[tiberiusParticipant]

 I was debating with some friends about our all time nba teams, and was wondering what more "intelligent" people like actual nbadraft.net forum posters thought about my all time nba team. I am also very interested in hearing about yours! The point is that it doesn’t necessarily have to be a team based on players chosen for their accolades. I am talking about playing ability point blank as well as how these guys compliment each other. Now I know that some people will disagree with me about some of my picks but the reason for my linups was purely based on how they compliment each other. Hereafter is my team:

Starters-

Point Guard: Magic Johnson: Showtime! The greatest point guard in the history of the game, was a 6 foot 9 terror who was too strong and too big for point guards to guard. With the rest of my team, his uptempo ability will be crucial on the break when combined with guys who can finish on the rest of the team. A great rebounder and will add to the many offensive rebounds this team will get. Will find everybody. Great teammate and chemistry+!  Role: Primary Facilitator, offensive end floor general

Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan: The greatest player of all time, was the greatest at closing games and sealing the deal. Is a big strong guard at 6 foot 6 and weighing well above the average guard weights, michael jordan can overpower players using strenght alone. But MJ is also one of the quickest players to ever play using this quickness to both guard any perimeter player or get passed anyone. He had a whicked crossover, a 48 inch vertical and some of the biggest hands out of any player in history. When combined with his undefendable post game and his midrange game as well as his unparalleled ability to finish layups, this guy was truly a god on the court. This team is built around him. Role: Primary Scorer, Primary Perimeter Defender

Small Forward: Lebron James: The greatest athlete to ever play the game, at 6 foot 8, 260 lbs, with a 45 inch vertical, this guy was able to cover the lenght of the court in 8 strides and block anyone foolish enough to bring that weak stuff to the rim. Lebron is one of the strongest forwards ever and that includes putting him up to the likes of ben wallace and karl malone. Everything else about this man is magic johnson-esque, he has unparalleled court vision and is one of the greatest passers in NBA history. He has a unique clutch aptitude that sets him apart where he looks to make the best basketball play rather than make a contested shot to win the game. This will blend in well with michael jordan. Lebron is also one of the greatest leaders in nba history, motivating his troops like few others. One of the greatest defensive players ever, with his ability to cover any position as well as his ability in giving defensive orders. Role: Secondary Facilitator, Defensive Floor General

Power Forward: Arguably the greatest post defender ever, at 6 foot 10 he was also the most complete post player ever. He could score in any way any time he wanted to because of his incredible counters to every defensive move his opponent made. The all time leading blocker in nba history this guy actually had guard agility and athleticism. Can step out and hit jumpshots which is crucial to the starting lineup since Magic, Michael and Lebron will all be attacking the basket. Having the bigs that avoid cramming the paint but being able to get rebounds is what Hakeem does best and is invaluable to this team. Role: Secondary Scorer, Primary Rim Protector

Center: Kareem Abdul Jabbar: I start this 7 foot 2 ultra skilled center ahead of shaq in order to clear the paint for lebron and Jordan as well as because he is a better rebounder than shaq. He can hit jumpers really well and spaces the floor out well and doesn’t clog the paint for Hakeem Olajuwon. His skyhook is the most unstoppable shot in nba history and will guarantee lots of points. Great defender who uses his length really well. Role: Glass Cleaner, Secondary Rim Protector

Bench:

Point Guard: Oscar Robertson: Arguably the greatest all around player ever, the triple double machine would provide more of everything to a team that can already do everything. A very big point guard who could play the shooting guard position, this guy had one of the best post games in history. A superb defender and also a great off the ball player for a point guard which is ideal for a team with so many ball dominant players.

