The 50 Greatest NBA players of the 21st century, ranked

The start of the 2000s marked a big shift in the NBA, coinciding with the end of the Michael Jordan era and the beginning of a new one. The 2000s saw superstars such as Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, and Tim Duncan come into their own. Meanwhile, younger stars like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Steph Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Nikola Jokic entered the league during the 21st century. 

That changing of the guard has resulted in a new generation of superstars that have dramatically increased the league's popularity. Stars are stars and plenty have played since the start of the 2000s but which players are the best of the best of the era?

We'll answer that question by taking a look at the 50 greatest players of the last 25 years (from 1999–00 through the 2023–24 season). Factors such as stats, individual success, team success, and overall impact will be used to determine the best players. Let's get started! 

Honorable mentions:

52) Al Horford

51) Shawn Marion

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50) Amar'e Stoudemire

Although his career didn't finish on the strongest of notes, Amar'e Stoudemire definitely had enough of a resume to warrant inclusion on this list. Stoudemire was selected ninth overall in 2002 and made an immediate impact, even winning Rookie of the Year, showing early on that he had major potential. In his sophomore season, he saw his scoring jump by more than seven points per game, up to 20.6 points and emerged as one of the best young players in the NBA.

However, his career didn't really take off until the 2004–05 season, after the arrival of Hall of Famer Steve Nash. For seven seasons, the duo were the backbone of the "Seven Seconds or Less Suns," with Stoudimire averaging a terrific 23.2 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game.

He made the all-star team and All-NBA in five of those seasons and helped the Suns reach the Western Conference Finals twice before leaving for the New York Knicks. In 2010-11, he had one of the best seasons of his career, averaging 25.3 points and 8.2 rebounds for the Knicks before injuries saw him steadily decline to close out his career. However, during his prime with the Phoenix Suns, Stoudimire was one of the better players in the NBA. 

49) Kevin Love

In the early 2010s, Kevin Love, who is currently on the Miami Heat, put up monster numbers. In his final four seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Love averaged 23.5 points, 13.7 rebounds, and 3 assists while shooting a terrific 37 percent from three on 4.9 3-point attempts per game.

During that span, he won Most Improved Player of the Year, led the NBA in rebounds and even had a game in which he dropped 31 points and snatched 31 rebounds. That led to him being one of the most coveted players in the NBA, and he was acquired by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the summer of 2014 to be paired with LeBron James and Kyrie Irving.

Love's numbers took a hit in Cleveland, with him being forced into the role of a third-star and floor spacer. Even so, he averaged 17.1 points and 10 rebounds and improved as a shooter, draining 37.7 percent from three on 5.7 3-point attempts per game over his first four seasons there. That helped the Cavs make four straight NBA Finals and win a championship in 2016, with Love shutting down Steph Curry on the final defensive possession to clinch a Game 7 win.

After Kyrie was traded and LeBron left, Love stuck around in Cleveland for four and a half seasons. Unfortunately, he struggled to stay healthy, resulting in him eventually being bought out and joining the Miami Heat, where he helped them make an improbable run to the NBA Finals.

All told, Love has played 929 games and is on pace to be one of only 27 players ever to score at least 15,000 points and grab 10,000 rebounds. Factor in his winning a major award, a championship, and having five all-star appearances, and Love is clearly one of the best players to have played this century.

48) Blake Griffin

Despite not having the same longevity as others on this list, former number one overall pick Blake Griffin is an easy inclusion. Griffin was one of the most hyped prospects of the last 25 years and lived up to expectations by having one of the best rookie seasons ever. In 2009, he averaged 22.5 points and 12.1 rebounds per game.

Those numbers became par for the course for Griffin, who was paired with Chris Paul for the last six seasons of his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, helping turn the worst franchise in the NBA into a perennial contender. During that span, Griffin posted 21.3 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, while making four all-star teams.

However, the Clippers eventually hit a wall and Griffin was traded to the Detroit Pistons, where he remade his game in a big way. Griffin previously operated in the post or as the roll man in pick and roles but he played more with the ball in Detroit. He even averaged a career-high 5.4 assists in 2018-19 while bombing away from outside, taking seven threes per game and shooting above league average while averaging a career-high 24.5 points per game.

That turned out to be his last great season, with injuries slowly draining his athleticism. His career lasted just 13 seasons and fewer than 800 games, both low numbers nowadays, but with averages of 19 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 assists, as well as six all-star and five All-NBA selections, Griffin was better than most in the 21st century.

47) Chauncey Billups

Chauncey Billups, a former NBA star and now coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, was one of the most successful players of the 21st century. From 2002–03 to 2008–09, Billups helped lead his team to the Conference Finals each year, including the first six with the Detroit Pistons.

Actually, he was the leading scorer on each of those teams and helped the Pistons to back-to-back NBA Finals, with them upsetting the highly favored Los Angeles Lakers in 2004, which featured four Hall of Famers.

He was even named the Final MVP by exploiting the Lakers in the pick-and-roll. A year later, he and the Pistons nearly beat the San Antonio Spurs, which featured three Hall of Famers but failed to hold on in the final six minutes of the fourth quarter of Game 7.

Had they done so, Billups probably would have had consecutive Finals MVPs and would be far higher on this list. Nevertheless, his being the ideal floor general capable of leading teams deep in the playoffs is more than enough to get him a spot on this list. This is considering that most of his Hall of Fame career took place after the start of the 2000s.

46) Marc Gasol

Memphis Grizzlies legend Marc Gasol, along with his brother Pau, have the distinction of being the only siblings to make this list. Gasol was drafted in the second round by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2007 but his draft rights were traded to the Grizzlies in exchange for his older brother. That initially looked as though it would be a lopsided trade in the Lakers favor but Marc Gasol turned out to be a great player in his own right.

He spent the first 11 seasons of his career in Memphis, helping turn the Grizzlies into perennial contenders. They made the playoffs seven straight seasons with him as their starting center and also had major accomplishments such as knocking off the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs in 2011 and making the Western Conference Finals in 2013. In 2013, he won Defensive Player of the Year, solidifying himself as one of the best two-way centers of his era.

Despite that, the Grizzlies ran into roadblocks, struggling to put enough shooting around their trio of Gasol, Zach Randolph, and Mike Conley. Even after a slight retooling, the Grizzlies weren't able to break through and Gasol was moved to the Toronto Raptors in 2018, where he would win a championship, helping to cap a strong career.

In total, Gasol logged 13 seasons in the NBA, averaging 14 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists and making three all-star and two all-NBA teams. That is in addition to winning a major award and a championship. The entire resume is more than enough to earn a spot here.

45) LaMarcus Aldridge

It seems like it is only a matter of time before former Portland Trail Blazer and San Antonio Spurs big man LaMarcus Aldridge is inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and for good reason. He spent almost all of his career playing in relatively small markets, meaning fewer people watched Aldridge but he was terrific. He ranks as one of the best mid-range shooters in NBA history and was lethal in pick-and-pop situations as well as in the post when he took turnaround jumpers.

