003–2010: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2010–2014: Miami Heat
• 2014–2018: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2018–present: Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James is a two-time NBA champion and three-time MVP. He has led the Cavaliers to back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017. In 2018, he joined the Lakers for an unprecedented move westward in the NBA's history.

His jersey number (6) was retired by both Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat organizations after his third consecutive MVP award in the 2014–2015 season. 

LeBron James also holds several other records such as the most points scored in a playoff game with 73 against Boston Celtics.

Also, the highest scoring average ever with 38 points per game over his whole career, youngest player to score 30 000 points or more and fastest player to reach 20 000 assists milestone among others LeBron James is a four-time NBA Champion, three-time MVP, and eighteen-time All-Star.

He has been named to the NBA’s all-defensive teams five times and was an AP Athlete of the Year nominee in 2013, 2016, and 2018. 

LeBron also won gold medals with Team USA at the 2002 FIBA World Championship, 2012 Olympics, and 2016 Rio Olympics respectively. 

In 2020 he became only the fourth player in history to win scoring titles in each of his first six seasons as a professional (28 points per game).

2. Kevin Durant

Brooklyn Nets

Career

• High school: , National Christian Academy, (Fort Washington, Maryland), Oak Hill Academy, (Mouth of Wilson, Virginia), Montrose Christian School, (Rockville, Maryland)
• College: Texas (2006–2007)
• NBA draft 2007 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 2007–present
• 2007–2016: Seattle SuperSonics /, Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2016–2019: Golden State Warriors
• 2019–present: Brooklyn Nets
• 2× NBA champion (2017, 2018), 2× NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018), NBA Most Valuable Player (2014), 12× NBA All-Star (2010–2019, 2021, 2022), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2012, 2019), 6× All-NBA First Team (2010–2014, 2018), 4× All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2017, 2019, 2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2008), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2008), 4× NBA scoring champion (2010–2012, 2014), 50–40–90 club (2013), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Consensus national college player of the year (2007), Consensus first-team All-American (2007), Big 12 Player of the Year (2007), No. 35 retired by Texas Longhorns, FIBA World Championship MVP (2010), 3× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2010, 2016, 2021), McDonald's All-American Game MVP (2006), First-team Parade All-American (2006), Second-team Parade All-American (2005)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympics, : 2012 London: Team, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, World Championship/World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympics
• : 2012 London: Team
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• World Championship/World Cup
• : 2010 Turkey: Team

Kevin Durant is a six-time NBA All-Star and two-time scoring champion. He has led the Golden State Warriors to four championships since joining in 2016 and was named MVP of the 2017 Finals.

In 2018, he became only the third player ever to score 50 points or more in three different Finals games (2017, 2018, 2019). In October 2019, Kevin Durant announced his decision to leave the Golden State Warriors after just one season and join the Brooklyn Nets as their newest star player.

A two-time NBA champion and MVP, Durant is one of the most decorated players in league history. After leading Oklahoma City to their first ever title in 2012, he led the Thunder to another championship in 2017. 

Durant has also won a host of other accolades during his time with the Sonics (2006–2007), Thunder (2012) and Warriors (2016). His incredible scoring ability has seen him score over 30 points on numerous occasions throughout his career - making him an absolute nightmare for defenders. 

He remains one of basketball's biggest stars, with lucrative sponsorship deals ensuring that he will continue to be successful for many years to come.

3. Stephen Curry

Golden State Warriors

Career

• High school: Charlotte Christian, (Charlotte, North Carolina)
• College: Davidson (2006–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–present: Golden State Warriors
• 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), NBA Finals MVP (2022), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2015, 2016), 8× NBA All-Star (2014–2019, 2021, 2022), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2022), 4× All-NBA First Team (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021), 3× All-NBA Second Team (2014, 2017, 2022), All-NBA Third Team (2018), NBA Western Conference Finals MVP (2022), 2× NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2015, 2021), 2× NBA scoring champion (2016, 2021), NBA steals leader (2016), 50–40–90 club (2016), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2010), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (2022), Consensus first-team All-American (2009), Consensus second-team All-American (2008), NCAA season scoring leader (2009), 2× SoCon Player of the Year (2008, 2009), 3× First-team All-SoCon (2007–2009), No. 30 retired by Davidson Wildcats
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: National team, : 2014 Spain: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA World Cup
• : 2010 Turkey: National team
• : 2014 Spain: National team

Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player who plays for the Golden State Warriors. He was born in 1988 and played college ball at Davidson before being drafted by the Warriors in 2009.

Curry has been one of the best point guards in NBA history and is currently third all-time in scoring behind James Harden and Michael Jordan among active players. In addition to his incredible on-court play, Curry is known for his philanthropy and activism, especially with regard to children's health issues.

Stephen Curry will be playing into his late 30s which means there is still plenty of time left for him to cement himself as one of the greatest ever. Stephen Curry is a two-time NBA MVP and four-time champion. 

He was also named Most Valuable Player of the 2018 NBA Finals, which saw his Golden State Warriors win their fourth title in five years.

In 2011, Curry became just the sixth player in history to average at least 25 points per game for an entire season, doing so while shooting 47 percent from three-point range. 

His versatile play has seen him rack up accolades across all categories – he's won several awards including All-NBA First Team honors and has been crowned scoring king and steals leader multiple times over.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks

Career

• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2013: Filathlitikos
• 2013–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), NBA Finals MVP (2021), 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2019, 2020), 6× NBA All-Star (2017–2022), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2021), 4× All-NBA First Team (2019–2022), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2017, 2018), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2020), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2019–2022), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2017), NBA Most Improved Player (2017), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2014), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, FIBA EuroBasket Top Scorer (2022), Euroscar Player of the Year (2018)

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a dominant player in the NBA. He was drafted 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 and has since become one of their key players.

Giannis Antetokounmpo was born on December 6, 1994 in Athens, Greece. His father played basketball professionally and his brother alsoplays basketball professionally.

Antetokounmpo started playing professional basketball for Filathlitikos aged just 16 years old and quickly established himself as one of Europe's best young prospects.

In 2011, he was signed by the then-struggling Milwaukee Bucks and made an instant impact on the team - averaging 17 points per game over his first two seasons with them.

In 2016, he led Greece to its first ever appearance at an Olympic Games medal podium when they finished fourth overall at Rio de Janeiro – earning him selection to Team EuroBasket 2017 where he helped lead them to silver medals once again.

With averages of 27 points, 11 rebounds and four assists per game across all competitions this season (2018/19), Giannis Antetokounmpo is arguably one of the most consistent players in both European AND North American leagues – making him an extremely difficult opponent for any opposing player.

5. James Harden

Philadelphia 76ers

Career

• 2009–2012: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2012–2021: Houston Rockets
• 2021–2022: Brooklyn Nets
• 2022–present: Philadelphia 76ers

James Harden is a 3-time NBA All Star and was the 2017–2018 MVP. He has led the Houston Rockets to 2 consecutive championships, and he is looking for his third title in 2020.

Harden played college basketball at Arizona State before being drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2009. In 2012, he signed with the Houston Rockets and led them to their first championship that same year.

As of 2019, James Harden averages 27 points per game which makes him one of the most lethal scorers in all of basketball James Harden is a two-time NBA scoring champion and six-time All-NBA selection. 

He led the Houston Rockets to their first championship in 2017 and was named MVP of the title game.

In 2018, he helped lead the Brooklyn Nets to their first-ever playoff appearance. James Harden's skills have earned him numerous awards, including Most Valuable Player and Sixth Man of the Year honors in 2018 and 2019 respectively.

6. Luka Dončić

Dallas Mavericks

Career

• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–2018: Real Madrid
• 2018–present: Dallas Mavericks
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), 3× All-NBA First Team (2020–2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2019), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019), EuroLeague champion (2018), EuroLeague MVP (2018), EuroLeague Final Four MVP (2018), All-EuroLeague First Team (2018), 2× EuroLeague Rising Star (2017, 2018), EuroLeague 2010–20 All-Decade Team (2020), Euroscar Player of the Year (2019), 3× Liga ACB champion (2015, 2016, 2018), Liga ACB MVP (2018), All-Liga ACB First Team (2018), 2× ACB Best Young Player (2017, 2018), 3× ACB All-Young Players Team (2016–2018), 2× Spanish King's Cup winner (2016, 2017), 2× Trofeo Costa de Sol champion (2016, 2017), FIBA Intercontinental Cup champion (2015), EB Next Generation Tournament champion (2015), EB Next Generation Tournament MVP (2015), Slovenian Sportsman of the Year (2018)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Slovenia, EuroBasket, : 2017 Turkey:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Slovenia
• EuroBasket
• 2017 Turkey

Luka Dončić is a Slovenian point guard who was drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2018. He has played for Real Madrid since 2015 and most recently played with the Dallas Mavericks in 2018.

Dončić has been praised for his shooting ability, athleticism, and passing skills. In 2019 he led Spain to a silver medal at the European Championships and was named MVP of the tournament. 

He is one of only five players in history to score over 2,000 points in both the Euroleague (regular season) and Liga ACB (Spanish league) play simultaneously.

In 2020 he signed an extension with Dallas that will keep him there through 2023-24 seasons Luka Dončić was born in February of 1998, making him just 19 years old when he won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. 

Luka is a 7-footer who plays both forward positions and has been compared to former Yugoslavia great Dražen Petrović. 

He played for his hometown team Zagreb before being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2016 and subsequently traded to the Orlando Magic.

In 2018, Luka led Croatia to their first-ever European Championship title, becoming only the fourth player (after Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Dirk Nowitzki) to win a FIBA World Cup medal as well as a EuroLeague championship medal. 

After two seasons with Orlando, Luka moved on again this summer signing with Barcelona where he will join up with fellow Croatian Dario Saric.

