I know I've started this conversation previously, but I just couldn't help myself with all the MJ's 50th / MJ v. LBJ talk.. Here's my squad: C: W. Chamberlain, H. Olajuwon, S. O'Neal PF: B. Russell, K. Abdul-Jabbar SF: L. James, L. Bird SG: M. Jordan, K. Bryant PG: M. Johnson, O. Robertson, J. West HC: C. Daly *Notable cuts: I. Thomas. It was tough leaving my personal all-time favorite player off this team (perhaps the greatest leader in the game's history). But, the experts who saw them all seem to be in complete agreement that Magic and Oscar are 1-2; so, it's tough to make that argument. And I think that West might bring a little more versatility off the bench as a do-it-all combo-guard / three-point specialist / shut-down small guard defender. T. Duncan. I don't make a big distinction between centers and power forwards. Big men are big men to me. And while Duncan is, undoubtedly, the greatest power forward of all-time. There are five centers who I think were better big men (Russell and Kareem were both at least 20lbs lighter than Duncan anyways). R. Miller. I personally think that Kobe Bryant is grossly overrated. But I couldn't quite pull the trigger. M. Malone / D. Robinson. Didn't really consider either. But, great players who I felt at least deserved mention here.
Depends on if you're just naming names, or actually want to put a cohesive team on the floor. That starting 5 has no identity. It has no real perimeter shooters. I wouldn't put Wilt and Russell on the floor together. Plus you have two big men like that paired with 3 guys who can get out and run. I would find a place for Stockton who would have a field day on a squad like this and get everyone involved.
Whoa, whoa, whoa. WHOA. WHOA. 1) Wilt and Russell were both star track athletes in college. There aren't any big men in the history of the game who could run - or pass - like them (I guess Walton could pass like them). They would be PERFECT running in a Magic-led offense with MJ and LeBron on the wings. Also, no combination in the game's history would be able to defend the paint like Wilt and Russell!? Did you take that into consideration!? 2) Did you just insinuate that Stockton would be better able to distribute the ball among four other players than Magic? Did you.. 3) No Identity? Let's see. Defense. 4 of the 5 starting positions have the best defender ever to play the position. Fast-break offense? I couldn't pick 5 better players to run if I tried (and I didn't). Winners? Bill Russell and MJ are probably the greatest winners of all-time (Magic, Wilt and LeBron have won some 'things' as well..). Unselfish? Russell, Magic and LeBron are probably the three most unselfish stars in the game's history. 4) No perimeter shooters? The greatest perimeter shooters in the game's history aren't in the starting lineup, no. But leave MJ and LeBron open out at the three point line and see what happens.
