The "Basketball 100" stands as the definitive ranking of the 100 greatest NBA players ever, meticulously crafted by The Athletic's team of award-winning writers and analysts. This remarkable book not only features a foreword by Hall of Famer Charles Barkley but also presents 100 riveting profiles that justify each selection and uncover the rich history of the NBA.

Discover the Legends of the NBA in "The Basketball 100"

How Do We Rank the Greatest Players in History?

1: Ranking the greatest players in NBA history is an arduous task. As seen in the creation of "The Basketball 100," comparing players from different eras, roles, and positions is no easy feat. Take Ricky Barry and Dwyane Wade, for instance. They are ranked 26th and 27th respectively on The Athletic's list, yet splitting hairs between them is a challenge. Data can play a crucial role in refining our thought process, but there is no ultimate truth. Developing a framework for discussion seems like a good starting point for a sport that has often struggled with preserving and discussing its history. 2: When aiming to create a list of the best players of all time, several questions guide the process. For instance, if we're covering over 75 years of players and naming only 100, that's roughly one player per year. Most good players play for 10 to 20 years, but their prime seasons don't encompass the entire span. Only a few players have been First Team All-NBA more than 10 times, and only 20 have done it more than five times. This sets a high bar for inclusion in the "Basketball 100."

The Criteria for the Top-100 List

1: To make the top-100 list, certain criteria must be met. One of the first gates is whether a player was ever considered one of the 10 best in the league. This is just the cover charge to get in the door. To really crack the list, a player should also have been considered one of the five best. Many players on the NBA's list don't meet these criteria, highlighting the importance of these benchmarks. 2: Another way to look at it is through the number of First Team All-NBA selections. There are 72 players who have made it at least twice through the 2022–23 season. This includes many of the shoo-in types on the top 100, as well as some great players who just missed the cut. There are also other important questions to consider, such as whether a player was the best at their position, won MVP, had a major impact on the postseason, and more.

The GOAT Points System

1: In the process of making the "Basketball 100" list, a formula called GOAT points was developed. This cumulative points system rewards longevity and excellence. MVP vote shares are given 50 points each, with more precise metrics used to determine a player's share. For example, Bill Walton had significant MVP vote shares in different seasons. Additionally, First Team All-NBA is worth 10 points, Second Team 3 points, and Third Team 1 point. The value is tripled between each tier to emphasize the highest-order achievements. 2: Finals MVP is worth 10 points, and making the All-Star team is worth 1 point. Career win shares above 100 also earn an extra point to balance peak and career value. Finally, career BPM above 2.0 is worth 7.5 points per point. This advanced stats contribution helps weigh modern players, although pre-1974 players had to be estimated. GOAT points sets the stage for the discussion but still has limitations in comparing eras and roles.

The Top 100 Players in Pro Basketball History

1: Here are the top 100 players in pro basketball history according to the GOAT points formula (active players in bold):LeBron James leads with 857.3 points, followed by Michael Jordan with 750.2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Tim Duncan, Karl Malone, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, and Shaquille O'Neal complete the top 10. Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and James Harden also make the top 15. 2: The list includes a diverse range of players from different eras and positions. Nikola Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Chris Paul are among the notable players in the top 25. Dirk Nowitzki, Moses Malone, and Steph Curry also hold prominent positions. Each player has their own unique story and contributions to the game.