Who Are The Best Basketball Players In The World In 2025?

Eager to know about who are the best basketball players in the world? If yes, you have come to read the right article. 

The most popular sport in the world, basketball, has brought together several well-known athletes over the years. Even though the game has changed over time, some players have made a lasting impression. 

Scroll down to this article till the end to get complete information regarding the best basketball players in the world starting from Michael Jordan to Larry Bird.

List Of Who Are The Best Basketball Players In The World

Although looking at the NBA’s all-time scoring list looks like a simple solution, there is more to this list than catches the eye. Seven basketball legends—some of the best who have ever played the sport—are highlighted in the list below, not just by their numbers but also by appealing images that clearly capture their skill and influence. 

1. Michael Jorden

Many people believe Michael Jordan to be among the greatest athletes of all time, and his influence goes beyond the field of athletics. Jordan played most of his career with the Chicago Bulls, where he achieved an incredible level of domination and won six NBA titles with his team. He was chosen to the NBA All-Star squad 14 times and has won NBA MVP five times. Jordan averaged 30.1 points per game during his career, scoring 32,292 points. Basketball is being revolutionized today by the mix of aggressive speed, strong defense, and on-field leadership. 

2. LeBron James

One of the best players in basketball, LeBron James, joined the NBA in 2003 and has had a remarkable career. Four-time MVP and four-time NBA champion (2012, 2013, 2016, 2020), LeBron has consistently shown his all-around skill. In 2023, he beat Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time top scorer. LeBron has dominated for more than 20 years, earning more than 20 All-Star selections and multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive awards. His leadership, athleticism, and basketball IQ establish his position as an all-time great. He is well-known for his clutch actions, particularly for leading the Cavaliers to a historic 3-1 Finals comeback in 2016. 

3. Nikola Jokic

The Denver Nuggets’ Serbian center, Nikola Jokić, has achieved incredible success in the NBA. In 2021, 2022, and 2024, he won three MVP titles. In 2023, he led the Nuggets to their first NBA Championship and won Finals MVP. Jokić, who has the best career Player Efficiency Rating (PER) in NBA history, is praised for his superb skill. In addition to earning the fastest triple-double record at 14 minutes and 33 seconds, he has more than 150 triple-doubles, placing him third all-time. He became the first player to record 2,000 points, 1,000 rebounds, and 500 assists in a single season during the 2021–22 campaign.  

Also Read: 10 Best Goalkeepers In The World Of All Time.

4. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson’s combination of height, skill, and vision on the court transformed the point guard position. With his unmatched versatility and scoring skills, he reshaped his role. He led the “Showtime” Lakers to five NBA titles during the 1980s while serving as their coach. During this time, his famous rivalry with Larry Bird contributed to the NBA’s rise in popularity. He was a 12-time All-Star, a three-time NBA MVP, and the winner of five NBA Championships. His basketball skills and leadership were essential to the Lakers’ victory. His reputation as one of the best players in NBA history has been strengthened by performances such as his 42-point effort in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals, in which he played center as a rookie.  

5. Kobe Bryant

After playing for the Los Angeles Lakers for 20 years, Kobe Bryant became well-known across the world for his “Mamba attitude.” Kobe’s legacy is full of inspirational moments that don’t appear flawless, including two Finals MVPs, five NBA titles, and the second-highest game in NBA history in 2006, where he scored 81 points. Kobe’s performance and dedication have distinguished him and earned him multiple honors, including 33,643 lifetime points and a 35.4 PPG average this season. His tragic demise in a terrible helicopter accident in 2020 inspired recognition of his services to basketball. 

6. Wilt Chamberlain

With his exceptional athleticism and skill, Wilt Chamberlain, one of the best NBA players ever, dominated the league. In addition to winning four MVP honors and two NBA titles (1967 and 1972), Chamberlain was named an All-Star 13 times. During the 1961–62 season, he scored 50.4 points per game and scored 100 points in a single game in 1962, among other records. Recognized for his ability to seize rebounds, he led the league in rebounds 11 times and still holds the record for most rebounds with 23,924. Chamberlain showed his flexibility by leading the league in rebounds in 1968. The Hall of Fame inducted him in 1978.

7. Larry Bird

One of the greatest NBA icons, Larry Bird, played with the Boston Celtics from 1979 to 1992. Bird won three straight MVP honors (1984–1986), was a three-time NBA champion (1981, 1984, 1986), and was the MVP of the Finals thrice. He made nine All-NBA First Teams and was a 12-time All-Star, known for his big shooting and court vision. Three-time NBA All-Star – Three-Point Contest champion, Bird was a member of the legendary 1992 “Dream Team.” Bird’s legacy as one of basketball’s strongest and most competitive players lives on, as he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998. 

5 Best Basketball Players In India

Scroll down to get the complete details regarding the 3 best basketball players in India who have served the country with immense gratitude. 

1. Raspreet Sidhu

Born on July 18, 1989, Raspreet Sidhu has been the face of Indian women’s basketball for more than 15 years. In 2010, 2014, and 2018, she was the only Indian representative to compete in three consecutive Asian Games and the 2018 Commonwealth Games. She scored the most goals in the Asian Championship in Singapore while captaining the Indian 3×3 team, among other major achievements. In addition to being a FIBA Level 1 qualified coach, Sidhu is the Head of Sports at Shiv Nadar School.  

2. Amjyot Singh

A well-known basketball player from India, Amjyot Singh is known for his skill and versatility. He was essential in India’s historic victories over China in the William Jones Cup and the FIBA Asia Cup. Amjyot played for the Oklahoma City Blue in the NBA G League and has represented India in several FIBA Asia Championships. He is well-known for his ability to score, grab rebounds, and create plays. He has played a significant role in promoting Indian basketball internationally. 

3. Vishesh Bhriguvanshi

One of the best basketball players in India, Vishesh Bhriguvanshi, has made an important impact to the rise of the game in his homeland. He guided India to a historic victory over China in the 2014 FIBA Asia Cup while serving as captain of the Indian national team. He joined the Adelaide 36ers in 2017, becoming the first Indian player to sign with Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). Vishesh, who is well-known for his ability to lead and score goals, has played a significant role in making basketball more popular in India. 

Conclusion

I hope that after going through this article you must have received the answer of who are the best basketball players in the world. Although it’s difficult to say who the world’s top basketball players are, several players constantly stand out for their talent, results, and influence on the sport. Legends with extraordinary skill, leadership, and versatility, such as LeBron James, Michael Jorden, and Magic Johnson, rule the court. Their impact on the sport’s future goes beyond the court. These players are among the greatest in the world right now, even though rankings may differ.

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