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NBA: Top 15 Players Of The 2010s

Andrew Weimer

Published

3 days ago

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 29: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrates his three pointer during a 104-96 win over the Indiana Pacers at Staples Center on November 29, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

These are the top 15 NBA players between 2010-2020:

15. Draymond Green

TORONTO, CANADA – MARCH 1: Chris Paul #3 and Draymond Green #23 of the Golden State Warriors celebrate at the end of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on March 1, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)

Draymond Green was the backbone of the Warriors’ 2010s dynasty, earning three championships, a Defensive Player of the Year award, 3 All-Star selections, and 2 All-NBA honors. His greatest contribution came as a defensive anchor and playmaker for one of the most formidable teams in NBA history.

14. Dirk Nowitzki

In the early 2010s, Dirk Nowitzki entered the twilight of his prime, securing his first and only NBA championship in 2011 by defeating LeBron’s Heat. A 6-time All-Star and 3-time All-NBA player, Dirk’s impact and longevity cemented his place as one of the greatest players of all time.

13. Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan, much like Nowitzki, displayed incredible longevity throughout the 2010s. While his offensive game gradually declined, his elite defense and consistent presence in Defensive Player of the Year conversations kept him relevant. He won his final championship with the Spurs in 2014.

12. Giannis Antetokounmpo

PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 24: Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a dunk during the NBA Paris Game match between Charlotte Hornets and Milwaukee Bucks on January 24, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

Although Giannis truly emerged in the latter part of the decade, his dominance was undeniable. The Greek Freak claimed an MVP, Most Improved Player award, and finished second in Defensive Player of the Year voting, showcasing his all-around game and growth as one of the NBA’s most versatile stars.

11. Klay Thompson

Klay Thompson solidified his place as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history during the Warriors’ dynasty. Consistently averaging 20 points with elite shooting splits and stifling defense, Klay earned 5 All-Star selections, 2 All-NBA honors, and 3 championships in the 2010s.

10. Dwyane Wade

Dwyane Wade was an 8-time All-Star, 4-time All-NBA, and 2-time NBA champion in the 2010s. His partnership with LeBron James created an almost unstoppable duo, although his performance did take a dip in the mid-2010s.

9. Kyrie Irving

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – FEBRUARY 05: Kyrie Irving #11 of the Dallas Mavericks reacts during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 05, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Kyrie Irving made his mark with an unforgettable clutch shot over Steph Curry in the 2016 NBA Finals, helping secure Cleveland’s first-ever championship. A 6-time All-Star and 2-time All-NBA selection, Kyrie’s dazzling skill set and ability to perform in the clutch earn him the 9th spot.

8. Paul George

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 16: Paul George #13 of the Los Angeles Clippers celebrates after a three-point basket during the fourth quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Crypto.com Arena on January 16, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images)

Paul George’s prime, one of the most underrated in NBA history, saw him face off against LeBron at his peak. An elite two-way player with the Pacers and Thunder, PG was a 6-time All-Star and 4-time All-NBA player, proving his prowess on both ends of the floor.

7. Chris Paul

Chris Paul’s exceptional passing and leadership defined the 2010s, especially with the Lob City Clippers. A 7-time All-Star and 6-time All-NBA selection, CP3’s vision and basketball IQ placed him among the league’s best point guards of all time.

6. James Harden

James Harden dominated the decade with his elite scoring and playmaking, averaging 33 points per game over a three-year stretch. A 7-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA, and MVP, Harden’s offensive arsenal made him one of the most unstoppable forces in NBA history.

5. Russell Westbrook

DALLAS, TEXAS – JANUARY 14: Russell Westbrook #4 of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on January 14, 2025 in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sam Hodde/Getty Images)

Russell Westbrook, the man behind the triple-double revolution, became only the second player in history to average a triple-double for an entire season, doing so for three consecutive years. An MVP winner, Westbrook’s relentless energy and athleticism made him a nightmare for defenders.

4. Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard was arguably the best two-way player of the 2010s, winning two Defensive Player of the Year awards while also serving as a primary offensive option for the Spurs. His move to the Raptors resulted in a historic championship run, where he led Toronto to their first-ever NBA title, defeating the Warriors in the Finals.

3. Kevin Durant

PHOENIX, ARIZONA – DECEMBER 31: Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns reacts after dunking during the second half against the Orlando Magic at Footprint Center on December 31, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

Kevin Durant is one of the most gifted scorers in NBA history, with a unique 7-foot frame and guard-like skills. A 2014 MVP, 10-time All-Star, and 9-time All-NBA player, Durant’s decision to join the Warriors turned them into a juggernaut, adding another layer of scoring firepower to an already historic team.

2. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry didn’t just play the game—he changed it. By revolutionizing the three-point shot, Curry made deep shooting a central element of modern basketball. With 2 MVPs and 3 NBA championships, Curry’s influence on the game cannot be overstated.

1. LeBron James

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 07: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers drives in for a layup against the New Orleans Pelicans in the first half of the West semifinal game of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

LeBron James was the undisputed best player of the 2010s—and perhaps the greatest of all time. During the decade, he won 3 MVPs, 3 championships, made 10 All-NBA teams, and was an All-Star 10 times. LeBron’s ability to elevate any team he joined made him the league’s most dominant force throughout the 2010s.

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