The Most Revolutionary Ranking of NBA Players by Position in History

Basketball is a team sport where individual roles are critical to collective success. Each of the five traditional positions—point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center—demands unique skills and has been exemplified by legends of the game. Here, we examine the top five players at each position in NBA history, based on their achievements, influence, and skill.

Point Guards

Point guards are the floor generals, responsible for orchestrating the offense and creating opportunities for teammates. Here are the five best point guards in NBA history:

1. Magic Johnson

   • Teams: Los Angeles Lakers (1979–1991, 1996)

   • Achievements: 5-time NBA Champion, 3-time NBA Finals MVP, 3-time MVP

   • Known for his incredible passing, versatility, and leadership, Magic redefined the position with his 6'9" frame and ability to play multiple roles.

2. Stephen Curry

   • Teams: Golden State Warriors (2009–Present)

   • Achievements: 4-time NBA Champion, 2-time MVP

   • Revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting, becoming the greatest shooter in history and a key figure in the Warriors’ dynasty.

3. Oscar Robertson

   • Teams: Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks (1960–1974)

   • Achievements: NBA Champion, MVP, First player to average a triple-double for a season

   • The “Big O” was a pioneer in versatility, excelling as both a scorer and playmaker.

4. Isiah Thomas

   • Teams: Detroit Pistons (1981–1994)

   • Achievements: 2-time NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP

   • The heart and soul of the “Bad Boys” Pistons, Thomas combined toughness with elite playmaking.

5. John Stockton

   • Teams: Utah Jazz (1984–2003)

   • Achievements: All-time leader in assists and steals

   • A master of pick-and-roll offense, Stockton’s durability and consistency are legendary.

Shooting Guards

Shooting guards are often the primary scorers, tasked with providing offensive firepower. The top five shooting guards include:

1. Michael Jordan

   • Teams: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards (1984–1993, 1995–2003)

   • Achievements: 6-time NBA Champion, 6-time Finals MVP, 5-time MVP

   • Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Jordan’s scoring, competitiveness, and clutch performances defined the era.

2. Kobe Bryant

   • Teams: Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2016)

   • Achievements: 5-time NBA Champion, 2-time Finals MVP

   • Known for his relentless work ethic and scoring ability, Kobe carried the Lakers to multiple championships.

3. Dwyane Wade

   • Teams: Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers (2003–2019)

   • Achievements: 3-time NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP

   • A dominant slasher and clutch performer, Wade was instrumental in Miami’s success.

4. Allen Iverson

   • Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets, others (1996–2010)

   • Achievements: MVP, 11-time All-Star

   • A cultural icon, Iverson brought unmatched creativity and scoring prowess.

5. Clyde Drexler

   • Teams: Portland Trail Blazers, Houston Rockets (1983–1998)

   • Achievements: NBA Champion, 10-time All-Star

   • An athletic scorer and versatile player, Drexler was a key figure in Houston’s championship run.

Small Forwards

Small forwards are versatile, contributing in scoring, defense, and playmaking. The top five small forwards are:

1. LeBron James

   • Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers (2003–Present)

   • Achievements: 4-time NBA Champion, 4-time MVP

   • One of the most complete players ever, LeBron’s longevity and versatility are unmatched.

2. Larry Bird

   • Teams: Boston Celtics (1979–1992)

   • Achievements: 3-time NBA Champion, 3-time MVP

   • Bird’s shooting, intelligence, and competitiveness made him a Celtic legend.

3. Kevin Durant

   • Teams: Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Phoenix Suns (2007–Present)

   • Achievements: 2-time NBA Champion, 2-time Finals MVP, MVP

   • A prolific scorer with unmatched efficiency, Durant is one of the most unguardable players in history.

4. Julius Erving

   • Teams: ABA/NBA: Virginia Squires, New York Nets, Philadelphia 76ers (1971–1987)

   • Achievements: NBA Champion, 4-time MVP (ABA/NBA combined)

   • "Dr. J" was a trailblazer who brought style and substance to basketball.

5. Scottie Pippen

   • Teams: Chicago Bulls, others (1987–2004)

   • Achievements: 6-time NBA Champion

   • The ultimate two-way player, Pippen was vital to the Bulls’ dynasty.

Power Forwards

Power forwards dominate the paint and provide interior scoring and defense. The top five include:

1. Tim Duncan

   • Teams: San Antonio Spurs (1997–2016)

   • Achievements: 5-time NBA Champion, 2-time MVP

   • Known as "The Big Fundamental," Duncan is arguably the greatest power forward ever.

2. Karl Malone

   • Teams: Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers (1985–2004)

   • Achievements: 2-time MVP, second all-time in scoring

   • A dominant scorer and rebounder, Malone was a model of consistency.

3. Dirk Nowitzki

   • Teams: Dallas Mavericks (1998–2019)

   • Achievements: NBA Champion, Finals MVP

   • The best-shooting big man ever, Nowitzki’s one-legged fadeaway is iconic.

4. Kevin Garnett

   • Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves, Boston Celtics, others (1995–2016)

   • Achievements: NBA Champion, MVP

   • An intense defender and versatile scorer, Garnett redefined the modern power forward.

5. Charles Barkley

   • Teams: Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, others (1984–1999)

   • Achievements: MVP

   • "Sir Charles" was an undersized forward who dominated with skill and strength.

Centers

Centers anchor the defense and dominate the post. The greatest centers are:

1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

   • Teams: Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers (1969–1989)

   • Achievements: 6-time NBA Champion, 6-time MVP

   • Kareem’s skyhook was unstoppable.

2. Wilt Chamberlain

   • Teams: Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, others (1959–1973)

   • Achievements: 2-time NBA Champion, 4-time MVP

   • Dominated statistically like no other player in history.

3. Shaquille O’Neal

   • Teams: Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, others (1992–2011)

   • Achievements: 4-time NBA Champion, 3-time Finals MVP

   • An unstoppable force in the paint, Shaq was a dominant scorer and rebounder.

4. Hakeem Olajuwon

   • Teams: Houston Rockets (1984–2002)

   • Achievements: 2-time NBA Champion, 2-time Finals MVP

   • Known for his "Dream Shake," Hakeem was a master of footwork and defense.

5. Bill Russell

   • Teams: Boston Celtics (1956–1969)

   • Achievements: 11-time NBA Champion, 5-time MVP

   • The ultimate winner, Russell anchored the Celtics’ dynasty with defense and leadership.