7. Anthony Davis

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• High school: Perspectives Charter, (Chicago, Illinois)
• College: Kentucky (2011–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the New Orleans Hornets
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2019: New Orleans Hornets / Pelicans
• 2019–present: Los Angeles Lakers
• NBA champion (2020), 8× NBA All-Star (2014–2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2017), 4× All-NBA First Team (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2018, 2020), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2015, 2017), 3× NBA blocks leader (2014, 2015, 2018), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, NCAA champion (2012), NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player (2012), National college player of the year (2012), Consensus first-team All-American (2012), NABC Defensive Player of the Year (2012), USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2012), SEC Player of the Year (2012), NCAA blocks leader (2012), SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2012), SEC Rookie of the Year (2012), First-team Parade All-American (2011), McDonald's All-American (2011)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2012 London: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2012 London: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team

Anthony Davis is a superstar power forward and center for the Los Angeles Lakers. He was drafted first overall in 2012 by the New Orleans Hornets, and has since played with them as well as the Pelicans.

Davis is one of the most dominant players in league history, averaging 27 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists per game over his career. He has been named to multiple All-Star teams and won two MVP awards during his time in the NBA.

In 2019 he signed an extension with the Lakers that will keep him with them through 2024/25 season at an estimated value of $228 million dollars. Anthony Davis is a 6'10" power forward who played professionally in the NBA for 13 seasons. 

He was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013 and won two championships with them before moving to the Los Angeles Lakers in 2019.

Davis is considered one of the best players in basketball, winning multiple awards including an NBA title and All-Star Game MVP. His defensive skills are also highly regarded, making him a key player on any team he plays for.

8. Jayson Tatum

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: Chaminade, (Creve Coeur, Missouri)
• College: Duke (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–present: Boston Celtics
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), All-NBA First Team (2022), All-NBA Third Team (2020), NBA Eastern Conference Finals MVP (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018), Third-team All-ACC (2017), ACC All-Freshman team (2017), McDonald's All-American (2016), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2016), Mr. Show-Me Basketball (2016)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, FIBA U19 World Championship, : 2015 Greece: Team, FIBA U17 World Championship, : 2014 Dubai: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• FIBA U19 World Championship
• : 2015 Greece: Team
• FIBA U17 World Championship
• : 2014 Dubai: Team

Jayson Tatum was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2017 NBA draft. Jayson started his career with the Celtics in the 2017-2018 season and has since played a major role for them on both sides of the court.

Jayson is known for his scoring ability, as well as his athleticism and defensive skills. He is expected to be a mainstay in Boston's lineup for years to come, and could very well become one of the league's best small forwards/power forwards Jayson Tatum is an NBA All-Star and National Player of the Year candidate.

Jayson was a McDonald's All-American, Gatorade National Player of the Year, Mr. Show-Me Basketball player of the year as well as a Third Team All-American at ACC school Clemson University in 2017.  

He has also represented USA Men’s Junior National team on multiple occasions and won a gold medal at FIBA Americas U18 Championship in 2018.

In his rookie season, he averaged 23 points per game for Boston Celtics earning him 3x NBA All-Star selections (2020, 2022 & 2023) At 21 years old Jayson is already considered one of the best players in NBA history.

9. Damian Lillard

Portland Trail Blazers

Career

• High school: , Arroyo, (San Lorenzo, California), St. Joseph Notre Dame, (Alameda, California), Oakland, (Oakland, California)
• College: Weber State (2008–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 6th overall
• Selected by the Portland Trail Blazers
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–present: Portland Trail Blazers
• 6× NBA All-Star (2014, 2015, 2018–2021), All-NBA First Team (2018), 4× All-NBA Second Team (2016, 2019–2021), All-NBA Third Team (2014), NBA Rookie of the Year (2013), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), NBA Teammate of the Year (2021), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Third-team All-American – AP, NABC (2012), 2× Big Sky Player of the Year (2010, 2012), Big Sky Freshman of the Year (2009), 3× First-team All-Big Sky (2009, 2010, 2012), No. 1 retired by Weber State Wildcats
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Damian Lillard is a Point Guard for the Portland Trail Blazers in the NBA. He was born on July 15, 1990 in Oakland, California and raised there until he graduated from high school.

After graduating from high school, Lillard attended St Joseph Notre Dame but decided to leave after one year to play professionally with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL before joining the Portland Trail Blazers as a free agent in 2012.

Damian has had successful seasons with the Blazers since joining them and has been awarded 3 MVP Awards (2014-2016), 2 Defensive Player of The Year Awards (2015-2017) and 1 Sixth Man of The Year Award (2018). 

He currently plays for Portland through 2021 season where he will be 33 years old at that time Damian Lillard is a professional basketball player who has played for the Portland Trail Blazers since 2012.

He was drafted by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2012 NBA draft and has since become one of their most consistent players, winning four All-NBA Second Team awards and two All-Star games. 

Damian Lillard is also an all-around good player, having been named to both the AP and NABC First teams as well as being Third team All American twice during his college career at Weber State University. 

In 2018 he became just the fifth player in history to average over 25 points, 5 assists, 4 rebounds per game in a season and was rewarded with his first ever All-NBA First Team nomination.

Ahead of his fourth year in the league (2020), many believe that Damian Lillard could potentially be considered one of the best players ever to play.

10. Nikola Jokić

Denver Nuggets

Career

• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 2 / Pick: 41st overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2015: Mega Basket
• 2015–present: Denver Nuggets
• 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2021, 2022), 4× NBA All-Star (2019–2022), 3× All-NBA First Team (2019, 2021, 2022), All-NBA Second Team (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), 2× Serbian Player of the Year (2018, 2021), ABA League MVP (2015), ABA League Top Prospect (2015)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Serbia, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, U19 World Championship, : 2013 Czech Republic: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Serbia
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• U19 World Championship
• : 2013 Czech Republic: Team

Nikola Jokić was born on February 19, 1995, in Sombor, Serbia. He played for Mega Basket in 2012 and then moved to the Denver Nuggets in 2015. Nikola is a center who averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game last season with the Nuggets.

He has been selected to participate in the Rising Stars Challenge this year as part of All-Star Weekend festivities. Nikola Jokić is a Serbian professional basketball player who has been playing in the NBA since 2016. 

He was drafted 6th overall by the Boston Celtics in 2016 and won two championships with them during his first three seasons there.

In 2019, he was named MVP of the playoffs after leading his team to an improbable comeback against LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers. He also made 3 consecutive All-Star appearances from 2019-2021 and has consistently proven to be one of the best players in the league regardless of position. 

Nikola Jokić is married to Anka Mladenovic, a tennis player, and they have one child together - a daughter Milena.

11. Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies

Career

• High school: Crestwood (Sumter, South Carolina)
• College: Murray State (2017–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Memphis Grizzlies
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–present: Memphis Grizzlies
• NBA All-Star (2022), All-NBA Second Team (2022), NBA Most Improved Player (2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2020), Consensus first-team All-American (2019), NCAA season assists leader (2019), Lute Olson Award (2019), Bob Cousy Award (2019), OVC Player of the Year (2019), 2× First-team All-OVC (2018, 2019), OVC tournament MVP (2019), OVC All-Newcomer Team (2018), No. 12 retired by Murray State Racers

Ja Morant was selected by the Memphis Grizzlies as the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. Ja Morant is a point guard who played college basketball at Murray State.

He has led his team to two straight playoff appearances and is averaging 19 points, 5 assists, and 3 rebounds per game this season. 

Ja Morant is one of only six players under age 24 to average at least 20 points, five assists, and three rebounds in an NBA season so far (the others are Kyrie Irving, Donovan Mitchell, DeAndre Ayton, Kristaps Porzingis, and LeBron James).

Ja Morant is a dynamic player who has quickly emerged as one of the top prospects in the NBA. Morant was named to an All-NBA Second Team and Rookie of the Year in his first season, proving he's capable of big performances on both ends of the floor. 

He led NCAA players with 19 assists and averaged 20 points per game for Murray State this year, helping them win their second OVC Championship title in three years.

Morant will need to continue to develop his shooting if he wants to make it into the upper echelons of basketball, but his overall skills are already very impressive. 

With plenty of potential left untapped, there's no doubt that Ja Morant is destined for great things in the near future - watch out, other NBA teams.

12. Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers

Career

• High school: , Montverde Academy, (Montverde, Florida), The Rock School, (Gainesville, Florida)
• College: Kansas (2013–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–present: Philadelphia 76ers
• 5× NBA All-Star (2018–2022), 4× All-NBA Second Team (2018, 2019, 2021, 2022), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018, 2019, 2021), NBA scoring champion (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2017), Second-team All-Big 12 (2014), Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2014), Big 12 All-Defensive Team (2014), Big 12 All-Newcomer Team (2014)

Joel Embiid is a big man, standing at 7 feet tall and weighing 280 pounds. He played college basketball for Kansas, where he was one of the best scoring players in the NCAA.

After playing two seasons of college basketball, Joel Embiid declared himself eligible for the 2013 NBA draft. Many teams were interested in him but Philadelphia chose to take a chance on him with their first round pick (No.

In his rookie season with Philadelphia, Joel Embiid led all rookies in points scored (24.1 per game) and rebounds (10.0 per game). He also won Rookie of the Year honours while helping Philadelphia make it to the Eastern Conference Finals – their first appearance in that stage since 1983.

The following year saw even more impressive performances from Joel Embiid as he averaged 23 points, 10 rebounds and 2 blocks per game en route to being named an All-Star for the second time.

In his career and becoming only the third player ever to win Defensive Player of Year honours whilst averaging over 20 points/10 boards/2 blocks per game or higher (joining Shaquille O’Neal & Hakeem Olajuwon).

Unfortunately, injuries have been plaguing Joel Embiid throughout his career; most notably during his sophomore season when he suffered a broken orbital bone which caused him to miss significant time action. 

However, despite these niggles he has still managed to be one of the top centres in both Europe and America - never losing sight of what makes him successful: simple hard work coupled with a natural skill set.

Despite rumours linking other superstars such as LeBron James & Kevin Durant with moves away from Philly this summer [9], it seems like Joel will continue leading ‘The Process’ until retirement – proving once again just how much talent this guy possesses.

13. Devin Booker

Phoenix Suns

Career

• High school: , Grandville (Grandville, Michigan), Moss Point (Moss Point, Mississippi)
• College: Kentucky (2014–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–present: Phoenix Suns
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), All-NBA First Team (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2018), SEC Sixth Man of the Year (2015), Second-team All-SEC (2015), SEC All-Freshmen Team (2015), McDonald's All-American (2014)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Devin Booker is a shooting guard for the Phoenix Suns. He was drafted 13th overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Phoenix Suns and has since played for them in both the NBA and NBPA leagues.

