[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

Okay one more….

Top TWO players all time:

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

#2 Bird

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

#2 Bird

[llperez]

jordan and kobe then kareem 3rd. Not sure why those guys dont get mentioned on your list.

[llperez]

jordan and kobe then kareem 3rd. Not sure why those guys dont get mentioned on your list.

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

 gimme magic…

as a rook what he did in the finals is something that is mind blowing

[Malik-UniversalParticipant]

 gimme magic…

as a rook what he did in the finals is something that is mind blowing

[M-DYMESParticipant]

The Big O

[M-DYMESParticipant]

The Big O

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

Vote for whoever..

Guys like Kareem, Oscar, Russell didnt even win for best of their position so it would be unlikely. Kobe’s possible though.

[BasterdInABasketParticipant]

Vote for whoever..

Guys like Kareem, Oscar, Russell didnt even win for best of their position so it would be unlikely. Kobe’s possible though.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Chamberlain

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Chamberlain

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

After all the results are in, you should take the top 3 selections and make people vote between those three.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

After all the results are in, you should take the top 3 selections and make people vote between those three.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

The way Wilt absolutely dominated his competition makes him 2nd in my mind.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

The way Wilt absolutely dominated his competition makes him 2nd in my mind.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Kobe

[WizardofOzParticipant]

Kobe

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

This is a debatable question and everyone is entitled to their opinion. So it’s weird ot see that llperez has negs for saying Kobe. Can I agree with his choice? Probably not… but the man does have 5 rings, is arguably the best player to come out of high school (until LeBron starts getting rings), and he has had a prolific NBA careers full of scoring records and wins. If llperez says Kobe, he should be able to say that without any backlash. everyone is entitled to their opinion IMO

As for my choice, if I had to pick, I would probably say Magic Johnson. His career came to an end too soon and we will always be left to wonder WHAT IF he didn’t retire? Would he be number 1 in assists? How many more chips would have? How many more points would he have had? Any more MVPs? Any more finals MVPs? the list goes on but we’ll never know and what is done is done

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

This is a debatable question and everyone is entitled to their opinion. So it’s weird ot see that llperez has negs for saying Kobe. Can I agree with his choice? Probably not… but the man does have 5 rings, is arguably the best player to come out of high school (until LeBron starts getting rings), and he has had a prolific NBA careers full of scoring records and wins. If llperez says Kobe, he should be able to say that without any backlash. everyone is entitled to their opinion IMO

As for my choice, if I had to pick, I would probably say Magic Johnson. His career came to an end too soon and we will always be left to wonder WHAT IF he didn’t retire? Would he be number 1 in assists? How many more chips would have? How many more points would he have had? Any more MVPs? Any more finals MVPs? the list goes on but we’ll never know and what is done is done

[Detroit BucketsParticipant]

 Wilt, Kareem or Magic.

 

 

[Detroit BucketsParticipant]

 Wilt, Kareem or Magic.

 

 

[tuck243Participant]

Wilt won 2 championships…

[tuck243Participant]

Wilt won 2 championships…

[tuck243Participant]

I have to put Kobe ahead of Magic though…  So, mine would be…. MJ, Kareem, Bill Russell, Kobe, Magic/Bird, Big O, Wilt…….. It’s crazy when you actually think about the G.O.A.T. though… The list isn’t that big and you really don’t want to NOT give players proper due. 

[tuck243Participant]

I have to put Kobe ahead of Magic though…  So, mine would be…. MJ, Kareem, Bill Russell, Kobe, Magic/Bird, Big O, Wilt…….. It’s crazy when you actually think about the G.O.A.T. though… The list isn’t that big and you really don’t want to NOT give players proper due. 

[KHAM83Participant]

You can make a cased for Tim Duncan @ #2.

What he did for that Franchise and the city of San Antonio. Not to mention, he never played with a true all-star in their prime, The Admiral was returning from breaking both his ANKLES the previuose season and never was the same, and say all you want about Parker/Ginobli, but Duncan made them who they are.

***Clear up what Im saying about Parker/Ginobli, but if some will argue that Jordan gets credit for making Pippen (Multiple All-Stars, multiple 1st-Team selections) then Timmy gets credit for making Parker/Ginobli great too.

[KHAM83Participant]

You can make a cased for Tim Duncan @ #2.

What he did for that Franchise and the city of San Antonio. Not to mention, he never played with a true all-star in their prime, The Admiral was returning from breaking both his ANKLES the previuose season and never was the same, and say all you want about Parker/Ginobli, but Duncan made them who they are.

***Clear up what Im saying about Parker/Ginobli, but if some will argue that Jordan gets credit for making Pippen (Multiple All-Stars, multiple 1st-Team selections) then Timmy gets credit for making Parker/Ginobli great too.

