I will go with Wilt Chamberlin because of the way he dominated the game and changed the game. Michael Jordon comes next, but if you remember, he had a very good supporting cast most of those years.

Kobe Bryant because he's been carrying the Lakers on his back since Shack Left. If the team has 100 points he made 60 of them.

I hate to be this obvious but: Michael Jordan. No contest IMO. After a constant infuse of -1's on this answer I like to add that again, that's MY Opinion. Some facts to back it up: Six-time NBA champion (1991-93, 1996-98); MVP (1988, '91, '92, '96, '98); 10-time All-NBA First Team (1987-93, 1996-98); All-NBA Second Team (1985); Defensive Player of the Year (1988); Nine-time All-Defensive First Team (1988-93, 1996-98); Rookie of the Year (1985); 14-time All-Star; All-Star MVP (1988, '96, '98); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History ('96); Olympic gold medalist (1984, '92). Also. 30.1 points per game career average. 33.4 on playoffs. 32,294 total career points.

LEBRON JAMES

MJ greatest EVER

micheal jordan

I pick Pistol Pete. I have too it's the law in Louisiana.

easy question...bill walton j/k, michael jordan

Whoever comes up with a name other than Michael Jordan had to have been in a coma for the last 50 yeras.

Scottie Pippen Without Pippen No Jordan Ill Repeat No Jordan!!!But the best Defense Player To ever Live Is probably Dennis Rodman Or Ben Wallace!!!

Who ever just said pipen is better then jordan is crazy because he heard pipens comments on he said teams need a pippen before a jordan that cocky punk but jordan is the greatest u tell me was pipen a better offensive player then jordan nope hell no did he score more or get more assits nope jordan shot a high percentage he might have averaged more boards and defensively jordan won defensive player of the year so either way but rodman averages more boards and is probley better defesivly then jordan does that make him better hell no Jordan #1 kobe bryant #2

Who ever just said pipen is better then jordan is crazy because he heard pipens comments on he said teams need a pippen before a jordan that cocky punk but jordan is the greatest u tell me was pipen a better offensive player then jordan nope hell no did he score more or get more assits nope jordan shot a high percentage he might have averaged more boards and defensively jordan won defensive player of the year so either way but rodman averages more boards and is probley better defesivly then jordan does that make him better hell no Jordan #1 kobe bryant #2

Who ever just said pipen is better then jordan is crazy because he heard pipens comments on he said teams need a pippen before a jordan that cocky punk but jordan is the greatest u tell me was pipen a better offensive player then jordan nope hell no did he score more or get more assits nope jordan shot a high percentage he might have averaged more boards and defensively jordan won defensive player of the year so either way but rodman averages more boards and is probley better defesivly then jordan does that make him better hell no Jordan #1 kobe bryant #2

All of you MJ fans are ignorant. MJ was definitely top 1-2 of all time but how can you discount Wilt Chamberlain? The NBA changed all sorts of rules because of him. Although his scoring numbers are about even with MJ's (both 30.1 PPG lifetime), Wilt did it in an era where scores were much lower. Wilt had 22.4 RPG lifetime! That's crazy! Rodman, a prolific rebounder, had 18.7 rebounds in his BEST year! Top rebounder this year? KG with 12.8. MJ's APG lifetime: 5.3. Wilt: 4.4, for a center! The gap between 1-2 and the rest is huge but Wilt's name definitely has to be included with MJ's in any discussion about the greatest player ever. MJ has more rings but Wilt was outright dominant. Here's an excerpt from NBA.com: "The record books are indeed heavy with Chamberlain's accomplishments. He was the only NBA player to score 4,000 points in a season. He set NBA single-game records for most points (100), most consecutive field goals (18) and most rebounds (55). Perhaps his most mind-boggling stat was the 50.4 points per game he averaged during the 1961-62 season--and if not that, then perhaps the 48.5 minutes per game he averaged that same year. He retired as the all-time in career points with 31,419, which was later surpassed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Karl Malone and Michael Jordan. He is tops in rebounds with 23,924. He led the NBA in scoring seven years in a row. He was the league's top rebounder in 11 of his 14 seasons. And as if to prove that he was not a selfish player, he had the NBA's highest assist total in 1967-68. But the most outstanding figures are his scoring records; Most games with 50+ points, 118; Most consecutive games with 40+ points, 14; Most consecutive games with 30+ points: 65; Most consecutive games with 20+ points: 126; Highest rookie scoring average: 37.6 ppg; Highest field goal percentage in a season: .727. And with many of these, the player in second place is far behind. His name appears so often in the scoring record books that his name could be the default response any time a question arises concerning a scoring record in the NBA. During his career, his dominance precipitated many rules changes. These rules changed included widening the lane, instituting offensive goaltending and revising rules governing inbounding the ball and shooting free throws (Chamberlain would leap with the ball from behind the foul line to deposit the ball in the basket)."

