The groundwork for NBA hoops in the early 2000s was established in the closing years of the 20th century. The Lakers acquired Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, while the Spurs brought in Tim Duncan through the draft. As Michael Jordan and the Bulls completed their final run, these two teams, driven by the aforementioned players, claimed five of the initial six championships of the new millennium. Cumulatively, these three athletes boast a total of 14 titles.
Consider the four titles won by both LeBron James and Stephen Curry, and that results in 22 championships spanning the past quarter-century, distributed among just five individuals.
Undoubtedly, there’s some duplication in that count, but it effectively showcases the level of supremacy these players attained – and, in certain instances, continue to exhibit – as we reflect on the NBA’s top 25 performers in the 25 years since 2000. It’s important to note that this assessment exclusively considers play occurring after January 1, 2000. O’Neal’s accomplishments in Orlando, or his early tenure with the Lakers, are not factored in. Similarly, Duncan’s initial title in 1999 is technically excluded, although its significance as the true origin of the Spurs’ dominance is undeniable.
This ranking, determined through voting by our CBS Sports NBA contributors, is bound to generate discussion. I anticipate protests from Kobe enthusiasts who may perceive his ranking as insufficient to accurately reflect his excellence, even though I concur with the placement of players ranked above him. Such is the nature of this era, arguably the most collectively gifted in NBA history. To secure a position in the upper echelon of this list, one had to achieve all-time greatness, and even those in the lower half are destined for the Hall of Fame, if they aren’t already enshrined.
With that said, let the debates commence. Let’s keep the dialogue respectful.
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1. LeBron James
- Years in NBA: 2003-present
- Teams: Cavaliers (twice), Heat, Lakers
LeBron’s potential was heralded when he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated with the title “The Chosen One” before his debut NBA game. This created incredibly high hopes, yet James has somehow not only met but gone beyond them, arguably becoming the greatest player ever. Over his 22 seasons, he remarkably secured a top-10 MVP spot in both his first and last seasons. Between those bookends, he secured four MVP awards within five years, along with four championships. Furthermore, he overtook Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Considering peak performance, only a select few historically can compare to LeBron. In terms of consistency and long-term play, nobody has matched him, and it’s unlikely anyone ever will. — Brad Botkin
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2. Stephen Curry
- Years in NBA: 2009-present
- Team: Warriors
Arguments can be made that Curry’s highest achievements surpass even LeBron’s: four championships, with three victories directly over LeBron and two achieved without another true superstar alongside him. He reached the Finals six times and was an All-NBA selection eleven times over a twelve-year period. Curry was the primary player on a team that achieved an NBA record of 73 wins. He holds the record for all-time 3-pointers and received two MVP awards, including the historic unanimous selection in 2015-16. That year, he averaged 30 points per game while impressively shooting 45% from 3-point range with over 11 attempts each game. Anyone arguing that a player besides LeBron has been better than Curry in this century should be questioned. — Brad Botkin
3. Tim Duncan
- Years in NBA: 1997-2016
- Team: Spurs
Duncan is less recognized or celebrated compared to contemporaries like Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, despite arguably being superior to both. He aligns more with figures like Tom Brady and Stephen Curry, whose greatness was initially attributed to their team systems. However, it eventually became clear that they were the core of those systems. Similarly, Duncan embodied the Spurs’ approach. Despite LeBron’s explosive arrival, Duncan had already secured MVP titles in 2001 and 2002, and he consistently ranked among the top 10 MVP candidates in the early 2000s. While he didn’t match LeBron’s long career, he remained a top player for nearly two decades. Duncan secured his fifth and final championship in his 16th season, and even at 39, he was still among the top MVP candidates. — Brad Botkin
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4. Nikola Jokić
- Years in NBA: 2015-present
- Team: Nuggets
The placement of Jokić is likely to cause disagreement. However, I strongly support the consensus of this poll: that Nikola Jokić currently surpasses Shaquille O’Neal in basketball ability. This is not meant as a slight to O’Neal, who remains an all-time great and is next on this list. Jokić simply operates at a higher level regarding overall influence and impact. Jokić has consistently been a top-two MVP contender for five years straight, securing the award three times. For the last five years, he has indisputably been the best player worldwide. His championship win with the Nuggets, without an All-Star teammate, is a greater feat than any championship O’Neal achieved alongside Kobe Bryant or Dwyane Wade. By the end of his career, Jokić is poised to be widely regarded as the best big man ever to play. — Brad Botkin
