Jayson Tatum Names His 10 Greatest NBA Players of All Time
At just 27 years old, Jayson Tatum has already carved out a remarkable résumé. He’s an NBA champion, a six-time All-Star, a five-time All-NBA selection, and a playoff regular who has been central to Boston’s success. Though a torn Achilles will sideline him for an entire season, his Hall of Fame trajectory remains intact.
Recently, Tatum revealed his personal list of the 10 greatest NBA players in history. He didn’t strictly rank each name, but his top three were crystal clear: Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James. Here’s a closer look at the legends who made Tatum’s exclusive all-time list.
10. Bill Russell
No list from a Celtics star would be complete without Bill Russell. Widely recognized as the game’s first true defensive anchor, Russell led Boston to 11 championships in 13 years during the 1950s and 60s. His leadership, rebounding, and defensive instincts made him the ultimate winner.
Though stats like blocks weren’t officially recorded, those who watched him play know he would have ranked among the best all-time. Critics point to the weaker era and Boston’s stacked roster, but Russell’s impact is undeniable.
Read also: The 20 Greatest African Players in Premier League History
For Tatum, following in Russell’s Celtics legacy makes including him a no-brainer.
9. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar may have the most complete basketball résumé in history. He won six MVPs—still the most ever—along with six championships, 19 All-Star appearances, and 15 All-NBA selections. His iconic skyhook remains one of the most unstoppable shots in basketball.
Beyond the NBA, Kareem also captured three high school state titles and three NCAA championships. His dominance spanned every level of the sport, setting a standard no one else has matched.
Though LeBron James surpassed his scoring record in 2023, Kareem’s legacy as a legend of longevity and excellence is cemented.
Read also: The 50 Greatest Individual Seasons in Football History - Ranked
8. Tim Duncan
Tim Duncan, “The Big Fundamental,” is often called the most underrated superstar in league history. His quiet demeanor masked an incredible consistency that powered the San Antonio Spurs for nearly two decades.
Duncan racked up five championships, 15 All-NBA selections, 15 All-Star nods, and 15 All-Defensive honors. He excelled in every aspect: scoring in the post, protecting the rim, facilitating, and leading with poise.
For Tatum, Duncan represents professionalism and greatness achieved without flash—an example every young player should admire.
7. Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon is another big man who deserves more recognition. A two-time champion and Finals MVP, Hakeem was also the 1994 league MVP and a two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Read also: The 20 Best Boxers in the World Right Now - Ranked
His footwork in the post remains unmatched, and his versatile defense allowed him to guard anyone from centers to guards. He was ahead of his time, with skills that would translate perfectly to today’s game.
Tatum’s respect for Olajuwon underscores how underrated his impact truly was.
6. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal was the most physically dominant player the league has ever seen. Standing 7’1” and weighing over 300 pounds, Shaq moved with the agility of a guard and the strength of a bulldozer.
From 2000 to 2002, Shaq’s Finals dominance—averaging nearly 36 points and 15 rebounds—remains unmatched. He collected three straight Finals MVPs and powered the Lakers to their famous three-peat.
Read also: List of The World’s 50 Highest-Paid Athletes in 2025 - Ranked
For Tatum, Shaq is proof that overwhelming physicality, when paired with touch and finesse, can redefine the game.
5. Larry Bird
Larry Bird is the Celtics legend Tatum naturally had to include. Bird led Boston to three titles, won three consecutive MVPs, and earned 12 All-Star selections. His competitive fire and all-around game made him one of the most complete forwards ever.
Alongside Magic Johnson, Bird revitalized the NBA in the 1980s. His shooting, passing, and IQ helped shape the modern game.
For Tatum, Bird represents the last great era of Celtics basketball—one he hopes to replicate in his own career.
Read also: The Ultimate Rugby 100: World’s Best Players Ranked
4. Magic Johnson
At the point guard spot, Tatum chose Magic Johnson, placing him ahead of Stephen Curry in the GOAT debate. With five championships, three MVPs, and three Finals MVPs, Magic revolutionized basketball with his size and playmaking.
As the face of the “Showtime Lakers,” Magic brought flair, charisma, and joy to the game. His ability to play all five positions—famously stepping in at center in the 1980 Finals—cements his place in history.
For Tatum, Magic embodies why basketball is both artistry and entertainment.
3. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, Tatum’s idol, takes the third spot. Tatum modeled much of his game after Kobe, particularly in the mid-range, and has long looked up to him as the ultimate competitor.
In 20 seasons with the Lakers, Kobe won five championships, two Finals MVPs, and the 2008 league MVP. He made 18 All-Star teams, 15 All-NBA squads, and 12 All-Defensive selections.
Like Tatum, Kobe was a true two-way player, pouring maximum effort into both ends of the court.
2. LeBron James
LeBron James, still active at 40 years old, is second on Tatum’s list. With four championships, four MVPs, and the all-time scoring record, LeBron is in the heart of every GOAT conversation.
His versatility is unmatched: he can score, pass, rebound, defend, and control the pace of the game like no one else. Remarkably, he has never missed a playoff game in his career, further solidifying his durability.
For Tatum, going head-to-head with LeBron has only deepened his appreciation for what “King James” represents.
1. Michael Jordan
At number one, Michael Jordan. For Tatum—as for most—the GOAT debate starts and ends with MJ. Six championships in eight years, five MVPs, and an unmatched scoring average of 30.1 points per game make his case clear.
Jordan’s competitive fire was unrivaled, and his ability to dominate both offensively and defensively set the standard for greatness. His global impact also turned the NBA into an international phenomenon.
For Tatum, no top-10 list without Jordan can be taken seriously.