Extremely hard question. I would have to say... Wilt Chamberlin. Who could stop him. He didn't need a good team to be a great player, everyone else did. As a side note, Kobe is the most explosive and dangerous. Magic was the most versatile, Wilt was the best inside, Bird was the best shooter, Horry the best role player, best handles goes to Pete Marovich, and Jordan the most clutch.

I can only go with what I have witnessed and with these eyes, Jordan stands the test.

Russel/ Jordan

Spud Webb

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar he dominated three decades, who else has done that?

micheal jordan.

Wilt led the league in scoring numerous times, he also led the league in rebounds numerous times. After doing so for many years he went on to lead the league in assists because that is exactly what people said he couldn't do. Who else has done this? WILT= BEST

Wilt and MJ were GREAT, but when I think of the BEST player....it's Magic Johnson, hands down!!!! Wilt & Jordan were great at THEIR positions, but neither of them could PLAY (offense & defense) all "5" positions on the floor. I'd be a tad bit nervouse if Wilt were leading a fast break!!!!! MJ could out jump everyone, but I never saw him POST UP a "CENTER" in the paint. Magic did it all!!!!!!!!

I would say either Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Michael Jordan.

The great Larry Bird

1. Wilt 2. MJ 3. Larry Bird 4. Bill Russell 5. Oscar Robertson

Michael Jordon.

Wilt Chamberlain dominated the game like no one else I ever saw. When you watched him play, you really felt sorry for the other team.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

larry bird by far

It can't possibly be told.It is an opinion.

Kobe Bryant by far!

Michael Jordan. "He's God disguised as Michael Jordan" - Larry Bird told Newsweek in 1987.

Michael Jordan.

What about Earl Boykins? I know he doesn't have the same stats or hype, but, seriously, he can put 30 on the board and he's only 5'5". Can you imagine what he'd be like at 6'6"? Can you imagine playing against the best and quickest players on the planet, and spotting them a foot? And then scoring on them left and right? I think a lot depends on your perspective of "best." To me Earl is the best "pound for pound," while Jordan is the best overall.

While I will concede it is a tossup about who was the best individual *talent* to ever play in the NBA (Wilt Chamberlain and Michael Jordan both make good cases), neither of them is the best NBA player ever. That distinction belongs to Magic Johnson. Not only was Magic a singular individual talent, but he is perhaps the best *team* player among NBA superstars ever. My memory of one play illustrates Magic's transcendence perhaps better than any other. In a preseason exhibition, the Lakers steal the ball and run upcourt 3-on-1. New-to-the-Lakers Sam Perkins runs the wrong lane on the fast break. Magic, seeing this, slows up his dribble and lobs a *PERFECT* pass over Perkins' head such that it bounces in front of him and the backspin moves the ball right into Perkins' hands. All he has to do is catch it and make the layup. Perkins was so surprised that he fumbled the ball out of bounds, but the genius of the play remains. Magic was SO GOOD that he could compensate for a teammate's f***up and STILL make that teammate look good. Jordan rarely played like this. Kobe almost never does. Chamberlain could do it (he led the NBA in assists one year), but Wilt was all about Wilt. Kareem and Bird didn't have the right personality. Russell was an amazing defender but was offensively limited. I can't think of another NBA player who (in addition to being an individual superstar) used his talent, skills, and personality to make all of his teammates better players the way Magic did. He truly is unique in NBA history. . . .

While Jordan is an obvious choice, it really comes down to position and who was the best at their respective position. Centers: Chamberlain, Russell, Jabbar I would list as my top three. Shooting Guards: Jordan, George Gervin, and Havlicek Point Guards: Magic Johnson, Pete Maravich, John Stockton Small Forwards: Rick Barry, Julius Erving, Larry Bird Power FOrwards: Karl Malone, Kevin McHale, and Elvin Hayes. Those are my picks.

I can't speak for the great player like Wilt cause all I've ever seen was highlights. My pick has to be Michael Jordan hands down...

