Top 10 Players by Position in NBA History

Ginobili top 10 SG all-time? True he was highly underrated his whole career, but he isn’t a top 10 SG of all-time.

nash top 8?

while i dont disagree with who you put above him, the guy did win two mvps in a row. thats got to be worthy of top 5 at least dont you think?

wheres dennis rodman 6 foot 7 averaging 18 boards
alex English?
Mutumbo maybe for spot ten because he was a beast on D
or Dave Cowens perhaps

nowitzki over garnett? no.
I think J Kidd is better than Gary Payton but Payton was great.
I dont know about ginobili, but I can’t thimk of someone else at this time so I wont argue.

Other than that, I like the list. It gives credit to some of our young players today and I liked that.

payton was better than j.kidd they grew up together and he was always better. Payton called jason ason cuz he had no J(jumper) glove was the best defender not as good of a passer as kidd tho

Point Guard:
1) Magic Johnson
2) John Stockton
3) Isiah Thomas
4) Jason Kidd
5) Bob Cousy
6) Gary Payton
7) Walt Frazier
8) Steve Nash
9) Lenny Wilkens
10) Tiny Archibald

Shooting Guard:
1) Michael Jordan
2) Oscar Roberston
3) Kobe Bryant
4) Jerry West
5) Allen Iverson
6) Dwayne Wade
7) George Gervin
8) Reggie Miller
9) Earl Monroe
10) Joe Dumars

Small Forward:
1) Larry Bird
2) Julius Erving
3) Scottie Pippen
4) Elgin Baylor
5) John Havlicek
6) James Worthy
7) Rick Barry
8) Dominique Wilkens
9) Bernard King
10) Paul Pierce

Power Forward:
1) Tim Duncan
2) Karl Malone
3) Kevin Mchale
4) Charles Barkley
5) Bob Pettit
6) Elvin Hayes
7) Kevin Garnett
8) Dirk Nowitzki
9) Dennis Rodman
10) Chris Webber

Center:
1) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2) Shaquille O’Neal
3) Wilt Chamberlain
4) Bill Russell
5) Hakeem Olajuwon
6) Moses Malone
7) David Robinson
8) Patrick Ewing
9) Wes Unseld
10) Artis Gilmore

pistol pete as Pg

Nowitzki over Garnett is just sacreligious, as is Nash over Clyde Frazier in my opinion. Also, as greatv of a player as Hakeem Olajuwon was, I still do not understand how Shaq did not surpass him in his career. Yes, their was the infamous finals, where Hakeem had an amazing finals against the Shaq led Magic, but go back and look at the numbers. Shaq was not exactly a slouch in the series. The fact is, that Shaq used pure physical and athletic dominance to rule the NBA for years. I also think Rick Barry is far too low on your SF list. I think to do a list such as this, you should maybe put more thought and analysis, because this list requires a lot of criteria beyond bias, which kind of appears to be very much present. But again, it is your opinion, but I just think it seems like the list is rushed and not really thought out to the full extent it should be when comparing these postional players.

In a different list…Guys like Mikan??? Wouldn’t be able to hang with Shaq and Hakeem…so just have two seperate list….every one that played in the Ice Age in one list…and every one that played post Dr.J afro in another…

It’s not likely anyone’s seen Mikan and Dave Dubusser play…I can’t even spell that without getting a reference…This is clearly a case of …Old Farts that played in a water downed league(No Blacks and Hispanics) should never be mention with “New jacks” that may lack the IQ of Cousey but would have run him into the ground….One on One Chris Paul vs. Bob Cousey and Cousey looks like a BUM…I know that Cousey is a legend of the sport and help make the way for Paul an Co…But you can’t compare them by putting them in a ” All Time List” together….Make it 2 separate list’s….Old School vs New School….

