WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 7: Vince Carter #15 of the Toronto Raptors plays against the Washington Wizards on November 7, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
15. Vince Carter: Vince Carter was one of the most consistent players throughout the 2000s, he was an 8 time All-Star and a 2 time All-NBA player.
14. Dwight Howard
CHARLOTTE – APRIL 24: Center Dwight Howard #12 of the Orlando Magic collects himself before a free throw attempt during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Charlotte Bobcats during the 2010 NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena on April 24, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. The Magic beat the Bobcats 90-86. (Photo by Mike Zarrilli/Getty Images)
Dwight Howard was one of the best defensive players of all time, especially in his early years. While his stint in the 2000s was shorter than others, he led his team to the NBA finals while being a 3 time All-Star and defensive player of the year winner.
13. Jason Kidd
11 Dec 2001: Guard Jason Kidd #5 of the New Jersey Nets pushes the ball upcourt against the Chicago Bulls in second half action at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. Kidd had 17 points as the Nets defeated the Bulls 107-93. DIGITAL IMAGE 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. Mandatory copyright notice: Copyright 2001 NBAE Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Jason Kidd is one of the greatest distributors in NBA history, he has the ability to make any pass and be an elite point guard in any system. He was a 6x All-Star and an elite pound for pound defender at his size.
12. Paul Pierce
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – OCTOBER 22: Former Boston Celtics, Paul Pierce, holds the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy during the NBA Championship Ring ceremony prior to the game against the New York Knicks at TD Garden on October 22, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Brian Fluharty/Getty Images)
Paul Pierce was a legit bucket in the 2000s, he was awarded with 7 All-Stars and 5 All-NBA appearances during the 2000s, as well as winning an NBA championship along with Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.
11. Ray Allen
SEATTLE – JANUARY 9: Ray Allen #34 of the Seattle Sonics smiles during warm up prior to taking on the Memphis Grizzlies on January 9, 2004 at Key Arena in Seattle, Washington. The Sonics won 122-116. 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 Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Ray Allen helped revolutionize basketball with his 3 point shooting and athleticism, he was an 8 time All-Star and 2 time All-NBA during the 2000s. He was also a 1 time champion with the Boston Celtics in 2008.
10. Tracy McGrady
AUBURN HILLS, MI – APRIL 23: Tracy McGrady #1 of the Orlando Magic looks back as he walks to the bench during play against the Detroit Pistons in Game two of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2003 NBA Playoffs at The Palace of Auburn Hills on April 23, 2003 in Auburn Hills, Michigan. The Pistons won 89-77. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2003 NBAE (Photo by Tom Pidgeon/Getty Images)
The 7x All-Star and 2x All-NBA first team appearances landed McGrady in the 10th spot, he was arguably a top 3 scorer in the entire NBA during the 2000s with his ability to score at all 3 levels.
9. Steve Nash
WASHINGTON, DC – FEBRUARY 23: Steve Nash #13 of the Dallas Mavericks warms up before the game against the Washington Wizards on February 23, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
Steve Nash was most known for his time with the Phoenix Suns where he won 2 MVPs by leading the Suns to being one of the best teams in the NBA without too much help.
8. Dwyane Wade
MIAMI, FL – JUNE 17: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat reacts in the first half against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game Three of the 2012 NBA Finals on June 17, 2012 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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 Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
The Flash was an extraordinary player in his time, he combined athleticism with a killer instinct at such a young age. He won an NBA finals with Shaq where he outplayed the Dallas Mavericks and has an amazing season in only his 3rd NBA season.
7. Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers takes a break during the NBA game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Philadelphia 76ers at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, on Sunday, March 27, 2005. The 76ers defeated the Lakers 96-89. (Photo by Kirby Lee/Getty Images)
Allen Iverson had an influence to the game that not many people can say they had, he won an MVP as well as brought a horrible 76ers roster to the NBA finals and put up a valiant effort to win but came up short in the end.
6. LeBron James
WASHINGTON, DC – NOVEMBER 19 : LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on November 19, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
LeBron James started his rookie year with a Rookie of the Year award, followed up by 5 straight All-Star appearances and 5 All-NBA appearances. He most notably led the Cavaliers to a 2007 Finals appearance where they were ultimately swept by the San Antonio Spurs.
5. Dirk Nowitzki
German basketball player Dirk Nowitzki in action for Dallas Mavericks during a preseason game between the Mavericks and the Phoenix Suns, held at Reunion Arena in Dallas, Texas, 30th January 1999. Also in frame in the background are American basketball player Todd Day and American basketball player Michael Finley. (Photo by Andreas Rentz/Bongarts/Getty Images)
Dirk Nowitzki was a type of scorer that was extremely rare in the beginning of his career, for a big man to be able to score from all three levels was not common in the 2000s. Dirk popularized this and was awarded with 8x All-Star, 9x All-NBA team, and a 1x MVP.
4. Kevin Garnett
WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 25: Kevin Garnett #21 of the Minnesota Timberwolves plays against the Washington Wizards on January 25, 2003 at the MCI Center in Washington, DC. 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 G Fiume/Getty Images)
Kevin Garnett is one of the greatest two way players we have ever seen, he has won both an MVP and Defensive Player of the year in the 2000s and was honored with both All-Star appearances and All-NBA appearances every year within the decade. He also won 1 NBA championship to go along with those.
3. Shaquille O’Neal
Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal portrait, September 20, 2000 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)
Shaquille O’Neal did not end the decade on a great note, but he certainly was the best player in the NBA during his earlier years in the 2000s. He and Kobe combined for a three peat and he won an MVP with one of the greatest seasons of all time in 2000.
2. Tim Duncan
23 Apr 2001: Tim Duncan #21 of the San Antonio Spurs during game two of round one of the NBA playoffs against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. The Spurs won 86-69. DIGITAL IMAGE. Mandatory Credit: Ronald Martinez/Allsport
Tim Duncan is the most underappreciated player in NBA history, his defensive prowess and offensive consistency is what makes Mr Fundamental to be one of the best players in NBA history and the 2nd best during the 2000s.
1. Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant #8, Shooting Guard and Small Forward for the Los Angeles Lakers prepares to shoot a free throw during the NBA Pacific Division basketball game against the Sacramento Kings on 12th March 2000 at the STAPLES Center arena in Los Angeles, California, United States. The Lakers won the game 109 – 106. (Photo by Robert Laberge/Getty Images)
The Black Mamba was truly one of the greats, his mentality to give everything he could before, during, and after the game on both ends of the floor proved him to be the best player of the 2000s. He ended up with 3 NBA championships, 1 MVP, and 10 All-NBA appearances during the 2000s.
