Let’s find out who the most famous NBA players are.
The National Basketball Association, better known as NBA, is a vast industry. It is a men’s professional basketball league comprising 30 teams.
Being a fast-paced game that is fun to play and watch, the stamina and chemistry in a game are just spectacular.
The NBA has been the backbone of the evolution of basketball as a sport and players’ enthusiasm. Additionally, NBA was founded in 1946.
Did you know that the NBA is the third richest professional sports league after NFL and MLB? Moreover, the NBA has employed over 3,500 employees and 4,000+ players until now.
Indeed, NBA has a different fanbase. From expensive collab shoes to basketballs, we love it all. It is just a completely different world out there.
As of 2021, the richest team of the NBA is valued at $5.8 billion. The NBA as a whole is worth $49.5 billion.
Quick Overview
| NBA Player |
| 20) Dwyane Wade |
| 19) Yao Ming |
| 18) Carmelo Anthony |
| 17) Kyrie Irving |
| 16) Charles Barkley |
| 15) Jerry West |
| 14) Wilt Chamberlain |
| 13) Bill Russell |
| 12) Russell Westbrook |
| 11) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar |
| 10) Allen Iverson |
| 9) Derrick Rose |
| 8) Kevin Durant |
| 7) Larry Bird |
| 6) Magic Johnson |
| 5) Shaquille O’ Neal |
| 4) Kobe Bryant |
| 3) Stephen Curry |
| 2) LeBron James |
| 1) Michael Jordan |
Most Famous NBA Players
The data mentioned here has been obtained from trusted sites such as NBA and CelebrityNetWorth.
20) Dwyane Wade
Points: 23,165
Rebounds: 4,933
Assists: 5,701
Dwyane Tyrone Wade Jr. is a former NBA player. He was born on January 17, 1982.
He played for Miami Heat until 2016. After that, Wade played for Chicago Bulls from 2016-2017, Cleveland Cavaliers from 2017-2018, and Miami Heat from 2018-2019.
He played as a ******** guard and was also a good defender. With such athletism and the ability to block shots, his energy is unmatched.
Playing alongside the players such as Chris Bosh and LeBron James, he won 3 NBA Championships.
Dwyane was the NBA Finals MVP in 2006. Moreover, he was selected in 13 NBA All-Star Games, in which he was MVP in 2010.
Additionally, he was the NBA scoring champion in 2009.
No wonder he still has a net worth of $170 million.
19) Yao Ming
Points: 9,247
Rebounds: 4,494
Blocks: 920
Yao Ming is a retired professional NBA player who played in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) and the NBA.
Ming was born on September 12, 1980.
He was picked first overall by the Houston Rockets in 2002. Ming played for Shanghai Sharks (CBA) from 1997-2002 and Houston Rockets from 2002-2011.
From ******** to making the best passes, Ming was an absolute legend.
Ming was elected in 8 NBA All-Star games. Moreover, he was CBA MVP in 2001 and won the CBA Championship in 2002.
However, after suffering a series of foot and ankle injuries, he retired in 2011.
Although he had a pretty short career, his contributions to the history of the NBA remain in our hearts.
You might remember him from meme face. Pretty sure you’ve seen it several times.
His estimated net worth is $160 million.
18) Carmelo Anthony
Points: 15.2 points per game
Rebounds: 4.1 rebounds per game
Assists: 0.9 assists per game
Carmelo Kyam Anthony is a professional basketball player of the NBA. Born on May 29, 1984, Anthony currently plays for Los Angeles Lakers.
He played for Denver Nuggets from 2003-2011. Similarly, he has played for New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Portland Trail Blazers.
Until now, he has played in 10 NBA All-Star games. Moreover, he was the scoring champion in 2013.
Playing small forward and power forward, he is a potential scorer with offensive moves.
In addition, he is a three-time gold medal winner in the Olympics.
Carmelo has a net worth of $120 million.
17) Kyrie Irving
Points: 26.9 points per game
Rebounds: 4.8 rebounds per game
Assists: 6 assists per game
Kyrie Andrew Irving is a professional basketball player born on March 23, 1992. In 2011, he was picked by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the first overall pick.
