With this year’s NBA playoffs approaching, now is the perfect time to talk about all-time player rankings—and more importantly, which active players still have room to climb the list.
Right now, five active players sit in our top 16 of all time, with several others in the top 100. Some players have a real opportunity to elevate their place in history when the playoffs tip off in the coming months.
The Criteria: Stats, Accomplishments, and Longevity
Our rankings are based on key stats, accolades, and achievements, but longevity plays a crucial role as well. A player like Nikola Jokić, just entering his prime, has plenty of time to stack MVPs and deep playoff runs. Meanwhile, some players in their 30s are entering the phase where decline seasons start creeping in.
Player Efficiency Rating (PER) is a key per-possession stat that helps compare players across eras, adjusting for rule changes and competition levels. However, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Championships matter, but they aren’t the sole determining factor. If they were, Bill Russell—who played in an eight-team league while shooting 44%—would be the undisputed GOAT. Team success depends on countless external factors, from teammates to coaching to injuries. So, while we consider rings, we focus more on individual performance within a player’s control.
Top NBA Players of All Time (Active Players in Bold)
LeBron James: The Battle for Number One
Michael Jordan currently holds the top spot, but if LeBron James continues playing at a top-25 level for another three to five years, his longevity will be impossible to ignore. While Jordan took breaks due to burnout, LeBron has sustained greatness for two decades. With 10 NBA Finals appearances and counting, LeBron’s durability and impact are unmatched at his age. Luka Dončić could extend LeBron’s championship window even further. The debate between Jordan and LeBron isn’t over yet, and every playoff run adds another chapter.
9. Kevin Durant
Durant remains one of the best scorers of all time, leading the Warriors to two championships while being their best player. While his legacy is already cemented, another deep playoff run could push him even higher. However, given his current team situation, that opportunity might not come this year.
10. Steph Curry
Curry revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting. Even without Kevin Durant, he’s led the Warriors to multiple titles. What if he doesn’t get hurt in 2016? What if Draymond Green isn’t suspended? There’s a universe where Curry has five rings instead of four. Already the only unanimous MVP in NBA history, his case for a higher ranking is strong.
11. Nikola Jokić
Jokić’s 2023 playoff run silenced doubters. He now owns the highest playoff PER in NBA history, proving he’s not just a regular-season star. His old-man game allows him to dominate without relying on athleticism, meaning he could remain elite for another five to seven years. If he keeps winning and producing at this level, top-five status isn’t out of reach.
16. Giannis Antetokounmpo
From an unknown Greek prospect to a dominant force, Giannis has stacked an MVP, a Defensive Player of the Year, and an NBA title. His athleticism-driven game raises concerns about longevity, but he still has time to add to his legacy. This season could be one of his last best chances to solidify his place in the top 15.
25. Chris Paul
Paul is the first player in NBA history to record 20,000 points and 10,000 assists, while ranking third all-time in steals. His longevity is impressive, but barring a buyout, he may not have another playoff opportunity to improve his ranking.
Active Players Ranked 26-120 Who Can Make a Move
26. Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi’s legacy is already strong with two championships and two Finals MVPs. If he can carry the Clippers to another deep playoff run while maintaining his elite two-way play, he could rise higher. As always, his health is the biggest question mark.
29. Anthony Davis
Davis already has one championship and remains one of the best defenders in the league. If he dominates another playoff run alongside LeBron, he could jump into the top 25. Like Kawhi, his ability to stay on the court is key and it appears with Kyrie going down he will have no shot to add to his legacy in the playoffs.
30. James Harden
Harden’s legacy is complicated. His regular-season statistics are elite—historically elite—but his playoff performances have often been underwhelming. A deep playoff run or a Finals appearance could improve his standing, but the window for that opportunity is closing fast. Given his current trajectory, it seems unlikely he’ll move much higher.
39. Damian Lillard
Lillard is widely regarded as one of the best clutch performers in NBA history. While his individual performances have been stellar, deep playoff runs have eluded him. This season presents his best and possibly last real shot at making a significant leap, as he pairs with Giannis Antetokounmpo in Milwaukee. If they can win a championship, Lillard’s ranking could rise substantially.
40. Luka Dončić
Luka has been a dominant force since entering the NBA. His ability to control the game as both a scorer and playmaker is unmatched. At just 26 years old, he has already compiled five of the greatest individual seasons we’ve seen. Even if he retired today, he would comfortably rank in the top 40. However, with the Lakers now his new team, this season presents a golden opportunity for him to climb even higher. A championship or MVP-caliber postseason would push him toward the top 30.
57. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie’s talent is undeniable, but health has always been his biggest obstacle. A strong postseason leading Dallas as the primary ball handler could have propelled him into the top 50 conversation. Unfortunately, his recent ACL tear is a devastating blow, likely ending his chances of significant upward movement in the rankings.
61. Jimmy Butler
Butler’s postseason success is well-established. “Playoff Jimmy” is more than a nickname—it’s his legacy. He has carried the Heat on multiple deep playoff runs, often exceeding expectations. Another Finals-worthy performance this season could push him into the top 50. Now with the Warriors, this might be his last great chance to make a leap in the rankings.
76. Jayson Tatum
Tatum has already been to an NBA Finals twice and won once as the leader of a top-tier Celtics team. Even if he didn’t secure the finals MVP. That Celtics team was more of a collective however. If he could secure another title while standing out it would go a long ways. The good thing here is he’s young and will continue to climb this list fast, most seasons now entering his prime.
87. Paul George
Paul George has long been one of the NBA’s premier two-way players. However, his playoff performances have often limited his all-time standing. With age catching up to him and no postseason this year, it looks like his chance to climb the rankings has passed.
93. Rudy Gobert
Gobert has been a defensive powerhouse, earning four Defensive Player of the Year awards, including last season. His defensive presence was instrumental in multiple top regular-season teams and a Western Conference Finals appearance. However, his offensive limitations make his ranking a topic of debate. Another strong defensive showing in the playoffs could solidify his standing in the top 100.
99. Kevin Love
Love’s best days are behind him. While he may still contribute in spot minutes for a playoff team, his ranking is unlikely to change. At this stage, he is set to finish in the back end of the top 100.
106. Karl-Anthony Towns
Towns possesses the talent to be one of the NBA’s best, with a rare blend of size, skill, and scoring ability. However, his defensive struggles and lack of postseason success have hindered his ranking. A lot rides on how he performs with the Knicks this postseason, particularly whether he can hold up defensively at center. If he excels, he could move up the list.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming playoffs present opportunities for several players to move up the all-time rankings. LeBron continues to chase Jordan, Jokić could solidify himself as a top-10 player, and younger stars like Luka and Tatum have a chance to take massive leaps forward.
Legacies are built in the postseason, and this year will be no different. Who will rise? We’re about to find out.