In nine seasons in Portland, he posted 19.4 points and 8.1 rebounds per game, including averaging at least 21 points over his final four seasons before joining the Spurs. After an initially rough start with the Spurs, he found his footing. He was their second-best player on their 67-win team in 2015–2016 and their Western Conference Finals team in 2016–2017.

In 2017-2018, he averaged an impressive 23.1 points, 8.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, carrying a lackluster roster to 47 wins and the playoffs despite Kawhi Leonard only playing nine games. Later in his career, he stepped out beyond the arc and began bombing threes, allowing him to stick around and contribute for the Spurs and, lastly, the Brooklyn Nets.

He finished his career in 2021-22 with 20,558 points and 8,736 rebounds, all after the year 2000, in addition to making seven all-star and five All-NBA teams. Those are some serious accomplishments and he ranks 45th on the list accordingly.

44) Rudy Gobert

Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert is a polarizing player but it's hard to deny his place here. Gobert has been one of the most impactful players on the defensive end in NBA history. He's won a record four Defensive Player of the Year awards—tied with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace for most all-time—and has an impressive six all-defensive first or second team appearances.

At 7'1 with a 7'9 wing span, his length and size have made him a nightmare to try and score against, giving his team a big boost on the defensive end of the floor. While his offensive game lags far behind, he is also dominant on the glass and has made three all-star teams thus far. With 12 years under his belt and in his early 30s, Gobert can continue to add to his resume since big men tend to age well.

That should give him another four or five seasons, ensuring that he doesn't drop down on this list. Winning a major award four times already puts him in rare company and, therefore, higher on this list than most might expect him to be. Nevertheless, his 44th overall rank is fair.

43) Ben Wallace

NBA legend Ben Wallace has the distinction of being the only undrafted player to make the cut, with his defense and rebounding being his calling cards. Wallace started his career with the Washington Bullets/Wizards and the Orlando Magic before being included in the Grant Hill sign-and-trade with the Detroit Pistons. That turned out to be a huge deal for the Pistons, who received what would end up being a terrific defensive player.

In his first stint with Detroit, Wallace emerged as a game-changing rim protector and rebounder, anchoring an incredible defense. Over those six seasons, Wallace would win Defensive Player of the Year four times, make an All-NBA and an All-NBA defensive team five times each and be selected to the all-star team four times.

While during his peak, he only averaged 7.9 points on 47.4 percent shooting, he made up for it by producing a stellar 2.8 blocks, 1.6 steals, and 12.9 rebounds while leading the league in boards twice and rejections once.

That resulted in the Pistons making five straight Eastern Conference Finals with Wallace as well as back-to-back NBA Finals and winning a championship in 2004. That success resulted in him making the Basketball Hall of Fame and making him one of the 50 best players of the 21st century.

42) Draymond Green

Four-time NBA champion Draymond Green may be one of the more controversial players in the league but it is hard to recap the last 15 years without mentioning him. Green was a second-round pick by the Golden State Warriors back in 2012, quickly found himself in their rotation and was a key part of their rise to dominance.

At the time he was drafted, there was concern about what he would be in the NBA, with him not being a good enough shooter to play small forward and not quite big enough to play power forward. That actually worked to his benefit, with him landing in the perfect spot.

With power forwards beginning to move up to center, Green fit the rapidly changing NBA and was even able to play center in small-ball lineups. That allowed the Warriors to play a devastatingly effective lineup with Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, Shaun Livingston, Andre Iguadala, and Green. It resulted in the Warriors winning it all in 2015, winning 73 games and making the NBA Finals in 2016, and winning again in 2017, 2018, and 2022.

Green's defense and playmaking were the backbone of those teams, with him making four All-Defensive first and four All-Defensive second teams, as well as winning Defensive Player of the Year. He is second all-time in career assists per game for a power forward, with 5.6 per game. Combine that with four all-star and two All-NBA selections and Green has had a strong career thus far, 12 seasons in.

41) Chris Webber

Sacramento Kings great Chris Webber's Hall of Fame career is split almost evenly between the 1990s and 2000s, with him being at his best near the turn of the century. In the first four seasons of the decade, he rivaled the likes of Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki in terms of production, averaging a stellar 24.3 points, 10.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks.

In fact, he was the best player on the Kings 2001 team that went toe-to-toe with the Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant Lakers and nearly toppled the then-defending champs. Had that happened, the Kings and Webber would have almost certainly won a championship.

That didn't happen, of course, and Webber's career slowly went off the rails due to injuries, with him retiring at 34 after having played just 831 career games—a surprisingly low number for a Hall of Famer.

Fortunately, in seven seasons, from 2000-01 to 2007-08, he posted 20.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, with three All-Star and three All-NBA first or second team appearances to show for it. Had he been able to stay healthier, he'd rank far higher on this list but he'll have to settle for 41.

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40) Donovan Mitchell

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell probably doesn't seem like an obvious inclusion on this list but at 27 years old, he is already incredibly accomplished. Mitchell has already made five all-star teams as well as two All-NBA teams and boasts averages of 26.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 5.3 assists. 

He is one of only four players to score at least 70 points in a game since the start of the 2000s, joining Kobe Bryant, Luka Doncic, and Joel Embiid. Having all of that occur after 2000 helps his case here.

Although he doesn't have much playoff success at the moment to show for his strong play, neither did players such as Tracy McGrady or Vince Carter, and both are in the Basketball Hall of Fame. If Mitchell keeps up his strong play for another 3–5 years, he seems like a lock to join them. 

After all, five All-Star appearances are generally considered to be the minimum criteria to be inducted and he could double up on that already impressive total in the coming years. Based on that, Mitchell is already worthy of a spot on this list and will only climb these rankings in the years to come. 

39) DeMar DeRozan

Sacramento Kings forward DeMar DeRozan comes in at 39 on this list, partly due to his entire career taking place after the year 2000. That is only half of it, however, with him talying more than 23,500 points and making six All-Star appearances in 15 seasons thus far.

That performance puts him on a Hall of Fame track. At 35 years old, he is still playing at a high level. Actually, DeRozan could conceivably join LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Carmelo Anthony as the only players in the 2000s to score at least 27,000 points, with James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Steph Curry all potentially surpassing that mark.

That puts DeRozan in elite company, despite him not being considered among the NBA's top-tier players. He still has time to change that now that he is back on a team that has a chance to make a deep playoff run and possibly finally win an elusive championship.

However, he has already done enough to rank in the top 40 among the best players of the 21st century, with seemingly three more seasons left in the tank to try and improve his standing among the best of the best.

38) Jaylen Brown

After winning NBA Finals MVP in 2024, Boston Celtics guard Jalen Brown has an increasingly strong resume, with three All-Star and three All-NBA team appearances as well as a championship. Those accomplishments alone put him on pace to make the Basketball Hall of Fame, with Brown still having several more seasons left to round out his case.

