On March 11, 2024, Bleacher Report unveiled its much-anticipated rankings of the Top 100 NBA players of all time. The list was compiled by a team of experts, writers, and editors who sifted through a pool of 500 current and former players. The outlet acknowledged the inherent difficulties of ranking players across different eras, stating, “It’s an impossible task… Stats help, but calculators won’t ever figure all this out.”
The rankings placed Michael Jordan at the top, followed by LeBron James in second and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in third. Notably, Shaquille O’Neal was just outside the top five, landing in sixth place. Kobe Bryant, a legendary figure for the Los Angeles Lakers, was ranked at number 11, a decision that sparked considerable backlash from fans and former players alike.
Shaquille O’Neal expressed his discontent over Bryant’s placement on social media, labeling the ranking as “criminal.” O’Neal, a three-time NBA Finals MVP, took to X to voice his feelings, highlighting the sentiment shared by many fans of the sport.
Former NBA player Etan Thomas also criticized the ranking during an episode of his podcast, “The Collision: Sports and Politics.” He questioned, “In what world is he number 11 all-time?” Thomas added that the ongoing disrespect towards Bryant is alarming, suggesting that such sentiments were less prevalent during Bryant’s playing days.
Klay Thompson, currently a star for the Golden State Warriors and ranked 98th in the list, echoed Thomas’s sentiments. He shared Thomas’s comments on his Instagram Stories with a simple “SMH,” expressing his disbelief. Thompson also posted a video montage showcasing some of Bryant’s most iconic dunks, particularly from the 2001-2002 season when he was affectionately known as “Frobe.” His caption read, “And this is just Fro-be #8… WTF is wrong with ya’ll?” punctuated by a crying laughing emoji.
Bryant’s illustrious career includes five NBA championships and an impressive 18 All-Star selections, along with 11 first-team All-NBA selections. His legacy as one of the greatest players in basketball history remains a topic of passionate discussion.
The Bleacher Report rankings have stirred debate among fans and players, reflecting the complexities of evaluating athletes from different generations. The discussions surrounding Bryant’s legacy and contributions to the game continue to resonate deeply within the basketball community.