[FLYNTFLOSSYBABY]

and popeye jones

[FLYNTFLOSSYBABY]

and popeye jones

[kanyedabestParticipant]

tongue out like 23…. man how can u say wilt the stilt when u werent even alive to watch him….. i hate when guys in r age group say oya chamberlin or russell were boss, its sooo annoying, u wernet even alive pick someone who uve seen play on tv…… for me the best player ive ever seen is kobe bryant and he wud b ma pick as #2…… 5 rings, our generations definition of a cold blooded killer on the court

[kanyedabestParticipant]

tongue out like 23…. man how can u say wilt the stilt when u werent even alive to watch him….. i hate when guys in r age group say oya chamberlin or russell were boss, its sooo annoying, u wernet even alive pick someone who uve seen play on tv…… for me the best player ive ever seen is kobe bryant and he wud b ma pick as #2…… 5 rings, our generations definition of a cold blooded killer on the court

[mwalling2117Participant]

Wilt.  He was like a man amongst boys, and the only reason he only won 2 championships is that he had to go up against the stacked Celtics teams who had about 7 hall-of-famers on it.

[mwalling2117Participant]

Wilt.  He was like a man amongst boys, and the only reason he only won 2 championships is that he had to go up against the stacked Celtics teams who had about 7 hall-of-famers on it.

[frogmanParticipant]

As soon as I opened this I told myself that some douche would say either Brian Cardinal or Brian Scalabrine. I was right. 

Anywho, this is obviously personal opinion and I’ll just say Kareem although I wish Wilt was born 10 years later so you could compare them against each other, that woulda been cool. 

[frogmanParticipant]

As soon as I opened this I told myself that some douche would say either Brian Cardinal or Brian Scalabrine. I was right. 

Anywho, this is obviously personal opinion and I’ll just say Kareem although I wish Wilt was born 10 years later so you could compare them against each other, that woulda been cool. 

[OhCanada-Participant]

Its between Matt Bonner, Brian Scalabrine, Darko Milicic, and John Bryant. Just for you froggy, just for you.

[OhCanada-Participant]

Its between Matt Bonner, Brian Scalabrine, Darko Milicic, and John Bryant. Just for you froggy, just for you.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If you were in a league picking the all-time greats and you have the 2nd pick I think you would look
at a player who was unique and could really control the game. If the league has ten teams then you could take Magic
at number 2 and have your leader, ball handler passer, and a guy who can get you the clutch basket or make the clutch
play. Magic would also be a good first option on offense or a great second option. He would also be a great secondary rebounder
who could help out the primary rebounder on the boards. If you have a ten team league there is only one MJ (Kobe is a halfway decent rival),
then 5 awesome centers with Wilt, Kareem, Russell, Shaq, and Hakeem. But, there is only one Magic.

So if you draft Magic 2nd then you would figure some of those big men come off the board but with your second round pick guys like
Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Dr. J, probably Jerry West or Big O, and possibly even Kobe, Larry Bird or Hakeem.

I think a combination of Magic and a pick of Bird, Duncan, or Kobe would be deadly. Then with your 3rd pick you could get a solid center (if you didn’t already get one) like Nate Thurmond, patrick Ewing, or Dwight Howard. Or if you need a 3/4 Dirk or Pippen might be there.
So after 3 picks you could come away with something like Magic, Dr. J, and Dwight Howard at worst. Or something more traditional like Magic, Tim Duncan, and Scottie Pippen which would give you an awesome low post offensive weapon and defensive threat, a superb point guard, and an athletic, versatile, defensive wing player in Scottie Pippen (who would defend MJ, Kobe, Bird, and West). Those 3 guys would have you covered and all you would lack would be a scoring 2 guard (maybe Piston Pete, Clyde Drexler, or Reggie Miller) and a solid center like Dikembe,
Robert Parrish, or Artis Gilmore.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

If you were in a league picking the all-time greats and you have the 2nd pick I think you would look
at a player who was unique and could really control the game. If the league has ten teams then you could take Magic
at number 2 and have your leader, ball handler passer, and a guy who can get you the clutch basket or make the clutch
play. Magic would also be a good first option on offense or a great second option. He would also be a great secondary rebounder
who could help out the primary rebounder on the boards. If you have a ten team league there is only one MJ (Kobe is a halfway decent rival),
then 5 awesome centers with Wilt, Kareem, Russell, Shaq, and Hakeem. But, there is only one Magic.

So if you draft Magic 2nd then you would figure some of those big men come off the board but with your second round pick guys like
Tim Duncan, David Robinson, Dr. J, probably Jerry West or Big O, and possibly even Kobe, Larry Bird or Hakeem.

I think a combination of Magic and a pick of Bird, Duncan, or Kobe would be deadly. Then with your 3rd pick you could get a solid center (if you didn’t already get one) like Nate Thurmond, patrick Ewing, or Dwight Howard. Or if you need a 3/4 Dirk or Pippen might be there.
So after 3 picks you could come away with something like Magic, Dr. J, and Dwight Howard at worst. Or something more traditional like Magic, Tim Duncan, and Scottie Pippen which would give you an awesome low post offensive weapon and defensive threat, a superb point guard, and an athletic, versatile, defensive wing player in Scottie Pippen (who would defend MJ, Kobe, Bird, and West). Those 3 guys would have you covered and all you would lack would be a scoring 2 guard (maybe Piston Pete, Clyde Drexler, or Reggie Miller) and a solid center like Dikembe,
Robert Parrish, or Artis Gilmore.

