Here’s my list of the greatest basketball players in my lifetime (1981) in NBA history.
Michael Jordan
2 Jun 1997: Guard Michael Jordan of the Chicago Bulls speaks to reporters during a press conference at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport
LeBron James
Jan 28, 2023; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Kobe Bryant
ORLANDO, FL – JUNE 14: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates after defeating the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game Five of the 2009 NBA Finals on June 14, 2009 at Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Larry Bird
Larry Bird #33, power forward for the Boston Celtics, prepares to shoot for the basket as James Worthy #42 and Magic Johnson #32 of the Los Angeles Lakers attempt to block during their NBA Pacific Division basketball game on Feb. 16, 1986 at The Forum in Inglewood, Los Angeles, California. The Celtics won the game 105-99. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Allsport/Getty Images)
Magic Johnson
EL SEGUNDO, CA – SEPTEMBER 20: Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Rob Pelinka discuss the upcoming Los Angeles Lakers’ season at UCLA Health Training Center on September 20, 2018 in El Segundo, California. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
Tim Duncan
“The Big Fundamental” in on the short list of greatest big men to ever lace up a pair of high-tops. The anchor of four title teams in San Antonio, the two-time MVP pushed the profile of the Spurs franchise past the previous high water mark set by Dream Teamer and Hall of Famer David Robinson.
Duncan didn’t need to be flashy to beat nearly everybody else on this list. He was just that good.
Kevin Garnett
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 26: Kevin Garnett #5 of the Boston Celtics reacts prior to Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks on April 26, 2013 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Steph Curry
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JUNE 16: Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors reacts against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter in Game Six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 16, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Dirk Nowitzki
As the league continues to welcome talented European imports, Nowitzki remains the gold standard of players from the continent. A curiosity when he entered the league, Dirk played forever, put up numbers, and was the centerpiece of a franchise that compiled 11 straight 50-win seasons amid an ever-changing supporting cast.
Nowitzki got his ring in 2011; his Mavs defeating LeBron James and the heavily favored Miami Heat. The rest is history.
Kevin Durant
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Kevin Durant #7 of the Brooklyn Nets drives as Andre Drummond #0 of the Brooklyn Nets defends during Game Four of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Barclays Center on April 25, 2022 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Allen Iverson
While little guys dominate the game today, Iverson was able to look to one name for inspiration: Nate “Tiny” Archibald, the only player 6-foot-1 or shorter to win a scoring title before he did. An irresistible force challenging the immovable guardians of the NBA’s rims, Iverson’s 6-foot, 165 pound frame and giant heart willed the 2001 Sixers to the NBA Finals.
A terror in transition and a half court pinball who audaciously welcomed the bright lights, A.I.’s stylistic and cultural influence is also impossible to ignore.
Paul Pierce
BOSTON – JUNE 17: Paul Pierce #34 of the Boston Celtics celebrates with the Finals MVP trophy at the end of Game Six of the 2008 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers on June 17, 2008 at TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. The Celtics defeated the Lakers 131-92 to win the NBA Championship. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Dec 25, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics small forward Jayson Tatum (0) dunks the ball against Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports
Kevin McHale
Larry Bird’s right-hand man during the Celtics’ dominating run in the ’80s, McHale earned his place as one of the game’s greatest low-post players. He excelled around the rim at both ends of the court, making seven All-Star appearances in 13 seasons (all in Boston) and earning All-Defensive honors six times. McHale also had an accomplished post-playing career in the NBA with Minnesota and Houston, but he’ll always be best known as a Celtics great.