VanNuck Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Michael Jordan is the greatest basketball player of all time. Or is he? Widely heralded for his unprecedented feats, there are still however some players who could lay claim to be better. Magic Johnson In my books, Magic, not Michael is the best player of all time, and I believe even some Bulls fans may partially agree. If Michael isn’t the greatest, than it is Magic. First, Johnson had unparalleled vision, intelligence, and anticipation (akin to Gretzky in hockey) which allowed him second-to-none control of the game and kept his entire team one step ahead. This, along with his team leadership, helped his entire team step up and deliver, more so than Jordan’s Bulls. Second, he was perhaps the most versatile player. Nominally a point guard, Johnson’s size and all-around skill allowed him to play any position. That was evident early in his career when centerman Kareem Abdul-Jabar was lost to injury during the 1981 Finals and Johnson stepped in at center to lead his Lakers to a championship. Sure, he has one fewer ring than Michael – but his career had been shortened to 12 seasons versus Michael’s 15. In that span though, Johnson made nine Finals appearances, and possibly could have won more championships if for, among other reasons, he didn’t have to face the next guy on this list. Larry Bird You could accurately call him a poor man’s Magic, though his competitive drive probably would not tolerate being second to his arch-rival. Poor man’s or not, Larry Bird possesses the same qualities of vision, intelligence, and anticipation, affording him elite control of the game and helping his entire team step up and deliver. Bird may have only three championships to Johnson’s five or Jordan’s six, but among other things, he’s had to deal with knee injuries which shortened his career, as well as having to get past superstars like Johnson. It would’ve also helped has his original coach, the great Bill Fitch remained. Still, he made the most of every situation and worked to deliver when the odds were against him. Bill Russell Perhaps the second most controversial name on this list; Russell was the game’s most dominant defensive player and a fairly underrated offensive player, but unlike most stars, he was primarily focused on making his whole team play better and elevating them to the challenge. The result was 11 championships in 13 seasons. And he didn’t have it easy, he’s had to go through superstars like Oscar Robertson, Eglin Baylor, and most notably Wilt Chaimberlain. Without a doubt, his 11th and final title was his most impressive. His Celtics by that time were aging, and several of his better teammates were lost to retirement. Facing a younger, more talented Lakers team, Russell and co. were billed as underdogs, yet managed to upset the star-laden squad – featuring both Chaimberlain and Baylor – in seven games. LeBron James Until the King retires, the debate will still be up in the air if he is superior to His Airness. But so far, LeBron James is shaping up to be a more athletic version of Magic Johnson. His combination of vision, athleticism, and leadership helped him emerge as unquestionably the most dominant player in the game today. James has also reaped his successes much earlier than Jordan. In just his fourth season, he managed to lead his Cleveland Cavaliers to the NBA Finals, albeit losing in four straight games. Five seasons later, he won his first championship – one season sooner than Jordan won his first ring. James is only 30 right now, and has enough runway to win more rings than Jordan. Isaiah Thomas Arguably the most controversial name on this list, Thomas has often been vilified on the basketball scene. But his claim to fame came in the late 80s, when he proved to be the only guy capable of beating Bird, Johnson, or Jordan. His ascent twice denied the Johnson and the Lakers a championship in the 1988 and 89 Finals. His efforts were thwarted only once Michael Jordan teamed up with coach Phil Jackson and the triangle offense to break Thomas’ relentless defensive tactics. Kareem Abdul-Jabar Abdul-Jabar’s all-round ability have led commentators to name him the greatest center of all time, and for good reason. He, not Jordan, is the NBA record holder for points scored, field goals made, defensive rebounds, and blocks. He, together with Magic Johnson, formed an integral part to the Lakers’ 80s dynasty, winning five championships – as well as having won the 1971 championship with the Bucks. His signature skyhook and incredible finesse made him elusive and unstoppable, while his height allows him to block shots. He was also a natural leader who drive his teams to be better, his reputation earned him the name “captain” or “cap” by his colleagues. So here is my list of folks who have a chance to be better than his airness. I know many basketball fans will disagree, or might have other names. But it’s worthwhile to think outside the box and see if number 23 has any challengers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odd. Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Nice read. I'd also have Kobe Bryant up there in the ranks IMHO. LeBron no doubt the best player in the NBA. His name will definitely be thrown out there and could even be compared to Michael Jordan. As a basketball fan, and a huge fan of KD, Durant could also make a case for himself as one of the better players if not probably the best player in the NBA (some do think this). I would say LeBron James > Kevin Durant anyday, however, not by a huge margin IMHO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiggs50 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Michael Jordan is the best basketball player ever. You could make a case for some guy's but no one is better than MJ. Magic probably comes the closest. The compete level, the athleticism, the clutchness, and to top it off his 6-0 finals record. MJ was basically the perfect basketball player. Also was a stud defensively. Won defensive player of the year. The only thing he didn't have was an elite 3 point shot (which he mastered sorta late in his career) I'm a Lebron guy, but it's disrespectful not to include Kobe on your list. You've got Isiah there but not Mamba!? Damn. 1.MJ 2. Magic 3. Kareem 4. Bill Russell 5. Duncan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob.Loblaw Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Michael Jordan is the best basketball player ever. You could make a case for some guy's but no one is better than MJ. Magic probably comes the closest. The compete level, the athleticism, the clutchness, and to top it off his 6-0 finals record. MJ was basically the perfect basketball player. Also was a stud defensively. Won defensive player of the year. The only thing he didn't have was an elite 3 point shot (which he mastered sorta late in his career) I'm a Lebron guy, but it's disrespectful not to include Kobe on your list. You've got Isiah there but not Mamba!? Damn. 1.MJ 2. Magic 3. Kareem 4. Bill Russell 5. Duncan Wow. Where is Bird? Bird can be argued as the second best player of all time. If there was one guy who had to make a buzzer beater shot, I think most people would pick Bird. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lil B From The Pack Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I lol at Duncan. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiggs50 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Wow. Where is Bird? Bird can be argued as the second best player of all time. If there was one guy who had to make a buzzer beater shot, I think most people would pick Bird.5 rings > 3 rings. Larry Bird was great but he had some of the most stacked teams ever. Larry is 6th on my list. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiggs50 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 I lol at Duncan.Let's see your list... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
desiboynux4lifee******* Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Robert Horry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spoderman Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Um, Luke Walton? c'mon guys Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bob.Loblaw Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Let's see your list... List is basically the same except Bird takes place of Duncan. MJ - Russell - Magic - Kareem - Bird. But again, Bird takes the last shot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiggs50 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 List is basically the same except Bird takes place of Duncan. MJ - Russell - Magic - Kareem - Bird. But again, Bird takes the last shot. I chose Duncan cause of the 2 extra rings and his overall 2 way game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tony Romo Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Andrea Bargnani Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87Crosby Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Jordan Magic Bird Kareem Lebron Duncan Kobe Russell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Boudreau Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Jordan has said numerous times tongue in cheek of course that Kobe stole all his moves. He doesn't think Lebron should be mentioned with him and never compliments him but always thinks if there is anyone Kobe is right behind him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jiggs50 Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Jordan has said numerous times tongue in cheek of course that Kobe stole all his moves. He doesn't think Lebron should be mentioned with him and never compliments him but always thinks if there is anyone Kobe is right behind him.Kobe is the closest reassembling player to Jordan there ever will be. Kobe copied MJ and did a sick job of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shiznak Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 1. Matt Bonner Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maginator Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Dennis Rodman hands down Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
I R Baboon Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Top 10 IMO in no order MJ Wilt Bill Russell Oscar Robertson Magic Jerry West Bird Kobe Dr.J Lebron Its just so hard leave out guys like KAJ, Hakeem, Duncan, Thomas Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanuckofSteel Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 All the lists so far are a joke, there is only 1 player that is the greatest of all time and there will only be 1 Brian Scalabrine aka "The White Mamba" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KansasCanuck Posted August 3, 2015 Share Posted August 3, 2015 Matthew "the roach" Dellavedova. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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