[tuck243Participant]

that the league was condensed back then, with only like 8 teams.  Bill Simmons did a spread on how false that was, WILT PLAYED WITH THE SAME AMOUNT OF ALL-STARS RUSSELL DID.  Wilt was selfish everyone who played with him knows it.  It’s an overrall package, not ONLY numbers.  If that’s the case Magic shouldn’t be top 5… 

KHAM- Good point on Timmy D, but I think he was more consistent than anything else.   It’s hard to put him above players that added things to their game and was dominate at a point of time.  Timmy was not…

KaynedaBest- Because that’s how it supposed to be… Kids born In ’98 haven’t seen Jordan play at a high level, so what LeBron should be the greatest to them?  NO great Basketball fanatic should only look at present players…  That’s blasphemous…

 

[tuck243Participant]

that the league was condensed back then, with only like 8 teams.  Bill Simmons did a spread on how false that was, WILT PLAYED WITH THE SAME AMOUNT OF ALL-STARS RUSSELL DID.  Wilt was selfish everyone who played with him knows it.  It’s an overrall package, not ONLY numbers.  If that’s the case Magic shouldn’t be top 5… 

KHAM- Good point on Timmy D, but I think he was more consistent than anything else.   It’s hard to put him above players that added things to their game and was dominate at a point of time.  Timmy was not…

KaynedaBest- Because that’s how it supposed to be… Kids born In ’98 haven’t seen Jordan play at a high level, so what LeBron should be the greatest to them?  NO great Basketball fanatic should only look at present players…  That’s blasphemous…

 

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

Magic wins out because of his versatility. He may have been the best all-around player in NBA history (yes, better than the Big O and more versatile than MJ). I highly doubt we’ll ever see a 6′ 9" PG like him again.

[GlenTaylorSucksParticipant]

Magic wins out because of his versatility. He may have been the best all-around player in NBA history (yes, better than the Big O and more versatile than MJ). I highly doubt we’ll ever see a 6′ 9" PG like him again.

[iguapops420Participant]

 You can tell the Kobe haters on here are in full force. I’m with Perez. Kobe then Kareem followed by Russell(Simply off titles) then Magic. Wilt simply put up numbers against guys who were 6-7 inchers shorter than himself yet stil couldn’t get the job done when he met someone of relative size(Russell). I’m personally not a fan of comparing players of that generation to ours though as the athleticism, skill, and tempo of the game has changed VASTLY.

[iguapops420Participant]

 You can tell the Kobe haters on here are in full force. I’m with Perez. Kobe then Kareem followed by Russell(Simply off titles) then Magic. Wilt simply put up numbers against guys who were 6-7 inchers shorter than himself yet stil couldn’t get the job done when he met someone of relative size(Russell). I’m personally not a fan of comparing players of that generation to ours though as the athleticism, skill, and tempo of the game has changed VASTLY.

[frogmanParticipant]

Greatly appreciated OhCanada.  Gimme Bonner any day of the week. Out of the few Spurs games I watched last year I’m pretty sure he never missed a 3.

[frogmanParticipant]

Greatly appreciated OhCanada.  Gimme Bonner any day of the week. Out of the few Spurs games I watched last year I’m pretty sure he never missed a 3.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I wonder who would be the ideal player to put next to Magic if you had the 2nd and 12th picks in a 10 team league. Bird would be awesome if he is on the board at 12. Or Kobe. Or Hakeem if he drops somewhat. Then Duncan. Jerry West or Oscar
Robertson would be a good backcourt team mate with Dr. J being an awesome running mate.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

I wonder who would be the ideal player to put next to Magic if you had the 2nd and 12th picks in a 10 team league. Bird would be awesome if he is on the board at 12. Or Kobe. Or Hakeem if he drops somewhat. Then Duncan. Jerry West or Oscar
Robertson would be a good backcourt team mate with Dr. J being an awesome running mate.

[justus510Participant]

 wilt because he basically dominated..In his rookie season he averaged 36 points and 27 rebounds.he should have had at least 3 championships.

[justus510Participant]

 wilt because he basically dominated..In his rookie season he averaged 36 points and 27 rebounds.he should have had at least 3 championships.

[DoubleNickelsDurr55Participant]

The numbers alone have to make Wilt the 2nd best all time. Even watching old film of the guy he was virtually ungaurdable in his era. He is what most teams always wish they had and most certainly is the reason teams take a chance on big guys when they end up turning into busts n e ways.

[DoubleNickelsDurr55Participant]

The numbers alone have to make Wilt the 2nd best all time. Even watching old film of the guy he was virtually ungaurdable in his era. He is what most teams always wish they had and most certainly is the reason teams take a chance on big guys when they end up turning into busts n e ways.

[mwalling2117Participant]

I would really a link or something to the Simmons thing, cause when he was on the Lakers and Sixers he had the talent, but there was no way he had the supporting cast when he was on the Warriors.  Wilt was selfish at times (a lot of times), but most the NBA greats were considered selfish at times (Wilt more than most, but you get the point).

