101) Derek Fisher

Never put up big stats and never made much of an impact with his scoring, but Fisher was a key component of five Lakers championship teams. After coming off the bench for the 2000 title, Fisher was the starting point guard in the 2001, 2002, 2009, and 2010 championship runs. He was also third in scoring on those 2001 and 2002 teams, behind Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. He also made an eighth NBA Finals appearance with the Thunder in 2012.

100) Andrew Wiggins

Wiggins’ NBA career was eventful before it even really started. The #1 overall pick of the Cavaliers in 2014, he was traded to the Timberwolves that summer and subsequently won Rookie of the Year. After five-and-a-half seasons of racking up stats on so-so T-Wolves teams, Wiggins was traded to a contender in Golden State. His scoring averaged took a slight dip but Wiggins was a first-time All-Star in 2022, the same year he helped the Warriors win the championship.

99) Brandon Roy

His NBA career lasted just 326 games over five seasons but Roy left an indelible impact, especially with Trail Blazers fans. He was 2nd-Team All-NBA once, an All-Star three times, Rookie of the Year in ’06-’07, and would have certainly added to that trophy case if not for knee cartilage issues that ended his career at age 26 (a brief later comeback notwithstanding). Roy’s teams never advanced past the first round of the playoffs but he provided an all-time performance in 2011, dropping 18 points in the fourth quarter to spur a furious comeback.

98) Harrison Barnes

Barnes was on top of the NBA world at age 23, the starting small forward on the champion Warriors. He kept that spot through the 2016 NBA Finals loss to Cleveland, then became expendable when Kevin Durant arrived in town. Over his first six seasons after leaving the Warriors, Barnes averaged 17.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. He has also made just one playoff appearance since leaving Golden State, a first round loss with the Kings in 2023.

97) Jamal Crawford

Second in NBA history in career bench scoring with 11,279, Crawford’s total amount of 19,419 is also the highest of any player to not make an All-Star appearance. Such was the life of the 21st century’s ultimate bench scorer (Lou Williams just missed this list, at #103). Crawford was Sixth Man of the Year a record three times and just the sixth player in NBA history to reach the plateau of 2,000 career three-pointers.

96) Andre Miller

Never a superstar, never even an All-Star, Miller plugged away efficiently for 17 seasons, landing in seventh on the 21st century total assists leaderboard. “The Professor” led the NBA in assists per game in ’01-’02, finished in the top 10 in the league in six other seasons, and had more assists in the ’00s than anyone except Steve Nash and Jason Kidd.

95) Joakim Noah

In his first seven seasons, before his career was derailed by a torn shoulder, Noah was one of the league’s top centers and defensive players. He peaked right before the aforementioned injury in ’13-’14, making a second consecutive All-Star team, earning Defensive Player of the Year, and finishing fourth in MVP voting. The subsequent massive contract Noah signed with his hometown Knicks in 2016 was an unfortunate disaster.

94) Domantas Sabonis

Unlike his father, whose NBA career started off at age 30 with shaky knees, Sabonis hit the league fresh out of his teenage years. His rookie season with the Thunder was nondescript but after a trade to the Pacers, Sabonis developed into one of the league’s best centers. He’s made three All-Star appearances, been named 3rd-Team All-NBA twice, led the league in rebounding three times, and his 68 triple-doubles are the most by any center this century aside from Nikola Jokic (Pau Gasol is a distant third with 10).

93) Metta World Peace

World Peace (nee Ron Artest) will always be remembered first and foremost for his central role in the “Malice at the Palace” and subsequent lengthy suspension. But he was also one of the greatest defenders of his era, named 1st-Team All-Defensive twice and Defensive Player of the Year in ’03-’04. Despite his reputation, World Peace also seemed to always make teams better, and he earned a redeeming title with the Lakers in 2010.

92) Rasheed Wallace

A hard-nosed power forward, Wallace was part of two of the grittiest teams of the century, the early ’00s Blazers and the mid-to-late ’00s Pistons. He made four All-Star teams (two with Portland and two with Detroit) played in eight Conference Finals, three NBA Finals (two with the Pistons and one with the Celtics), and won a title with the Pistons in 2004. The notoriously hot-headed Wallace also set the NBA record for career technical fouls, which is literally impossible to break under current rules.

91) Rashard Lewis

Ahead of his time as a long range shooting big man, Lewis would surely be higher on this list if his career started a decade later. As it stands, he averaged 20+ points per game three times and was an All-Star twice, once with the SuperSonics and once with the Magic. His versatile skill set was put to its ultimate use with the late ’00s Magic, especially in their 2009 NBA Finals run.

90) Antawn Jamison

Only four players totaled 15,000+ points and 5,000+ rebounds during the ’00s: Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, and Jamison. In a similar pattern to many of the players down here on the list with him, Jamison never parlayed those stats in playoff success or awards beyond two All-Star appearances and a Sixth Man of the Year. Out of all Hall of Fame eligible players, his 20,042 career points is the the fourth highest amongst non-inductees.

89) Kemba Walker

The all-time leading scorer in Hornets franchise history, Walker racked up over 12,000 points in eight seasons with Charlotte to surpass Dell Curry. But the scoring didn’t translate to much team success, with the Hornets making just two playoff appearances in that span, both first round losses. A four-time All-Star, Walker later played for a contender in Boston but was inconsistent in his two seasons there.

88) Bam Adebayo

Maybe the ultimate Pat Riley project, Adebayo flew under the radar in the draft but developed into an intense, defense-first superstar. Adebayo has made three All-Star teams, finished top five in Defensive Player of the Year voting five times, and averaged 18+ points and nine-plus rebounds per game each of the last six seasons. He was starting center and defensive anchor of two Heat NBA Finals teams, in 2020 and 2023.