He played for Boston Celtics from 2017-2019. Following, he currently plays for Brooklyn Nets.
He is indeed a great basketball player with efficient and fluent ********. Irving has won three gold medals, including the Olympics, World Cup, and FIBA Championship.
In addition, he won NBA Championship in 2016 and was selected in 7 All-Star games.
Kyrie was the NBA Rookie of the Year in 2012 and USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year in 2014.
As of now, his net worth is $90 million.
16) Charles Barkley
Points: 23,757
Rebounds: 12,546
Assists: 4,215
Charles Wade Barkley is a former professional basketball player better known by nicknames such as the Round Mound of Rebound and Chuck.
Born on February 20, 1963, Barkley played as a power forward and small forward in the NBA.
Even though Barkley is considered short for a power forward, he played in a fierce. Thus, he is also considered one of the NBA’s dominant rebounders.
From 1984-1992, Charles played for the Philadelphia 76ers. He played for Phoenix Suns from 1992-1996 and Houston Rockets from 1996-2000.
In his career, Barkley was the NBA MVP in 1993. He played in 11 All-Star games and was an MVP in 1991.
Charles has an estimated net worth of $40 million.
Read About Charles Barkley’s Net Worth & Lifestyle
15) Jerry West
Points: 25,192
Rebounds: 5,365
Assists: 6,238
Born on May 28, 1938, Jerome Alan West is a former basketball executive and basketball player. The Minneapolis Lakers drafted him as the second pick overall.
Playing as a point guard, he was in Los Angeles Lakers from 1960-1974. Moreover, he was the coach of the Lakers from 1976-1979.
West won the NBA Championship in 1972 and NBA Finals MVP in 1969. In addition, he played 14 All-Star games.
Since he was equally good in offense and defense, he could pretty much- do it all.
Jerry was the NBA scoring champion in 1970 and Assists Leader in 1972. Although it is not official, he is the one in the logo of the NBA.
Currently, West has a net worth of $50 million.
14) Wilt Chamberlain
Points: 31, 419
Rebounds: 23,924
Assists:4,643
Wilton Norman Chamberlain was a professional basketball player born on August 21, 1936. The Philadelphia Warriors drafted him in 1959.
Chamberlain played as a center on the court for Harlem Globetrotters from 1958 to 1959, Philadelphia/San Fransisco warriors from 1959-1965, Philadelphia 76ers, and Los Angeles Lakers from 1968-1973.
Moreover, he worked as a coach for San Diego Conquistadors starting from 1973 to 1974.
Wilt was a two-time NBA Champion and NBA Finals MVP in 1973. Chamberlain played in 13 All-Star games and was an MVP in 1960.
He was also awarded Mr. Basketball USA in 1955. Sadly, at the age of 63, he passed away due to heart problems leaving behind a legacy.
13) Bill Russell
Points: 14,522
Rebounds: 21,620
Assists: 4,100
William Felton Russell is a former basketball player and coach of the NBA. Born on February 12, 1934, Russell was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame as a player and a coach.
He played as a center for Boston Celtics from 1956-1969.
Following, he coached Boston Celtics from 1966-1969, Seattle SuperSonics from 1973-1977, and Sacramento Kings from 1987-1988.
He has won 11 NBA Championships and 5 NBA MVPs, and a gold medal in Olympics. He also played in 12 NBA All-Stars.
Moreover, as a coach, he won 2 NBA Championships.
He has a net worth of $10 million as of 2024.
12) Russell Westbrook
Points: 19.4 points per game
Rebounds: 8.4 rebounds per game
Assists: 8.8 assists per game
Born on November 12, 1998, Russell Westbrook III is a professional basketball player who plays as a point guard in the NBA.
The Seattle SuperSonics drafted him in 2008 as the fourth overall pick.
Westbrook is considered one of the athletic players in the NBA with an intense playstyle.
Westbrook played for Oklahoma City Thunder from 2008-2019, Houston Rockets from 2019-2020, and Washington Wizards from 2020-2021. Currently, he is playing for Los Angeles Lakers.