[mwalling2117Participant]

I would really a link or something to the Simmons thing, cause when he was on the Lakers and Sixers he had the talent, but there was no way he had the supporting cast when he was on the Warriors.  Wilt was selfish at times (a lot of times), but most the NBA greats were considered selfish at times (Wilt more than most, but you get the point).

[apb540Participant]

Allen Iverson. Just give me a dam big man to put aside him and I am in. 

[apb540Participant]

Allen Iverson. Just give me a dam big man to put aside him and I am in. 

[tuck243Participant]

Page 60… Myth #1… Bill Simmons: The Book of Basketball

http://books.google.com/books?id=oLCSBeuStRcC&pg=PA73&lpg=PA73&dq=Bill+Simmons+on+Wilt&source=bl&ots=SLzo6Jo3cr&sig=Ly1uaSNfM0FtUM5HmIeQQqngH1U&hl=en&ei=oydMS67SOY3KsQOFxbiKAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBYQ6AEwBTgU#v=onepage&q=Bill%20Simmons%20on%20Wilt&f=false

 

[tuck243Participant]

Page 60… Myth #1… Bill Simmons: The Book of Basketball

http://books.google.com/books?id=oLCSBeuStRcC&pg=PA73&lpg=PA73&dq=Bill+Simmons+on+Wilt&source=bl&ots=SLzo6Jo3cr&sig=Ly1uaSNfM0FtUM5HmIeQQqngH1U&hl=en&ei=oydMS67SOY3KsQOFxbiKAQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=6&ved=0CBYQ6AEwBTgU#v=onepage&q=Bill%20Simmons%20on%20Wilt&f=false

 

[tuck243Participant]

Everything is incorporated into that… INCLUDING RINGS…  Wilt, Oscar, and Karl Malone just don’t have enough to be considered at the top… The only player that really has an excuse is Malone because he played in Jordan’s era (which no one won, but Hakeem who snuck in when MJ left)

[tuck243Participant]

Everything is incorporated into that… INCLUDING RINGS…  Wilt, Oscar, and Karl Malone just don’t have enough to be considered at the top… The only player that really has an excuse is Malone because he played in Jordan’s era (which no one won, but Hakeem who snuck in when MJ left)

[tuck243Participant]

Your reasoning behind this?

[tuck243Participant]

Your reasoning behind this?

[sameolGParticipant]

Right now I’d have to say Magic but when Kobe’s career is over he’ll definetly be the closest to Jordan

[sameolGParticipant]

Right now I’d have to say Magic but when Kobe’s career is over he’ll definetly be the closest to Jordan

[iguapops420Participant]

 realistically I’d have Kareem ahead of Kobe, though IMO, Kareem is the best of all time. Longevity/individual accomplishments/collegiate success/awards. The only things he needs is a personality.

I’d probably say though

Jordan

KAJ

Kobe

Russell(albeit like I said I hate adding players I never saw live)

Magic

Bird

Chamberlain

Olajuwon

West

Duncan10a. Shaq10b.

[iguapops420Participant]

 realistically I’d have Kareem ahead of Kobe, though IMO, Kareem is the best of all time. Longevity/individual accomplishments/collegiate success/awards. The only things he needs is a personality.

I’d probably say though

Jordan

KAJ

Kobe

Russell(albeit like I said I hate adding players I never saw live)

Magic

Bird

Chamberlain

Olajuwon

West

Duncan10a. Shaq10b.

[TiosecoParticipant]

I AM A KOBE FAN. I STARTED WATCHING BASKETBALL BECAUSE OF HIM.

I think that everyone just thinks Kobe is overrated because his stats aren’t as dominant or impressive compared to Lebron’s, jordan’s or other players. But the truth is, for you to truly appreciate Kobe and his greatness, you would have to WATCH AND OBSERVE how he plays the game. This is even more evident now than it was before asd he doesn’t have the elite athleticism he used to have that he can use just to push by and blow past people. Now, after 15 seasons, 3 knee surgeries, and several finger injuries, he has to use his mind more than ever.

This style of play has obviously hampered his stats and productivity but, its not about stats for him anymore. It’s about winning championships. Yes, he still takes bad shots. Yes, he’s a passive defender at times. But you can’t deny the success he’s had. If he’s such a terrible player who has to improve on almost every aspect of his game as you guys say, then why does he win so much? He may not be the best player in terms of in-game dominance or stats anymore. But he’s still certainly the best in terms of will to win, skill and leadership.

When it’s all said and done. Soon after Kobe retires, that’s when you’ll all realize his contributions to this game and appreciate his greatness.

[TiosecoParticipant]

I AM A KOBE FAN. I STARTED WATCHING BASKETBALL BECAUSE OF HIM.

I think that everyone just thinks Kobe is overrated because his stats aren’t as dominant or impressive compared to Lebron’s, jordan’s or other players. But the truth is, for you to truly appreciate Kobe and his greatness, you would have to WATCH AND OBSERVE how he plays the game. This is even more evident now than it was before asd he doesn’t have the elite athleticism he used to have that he can use just to push by and blow past people. Now, after 15 seasons, 3 knee surgeries, and several finger injuries, he has to use his mind more than ever.

