Unveiling the Top 10 most influential NBA players in history, this ranking encapsulates the game-changers who shaped basketball’s narrative and legacy. From dominant on-court prowess to transformative impacts beyond the hardwood, these players left an indelible mark on the sport’s evolution
10. Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain will always be remembered as one of the freakiest athletes to ever play basketball. If any, Wilt was way ahead of his time but still dominated the whole league.
He became an inspiration to players after him and even was seen by some as the GOAT His infamous 100-point outing 6 decades ago may never ever be replicated nor broken today. Also, rumors of sleeping with 20,000 women is a feat that only Wilt has ever done.
9. Larry Bird
A white guy beating black men in basketball? Back in the ‘80s, this scene was a sight to see. Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird did just that against Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, and even Michael Jordan.
Bird and Magic were so influential at that time that their popularity was able to save the NBA from disaster. Before three-point shots were a thing, Larry Legend was already utilizing the long balls from his deep bag of tricks.
8. Shaquille O’Neal
Hack-a-Shaq was a notorious move in the late ‘90s and 2000s to stop a bulldozing Shaquille O’Neal. Everybody knew his weakness was his poor free-throw shooting, and teams capitalized on that.
However, his presence on and off the court was felt by many a man and a woman. He inspired players to be dominant, just like him. He also starred in some movies and shows, which made Shaq an instant celebrity.
7. Julius Erving
Before Michael Jordan, the Doctor, Julius Erving captivated the fans with his insane dunks. At the time, everybody wanted to learn how to dunk the ball because Dr. J’s slams were always entertaining to watch.
Jordan himself admitted he looked up to Erving and learned a lot of things from the Sixers legend.
6. Magic Johnson
As mentioned, Magic Johnson together with Larry Bird brought back the energy in the NBA. The sport itself was dying and people were losing interest in the league. But, when the rivalry between the Lakers and Celtics was rekindled because of Magic and Larry, everything changed for the better.
The Showtime Lakers was born after Magic’s magical performance night in and night out. It was a magical time for Lakers fans and even though it didn’t last too long, it was still one helluva a ride for their fans.
5. Kobe Bryant
Admit it, you were just like everybody who shouted “Kobe” every single time you shot something. May it be a ball, a piece of rolled paper, trash, or whatever it is you’re holding in your hands, you’d always call out for the Black Mamba’s name.
Kobe Bryant was notorious for being a ball hog, but that was not his best legacy. With a great work ethic and the killer gene, he became one of the best players to ever step on the hardwood. Not only did he win championships, he also won the hearts of many fans, even his haters. New York, Boston, Sacramento, San Antonio, Philadelphia, Detroit, and many other cities will never forget the legendary Kobe.
4. LeBron James
Believe it or not, LeBron James is equally hated as he is loved. He has as many haters as he has followers, and that is no secret. There are a lot of basketball pundits who do not like LBJ, on the other hand, there are millions of avid fanatics who worship The King.
LeBron changed the game in so many ways. Not only is he a generational talent, LBJ is also the complete epitome of ageless talent.
3. Steph Curry
It’s really not his fault why kids today are shooting threes from 40 feet. Well, he may have influenced it a bit or maybe a lot. Nevertheless, Steph Curry will go down as the greatest shooter ever and nobody would ever come close to him, at least not for now.
How influential is Steph Curry? Well, even six-year-olds are learning to shoot logo threes now, and whenever they make the shot, the famous “night night” celebration by Steph follows. It’s not even limited to hoopers in America. Almost everyone who’s ever seen Steph make those impossible shots wanted to do the same thing.
2. Allen Iverson
“We talkin’ about practice?”. Since we’re already talking about influence and impact on the game, let’s not forget Allen Iverson. The Answer single-handedly changed the landscape of the sport, both on and off the court.
AI’s style of play was constantly copied and many hoopers aspired to be like him someday. On the other side, his fashion statement also influenced his fans. Shooting sleeves, cornrows, tattoos, flashy shoes, and everything he flaunts becomes a trend during his peak.
1. Michael Jordan
The phrase “like Mike” was born because basketball players at the height of Michael Jordan’s career literally wanted to be like him. During the ’90s (or even until now), hoopers wanted to be just like MJ.
Well, it’s not completely shocking since Jordan looked like the perfect basketball player. Overall, MJ influenced his era and the generations that came after that, which makes him the number one on our list of most influential NBA players in history.