That way Mikan and others would never be listed with Shaq and Co…It just makes it better to keep them apart…because the only way the young people will respect the “Old guys” is if the old guys never get sized up side by side…Any one with eyes and a brain can see most guys back then lack any real game and were more so products of system…and not All Time Great Basket Ball Players….Rank their game not their Legacy…we know about the History of the NBA…

Un-athletic White Guys running around and dominating until they let blacks into the League and put an end to it…Mikan and Schayes would be bench warmers in todays game….Wilt,Kareem and Oscar are rare breeds because they were clearly all time players no matter what era they played in….can anyone say that George Mikan would get 10 and 10 today with the type of athletes and style of play being incorporated in the game….No…I respect the past…but when I see list like this …I question the intentions…Is it to make new guys or old guys look bad or less like great players….I wonder

@inasilentway68 Dirk Nowitzki is not better all time than Garnett.

Lebron Jame should not be second if he hasn’t won a title yet.

How the heck is Wade over Iverson????

Charles Barkley is the 3rd best PF of all time, even McHale has said so.

@NESTO1977 I like your list much much better, but as I said Barkley is the 3rd best PF of all time.

My Wife and Children are White and I would always pick Bird in the Nintendo Classic Jordan Vs. Bird…

Also my favorite players in the League Today are Steve”The Nash” Nash,Dirk Diggler,David” Double Trouble” Lee, ‘Skinny Mike Miller,Andrew ” A dingo hate my baby” Bogut and
Kirk” yeah my names Kirk” Hinrich (Go Figure I’m a Hinrich guy) also A Big Manu guy now…used to hate those wild ass layups…Honorable mention to Luis Scola(Tough SOB) and Jason”white chocalate” Williams…

Point Guard:
1) Magic Johnson
2) John Stockton
3) Isiah Thomas
4) Gary Payton
5) Bob Cousy
6) Jason Kidd
7) Walt Frazier
8) Oscar Robertson
9) Pete Maravich
10) Steve Nash

Shooting Guard:
1) Michael Jordan
2) Kobe Braynt
3) Jerry West
4) Reggie Miller
5) Allen Iverson
6) Earl Monroe
7) George Gervin
8) Dwyane Wade
9) Joe Dumars
10) Clyde Drexlar

Small Forward:
1) Larry Bird
2) Scottie Pippen
3) Julius Erving
4) Elgin Baylor
5) Rick Barry
6) James Worthy
7) John Havlicek
8) Dominique Wilkens
9) LeBron James
10) Alex English

Power Forward:
1) Tim Duncan
2) Karl Malone
3) Kevin Garnett
4) Charles Barkley
5) Kevin McHale
6) Elvin Hayes
7) Bob Petitt
8) Dirk Nowitzki
9) Dennis Rodman
10) Chris Webber

Center:
1) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
2) Shaquille O’Neal
3) Bill Russell
4) Wilt Chamberlain
5) Hakeem Olajuwon
6) Moses Malone
7) David Robinson
8) Patrick Ewing
9) Bill Walton
10) George Mikan

and why is on a list with Wilt,Shaq and Kareem….end the debate and make 2 different list ….period

I think Raptorsball list is the most accurate IMO.

That’s a stupid pick IMO….Reggie was the best 3 point shooter in the League…Not All Time…That’s Ray Allen and AI was pound for pound the greatest offensive force in the History of the League….If he was 6’4 he would have been illegal….Teams would have protested at the first sign of that Killer Cross over and elite athleticism…AI is arguably over all SG’s not named MJ and Kobe for all the obvious reasons…I’ll end it with that/…

I didn’t say it was completly accurate but it’s close.

I would put Payton #2 PG all time

D-Wade is not a top 10 SG all time.