This style of play has obviously hampered his stats and productivity but, its not about stats for him anymore. It’s about winning championships. Yes, he still takes bad shots. Yes, he’s a passive defender at times. But you can’t deny the success he’s had. If he’s such a terrible player who has to improve on almost every aspect of his game as you guys say, then why does he win so much? He may not be the best player in terms of in-game dominance or stats anymore. But he’s still certainly the best in terms of will to win, skill and leadership.

When it’s all said and done. Soon after Kobe retires, that’s when you’ll all realize his contributions to this game and appreciate his greatness.

[MagikKnickParticipant]

 Lew Alcindor

[MagikKnickParticipant]

 Lew Alcindor

[PlatypusParticipant]

 My Top Ten

1 MJ

2 Wilt

3 Magic

4 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Lew Alcindor

5 Oscar Robertson

6 Larry Bird 

7 Tim Duncan

8 Bill Russell

9 Shaq

10 Kobe

[PlatypusParticipant]

 My Top Ten

1 MJ

2 Wilt

3 Magic

4 Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Lew Alcindor

5 Oscar Robertson

6 Larry Bird 

7 Tim Duncan

8 Bill Russell

9 Shaq

10 Kobe

[DunksNJordans23Participant]

 Sorry to sound like a broken record but I gotta go with Wilt as well, not only for what he did on the court but also off it. Wilt’s dick has been in more holes than my brians got on a cat scan.

[DunksNJordans23Participant]

 Sorry to sound like a broken record but I gotta go with Wilt as well, not only for what he did on the court but also off it. Wilt’s dick has been in more holes than my brians got on a cat scan.

[DukeBryantParticipant]

 Bill Russell should be #2 then the list falls like this

• Kareem Abdul Jabbar
• Wilt Chamberlian
• Magic Johnson ( Crazy if you think Kobe is the best Laker)
• Larry Bird
• Hakeem Olajuwon
• Kobe Bryant
• Jerry West
• Oscar Robertson

[DukeBryantParticipant]

 Bill Russell should be #2 then the list falls like this

• Kareem Abdul Jabbar
• Wilt Chamberlian
• Magic Johnson ( Crazy if you think Kobe is the best Laker)
• Larry Bird
• Hakeem Olajuwon
• Kobe Bryant
• Jerry West
• Oscar Robertson

[TokenWhiteGuyParticipant]

Wilt Chamberlian

[TokenWhiteGuyParticipant]

Wilt Chamberlian

[surveParticipant]

I am partial to people who I have seen play and Magic is a close 2nd in my book.  Plus, you guys can neg me all you want, I dont give a damn, but MJ and Magic would be just as good in ANY era, Wilt and Russell, would not.  Again, if you are talking about greatness and what they accomplished, those guys are unparallelled, but talking about BEST gimme the 2 MJ’s anyday.

[surveParticipant]

I am partial to people who I have seen play and Magic is a close 2nd in my book.  Plus, you guys can neg me all you want, I dont give a damn, but MJ and Magic would be just as good in ANY era, Wilt and Russell, would not.  Again, if you are talking about greatness and what they accomplished, those guys are unparallelled, but talking about BEST gimme the 2 MJ’s anyday.

[kevnix5Participant]

I think people overrate Wilt because of his gaudy numbers but remember Bill Russell put up pretty good numbers himself and won 11 championships. Honestly I don’t think you can compare players from pre-1980 to players today anyways. Do you think Oscar Robertson would average a triple double for a season today or that Lebron wouldn’t put up a triple double for his career if he played back then? 2nd best player is a really good argument but if we are talking talent wise I’ll take Kobe. If we are looking at stats/championships you have to take Wilt or Russell. Honestly though I would take Shaq or Hakeem Olajuwon over those two anyday. Hakeem is probably the best all around center to ever play in the NBA and nobody has dominated like Shaq over the past 30 years. Imagine Hakeem and Shaq playing against 6’6" white guys every night.

[kevnix5Participant]

I think people overrate Wilt because of his gaudy numbers but remember Bill Russell put up pretty good numbers himself and won 11 championships. Honestly I don’t think you can compare players from pre-1980 to players today anyways. Do you think Oscar Robertson would average a triple double for a season today or that Lebron wouldn’t put up a triple double for his career if he played back then? 2nd best player is a really good argument but if we are talking talent wise I’ll take Kobe. If we are looking at stats/championships you have to take Wilt or Russell. Honestly though I would take Shaq or Hakeem Olajuwon over those two anyday. Hakeem is probably the best all around center to ever play in the NBA and nobody has dominated like Shaq over the past 30 years. Imagine Hakeem and Shaq playing against 6’6" white guys every night.

[aamir543Participant]

Kareem. He was just so good for so long. Just watching that sky hook gives me shivers.

[aamir543Participant]

Kareem. He was just so good for so long. Just watching that sky hook gives me shivers.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

@kevnix5

 

The game is always going to evolve. You have to respect players for what they accomplished during their era.

