Everyone loves a good showdown when it comes to who is the most successful and dominating NBA player in their era. But these debates and quorrels always come down to the stats such as who has the largest amount of championships, mvps, and other famed NBA awards. Here is our breakdown of the 10 most successful and dominating NBA superstars of all-time:
10. Dirk Nowitzki
The 7 foot German fenom was drafted at the age of 19 by the Dallas Mavericks in 1998 with the 9th overall pick in the first round. Dirk took his time to blossom in his rookie year, but his attitude changed quickly when it came to defying the odds and taking his team to the 2006 NBA finals by beating one of the greatest playmakers Steve Nash, and his all-star partner, Shawn Marion in the Conference Finals. They eventually lost to Dwayne Wade and Shaquille O’Neal’s Miami Heat in 6 games, but Dirk and Jason Terry proved their worth to this franchise. This loss fueled Dirk the next year when he averaged 24.6 points – 8.9 rebounds – 3.4 assists in the 2007 season, winning the League MVP award. He was finally able to bring a Championship back to Dallas in 2011, defeating the star-studded trio of Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh in 6 games, considered one of the most underrated and difficult title runs ever. In addition to his 2011 championship, he recieved the Finals MVP award for his exceptional stats against the Heat. Remember! Dirk’s legendary one-legged fadeaway shot was the answer to Dallas’ prayers in that Finals matchup.
9. Stephen Curry
Stephen Wardell Curry II was a 3-star recruit that was selected with the 7th overall pick by the Golden State Warriors coming from Davidson College. No one thought this skinny 6 foot 3 guard would become their key franchise player leading them to four championships but would also become one of the greatest ball-handlers and shooter of all-time. Curry currently has 10 all-NBA selections from the 2014 season to 2024 (excluding 2020). He has been apart of 10 All-Star selections along with winning back-to-back league MVP awards in 2015 and 2016. 2016 Steph Curry was arguably the best player ever as he broke Michael Jordan and 1996 Bulls previously held 72-10 record by finishing with 73 wins and 9 losses. But most importantly, this was the year he won the MVP award unanimously, the 1st ever to do so in NBA history. Not to mention, his legendary teaming with Kevin Durant in the 2016 offseason proved to be the best decision the franchise made, as it lead to two additional titles in 2017 and 2018 along with Draymond Green and Klay Thompson. He defeated Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers consecutively in those two years. Curry is also known for unguardable making shots from deep, especially being a huge threat in clutch moments.
8. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain, known as “Wilt the Stilt” and “The Big Dipper,” was a force of nature in the NBA. Drafted in 1959 wth the 3rd overall pick by the Philadelphia Warriors, Wilt quickly made his mark by averaging an astonishing 37.6 points and 27 rebounds per game in his rookie season. His dominance was unparalleled, as he holds numerous records, including the only player to score 100 points in a single game and average 50.4 points per game in a season. Wilt’s rivalry with Bill Russell defined an era, and he led the Philadelphia 76ers to an NBA Championship in 1967 and the Los Angeles Lakers to another in 1972. His career averages of 30.1 points and 22.9 rebounds per game are a testament to his dominance on both ends of the court. Wilt’s impact extended beyond his scoring; he was also a formidable defender and rebounder, leading the league in rebounds 11 times. His 1967 championship run with the 76ers, where they defeated the Boston Celtics, is often considered one of the greatest upsets in NBA history.
7. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan, known as “The Big Fundamental,” was the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. Drafted first overall in 1997, Duncan led the Spurs to five NBA Championships and was named Finals MVP three times. His career averages of 19 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per game reflect his consistency and dominance in the post. Duncan’s quiet leadership and unassuming demeanor belied his competitive fire and skill, making him one of the most respected players in NBA history. Duncan’s performance in the 2003 NBA Finals, where he recorded a near quadruple-double in Game 6, is one of the greatest individual performances in Finals history. His ability to adapt his game and remain effective into his late 30s is a testament to his skill and work ethic.
6. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, the “Black Mamba,” was drafted 13th overall by the Charlotte Hornets in 1996 but was quickly traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, where he spent his entire 20-year career. More importantly, he was able to win three consecutvie champtionships in a row from 2000-2002 with the dominating hall-of-famer Shaquille O’Neal. In 2001, Shaq and Kobe had one of the most dominating playoff runs, winning 23 our of their 24 games and losing one game in the finals. Known for his relentless work ethic and killer instinct, Kobe won five NBA Championships and was named Finals MVP twice without Shaq. His 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006 is the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history. Kobe’s career averages of 25 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game, along with his 18 All-Star selections, make him one of the most decorated players in NBA history. Kobe’s back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010, where he was named Finals MVP, solidified his legacy. His final game in 2016, where he scored 60 points, is a fitting end to a legendary career.
5. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal, or “Shaq,” was a dominant force in the paint. Combining size, strength, and agility, the Big Diesal was unstoppable in the paint, as shown by his fiersome dunks known as Shaq attacks. Drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992, Shaq quickly became a household name. He won four NBA Championships, three with the Los Angeles Lakers (three-peating from 2000 to 2002) and one with the Miami Heat, and was named Finals MVP three times. Shaq’s career averages of 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game highlight his impact on both ends of the floor. His larger-than-life personality and dominance on the court make him one of the most memorable players in NBA history. Shaq’s three-peat with the Lakers from 2000 to 2002, where he was named Finals MVP each time, is one of the most dominant stretches in NBA history. His 2000 season, where he won the MVP award and led the league in scoring, is a testament to his dominance.
4. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his 6’9″ frame and exceptional playmaking abilities. Drafted first overall by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1979, Magic led the “Showtime” Lakers to five NBA Championships and was named Finals MVP three times. His career averages of 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 11.2 assists per game showcase his all-around brilliance. Magic’s ability to elevate his teammates and his flair for the dramatic made him one of the most beloved players in NBA history. Magic’s performance in the 1980 NBA Finals, where he played all five positions in Game 6 and led the Lakers to victory, is one of the most iconic moments in NBA history. His rivalry with Larry Bird, which began in college and continued in the NBA, is one of the greatest in sports history. Not to mention, his exceptional playmaking skills earned him 3 MVP awards during the Magic vs Bird era in the 80s.
3. LeBron James
LeBron James, often hailed as “The King,” entered the NBA straight out of high school in 2003, drafted first overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers. LeBron’s versatility and basketball IQ have allowed him to excel in every facet of the game. He has won four NBA Championships, two with the Miami Heat and two with the Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron is the only player in NBA history to record over 38,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 10,000 assists. His ability to perform in clutch moments, such as leading the Cavaliers to a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit in the 2016 NBA Finals, solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest if not the greatest. LeBron’s 2013 season with the Miami Heat, where he won his fourth MVP award and led the team to a 27-game winning streak, is a testament to his dominance. This 2013 version of The King was arguably the best version of him in his entire career. His jumper was at it’s peak, being very reliable in the clutch and could be used on any part of the court. He also shot 40.6% from 3 that year. Even more so, His game-winning block in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals against Andre Iguodala is one of the most iconic plays in NBA history, upsetting arguably the greatest Warriors team of all-time.
2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar “The Captain” was the NBA’s all-time leading scorer up until February of 2023. Known for his unstoppable skyhook shot, he dominated in the 70s with his dynamic teamate, the triple-doubler Oscar Robertson and in the 80s with Magic and the Showtime Lakers. Drafted first overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 1969, Kareem won six NBA Championships, one with the Bucks and five with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was named Finals MVP twice and league MVP six times. Kareem’s career averages of 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game, along with his longevity and consistency, make him one of the greatest players in NBA history. Kareem’s 1971 season with the Bucks, where he won his first championship and Finals MVP, is a testament to his dominance. His ability to remain effective into his 40s, winning Finals MVP at age 38, is a testament to his skill and conditioning.
1. Michael Jordan
It comes to no suprise that Michael Jeffrey Jordan would be reserved for this coveted number one spot. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the third overall pick in 1984, Jordan was the answer to the Bulls desperation of being a fearsome contendor in the Eastern Conference and Playoffs. His illustrious career speaks for itself, winning five MVP awards in 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, and 1998. Not to mention, 1996 Jordan was the most unguardable player ever, being the core piece for the Bulls offense that year alongside all-star penetrator Scottie Pippen and the dominating rebounder in Dennis Rodman. They achieved the coveted 72-10 record by far the greatest of all time, at that point in time, in NBA history. Not to mention, Jordan at the age of 36 won not only his fifth and final league MVP award and also being named the Defensive Player of the Year in 1998 in the same season; no other guard, let alone a player in the NBA has achieved this feat. Moreover, Jordan’s versatility when it comes between defense and offense is unstoppable, considered one of the best defensive guards in his game. This is clear through his career averages of 2.3 steals and 0.8 blocks which is quite impressive for a guard. Moreover, Jordan has left a dramatic impact on the game in the 90s and modern day. With kids wanting to wear his sneaker apparel “Jordans”, his influence on the game of basketball is undeniable.