87) Jalen Brunson

If not for the presence of one Nikola Jokic, Brunson would the most unlikely superstar in the NBA today, a 6’2″ shoot first guard who fell to the second round of the 2018 draft. But Brunson’s first four seasons with the Knicks have been a revelation, averaging 26.4 points and 6.7 assists per game, making two All-Star teams, and getting named 2nd-Team All-NBA twice. The only downside is Brunson’s late career start, as he’ll already be 30 before the start of the ’26-’27 season.

86) Trae Young

Much higher up on the list of the most polarizing players of the century, Young seemed to signal a new breed of NBA superstar, combining Stephen Curry’s shoot-from-anywhere approach with a killer floater and mid-range game. He has also struggled with injuries and his only playoff success was leading the Hawks on a surprise run to the Conference Finals in 2021. A four-time All-Star, Young has averaged 20+ points and 10+ assists three times, a feat that only James Harden and Russell Westbrook have bettered in this century.

85) Lamar Odom

One of the most versatile players of his era from the jump, Odom averaged 12+ points, seven-plus rebounds, four-plus assists, one-plus steals, and one-plus blocks in each of his first two seasons. After four seasons with the flailing Clippers, he thrived with the cross-town Lakers, making three NBA Finals appearances. Odom was the third-leading scorer on the 2008 Finals team, the starting small forward and third leading scoring for 2009 champs, and the sixth man on the 2010 repeat champs.

84) Khris Middleton

A second round pick in 2012, Middleton had humble pro basketball beginnings, eventually becoming the first G-League alumnus to be named an NBA All-Star. Middleton made three All-Star Game appearances, in fact, over a five year prime in which he averaged 19.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. During that time, he was also a key part of the 2021 Bucks title team, exploding for 40 points in a crucial game four of their NBA Finals victory over the Suns.

83) DeAndre Jordan

Undeniably one of the best rebounders and paint defenders in the league during his prime, Jordan slipped out of that stage circa the COVID shutdown but has shouldered on, racking up stats. He also spent his late career becoming an NBA champion, with the Nuggets in 2023. A two-time league leader in rebounding and 1st-Team All-Defensive twice, Jordan also currently stands as the league’s all-time leader in field goal percentage.

82) Peja Stojakovic

The all-time leading NBA scorer and rebounder amongst Croatians, Stojakovic has an argument as the greatest player ever from his home country. He made two All-Star teams, led the NBA in free throw percentage twice, and averaged 18+ points per game for six consecutive seasons. Stojakovic notably struggled in Sacramento’s 2002 Conference Finals loss but eventually retired as a champion, coming off the bench for the ’10-’11 Mavericks.

81) Gilbert Arenas

What a rise and fall it was for Arenas, a second round pick who suddenly blossomed into a superstar, signed one of the most impactful contracts in NBA history, then fell from grace just as swiftly as he rose. A Most Improved Player awardee in ’01-’02, Arenas then averaged 26.2 points per game over the next four seasons, making three All-Star teams and legitimizing the Wizards. But a major knee injury in 2007 was the beginning of the end, with Arenas’ career slammed shut by a subsequent suspension for brandishing a gun in the locker room.

80) Mike Conley

A rare draft success story for the Grizzlies, Conley ultimately spent 12 seasons with the team and became the all-time franchise leader in points, assists, and steals (he also far outlasted his more hyped Ohio State teammate Greg Oden). But it wasn’t until a trade to the Jazz that Conley made his All-Star debut at age 33 in 2021. He is one of 14 players this century to reach the career plateaus of 15,000 points, 5,000 assists, and 1,000 steals.

79) Tyson Chandler

Seemingly a disappointment as the #2 overall pick straight of high school in 2001, Chandler quietly developed into one of the league’s best defenders. He finally got his due in ’10-’11 and ’11-’12, winning a championship as starting center on the Mavs in the former, and earning Defensive Player of the Year with the Knicks in the latter. Along with DeAndre Jordan and Dwight Howard, Chandler is one of three players this century to total 10,000+ rebounds, 1,000+ blocks, and shot 55%+ from the field.

78) Bradley Beal

His career is now pockmarked by injuries and an albatross of a contract, but for a brief period Beal was one of the league’s best scorers. Only nine players averaged 30+ points per game for two consecutive seasons in this century, and Beal is one of them. But he never managed to win a scoring title, had no major awards beyond three All-Star appearances, and advanced to the second round of the playoffs just three times.

77) David West

A great underdog story, West averaged just 4.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in his first two seasons before breaking out as an All-Star level player. The undersized power forward averaged 19.2 points and 8.0 rebounds per game over a six-year prime, all spent with the Hornets, and is second in franchise history in points, rebounds, and blocks. West later shifted to a backup center role with the Warriors, winning titles in 2017 and 2018 to close out his career.

76) Rajon Rondo

The fourth man on the “Big Three” Celtics, at age 22 Rondo became the third youngest starting point guard ever to win an NBA championship (after Magic Johnson and Tony Parker). That was just the start, as Rondo eventually led the NBA in assists three times and in steals once, made four All-Star Games, was 1st-Team All-Defensive twice, and eventually won a second title in 2020 with the Lakers. Rondo is fifth in total assists in this century and seventh in total steals.