Devin Booker is one of only two players to score over 1000 points in each of his first three seasons (the other being Kevin Durant). In 2017–2018, he led the Suns to their first playoff appearance since 2010.

In 2018–2019, he became just the second player ever to average at least 20 points per game while also averaging 5 assists per game; Stephen Curry had previously held this record. Devin Booker was one of the top prospects in the NBA Draft, and he has quickly proven himself to be a premier player.

He is averaging over 20 points per game for his career and can do it all on both sides of the ball. Booker has won multiple awards throughout his young career, including being named an All-Star and All-NBA First Team member.

14. Kawhi Leonard

Los Angeles Clippers

Career

• High school: , Canyon Springs, (Moreno Valley, California), Martin Luther King, (Riverside, California)
• College: San Diego State (2009–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 15th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2018: San Antonio Spurs
• 2018–2019: Toronto Raptors
• 2019–present: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2× NBA champion (2014, 2019), 2× NBA Finals MVP (2014, 2019), 5× NBA All-Star (2016, 2017, 2019–2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2020), 3× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017, 2021), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2019, 2020), 2× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2015, 2016), 3× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2015–2017), 4× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014, 2019–2021), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), NBA steals leader (2015), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, AP Athlete of the Year (2019), Consensus second-team All-American (2011), 2× First-team All-MWC (2010, 2011), No. 15 retired by San Diego State Aztecs, California Mr. Basketball (2009)

Kawhi Leonard was born in Los Angeles, California, on June 29th, 1991. He played college basketball at San Diego State and was drafted 1st overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2011 NBA draft.

Kawhi has been a 2-time All-Star (2013, 2017) and is currently playing for the LA Clippers in the NBA. He is known for his elite shooting ability, which has helped him accumulate over 25000 points in his career thus far.

Kawhi is married to LaLa Vasquez and they have one child together - a daughter named Sienna Rose. Leonard has been one of the most dominant players in the NBA for several years now and is likely to continue his success with the Clippers.

He was a two-time champion with the Spurs, and he's also won MVP awards in both the Finals and All-Star games. Leonard is known as an incredible defender, posting up opponents or guarding multiple positions on defense. 

His offensive game is equally as impressive, scoring at will from anywhere on the court while creating opportunities for teammates using his passing skillset.

Kawhi Leonard is a true superstar who belongs among basketball's greatest-ever players.

15. Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat

Career

• 6× NBA All-Star (2015–2018, 2020, 2022)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (2017, 2018, 2020, 2021)
• 5× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2014–2016, 2018, 2021)
• NBA Most Improved Player (2015)
• NBA steals leader (2021)

Butler was originally selected by the Chicago Bulls in the 2011 NBA draft. He has spent his entire playing career with the Bulls, where he is a two-time All-Star and an MVP candidate.

Butler is known for his perimeter shooting and ball-handling skills, which have made him one of the most versatile players in the league. He announced his retirement from professional basketball on May 15th, 2019 after missing most of the 2018–19 season due to injury.

Jimmy Butler is an All-Star and 5-time NBA Defensive Second Team member. As a Chicago Bull, he averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting 50%. He has also been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team five times in six seasons with the Bulls.

After being traded to Minnesota Timberwolves in 2017, Butler led his team to their first playoff berth since 2004 where they were eliminated by Cleveland Cavaliers in 6 games (1st round).

In 2018 Jimmy signed with the Philadelphia 76ers averaging 22 points and 8 assists off the bench en route to winning Rookie of The Year honors from both The Sporting News and Basketball Insiders Awards. Also, Third Team All-NBA honors from the Associated Press panel (behind Kyrie Irving & DeMar DeRozan).

On July 6th, 2019 Jimmy was traded along with Tobias Harris and two future 1sts for Kemba Walker who had just completed his fourth season with Charlotte Hornets averaging 27 PPG 7 RPG 4 APG.

It happened when he was acquired by Miami Heat making him their all-time leading scorer at 29,596 career points, not including playoff performances which would bring that total up to over 30K.

16. Trae Young

Atlanta Hawks

Career

• High school: Norman North (Norman, Oklahoma)
• College: Oklahoma (2017–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Dallas Mavericks
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–present: Atlanta Hawks
• 2× NBA All-Star (2020, 2022), All-NBA Third Team (2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019), Consensus first-team All-American (2018), Wayman Tisdale Award (2018), First-team All-Big 12 (2018), Big 12 Freshman of the Year (2018), NCAA season scoring leader (2018), NCAA season assists leader (2018), McDonald's All-American (2017)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2016 Chile: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2016 Chile: National team

Young was born on September 19, 1998 in Lubbock, Texas. Young played college basketball at Oklahoma and was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 2018. Young has been with the Atlanta Hawks since 2018 and is currently a point guard for the team.

Young has had some good moments during his career so far; most notably being named to both the NBA All-Star Game and Second Team All-NBA teams this year. However, he also faces criticism from some quarters as he often takes too many shots or makes poor decisions with the ball.

Overall, Trae Young is one of the more exciting young players in the league right now and we can only wait to see what he will achieve in future years. Trae Young was one of the most highly touted prospects in college basketball and he has lived up to all expectations.

He is a dynamic scorer and passer who can take over games. Young led Oklahoma to an undefeated season and an NCAA Championship appearance before being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks with the seventh pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. 

Young will be a key player for Atlanta this season, but he also has potential to play at a high level in other leagues as well: Trae Young is destined for greatness.

17. Paul George

Los Angeles Clippers

Career

• High school: Knight (Palmdale, California)
• College: Fresno State (2008–2010)
• NBA draft 2010 / Round: 1 / Pick: 10th overall
• Selected by the Indiana Pacers
• Playing career: 2010–present
• 2010–2017: Indiana Pacers
• 2017–2019: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2019–present: Los Angeles Clippers
• 7× NBA All-Star (2013, 2014, 2016–2019, 2021), All-NBA First Team (2019), 5× All-NBA Third Team (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2021), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2014, 2019), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2013, 2016), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2011), NBA Most Improved Player (2013), NBA steals leader (2019), Second-team All-WAC (2010), No. 24 retired by Fresno State Bulldogs
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team

Paul George was born on May 2, 1990 in Palmdale, California. He attended Knight High School and played college basketball for Fresno State before being drafted 10th overall by the Indiana Pacers in the 2010 NBA draft.

In his five seasons with the Pacers he has averaged 20 points per game, 4 rebounds per game and 3 assists per game while playing all 82 games each season. 

On July 12th of this year Paul George signed a three-year contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder worth $137 million dollars including an annual salary of $27 million over that period of time.

Paul George is one of only two players (the other being Kobe Bryant) to score at least 25,000 points and grab 5,000 rebounds in their career; achieving both feats whilst playing for the Indiana Pacers between 2010-2017 Paul George is a two-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA Third Team player. 

He was selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2011, and went on to become one of the best players in the league over time.

In 2019, he became just the fourth player in history with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 100 assists and 40 steals in a season - joining Oscar Robertson (1960–1961), LeBron James (2004–2007) and Kevin Durant (2012–2015). 

George has retired from Fresno State as their second all-time leading scorer with 2,336 points. With his new team - Los Angeles Clippers - he looks to take his game even further next season.

18. Donovan Mitchell

Cleveland Cavaliers

Career

• High school: , Canterbury School, (New Milford, Connecticut), Brewster Academy, (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire)
• College: Louisville (2015–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–2022: Utah Jazz
• 2022–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2018), NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2018), First-team All-ACC (2017)

Donovan Mitchell is a 26-year-old shooting guard for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the NBA. Mitchell was born in Elmsford, New York on September 7th, 1996, and attended Canterbury School in New Milford Connecticut before attending Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro New Hampshire.

At 22 years old, Donovan made his debut with the Utah Jazz during the 2016–17 season and quickly became one of their key players both on and off the court. 

In 2018–19 he led all guards in scoring (21 points per game) as well as assists (5.7 APG) while also averaging a career-high 2 steals per game - earning him an All-Star nomination along the way.

The Cavs acquired Donovan from Utah at the 2019 trade deadline where he has since established himself as one of their most important players both offensively and defensively - helping them to reach finals contention once again this year.

19. Kyrie Irving

Brooklyn Nets

Career

• High school: , Montclair Kimberley Academy, (Montclair, New Jersey), St. Patrick, (Elizabeth, New Jersey)
• College: Duke (2010–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2017: Cleveland Cavaliers
• 2017–2019: Boston Celtics
• 2019–present: Brooklyn Nets
• NBA champion (2016), 7× NBA All-Star (2013–2015, 2017–2019, 2021), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2014), All-NBA Second Team (2019), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2021), 50–40–90 club (2021), NBA Rookie of the Year (2012), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2013), USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2014), FIBA World Cup MVP (2014), McDonald's All-American (2010), First-team Parade All-American (2010)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympics, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2010 San Antonio: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympics
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2010 San Antonio: Team

Kyrie Irving was born in Melbourne, Australia on March 23, 1992. After playing college basketball at Duke, he was drafted by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2013 and went on to win an NBA title with them in 2016.

In 2018, Irving joined the Boston Celtics and helped them reach the playoffs for the first time in over a decade. He is married to Ayesha Curry and has two children: daughter Kiari Lee (born October 12, 2017), and son Tristan Kyrie (born February 8, 2020).

Kyrie Irving is known for his strong shooting ability from long range as well as his Passing & Ball Handling skills off the dribble which have made him one of the most feared players in today's NBA game Kyrie Irving was selected 1st overall in the 2011 NBA draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Kyrie has played for four other teams since then, most notably with the Cavaliers and Boston Celtics where he won an NBA championship in 2016. 

Kyrie is a two-time All-Star and MVP award winner, and also earned Second Team All-NBA honors twice during his time with Cleveland as well as being named to the 50/40/90 club (2021).

Kyrie led Boston to playoffs this season before being traded to Brooklyn Nets earlier this month.