He's just 27 years old but he has eight seasons under his belt, 10,000 points and counting and is still only entering his prime as a player. The Celtics are also loaded with talent and have a chance to win another couple of championships with Brown and Jayson Tatum as core players.

With Brown hitting his stride in 2023–24, averaging 23.5 points and 5.5 assists, it seems more likely than not that he will win another championship in the near future and potentially another NBA Finals MVP.

Even without looking ahead, Brown has done enough to warrant inclusion, with the handful of players who won Finals MVP post-2000 all being all-time greats. After all, only 15 players have won the award in the 21st century. Brown doesn't rank quite that high here, but 38 is still more than respectable.

37) Jimmy Butler

Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler may be one of the more unlikely players to make this list. He was selected 30th overall in the stacked 2011 NBA Draft by the Chicago Bulls and spent his first two seasons as a backup before breaking out. In 2014–15, Butler won Most Improved Player and made his first all-star team after averaging 20 points and 5.8 rebounds while establishing himself as a terrific defender.

Since then, Butler has been one of the best players in the NBA, making a total of six all-star teams and five all-NBA teams. He also has the distinction of leading a team to three conference finals in four years, including two trips to the NBA Finals.

Although he still doesn't have a ring, few players can say they were the best player on multiple NBA Finals teams, with Butler capable of carrying a team in the postseason. With nearly 15,000 points in 13 seasons, Butler doesn't quite have the numbers that other players on this list have but he is just as impactful. At 35 years old, he may only have a couple of seasons left in him but he has already done enough to warrant inclusion here.

36) Chris Bosh

Former NBA big man Chris Bosh is largely underrated after spending most of his career on a middling Toronto Raptors team and as the third star on the Miami Heat. Nevertheless, he made eleven all-star teams in his 13 seasons, though that came during an especially weak point in Eastern Conference talent. Still, Bosh posted big numbers in his Toronto days, averaging at least 22 points per game in his final five seasons there.

That made his decision to join LeBron James and Dwayne Wade in Miami controversial. With the three stars playing together, Bosh was forced into more of a supporting role, with LeBron taking the lead and Wade as the second option. While Bosh's numbers dipped, averaging 17.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 1 block per game, his defensive versatility and floor spacing proved to be huge.

After trying to play him next to a center, Heat coach Erick Spoelstra made the fateful decision to move Bosh up to the five. That unlocked both him and the Heat's potential, with them beating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2012 NBA Finals, winning 66 games in 2012–13, and winning a second straight championship. They would make the Finals again for the fourth straight season, but LeBron left town, leaving Wade and Bosh to rebuild.

It looked as though Bosh would return to his Raptors scoring-levels but he was limited to just 44 and 53 games in 2014–15 and 2015–16 due to blood clot issues. That forced him into an early retirement. Even so, 11 all-star appearances and two championships are more than most players on the list accomplished and Bosh ranks 36th accordingly.

35) Pau Gasol

Former NBA star Pau Gasol was among the second wave of international stars and the first of the 21st century to be selected first overall in the NBA draft. His elite passing, skill in the post, and outside shooting made him a star for more than a decade, starting with the Memphis Grizzlies and then being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers for his brother Marc.

That ended up being a monumental trade, and with Gasol, the Lakers got back into title contention with him helping to lead them to the NBA Finals in his first half season there. They came up short to the Boston Celtics but returned in 2009 and 2010, beating the Orlando Magic and getting revenge on the Celtics in a classic seven-game series.

He later signed with the Chicago Bulls and, despite being in his mid-30s, had two resurgent seasons there, resulting in him making the All-Star team both years. He then signed with the San Antonio Spurs in the summer of 2016 and replaced Tim Duncan, who had just retired.

He paired with all-star LaMarcus Aldridge and helped the Spurs make the Western Conference Finals in 2017, with Gasol becoming a stretch five who could pass from the top of the paint and protect the rim on the other end of the floor. 

He later finished out his Hall of Fame career with the Milwaukee Bucks, retiring after 19 seasons with more than 20,000 points, 11,000 rebounds, and nearly 2,000 blocks. As a former Rookie of the Year, a six-time All-Star, and a two-time NBA champion, Gasol's resume is strong enough for him to be considered among the best players to play after the turn of the century.

34) Tracy McGrady

For those old enough to remember watching Tracy McGrady in his prime, he was spectacular. T-Mac started off the new millennium with the Toronto Raptors but became a bona fide superstar with the Orlando Magic. From 2000-01 to 2003-04, four years, he averaged a stellar 28.1 points, 7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.5 steals and 1 block per game.

The final two years of that stint saw him lead the league in scoring in back-to-back seasons before being traded to the Rockets, where he was expected to help Yao Ming deliver a championship to Houston. It didn't quite work out that way. Through his first four seasons with the Rockets, he averaged 24.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.4 steals in 65 games per year, but both he and Yao struggled with injuries.

Still, he made the all-star team his first three seasons there, making seven straight selections. The end of his career came astonishingly quickly, as the star came to an end by the age of 28, with him holding on for four more seasons as a role player. Nevertheless, at his peak, he was widely seen as one of the most explosive offensive players in the league and Kobe Bryant's near equal.

It didn't ultimately end the way that many expected, but he still made the Basketball Hall of Fame and scored 16,259 points after the start of the 2000s. That makes him the 34th best player of the 21st century.

33) Kyrie Irving

Dallas Mavericks star Kyrie Irving is regarded as one of the greatest ball handlers and finishers in NBA history, which has helped him throughout his 13-year career.

Irving initially spent the first six seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, helping to turn things around after LeBron James left for the Miami Heat. However, in the summer of 2014, LeBron returned, and the Cavaliers traded for Kevin Love, resulting in them dramatically improving.

From 2014–15 to 2016–17, Irving and the Cavaliers made the NBA Finals, with Kyrie proving key to their 3-1 series comeback in the 2016 finals. In Game 7, he hit an iconic three that put the Cavaliers up for good, resulting in Cleveland winning their first championship in franchise history and the city's first championship in more than 50 years.

In 2017, Irving was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he helped a young team take a step toward playoff contention. However, he wore out his welcome there and signed with the Brooklyn Nets in 2019, only for him to do the same and be traded to the Mavericks, where he is now paired with Luka Doncic.

While he has a history of burning bridges, he was instrumental in leading the Mavericks to the Finals in 2024. With career averages of 23.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 5.7 assists, as well as eight all-star and three all-NBA appearances, Irving is still a cut above the rest, and unsurprisingly, he makes the list of the greatest players of the 21st century.

32) Carmelo Anthony

Former Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks star Carmelo Anthony has become underrated among many fans but the numbers don't lie. He ranks fifth in total points during the 21st century, racking up a staggering 28,289 points in 17 seasons, putting him in the company of players such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and Dirk Nowitzki in regards to the most prolific scorers post-2000.

Unlike them, however, he is the only player in that group to never have won a championship and that definitely hurts him, as does his being more of a one-sided player.