75) Pascal Siakam

Kawhi Leonard was the hero of Toronto’s 2019 championship run but Siakam’s breakout season was the X-factor. The Cameroonian forward more than doubled his scoring average in his third season, earned Most Improved Player, and was Toronto’s second leading scorer in that postseason. That was only the start for Siakam, whose since made three All-Star appearances and was the leading scorer on another NBA Finals team with the Pacers in 2025.

74) Julius Randle

There were multiple times when his career seemed headed in a completely different direction but Randle has persevered to place himself on this list. Since getting traded from the Lakers to the Pelicans in 2018, Randle has averaged an impressive 21.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game while making three All-Star teams. Lately, he’s done so for legitimate title contenders in the Knicks and Timberwolves, though Randle is still looking for an NBA Finals debut.

73) Jason Terry

The unsung hero of the Mavericks’ 2011 championship run, Terry was second on the team in playoff scoring, second in assists, and led all scorers with 27 points in the close out game six of the NBA Finals. A Sixth Man of the Year winner in ’08-’09, Terry spent most of his career coming off the bench but was the first player in league history to compile 15,000 points, 5,000 assists, and 2,000 three-point field goals. Only Jamal Crawford scored more points this century than Terry without making an All-Star appearance.

72) John Wall

A #1 pick out of Kentucky in 2010, Wall was expected to revive a flailing Wizards franchise. He only got so far in that regard, leading Washington to four playoff appearances but never past the first round, but along the way made five All-Star appearances and a 3rd-Team All-NBA designation. Amongst #1 picks this century, Wall trails only LeBron James in total assists.

71) Elton Brand

The inaugural Rookie of the Year winner of the 21st century, Brand lived up to his #1 overall pick status for eight seasons before a ruptured Achilles’ waylaid him. Including his rookie campaign, Brand averaged 18+ points and 10+ rebounds per game six times, plugging away for lowly Bulls and Clippers teams. The two-time All-Star finally made his playoff debut in 2006 but never advanced past the second round. Brand’s 2,956 offensive rebounds are the ninth highest total this century.

70) Nikola Vucevic

He was never talked about as amongst the league’s best, but Vucevic is one of just eight players this century to compile over 15,000 points and over 10,000 rebounds. It’s been a consistent run as well, as Vucevic averaged 18+ points and 10+ rebounds per game six times in his career. He’s made two All-Star teams but only four playoff appearances, getting eliminated in the first round each time.

69) Brook Lopez

A high level scorer and All-Star in the first half of his career, with the Nets, Lopez smoothly transitioned into defensive specialist in the second half. Though his stats dipped in that second role, they stayed solid, and Lopez is one of just eight players this century to average 12+ points per game for 17 consecutive seasons. He’s made the All-Defensive team twice and in 2021 was the starting center on the champion Bucks.

68) Richard Hamilton

Would Hamilton’s legacy be vastly different if he had earned 2004 Finals MVP over Chauncey Billups, an honor he arguably deserved? The shooting guard was Detroit’s leading scorer in that title run, as well as their 2005 NBA Finals team. Hamilton was also a three-time All-Star and one of the most efficient three-point shooters of his era, leading the league in three-point field goal percentage in ’05-’06.

67) Gary Payton

Yes, all of Payton’s greatest accomplishments happened in the ’90s. Save for one, arguably the most important, his championship won with the Heat in 2006. The legendary point guard was also still putting up big numbers in the early ’00s, averaging 21.9 points and 8.5 assists per game in the first three seasons of this century, and finishing sixth in ’01-’02 MVP voting.

66) Paul Millsap

The #47 overall pick in 2006, Millsap nevertheless blossomed into a four-time All-Star. Exceedingly consistent in his prime, Millsap averaged 13+ points and six-plus rebounds per game for 10 consecutive seasons, while going from the Jazz to the Hawks to the Nuggets. Amongst second round picks this century, Millsap is fourth in scoring, fourth in rebounds, and fourth in blocks.

65) Zach Randolph

A tale of two careers, Randolph was a paragon of youthful apathy and wasted potential with the “Jail Blazers,” then became a beloved All-Star with the Grizzlies. He averaged 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game five times, made the All-Star team twice, and won Most Improved Player in ’03-’04. Randolph was also one of the leaders of the greatest Grizzlies team of all time, the squad that reached the Conference Finals in ’12-’13.

64) Jermaine O’Neal

Just 22 years old at the turn of the century and already in his fourth NBA season, O’Neal barely saw the floor in those early stages with the Trail Blazers but broke out after a 2000 trade to the Pacers. Between 2001 and 2007, O’Neal averaged 20.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game, and made six All-Star appearances. His career was unfortunately thereon hampered by a shoulder injury, but he did last until 2014.

63) Chris Webber

The last season of the 20th century was a transitory one for Webber, evolving from a talented but maligned Wizards All-Star to respected centerpiece of a title contender in Sacramento. Webber appeared in the first four All-Star Games of this century, was named 1st-Team All-NBA once, 2nd-Team All-NBA twice, and finished as high as fourth in MVP voting. The Kings never did break through though, leaving Webber as one of the all-time greatest players without an NBA Finals appearance.

62) Jaylen Brown

A revelation in the 2024 NBA Finals, Brown earned MVP honors after averaging 20.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, while also flashing his elite defensive prowess on Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving. A four-time All-Star and 2nd-Team All-NBA once, Brown has averaged 20+ points and five-plus rebounds per game in the last seven seasons and counting, and seems primed to continue rising up this list.

