50 Greatest Players in NBA History. As selected in 1996 by a blue-ribbon panel of media; former players and coaches; current and former general managers; and team. Alongside the selection of the 50 greatest players, was the selection of the Top 10 Coaches in NBA History. The list was compiled based upon unranked selection. The NBA has some of the biggest stars who professional sports fans have ever seen, but who is the greatest NBA player of all time? This list of top NBA players is ranked by basketball fans worldwide and based on popular opinion. If you want an expert opinion click here. Who are the best NBA players? Panelists were asked to select the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History, without regard to position. Voters did not rank their selections and former players were not. B/R NBA Legends 100: Ranking the Greatest Players of All Time By Adam Fromal, National NBA Featured Columnist Apr 1, 2015 50 Greatest NBA Players of All Time: Where Do LeBron James and Kobe Bryant Rank? By Ethan S, Analyst Sep 30, 2011 The 2014-2015 NBA season tips off on Tuesday night under great anticipation and expectations, particularly due to the power shift within the Eastern Conference. Top 50 Greatest NBA Players Of All-Time: Where Jordan, Kobe, LeBron And Bird Land On The Basketball List SI.com is proud to offer our list of the Top 100 Players of 2015, an exhaustive exercise that seeks to define who will be the NBA's best this season.