Bleacher Report’s recent release of its ranking of the Top 100 NBA players of all time has sparked significant backlash, particularly regarding the placement of late basketball icon Kobe Bryant. The list, which was compiled by a panel of NBA experts, writers, and editors, positioned Bryant at number 11, just outside the top ten, a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from several notable figures in the sport.
According to Bleacher Report, the ranking process involved evaluating a comprehensive range of factors, including players’ overall NBA careers, cumulative statistics, awards, playoff performances, championships, cultural impact, and overall greatness. The outlet ranked Michael Jordan as the greatest player in history, followed closely by LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in second and third places, respectively. Shaquille O’Neal, a former teammate of Bryant on the Los Angeles Lakers, was placed sixth.
O’Neal was quick to express his disapproval, calling Bryant’s position “criminal” in a post on X. His sentiments were echoed by Klay Thompson, who was ranked 98th, and who shared his disbelief on Instagram. Thompson reposted a segment from Etan Thomas‘s podcast, “The Collision: Sports and Politics,” where Thomas criticized the ranking, questioning how Bryant could be listed as the 11th greatest player of all time.
“The level of Kobe disrespect is crazy to see,” Thomas remarked during his podcast. “In what world is he number 11 all-time? Let’s be honest; none of this disrespect was happening when he was still here.”
Thompson further amplified the discussion by posting a video montage of Bryant’s most memorable dunks from the 2001-2002 season, a period when fans affectionately referred to the player as “Frobe” due to his distinctive short afro. Thompson’s post included a caption that read, “And this is just Fro-be #8… WTF is wrong with ya’ll?” accompanied by a crying laughing emoji.
Bryant, who enjoyed a storied career with the Lakers, finished as a five-time NBA champion, an 18-time All-Star, and an 11-time first-team All-NBA selection. His legacy remains deeply ingrained in the fabric of basketball, and his ranking has reignited conversations about the criteria used to evaluate players across different eras.
As discussions continue, it is clear that Kobe Bryant’s impact on the game and his standing among the greatest players will remain a point of contention for fans and analysts alike.
