Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise: everybody plays to win. Winning is all that matters, it’s what motivates the best players in the world, it’s the reason why this league is so great.
But, with the NBA being so full of stacked teams and talented players, winning is something you can never take for granted, as it’s one of the most difficult things to do.
However, throughout the last decade, some players made a habit out of winning. And today, we’re going to let you know about the top 10 winningest players of the decade:
10. LaMarcus Aldridge – 446
LaMarcus Aldridge had a rough time in the league back in the day, but he helped turn the Portland Trail Blazers into a contending team. Obviously, leaving for the San Antonio Spurs also helped him take his numbers up a notch, making him the 10th player of our list. Notably, he’s played a massive role in most of his team’s victories since entering the league.
9. Stephen Curry – 454
Stephen Curry had to endure a long tough patch with the Golden State Warriors when he first entered the league. However, he kept the hard work to become the greatest shooter in the history of the game and the leader of the most entertaining team in the decade. After a tough start to his career, he’s now the 9th winningest player of the past decade, and a 3-time NBA Champion.
8. Andre Iguodala – 465
For the last 5 seasons, all Andre Iguodala has done is winning. Winner of 3 rings and 1 Finals MVP, he also played a major part in the Golden State Warriors’ recent success. However, he was well used to winning before making it to the bay, as he started off the decade as a member of the Philadelphia 76ers before joining the Denver Nuggets. Now, he’s waiting for the Grizzlies to trade him to a contender to keep on the winning.
7. Kyle Korver – 466
Believe it or not, Kyle Korver is one of the biggest winners of the decade. He’s always kept a low profile, but played a huge role in his team’s offensive success. He was a part of the league-leading Atlanta Hawks, played for the Cavaliers, Jazz and is now playing for the Bucks, who have the league’s best record. He’ll go down as one of the best shooters to ever lace them up.
6. Danny Green – 469
If you talk about winners you definitely have to talk about Danny Green. He’s made it to 3 NBA Finals and has won a couple of rings. He played a huge part in the Spurs’ offense thanks to his reliable three-point shooting, and was a part of the trade that sent Kawhi Leonard to the Raptors. Now, he’s starting at the shooting guard spot for the Los Angeles Lakers.
5. Kevin Durant – 473
Kevin Durant is a born winner. That’s all the thinks about, and he’s worked his heart off to prove that he’s one of the league’s finest. After turning the Thunder into a contender, he took his talents to the Warriors and won a couple of NBA Championships and Finals MVPs at the Bay. Now, he’ll start this decade in one of the most promising teams in the league.
4. Russell Westbrook – 480
Ironically, Russell Westbrook now has more wins last decade than Kevin Durant, but he doesn’t have any rings to show for it. He embraced a leadership role with the Thunder, but with the team entering rebuild mode, he was eventually traded to play next to James Harden in the Houston Rockets. Now, he’ll have to prove that he’s a winner when it matters the most.
3. Serge Ibaka – 497
Except for a short stint with the Orlando Magic, Serge Ibaka has always been on winning teams. He endured a couple of bad seasons with the Thunder and then helped them turn them into contenders, now, he’s an NBA Champion and one of the locker room leaders for the Toronto Raptors. Also, he’s evolved with the league and is now way more than just a rim protector.
2. James Harden – 502
Believe it or not, James Harden is the second-winningest player of the decade. However, he’s yet to make it back to the NBA Finals and has struggled mightily in the playoffs throughout his career. Now, he has Russell Westbrook by his side to try and put an end to the Rockets’ championship drought. He’s the most unstoppable scorer in the league, so he must deliver in the postseason.
1. LeBron James – 510
And obviously, LeBron James is the decade’s biggest winner, a surprise to none. Besides winning 3 rings and 3 MVPs in this period of time, James completely owned the regular season. He made it to 8 straight trips to the Finals and while his record in that stage isn’t the best, you just can’t deny the greatness of a guy that has dominated the league for 17 seasons.