Jerry West. IMHO

Wilt Chambelain and the future is Lebron James

Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson.. both changed the game

Mike and Wilt are great dont get me wrong, but without Mike's supporting cast he has twice as much pressure and he averages 27.1 points for his carrer. Wilt played in an era dominated by the point guard and shooting guard, there were no great big men besides Wilt, Kareem, Russell and Walton. Now Kobe Bryant on the other hand, no supporting cast, up to three defender guarding him at a time, he can dominate the lesser defenders, completly control the great ones, he can lock up the lesser scorers and make the great ones look like rokkies, 3 rings, averages 32 point in a playoff season without and injured young O'Neal under the basket, scored 81 points in a single game with 53 in one half, fastest plyer ever to reach 22000 points, he plays in a new league dominated by fearce big men and outstading perimeter defenders, but his slashing to the basket with no fear beats the best big men, his wide array of making ways to score dominates the best perimeter defenders, you can argue all you want and some make a strong case but I say Kobe retires in 8 years in the top 3, maybe at #1 in career points, leading the league in scoring atleast 6 more time to add on to his 2 consecutive, a cuople MVP's and maybe even another ring or 2, and when it's all said and done, this question will be asked in 20 years again and all will repeat "Kobe Bryant, hands down."

jordan

M.J.

First of all, Kobe Bryant is not, I repeat not better than Michael Jordan. Michael Jordan, I believe is the best of all time. My favorite player of all time is Pistol Pete Maravich. Pistol Pete ranks up in the top ten best basketball players of all time. NO ARGUMENTS PLEASE: PISTOL PETE WAS THE MOST DEVOTED PLAYER "EVER" TO PLAY IN COLLEGE & THE NBA!!!!!!!!!!!!! THE MAN WAS UNSTOPPABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Those of you who didn't get to see Oscar Robertson, Wilt Chamberlin or Bill Russell don't know. When you look at all statistics, the influence on the game and if he made his teammates better, Wilt Chamberlin is your guy. Russell and Robertson would be next. Jordan is in the same sentence. Oscar Robertson may be the best basketball player I ever saw, but Chamberlin was the best NBA player ever. Scoring, rebounding, assists, blocked shots, and a presence in the paint that just isn't around much.

Oscar Robertson

Michael Jordan, hands down. He revolutionized basketball, he made you jump off your seat with excitement everytime he dunked, he was the one who made basketball known in Europe,Asia and South America. MIchael Jordan is above all the greatest players of all-time, he's the legend of legends.

what did the ump call it?

Larry Bird

Hmm. Its kinda tough. Wilt Chamberlain was really outstanding in all aspects, Yet mICHAEL jORDAN WAS LIKE A bASKETBALL PIONEER

Wilt was a beast.. Jordan was amazing.. Lebron is crazy... i'll go with sebastian telfair just kiddin :)

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the only player in NBA history to win six MVP awards, and he is the only player in the history of the NCAA final four championships to win three MVP awards.

Michael Jordan

Without a doubt LArry Bird!!!

1. Michael Jordan 2. Larry Bird 3. Magic Johnson 4. Wilt Chamberlain 5. Bill Russell 6. Oscar Robertson 7. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 8. Shaquille O'Neal 9. Julius Erving 10. Rick Barry 11. John Havlicek 12. Jerry West 13. Karl Malone 14. Elgin Baylor 15. Isiah Thomas 16. Hakeem Olajuwon 17. Bob Cousy 18. Moses Malone 19. Bob Pettit 20. John Stockton 21. Charles Barkley 22. Dave Cowens 23. Walt Frazier 24. Elvin Hayes 25. Scottie Pippen 26. George Gervin 27. Kobe Bryant 28. Kevin McHale 29. Patrick Ewing 30. George Mikan 31. Willis Reed 32. Dominique Wilkins 33. Wes Unseld 34. Earl Monroe 35. David Robinson 36. Walt Bellamy 37. Tim Duncan 38. Nate Thurmond 39. Pete Maravich 40. Dolph Schayes 41. Alex English 42. Billy Cunningham 43. Paul Arizin 44. Dave DeBusschere 45. Gary Payton 46. Bob McAdoo 47. Clyde Drexler 48. Adrian Dantley 49. Kevin Garnett 50. Jason Kidd

Wilt Chamberlain.

Delonte West. He is nice.