20. DeMar DeRozan

Chicago Bulls

Career

• High school: Compton (Compton, California)
• College: USC (2008–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 9th overall
• Selected by the Toronto Raptors
• Playing career: 2009–present
• 2009–2018: Toronto Raptors
• 2018–2021: San Antonio Spurs
• 2021–present: Chicago Bulls
• 5× NBA All-Star (2014, 2016–2018, 2022), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2018, 2022), All-NBA Third Team (2017), Pac-10 tournament MVP (2009), Pac-10 All-Freshman Team (2009), No. 10 retired by USC Trojans, First-team Parade All-American (2008), McDonald's All-American (2008)
• Medals, , Men’s basketball, Representing  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team
• Men’s basketball
• Representing  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team

DeMar DeRozan is a shooting guard and small forward who has played for the Toronto Raptors since 2009. He was drafted ninth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 NBA draft, and he has spent his entire career with them up to present day.

DeRozan has won two consecutive MVP Awards (2017-2018), as well as three All-Star Game appearances (2013, 2017, 2018). In 2020 he joined the San Antonio Spurs on a one-year contract worth $27 million USD; however this deal was later terminated after just 10 games due to injury concerns.

DeMar DeRozan was born on December 28, 1990 in Toronto, Ontario. DeMar began playing basketball at a young age and quickly became one of the top players in his region. 

In 2007, DeMar joined the United States National Team Development Program (NTDP) where he competed against some of the best athletes in the world.

After impressing during his time with NTDP, DeMar was drafted 4th overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2009 NBA Draft and has since played for them continuously except for two seasons when he spent time with the US national team. 

During his career, DeMar has been named to multiple All-Star teams and has won numerous awards including 2× All-NBA Second Team honors (2018, 2022). He is also set to retire as a member of the Chicago Bulls after this season.

21. Chris Paul

Phoenix Suns

Career

• High school: West Forsyth, (Clemmons, North Carolina)
• College: Wake Forest (2003–2005)
• NBA draft 2005 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the New Orleans Hornets
• Playing career: 2005–present
• 2005–2011: New Orleans Hornets[b]
• 2011–2017: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2017–2019: Houston Rockets
• 2019–2020: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2020–present: Phoenix Suns
• 12× NBA All-Star (2008–2016, 2020–2022), NBA All-Star Game MVP (2013), 4× All-NBA First Team (2008, 2012–2014), 5× All-NBA Second Team (2009, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2021), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2011, 2022), 7× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2009, 2012–2017), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2008, 2011), NBA Rookie of the Year (2006), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2006), 5× NBA assists leader (2008, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2022), 6× NBA steals leader (2008, 2009, 2011–2014), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Consensus first-team All-American (2005), First-team All-ACC (2005), Third-team All-ACC (2004), ACC Rookie of the Year (2004), No. 3 retired by Wake Forest Demon Deacons, USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (2004), First-team Parade All-American (2003), McDonald's All-American (2003), North Carolina Mr. Basketball (2003)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2008 Beijing: Team competition, : 2012 London: Team competition, FIBA World Championship, : 2006 Japan: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2008 Beijing: Team competition
• : 2012 London: Team competition
• FIBA World Championship
• : 2006 Japan: Team competition

Chris Paul is a point guard in the NBA and has been playing since 2005. He played for the New Orleans Hornets from 2005 to 2011, before moving to the Los Angeles Clippers in 2012.

In 2017, he was named MVP of the league after leading his team to their first championship in 41 years. Chris Paul is married with two children and currently lives in LA. Chris Paul is an all-time great point guard in the NBA and one of the best players to ever play the game.

He has won numerous awards throughout his career, including 12 All-Star appearances and 4 MVPs. Paul is also a five-time All-NBA First Team selection and was voted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

22. Zion Williamson

Duke Blue Devils men's basketball

Career

• 2019–present: New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson is a very talented player and he has shown that throughout his career. He was drafted first overall in the 2019 NBA draft by the New Orleans Pelicans and has since started playing for them.

Zion Williamson is known for being one of the best young players in the NBA, and he will continue to be successful long into his career.

 He is 6'6'' tall and weighs 284 pounds, which makes him incredibly strong and able to play at an extremely high level.

Zion Williamson's skills are simply incredible; he can do things with a basketball that most people cannot even dream of doing. His height combined with his strength make him a force to be reckoned with on the court, both offensively and defensively. 

There is no doubt that Zion Williamson will have a very successful professional basketball career - he already seems like a true superstar.

Thanks go out to him for proving himself time after time as one of the greatest young players in history.

23. Russell Westbrook

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• High school: Leuzinger (Lawndale, California)
• College: UCLA (2006–2008)
• NBA draft 2008 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the Seattle SuperSonics
• Playing career: 2008–present
• 2008–2019: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2019–2020: Houston Rockets
• 2020–2021: Washington Wizards
• 2021–present: Los Angeles Lakers
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2017), 9× NBA All-Star (2011–2013, 2015–2020), 2× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2015, 2016), 2× All-NBA First Team (2016, 2017), 5× All-NBA Second Team (2011–2013, 2015, 2018), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2019, 2020), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2009), 2× NBA scoring champion (2015, 2017), 3× NBA assists leader (2018, 2019, 2021), NBA 75th Anniversary Team, Third-team All-Pac-10 (2008), Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year (2008), Pac-10 All-Defensive Team (2008)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2012 London: Team competition, World Championship/World Cup, : 2010 Turkey: Team competition
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2012 London: Team competition
• World Championship/World Cup
• : 2010 Turkey: Team competition

Westbrook has been one of the most dominant point guards in the NBA for a decade, and he is only getting better. He was drafted by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2008 and played with them until 2019.

In his first three seasons, Westbrook led Oklahoma City to consecutive Finals appearances (2012, 2013, 2014). After spending two seasons with Houston Rockets, Westbrook re-joined the Thunder as their new starting point guard in 2020.

His exceptional play has earned him numerous accolades throughout his career including five MVP Awards (2013–2018), four straight All-Star Game selections (2017–2020), and two Olympic Gold Medals (2008, 2012). Westbrook is a two-time NBA MVP and All-Star, as well as an All-NBA First Team selection.

Westbrook was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2008 and has since played for them, signing with the Washington Wizards this offseason. 

Westbrook's game revolves around his explosiveness and speed on offense, as he can score through almost any means possible – whether it be dunked or assists to teammates.

On defense, Westbrook is known for being one of the best rebounders in the league, averaging nearly 10 per game over his career so far.

24. Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics

Career

• High school: Wheeler, (Marietta, Georgia)
• College: California (2015–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Boston Celtics
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–present: Boston Celtics
• NBA All-Star (2021), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2017), First-team All-Pac-12 (2016), Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2016), McDonald's All-American (2015), First-team Parade All-American (2015), Mr. Georgia Basketball (2015)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, FIBA Americas U18 Championship, : 2014 United States: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• FIBA Americas U18 Championship
• : 2014 United States: National team

Brown was born in Atlanta, Georgia on October 24th 1996. He attended Wheeler High School and played for the varsity basketball team as a freshman before transferring to California after his sophomore season.

Brown led Cal to back-to-back Pac-12 titles while averaging 17 points, five rebounds and three assists per game during his two years with the Golden Bears. 

As a junior, he averaged 23 points, seven rebounds and four assists whilst leading Cal to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2004.

Brown was drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in the 2016 NBA draft and made his debut with them later that year against the Philadelphia 76ers - scoring 12 points off the bench in 21 minutes of play. 

In 2017–2018, Brown started all 82 games for Boston coming off the bench averaging 11 point 4 rebounds 2 assists 1 steal PER 36 minutes played which placed him 3rd among all rookies behind only Ben Simmons (21 PPG 8 RPG 4 APG 2 SPG) & DeMarcus Cousins (24 PPG 10 RPG 5 APG 1 BSPG).

After starting all 82 games once again in 2018–2019 JaylenBrown’s numbers dipped slightly dropping averages across most categories but still putting up 14PPG 5RPG 3APG on 46MPG over 38GP.

good enough for 13th place amongst shooting guards/small forwards according to ESPN’s RealGM player rankings at time of writing this article.

25. Karl-Anthony Towns

Minnesota Timberwolves

Career

• High school: St. Joseph (Metuchen, New Jersey)
• College: Kentucky (2014–2015)
• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2015–present
• 2015–present: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 3× NBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2022), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2018, 2022), NBA Rookie of the Year (2016), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2022), Consensus second-team All-American (2015), SEC Freshman of the Year (2015), First-team All-SEC (2015), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2014), McDonald's All-American (2014), First-team Parade All-American (2014)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Dominican Republic, Centrobasket, : 2012 Puerto Rico: National Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Dominican Republic
• Centrobasket
• : 2012 Puerto Rico: National Team

Karl-Anthony Towns is an American power forward and center for the Minnesota Timberwolves of the NBA. He was drafted first overall in 2015 and has since established himself as one of the league's top players.

The town is a versatile player who can play either frontcourt position, making him difficult to defend on both ends of the court. His offense is potent, averaging 22 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks per game this season.

He also has a strong work ethic on and off the court; he frequently breaks down film with his coaches to improve his game further. 

With continued success in basketball, Karl-Anthony Towns may soon be considered one of the sport's greatest-ever talents Karl-Anthony Towns is one of the most successful young players in recent NBA history.

He has been a three-time All-Star and two-time All-NBA Third Team selection, as well as an NBA Rookie of the Year and consensus second-team All-American. The Kentucky product was drafted first overall by Minnesota in 2015 but has since moved to New Orleans on a trade deadline deal this year. 

There he will join fellow 2016 draftee DeMarcus Cousins who is already showing potential similarities between the duo offensively.

Karl Anthony Towns should continue his upward trajectory with another strong season for the Pelicans this year - expect big things from him.

26. Rudy Gobert

Minnesota Timberwolves

Career

• NBA draft 2013 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–2013: Cholet
• 2013–2022: Utah Jazz
• 2013–2014: →Bakersfield Jam
• 2022–present: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 3× NBA All-Star (2020–2022), All-NBA Second Team (2017), 3× All-NBA Third Team (2019–2021), 3× NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2018, 2019, 2021), 6× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2017–2022), NBA rebounding leader (2022), NBA blocks leader (2017), French Player of the Year (2019)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  France, Summer Olympics, : 2020 Tokyo: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: , : 2019 China: , EuroBasket, : 2022 Germany: , : 2015 France:
• Men's basketball
• Representing  France
• Summer Olympics
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain:
• : 2019 China:
• EuroBasket
• : 2022 Germany:
• : 2015 France:

Rudy Gobert is a dominant center in the NBA and was an All-Star last year. He started his career with Cholet before moving to Utah, where he has been ever since.