Kevin Garnett is not top3 PF all time

Shaq cannot go over Hakeem

All of this is IMO

McGrady not in the conversation?

knicksboy – Shaq should definitely go over Hakeem. Shaq was the most dominating center of all time. I alos think Garnett makes top 3 PFs.

i understand that # player apart in the way ppl view a players career but MORE important than # is the able for a player to lead his team and strike fear into the opposition…. every ball fan knows that DEFENSE wins championships and K.G being one of the best Defensive bigs in the game alone puts him infront of (d)IRK…. let us not forget dirk and HIS mavericks blowing a 2 game lead against the Heat a few yrs ago….

p.s i would place mchale ahead of dirk as well

NO MARC JACKSON, the most AST of all time.
Come on no one said his name, dang

i understand that # player apart in the way ppl view a players career but MORE important than # is the able for a player to lead his team and strike fear into the opposition…. every ball fan knows that DEFENSE wins championships and K.G being one of the best Defensive bigs in the game alone puts him infront of (d)IRK…. let us not forget dirk and HIS mavericks blowing a 2 game lead against the Heat a few yrs ago….

p.s i would place mchale ahead of dirk as well

keys of life…. Dont let Fantasy Ball dominant Reality!

Ive always felt garnett was overrated, top 10 for sure, but top 3, nooo wayyy.

how the hell are they above iverson and why is manu on here and there is no ray allen
George Gervin
Dwayne Wade
Clyde Drexler
Reggie Miller
IMO shaq was better then both
Bill Russell
Wilt Chamberlain

I suppose this would be my top 10 list at every position only including guys I’ve seen play live. For example Abdul Jabbar seems pretty low on this list but because I didn’t start watching until the mid 80s I missed his prime, ditto for Dr J and Moses Malone.

PG
1. Magic Johnson
2. Isaiah Thomas
3. John Stockton
4. Gary Payton
5. Jason Kidd
6. Steve Nash
7. Chris Paul
8. Kevin Johnson
9. Chauncey Billups
10. Tim Hardaway

SG
1. Michael Jordan
2. Kobe Bryant
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Clyde Drexler
5. Allen Iverson
6. Reggie Miller
7. Joe Dumars
8. Tracy McGrady
9. Ray Allen
10. Vince Carter

SF
1. Larry Bird
2. Lebron James
3. Scottie Pippin
4. Dominique Wilkins
5. James Worthy
6. Paul Pierce
7. Alex English
8. Julius Erving
9. Carmelo Anthony
10. Adrian Dantley

PF
1. Tim Duncan
2. Karl Malone
3. Kevin Garnett
4. Charles Barkley
5. Dirk Nowitzki
6. Kevin McHale
7. Chris Webber
8. Dennis Rodman
9. Pau Gasol
10. Shawn Kemp

C
1. Hakeem Olajuwon
2. Shaquille O’Neal
3. David Robinson
4. Patrick Ewing
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
6. Moses Malone
7. Alonzo Mourning
8. Dwight Howard
9. Brad Daugherty
10. Dikembe Mutombo

some hard cuts from this list included Fat Lever, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin, Bernard King, Grant Hill, Chris Bosh, Tom Chambers, Robert Parish and Yao Ming.

Mine
Point Guard:
1) Magic Johnson
2) Oscar Robertson
3) Isiah Thomas
4) John Stockton
5) Jason Kidd
6) Steve Nash
7) Gary Payton
8) Bob Cousy
9) Nate Archibald
10) Kevin Johnson

Shooting Guard:
1) Michael Jordan
2) Kobe Bryant
3) Jerry West
4) George Gervin
5) Allen Iverson
6) Clyde Drexler
7) Reggie Miller
8) Dwayne Wade
9) Pete Maravich
10) Earl Monroe

Small Forward:
1) Larry Bird
2) John Havlicek
3) Julius Erving
4) Elgin Baylor
5) Scottie Pippen
6) LeBron James
7) Dominique Wilkins
8) Rick Barry
9) James Worthy
10) Alex English