5. Shaquille O’Neal
- Years in NBA: 1992-2011
- Teams: Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns, Cavaliers, Celtics
Whether you know him as Superman, Diesel, or The Big Aristotle, Shaq was a force to be reckoned with in basketball. His combination of grace and strength was remarkable for someone standing 7-foot-1 and weighing over 300 pounds. This potent mix led to four NBA championships, three Finals MVP awards, one regular-season MVP, two scoring titles, three All-Defensive selections, and 14 All-NBA appearances. What makes it more remarkable is that many believe he wasn’t fully dedicated to basketball. He might have been higher on this list if his early years with the Orlando Magic were considered, but his peak achievements occurred after 2000 with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. According to Basketball Reference, he ranks fifth in career player efficiency rating, only behind Anthony Davis, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, and Nikola Jokić. — Colin Ward-Henninger
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6. Kobe Bryant
- Years in NBA: 1996-2016
- Team: Lakers
A significant number of passionate NBA supporters view Kobe Bryant as the best basketball player of all time. While statistics may not completely support this claim, he serves as a prime example in the ongoing debate between analytical data and subjective observation. Throughout his 20 seasons with the Lakers, Bryant achieved five championships, two Finals MVP awards, one regular-season MVP award, 12 All-Defensive selections, and 15 All-NBA selections. His lasting impact is highlighted by his “Mamba Mentality,” which has gained even more significance since his passing in 2020. People often yell “Kobe!” when attempting impressive shots with discarded paper. In his 2015 poem, “Dear Basketball,” Bryant eloquently conveyed his connection to the game and its significance to many fans: “You asked for my hustle/ I gave you my heart/ Because it came with so much more.” — Colin Ward-Henninger
7. Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Years in the NBA: 2013-present
- Team: Bucks
Antetokounmpo’s progression is one of the most impressive stories in NBA history. From his humble beginnings in Greece, he has achieved every major accolade: Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year, MVP (twice), Finals MVP, and a championship. Along the way, he has been selected for nine All-Star games, nine All-NBA teams, and five All-Defensive teams, all while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks. It’s rare to see superstars stay with one team these days, and Antetokounmpo might eventually leave that list. Regardless of what happens in the future, his contributions to Milwaukee will be remembered. He began as a young, ambitious teenager and has become one of the most dominant two-way players the game has ever seen. — Jack Maloney
8. Kevin Durant
- Years in NBA: 2007-present
- Teams: Thunder, Warriors, Nets, Suns, Rockets
Throughout Durant’s 17-year career, he has consistently been considered among the very best in the game. He quickly established himself as one of the premier scorers in league history, due to his ability to shoot from almost anywhere on the court at 6-foot-11. He pioneered a new type of modern forward, and each year we see players entering the league with similar skills to Durant. — Jasmyn Wimbish
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9. Kevin Garnett
- Years in NBA: 1995–2016
- Teams: Timberwolves (twice), Celtics, Nets
Before terms like “positionless basketball” and “unicorn” became common in basketball, Garnett was a big man who moved like a wing and possessed guard skills. Stories about his intense play and trash-talking are well-known, as is his role in setting the tone for the Boston Celtics’ 2008 championship. However, he was more than just a loud, energetic player. Garnett was an all-time great who also happened to be vocal and intense. The defensive-minded version of Garnett was perfect for Boston, but the player who led the Timberwolves to multiple 50-win seasons — and earned an MVP award on a 58-win team that reached the conference finals — could do everything on both ends of the court. — James Herbert
10. Dirk Nowitzki
- Years in NBA: 1999-2019
- Team: Mavericks
If Nowitzki were at his peak in today’s NBA, he would be one of the top players. He entered a league where it was unusual for 7-footers to play away from the basket. However, he demonstrated that it was not only possible but also an effective way to play basketball. Nowitzki revolutionized the game in the 2000s as a 7-footer with exceptional efficiency from all areas of the court and a signature shot that is arguably the most unstoppable in NBA history. Many have tried to replicate his one-legged fadeaway, but no one can execute it like Dirk. — Jasmyn Wimbish
11. Dwyane Wade
- Years in NBA: 2003-2019
- Teams: Heat (twice), Bulls, Cavaliers
When Dwyane Wade was at his best, he closely resembled Kobe Bryant. Wade was likely the superior athlete, and their skills, especially footwork and shot variety, were very similar. In 2009, he was unstoppable when he won the scoring title on a team lacking other significant offensive threats. Despite initially being wary of young players, Stan Van Gundy entrusted Wade with a game-winning shot in the playoffs during his rookie season, and Wade delivered. Over his 16-year career, he secured three championships (one as the primary player in just his third season) and finished in the top 10 of MVP voting seven times. — Brad Botkin
