For the 2024 edition of the 500 greatest players in NBA/ABA history, please follow this link to the dedicated page. It is updated to reflect the results of the ’23-’24 NBA season.

For more information on what the list means and how it’s compiled, please reference our FAQ.

For past editions of the 500 greatest players, please visit our article archive.

For housekeeping and general notes on the 2024 edition, please see below.

Fell from the top 500

The following players were part of our top 500 list in 2023 but fell out of it in 2024.

Mark Eaton, C, 1982-1993

The only player in NBA history to record 400 or more blocks in a single season, with 456 in ’84-’85, which is by far the all-time record (Manute Bol’s 397 in ’85-’86 is second), he also set the all-time record in ’84-’85 for blocks per game in a season with 5.6, led the NBA in that category four times, holds the career blocks per game record with 3.5, and was Defensive Player of the Year twice

Tom Van Arsdale, F, 1965-1977

Consensus all-time greatest player to never reach the NBA postseason, despite lasting 12 seasons in the league and playing in nearly 1,000 regular season games, he was an All-Star three times and averaged 21.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game over that three season prime.

Tony Allen, G, 2004-2018

A feared defender in his prime with the Grizzlies, he was 1st-Team All-Defensive three times, 2nd-Team All-Defensive three times, finished as high as fourth in Defensive Player of the Year voting (in ’10-’11), and was a key component of the ’12-’13 Memphis team that reached the Conference Finals.

Marcus Morris, F, 2011-current

Despite the wayward nature of his career (playing for eight franchises in 13 seasons), has posted dependable stats, averaging 13+ points and four-plus rebounds per game for seven straight seasons starting in ’15-’16, but his time in our top 500 lasts only year, as an remarkable ’23-’24 with Philly and Cleveland drops him out again.

Kyle Korver, G, 2003-2020

One of the great sharpshooters of all time, he’s fifth in NBA history in total three-point field goals, 10th in career three-point field goal percentage, and his 53.6% three-point shooting in ’09-’10 is the NBA single season record, and he also led the league in that category in two other seasons.

Jim Jackson, F, 1992-2006

Averaged a career high 25.7 points per game for Dallas in ’94-’95, good for fifth in the NBA, but also missed 31 games that season due to an ankle injury but his early years were otherwise marked by contract disputes, injuries, and feuds with star teammate Jason Kidd (including, reportedly, over a love triangle with Toni Braxton). He played for 12 different teams in his final 10 seasons, usually wearing out his welcome with fans, but was a key contributor to Conference Finals teams with the Trail Blazers in ’98-’99 and the Suns in ’04-05

New to the list in 2023

The following players are making their debut in our top 500 list in 2023

De’Aaron Fox, G

Averaged career highs in scoring (26.6 points per game) and rebounding (4.6 per game) in ’23-’24, while also leading the NBA in steals with 2.0 per game

Aaron Gordon, F

Starting power forward on the ’22-’23 Nuggets team and followed it up with another solid season in ’23-’24, while reaching the key plateau of 600 career games

Domantas Sabonis, C

Joins his dad Arvydas as the second father-son duo on our list (alongside Mychal and Klay Thompson), thanks to a career peak in ’23-’24, leading the NBA in rebounding and in triple-doubles

Clint Capela, C

A one-time rebounding champion and field goal percentage leader, he was bubbling just outside the top 500 and broke through thanks to reaching 600 career games during another solid season with Atlanta

Jalen Brunson, G

Reached a new stratosphere of stardom in ’23-’24, getting named to his first All-Star Game and 2nd-Team All-NBA while averaging 28.7 points per game

Anthony Edwards, G

Averaged a career high 25.9 points per game in ’23-’24, while leading the Timberwolves to arguably the best season in franchise history with 56 wins and a Conference Finals appearance

Notable active players outside the top 500

The following are notable active players outside our top 500

Bojan Bogdanovic, F (#504)

The top rated active player outside the top 500, he averaged 21.6 points per game in ’22-’23 but struggled down the stretch of this past season with a foot injury that eventually required surgery

Tyrese Haliburton, G (#522)

Now a two-time All-Star and an assists leader in ’23-’24 in just his fourth season, he’s right on the brink of vaulting into the top 500 in 2025, though injuries are always a lingering concern

Zach LaVine, G (#556)

He’s averaged 24+ points per game in four different seasons and made two All-Star Games, but his career is seemingly stuck in neutral, especially after an injury-riddled ’23-’24

Jordan Clarkson, G (#574)

Heavy trade rumors are swirling for the Jazz’s former Sixth Man of the Year, who has averaged 17.5 points per game over the last five seasons and could easily reach the top 500 if he finds a role on a title contender

Derrick White, G (#656)

The unsung hero of the Celtics’ 2024 title run, he’ll be 30 years old by next season but seems to be just getting started as a defensive and play making specialist extraordinaire

Tyrese Maxey, G (#698)

Most Improved Player of the ’23-’24 season and made his All-Star debut, while averaging a career high 25.9 points and 6.2 assists per game

Paolo Banchero, F (#811)

Followed up his Rookie of the Year season with an incredible ’23-’24, leading the Magic back to the playoffs and making his All-Star debut; easily the highest rated second year player on our list, with only Jalen Williams (#964) also in the top 1,000

Scottie Barnes, F (#1038)

Put up career highs in scoring and rebounding in ’23-’24, and played in his first All-Star Game, but couldn’t lead the Raptors back to the playoffs, causing his ranking to stall

Chet Holmgren, C (#1135)

Victor Wembanyama beat him out statistically and in Rookie of the Year voting, but Holmgren’s playoff success with the Thunder goes a long way in our rankings and puts him in first amongst rookies

Zion Williamson, F (#1273)

Finally stayed relatively healthy in ’23-’24 but missed the Pelicans’ play-in game with a hamstring injury and has still yet to make his playoffs debut in five seasons and counting

Victor Wembanyama (#1833)

No doubt headed for superstardom but won’t make much headway on our list until he’s reached the playoffs