61) Andre Iguodala

His 2015 Finals MVP award was a somewhat controversial choice, but in that series Iguodala harassed LeBron James defensively about as well as anyone ever has. It was the culmination of an already stellar career that ultimately ended with seven NBA Finals appearances and four titles. In his early days, Iguodala was also an offensive focal point, averaging 18+ points, five-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists per game three times for the 76ers.

60) Deron Williams

His career was hampered by injuries, clashes with coaches, and unfriendly comparisons to fellow 2005 draftee Chris Paul, but Williams managed to compile 6,819 assists, good for 11th on the 21st century leaderboard. He finished in the top five in the NBA in assists per game for seven consecutive seasons (though never first), made three All-Star appearances, and was 2nd-Team All-NBA twice.

59) Jrue Holiday

It’s a testament to Holiday’s versatility that he was the starting point guard on two very different championship teams. On the ’20-’21 Bucks, he provided front-and-center scoring and play making. On the ’23-’24 Celtics, Holiday supplemented with his leadership, defense, and rebounding. A two-time All-Star and five-time member of the All-Defensive team, Holiday averaged an impressive 18+ points, six-plus assists, and four-plus rebounds per game for six consecutive seasons in his prime.

58) Karl-Anthony Towns

The fastest player in NBA history to compile over 2,000 career points, over 1,000 rebounds, and over 100 three-point field goals, Towns is arguably the preeminent example of the modern all-around NBA center. He is one of just three players this century to average 18+ points and 10+ rebounds per game as a rookie, and he’s since averaged 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game six times, something only two players have bested. A five-time All-Star, Towns is now adding playoff success to his resume, with back-to-back Conference Finals appearances.

57) Yao Ming

Due to various foot, toe, and ankle issues, Yao played in just 486 games over nine years, leaving behind an impressive but unfulfilling resume. Of course, his impact went far beyond the courts of the NBA, as the first Chinese superstar of an increasingly international sport. His eight All-Star appearances are largely due to Chinese voters but Yao was also 2nd-Team All-NBA twice and 3rd-Team All-NBA three times.

56) Al Horford

Before winning the 2024 NBA Finals with the Celtics at age 38, Horford was second in NBA history in postseason games played without a title. He was a fan favorite in Atlanta and Boston, a clever two-way center who made five All-Star appearances and played in four Conference Finals before 2024. Horford never put up huge stats but did average 10+ points per game in each of his first 16 seasons.

55) Devin Booker

The youngest player ever to score 60+ points in a game, Booker dropped 70 at age 20 in the ’16-’17 season. It portended big things and that harbinger has been proven true, as he’s developed into one of the league’s premier scorers. Booker has averaged 25+ points per game for eight consecutive seasons and counting, while making four All-Star appearances, getting named 1st-Team All-NBA once, and leading Phoenix to the 2021 Finals.

54) Chauncey Billups

Despite being a third overall pick out of Colorado in 1997, Billups bounced around the league in his first five years with the Celtics, Raptors, Nuggets, and Timberwolves, before finally settling in with the Pistons. He was Finals MVP in 2004 and is top five in Pistons franchise history in assists. Billups also made five All-Star appearances and was named 2nd-Team All-NBA once and All-Defensive twice.

53) Joe Johnson

Maybe the most unremarkable player in NBA history with seven or more All-Star appearances, Johnson is also one of just nine players to total over 20,000 points and over 5,000 assists this century, and the other eight are all on the 75 Greatest Players list. What’s the catch? Johnson’s teams never advanced far in the postseason, and he posted a paltry .090 win shares per 48 minutes for his career.

52) DeMarcus Cousins

A fan favorite with endless talent, Cousins struggled throughout his career with injuries and with defensive discipline but still put up massive statistics. He averaged 22+ points and 11+ rebounds per game for five straight seasons, was 2nd-Team All-NBA twice, and an All-Star four times. Unfortunately, those numbers were compiled mostly for dreadful Kings teams and Cousins didn’t make a playoffs appearance until his ninth season.

51) Kyle Lowry

The Raptors’ all-time leader in assists, steals, and win shares, Lowry helped transform the franchise in his decade there. The peak was his role as the starting point guard and assists leader on their 2019 title team. Lowry also made six All-Star teams and finished top 10 in the league in assists for eight consecutive seasons. He is one of just eight players this century to compile 15,000+ points and 7,000+ assists.

50) Marc Gasol

He came into the league simply known as Pau’s younger brother but Gasol eventually established himself as one of the best all-around centers of his generation and a Grizzlies franchise legend. He earned Defensive Player of the Year in ’12-’13, was 1st-Team All-NBA once, 2nd-Team All-NBA once, and an All-Star three times. After 10 seasons with Memphis, becoming the franchise’s all-time rebounds leader, Gasol joined the Raptors via trade in ’18-’19 for their championship run.

49) Shawn Marion

A Hall of Fame case has been gaining steam lately for Marion, a paean to his underrated accomplishments. Due to a lack of accolades beyond his four All-Star appearances, Marion comes in a little lower than expected on this list. “The Matrix” is one of just five players in this century to compile over 15,000 career points, over 10,000 rebounds, over 1,000 steals, and over 1,000 blocks. Marion also capped his career with a championship as the Mavericks’ third-leading scorer in 2011.

48) Vince Carter

The only NBA player to appear in four different decades, Carter played 22 seasons before finally retiring at age 43. His hype was immeasurable coming into the league and in this century’s first decade, Carter averaged 23.6 points and 5.4 rebounds per game while making seven All-Star appearances. But after forcing his way out of Toronto, much to Raptors’ fans chagrin, he never made a team demonstrably better and reached as far as the Conference Finals just once, in 2010 with Orlando.