Nowitzki was too but his peak as an offensive player was good enough to carry his team to two NBA Finals. To Melo's credit, he did lead the Nuggets to the playoffs eight straight times and the Knicks to their best season of this century.

For the purposes of this ranking, he'll be placed at 32, behind league MVPs and/or Finals MVPs, players whose production exceeds his or players that heavily contributed to a championship. Even still, ranking as the 32nd best player of the last 25 seasons is far from a slight.

31) Paul George

Nine-time all-star Paul George will soon start playing for the Philadelphia 76ers and has a chance to win a championship playing alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. That would cap an already strong career that started with the Indiana Pacers back in 2010.

George was the center piece of the Pacers teams that went to back-to-back Eastern Conference finals and went toe-to-toe with the Miami Heat, which featured LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, and Chris Bosh.

His career took an unexpected turn when he suffered an ugly injury during the 2014 World Championships, which cost him all but six games during the 2014–15 season. He was actually better than before in his final two seasons with the Pacers, but they opted to trade him in the summer of 2017 rather than risk him leaving in free agency.

George was paired with Russell Westbrook for two seasons, with PG13 having the best season of his career in 2018-19, averaging 28 points and a career-high 8.2 rebounds, and finishing third in MVP voting. 

That strong season is likely the reason why the LA Clippers gave up a King's ransom of five first-round picks and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That deal didn't work out so well for the Clippers, with George struggling to stay healthy in his five seasons there, but he still averaged an impressive 23 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game.

At 34, he is still playing at a high level and should still have a couple of good seasons ahead of him, with 20,000 points in reach. He is also one of just 17 players to make at least nine all-star teams since the start of the 2000s and could become one of just 10 players to make at least 11, which would put him in rare company.

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30) Vince Carter

With a nickname like Half-Man/Half-Amazing, it makes sense that Hall of Famer Vince Carter was able to play as long as he did. Carter has the distinction of being the only NBA player to play in four decades, starting back in 1998 with the Toronto Raptors.

Carter's iconic seven-season run with the Raptors is likely why Toronto still has a basketball team while Vancouver doesn't. His freakish athleticism coupled with his smooth scoring made him a must-watch player, with him averaging 23.4 points and 5.2 rebounds per game over that span.

He was arguably even better during his five years with the New Jersey Nets, where he was paired with fellow Hall of Famer Jason Kidd. 

From there, Carter bounced around, playing for the Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Memphis Grizzlies, Sacramento Kings, and finally the Atlanta Hawks before retiring after 22 seasons and nearly 1,550 games. Unsurprisingly, that longevity allowed him to rack up stats, with him tallying 25,728 points, with 24,815 coming in the 21st century. That alone makes him worthy of this list and he comes in at 30 as a result.

29) Manu Ginobili

San Antonio Spurs legend Manu Ginobili ranks ahead of a number of notable stars of the last 25 years, largely due to his being part of one of the most successful franchises during that span. Ginobili won four championships, beginning in 2003 as a young rotation player playing alongside fellow Hall of Famers David Robinson, Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker before earning a larger role.

He was key to the Spurs winning in 2005 against the Pistons, with many believing that he should have won the NBA Finals MVP that year. In 2007, he would do the same, helping San Antonio overwhelm a young LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals for his third championship.

Afterwards, Ginobili slowly transitioned to being a sixth man, which dramatically extended his career, with him leading the Spurs bench to success year after year.

With a strong bench, San Antonio was able to stay in title contention, including winning 61 games in 2011, making the Western Conference Finals in 2012, the NBA Finals in 2013, and finally another championship in 2014. While Ginobili's numbers don't necessarily compare to others on this list, he had a much larger impact than most, being part of the winningest trio in NBA history during this span.

28) Tony Parker

Six-time all-star Tony Parker played all 19 seasons of his career during the 21st century, all but one of those years with the San Antonio Spurs. Parker was just 19 years old when he joined the Spurs and was an afterthought considering that he played with established stars like Tim Duncan and David Robinson for the first two seasons of his career but Robinson's retirement in 2003, after the Spurs won a championship, paved the way for Parker to earn a bigger role.

That led to the Big Three—the winningest trio in NBA history—with Parker, Duncan, and Manu Ginobili. Parker's elite quickness and finishing ability around the rim allowed him to be efficient despite not being a great shooter. The Spurs won another championship with Parker in 2005 and again in 2007, but this time with him playing a bigger role, leading the Spurs over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA Finals.

The following season, he emerged as a deadly mid-range shooter, resulting in him averaging a career-high 22 points. In 2008-09 to 2009-10, San Antonio underwent a transformation, moving away from the post and Duncan to more pick and roll and a perimeter attack led by Parker and Ginobili.

That helped the Spurs remain in title contention. They had the best record in the league in 2010–11, making the Western Conference in 2011–12, and the NBA Finals in 2012–13 and 2013–14, with Parker winning his fourth title in 2014. Overall, Parker's career of 15.5 points and 5.6 assists per game doesn't paint a clear picture of his greatness.

From 2005-06 to 2012-13, eight seasons, he averaged 18.8 points, 6.4 assists, made five all-star teams, three All-NBA teams, and won a Finals MVP. Add in that he was key to four championship teams and another Finals team and Parker won more than most players on this list.

27) Klay Thompson

Few players on this list can say that they have had to overcome the obstacles that Klay Thompson has. For the first ten years of his career, Thompson was one of the best guards in the NBA, averaging 19.5 points while drilling 41.9 percent of his 7 3-point attempts per game. In fact, over his last five seasons prior to his injuries, he posted 21.6 points while shooting 42.3 percent on 7.7 threes per game.

During that span, he made five all-star teams, two All-NBA teams, and won three championships. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL during the 2019 NBA Finals and missed all of the 2019-20 season. Then, a torn Achilles forced Klay to miss all of the 2020-21 season and more than half of the 2021-22 season.

Missing two and a half years during his prime set him back in a big way, with him failing to regain his peak, particularly on the defensive end. Nevertheless, he still managed to average 21 points on 41.4 percent from deep on 8.3 3-point attempts in 2022–23.

At 34 years old, he'll be starting a new chapter in 2024–25 with the Dallas Mavericks, and whatever he does next will be gravy with four championships, 15,531 points, and nearly 2,500 made threes, sixth-most all-time.

26) Jayson Tatum

After winning a championship and an Olympic gold medal in 2024, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum cemented himself as one of the best players of the last ten years. Since being drafted in 2018, Tatum has emerged as one of the league's best players, averaging 26.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists while leading the Celtics back to greatness. In seven seasons thus far, he's led Boston to the Eastern Conference Finals four times and two NBA Finals, winning in 2024.

That capped a strong first half of what is looking like a Hall of Fame career with five straight all-star and three straight All-NBA first-team appearances, four overall. All that is missing is a league MVP and a Finals MVP. While he may split votes with teammate Jaylen Brown, the Celtics are built to win what looks like multiple championships.

