Best NBA Players of all time – A New Data-Driven Ranking

Verdict Snippet for Article (after Table 2)

Our multi-layered analysis, culminating in ‘SB Market Index” which heavily weights ‘Industry Insights’ (80%), positions Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (SB Market Index: 4.200) as the top NBA player of all time within this model’s parameters, very closely followed by Larry Bird (SB Market Index: 4.107).

Robert Cousy/Getty Images

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar dominates this rank and is the undisputed number one within this model’s parameters, as he registers a SB Market Index Score of 4.2000. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s dominance in the NBA spanned nearly two decades, with his six championships a testament to this, thus showcasing a longevity never seen before at the time. He has the most MVPs ever with six and was part of one of the most electrifying dynasties to have graced the NBA, i.e., the “Showtime Lakers” as one of its centerpieces and captains.

Larry Bird

Larry Bird comes in at second on this list with a SB Market Index Score of 4.1068. Bird was an elite unguardable scorer who was a threat from the half-court to the paint. He was one of the greatest trash talkers the NBA has ever seen, and his rivalry with Magic was box-office stuff that revolutionized basketball in the 1980s. He is the only person in NBA history to be named Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player, Finals MVP, All-Star MVP, Coach of the Year, and Executive of the Year.  

Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain ranks third on the list, thanks to his SB Market Index Score of 3.3286. Wilt was a physical giant of a man, combining athleticism, speed, and skills that were far ahead of his time, and these gifts and attributes enabled him to be a statistical monster with his dominance in the 1960s. Wilt holds the single-game scoring record in NBA history of 100 points, which he set in an impressive 169-147 victory by the Philadelphia Warriors over the New York Knicks on March 2, 1962.

Elgin Baylor

Elgin Baylor is ranked in fourth spot with an SB Market Index Score of 3.2604. Baylor did not win a championship or MVP throughout his career despite making the Finals eight times with the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers. He boasted unreal athleticism and scoring ability and is often credited as the pioneer of the "above the rim" style of play, paving the way for future stars like Julius “Dr. J” Erving and Michael Jordan. He was a true model of consistency, and were it not for the well-oiled machine that was the Boston Celtics, his legacy might be different.

Rick Barry

Rick Barry is ranked fifth on this list as he amassed a SB Market Index Score of 3.2580. Although he won one championship, he didn’t win an MVP, but he is still regarded as one of the best players of his era. Barry is regarded as one of the most prolific scorers in NBA history. He was an aggressive three-level scorer who boasted a unique offensive skillset. Barry is widely known for his unorthodox, underhanded free-throw technique and is also the only player to lead the NCAA, NBA, and ABA in scoring.

 Bob Cousy

Bob Cousy ranks sixth on this Data-Driven rank as he scores a SB Market Index Score of 2.5108. He won six championships and an MVP award during his career in the NBA. Nicknamed “The Houdini of the Hardwood,” Cousy is one of the best point guards to have ever played in the NBA. He was a key cog in the dominant Boston Celtics dynasty of the late 1950s and early 1960’s and he possessed game-changing ball-handling and passing skills. Cousy was the league's assist leader for eight consecutive years.

Charles Barkley

Charles Barkley, also known as "The Round Mound of Rebound,” is ranked seventh on this list with a SB Market Index Score of 2.4686. Despite the NBA title eluding him throughout his legendary career, Barkley is a living legend. The one-time league MVP was a force to be reckoned with on the court. He terrorized defenses with his unparalleled combination of strength, speed, explosiveness, and agility. Despite being listed at six feet six inches, Barkley, who many considered undersized for a power forward, dominated the boards with unrivalled tenacity. Barkley left a lasting legacy on the sport and is often credited for paving the way for many of the NBA’s undersized power forwards of today.

Paul Arizin

Paul Arizin comes in at eighth on this list, tallying a SB Market Index Score of 2.4524. Arizin did not win the MVP, but at least he boasts one NBA title in his career. Arizin was a pioneering NBA forward who played his entire NBA career with the Philadelphia Warriors. Arizin's impact on the early NBA included his unique jump shot and the emphasis he placed on body control, which he is credited with making a vital part of the game. He was a key figure in the early NBA, helping the league gain popularity and respectability.

Nate Archibald

Nate Archibald is ranked ninth on this list after registering a SB Market Index Score of 1.6530. Archibald won one championship and zero MVPs. Nate "Tiny" Archibald was a dominant point guard who possessed extraordinary playmaking and scoring abilities. Nicknamed “Nate the Skate” for his quick and skillful penetration to the basket, he holds the unique distinction of being the only player in NBA history to lead the league in both scoring and assists in the same season.

Dave Bing

Dave Bing rounds out this list in tenth place with a SB Market Index Score of 1.6478. He neither won an MVP nor the NBA championship. Bing's career was marked by his resilience, as he played through a significant eye injury throughout his 12-year NBA tenure. Bing was known for his fundamental game and leadership qualities. Bing had an exceptional scoring ability that enabled him to average over 20 points per game throughout his career.

SportsBoom Suggests - Our Final Verdict

Based on our data-driven analysis, as denoted by the metrics and parameters provided, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the unanimous greatest NBA player of all time. Kareem’s dominance in points, championships, and MVP awards makes him the best among this group of legends involved in this analysis, as his statistics are unmatched. It is, however, important to note that regardless of the player’s achievements on this data-driven rank, other metrics determine if a player is better than the other. These included the difficulty of eras, All-Star teammates, and All-NBA coaching that the player has played with, etc. However, legends of the game like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal, Magic Johnson, and Steph Curry could challenge this ranking if added to the analysis.