He won a gold medal in the 2012 Olympics and the 2010 World Cup.
He has played in 9 All-Stars and was awarded NBA MVP in 2017. Moreover, he was a two-time NBA Scoring Champion and three times NBA Assists Leader.
11) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Points: 38,387 (highest)
Rebounds: 17,440
Assists: 5,660
Kareem Abdul Jabbar is a former professional basketball player who played the center position in the NBA.
He was drafted by Milwaukee Bucks as the first overall pick, where he played from 1969-1975.
Following, Abdul-Jabbar played for Los Angeles Lakers from 1975-1989.
Moreover, he coached from 1998-2011 in Alchesay HS, Los Angeles Clippers, Oklahoma Storm, and Los Angeles Lakers.
He holds the record for the highest points in NBA history until now.
Abdul-Jabbar has won the NBA Championship twice and NBA Finals MVP twice.
In addition, he has played in 19 All-Star Games, awarded the NBA Blocks Leader four times, and NCAA Champion three times.
He was enlisted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1995, and his estimated net worth is $20 million.
10) Allen Iverson
Points: 24, 368
Rebounds: 3,394
Assists: 5,624
Allen Ezail Iverson is a former basketball player in the NBA. Born on June 7, 1975, Iverson was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers as the first overall pick in 1996.
From 1996-2006, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, Denver Nuggets from 2006-2008, and Detroit Pistons from 2008-2009.
In addition, he played for Memphis Grizzlies and Philadelphia 76ers from 2009-2010.
With a great ball-handling capacity, he played as the ******** guard and point guard. Iverson won the gold medals in FIBA and Summer Universiade.
In 2001, he was the NBA MVP. Having played in 11 All-Star games, he is considered one of the most influential players in the NBA.
Moreover, Allen was the NBA Scoring Champion 4 times and NBA Steals Leader 3 times.
He influenced the NBA with his hip-hop fashion and was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
As of 2024, his estimated net worth is $1 million.
Read About Allen Iverson’s Net Worth and Lifestyle
9) Derrick Rose
Points: 12.7
Rebounds: 2.9
Assists: 3.3
Derrick Rose is a professional basketball player. Born on October 4, 1988, Rose is the youngest player to become NBA MVP.
The Chicago Bulls drafted him as the first overall pick in 2008.
Since, he has played for Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Detroit Pistons. Currently, Rose plays for Knicks.
Rose has played in 3 NBA All-Stars. He was the Rookie of the year in 2009. Representing the US, Rose won two golds in FIBA World Cup.
In his prime, he was considered one of the athletic players in the NBA. Rose was fierce, fast, and the best.
As of 2024, his estimated net worth is about $90 million.
8) Kevin Durant
Points: 28 points per game
Rebounds: 7.9 rebounds per game
Assists: 4.9 assists per game
Kevin Durant is a professional basketball player of the NBA. He was born on September 29, 1988. He plays small forward and is currently playing for Brooklyn Nets.
Durant was drafted as the second overall pick by the Seattle SuperSonics in 2007. He played for Seattle SuperSonics/Oklahoma City Thunder from 2007-2016, Golden State Warriors from 2016-2019.
He is a two-time Championship winner and NBA Finals MVP. Moreover, Durant has played in 11 All-Star games and has won USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year twice.
Being a prominent scorer and rim protector, Durant has won 4 gold medals, including the Olympics and World Cup.
As of 2024, he has an estimated net worth of $170 million.
7) Larry Bird
Points: 21,791
Rebounds: 8,974
Assists: 5,695
Larry Joe Bird is a former basketball player who was born on December 7, 1956. Bird was drafted as the sixth overall pick by Boston Celtics in 1978.
He played for Boston Celtics from 1979-1992 and coached Indiana Pacers from 1997-2000.
Nicknamed Larry Legend, he is a three-time NBA Championship winner and two times NBA Finals MVP.
Furthermore, he played in 12 All-Star games. Also, he won the NBA Life Achievement Award and Rookie of the Year in 1980.
In addition, he brought three golds, each from the Olympics, FIBA, and World University Games.
