The 2000s were an exciting decade for the NBA, with many talented players taking the court and leaving their mark on the game. Here are the top 10 best NBA players of the 2000s:
LeBron James: 27.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 7.4 apg
LeBron James is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time, and he certainly made his mark in the 2000s. James entered the league in 2003 and quickly became a dominant force, winning Rookie of the Year honors and leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to the playoffs in his first season. Over the course of the decade, James won four MVP awards, made the All-NBA First Team eight times, and led the Cavs to the NBA Finals in 2007.
Kobe Bryant: 25.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 4.7 apg
Kobe Bryant was another dominant force in the 2000s, winning three NBA championships and being named to the All-NBA First Team eight times. Bryant was known for his scoring ability and fierce competitive spirit, and he often carried the Los Angeles Lakers on his back to victory.
Tim Duncan: 19.0 ppg, 10.8 rpg, 3.0 apg
Tim Duncan was the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs’ success in the 2000s, leading the team to three NBA championships and being named to the All-NBA First Team seven times. Duncan was a dominant force in the post and a consistent performer on both ends of the court.
Shaquille O’Neal: 23.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.5 apg
Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominant centers of all time, and he continued to be a force in the 2000s. O’Neal won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 2000 and another with the Miami Heat in 2006, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team five times.
Dwyane Wade: 22.0 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.4 apg
Dwyane Wade emerged as one of the top players in the league in the 2000s, leading the Heat to an NBA championship in 2006 and winning Finals MVP. Wade was a dynamic scorer and playmaker, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team five times.
Steve Nash: 14.3 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 8.5 apg
Steve Nash was a two-time MVP in the 2000s and led the Phoenix Suns to the Western Conference Finals multiple times. Nash was known for his excellent passing and shooting ability, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team five times.
Kevin Garnett: 17.8 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.7 apg
Kevin Garnett was a dominant power forward in the 2000s, winning an NBA championship with the Celtics in 2008 and being named to the All-NBA First Team seven times. Garnett was a dominant rebounder and shot blocker, and he also had a well-rounded offensive game.
Allen Iverson: 26.7 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 6.2 apg
Allen Iverson was one of the most exciting players to watch in the 2000s, and he won the MVP award in 2001. Iverson was known for his scoring ability and his flashy style of play, and he was named to the All-NBA First Team six times.
Chris Paul:Â 18.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 9.5 apg
Chris Paul emerged as one of the top point guards in the league in the 2000s, being named to the All-NBA First Team six times and winning the MVP award in 2008. Paul was a great passer and floor leader, and he led the New Orleans Hornets to the playoffs multiple times.
Dwight Howard: 17.4 ppg, 12.6 rpg, 1.4 apg
Dwight Howard was a dominant force in the paint in the 2000s, leading the league in rebounding and being named to the All-NBA First Team five times. Howard also won three Defensive Player of the Year awards, showcasing his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court.
