The 2000s were a golden era for the NBA. From flashy point guards and dominant big men to cold-blooded scorers and defensive juggernauts, the league was overflowing with talent and personality. This decade gave us unforgettable rivalries, playoff drama, and the rise of global superstardom.
Whether you were all about the Lakers’ dynasty, the Spurs’ quiet excellence, or watching Allen Iverson break ankles in baggy shorts, there was something for everyone. This list looks back at the best of the best from 2000 through 2009—no duplicates, no debates (okay, maybe a few), just pure basketball greatness.
30. Andre Iguodala
Iguodala was a do-it-all wing before that was trendy. He defended the best player, filled the stat sheet, and played smarter than the box score suggested.
29. Peja Stojakovic
If you needed a bucket from beyond the arc, Peja was your guy. He brought European flair and deadeye shooting to those fun Kings teams of the early 2000s.
28. Chris Webber
Webber’s versatility as a big man made him a matchup nightmare. He had a silky jumper, elite passing, and powered Sacramento’s best run in franchise history.
27. Shawn Marion
The Matrix filled every column on the stat sheet, making it look effortless. His funky shot might’ve been unorthodox, but his game was pure impact.
26. Yao Ming
Injuries cut his career short, but when Yao played, he was unstoppable. The league had never seen a player of his size with that kind of touch and footwork.
25. Amar’e Stoudemire
With Steve Nash lobbing him passes, Amar’e was a human highlight reel. Explosive, powerful, and fearless at the rim, he brought serious punch to the Suns’ offense.
24. Chauncey Billups
Steady, clutch, and always in control, Billups earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for a reason. He ran the show in Detroit and helped deliver a title in 2004.
23. Elton Brand
One of the most consistent big men of the decade, Brand quietly was a double-double machine. He combined old-school post moves with underrated athleticism.
22. Ray Allen
Before he broke hearts in Miami, Ray was one of the purest shooters of the decade. He also had serious bounce and could score from anywhere on the floor.
21. Gilbert Arenas
Agent Zero was electric and unpredictable in the best way. When he caught fire, he could drop 40 before you finished your popcorn.
20. Vince Carter
Half-Man, Half-Amazing made every dunk feel like an event. But he was more than just a highlight reel—Vince could score, pass, and carry a team when needed.
19. Steve Francis
Francis brought swagger, speed, and above-the-rim theatrics to the Rockets in the early 2000s. He was a blur in transition and a nightmare for slower guards.
18. Pau Gasol
Smooth and skilled, Pau had one of the most refined post games of the era. He was the perfect sidekick for Kobe and brought much-needed finesse to LA’s frontcourt.
17. Jermaine O’Neal
For a stretch, Jermaine was one of the most dominant two-way bigs in the league. He blocked shots, grabbed boards, and gave Indiana a real shot in the East.
16. Baron Davis
When locked in, Baron Davis was a force of nature. He blended power and flash with a flair for the dramatic, especially during the Warriors’ “We Believe” run.
15. Paul Pierce
Pierce wasn’t the fastest or the flashiest, but he got buckets. Clutch, confident, and unshakable, The Truth made his name by coming through when it mattered.
14. Chris Bosh
Bosh carried the Raptors through the 2000s with his silky jumper and rebounding tenacity. He was the big one who could stretch the floor before that was the norm.
13. Dwight Howard
Before the injuries and drama, Dwight was a physical marvel. He dominated the paint defensively and led the Magic to the Finals with sheer strength and athleticism.
12. Tony Parker
Speed, craftiness, and that unstoppable teardrop—Parker was a nightmare to guard. He ran the Spurs’ offense perfectly and showed up big in the playoffs.
11. Tracy McGrady
T-Mac had the smoothest game of anyone in the league. He made 40-point nights look routine and could do almost everything on the floor.
10. Jason Kidd
Kidd didn’t need to score to change a game. His vision, leadership, and defense made him one of his era’s most complete point guards.
9. Steve Nash
Two MVPs and a whole lot of beautiful basketball. Nash ran the Suns like a maestro and made everyone around him better.
8. Allen Iverson
Iverson was pound-for-pound the toughest player of the 2000s. He led the league in scoring, took a team to the Finals, and inspired a generation with his grit.
7. Kevin Garnett
KG brought intensity to every possession and backed it up with elite defense and a reliable mid-range game. He was the emotional heartbeat of every team he played on.
6. Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk changed the game for big men with his shooting. The one-legged fadeaway was unguardable, and his offensive toolkit kept evolving all decade.
5. Dwyane Wade
Flash burst onto the scene and never looked back. With his fearless drives and clutch gene, Wade owned the mid-to-late 2000s.
4. Tim Duncan
Quiet dominance defined Tim Duncan’s 2000s. He was a model of consistency, team-first play, and postseason excellence.
3. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq was still in full force during the early 2000s, bullying defenders and racking up rings. He was unstoppable in the paint and a force of nature.
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2. Kobe Bryant
The 2000s were Kobe’s playground—titles, All-Stars, scoring titles, and unforgettable moments. He was relentless, skilled, and always chasing greatness.
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1. LeBron James
LeBron entered the league in 2003 and immediately looked like the future. By the decade’s end, he was already one of the most complete players the NBA had ever seen.
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