Rudy is not just a scorer – he can rebound and block shots too, making him one of the most complete players in the league. With four straight seasons of 20 or more points per game, it's no wonder why teams are so keen on signing him up.

Be sure to check out Rudy Gobert when he takes on the Minnesota Timberwolves at the 2022 NBA All-Star Game this February. Rudy Gobert is a 7-foot-2 inch, 265-pound center who has been an integral part of the Utah Jazz for a number of years.

He was drafted in 2013 by the Jazz and has since become one of their best players, winning multiple awards including three All-Star appearances and being named to the All-NBA team on three occasions. 

In addition to his success on the court, Rudy Gobert is also renowned for his charity work which includes raising money for various causes such as pediatric cancer research.

27. Michael Jordan

Chicago Bulls

Career

• High school: Emsley A. Laney, (Wilmington, North Carolina)
• College: North Carolina (1981–1984)
• NBA draft 1984 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Chicago Bulls
• Playing career: 1984–1993, 1995–1998, 2001–2003
• Position: Shooting guard
• Number: 23, 12,[b] 45
• 1984–1993,, 1995–1998: Chicago Bulls
• 2001–2003: Washington Wizards
• 6× NBA champion (1991–1993, 1996–1998), 6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998), 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998), 14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002, 2003), 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998), 10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998), All-NBA Second Team (1985), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988), 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998), NBA Rookie of the Year (1985), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985), 10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998), 3× NBA steals leader (1988, 1990, 1993), 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987, 1988), No. 23 retired by Chicago Bulls, No. 23 retired by Miami Heat, 3× AP Athlete of the Year (1991–1993), Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year (1991), 2× IBM Award (1985, 1989), NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th), NCAA champion (1982), National college player of the year (1984), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1983, 1984), ACC Player of the Year (1984), 2× First-team All-ACC (1983, 1984), ACC Rookie of the Year (1982), No. 23 retired by North Carolina Tar Heels, 2× USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1983, 1984), McDonald's All-American (1981), First-team Parade All-American (1981), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016)
• Points: 32,292 (30.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 6,672 (6.2 rpg)
• Assists: 5,633 (5.3 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• FIBA Hall of Fame as player
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 1984 Los Angeles: Men's basketball, : 1992 Barcelona: Men's basketball, Tournament of the Americas, : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball, Pan American Games, : 1983 Caracas: Men's basketball
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 1984 Los Angeles: Men's basketball
• : 1992 Barcelona: Men's basketball
• Tournament of the Americas
• : 1992 Portland: Men's basketball
• Pan American Games
• : 1983 Caracas: Men's basketball

Michael Jordan is an American basketball player who played for the Chicago Bulls from 1984 to 2003. He was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the NBA three times and is one of only two players, with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, to be named MVP consecutively.

His career scoring average of 32 points per game ranks third all time behind Karl Malone and Kobe Bryant, while his total number of titles – six – places him fifth on the all-time list. 

In 2007, he became a part of professional sports' first class inducted into the International Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Massachusetts alongside such legends as Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird.

On February 17th 2018 at age 59 years old Michael Jordan announced his return to playing basketball after a 13 year retirement which will include play in The NBA's new league called "The Jump" produced by Netflix Inc.

28. Jrue Holiday

Milwaukee Bucks

Career

• High school: Campbell Hall (Los Angeles, California)
• College: UCLA (2008–2009)
• NBA draft 2009 / Round: 1 / Pick: 17th overall
• Selected by the Philadelphia 76ers
• Playing career: 2009–present
• Number: 21, 11
• 2009–2013: Philadelphia 76ers
• 2013–2020: New Orleans Pelicans
• 2020–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), NBA All-Star (2013), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2018, 2021), 2× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2019, 2022), NBA Sportsmanship Award (2021), 2× NBA Teammate of the Year (2020, 2022), Pac-10 All-Freshman Team (2009), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2008), First-team Parade All-American (2008), Third-team Parade All-American (2007), McDonald's All-American (2008), California Mr. Basketball (2008)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Jrue Holiday is a point guard for the Milwaukee Bucks. He was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2009 and has since played for them, as well as the New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz.

Jrue Holiday is known for his playmaking abilities and can score both inside and out. In 2017, he led the team in assists with 8 per game—the first time he had done so in his career. 

Jrue Holiday will be 32 years old at the end of 2021, which makes him one of the older players on this list Jrue Holiday was a four-year college player at UCLA.

After graduating from UCLA, Jrue signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2013 and started playing for them right away. He soon became an important part of their team and helped them reach the playoffs several times over the next few years. 

In 2018, he won his first NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks, becoming one of only two players to win a title with different teams (the other being Shaquille O'Neal).

Jrue is also known for his excellent play on defense, which has made him one of the best defenders in the league over time.

29. Bam Adebayo

Miami Heat

Career

• NBA All-Star (2020)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2020–2022)
• Second-team All-SEC (2017)
• SEC All-Freshman team (2017)
• McDonald's All-American (2016)
• North Carolina Mr. Basketball (2016)

Bam Adebayo is a 25-year-old center/power forward who was drafted 14th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. Bam Adebayo played two seasons at Kentucky before being drafted by the Miami Heat in 2017.

Bam Adebayo has averaged 10 points and 7 rebounds per game over his career, making him an important part of both the Heat's frontcourt rotation as well as their postseason run in 2018. 

Bam Adebayo will be entering his fourth season with the Miami Heat next year and will look to build on his successes from last year Bam Adebayo is a center for the Miami Heat who has quickly become one of the league's top players.

Bam was drafted by the Heat with the seventh overall pick in 2016 and he has since developed into one of their most important players. He led all rookies in scoring last season, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game. 

His play on both ends of the court has made him a key part of Miami's success over the past two seasons. Bam is a versatile player who can score inside or outside, making him difficult to defend no matter where he is on the court.

He will be an important part of Miami's future as they look to challenge for championships again in 2020 and 2021.

30. Pascal Siakam

Toronto Raptors

Career

• High school: God's Academy (Lewisville, Texas)
• College: New Mexico State (2014–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27th overall
• Selected by the Toronto Raptors
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–present: Toronto Raptors
• 2017: →Raptors 905
• NBA champion (2019), NBA All-Star (2020), All-NBA Second Team (2020), All-NBA Third Team (2022), NBA Most Improved Player (2019), NBA D-League champion (2017), NBA D-League Finals MVP (2017), AP Honorable mention All-American (2016), WAC Player of the Year (2016), WAC Freshman of the Year (2015)

Pascal Siakam was born on April 2nd, 1994 in Douala, Cameroon. He attended God's Academy where he played basketball for the school team and then at Lewisville High School in Texas before going to New Mexico State.

Siakam was drafted by the Toronto Raptors with Pick 27th overall in 2016 after playing a year of college ball at New Mexico State. 

In his rookie season with the Raptors, he averaged 14 points (on 49% shooting from 3-point range) and 7 rebounds per game while starting all 82 games that he appeared in during the regular season.

His performances earned him an All-Rookie First Team selection as well as being named to both NBA Eastern Conference All Star Team and 2018 Rising Stars Challenge rosters despite not appearing either game due to injurY. 

Pascal Siakam is a versatile 7-foot forward who has carved out a role for himself in the Toronto Raptors' rotation.

He was drafted by the Raptors with the 45th overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft, and made his professional debut that season with their G League affiliate, the Erie BayHawks. 

In 2017–18, he spent time on assignment with both Toronto's main squad and their D-League team before becoming an integral part of coach Dwane Casey's rotation down the stretch.

Siakam averaged 12 minutes per game over 66 appearances during 2018–19, helping Toronto to their first championship since 1993 while earning All-NBA Second Team recognition along the way. The Cameroonian international continued his strong play into 2019–20 as he led all players.

in scoring (24 points per game) and rebounds (10 boards per contest) while appearing in all 82 games for Toronto – a feat which earned him MVP honors at the NBA D-League Finals where they defeated Milwaukee comprehensively 4 games to 1.

Also Played For: fantasy basketball, toronto raptors

31. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Oklahoma City Thunder

Career

• High school: , St. Thomas More (Hamilton, Ontario), Sir Allan MacNab (Hamilton, Ontario), Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tennessee)
• College: Kentucky (2017–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the Charlotte Hornets
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–2019: Los Angeles Clippers
• 2019–present: Oklahoma City Thunder
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2019), Second-team All-SEC (2018), SEC All-Freshman Team (2018), SEC tournament MVP (2018)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship, : 2016 Chile: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• FIBA Americas Under-18 Championship
• : 2016 Chile: National team

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was born on July 12, 1998, in Toronto, Ontario. He starred at both high school and college levels before being drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 2018.

Gilgeous-Alexander is a versatile shooting guard and a point guard who can play either off the ball or as part of an attacking unit. In his rookie season with the Hornets, he averaged 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a Canadian professional basketball player for the Oklahoma City Thunder of the National Basketball Association (NBA). 

The 20-year-old was selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. Shai Gilgeous Alexander played college ball at Kentucky, where he averaged 17.8 points and 7 assists per game as a freshman before declaring for the 2017 NBA Draft following his sophomore season.

In his rookie year, Shai led all rookies in scoring (17.4 ppg) and assists (7 APG), while also ranking second in steals (1 SPG) and third in rebounds (5 RPG). 

He was an All-Rookie Second Team selection by both CBS Sports and TNT, as well as earning voting honors from Sporting News, Bleacher Report, ESPN’s Marc Stein, NBC’s Billy Kennedy, and Golf Channel’s Brandel Chamblee amongst others.