Power Forward:
1) Tim Duncan
2) Karl Malone
3) Bob Pettit
4) Charles Barkley
5) Dirk Nowitzki
6) Kevin Garnett
7) Elvin Hayes
8) Kevin McHale
9) Dolph Schayes
10) Dennis Rodman

Center:
1) Wilt Chamberlain
2)Kareem Abdul-Jabber
3) Bill Russell
4) Hakeem Olajuwon
5) Shaquille O’Neal
6) Moses Malone
7) David Robinson
8) Patrick Ewing
9) Willis Reed
10) Bob Lanier

You did never mention in your earlier list that you took into account the hypothetical. In that case, your list could go in numerous other directions. I think making a list that includes active players and the hypothetical would be incredibly difficult, which is why I tend to make a list based on current accomplishment and leave hypothetical listing to a whole other category. But with your hypothetical taken into account, do you think LeBron James will never surpass Larry Bird (truly possible, even for a player as great as James)? Where is Dwight Howard? No Chris Paul? I think you see where I am coming from. To say that Dirk Nowitzki potentially scoring more points than Kevin Garnett makes him a better player, I would disagree. It is not just that KG is a better defender, by a monumental amount, but he is far superior to Dirk in numerous other aspects, such as rebounding and passing. Now, with your argument about winning in accordance to KG, all of the players you named were established as solid players before Dirk was even on the team other than Josh Howard. Not to mention, during Kevin Garnett’s time, he did not have a single player near that ability other than Stephon Marbury and possibly Latrell Sprewell, who both have their obvious issues. Add to the fact that the ownership and personnel are nothing compared to the Mavericks who have built and spent money to surround Dirk with great players, and you have much greater success than Garnett has in Minnesota. However, I think the biggest thing here is that KG has got his ring, and he has had 2 years where he has grinded it out through the play-offs, as opposed to Nowitzki’s usual post-season let downs. Who missed the free throws that would have potentially put Dallas up 3-0 in the NBA finals? Not to mention his two embarassing first round exits after that time (2007 and 2010). Garnett may have less post-season experience than Dirk, may even have much fewer wins, but he has won when he is supposed to win, and gotten even further than when he was predicted to a number of times. Add to the fact that he revolutionized a position far more than Dirk (I think people long ago stopped looking for other Nowitzki’sv and started hoping for Kevin Garnett’s, who can mix it up and grab the occasional offensive rebound), than I do not know what hypothetically other than Dirk still not having peaked as an NBA player will put him ahead of KG. That is just my opinion.

as far as the initial list from the thread starter, not bad but a few changes i would make:

sg-iverson should be ahead of miller and wade.

sf-alex english over worthy and carmelo

pf-KG over Dirk

c-shaq just ahead of olajuwon

Sorry it took me a while. This is my list of top 10 players at each position, and the only hypothetical I go on is how well they would have played by Era. Other than that I go by accomplishment as a player, and I think winning definitely serves as a huge marker, as I find that these players have had the top careers, which is why I do not include players that have played under 10 years (or the equivalent of their career).

PG
1) Magic Johnson
2) Oscar Robertson
3) Isiah Thomas
4) Bob Cousy
5)Walt Frazier
6) John Stockton
7) Tiny Archibald
8) Gary Payton
9) Jason Kidd
10) Steve Nash

SG
1) Michael Jordan
2) Kobe Bryant
3) Jerry West
4) George Gervin
5) Allen Iverson
6) David Thompson
7) Clyde Drexler
8) Earl Monroe
9) Pete Maravich
10) Sam Jones

SF
1) Larry Bird
2) Elgin Baylor
3) Julius Erving
4) Rick Barry
5) John Havilcek
6) Scottie Pippen
7) Paul Pierce
8) Dominique Wilkins
9) Bernard King
10) Tom Heinsohn

PF
1) Tim Duncan
2) Karl Malone
3) Bob Petit
4) Kevin Garnett
5) Elvin Hayes
6) Charles Barkley
7) James Worthy
8) Bob McAdoo
9) Kevin McHale
10) Dolph Schayes

