44 replies to this topic

[cubbies4life]

IMHO this one has to be broken down into the different eras of the game since it has changed so much over the years. If you go way back you have Bob Cousy, Wilt, Bill Russell, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Bob Petit....in the 70's you had Jerry West (again/still), Willis Reed, Walt Frazier, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul Jabbar)....80's had Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Dr. J, Dominique Wilkens, Isaiah Thomas, The start of MJ's run, the 90's had Reggie Miller, John Stockton, Tim Duncan,....wow, just thinking about this 1) shows my age and 2) makes me think about when the game was truly basketball.

In my opinion, if you had a chance to see Larry Bird make some passes that were just unreal, MJ going so high he seemed to elevate even after he left his feet, Magic making the game look so easy, Bill Russell playing defense and making it look easy....this debate could go on for ever!

Oh, for the days when they truly played basketball - a team could beat a player, they all played defense, guards and big men were at a premium....man, I must be getting old fawning for the old days! LOL

I agree with you 100%. Not the same game.

[rollercoaster]

And, unfortunately, I am not convinced that it is better....flashier, yes, but not better....

[ramoth]

1. The Big O who average a triple double for his career I think - 60's
2. Wilt the Stilt - 70's
3. Bird/Magic - 80's cant have one without the other
4. MJ - 90's
5. Bron - today

The Big O averaged a triple double once in 1962. His career averages: 25.7ppg, 7.5 rpg, 9.5 apg
Wilt's NBA career was from 1959-73


If I had all of history to choose a starting five from they would be:
Chamberlain(center)
Duncan(pf)
Bird(sf)
Jordan(sg)
Magic(pg)

Edited by ramoth, 01 February 2010 - 08:43 AM.

[OTCONFANS]

OK
1. MJ
2. KOBE
3. WILT
4. JAMES
5. KAREEM

MJ first because he is MJ
Kobe second because kobe right now is honestly the best ball player
wilt just was amazing
james he is fourth he is good but their are plenty of better players in the nba
and finally kareem with out him there would be no HOOKSHOT

[scoop27]

1. Jordan
2. Russell
3. Wilt
4. Magic
5. Oscar

(6. LeBron)


Not much controversy here, I'm afraid.

[CleverLeopard]

1. Michael Jordan-- this one is given.


2. Larry Bird-- arguably the greatest shooter of all time, Bird was also one of the smartest players of all time. He was always 3 or 4 plays ahead of everyone else on the court.


3. Pete Maravich-- the greatest college scorrer ever and the most talented with a basketball, the first million-dollar pro in any sport, and the only white man to be recruited by the Globbetrotters, had it not been for injury, he would've had a stellar NBA career.


4. Bill Russel-- probably the most underrated player in the history of the NBA. What he did for his team could not be measured by mere statistics. That is why the Chamberlain v. Russel debate is not even a debate.


5. Lebron James-- he might not be all the way there yet, but let's face it; whether you like him or not, he will be one of the top 5 greatest of all time...without a doubt

[Dr. Pirate]

1-MJ
2-Bird
3-Wilt
4-Kareem
5-John Stockton

[labatts69]

1. Michael Jordan-- this one is given.


2. Larry Bird-- arguably the greatest shooter of all time, Bird was also one of the smartest players of all time. He was always 3 or 4 plays ahead of everyone else on the court.


3. Pete Maravich-- the greatest college scorrer ever and the most talented with a basketball, the first million-dollar pro in any sport, and the only white man to be recruited by the Globbetrotters, had it not been for injury, he would've had a stellar NBA career.


4. Bill Russel-- probably the most underrated player in the history of the NBA. What he did for his team could not be measured by mere statistics. That is why the Chamberlain v. Russel debate is not even a debate.


5. Lebron James-- he might not be all the way there yet, but let's face it; whether you like him or not, he will be one of the top 5 greatest of all time...without a doubt

i like your list! i was surprised that no one else had mentioned pistol pete before

[syndony]

Phil Ford - Best tempo control guard - before shot clock
Larry Miller - won countless games by himself - 3 final fours (had to win ACC)
James Worthy - fastest and strongest power forward - Dean's first title
Tyler Hansbrough - most intensive player ever - breaks all records
Michael Jordan - what can I say


Hard to leave out Lennie Rosenbluth and Charlie Scott

[ramoth]

Nobody else mentioned Maravich because he doesn't belong on the list.

Why he did not have a stellar NBA career is irrelevant, greatness is based only on what a given player actually did accomplish not what he might have done if they were healthy.

[Louden Swayne]

Jordan

Chamberlain

Dr. J

Bob Cousy

Robertson

[Eagle1]

Do not mean to cause a huge up roar here, but how can lebron be in the top five? Sure he has the stats, but his hand is empty.. Why do you play a sport? to win... plain and simple.. Lebron has not done that yet, will he be up there? Yes he has the potential but in my opinion he can not be there now

[FrOnT RoW JOE]

He will get his, no need to worry, and because actually he has won since he been in the league...just hasnt made it to the top, but has been close.....

[Eagle1]

He has been close... but no cigar. All the other players getting compared for these top five spots have gotten the rings, and won the championships. Like i said he might be there, but right now he can't be in the top five

[Tyrone Shoelaces]

1. Michael Jordan
2. Lew Alcindor/Kareem Jabbar
3. Larry Bird
4. Jerry West
5. Bill Russell

[ADog]

Do not mean to cause a huge up roar here, but how can lebron be in the top five? Sure he has the stats, but his hand is empty.. Why do you play a sport? to win... plain and simple.. Lebron has not done that yet, will he be up there? Yes he has the potential but in my opinion he can not be there now

I know this is a basketball thread, but by your reasoning...... Does that mean Dan Marino is NOT one of the greatest QB's to play the game?

[SoaringEagle]

Your right, Dan Marino is ONE of the greatest.. top five? i dont like to think so... Its a matter of opinion though, I take manning over him any day of the week... Why? because he wins. sure dan marino won his games, but not the big one, Brady wins, Starr wins, Montana wins, which again is why you play I wont take anything away from dan marino at all, but it ask who the top five EVER and imo Lebron is good, top five ever..... dont think so, too early in his career to tell

[sportsnut]

the thread is top players ever. not top players with rings. look at the cavalier team that lebron completely turned around in the last six years. if lebron played for the bulls when mj did..he would have six rings too. lebron james is one of the best players to ever play this game.

[roarintiger1]

Top Five:

Jabbar
Chamberlain
Jordan
Robertson
Soon to be: James & Bryant

New Category.....Top five white guys....

Bird
West
Havlicek
Walton
Maravich

[cubbies4life]

the thread is top players ever. not top players with rings. look at the cavalier team that lebron completely turned around in the last six years. if lebron played for the bulls when mj did..he would have six rings too. lebron james is one of the best players to ever play this game.

Not sure about that.