12. Chris Paul
- Years in NBA: 2005-present
- Teams: Hornets, Clippers (twice), Rockets, Thunder, Suns, Warriors, Spurs
Ignore those who dismiss Paul for not winning a championship. Paul, second only to John Stockton in career assists, is one of the top five point guards ever. He has been an All-Star 12 times, made 11 All-NBA teams, and earned eight All-Defensive team selections. He led the league in steals six times and finished in the top 10 in MVP voting ten times, including four times in the top five. Remarkably, all seven teams Paul has played for have improved their win total in his first year with the team. This fact speaks volumes. — Brad Botkin
13. Kawhi Leonard
- Years in NBA: 2011–present
- Teams: Spurs, Raptors, Clippers
Leonard joined the NBA as a promising defensive player, a 6-foot-7 forward with a 7-3 wingspan, large hands, and the agility and strength to defend anyone. However, he not only became one of the best individual defenders ever but also one of the best individual scorers. On multiple occasions, he could legitimately be considered the best player in the world. Players who shoot 25% from 3-point range in college are not expected to become unstoppable jump shooters in the pros, but Leonard defies expectations. Unfortunately, while he has achieved more than imagined — consistently making All-NBA teams when healthy since 2016 and winning two Finals MVPs five years apart — injuries have significantly limited his accolades. Let’s blame Zaza Pachulia’s foot. — James Herbert
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14. Steve Nash
- Years in NBA: 1996-2014
- Teams: Suns, Mavericks, Lakers
Nash’s career is often underestimated. His shooting numbers were exceptional, making him the only player with more than two 50-40-90 seasons (he has four). He also recorded impressive assist numbers, being one of only three players to average 11+ assists in a season five or more times, along with John Stockton and Magic Johnson. Few players in the last 25 years have impacted their team’s success as much as Nash, evidenced by his two MVP awards. — Jasmyn Wimbish
15. James Harden
- Years in NBA: 2009–present
- Teams: Thunder, Rockets, Nets, 76ers, Clippers
Daryl Morey was right: James Harden at his best is perhaps the most offensively dominant player ever. His capacity to orchestrate an offense became clear upon his arrival in Houston in 2012. When Mike D’Antoni joined in 2016, the Rockets essentially launched an experiment: surrounded by reliable shooters (and screen-setters initially), how much could a team depend on one brilliant playmaker before his efficiency declined? The results were striking: for four consecutive seasons, Harden maintained a usage rate above 33%, peaking at 39.6% in 2018-19, while maintaining a true shooting percentage between 61.3% and 62.6%. Despite playoff shortcomings and a ball-dominant style that isn’t for everyone, even his harshest critics must concede that when he mastered the stepback 3-pointer, he revolutionized NBA defense. Opposing coaches resorted to unconventional tactics like guarding him from behind to prevent the stepback and later trapping him in the backcourt to get the ball out of his hands. — James Herbert
16. Luka Dončić
- Years in NBA: 2018-present
- Teams: Mavericks, Lakers
Dončić’s high ranking with only seven seasons reflects the potential of his career trajectory. He has more All-NBA First Team selections than Stephen Curry and has been a top-five MVP candidate in three of the last five seasons. His control over a game offensively is unmatched by many players, and those who can are ranked highly on this list. His basketball IQ, clutch plays, and scoring ability make him a formidable opponent. At only 26 years old and likely yet to peak, he should be a concern for every other team. — Jasmyn Wimbish
17. Jason Kidd
- Years in NBA: 1995-2013
- Teams: Mavericks (twice), Suns, Nets, Knicks
If you searched for “point guard” in a basketball dictionary, you’d likely find a picture of Kidd, known for his precise and swift passes. Kidd is third in career assists, and his ball-handling skills were exceptional. He significantly impacted this century in two phases: first, as the leader of the New Jersey Nets, who made consecutive Finals appearances in the early 2000s, and later as a veteran on the 2011 champion Dallas Mavericks. Kidd’s work ethic transformed him from a poor shooter early in his career to a top 10 career 3-point shooter upon retirement. Whatever a team needed, Kidd delivered with maximum effort and precision. — Colin Ward-Henninger
18. Dwight Howard
- Years in NBA: 2004 – 2022
- Teams: Magic, Lakers (three times), Rockets, Hawks, Hornets, Wizards, 76ers
It’s easy to overlook how dominant Dwight Howard was in his prime due to his playful personality and the lackluster end to his career. From 2007 to 2012, he averaged 21 points, 14 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game on 59% shooting while winning three consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards. His combination of size and athleticism was perhaps the most impressive in league history, comparable to Shaquille O’Neal and Wilt Chamberlain. Howard was the ideal versatile, rim-running, shot-blocking center, a skill set every NBA team still seeks. He simplified his game and won a title with the Lakers in 2020. While he will be remembered for his smile and Dunk Contest performances, Howard is undeniably one of the most dominant big men of this century. — Colin Ward-Henninger