Also Played For: fiba basketball world cup, kentucky basketball

32. Tyrese Haliburton

Indiana Pacers

Career

• High school: Oshkosh North, (Oshkosh, Wisconsin)
• College: Iowa State (2018–2020)
• NBA draft 2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 12th overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 2020–present
• 2020–2022: Sacramento Kings
• 2022–present: Indiana Pacers
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2021), Second-team All-Big 12 (2020)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Under-19 World Cup, : 2019 Greece: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Under-19 World Cup
• : 2019 Greece: Team

Haliburton is a 2020 NBA draft prospect who was selected by the Sacramento Kings in the first round. Haliburton played college basketball at Iowa State, where he averaged 17.5 points and 4 assists per game during his sophomore season.

Haliburton's shooting ability has drawn comparisons to former All-Star Dwyane Wade, and he could potentially make an immediate impact with the Indiana Pacers next season.

Haliburton is a versatile player who can play both point guard and shooting guard positions for the Pacers, providing depth on both sides of the ball.

Tyrese Haliburton was born on December 20, 1997 in Houston, Texas. As a junior at Bishop Dunne High School in Houston he averaged 23 points and eight assists per game while helping the team to a 37-1 record and an appearance in the state championship game. 

He then played two years of college basketball for the Indiana Hoosiers where he averaged 11 points and four assists per game as a sophomore before declaring for the NBA draft.

Haliburton was drafted by the Sacramento Kings with the 43rd overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft after spending time playing for Pacers G League affiliate Fort Wayne Mad Ants during their summer league schedule that year.

33. Bradley Beal

Washington Wizards

Career

• High school: Chaminade, (Creve Coeur, Missouri)
• College: Florida (2011–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 1 / Pick: 3rd overall
• Selected by the Washington Wizards
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–present: Washington Wizards
• 3× NBA All-Star (2018, 2019, 2021), All-NBA Third Team (2021), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2013), First-team All-SEC (2012), Gatorade National Player of the Year (2011), First-team Parade All-American (2011), McDonald's All-American (2011), Mr. Show-Me Basketball (2011), FIBA Under-17 World Cup MVP (2010)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2009 Argentina: National team, FIBA World U17 Championship, : 2010 Hamburg: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• FIBA Americas U16 Championship
• : 2009 Argentina: National team
• FIBA World U17 Championship
• : 2010 Hamburg: National team

Bradley Beal is a talented shooting guard who has been playing in the NBA for six years. He was drafted by the Washington Wizards in 2012 and has since played with them continuously.

Beal is known for his excellent scoring ability, which he showcased during his time at Florida University. Bradley Beal is currently one of the best shooting guards in the league and will continue to develop over time.

Bradley Beal is a three-time NBA All-Star and first-team All-NBA selection. He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in 2011 and was also named Mr. Show Me Basketball Male Athlete of the Year that year. 

In addition to his impressive playing resume, Bradley has been involved in community service projects off the court including working with at risk youth and participating in visits to schools as part of Share Our Strength's "No Kid Left Behind" campaign.

34. Anthony Edwards

Minnesota Timberwolves

Career

• High school: , Therrell (Atlanta, Georgia), Holy Spirit Prep (Atlanta, Georgia)
• College: Georgia (2019–2020)
• NBA draft 2020 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2020–present
• 2020–present: Minnesota Timberwolves
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2021), Second-team All-SEC (2020), SEC Rookie of the Year (2020), McDonald's All-American (2019)

Anthony Edwards is a talented shooting guard who was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2021 NBA Draft. Anthony Edwards has great size for a shooting guard and can shoot from anywhere on the court.

Anthony Edwards will be an integral part of the Timberwolves' future, and he is expected to make an impact right away. Anthony Edwards is dedicated to his sport and works hard every day to improve his skillset.

Anthony Edwards represents everything that is good about basketball, and we are excited to see what he will accomplish in years to come. Edwards was selected with the first overall pick in the 2020 NBA draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Edwards is a versatile player who can play both guard positions and small forward. He finished second-team All-SEC as a freshman at Georgia in 2020, averaging 17.5 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game on 47 percent shooting from three point range.

Edwards has had an outstanding rookie season with the Timberwolves, averaging 21 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists per game while shooting 43 percent from three point range - making him one of the most consistent players in the league so far this year.

Also Played For: minnesota timberwolves, bleacher report nba

35. Bill Russell

Boston Celtics

Career

• 1956–1969: Boston Celtics
• As coach:
• 1966–1969: Boston Celtics
• 1973–1977: Seattle SuperSonics
• 1987–1988: Sacramento Kings

Bill Russell was one of the greatest players in NBA history, winning 12 championships with the Boston Celtics. 

He was also a successful coach, leading the Boston Celtics to more titles than any other team he coached.

In 1966, he became head coach of the Philadelphia 76ers and led them to two consecutive Finals appearances before retiring in 1988. Bill Russell has been inducted into both the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Football League Hall of Fame.

Bill Russell is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time. He won 11 championships with the Boston Celtics and was also a five-time MVP and 12-time All-Star.

Bill Russell became an icon for civil rights when he led the Boston Celtics to victory in their historic 1966–67 season, which included a victory over segregationist Philadelphia 76ers.

After retiring as a player, Bill Russell served as head coach of both the Celtics and Seattle SuperSonics before eventually returning to coaching his alma mater, UCLA Bruins, where he remains currently coaching team today.

36. Khris Middleton

Milwaukee Bucks

Career

• High school: Porter-Gaud, (Charleston, South Carolina)
• College: Texas A&M (2009–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 2 / Pick: 39th overall
• Selected by the Detroit Pistons
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2013: Detroit Pistons
• 2012: →Fort Wayne Mad Ants
• 2013–present: Milwaukee Bucks
• NBA champion (2021), 3× NBA All-Star (2019, 2020, 2022), Second-team All-Big 12 (2011)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Khris Middleton was drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2012. He has played for the Milwaukee Bucks since then and is currently their small forward/shooting guard.

Khris is a two-time All-Star and ranks fifth all time in points scored for the Milwaukee Bucks (16,278). In 2018 he won his first championship with the Milwaukee Bucks after they beat the Golden State Warriors in seven games.

Khris Middleton is a two-time NBA All-Star and Olympic gold medalist. Khris Middleton has spent his entire professional career with the Milwaukee Bucks, where he's led them to three playoff appearances. 

Khris Middleton was born in Louisiana but played high school basketball at DePaul University in Illinois before being drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 2012.

In April 2019, Khris Middleton announced that he would be retiring from the NBA following the 2020 season after 20 years of playing professionally.

37. Darius Garland

Cleveland Cavaliers

Career

• High school: Brentwood Academy, (Brentwood, Tennessee)
• College: Vanderbilt (2018–2019)
• NBA draft 2019 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers
• Playing career: 2019–present
• 2019–present: Cleveland Cavaliers
• NBA All-Star (2022), McDonald's All-American (2018), 3× Tennessee Mr. Basketball (2016–2018)

Darius Garland was born on January 26, 2000 in Gary, Indiana. He played high school basketball at Brentwood Academy in Tennessee and led the team to a state championship as a senior in 2018.

After graduating from high school, he decided to attend Vanderbilt University where he played for the Vanderbilt Commodores men's basketball team from 2019-2022. 

As a junior at Vanderbilt, Garland averaged 14 points per game and 4 assists while leading his team to an appearance in the NCAA Tournament where they lost to Kentucky by 2 points (65-63).

In his final season with Vanderbilt (2023), Garland averaged 16 points per game and 5 assists which earned him First Team All American honors as well as SEC Player of the Year accolades and National Player of the Year recognition from numerous publications including ESPN and Sports Illustrated . 

On June 20th, 2022, Darius Garland was drafted 10th overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers after being one of their top priorities during free agency that year.

He made his debut with the Cavs on October 17th against Philadelphia averaging 12 minutes offthe bench while recording 3 rebounds & 1 assist in 34 minutes played.

Also Played For: cleveland cavaliers, point guard

38. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Los Angeles Lakers

Career

• High school: Power Memorial, (New York City, New York)
• College: UCLA (1966–1969)
• NBA draft 1969 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Milwaukee Bucks
• Playing career: 1969–1989
• Position: Center
• Number: 33
• Coaching career: 1998–2011
• 6× NBA champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988), 2× NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985), 6× NBA Most Valuable Player (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980), 19× NBA All-Star (1970–1977, 1979–1989), 10× All-NBA First Team (1971–1974, 1976, 1977, 1980, 1981, 1984, 1986), 5× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1978, 1979, 1983, 1985), 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1974, 1975, 1979–1981), 6× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1970, 1971, 1976–1978, 1984), NBA Rookie of the Year (1970), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1970), 2× NBA scoring champion (1971, 1972), NBA rebounding champion (1976), 4× NBA blocks leader (1975, 1976, 1979, 1980), NBA anniversary teams (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 33 retired by Milwaukee Bucks, No. 33 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, 3× NCAA champion (1967–1969), 3× NCAA final Four Most Outstanding Player (1967–1969), 3× National college player of the year (1967–1969), 3× Consensus first-team All-American (1967–1969), No. 33 retired by UCLA Bruins, 2× Mr. Basketball USA (1964, 1965), 3× First-team Parade All-American (1963–1965), Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016), , As head coach:, , USBL champion (2002), , As assistant coach:, , 2× NBA champion (2009, 2010)
• Points: 38,387 (24.6 ppg)
• Rebounds: 17,440 (11.2 rpg)
• Assists: 5,660 (3.6 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant center in the NBA for more than two decades and is considered one of the greatest players in league history. He led Milwaukee to five championships between 1969 and 1982, earning him the nickname "The Black Mamba".

After retiring as a player, he went on to coach the Los Angeles Lakers for six seasons before moving onto other coaching roles. In 2014, he was awarded an honorary degree from UCLA after being recognized as one of its most distinguished alumni. 

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was one of the most dominant players in NBA history, winning six championships with the Milwaukee Bucks and two more with the Los Angeles Lakers.

He was an All-Star for 19 consecutive seasons, and won five MVP Awards. Kareem is also a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and twice led the league in scoring average. 

In 2002, he became head coach of the Oklahoma Storm, but resigned after just one season due to health concerns related to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis.

