Center, Shaquille O'Neal: 1992 – 2011 | Top 10 NBA Players in History

Top 10 NBA Players in History

Center, Shaquille O'Neal: 1992 – 2011

Everyone noticed when Shaq walked on the court. At 7-foot-1 and 325 pounds, it was hard not to. What’s more impressive than Shaq’s size, however, is his resume. He's a three-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time champion and an MVP.

The 15-time NBA All-Star center is also near the top of several key statistical categories. Shaq is second all-time in field goal percentage, third in free throws attempted, fifth in field goals made and all-time points, sixth in offensive rebounds, and seventh in defensive rebounds and blocks. He was a 14-time All-NBA selection, three-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, a member of the All-Rookie team, and NBA Rookie of the Year. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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The Best of the ... There might be some question as to why LeBron James does not make an appearance on this list, but the answer is rather simple: he’s not good enough – yet. Together, these players have racked up 122 NBA All-Star nominations, 45 championships, 29 NBA MVP and 19 NBA Finals MVP awards. Through all of the blood, sweat, and tears, they have earned the right to call themselves the best players in NBA history. (AP Photos)

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Center, Shaquill... Everyone noticed when Shaq walked on the court. At 7-foot-1 and 325 pounds, it was hard not to. What’s more impressive than Shaq’s size, however, is his resume. He's a three-time NBA Finals MVP, four-time champion and an MVP.

The 15-time NBA All-Star center is also near the top of several key statistical categories. Shaq is second all-time in field goal percentage, third in free throws attempted, fifth in field goals made and all-time points, sixth in offensive rebounds, and seventh in defensive rebounds and blocks. He was a 14-time All-NBA selection, three-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection, a member of the All-Rookie team, and NBA Rookie of the Year. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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Point Guard, Osc... Robertson is an example of perfect fundamentals. He wasn't flashy either. Instead, he was dominant, passionate, and consistent. He was an Olympian, three-time College Player of the Year, 12-time NBA All-Star, and NBA MVP and champion.

It’s not hard to make a case for Robertson’s talent. What’s even more impressive, though, is a record he owns that has yet to be rivaled: 181 career triple-doubles. Magic Johnson is second on that list with 138.

A Hall of Famer, Robertson left his mark in the record books. He still stands third all-time in free throws made and minutes per game, fourth in assists per game, fifth in all-time assists, sixth in free throws attempted, and eighth in points per game. The 11-time All-NBA selection immediately made his mark. He was the 1961 Rookie of the Year and broke the then-single-season assist record in his second year. (AP Photo/Ron Koch)

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Guard, Kobe Brya... In the days of double-superstardom, Bryant took a back seat to Shaquille O’Neal’s dominant presence early in his career. When Shaq left L.A., Bryant went from great to all-time great.

With Shaq, Kobe has three titles and four Finals appearances. Post-Shaq, he added two more titles in three Finals appearances.

Bryant’s tenacity and fear of defeat has helped produce 13 NBA All-Stars and All-NBA selections. He's made 11 All-Defensive Team, is a two-time NBA Finals MVP and league MVP. In his 16 seasons, he has solidified himself in the record books as sixth for all-time free throws made, eighth in points, and 10th in points per game.

Kobe's not done yet either.

(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Forward, Larry B... Larry Bird was a once-in-a-lifetime player, and it’s not just because of what he accomplished – it was when it was accomplished. Considered one of basketball’s greatest villains, Bird’s style of play was cutthroat and mean, but he had to be. How else could he continue to beat Michael Jordan, Isiah Thomas, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Dr. J, Charles Barkley, and Moses Malone each season?

Not only did Bird earn himself a spot in basketball’s Hall of Fame, he fought his way to the top of one of the most impressive eras in basketball.

Bill Russell was the first, and only, player to win three MVP awards in a row - until Larry Bird came along. The two are still the only players to have accomplished the feat. Bird was also a member of three NBA championship teams, named an All-Star 12 times, All-NBA 10 times, All-Defensive Team three times, NBA Finals MVP twice and won the Rookie of the Year award. He's also among the Top 10 free throw shooters in history. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

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Center, Wilt Cha... Many remember Chamberlain for his historical 100 point game, but the self-proclaimed playboy accomplished much more than just the single-game scoring record.