19. Anthony Davis
- Years in NBA: 2012-present
- Teams: Pelicans, Lakers, Mavericks
When healthy, Davis has been one of the league’s best, excelling on both ends of the court with skills beyond his size. His peak was from 2016-18 in New Orleans before his departure, where he averaged 28 points and 11 rebounds and was likely the best defender. He also had strong seasons with the Lakers, notably the 2020 championship run in the bubble where he emulated Kevin Durant, making 55% of his mid-range shots beyond 16 feet. This outlier shooting performance was a key factor in the Lakers’ only championship in the LeBron era. — Brad Botkin
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20. Allen Iverson
- Years in NBA: 1996-2010
- Teams: 76ers (twice), Nuggets, Pistons, Grizzlies
Iverson was arguably the most fearless player of the last 25 years. At just 6-foot, he fearlessly drove into the lane against players like Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Garnett. Leading the league in scoring four times and winning MVP despite his size justifies his spot on this list. While not the most efficient scorer, Iverson’s speed and athleticism made him difficult to contain. He maintained great balance despite constant physical contact and had a never-quit attitude. Beyond basketball, Iverson has been one of the most culturally impactful players in the last 25 years. — Jasmyn Wimbish
21. Tracy McGrady
- Years in NBA: 1997–2012
- Teams: Raptors, Magic, Rockets, Knicks, Pistons, Hawks
It’s impossible to avoid pondering what might have been with McGrady. What if injuries hadn’t hindered him? What if he had remained with Vince Carter in Toronto, Tim Duncan had joined him in Orlando, or he had the opportunity to contend for a championship with Grant Hill or Yao Ming as co-stars? What if he had been born later and empowered to play a James Harden- or Luka Dončić-like role in today’s game? Given McGrady’s immense talent, he should have had more than seven All-Star selections, seven All-NBA Team selections, and two scoring titles. During his peak, he was always the smoothest scorer, often the best athlete, and capable of explosive plays at any moment, despite appearing nonchalant. — James Herbert
22. Damian Lillard
- Years in NBA: 2012-present
- Teams: Blazers, Bucks (twice)
Lillard quickly made a name for himself, winning Rookie of the Year in 2012. By his second year, he was an All-Star. Starting in his fourth season, he had five top-eight MVP finishes in six years. Lillard was once the most feared shooter outside of Stephen Curry and will be remembered as one of the most clutch players ever. He may finish his career without a championship, but he was never on a team capable of winning one, especially with Curry and the Warriors dominating the West during his prime. This shouldn’t be held against him. — Brad Botkin
23. Jayson Tatum
- Years in the NBA: 2017-present
- Team: Celtics
In Tatum’s eight seasons, he’s been selected for six All-Star games, five All-NBA Teams, including four consecutive First Teams, secured a title, and consistently made the playoffs. As one of the most adaptable and reliable players of his era, he also maintained exceptional health until an Achilles tendon rupture during the 2025 playoffs. This injury will sideline him for the 2025-26 season and potentially change the trajectory of his career. Regardless of his performance upon returning, Tatum has solidified his status as a Celtics icon with a Hall of Fame-worthy career. — Jack Maloney
24. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Years in NBA: 2018-present
- Teams: Clippers, Thunder
The player with the longest surname in NBA history also had a less likely path to superstardom compared to others on this list. Drafted 11th overall in 2018, Gilgeous-Alexander showed promise as a rookie with the Clippers, who reluctantly included him in a trade to the Thunder to acquire Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. However, very few predicted he would become an MVP contender, the league’s leading scorer, and an NBA champion before turning 27. His size for his position and unique style of play make him almost impossible to guard, and he is unique in the modern game as a guard who scores most of his points inside the 3-point line. — Colin Ward-Henninger
25. Russell Westbrook
- Years in NBA: 2008-present
- Teams: Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers, Clippers, Nuggets
While Westbrook has always had shortcomings, it’s unfair to let the latter part of his career overshadow his overall accomplishments. He averaged a triple-double in four seasons, won an MVP award, and finished in the top four in MVP voting four times. Only Derrick Rose (and possibly Ja Morant) can rival Westbrook’s athleticism at the point guard position. Dwyane Wade once stated that “There was a stretch when Russell Westbrook was the greatest player on the planet hands down.” While possibly an exaggeration, it is not far from the truth. Westbrook in his prime was a force to be reckoned with. — Brad Botkin