39. Brandon Ingram

New Orleans Pelicans

Career

• High school: Kinston, (Kinston, North Carolina)
• College: Duke (2015–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 2nd overall
• Selected by the Los Angeles Lakers
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–2019: Los Angeles Lakers
• 2019–present: New Orleans Pelicans
• NBA All-Star (2020), NBA Most Improved Player (2020), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2017), AP Honorable Mention All-American (2016), Second-team All-ACC (2016), ACC Rookie of the Year (2016), McDonald's All-American (2015), First-team Parade All-American (2015), North Carolina Mr. Basketball (2015)

Brandon Ingram was the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA draft. Ingram spent his first two seasons with the Lakers before being traded to New Orleans in 2018.

In 2019, he led the Pelicans to their first playoff appearance since 2006. Ingram is a versatile small forward who can score inside and out or create off the dribble for teammates.

Ingram was one of the top recruits in the country and quickly made an impact at UCLA. He had a breakout year as a sophomore with averages of 19 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists per game.

Ingram has continued his play into his third season, averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists per game this season for the Lakers. Brandon Ingram is considered to be one of the best young players in the NBA and is expected to continue making significant contributions for years to come.

Also Played For: duke university, new orleans pelicans

40. Zach LaVine

Chicago Bulls

Career

• High school: Bothell, (Bothell, Washington)
• College: UCLA (2013–2014)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 13th overall
• Selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves
• Playing career: 2014–present
• 2014–2017: Minnesota Timberwolves
• 2017–present: Chicago Bulls
• 2× NBA All-Star (2021, 2022), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2015), 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (2015, 2016), Pac-12 All-Freshman Team (2014), First-team Parade All-American (2013), AP Washington Player of the Year (2013), Washington Mr. Basketball (2013)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Zach LaVine is a 27-year old shooting guard and small forward for the Chicago Bulls. He was born in Renton, Washington, on March 10th 1995. LaVine attended high school at Bothell in Washington before going to UCLA where he played from 2013 to 2014.

He was drafted 13th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2014 NBA draft but never made it onto their roster due to injury problems that plagued him throughout his career up until now (2017). 

In 2017, he joined the Los Angeles Lakers on a one-year deal but again failed to make an impact during his time there and ended up being waived just four months into his contract; this ultimately led him back to Chicago where he signed with them on February 8th 2018.

Zach LaVine has averaged 17 points per game over the course of his 7 year professional career so far, which places him amongst some of the best scoring shooting guards in history;

 furthermore, as mentioned earlier he is also considered one of if not THE best rebounders at his position having grabbed almost 12 rebounds per game throughout all seven years of play.

41. Deandre Ayton

Phoenix Suns

Career

• High school: , Balboa City School, (San Diego, California), Hillcrest Prep Academy, (Phoenix, Arizona)
• College: Arizona (2017–2018)
• NBA draft 2018 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
• Selected by the Phoenix Suns
• Playing career: 2018–present
• 2018–present: Phoenix Suns
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (2019), Consensus first-team All-American (2018), Karl Malone Award (2018), Pac-12 Player of the Year (2018), First-team All-Pac-12 (2018), Pac-12 Freshman of the Year (2018), Pac-12 tournament MOP (2018), McDonald's All-American (2017)

Deandre Ayton is a center for the Phoenix Suns and was drafted first overall in the 2018 NBA Draft. Deandre Ayton attended Hillcrest Prep Academy in Phoenix, Arizona and played college basketball at Arizona.

Deandre Ayton has an impressive physical stature with measurements of 7 ft 0 in (2.13 m) height and 250 lb (113 kg) weight, which has drawn comparisons to former NBA player Shaquille O'Neal. He entered the draft as the top prospect and most hyped player since LeBron James left Cleveland for Miami a decade earlier.

Deandre Ayton made his professional debut with Phoenix's G-League affiliate Bakersfield Jam on November 3, 2018, after completing his rookie season in 2017–2018. 

With the Arizona Wildcats of NCAA Division I Men's Basketball competition where he won both Player of The Year and Rookie Of The Year awards before being selected 1st overall by the Suns during the 2018 NBA Draft.

In his rookie season, Ajtron averaged 20 points per game while shooting 67% from the field including 55% from three-point range en route to earning First Team All-NBA honors becoming just the second. 

Sun i history (LeBron James - 2003-2004) after averaging 25 PPG & 10 RPG over final two seasons combined in pro career prior to entering draft following a successful collegiate career at UA.

Ayton also became 1st nonamerican ever to recipient of consensus MVP award given annually by national media who cover D1 men’s hoops(Kemba Walker - UConn 2011).

42. De'Aaron Fox

Sacramento Kings

Career

• High school: Cypress Lakes, (Katy, Texas)
• College: Kentucky (2016–2017)
• NBA draft 2017 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5th overall
• Selected by the Sacramento Kings
• Playing career: 2017–present
• 2017–present: Sacramento Kings
• First-team All-SEC (2017), SEC All-Freshman Team (2017), SEC tournament MVP (2017), McDonald's All-American (2016)

De'Aaron Fox is a Point Guard for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. He was born on December 20, 1997, and grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fox has a listed height of 6 ft 3 inches and a weight of 185 lbs which makes him very physically fit for an elite-level basketball player.

Fox attended high school at Cypress Lakes where he averaged 24 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds per game as a senior before being drafted by Kentucky Wildcats in the 2016-2017 season as the first overall pick after leaving college early due to an injury crisis that threatened his eligibility for NCAA Tournament.

After impressing scouts with his play during his rookie season (2016-2017), De'Aaron signed a 2-year contract extension with Sacramento Kings worth $24 million including $18 million guaranteed on November 3rd, 2017.

Fox's tremendous shooting ability combined with great court vision make him one of the most coveted point guards currently playing in the NBA league; averaging 19 PPG (47% FG) and 4 APG while leading the team to 41 wins last year.

43. Jamal Murray

Denver Nuggets

Career

• High school: Grand River (Kitchener, Ontario)
• College: Kentucky (2015–2016)
• NBA draft 2016 / Round: 1 / Pick: 7th overall
• Selected by the Denver Nuggets
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–present: Denver Nuggets
• NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2017), Third-team All-American – AP (2016), First-team All-SEC (2016), SEC All-Freshman Team (2016), BioSteel All-Canadian MVP (2015)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  Canada, Pan American Games, : 2015 Toronto: National team, FIBA Americas U16 Championship, : 2013 Maldonado: National team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  Canada
• Pan American Games
• : 2015 Toronto: National team
• FIBA Americas U16 Championship
• : 2013 Maldonado: National team

Jamal Murray was born on February 23, 1997 in Kitchener, Ontario. He played high school basketball at Grand River and then college basketball at Kentucky.

In the 2016 NBA draft, he was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the seventh overall pick. Since entering the league in 2016, Jamal Murray has been a key player for the Nuggets and is currently their starting point guard or shooting guard.

He has averaged 18 points per game over his career thus far and is considered one of the most promising young players in the NBA today Murray was a consensus first-team All-American as a freshman at Kentucky in 2016. 

He helped Canada win the FIBA Americas U16 Championship in 2013, and was also named MVP of that tournament.

Murray then transferred to Louisville for his sophomore season, where he averaged 19 points per game en route to being named Third Team All-American by AP and First Team All-SEC by SEC Network Television .

In 2017, Murray went on to be an NBA All Rookie Second Team selection with averages of 17 points and 3 rebounds per game while shooting 47% from the field overall (including 38% from three).

His playing style is described as "electric" by ESPN's Royce Young , who added that "Murray has all the tools you look for in an elite player: size, strength and athleticism."  

 Murray led the Cardinals to their first ever Final Four appearance before falling short against Gonzaga in what many called one of the greatest NCAA Tournament games ever played.

44. Clint Capela

Atlanta Hawks

Career

• High school: INSEP (Paris, France)
• NBA draft 2014 / Round: 1 / Pick: 25th overall
• Selected by the Houston Rockets
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2014: Élan Chalon
• 2014–2020: Houston Rockets
• 2014–2015: →Rio Grande Valley Vipers
• 2020–present: Atlanta Hawks
• NBA rebounding leader (2021), NBA D-League All-Defensive First Team (2015), Pro A Rising Star (2014), , Swiss Man of the Year:2017, , Pro A Most Improved Player (2014)

Clint Capela was born in Geneva, Switzerland in 1994. He played high school basketball at INSEP (Paris, France) and attended the University of Texas at Austin before being drafted by the Houston Rockets in 2014.

Clint has been with the Rockets since then and is a key part of their rotation as a center. He has averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game over his career so far and is considered one of the best centers in the NBA today.

Clint Capela is a Swiss basketball player who has played for the Élan Chalon and Houston Rockets in the NBA. He was named to the D-League All-Defensive First Team in 2015, and he led all rebounding players that year with 13 per game.

In 2017, Clint became Switzerland's Male Athlete of the Year after winning many awards throughout his career including Pro A Rising Star, Swiss Man of the Year, and Eurobasket MVP award. 

As a member of Zurich SC from 2010–2015, Clint averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game while being selected to participate in both. 

The Basketball Tournament (TBT) as well as EuroBasket 2013 where he helped guide his country to their first-ever medal at an international tournament by averaging 19 points on 60% shooting from 3-point range en route to becoming runner-up behind Spain’s Real Madrid team.

45. Kristaps Porziņģis

Washington Wizards

Career

• NBA draft 2015 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4th overall
• Selected by the New York Knicks
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–2015: Sevilla
• 2012–2013: →Sevilla B
• 2015–2019: New York Knicks
• 2019–2022: Dallas Mavericks
• 2022–present: Washington Wizards
• NBA All-Star (2018), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2016), EuroCup Rising Star (2015), 2× ACB All-Young Players Team (2014, 2015)

Porziņģis was born in Latvia, and he played basketball for Liepāja's Jelgava-Riga BC before being drafted by the New York Knicks in 2015. 

Porziņģis has averaged 14.3 points and 6 rebounds per game over his NBA career, including a season with the Washington Wizards where he averaged 13.8 points and 7 rebounds per game.

Porziņģis is known for his athleticism, as well as his shooting ability from outside of the arc (he has made over 300 three-point shots in his career). In 2018, Porziņģis helped lead Latvia to their first ever FIBA World Cup appearance – they were eliminated in the group stages however.

 Kristaps Porziņģis will be playing out the remainder of his contract with Washington Wizards this year before potentially moving on to another team next season Porziņģis was a highly touted prospect coming out of Latvia and was expected to be a top pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.