47) Donovan Mitchell

It never has made sense, a 6’2″ shooting guard with injury proclivities, but Mitchell has averaged 20+ points per game in all nine seasons he’s played and seems to be aging like fine wine. He’s made six All-Star appearances, was 1st-Team All-NBA once, and 2nd-Team All-NBA twice. Aside from injuries, postseason shortcomings have been another unfortunate theme of Mitchell’s career, most recently back-to-back disappointing playoff exits with the Cavaliers.

46) Paul George

His career has taken a real PR hit in his last two seasons with the 76ers, but George is undeniably one of the best two-way forwards of this century. For nine consecutive seasons, he averaged 20+ points and five-plus rebounds per game while making nine All-Star appearances, getting named 1st-Team All-NBA once, 3rd-Team All-NBA five times, and All-Defensive four times. The postseason has been a struggle, with three Conference Finals appearances but no breakthroughs to the NBA Finals.

45) Manu Ginobili

Far and away the greatest South American player in NBA history, Ginobili didn’t join the league until age 24 after a few seasons playing pro in his native Argentina. He hit the ground running with the Spurs and won a championship as a rookie, the first of four in his career. One of the greatest bench players the NBA has ever seen, Ginobili earned Sixth Man of the Year in ’07-’08 and finished top five in voting five other times. He also changed the league irrevocably by popularizing the “Euro step,” a now ubiquitous offensive skill.

44) Rudy Gobert

One of just three players in NBA history to earn Defensive Player of the Year four times, Gobert has dominated the paint area for 13 seasons and counting. He’s also been named 1st-Team All-Defensive seven times, led the league in rebounding once and field goal percentage three times, and made two All-Star appearances. As of this writing, Gobert is on track to soon become just the eighth player this century with 10,000 career points, 10,000 rebounds, and 1,000 blocks. His 65.8% career field goal shooting is also the second highest in NBA history.

43) LaMarcus Aldridge
42) DeMar DeRozan

Maybe the ultimate “under the radar” careers of this century, Aldridge and DeRozan both quietly plugged away at an All-Star level for a decade-plus, including three seasons as Spurs teammates. A six-time All-Star, DeRozan is one of just five players this century to tally 25,000+ points, 5,000+ rebounds, and 5,000+ assists. In fact, only 11 other players have ever reached those milestones and they’re all either current or future first ballot Hall of Famers. Aldridge, who made seven All-Star appearances, is one of just six players this century to total over 20,000 points and over 8,000 rebounds, another list populated otherwise by all-time legends. Neither player managed a signature playoff moment, both reaching the Conference Finals just once, DeRozan with the Raptors in 2016 and Aldridge with the Spurs in 2017.

41) Klay Thompson
40) Draymond Green

The backbone of the four titles of the Warriors dynasty, Thompson and Green had vastly different skillsets and accolades but still end up side-by-side here. Thompson spent his first 13 seasons trapped in Stephen Curry’s three-point launching shadow but put together an incredible career in his own right. A five-time All-Star, Thompson is one of just seven players to cross the 2,500 career three-pointers threshold but also has by far the fewest points and win shares of those seven. Green won Defensive Player of the Year only once but is arguably the second best defender of this century behind Ben Wallace, especially when you take postseason clutch performances into account. Green has been 1st-Team All-Defensive five times, 2nd-Team All-Defensive four times, and played in four All-Star Games.

39) Jimmy Butler

One of the most unique and endearing personalities of his era, “Playoff Jimmy” has a penchant first and foremost as a winner. Despite never playing alongside a fellow superstar until joining the Warriors last year, Butler’s teams have made the playoffs 13 times in his 14 NBA seasons, and he carried the Heat to surprise NBA Finals appearances in 2020 and 2023. He’s a six-time All-Star, was 2nd-Team All-NBA once, and was 2nd-Team All-Defensive five times.

38) Kevin Love

A throwback big man with preternatural passing skills, Love had an incredible final four seasons with the Timberwolves, averaging 23.5 points and 13.7 rebounds per game, making 2nd-Team All-NBA twice. In ’10-’11, he led the league in rebounds and became the only player this century to average 20+ points and 15+ rebounds per game in a season. Traded to the Cavs in 2015, Love sacrificed stats for wins and became a legend in Cleveland, especially for his irreplaceable contributions in the 2016 title run.

37) Blake Griffin

After missing the entire ’09-’10 season with a knee injury, Griffin had arguably the greatest rookie season of this century and that was just the start. He averaged 20+ points per game in eight of his first nine seasons, much of it as a lob pass recipient from Chris Paul on the Clippers, until his knees started to fail him again circa age 30. Griffin was Rookie of the Year in ’10-’11, 2nd-Team All-NBA three times, and an All-Star six times.

36) Jayson Tatum

Afforded no learning curve, Tatum was the leading scorer on a title contender as a 20-year-old rookie, a first step to his current status as an all-time Celtics great. Boston reached at least the Conference Finals in five of Tatum’s first seven seasons, the NBA Finals twice, and won a title in 2024. Though Jaylen Brown was the Finals MVP that year, Tatum was the team’s leader in scoring, rebounding, and assists in the series. 1st-Team All-NBA four times and an All-Star six times, Tatum now faces an uncertain future after tearing his ACL in the 2025 playoffs.

35) Amar’e Stoudemire

The first player to earn Rookie of the Year after entering the league straight out of high school, Stoudemire was on track for all-time legend status before knee damage burdened his career. Though he was never the same athletically, Stoudemire did bounce back strong from reconstructive knee surgery, ultimately averaging 20+ points and eight-plus rebounds per game seven times, making six All-Star appearances, getting named 1st-Team All-NBA once and 2nd-Team All-NBA four times. The playoffs, however, were a house of horrors for Amar’e, with numerous disillusioning early exits with the Suns and Knicks.