 

I’d go with Kareem as the second best player of all time though.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

@kevnix5

 

The game is always going to evolve. You have to respect players for what they accomplished during their era.

 

I’d go with Kareem as the second best player of all time though.

[kevnix5Participant]

I completely respect the players for what they accomplished. In my opinion Bill Russell is the most accomplished basketball player of all time but this is about who the 2nd best player is and I have a tough time accepting Wilt or Russell could have done what Shaq and Hakeem did. I think they both still would have been very good players but not the best. I have no problem with you saying Kareem as the second best though because he was so good for so long in two different eras of basketball. I still take Kobe (my least favourite NBA superstar ever) all time over anybody other than Jordan.

[kevnix5Participant]

I completely respect the players for what they accomplished. In my opinion Bill Russell is the most accomplished basketball player of all time but this is about who the 2nd best player is and I have a tough time accepting Wilt or Russell could have done what Shaq and Hakeem did. I think they both still would have been very good players but not the best. I have no problem with you saying Kareem as the second best though because he was so good for so long in two different eras of basketball. I still take Kobe (my least favourite NBA superstar ever) all time over anybody other than Jordan.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

It’s unfair to compare them to Shaq and Hakeem though. The game, training, sports medicine… Humans in general have evolved since then.

That’s why it’s best to just judge players based on what they did during their eras and not based on what they "could’ve" done in some other era.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

It’s unfair to compare them to Shaq and Hakeem though. The game, training, sports medicine… Humans in general have evolved since then.

That’s why it’s best to just judge players based on what they did during their eras and not based on what they "could’ve" done in some other era.

[willie wise fanParticipant]

i think if a team would jus give him a chance john bryant could be a hof player some day

[willie wise fanParticipant]

i think if a team would jus give him a chance john bryant could be a hof player some day

[WizardofOzParticipant]

I agree with Tezo. It’s not fair to comare different generations in this sport. People that played back then like Wilt and Russell might have been just as dominant in today’s game if they had the training and healthcare that NBA players do today. I used to think the same way kevnix5 does, but now I’ve learned to respect all players for what they did in their generations.

[WizardofOzParticipant]

I agree with Tezo. It’s not fair to comare different generations in this sport. People that played back then like Wilt and Russell might have been just as dominant in today’s game if they had the training and healthcare that NBA players do today. I used to think the same way kevnix5 does, but now I’ve learned to respect all players for what they did in their generations.

[kevnix5Participant]

You are right the players today have obvious advantages in training and sports medicine. I just think there needs to be a point somewhere around 1980 where you seperate these lists. It truly is impossible to compare them.

[kevnix5Participant]

You are right the players today have obvious advantages in training and sports medicine. I just think there needs to be a point somewhere around 1980 where you seperate these lists. It truly is impossible to compare them.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Think of it this way, if somebody with the same skill level upperhand, athletic upperhand, and physical upperhand as Wilt Chamberlain had in his time but born in 1980 with modern day training, medicine, learning material AND still had the same amount of upperhand. 

He would be completely dominant.  

Not sure if that made sense but I tried to word it as close as possible to how I think of it.

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Think of it this way, if somebody with the same skill level upperhand, athletic upperhand, and physical upperhand as Wilt Chamberlain had in his time but born in 1980 with modern day training, medicine, learning material AND still had the same amount of upperhand. 

He would be completely dominant.  

Not sure if that made sense but I tried to word it as close as possible to how I think of it.

[Bad DogParticipant]

I totally agree with Tezo and TOL-23 on this. I see this constantly on this site where posters use the "but they played against unathletic 6’6 white guys" excuse (which is untrue btw). People have to understand that back then they didn’t have the advancements in training and medicine that they have now and besides there were lots of athletic players back then, they just played a different style. It seems illogical to think that super-athletes didn’t exist until now like it’s some new step in evolution. "Hot dogging"  as they put it was frowned on majorly back then. Hell, the reason why set shots were so popular in the early days was because if your feet left the ground while shooting, expect to get kicked in the legs by the opposing players. Basketball is constantly evolving and in 30 years they’ll probably be playing a different style than they do now. I actually ranked Russell ahead of Jordan because i believe his 11 championships will never be replicated. Now i’m taking anything away from Jordan who i loved watching play, but i have to appreciate and respect Russell and the other players from pasts’ accomplishments.

[Bad DogParticipant]

I totally agree with Tezo and TOL-23 on this. I see this constantly on this site where posters use the "but they played against unathletic 6’6 white guys" excuse (which is untrue btw). People have to understand that back then they didn’t have the advancements in training and medicine that they have now and besides there were lots of athletic players back then, they just played a different style. It seems illogical to think that super-athletes didn’t exist until now like it’s some new step in evolution. "Hot dogging"  as they put it was frowned on majorly back then. Hell, the reason why set shots were so popular in the early days was because if your feet left the ground while shooting, expect to get kicked in the legs by the opposing players. Basketball is constantly evolving and in 30 years they’ll probably be playing a different style than they do now. I actually ranked Russell ahead of Jordan because i believe his 11 championships will never be replicated. Now i’m taking anything away from Jordan who i loved watching play, but i have to appreciate and respect Russell and the other players from pasts’ accomplishments.