That would keep him in the MVP conversation and give him a chance to win the Finals MVP as well. Even without those accolades, he still ranks as the 25th-best player of the last 25 years, having already racked up nearly 12,000 career points at the age of 26 and has a chance to be a top-10 player on this list in the next five years considering his terrific pace.

25) Luka Doncic

Few players can say that they have had such a strong start to their careers as Luka Doncic. While he has the least experience of any player on this list, he is already among the best players of the century. Doncic had played six seasons by the time he was 25 and had averaged a spectacular 28.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 8.3 assists through 400 games.

He has also won Rookie of the Year and made a staggering five straight All-NBA first teams as well as five all-star teams. He may only be getting started too, with him averaging a career high of 33.9 points, which led the league, as well as 9.2 rebounds and 9.8 assists. Doncic finished third in MVP voting in 2023–24 and led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals. 

They didn't ultimately win, but it could be a sign of things to come with the Mavs built to win for the next few seasons and Doncic seemingly entering his prime. If he can win a championship or two, a Finals MVP, or a league MVP, then he may rocket up this list in just a few seasons, with him on a trajectory to be an all-time great player.

24) Dwight Howard

10-time NBA all-star Dwight Howard has historically been underrated, largely due to his own actions. He seemingly burned bridges in most of his nine NBA stops, with the team he helped turn into a contender, the Orlando Magic, only recently recognizing him. This was after the drama surrounding his exit, with him being linked to and eventually traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

That turned out to be the beginning of the end for his time as a star, with him playing one season there before leaving to join the Houston Rockets, where he quickly became overshadowed by James Harden.

Even still, Howard won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, made five All-NBA teams, scored 19,485 points, and was a dominant rebounder, having the highest average of any player that has played at least 1,000 games in this century.

His athleticism, rebounding, and rim protection allowed him to hang around the NBA even after his days as a star were over, and he won a championship in 2020, helping to cap a surprisingly strong career. He didn't turn out to be the next Shaquille O'Neal but even still, he was a top-25 player of his era. 

23) Anthony Davis

When Anthony Davis was drafted first overall by the New Orleans Hornets in 2012, he was expected to be the next big thing, even the next Tim Duncan. He hasn't quite lived up to those lofty expectations, but he is still one of the best players in the NBA in the 21st century.

Part of that has been due to injuries, with him often missing at least 20 games a year but when healthy, he is a terrific two-way player. In seven seasons with the Hornets and Pelicans, Davis posted 23.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 1.3 steals per game, establishing himself as an elite player on both sides of the ball.

He's been even better with the Lakers. In five seasons with the Lakers, Davis has averaged 24.7 points, 10.8 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. The pairing of Davis and LeBron James has mostly been successful, making two Western Conference Finals in five seasons and winning a championship in 2020 during the NBA Bubble.

They also won the first-ever NBA Cup. With Davis 31 and a 1/2 years old, he should still have three great seasons left in the tank, and while he may not move up much on this list with him being a top-25 player, he can add to his already Hall of Fame-level career.

22) Damian Lillard 

When Damian Lillard was picked ninth overall in 2012, no one expected him to become one of the best players in the NBA, let alone one of the best players of the 21st century. In fact, he is one of just ten NBA players who have played at least 800 games to average 25 points per game for their career.

However, he is one of only three players, including LeBron James and Kevin Durant, to do so while only playing post-2000. That is something that not even Steph Curry, a player that Lillard is often compared to, has done.

Like Curry, Lillard's elite shooting helped turn him into a dominant offensive player, with him drilling an impressive 37.1 percent of his 8.4 3-point attempts per game. That has put him fourth on the NBA's all-time made 3-pointers list, with him on pace to hit 3,000 threes and join Curry as the only player to reach that mark.

Despite being known as a jump shooter, Lillard has actually done even better in the postseason, when players like him usually struggle. In 65 career playoff games, Lillard's averaged a spectacular 26.1 points and shot 37.3 percent on 9.0 3-point attempts per game. Not just that but Lillard and Michael Jordan are the only two players in NBA history to win a series by hitting game winners in the closeout of a playoff matchup.

With eight all-star and seven all-NBA appearances, the only thing left for him to accomplish is winning a championship and he'll have a chance to do so with him paired with another player on this list, Giannis Antetokounmpo, on the Milwaukee Bucks.

21) Ray Allen

3-point marksman Ray Allen is one of the greatest shooters in NBA history, but he is also one of the best scorers. Allen spent his first seven seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks, including the first three and a half years of the 2000s, averaging 22.1 points while shooting a blistering 41.6 percent on his 6.3 3-point attempts per game.

However, he was unexpectedly traded to the Seattle Supersonics in a deal for an aging Gary Payton. The deal did not work out for Milwaukee as Payton exited after 28 games. Allen became a four-time All-Star in Seattle and helped the Sonics reached the second round of the playoffs in 2005.

Allen was later traded to the Boston Celtics, where he joined up with Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce, won a championship in 2008 and had another Finals run in 2010 before he left abruptly for the Miami Heat. There, he won a championship in 2012–13, with Allen hitting a game-tying three to force overtime in Game 6 of the Finals to save Miami's season.

All told, he racked up nearly 21,000 points and hit 2,648 threes since the start of the 2000s, and while he has since been surpassed by Steph Curry as the greatest shooter ever, Allen's resume is still elite.

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20) Paul Pierce

Had it not been for the Ray Allen and Kevin Garnet trades, it's likely that Paul Pierce would have struggled to make the cut. This is despite him being highly productive over the nine seasons that led up to the trades, though only eight of them count here. During that span, he posted an impressive 24.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game while making five all-star teams.

Even still, the Boston Celtics had limited success with Pierce prior to acquiring Allen and Garnett from the Seattle Supersonics and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively. Fortunately for Pierce, the moves turned them into an immediate contender and Pierce into a relevant player. Over his final six seasons with the Celtics, Pierce averaged 19.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4 assists while helping lead Boston to two NBA Finals and a championship in 2008, with him winning Finals MVP.

He also made five more all-star teams and the last of four All-NBA teams. Making 10 all-star teams in the 21st century is certainly impressive, as is his accumulating 25,500 points, 7,000 rebounds, and 4,500 assists since the start of the 2000s, joining LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the only players to have done so. Ultimately, Pierce winning a championship and the Finals MVP puts him over the top and makes him a top-25 player on this list.

19) Allen Iverson

NBA legend Allen Iverson is one of the most iconic players in league history and while he was extremely controversial during his run, he was also incredibly popular. Iverson, despite likely being well under 6'0, led the NBA in scoring and was one of the players who helped bridge the gap post-Michael Jordan and into the new millennium.

Although his first three seasons don't count here, he doesn't need them to qualify, with his first nine seasons of the 21st century being more than enough. Between 1999-00 and 2007-08, he averaged an outlandish 29.1 points, 6.3 assists, and 2.3 steals. While his efficiency left a lot to be desired, he wasn't always playing on the greatest teams, forcing A.I. to carry them.