34) Ben Wallace

Wallace was already in his fourth NBA season when the calendar turned to 2000 but his career was barely a footnote at that point. But Wallace would soon after establish himself as one of the all-time elite defenders and easily the greatest un-drafted player the NBA has ever seen. He was the first person to earn Defensive Player of the Year four times, doing so over a five-year stretch. Wallace also was named 1st-Team All-Defensive five times, 2nd-Team All-NBA three times, and was the anchor of the 2004 Pistons title team.

33) Kyrie Irving

His career has certainly included plenty of setbacks and controversies but it can already be proclaimed that Irving will be remembered as one of the greatest pure scorers of the 21st century. With a combination of ball handling and lay-up skills rarely seen before or since, Irving has averaged 23+ points and five-plus assists per game nine times. He’s also made eight All-Star appearances, was 2nd-Team All-NBA once, and was a savior for the Cavaliers in their 2016 title run.

32) Derrick Rose
31) Joel Embiid

Will we look back on these two as the worst league MVPs in NBA history? It’s certainly tracking that way now, especially for Rose, who retired in 2024. At age 31, Embiid still has a chance to restore his reputation. His ’22-’23 MVP season was one for the ages, averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 blocks per game. It was part of an incredible two year run in which Embiid twice joined Giannis Antetokounmpo as the only players this century to average 30+ points, 10+ rebounds, and one-plus blocks per game. Rose’s ’10-’11 MVP campaign was far less impressive and in fact feels like a distant dream now, with his career waylaid just a year later by a major ACL tear.

30) Chris Bosh

We always have a soft spot for players like this, willing to eschew personal stats and accolades for team glory. Bosh was one of the greats in that role, helping the Heat to four straight NBA Finals and back-to-back titles in 2012 and 2013. Before signing with Miami, Bosh was an elite scorer and rebounder for the Raptors, averaging 22.8 points and 9.9 rebounds per game in his final five seasons in Toronto. He was named 2nd-Team All-NBA in ’06-’07 and an All-Star for 11 consecutive years before being forced to retire at age 31 due to blood clots.

29) Luka Doncic

The youngest player on our list, Doncic has been a dominant force in the NBA since making his debut at age 19. He earned Rookie of the Year after becoming only the second rookie ever (after Oscar Robertson) to average 20+ points, six-plus rebounds, and six-plus assists per game. A two-time scoring champ and five-time 1st-Team All-NBA honoree, Doncic also might go down as the all-time greatest player without an MVP award, failing to finish higher than third thus far.

28) Ray Allen

One of the greatest pure shooters in NBA history, Allen would have placed higher on this list if not for his career starting in 1996. He did make his All-Star debut in 2000, the first of 10, and started a stretch of 10 consecutive seasons averaging 20+ points per game. That streak only ended when Allen was traded to the Celtics and willing to take on a lesser scoring role to earn a championship in 2008. Despite recent assaults on the record books, Allen is still third in NBA history in career three-point field goals.

27) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

If this seems high for the 27-year-old Gilgeous-Alexander consider this: In ’24-’25 he became only the second player in NBA history to average 30+ points, five-plus rebounds, and five-plus assists per game, win league MVP, and win Finals MVP. The other? Michael Jordan, who did it twice. It was a third straight season for Gilgeous-Alexander averaging over 30 points per game and he seems primed to do it again in ’25-’26. In addition to those accolades, he’s also been named 1st-Team All-NBA each of the last three seasons.

26) Tracy McGrady

One of the greatest pure scorers in NBA history, McGrady averaged 26.9 points per game over a seven-year prime and won back-to-back scoring titles before injuries derailed his career. Despite really only playing eight-or-so full seasons due to injuries, McGrady was 1st-Team All-NBA twice, 2nd-Team All-NBA three times, and a seven time All-Star. A notable demerit is that McGrady didn’t advance past the first round of the playoffs in his first 15 seasons but did get to play in the NBA Finals at the end of his career, with the Spurs in 2013.

25) Paul Pierce

An elite scorer and a proven winner, as Pierce’s teams reached the postseason in 14 of the 19 seasons he played. The peak for Pierce was winning Finals MVP for the Celtics in 2008, a zenith of a sometimes rocky relationship with Boston fans and media. Pierce could also rack up the stats in his prime, averaging 23.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game over the first decade of this century. Pierce’s 24,179 points places him 10th amongst 21st century players.

24) Carmelo Anthony

An offensive demon from the start, Anthony averaged 20+ points per game in each of his first 13 NBA seasons, something only Kevin Durant and LeBron James also accomplished in this century. But Anthony struggled to contribute much else on the court, was regularly overshadowed by his peers like James and Durant, and never found consistent postseason success. Regardless, he’s one of only six players this century (and 11 players ever) to compile over 28,000 points.

23) Pau Gasol

The first Spanish superstar in NBA history, Gasol was an instant success, winning Rookie of the Year in ’01-’02 then averaging 18.8 points and 8.6 rebounds per game in his first five seasons, plugging away for mediocre Grizzlies teams. A 2007 trade to the Lakers lifted Gasol to his ultimate NBA purpose, a perfect teammate for Kobe Bryant, playing in three consecutive NBA Finals and winning two titles. In a career that ultimately lasted 18 seasons, Gasol became one of four members in this century of the 20,000 point / 10,000 rebound club.