C
1) Shaquille O’Neal
2) Bill Russell
3) Wilt Chamberlain
4) Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
5) Hakeem Olajuwon
6) Moses Malone
7) George Mikan
8) David Robinson
9) Willis Reed
10) Bill Walton

So, that is my list according to my rankings. If I were to put LeBron James on the list, he would be in front of Dominique right now (which is what I base this off of, as everyone playing now still has more to prove). I eventually see him being 1, or maybe 2 if he does not win multiple championships. Dwyane Wade I would rank probably near 8-9, but he still has more to prove as well. I do eventually see him being around Jerry West to George Gervin territory. I still keep Dirk out of the top 100 due to his lack of big moments as far as the play-offs are concerned, but he certainly is in consideration.

Thanks for bringing this one back up Mike! I was looking for it. Here’s my list

PG
1. Magic Johnson
2. Gary Payton
3. Isiah Thomas
4. Steve Nash
5. John Stockon
6. Jason Kidd
7. Bob Cousy
8. Walt Fraizer
9. Kevin Johnson
10. Chris Paul

SG.
1. Micheal Jordan
2. Oscar Robertson
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Clyde Drexler
5. Jerry West
6. Gail Goodrich
7. Earl Monroe
8. Bill Sharman
9. David Thompson
10. Ray Allen

SF
1. Larry Bird
2. Julius Erving
3. Rick Barry
4. Elgin Baylor
5. Dominique Wilkins
6. John Havelchek
7. Scottie Pippen
8. Chris Mullin
9. Lebron James
10. Paul Pierce

PF
1. Karl Malone
2. Tim Duncan
3. Charles Barkley
4. Kevin Garnett
5. Bob Petit
6. Elvin Hayes
7. Kevin McHale
8. Tom Chambers
9. Bob McAdoo
10. Shawn Kemp

C
1. Hakeem Olajuwon
2. Kareem Abdul Jabbar
3. Wilt Chamberlain
4. Moses Malone
5. Shaqullie O’ Neal
6. David Robertson
7. Robert Parrish
8. Bill Walton
9. George Mikan
10. Dwight Howard

I would love opinions.

I’m looking only at your SG selections

SG.
1. Micheal Jordan
2. Oscar Robertson
3. Kobe Bryant
4. Clyde Drexler – He was fun to watch but he wasn’t a top 10 player
5. Jerry West – Much better than Clyde Drexler
6. Gail Goodrich – You can’t be serious, he isn’t even in the top 40
7. Earl Monroe
8. Bill Sharman
9. David Thompson – He was great in college, but nothing much in the pros.
10. Ray Allen – I never thought of him as top ten but it’s an interesting selection. Hmmm maybe.

I should switch Drexler and West that is true. It’s close IMO because back in the 70’s, most starters played 40 min a game. That plus the fact Drexler had alot of talent around him.

I will edit that.

Goodrich was good. http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/g/goodrga01.html

Factor those number into that fact he played with West, Baylor and Wilt his whole career. Also, if I ranked all of those players from 1-50, he would probably be in the late 40’s

David Thompson could have been great. He had great numbers when he played. I could ABA as well. He got hurt and it messed up his career.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/t/thompda01.html

top 5’s

pg
1-magic johnson
2-gary payton
3-john stockton
4-isiah thomas
5-steve nash

sg
1-michael jordan
2-kobe bryant
3-oscar robertson
4-jerry west
5-allen iverson

sf
1-larry bird
2-lerbon james
3-julius erving
4-rick barry
5-elgin baylor

pf
1-tim duncan
2-karl malone
3-bob petit
4-charles barkley
5-kevin garnett

c
1-kareem abdul jabbar
2-shaquille oneal
3-bill russell
4-hakeem olajuwon
5-wilt chamberlain

I just don’t see how Olajuwon can be ranked higher than Shaq. Compare their careers and their stats, Shaq has more championships and more points per game and rebounds per game. Olajuwon was a more skilled player, but there was a window of time when Shaq simply could not be stopped.