In 2001, Iverson had his best season, averaging 31.1 points per game and winning league MVP while leading the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals despite having one of the worst Finals teams in history. In fact, Iverson even led them to a Game 1 win over the vaunted Shaq and Kobe Lakers, including hitting the game-clinching shot over Tyron Lue.

He was later traded to the Denver Nuggets and paired with Carmelo Anthony for about a season and a half. Although his overall numbers dropped, he proved to be far more efficient, quieting some of his critics.

He was later traded to the Detroit Pistons, which turned out to be the beginning of the end for A.I., with him playing just 82 games between the Pistons and the Grizzlies and a second stint in Philadelphia before retiring. 

While he might not have had the most graceful exit, he still had a strong career after the start of the 2000s, scoring more than 19,500 points, making 11 all-star and seven All-NBA teams, and winning a MVP and two all-star MVPs. That justifies his place in the top-20 on this list.

18) Jason Kidd

Hall of Fame point guard Jason Kidd, who is now the coach of the Dallas Mavericks, was one of the biggest stars of the 2000s, starting out with the Phoenix Suns and then the New Jersey Nets. During the early part of the 2000s, Kidd led the Nets to three Eastern Conference Finals from 2000–2003 and back-to-back NBA Finals.

While the Eastern Conference was incredibly weak post-Michael Jordan, Kidd's mastery as a passer helped elevate the Nets, with Kenyon Martin and Richard Jefferson serving as his wingmen and lob finishers. He was later paired with Vince Carter, who helped Kidd continue to make the Nets contenders.

Over the first six seasons of the 2000s, Kidd averaged a well-rounded 16.1 points, 9.6 assists, 6.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals, while making six straight all-star teams. He also made three All-NBA first teams and two All-NBA second teams. That is in addition to five All-Defensive first and second teams, not to mention 33 triple-doubles, and he led the league in assists four of those five years.

Kidd was eventually traded to the Mavericks, where he was paired with Dirk Nowitzki. That worked out well for both Kidd, the Mavericks, and Nowitzki, with Dallas winning it all in 2011. Kidd is ultimately considered to be one of the best point guards of the 1990s and 2000s and his accolades back that up, making him one of the best players of the 21st century.

17) Steve Nash

Steve Nash was a part of the famed 1996 draft class that featured several stars, including Kobe Bryant, Ray Allen, and Allen Iverson, and was something of a late bloomer. Nash got his start with the Phoenix Suns, playing two and a half years there before being traded to the Dallas Mavericks, where he played with fellow Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki in a terrific pairing. 

With Dallas, Nash made three all-star teams and helped lead the Mavs to three deep playoff runs before he hit free agency in the summer of 2004. The Mavericks had the chance to re-sign Nash but infamously opted against doing so, paving the way for him to sign with the Suns, and it turned out to be one of the most impactful signings in NBA history. 

In his first season with the Suns, Nash led the team to a 62-20 record and the Western Conference Finals, with Nash winning the first of back-to-back MVPs. Two seasons later, he led Phoenix to the second of three Western Conference Finals during his second tenure. 

Although Nash never ended up winning a championship, he still ranks among the best players of the 21st century, with him averaging 15.7 points while shooting an impressive 43 percent from three, in addition to 9.5 assists in 1023 games. Add in his five All-Star appearances, two MVPs, and him leading the NBA in assists five times, and Nash is a clear choice for this list.

16) Joel Embiid

Few players in the last 25 years have been as hard to stop as Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid. From 2020–21 to 2023–24, Embiid made four all-star teams, three All-NBA first or second teams, and had three top-two finishes in MVP voting. He won the award in 2022–23 and was on his way to winning it in 23–24, along with his third straight scoring title, had it not been for an untimely injury.

Embiid's dominance is blunted by missing significant time, including the first two seasons of his career and more than half of his actual rookie year. Had he played even half of those missed games, he'd be a top-10 player on this list and entering the all-time great discussions.

As it stands, however, with career averages of 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks, his output is elite. The best ability is availability, however, and he'll have to play much more going forward for him to move up the list.

At 29, he probably won't suddenly become more durable, but his game might age fairly well, allowing him to still put up numbers well into his 30s. That bodes well for him, though he will be measured on whether he will win a championship between now and then.

15) Russell Westbrook

During his prime with the Oklahoma City Thunder, then the Houston Rockets, Russell Westbrook was arguably the greatest athlete to ever play point guard and he unsurprisingly dominated. His speed and aggressiveness made him a nightmare to try and keep out of the paint and his elite athleticism allowed him to finish consistently at the rim. Westbrook also lived at the line, and his ability to put pressure on the rim allowed him to create consistently for others.

Over his first 13 seasons in the NBA, Westbrook made nine all-star and nine All-NBA teams, averaged a triple double not once but four times during that span and won league MVP in 2016–17. He also averaged an eye-popping 23.2 points, 8.5 assists, 7.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game. Westbrook also had 180 triple-doubles and led the league in assists three times.

While his time with the Los Angeles Lakers and LA Clippers may have soured some on him, his legacy is already secure, with him already having more than 25,000 points, 9,400 assists, and 8,300 rebounds. While he may not have much left in the tank after signing with the Denver Nuggets in the summer of 2024, he is absolutely one of the fifteen best players to suit up in the 21st century.

14) James Harden

Of all of the players on this list, James Harden may have had the highest offensive peak during his time with the Houston Rockets. In nine seasons with the Rockets, Harden posted a terrific 29.6 points, 7.7 assists, and 6 assists. In fact, he averaged 29 points per game in five straight seasons during that span and had six consecutive 2,000-plus-point seasons. Add in three straight scoring titles and it can be argued that Harden is the best offensive player since Michael Jordan.

Even after showing significant promise over the first three seasons of his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder, including winning Sixth Man of the Year, few would have guessed that he had that kind of potential. The Thunder probably didn't think so when they foolishly traded him to the Rockets.

With ten all-star and seven all-NBA appearances, as well as four top-2 MVP finishes, including winning in 2018, Harden has an exceptional resume compared to many of his contemporaries. Harden is nearing the mid-30s and slowing down but he needs just 4,115 points to reach 30,000 points and would be just one of four players to do so post-2000, potentially putting him in elite company.

13) Kawhi Leonard

LA Clippers superstar Kawhi Leonard has a strong yet unique resume for inclusion here. Leonard was the 15th pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and wildly exceeded expectations during his seven seasons in San Antonio. He made two all-star and two All-NBA first teams, as well as winning Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back seasons. He also won Finals MVP during their 2014 championship run.

After he demanded a trade, he was moved to the Toronto Raptors, where he led them to their first championship in his only season there. Winning two championships and two Finals MVPs on two different teams is a rarity.

He signed with the Clippers in 2019, forming a star pairing with Paul George that was expected to lead them to the team's first championship. After five seasons together, however, they failed to do so, with George opting to leave for the Philadelphia 76ers.