22) Tony Parker

No one ever considered him one of the league’s top players but for a decade in his prime, Parker was playing at an elite level. He was named 2nd-Team All-NBA three times, played in six All-Star Games and won four championships with the Spurs, including in 2007 as the Finals MVP. With 7,036 total assists, Parker also places 10th amongst players in this century.

21) Jason Kidd

Just as the new millennium was approaching, Kidd was developing into an elite point guard. He was the league’s assist leader in three of the first four seasons of this century, and the triple-double leader in eight of the first nine. Kidd also just missed out on league MVP in ’01-’02, finishing a close second behind Tim Duncan. He led a complete turnaround of the Nets that season, taking a previously moribund franchise to back-to-back NBA Finals.

20) Damian Lillard

The shortest player (at 6’2″) to compile over 20,000 points this century, Lillard is also the only point guard in NBA history to drop 60+ points in a game multiple times. Though he’s never managed to take a team to the NBA Finals, Lillard’s clutch postseason reputation is warranted by his multiple buzzer beaters and other heroics. He was 1st-Team All-NBA in ’17-’18, 2nd-Team All-NBA four times, an All-Star nine times, and top five in the league in scoring four times.

19) Anthony Davis

No college player has come into the NBA this century with more hype than Davis and the #1 overall pick in 2012 has performed as advertised. Starting with his second season in the league, Davis has averaged 20+ points and 10+ rebounds per game 10 times in the last 12 years, while making 1st-Team All-NBA three times and 2nd-Team All-NBA twice. He’s also led the league in blocks three times and was named 1st-Team All-Defensive on three occasions. After years of playing on bad teams, Davis finally got some deep postseason runs playing with LeBron James on the Lakers, including their 2020 title.

18) Kawhi Leonard

No one has had a more tumultuous yet successful career this century than Leonard. Drafted outside the lottery in 2011, he emerged on the scene as a defensive monster in ’13-’14, earning Finals MVP after shutting down LeBron James in the NBA Finals. After a tough divorce with the Spurs, the two-time Defensive Player of the Year redeemed himself in Toronto, winning Finals MVP again after leading the Raptors to their only championship in franchise history. Leonard’s record has been spotty, at best, since then, with brief moments of brilliant play wedged between lengthy absences for injuries and contract holdouts.

17) Dwight Howard

Of of the top 18 players on this list, Howard is one of two, along with Chris Paul, to never win league MVP or Finals MVP. The star center accomplished just about everything else possible though, including Defensive Player of the Year three times, 1st-Team All-NBA five times, the league leader in rebounding five times, and a championship with the Lakers in 2020. Howard’s 14,627 rebounds are the most of any player this century (yes, even more than LeBron James) and he’s second in blocks behind only Tim Duncan.

16) Steve Nash

Call them controversial decisions (we certainly have) but Nash is a two-time league MVP and that’s something only five other players have accomplished so far this century. Nash also led the NBA in assists five times (tied with Chris Paul and Jason Kidd for most this century) and his 9,444 total assists is fourth in the last 25 years. His breakneck pace and wizardry passing with the Suns in the seven-seconds-or-less offense was revolutionary, pushing the limits of offensive opportunities. But Nash also holds the distinction as greatest player on this list without an NBA Finals appearance, due to a litany of postseason disappointments.

15) Allen Iverson

As the calendar turned to years starting with 2000, Iverson was establishing himself as the league’s premier scorer. His first scoring title happened in the ’90s but Iverson led the league three more times and for a long time was the only player this century to average 30+ points per game four times (Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has now matched him). Just as quickly as he rose, Iverson fell hard, unable to adapt to a lesser role and flaming out in late career stops with the Nuggets, Pistons, and Grizzlies. His 27.4 points per game is the highest career average in this century amongst retired players.

14) James Harden

One of the most prolific offensive forces in NBA history, Harden is the fifth leading scorer in this century, fifth in assists, fourth in offensive win shares, second in free throws, and second in three-point field goals. A three-time scoring champ, Harden is also one of three players to lead the league in scoring in this century and in assists in this century (the others are Russell Westbrook and LeBron James). His league leading 36.1 points per game in ’18-’19 is also the highest single season average this century and in fact the second highest in NBA history. The catch for Harden, of course, is lack of postseason success. He was the sixth man on the Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals but has not returned since, making it as far as the Conference Finals with Houston in 2015 and 2018.

13) Dwyane Wade

With one of the greatest NBA Finals performances of all time, Wade burst onto the scene in 2006, averaging 39.3 points per game as the Heat defeated the Mavericks. This was a career peak but certainly not the end for Wade, who added a scoring title in ’08-’09, eight appearances on the All-NBA team, and two more titles with Miami in 2012 and 2013. Wade was second banana at that point but still contributing big stats, averaging 22.6 points per game in the 2012 NBA Finals win. Also named to the All-Defensive team three times, Wade is seventh in the century in steals, and his 885 blocks are the most by any guard ever.

12) Shaquille O’Neal

The first half of his career happened in the ’90s and included most of his best statistical seasons. But O’Neal won the first three Finals MVP awards of this century, and his one and only league MVP in 2000. He was never quite the same after leaving the Lakers in 2004, at age 32, but still contributed at an near MVP level for the Heat in ’04-’05 and ’05-’06, winning a fourth career title. Along with Gary Payton and Chris Webber, O’Neal is one of just three players who would additionally made this list for the 20th century.