I don’t Shaq too much credit because of this.

Without another top guard next to him? Shaq could not win anything. I could argue the fact that Shaq never won a rebounding title and needed a Kobe, Penny and Wade to reach the Championship could push him down in my eyes. People forget, The Lakers were favorites ( In Vegas) to win the come out the west in 1997,1998,1999 and most of that was because of Shaq. It wasn’t until Kobe emerged that Shaq won a Championship. He shouldn’t have been a 3 time Finals MVP either. Kobe deserved the last one vs New Jersey

Hakeem is higher because not only did he win with subpar teammates, he KILLED Shaq one on one in the 94 Finals. Hakeem had Clyde Drexler ( after his hops left), Robert Horry, Mario Elie, Sam Cassell, Kenny Smith. I know I’m missing someone but they couldn’t have been that good.

Had you switched Hakeem and Shaq? Hakeem would have won 2 titles with Penny Hardaway and could have won a ring in LA with the LA 1997 and 1998 Roster IMO.

Here’s 97’s roster and click 98 to see it the next year.
http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1997.html

Here’s Houston’s Roster in 1994- Don’t Tell ME Shaq would have won with that roster.

http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1994.html

who’s to say prime shaq wouldnt have won with that roster at that time? Houston was built well with great perimiter shooting and great defense. Phoenix, seattle and new york were all tough teams capable of beating them, but olajuwon was the best guy on the court and they grinded out some real tough 7 game series’s on their way to a title. I put shaq slightly ahead of olajuwon based on the fact shaq dominated the league like no big man i have seen for a 2-3 year stretch with the lakers. Subtract those 2-3 prime years from shaq and i think it might lean towards hakeem. BUt shaq’s 2-3 best seasons were more dominant then olajuwons 2-3 best seasons.

Knicksboy, no Iverson???

top 5

dont beat me up if i miss a player or 2

PG’s
Magic
Robertson
Maravich
Kidd
Nash
Stockton

SG’s
Jordan
Kobe
West
Gervin
Wade

SF’s
Bird
LeBron
Erving
Baylor
McGrady

PF’s
Duncan
Malone
KG
Barkley
McHale

C
Chamberlain
Shaq
Russell
Hakeem
Robinson

best combo guard- Iverson

I forgot about Iverson to be honest. He should be up there.’

LL, That’s crazy. I understand you’re a LA fan and probably like Shaq but he would have NEVER won a Title with Houston’s 1994 or 1995 roster.

His 1997 roster was better then Hakeem’s 1995 roster. Hakeem would have gave up his left nut to have Elden Campbell inside the post with him. Nick Van Exel, Cedric Ceballos and Eddie Jones.

Come on Son. You cannot be serious. Shaq NEEDED Kobe to win his 1st title. Without the emergance of Bryant, Shaq would be a big with 3 less titles to his name.

Like I said, Shaq needed a top tier guard next to him to win a Title. Hakeem needed role players and he got 2 rings for them. Shaq is a all time great but he couldn’t touch Hakeem in my eyes.

I made mistakes. I should do another one. Too be fair, I just did a off the top of the head thing with making my list.

I sorry, I sorry lol. I’ll make a new one, I’ll put thought into it next time lol

I do agree with you on all but number 5.

Stockon had great numbers but also played with a top 5 PF all time. I took some imaginary points off on my list ( Which I will redo!)

knicksboy, you say hakeem would have given up his left nut to play with elden campbell down low? DO you know who otis thorpe even was? He played in at least one allstar game and was one of the best banger defensive minded bigs in the game for a number of years. Otis>elden and thats not even a debate.

cedric ceballos played about 15 games with shaq so you cant possibly count him as one of shaqs teammates. The lakers were talented, but 1997 was not shaq in his prime. Shaq first few years under phil jackson was defenitely his best ball. He moved around and played light on his feet and motiveated and put up numbers in the finals that were unbelieveable un der phil from about 99-2001.