A big part of that failure had to do with the health of Leonard, who missed large chunks of the season, including all of the 2021–22 season as well as most of several playoff runs. At 33 years old and with a long injury history, he may not age as well as other stars on this list have but most of them can't say that they've led two teams to championships so Leonard ranks in the top-15 among the best players of the 21st century.

12) Chris Paul

It's fitting that point-god Chris Paul will soon start his 20th season, with his longevity proving he is worthy of the nickname. Paul's averaged an impressive 17.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 9.4 assists per game over nearly 1300 games this century. While that may not be quite as impressive as LeBron James, Paul has seen very little dropoff over his career, with him still being a starting-caliber point guard as he nears middle age.

He has been around so long that he started his career with the New Orleans Hornets back in 2005 and quickly proved to be a star. He won Rookie of the Year and in just his third season, he led the Hornets to 57 wins within one game of the Western Conference Finals. In 2007-08 and 2008-09, he led the NBA in assists and steals and made both the all-star and all-NBA teams.

However, he was later traded to the Los Angeles Lakers, only for the deal to fall through and for him to be moved to the Los Angeles Clippers instead. That turned the Clippers around, with Paul and Blake Griffin leading them to their best stretch of success in franchise history up to that point. 

They made the playoffs in each of his six seasons there before he was traded to the Rockets, where he helped lead them to the best record in the league in 2017-18 and in the Western Conference Finals, they nearly knocked off the eventual champion Golden State Warriors. They would again lose to the Warriors the following year in the playoffs and Paul opted to sign with the Suns, where he led them to the NBA Finals in his first year after the team had missed the playoffs for ten straight years.

Wherever Paul goes, his teams usually win, with him having the fourth-best plus-minus of any player in the 21st century and he'll have the opportunity to continue that trend as a member of the San Antonio Spurs.

11) Dwyane Wade

Three-time NBA champion Dwyane Wade was a force to be reckoned with during his time with the Miami Heat. Wade was famously selected fifth overall in the 2003 NBA Draft behind the likes of LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony but turned into a star in his own right. After his rookie season, the Heat packaged Brian Grant, Caron Butler, and Lamar Odom to land Shaquille O'Neal. 

That was a franchise-altering move that transformed the Miami Heat into a relevant team, with them making the Eastern Conference Finals in 2005 and winning a championship in 2006 with Wade dominating the Dallas Mavericks. After the Heat failed to make the playoffs in 2007, Shaq was traded to the Phoenix Suns, and Wade was given the keys to the team.

From 2007–08 to 2009–10, Wade was one of the five best players in the NBA, including leading the league in scoring in 2008 by averaging 30.3 points per game. He was also key to recruiting LeBron and Chris Bosh to the Heat, where the trio went to four straight NBA Finals together.

Wade began to break down towards the end of that run and Bosh's subsequent retirement eventually led to him leaving Miami for the Chicago Bulls. Then the Cleveland Cavaliers and Heat fans rightfully ignored those seasons, with him returning to the Heat to end his career. Three championships, one Finals MVP, a scoring title, and 15 All-Star and 12 All-NBA appearances highlight his strong career and justify his place in the top 15 on this list.

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10) Kevin Garnett 

With a career that spanned three decades, Kevin Garnett's longevity, paired with his skill, makes him one of the best players in NBA history. Even when ignoring his first three seasons, his resume is still incredibly strong, with him averaging at least 20 points per game in the first eight seasons of the new millennium as well as making 13 all-star teams in his 14 seasons this century.

Garnett's prime was largely wasted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, despite being one of the most well-rounded players ever. He was not only a skilled post player but could score effectively away from the rim with a reliable mid-range jumper. 

He was also a terrific passer, averaging at least five assists per game for five straight seasons. Add in his defense, which saw him effortlessly defend away from the rim, switch, and be able to challenge shots at the rim, and KG was the ideal player for his era and probably would have been even better were he in his prime now. 

Garnett was later traded to the Boston Celtics, where he helped lead them to a championship in 2008, and he also won Defensive Player of the Year that same season. That title ensured that Garnett would be among the greatest players ever. Moreover, with 13 all-star and nine All-NBA selections, an MVP, and a Defensive Player of the Year award all post-2000, he is appropriately ranked 10th on this list.

9) Nikola Jokic

Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic had arguably the best four-year stretch of any player on this list, although he was drafted 41st overall in 2014. From 2020–21 to 2023–24, Jokic posted an outlandish 26.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 8.7 rebounds per game. During that stretch, he won three league MVPs, had a second-place finish, and won a championship and an NBA Finals MVP.

Winning five major awards in a four-year span is virtually unprecedented post-2000s, rivaling the peaks of LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal. Especially with him making six all-star teams, four All-NBA first teams, and two All-NBA second teams as well as racking up 130 career triple-doubles in just nine seasons.

That run all but ensures that Jokic will make the Hall of Fame and he is making a strong push to be considered one of the 20 greatest players of all time. He currently ranks ninth on this list but is just 29 years old and his game projects to age well, suggesting that he could have another five or six years at the same level. If that is the case, then he could potentially barge his way into the top-5 on this list and perhaps the top-10 all-time.

8) Giannis Antetokounmpo

Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has been on a historic run over the last five years, from 2017-2018 to 2023-24. In 474 games over seven seasons, Giannis has posted historic numbers, averaging 29 points on 56.4 percent shooting as well as 11.7 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.1 steals, and 1.2 blocks. Those are incredible numbers that even surpass Shaq's numbers during his prime.

He also made seven all-star teams, six All-NBA first teams, and an All-NBA second team during that span. That is in addition to winning two league MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, a championship, and a Final MVP all before turning 30. It's been a heck of a run for Giannis. Just him leading the Bucks to their first championship in almost 50 years is an accomplishment in and of itself.

With another three to five seasons of that type of production, he may soon be knocking on the door of being a top-10 player all-time and already ranks as the eighth-best player to play in the 21st century, which is no small feat. He is now paired with another player on this list, Damian Lillard, and could conceivably win another championship, which would be the icing on the cake for Giannis and his legacy.

7) Dirk Nowitzki

Although Dallas Mavericks icon Dirk Nowitzki started his career in the late 1990s, he was one of the most prolific players post-2000. Nowitzki has the distinction of being one of only five players to score at least 30,000 points from January 1st, 2000, to now. However, he is the only player to do so with one team after spending a record 21 seasons in Dallas. 

Nowitzki transformed the Mavericks from one of the worst teams in the NBA to a winner, with them making the playoffs eleven straight seasons during the 2000s and early 2010s. In fact, they went to two NBA Finals in that stretch and also won 67 games during the 2006–07 season, with Nowitzki winning league MVP that year.

After coming up short several times playing alongside fellow MVP winner Steve Nash, the Mavs reached the Finals in 2006, though they lost to the Miami Heat. Fortunately for him and the Mavericks, the two teams met again in the 2011 NBA Finals, and despite the Heat having Dwayne Wade, LeBron James, and Chris Bosh, Nowitzki carried Dallas to their first and only championship.