[Mr. ChicagoParticipant]

Bill Russell.

[Mr. ChicagoParticipant]

Bill Russell.

[tdav005Participant]

If you go by eras and domination then #2 of all time has to wilt his career averages are something retarded there something like 30ppg 23rpg 4.5apg! And one season he even averaged like 50ppg 25rpg wtf! But he played against centers at the time that were like 6’8…. But if you truly know basketball and respect it I would say its a toss up between Kobe and Magic right now.  They played in eras where the teams were more balanced and the league was more competitive  But when Lebron’s career is over I think it will more than likely be him you can’t deny his game he has it all regardless of the meltdown this year.

[tdav005Participant]

If you go by eras and domination then #2 of all time has to wilt his career averages are something retarded there something like 30ppg 23rpg 4.5apg! And one season he even averaged like 50ppg 25rpg wtf! But he played against centers at the time that were like 6’8…. But if you truly know basketball and respect it I would say its a toss up between Kobe and Magic right now.  They played in eras where the teams were more balanced and the league was more competitive  But when Lebron’s career is over I think it will more than likely be him you can’t deny his game he has it all regardless of the meltdown this year.

[tuck243Participant]

Am I the only one who thinks Hakeem is overrated?  I mean he only has 2 rings and been to the finals twice… One MVP and didn’t win ROY even though he was picked 1st. When he did get those rings he played on stacked teams.  Penny and Shaq were young with Shaq not being as dominate offensively like in L.A…  The Dreams block shots "SOUND" impressive, but since yall love stats so much "BLOCKS" wasn’t even counted back in Wilt and Bill Russell days… His post game "LOOKED" great, but wasn’t dominant… He was over shadowed, because the most relevent Center of the Era as far as I can remember was Ewing… But it might have been East Coast bias too "Knick Games"… At 7 foot, 250 and Wilt being 7’1 250 I don’t think the Dream had an advantage at all…  And yall forgetting how athletic Wilt and Bill was… Wilt used to dunk his freethrows!!!!!

And no one is mentioning Kareem EVEN Wilt said Alcindor was THAT great…  Out of Magic and Kareem who has the most rings? MVP’s? Numbers? And that Rookie finals MVP? If Kareem didn’t go down with a sprained ankle in game 5 HE WOULD HAVE 3 FINALS MVP’s… He was averaging 33 points per game… Go do your research on that Legend… 

Kobe and Magic… If yall gave Kobe hell for having Shaq on his team, why NOT Magic?  He played with Kareem his ENTIRE career (THE 2nd GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL-TIME), Big Game James Worthy (MVP), Norm Nixen, Bob McAdoo (MVP), Jamaal Wilkes, and Michael Cooper… ALL  All-Stars (But Cooper, Defensive POY tho)… Kobe had Shaq, Pau, Artest, Rice and Malone/Payton (which shouldn’t count). 

Now, I’ma say they are even in the stats and jewelry department… So they even right?  Look closely at their games… Kobe NO HOLES, Magic No Jumper, Defensive liability… KOBE wins for me!!!

[tuck243Participant]

Am I the only one who thinks Hakeem is overrated?  I mean he only has 2 rings and been to the finals twice… One MVP and didn’t win ROY even though he was picked 1st. When he did get those rings he played on stacked teams.  Penny and Shaq were young with Shaq not being as dominate offensively like in L.A…  The Dreams block shots "SOUND" impressive, but since yall love stats so much "BLOCKS" wasn’t even counted back in Wilt and Bill Russell days… His post game "LOOKED" great, but wasn’t dominant… He was over shadowed, because the most relevent Center of the Era as far as I can remember was Ewing… But it might have been East Coast bias too "Knick Games"… At 7 foot, 250 and Wilt being 7’1 250 I don’t think the Dream had an advantage at all…  And yall forgetting how athletic Wilt and Bill was… Wilt used to dunk his freethrows!!!!!

And no one is mentioning Kareem EVEN Wilt said Alcindor was THAT great…  Out of Magic and Kareem who has the most rings? MVP’s? Numbers? And that Rookie finals MVP? If Kareem didn’t go down with a sprained ankle in game 5 HE WOULD HAVE 3 FINALS MVP’s… He was averaging 33 points per game… Go do your research on that Legend… 

Kobe and Magic… If yall gave Kobe hell for having Shaq on his team, why NOT Magic?  He played with Kareem his ENTIRE career (THE 2nd GREATEST PLAYER OF ALL-TIME), Big Game James Worthy (MVP), Norm Nixen, Bob McAdoo (MVP), Jamaal Wilkes, and Michael Cooper… ALL  All-Stars (But Cooper, Defensive POY tho)… Kobe had Shaq, Pau, Artest, Rice and Malone/Payton (which shouldn’t count). 

Now, I’ma say they are even in the stats and jewelry department… So they even right?  Look closely at their games… Kobe NO HOLES, Magic No Jumper, Defensive liability… KOBE wins for me!!!