Known as “The Big Dipper,” Chamberlain’s talent knew no bounds. He is the all-time leader in rebounds per game, total rebounds, and, possibly the most impressive of all, minutes per game with 45.8. On top of that, the Hall of Famer is second all-time in free throws attempted and points per game, third in field goals made, and fourth in minutes played and points scored. Despite only winning two NBA Championships, he was a 13-time All-Star, 10-time All-NBA selection, four-time NBA MVP, two-time All-Defensive selection, NBA Finals MVP, and Rookie of the Year. At 7-foot-1, he might have been Goliath, but Goliath was great too. (AP Photo/Paul Vathis)

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Center, Hakeem O... Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the most well-rounded centers of all-time. He was a force both offensively and defensively, holding records for both blocks and rebounds. Yet, that isn’t nearly as impressive as his achievement of obtaining a quadruple-double – twice. Known as the "Nigerian Nightmare," Hakeem went for 29 points, 18 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 10 assists against the Golden State Warriors in 1990. Only 26 days later, he obtained his second quadruple-double against the Milwaukee Bucks with 18 points, 16 rebounds, 11 blocks, and 10 assists.

Along with his two quadruple-doubles, Olajuwon is a member of two champion teams, a 12-time NBA All-Star, six-time All-NBA selection, five-time All-Defensive Team, and a member of the All-Rookie team. The Hall of Famer was a league MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. He still is the all-time blocks leader with 3,830 and is third all-time in blocks per game. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)

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Center, Kareem A... Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is often looked over as one of basketballs greatest players, possibly because he was more finesse than flash. Coming into the league as Lew Alcinder, he redefined the role of a center. Tired of getting his shot blocked, Kareem developed his patented skyhook – a legendary shot that few can replicate. With his style and intellect, Abdul-Jabbar was able to play 20 seasons.

Immediately when he entered the league he made a massive impact. The Hall of Famer sled the the league in scoring his first three years. He was a member of six NBA championship teams, is a six-time NBA MVP, two-time NBA Finals MVP, 19-time All-Star, 15-time All-NBA Team selection, 11-time All-Defensive Team selection, and a Rookie of the Year winner.

Kareem almost has too many records to mention. Some of his most impressive include the number one spots for all-time minutes played, all-time field goals made, and first in all-time points scored. (AP Photo/Reed Saxon)

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Guard, Michael J... Considered by many as the best player of all-time, Michael Jordan did it all during his legendary career. Known for his ambition and work ethic, this Hall of Famer was a member of six NBA championship teams and named the NBA Finals MVP for all six.

Jordan was also a statistical machine. He's tied with Chamberlain for most points per game average with 30.1, is second all-time in steals, third all-time in points and steals per game, fourth all-time in field goals made and free throws made, and eighth all-time in free throws attempted. If that’s still not enough, MJ was named to the All-Rookie Team as well as bein named Rookie of the Year, a 14-time All-Star, five-time MVP, 11-time All-NBA and nine-time All-Defensive Team selection, and a Defensive Player of the Year. (AP Photo/Beth A. Keiser)

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Guard, Magic Joh... Magic Johnson was a winner, as evidenced by his five NBA titles. In his 12 NBA seasons, he played in nine Finals.

Behind Johnson, the Lakers only lost in the first round once. But it’s not just the championships that made Magic great. He brought unprecedented excitement to the game.

In each NBA Finals series, Johnson accumulated a triple-double in at least one of the games. On top of nine Finals appearances and the nine triple-doubles, Johnson was also a 12-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA Finals and NBA MVP and 10-time member of the All-NBA Team. If that’s not enough, the Hall of Famer is the all-time leader as he averaged 11.2 assists per game. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian)

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Center, Bill Rus... Bill Russell was not only a winner, he was a game changer. In the 1960’s, Russell was such a force that the NBA expanded the lane to try and put a dent in Russell’s control of the boards. It didn’t work well.

After 13 seasons, Russell walked off the court as a member of 11 NBA championship teams. His individual record are almost as impressive. He's second in rebounds behind only Chamberlain. Russell averaged 22.5 rebounds per game, totaling 21,620 rebounds in his career. It’s not hard to see how Russell managed to make the All-NBA Team 11 times, especially when he was averaging 42.3 minutes per game. After being a 12-time NBA All-Star, five-time NBA MVP, and selected for the All-Defensive Team, Russell has earned his spot in the basketball Hall of Fame and the right to call himself one of the greatest players in history. (AP Photo)

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