That legendary playoff run saw him average 27 points per game and beat a string of Hall of Famers, including Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, and the aforementioned Heat trio. Ultimately, 15 All-Star and 12 All-NBA appearances, a league and Finals MVP and a championship post-2000s make Nowitzki one of the best players of the last 25 years. 

6) Kevin Durant

Superstar Kevin Durant was selected second overall in the 2006 NBA Draft by the Seattle Supersonics and spent nine seasons with the franchise, including after moving to Oklahoma City.

During that span, Durant put together one of the greatest stretches in NBA history. He averaged a terrific 27 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists, won a league MVP, made seven all-stars and seven All-NBA first or second teams, and led the Thunder to the NBA Finals. However, he left the Thunder in the summer of 2018 for the Golden State Warriors.

Although Durant won two championships and two NBA Final MVPs with the Warriors, those tend to be discounted since he was playing with the likes of Steph Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green—three future Hall of Famers. That is fair but Durant is still one of the greatest players of all time, based on his nine seasons in Oklahoma City alone.

As a member of the Phoenix Suns, Durant is still putting up big numbers, averaging 27 points per game at the age of 35 in the 2023–24 season.

That implies that he could continue to play at a high level into his 40s and it would give him a great chance to join LeBron James and Dirk Nowitzki as the only players to reach 30,000 points since the start of the 2000s. That ensures that KD will be one of the best players of this century.

5) Stephen Curry

It is almost hard to believe that Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry ended up being one of the five best players of the 21st century but here we are. Curry was drafted in the late 2000s, when the idea that a 6'4 guard could carry a team to a championship was seen as far-fetched but he turned that idea on its head.

At his peak, Curry broke the NBA. During his second straight MVP season in 2015-16, Curry averaged 30.1 points while shooting an outrageous 45.4 percent from three on 11.2 attempts per game. The Warriors won a record 73 games and while they lost in Game 7 of the NBA Finals, Curry has won four championships.

That ties him with several other players in the top five but he is one of only two that are active. At 36 and a half years old, Curry may not win another championship but his shooting should allow him to age well. After averaging nearly 27 points per game in 2023–24, it's not crazy to think he could still average at least 20 points per game over the next three or even four seasons.

That would give him an outside chance of joining the 30,000-point club, something only five players have ever done. Add in 10 all-star and 10 All-NBA appearances, as well as four championships, two league MVPs, and a Finals MVP, and Curry's resume during this century is among the very best.

4) Kobe Bryant

The late Los Angeles Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant is arguably the most popular player on this list and was also among the most skilled and accomplished. Kobe's first three seasons in the NBA don't count here, but he won three straight championships with Shaquille O'Neal to start the 2000s.

He also made it to a fourth NBA Finals in 2004, with Kobe usurping Shaq and the Lakers' best player. After they lost to the Detroit Pistons in the Finals that year, Shaq demanded to be traded and was moved to the Miami Heat while the Lakers opted to rebuild around Kobe.

That led to some down years for the Lakers with Kobe being paired with random players, though he was able to show what he could really do. He led the NBA in scoring in 2005-06 and 2006-07, including dropping 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors.

However, it wasn't until the Lakers acquired Pau Gasol in 2009 that they got back into title contention. From 2008 to 2011, Los Angeles made the NBA Finals three straight times and won back-to-back championships, with Kobe being named Finals MVP both times.

That turned out to be the high point of the decade for Kobe, and after the Lakers flamed out in 2011 with him, Dwight Howard, Gasol, and Steve Nash, he failed to make the playoffs the final four seasons of his career. Still, he went out with a bang, scoring 60 points in his final game. 17 all-star and 11 All-NBA first teams, a league MVP, five championships, and two Finals MVPs are more than enough to make him a top-5 player of the 21st century.

3) Tim Duncan

San Antonio Spurs legend Tim Duncan has a strong case for being one of the five best players in NBA history so it's not surprising that he is in the top-3 here. This is despite the fact that his 1999 championship doesn't count here, nor does his Rookie of the Year award and two of his all-star appearances.

Even still, he still has more than enough accomplishments to make the list here. In the 21st century, Duncan won four championships, never missed the playoffs once and won at least 50 games in each of the 16 seasons he played during the 2000s.

Duncan tallied nearly 23,000 points, 13,136 rebounds, and 2,612 blocks during that span, showing that he was incredibly well-rounded. His elite post-play made him the ideal player to build an offense around but he adapted to becoming a pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop player as he aged, allowing him to adapt to the changing NBA.

He also ranks among the best-passing big men and is likely the best rim protector of this era, although he somehow never won Defensive Player of the Year. Add in that he boasts far and away the highest plus-minus of any player post-2000s, and it proves that the Spurs dominated with him on the floor over a 16-year span. No other player had nearly as big of an impact on a single team on this list, and he ranks this high for that reason.

2) Shaquille O'Neal

Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal hasn't played in the NBA in more than a decade but still ranks among the best players of the last 25 years. Shaq was nearly 30 at the start of the 2000s but was still dominant. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to three straight championships, from 2000–2002 and a fourth NBA Finals in 2004. Leading a team to four Finals in five seasons and winning three Final MVPs is something that no one else on this list can say.

Even after he was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004, he immediately helped them make the Eastern Conference Finals, where they came within minutes of making the NBA Finals. The following year, in 2006, he and Dwyane Wade led the Heat to their first-ever title.

Afterwards, O'Neal tapered off and was dealt to the Phoenix Suns, where he was resurgent, though he ended his career with short stints with the Cleveland Cavaliers and finally the Boston Celtics.

Shaq averaged a strong 21.6 points, 10.1 points, and 2 blocks in 752 games. He also made nine all-star appearances, had seven All-NBA first-team selections, won a league MVP, four championships, and three Finals MVPs after the start of the 2000s. As a result, Shaq is one of the very best players to play in the 21st century.

1) LeBron James

It is hard to believe that Los Angeles superstar LeBron James was taken first overall in 2003 and is still going strong in 2024. He is set to return for his 22nd season and has already done just about everything one can accomplish over the course of a Hall of Fame career.

LeBron spent his first seven seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, turning the franchise around, averaging a stellar 27.8 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists during his first stint, with LeBron winning several major awards and accolades. He won Rookie of the Year, two MVPs, and made six straight all-star and All-NBA first or second teams, not to mention he led them to three Eastern Conference Finals and the NBA Finals in 2007.

He later moved onto the Miami Heat, where he led them to the NBA Finals for four straight years and back-to-back titles, with him playing arguably his best basketball, posting 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists.

He later returned home to the Cavs and also led them to the NBA Finals for four straight years and a championship in 2018.

Lastly, his career took him to the Lakers, where he's spent the last six seasons defying age with 27.0 points, 7.9 rebounds and 8 assists per game. During that tenure, he's won a championship, the first-ever NBA Cup, broke the all-time scoring record and became the only player to score 40,000. That helps to make LeBron the best of this era and gives him a case to be the best ever.