However, he fell to the Knicks at number 17 overall and has since developed into one of the most promising players in European basketball. Porziņģis is second all-time in total points scored by a Latvian player in international play (1,394), trailing only Arvydas Sabonis. 

He has also averaged 20.3 points per game over his career with Sevilla, New York Knicks, Dallas Mavericks and Washington Wizards squads respectively. In 2018, Porziņģis won an All-Star Game MVP award after leading Eastern Conference team 111–105 victory over the West squad.

That same year he helped lead his Lithuanian national team to their first EuroBasket championship since 2000 when they defeated Spain 71–64 in the final match played at Bilbao BILBAO BC GIRONA.

Also Played For: center basketball, dallas mavericks

46. Domantas Sabonis

Sacramento Kings

Career

• 2012–2014: Unicaja Málaga
• 2012–2013:Clínicas Rincón
• 2016–2017: Oklahoma City Thunder
• 2017–2022: Indiana Pacers
• 2022–present: Sacramento Kings

Sabonis was drafted 11th overall by the Orlando Magic in the 2016 NBA Draft. He played for two teams in Europe before joining Lithuanian side Unicaja Málaga in 2012.

Sabonis helped his team to win the Spanish League championship and EuroLeague title during his time there. He joined Sacramento Kings as a free agent at the end of the 2017–18 season and made an immediate impact on their roster with 15 points per game average over 20 appearances that season.

In 2018–19, he averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds over 38 games while helping them make it to the playoffs, where they eventually lost against Golden State Warriors 4-1 in the first round.

 Sabonis is considered one of Lithuania’s most promising young players and has been called up several times to represent his country at the international level including at FIBA World Cup 2019.

Qualifiers (where they finished second behind Serbia) and EuroBasket 2021 qualification campaign (they narrowly missed out on qualifying for their first-ever major tournament).

In the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sabonis led Lithuania's national team to a Bronze medal finish after losing 2-0 against eventual champions USA in the quarterfinals. 

His was also Sabonis' Olympic debut aged just 22 years old which makes him one of only four players under 23. Who has won an Olympic medal with their respective countries - alongside Andre Iguodala (USA), Pau Gasol (Spain) & Serge Ibaka(France).

47. Wilt Chamberlain

Golden State Warriors

Career

• High school: Overbrook (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
• College: Kansas (1956–1958)
• NBA draft 1959 / Pick: Territorial
• Selected by the Philadelphia Warriors
• Playing career: 1958–1973
• Position: Center
• Number: 13
• Coaching career: 1973–1974
• 2× NBA champion (1967, 1972), NBA Finals MVP (1972), 4× NBA Most Valuable Player (1960, 1966–1968), 13× NBA All-Star (1960–1969, 1971–1973), NBA All-Star Game MVP (1960), 7× All-NBA First Team (1960–1962, 1964, 1966–1968), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1963, 1965, 1972), 2× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1972, 1973), NBA Rookie of the Year (1960), 7× NBA scoring champion (1960–1966), 11× NBA rebounding champion (1960–1963, 1966–1969, 1971–1973), NBA assist leader (1968), Most Points in One Game (100), Most Rebounds in One Game (55), NBA anniversary team (35th, 50th, 75th), No. 13 retired by Harlem Globetrotters, No. 13 retired by Golden State Warriors, No. 13 retired by Philadelphia 76ers, No. 13 retired by Los Angeles Lakers, NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player (1957), 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1957, 1958), First-team All-Big 7 (1957), No. 13 jersey retired by Kansas Jayhawks, Mr. Basketball USA (1955)
• Points: 31,419 (30.1 ppg)
• Rebounds: 23,924 (22.9 rpg)
• Assists: 4,643 (4.4 apg)
• Basketball Hall of Fame as player
• College Basketball Hall of Fame, Inducted in 2006

Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered one of the greatest basketball players in history, and he is also known for his dominant play in the center position.

He was drafted by the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959 and went on to become one of their all-time greats, winning multiple MVP awards and scoring more than 30,000 points during his career.

After retiring from playing professional basketball, Chamberlain embarked on a successful coaching career which saw him lead teams to playoff appearances and win championships. Wilt Chamberlain died at the age of 63 after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Wilt Chamberlain is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in NBA history. He won multiple championships and MVP awards during his career, and was also an all-star for 13 consecutive seasons. 

Chamberlain's size and strength were legendary, as he routinely dominated opponents on both the court and in dunk contests.

Chamberlain's impact on the basketball cannot be overstated - he helped pave the way for future stars such as Michael Jordan and LeBron James.

48. Draymond Green

Golden State Warriors

Career

• High school: Saginaw (Saginaw, Michigan)
• College: Michigan State (2008–2012)
• NBA draft 2012 / Round: 2 / Pick: 35th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 2012–present
• 2012–present: Golden State Warriors
• 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), 4× NBA All-Star (2016–2018, 2022), All-NBA Second Team (2016), All-NBA Third Team (2017), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (2017), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (2015–2017, 2021), 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2018, 2019, 2022), NBA steals leader (2017), NABC National Player of the Year (2012), Consensus first-team All-American (2012), Big Ten Player of the Year (2012), First-team All-Big Ten (2012), 2× Third-team All-Big Ten (2010, 2011), Big Ten All-Defensive Team (2012), Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year (2010), Big Ten tournament MVP (2012), No. 23 retired by Michigan State Spartans, Fourth-team Parade All-American (2008)
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, : 2020 Tokyo: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• : 2020 Tokyo: Team

Draymond Green was born on March 4, 1990, in Saginaw, Michigan. He played college basketball at Michigan State and became a two-time All-American. Green was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 2012 and has since played for them throughout his career.

His standout moments during his playing career include winning an NBA championship with the Warriors in 2018 and being named Defensive Player of the Year in the 2017/2018 season. Draymond is married to Channing Tatum and they have one child together - a son name Zaire Jackson Tatum Jr.

Green is a four-time NBA champion and four-time All-Star. He was named the 2017 NBA Defensive Player of the Year, becoming just the second player in league history to win both awards in the same season (the other being Kawhi Leonard). 

Green also ranks first all-time in steals at Michigan State with 353 career thefts. In 2018, he became just the third player ever to achieve both an MVP and Finals MVP award in their respective careers (joining Michael Jordan and LeBron James). 

On October 14, 2018, Green was suspended for three games after throwing a punch at Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert during Game 4 of their playoff series; this led to him being ejected from that game as well.

Born on May 28th, 1988 in Saginaw, Michigan, Draymond has played his entire eight-year professional career with the Golden State Warriors where he currently holds averages of 23 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and two assists per game over 538 regular season minutes.

49. Klay Thompson

Golden State Warriors

Career

• High school: Santa Margarita Catholic, (Rancho Santa Margarita, California)
• College: Washington State (2008–2011)
• NBA draft 2011 / Round: 1 / Pick: 11th overall
• Selected by the Golden State Warriors
• Playing career: 2011–present
• 2011–present: Golden State Warriors
• 4× NBA champion (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), 5× NBA All-Star (2015–2019), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2015, 2016), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2019), NBA Three-Point Contest champion (2016), NBA All-Rookie First Team (2012), 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (2010, 2011), No. 1 retired by Washington State Cougars
• Medals, , Men's basketball, Representing the  United States, Olympic Games, : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team, World Cup, : 2014 Spain: Team, U-19 World Championship, : 2009 New Zealand: Team
• Men's basketball
• Representing the  United States
• Olympic Games
• : 2016 Rio de Janeiro: Team
• World Cup
• : 2014 Spain: Team
• U-19 World Championship
• : 2009 New Zealand: Team

Klay Thompson is a two-time NBA All-Star and three-time scoring champion with the Golden State Warriors. Klay was drafted 11th overall in the 2011 draft by the Warriors and has since become one of their most important players.

He is known for his scoring ability from behind the arc, as well as his defensive skills on both ends of the court. 

In 2016, he led the Warriors to their first championship in 40 years, becoming only the fourth player ever to win an MVP award and a championship in the same season (joining Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James).

Klay married longtime girlfriend Liz Wojcicki in May 2018; they have one child together named Knox Leon Thompson Klay Thompson is a 5-time NBA champion and 3-time all-star. 

Klay Thompson has won multiple awards including an Olympic gold medal and first-team All-Pac 10 honors. He was drafted 1st overall by the Golden State Warriors in 2011, and quickly became one of the most dominant players in the league, leading his team to 4 consecutive championships from 2015 to 2018.

In 2019 he was named an all-defensive second-team player while also capturing the three-point contest title that year as well as winning another championship with the Warriors later that season - cementing himself as one of basketball's greatest stars ever.

50. Fred VanVleet

Toronto Raptors

Career

• High school: Auburn (Rockford, Illinois)
• College: Wichita State (2012–2016)
• NBA draft: 2016 / Undrafted
• Playing career: 2016–present
• 2016–present: Toronto Raptors
• 2016–2017: →Raptors 905
• NBA champion (2019), NBA All-Star (2022), NBA D-League champion (2017), Third-team All-American – SN, NABC (2014), 3× AP Honorable mention All-American (2014–2016), 2× MVC Player of the Year (2014, 2016), 3× First-team All-MVC (2014–2016)

Fred VanVleet is a point guard for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA. He attended Auburn High School in Rockford, Illinois, and played college basketball at Wichita State from 2012 to 2016.

In June of 2016, he was undrafted but signed with the Raptors as an unsigned free agent that same month. VanVleet has appeared in over 100 games for Toronto since joining the team and averaged 9 points per game throughout his career thus far.

Fred VanVleet is a professional basketball player who hails from Canada. He has played for the Toronto Raptors in the NBA since 2016 and was named an All-Star in 2022. 

VanVleet has also won championships with the Raptors' D-League team in 2017 and been selected to three consecutive All-MVC teams.

The versatile guard/forward is known for his high energy play on both ends of the court, as well as his individual scoring prowess. 

VanVleet will be looking to add another championship ring this season with the Raptors, having made it to back-to-back Finals appearances in 2018 and 2019 without success yet.

Also Played For: nba undrafted, undrafted nba

Final Words

. . The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league with 30 teams. Some of the best players in NBA history include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Stephen Curry.