Bleacher Report recently created a Top 100 NBA Players of All Time list. Ah, finally something we can all agree upon. (Sorry, my sarcasm font is not currently enabled, but I think you get my gist.)

Bottom line- Michael Jordan is still considered the greatest NBA player of all time, with LeBron in second.

But for Pounders, we tend to view the list through those Silver & Black tinted glasses.

There has already beens pitied discussion in the Open Thread comments section, since the list was released. I think we can all agree that whatever the metric, or metrics, used to define these lists usually ignore a couple of important pieces: (1) there should be some additional consideration for the peaks and valleys of greatness, (2) longevity/dedication to a team is paramount to the fans, and (3) character and culture matter.

While the latter two do not play into the greatness of a player (otherwise Udonis Haslem would appear on this list), the first has been an argument I’ve seen. Tim Duncan never had a losing season in a long run as a player. Kobe, his closest contemporary, went out while the Lakers were a lottery team. Shaq was the most dominant physical player of all time, but his peak longevity was limited because of his size.

Like Shaq, many of the players on this list have amazing basketball gifts what were limited by injury. Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, and Anthony Davis have all spent much of their career unavailable to play.

Take this for what it’s worth, but I thought it was worth mentioning the additional players on this list who had some ties to the Spurs.

Here’s the ones we really care about.

86- Tony Parker

75- Manu Ginobili

42- George Gervin

32- Kawhi Leonard

19- David Robinson

7- Tim Duncan

And here are some other players who spent some portion, although less significant to their legacy, of their career with the San Antonio Spurs:

100- Artis Gilmore, Spurs big man from 1982-1987.

74- Dave Cowens, Spurs assistant coach 1994-1996.

67- Dennis Rodman, 1993-1995. Rodman had two amazing championship eras. His first with the Pistons and his second with the Bulls. He had an intermission for two seasons in San Antonio where he embraced his inner child and focused less on his game. He was no less great, but his inability to fit with the Spurs leaves more of a lull in his career.

62- Pau Gasol, 2016-2019. This was Pau on his way down from his peak years. A great guy, good player, and a necessary locker room presence, but not in a position to elevate the Spurs during their post-Big Three Era.

59- Tracy McGrady. Played six games between April 16, 2013- June 20, 2013 in what turned out to be his final season.

50- Dominique Wilkins, 1996-1997. Like Gasol, past his prime and on his way toward retirement.

30- Chris Paul, 2024-2025. Paul was considered “past his prime” but showed way more in the tank to the naked eye. Honestly, he grew on me and was glad to see him jump from third to second all-time for steals and assists while wearing a Spurs jersey.

21- Moses Malone, 1994-1995. Malone spent his final NBA season with the Spurs. Apparently this is just where the greats go to retire. Bring it on, LeBron.

See the entire list HERE.

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