[surveParticipant]

I am always one of the loudest when it comes to shouting DO NOT compare players of different eras.  I still do NOT believe Wilt would be as dominant, if dominant at all.  But thats why you should NOT compare.

Its more than just modern medicine and training….look closely…SKILLS have evolved.  Magic wasnt all that athletic.  Being a 6’9" PG with skills or a 6’6" guard like Jordan, or even today, a 6’8" 275lber like LBJ or 240lber like Joe Johnson WITH SKILLS has nothing to do with training…hell you can look at guys like Anthony Davis and see that.  Players are 6’11" with guard-like skills before they ever hit a weight room. 

If they were back in that day, they would have the skills that were developed at that time, they would be post guys, not primary ballhandlers.  There were great athletes back then, so thats not an excuse, its just that there were a lot of athletes with no skills and a lot of skilled players with no athleticism.   The ones with the best set of skills and athleticism mixed stood above the crowd. 

Thats not to say that training isnt advanced now, but , as the game evolved, bigger players developed different skillsets to match that athletic acumen.   Magic started a trend if you will, he broke sterotypes and prototypes.  Then everyone that watched him growing up wanted to be like him, no matter how tall they were.  Magic truly transcended the game like no other…not to mention, if it werent for him and Bird…the NBA wouldve been outta business.

[surveParticipant]

I am always one of the loudest when it comes to shouting DO NOT compare players of different eras.  I still do NOT believe Wilt would be as dominant, if dominant at all.  But thats why you should NOT compare.

Its more than just modern medicine and training….look closely…SKILLS have evolved.  Magic wasnt all that athletic.  Being a 6’9" PG with skills or a 6’6" guard like Jordan, or even today, a 6’8" 275lber like LBJ or 240lber like Joe Johnson WITH SKILLS has nothing to do with training…hell you can look at guys like Anthony Davis and see that.  Players are 6’11" with guard-like skills before they ever hit a weight room. 

If they were back in that day, they would have the skills that were developed at that time, they would be post guys, not primary ballhandlers.  There were great athletes back then, so thats not an excuse, its just that there were a lot of athletes with no skills and a lot of skilled players with no athleticism.   The ones with the best set of skills and athleticism mixed stood above the crowd. 

Thats not to say that training isnt advanced now, but , as the game evolved, bigger players developed different skillsets to match that athletic acumen.   Magic started a trend if you will, he broke sterotypes and prototypes.  Then everyone that watched him growing up wanted to be like him, no matter how tall they were.  Magic truly transcended the game like no other…not to mention, if it werent for him and Bird…the NBA wouldve been outta business.

[tuck243Participant]

We suppose to give him some type of lead way on the list?  If that’s the case Penny should be somewhere up there too…  If you recall PENNY is probably one of your favorite NBA player’s favorite player…  I give Magic credit, but people don’t realize how he threaten to go back to Michagan State if he didn’t go to the Lakers… I love Magic absolutly LOVE Magic, but I can’t be "Bias" because what he’s done for the game…  Wilt made the game watchable, Bird-Magic made the game competitve with flair, Jordan took it to a new arena and LeBron is bringing it back…  But it’s not a popularity contest brother… 

Skills = envolvement of the game…  Every generation adds things to the game unlike before… But STILL you have to include those players and their ERA… Wilt wanted his stats sooo bad… At 7’2 250 running like a gazelle in today’s league WANTING to score 50…  You think Wilt wouldn’t be effective?  If Shaq, D. Howard, Amare, or whomever had the DESIRE to score 50 like Wilt did, then it would be a different story… Wilt LIVED for his stats, hell he refused to foul out EVER!!! a 7’2, 250, fast athletic dude like Wilt TRYING to score 50 will have a place in today’s league… Name the Top 5 centers playing today….  I’ll wait………………………………….

[tuck243Participant]

We suppose to give him some type of lead way on the list?  If that’s the case Penny should be somewhere up there too…  If you recall PENNY is probably one of your favorite NBA player’s favorite player…  I give Magic credit, but people don’t realize how he threaten to go back to Michagan State if he didn’t go to the Lakers… I love Magic absolutly LOVE Magic, but I can’t be "Bias" because what he’s done for the game…  Wilt made the game watchable, Bird-Magic made the game competitve with flair, Jordan took it to a new arena and LeBron is bringing it back…  But it’s not a popularity contest brother… 

Skills = envolvement of the game…  Every generation adds things to the game unlike before… But STILL you have to include those players and their ERA… Wilt wanted his stats sooo bad… At 7’2 250 running like a gazelle in today’s league WANTING to score 50…  You think Wilt wouldn’t be effective?  If Shaq, D. Howard, Amare, or whomever had the DESIRE to score 50 like Wilt did, then it would be a different story… Wilt LIVED for his stats, hell he refused to foul out EVER!!! a 7’2, 250, fast athletic dude like Wilt TRYING to score 50 will have a place in today’s league… Name the Top 5 centers playing today….  I’ll wait………………………………….

[Author]

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