11) Russell Westbrook

His career has mirrored Oscar Robertson in many ways. Aside from the obvious, being the two players in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, Westbrook also played on a title contender early in his career but then toiled away for marginal teams throughout his prime. Unlike Robertson, who found a second home and finally a title with the Bucks, Westbrook has become a hired gun late in his career and seems as far away as ever from that elusive ring. But the numbers don’t lie, as Westbrook is seventh on the NBA scoring list for this century, third in assists, and third in blocks, but only 26th in win shares.

10) Giannis Antetokounmpo

Only three players in NBA history earned Defensive Player of the Year, league MVP, and Finals MVP in their career: Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP has also been named 1st-Team All-NBA seven times, 2nd-Team All-NBA twice, and 1st-Team All-Defensive four times. Assuming he stays relatively healthy, Antetokounmpo will also soon become just the second player this century after LeBron James to compile over 20,000 points, 10,000+ rebounds, 5,000+ assists, 1,000+ steals, and 1,000+ blocks. But the “Greek Freak” does face an uncertain future at age 31, with rumors swirling that the Bucks will be soon trading him.

9) Nikola Jokic

Arguably the most unlikely superstar in NBA history, Jokic’s unusual but effective style have carried him from second round draft pick afterthought to all-time legend. A three-time league MVP along with two second place finishes, Jokic also earned Finals MVP in 2023 while leading the Nuggets franchise to its first ever title. But perhaps his most impressive feat was in ’24-’25, when Jokic became just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double, an especially awe-inspiring accomplishment for a man who stands 6’11”. Jokic turns 31 during the ’25-’26 season and has struggled with a knee injury but is otherwise seemingly only improving.

8) Chris Paul

A double-edged sword of a superlative, he’s the only player in the top 10 who never earned a league MVP and the only player in our top 10 who never earned a Finals MVP. In fact, Paul will round out his career right near the top of our list of all-time greatest players without a title. But Paul’s legendary status is undeniable, as maybe the greatest pure point guard the league has ever seen. Paul is the leader in this century in both career assists and steals, and and he’s one of just three players, alongside LeBron James and Russell Westbrook, to total over 20,000 points and over 10,000 assists.

7) Kevin Garnett

It’s a testament to the talent level of the last 25 years that Garnett comes in this low. Garnett has an impeccable resume: a league MVP trophy (in 2004), a Defensive Player of the Year trophy (in 2008), 1st-Team All-NBA four times, 2nd-Team All-NBA three times, 1st-Team All-Defensive a record-tying nine times, NBA rebounding leader four times, and the heart and soul of the ’07-’08 Celtics title team. But Garnett ultimately lagged behind his longtime power forward rivals Dirk Nowitzki (more longevity and bigger stats) and Tim Duncan, and is also hurt on this list by virtue of his career starting in the ’90s.

6) Dirk Nowitzki

Few players have had a late career title boost their reputation more so than Nowitzki in 2011. Just a couple weeks shy of his 33rd birthday, Nowitzki earned Finals MVP after leading the Mavericks to a shocking upset of the Heat. It was a perfect capper for an already legendary career, which then lasted another eight effective seasons. Nowitzki’s 29,740 points is third in this century and his 10,795 rebounds are also seventh. Maybe most impressive is Nowitzki’s 1,852 three-point field goals, far and away the all-time record amongst players listed at 7’0″ or taller.

5) Stephen Curry

One of a handful of NBA players who truly revolutionized the game, Curry will go down indefinitely as the greatest long distance shooter in the sport’s history. Like an outside shooter Wilt Chamberlain, Curry now holds almost every conceivable three-point shooting record, including career totals in the regular season and postseason. Along the way, he also earned two league MVPs, one Finals MVP, four championships (in six Finals appearances), two scoring titles, and became the only member of the 50/40/90 club to average 30+ points per game in the season he accomplished it (’15-’16). Oh and by the way, he’s also the all-time greatest free throw shooter too.

4) Kevin Durant

A perfect specimen of pure scoring, Durant can seemingly hit a field goal from anywhere on the court, anytime he wants and won four scoring titles as a result. He then sacrificed some of those stats to play on a championship team in Golden State, earning back-to-back Finals MVPs in 2017 and 2018. Also the league MVP in 2014, 1st-Team All-NBA six times, and 2nd-Team All-NBA five times, Durant is second behind LeBron James in total points in this century and later this season will surpass Wilt Chamberlain and Dirk Nowitzki to move up to sixth on the all-time scoring list (Michael Jordan in fifth is likely getting surpassed in ’26-’27).

3) Tim Duncan
2) Kobe Bryant

They come in side-by-side on our all-time 500 greatest players list and appropriately here as well. The most notable commonality is the pair being tied for most titles in this century, with five each. They also both spent their entire careers with one of the signature franchises of this century. Duncan has the edge in league MVPs (two to one) and both made 1st or 2nd-Team All-NBA 11 times. But keep in mind that one of Duncan’s three Finals MVPs happened in 1999, which limits his ability to surpass Bryant here. Kobe also has the statistical edge, with two scoring titles and a fourth place spot in total scoring for the century.

1) LeBron James

A strong argument could be made for him as greatest of all time but it would likely only convince a small percentage of NBA fans. However, James’ stance as the greatest player of this century is undeniable and anyone protesting otherwise is lying to you or themselves. The four-time league MVP and four-time Finals MVP is also this century’s all-time leader in points (with over 10,000 more than second place Kevin Durant) and win shares, second in assists, third in rebounds, and second in steals (for the record, he’s only 28th in blocks). The 20th century and all-time crown may be the domain of Michael Jordan but the 21st century undoubtedly belongs to James.

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