Heres my top 10: 1. Michael Jordan 2. Wilt Chamberlain 3. Bill Russell 4. Karem Abdul-Jabbar 5. Larry Bird 6. Magic Johnson 7. Shaquille O'Neal 8. Oscar Robertson 9. Kobe Bryant 10. Tim Duncan

Jordan Magic Larry Byrd Kareem

the answer for right now is Kobe Bryant, and for the future Lebron James.

World B Free

The Dream Team Baby... Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordon, Magic Johnson

My favorite best is Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan may have been the best, but my favorite players will forever be Ervin "Majic" Johnson and Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon. They both were great team players more than anything, which sets them apart from MJ who was more of a one man wrecking crew.

Larry Bird

Michael Jordan or Wilt.

It might take a lifetime to answer this one... I just hope I do it while I can

MJ WAS THE BEST BUT NOW IT IS DWIGHT HOWARD!!!!!!!!

If you go with stats Wilt is the best ever. The guy had 32 sixty point games and he scored 100 points in a game. Hard to argue with that...but I didn't get to see it for myself so I'm gonna go with MJ. That guy was unbeatable.

the mailman karl malone

for me its Michael Jordan!

Luis Scola, of course!

Michael Jordan

I vote for Larry Bird. The big birdman was great in all areas.

LeBron James

i Dont know any netball players however i think your mum looks hot in that skirt get right up there

Someday it may be Kobe or LeBron...but as of now I'd say either Michael Jordan or Wilt Chamberlain.

kobe braynt all day.

It has to be MJ. because he played basketball in the toughest defensive era of basketball. u watch basketball now and its pretty muck a joke compare to basketball of old. u see guys just stand and watch as player dunk over each other uncontested instead of trying to defend them or even fouling them on purpose so they dont get easy points. Wilt was such a success because he played when there wasnt a hole lot of people who could contest him. there were only a few basketball player from 6,10 to 7,0 inthe nba. bill russell, kareem, and dawkins were the only people who could even try to defend him. so out of all the teams that were in the nba only 4 or 5 had tall enough people who could possible defend him because of his height. Teams had there own set of rules for defending MJ. the Jordan rules.

MJ is better because unlike wilt jordan played in the hardest defensive era.

There is only one way to judge who was the greatest NBA player ever. Look at the record book.Wilt Chamberlain did things that no player did before him, and no player did after him. People like to use the argument that he was so big. There have been many people taller than him who couldn't carry his sneakers. He also led the league in assists and was in the top 10 in assists 4 times.He AVERAGED 40 points & 25 rebounds per game for his first 500 (that's FIVE HUNDRED) NBA games. Rebounds have never been a matter of height, but a matter of skill. Charles Barkley and Dennis Rodman are proof of that. He has the highest triple-double (24-21-23) in NBA history, as well as the highest double-double (78pts.-43rebs.) in history. No other p-layer in ANY sport has mor unbreakable records than he does. As final proof I mention 2 facts. 1. The had to change or adjusts the rules for Chamberlain because of his total domination. He was bigger than the sport. 2. You always hear 'Who will be the next Jordan or the next Gretzky. You will NEVER hear "Who will be the next6 Chamberlain?

Big Country Reeves!

karl malone

I think Shaq dominated the league and changed the way people played the game but as far as the BEST ever I'm gonna have to go with MJ...Lebron will take that tittle before its all over with

Michael Jordan.

jordan

I think its allen iverson or leberon

nope!!! def michael jordan!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

it's really close, but i like earvin, magic johnson, the ultimate winner, then jordan, then chamberlain, then jabbar, then olajuwon, then pippen, then isiah thomas, then oscar robertson, then elgin baylor, then bill russell, then cousy, i think if shawn kemp would have kept playing at a high level, he is definitely on of the top 5!

lebron

Lebron James will one day be the best ever

Wilt 43 points per game in a season that's pretty dominant but Mj has more championships. Lebron however in my opinion is the most physically talented player ever to play in the NBA

THE DR., Julius Erving

When you're hot you could say as hot as a Pistol perhaps. Pistol Pete Maravich is 100% the best ever player. Who could argue with over 40 pts. per game?

Depends on the era. Jordan was the best of his era. The best today is Shaq.

Michael Jordan on Chicago Bulls team.

Michael. Big respect to Pistol Pete though. What made Michael better than Pistol Pete was his dedication to winning. Sometimes Pete didn't care. Jordan ALWAYS cared.

Michael Jordan, without a doubt!

i think its lebron james or allen iverson

micheal jordan was the worlds best basketball player but he was but he is not playin no more so i think its either allen iverson or lebron james