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

Stars are stars but which players are the absolute best since the start of the 2000s?
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James
Kobe Bryant, LeBron James | Victor Decolongon/GettyImages
2 of 50

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.