That houston squad was not hands down the best in 1994, but they sure wernt some scrubs. Kenny smith, vernon maxwell and robert horry were good for double digits a game and i already brought otis thorpe. Add in solid role players like carl herrera, matt bullard, and sam cassell who was very solid that year as a rookie and to say hakkem had a scrub team would be silly.

there is more to winning then just individual talent. The lakers had great individual talent in 1997 but they were not on the same page and were not good defensively.

And im not a shaq fan, never have been. I honestly dont like the guy at all. I was always on team kobe whne they were together.

But you said Shaq would have won a title with that 94 Houston roster. There is no way because he never won anything without a star close to his level near him. To be honest, you could make the case Shaq never got better game wise, only smarter and knew how to take advantage of his size in the post. He relied on pure talent.

Hakeem won not only the West with that roster but a Title. I understand Shaq was dominant but it hurts him ( in my eyes) that he needed Penny, Wade and Kobe ( All Great Guards at the time) to win a Championship.

I’m keeping Hakeem over Shaq because of the simple fact is he dragged that 1994 and 1995 team to the title. I cannot say the same for Shaq in any years he won a Championship.

you can put hakeem over shaq if you want. I wasnt calling you out for that becasue i do think it is close. BUt to say a prime shaq would not win with that 1994 houston team is just not necessarily true. They were a great TEAM. Im not trying to pull the age card on you, but I watched that team. They were more then just the sum of their parts. They had no real weakness becasue they had guys who could each play their role and played defesne and hit 3’s about as well as any team during the 90’s and all they needed was a great center to put it all together. You dont think prime shaq could have got them over barkley and the suns or ewing and the knicks?

You are correct, I have not seen the 94 Rockets truly play. I seen the finals games and will agree they played more like a team.

I question if Shaq would have won a title with a team built like the 94-95 Rockets because of what I seen with the 2000-2001 Lakers. Shaq was the center of the offense but Kobe was someone who had to step up when they couldn’t throw it into Shaq in the post. I don’t know who on Houston at that time who could pick up for Shaq when they couldn’t throw it in. Also, count into the fact Shaq had some foul trouble? How could that team even contend without Shaq on the court?

I would say they wouldn’t win a title over a team like Pheonix, Seattle or Utah at that time to be honest. Hakeem was a rare breed. He had the monster footwork to embarrass a defender. Shaq had the power but not the craft of scoring different ways.

Shaq may have played with great players, but he really had very few great teams. He never had a great PG or amazing perimeter shooting. Nick Anderson and Dennis Scott were good players on the 94-95 team, but honestly, those guys were pretty much the product of playing with Shaq and Penny. They did very little after they had no big fella. Plus, that Houston team was great defensively, and their guard play was stellar. Mad Max, Kenny Smith and Sam Cassell were all solid, and Horry/Otis were rad at the time. Shaq may have relied on pure talent and size, but honestly, what more should he have used. Hakeem had amazing post moves, and was a fantastic footwork for a player his size, but that is what he had, and Shaq had his brute strength and athleticism. I just think Shaq was a better player for a longer amount of time, and he was super dominant also for a longer amount of time. If you are talking about player skill, than Hakeem may indeed be better, but my list was not about that, I am guessing most of the lists aren’t, because it leaves out career accomplishment to a large extent.

PG

Magic

Pistol Pete

Rose

Nash

Stockton

SG

Jordan

Wade

Kobe

West

Robertson

SF
 

LBJ

Bird

Pippen

Erving

Wilkins

PF

K Malone

Petitt

Hayes

Nowitzki

Webber

C
 

Chaimberlain

Russell

Abdul-Jabbar

Mikan

D Howard