Best NBA Players All-Time: LeBron James, Kevin Durant Rank Atop Active Basketball List

Michael Jordan topped ESPN’s recent list of the greatest 74 players in NBA history. LeBron James ranked second, followed by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell and Magic Johnson.

Eleven players that made their way into a game during the 2019-2020 season were put on the list. Three superstars cracked the top-15. Seven made the top-40.

There can be plenty of debate regarding where each player ranks in league history, but here’s how the NBA’s 10-best active players should’ve been ordered on the all-time list.

1) LeBron James (ESPN Rank: No.2 All-Time)

James is miles ahead of any active player, and he’s only chasing Jordan on the all-time list. He’s arguably been the best basketball player on earth for 12 straight years, giving him the longest stretch of dominance in NBA history.

2) Kevin Durant (ESPN Rank: No.14 All-Time)

Durant proved to be the best of the Golden State Warriors’ stars, winning two NBA Finals MVP awards while going toe-to-toe with James. If he can return to a superstar-level after his torn Achilles, Durant will retire as a top-10 all-time player.

3) Stephen Curry (ESPN Rank: No.13 All-Time)

One of 13 multi-time MVPs and the only player to win the award unanimously, Curry will go down as one of the greatest point guards in history. He’s the best shooter to ever step foot on the court, and he changed the game forever with his infinite range.

4) Kawhi Leonard (ESPN Rank: No.25 All-Time)

Leonard reached a new tier by leading the Toronto Raptors to their first-ever title last season. He’s one of three players to win an NBA Finals MVP award with two different teams. Other than Scottie Pippen, Leonard might be the greatest wing defender the league has ever seen.

5) James Harden (ESPN Rank: No.32 All-Time)

With three straight scoring titles and four top-two MVP finishes, Harden’s regular-season stats are among the best in league history. He’s a level below the likes of Durant, Curry and Leonard, having never been the best player on an NBA Finals team.

6) Chris Paul (ESPN Rank: No.40 All-Time)

While never in the conversation as the NBA’s best player, Paul has hovered around the top-5 or top-10 for most of his 15-year career. The point guard is a 10-time All-Star and a seven-time All-Defense First-Team selection. He’s made the All-NBA first or second-team seven times.

7) Russell Westbrook (ESPN Rank: No.42 All-Time)

There have only been four individual seasons in which a player has averaged a triple-double, and Westbrook is responsible for three of them. Westbrook’s inefficiency has prevented him from being the best player on a title contender, but he’s an easy top-10 choice with eight All-NBA appearances.

8) Giannis Antetokounmpo (ESPN Rank: No.27 All-Time)

At just 25 years old with one appearance beyond the first round of the playoffs, Antetokounmpo is difficult to rank among the all-time greats. He’s likely about to win his second straight MVP award, and if he stays healthy, the sky's the limit for the Greek Freak.

9) Vince Carter (ESPN Rank: No.55 All-Time)

The oldest player in the league has put together one of the most unique careers in NBA history. After eight All-Star appearances, the veteran has spent the backend of his career as a reliable role player.

10) Damian Lillard (ESPN Rank: No.72 All-Time)

Lillard has made the All-NBA Second Team twice and the First Team once, an impressive feat while playing in an era with so many great guards. He’s also made some of the biggest shots in NBA playoff history, hitting two series-ending buzzer-beaters.