6) Magic Johnson
Points: 17,707
Rebounds: 6,559
Assists: 10,141
Earvin Magic Johnson Jr. is a retired basketball player of the NBA. Born on August 14, 1959, he was drafted by Los Angeles Lakers as a first overall pick in 1979.
Johnson played as a point guard and is now considered one of the best point guards in NBA history. He played for Los Angeles Lakers, Magic M7 Boras, and Magic Great Danes.
Undoubtedly, Johnson has won 5 NBA Championships and played in 12 All-Star games. Moreover, he was the NBA MVP three times. Magic also won gold medals in the 1992 Olympics and 1992 FIBA.
As of 2024, he has a net worth of $600 million.
Read About Top 10 Shortest NBA Players in the World
5) Shaquille O’ Neal
Points: 28,596
Rebounds: 13,099
Assists: 2,732
Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal is a former basketball player who played the center position. Orlando Magic drafted him as the first overall pick in 1992.
He played for Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics.
From 1992-2011, he won the championship four times and was the NBA MVP three times. He has won many awards and titles such as Scoring Champion, Adolph Rupp Trophy, Rookie of the Year, and more.
In addition, he played in 12 All-Star games. Shaq also won the gold medal in the 1996 Olympics and 1994 FIBA.
His salary is $60 million, and his net worth is $400 million.
Read About Shaquille O’Neal’s Net Worth & Lifestyle
4) Kobe Bryant
Points: 33,643
Rebounds: 7,047
Assists: 6,306
Kobe Bean Bryant was a former basketball player in the NBA. He was born on August 23, 1978. Charlotte Hornets picked him as the 13th overall pick in 1996.
He won five championships and two scoring championships. Bryant played in 18 All-Star games and was NBA MVP in 2008.
In addition to that, he won gold medals in the 2008 Olympics, 2012 Olympics, and 2007 FIBA.
Being an offensive player with good defense, he did it all playing as the ******** guard.
Sadly, he passed away in 2020 in a helicopter crash.
3) Stephen Curry
Points: 29.5 points per game
Rebounds: 6.1 rebounds per game
Assists: 6.5 assists per game
Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player of the NBA. The Golden State Warriors drafted him as the 7th overall pick in 2009.
Although he plays as a point guard, he is an efficient three-point scorer.
Curry has won three NBA Championships and has been awarded the MVP twice. Moreover, until now, he has played in 7 All-Star games. Curry won gold medals in 2010 FIBA and 2014 FIBA.
In addition, he was the Scoring Champion twice and Steals Leader in 2016.
His estimated net worth is $130 million.
2) LeBron James
Points: 24.6 points per game
Rebounds: 5.6 rebounds per game
Assists: 6.3 assists per game
With four championships, we have LeBron Ramone James on the second. Born on December 30, 1984, James is regarded one of the NBA’s greatest players.
He played for Cleveland Cavaliers from 2003-2010. Following, James played for Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and is currently playing for Los Angeles Lakers.
With such a great playstyle and stats, he is constantly compared with Michael Jordan.
James has played in 17 All-Star games and has been the MVP in three All-Stars. Moreover, he was the NBA Finals MVP four times and NBA MVP four times.
As of 2024, his estimated net worth is over $500 million.
Read About LeBron James’s Net Worth & Income
1) Michael Jordan
Points: 32,292
Rebounds: 6,672
Assists: 5,633
Surely, in number one, we have Michael Jeffrey Jordan. The six-times NBA Champion and six times NBA Finals MVP Jordan is considered the greatest of all time.
Born on February 17, 1963, MJ is the backbone of the NBA. He helped the NBA become an international platform.
He was the third overall pick by Chicago Bulls in 1984.
Playing as a ******** guard, he could fly and sprint. Nobody could predict or stop him.
He has won numerous awards: All-Star MVP three times, Steals Leader thrice, Slam Dunk Champion twice, etc.
In addition, he won gold medals in the 1984 and 1992 Olympics and the 1983 Pan American Games. Jordan was enlisted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
Jordan played in 14 All-Star games and was awarded All-Star MVP thrice.
Read About Top 15 Most Points in NBA History & Top 10 Point Guards in the NBA