Shooting Guard: Kobe Bryant: The Closest thing to MJ we have ever seen. Kobe was a better shooter than Michael and a more skilled guard. An incredibly clutch player who in his prime was a lock down defensive player that could shut down even the best players in the league. A big shooting guard with almost unrivaled athleticism and ball handling ability. Fierce competitor who will make any player guarding him look bad. Role: Secondary Facilitator

Small Forward: Kevin Durant: An unfair player, for the opposition! Basically a 6 foot 10 shooting guard with shooting guard agility and speed as well as supreme athletic ability and the length of a center best describes his physical tools. But this guy is the best shooter of the whole team and is silky smooth. Can pull up from 35 feet and his quick and high release is basically impossible to guard. Is a better shooter than Larry Bird in my opinion and his athletic ability best fits the small forward mold than Larry’s strength and size does. Role: Primary Scorer off the bench, Primary Perimeter Defender

Power Forward: Larry Bird: Mismatch for any power forward because of his range and ability to stretch the floor but also because of his ability to get to the basket using superior skill. Can shoot lights out and has an almost impossibly difficult shot to block because of its release angle. Can dominate the game in every possible way because of his all around game. Has unprecedented court vision and is a great gritty rebounder, offense will flow through him. As tough as nails. Role: Primary Facilitator off the bench, Closer

Center: Shaquille O’Neal: Get outta the way! The diesel is the most overpowering force in the history of the game! No player could guard him 1 on 1 because of his incredible leverage and strength for someone so tall and heavy. Has a wide base and strong lower body which made him virtually impossible to move off the low block even by the strongest centers in the league. The biggest physical monstrosity the nba ever saw with his 7 foot 1 360lbs body and 7 foot 7 armspan. The bench would be built around him applying the Orlando magic strategy with Dwight howard in the paint surrounded by shooters only that this lineup is Orlando’s on Steroids, on senzu beans and on the magic potion of Asterix ad Obelix! All the players on this bench lineup need to be double teamed only shaq needs to be tripple teamed and even that is not enough. If they double team shaq, Larry, KD and Kobe will knock it down and Oscar and Kobe would ensure post scoring from outside the paint. Whaaat!! Role: Bulldozer

 

[derrickrose231Participant]

does lebron have a 45 inch vert?

[SpinCycle88Participant]

 And who exactly is your 4????

[ASAP HenryParticipant]

STARTERS:

pg) Magic: best passer ever, great competitor.  In his prime was the best all around player in the game and arguabley is the most complete/unselfish player of all time.

sg) MJ: need i say anything? GOAT

sf) Larry Legend: Yes LeBron might end up being the best sf of all time, but as of right now it’s still Larry Legend.  Would fill any role that was asked of him. Shooting, rebounding, playmaking, defending. Probably my favorite player of all time when he was in his prime.

pf) Time Duncan: Boring? yes, but he is the best pf ever due to the overall completeness of his game. One of the best post defenders ever as well as the consumate teammate.

C) Hakeem: most complete center the game has ever seen. excelled at every aspect of being a big man.  Had a counter move for every move that he had.  Dynamic defender/rebounder. Had a crazy array of offensive moves.

BENCH:

Isiah Thomas (would be a nice change of pace point guard backing up Magic. Best little man ever?)

Kobe (2nd greatest shooting guard ever. offensive repetoire is on another level. great defender in his prime)

Scottie Pippen: yes i know LeBron is a beast, but Scottie was a better defender imo and is a proven champion. I’m talking 6-time champ!

Dirk: would add some serious otside shooting.  Complements tim Duncan well. could play in any sort of line up. Very diverse offensive game as well as an underrated all around player during his prime.  His playoff run last year was one of the most exciting runs that I have seen from a player in recent memory.

Bill Russell: Greatest winner ever, best defender ever. Great teammate.  Love everything about what he stood for in terms of how basketball is supposed to be played.  All effort, do anything to help your team win the game.

[TomShoeParticipant]

Wait a minute. Where’s Tim Duncan? I don’t see why he’s not starting, he’s more successful and (arguably) better than both of your listed PFs.

And where’s Wilt? And Bill Russell? Dude has 13(?) rings.

[tiberiusParticipant]

 Tiberius you are an idiot for leaving out guys like Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, and why in the world would you place lebron ahead of larry! Sure he’s gr8 but Larry is a starter at least. And Kevin Durant in this lineup is too premature WHAT ARE YOU DOING??? Atleast add someone who has played more than 5 years for god’s sake! Karl Malone?? Wilt Chamberlain is better than SHaq I’m sorry, Shaq cannot rebound! He’s just a big heavy object with nobody being able to hold. Ever heard of Bill Russel? 11 rings? No? And Oscar is good but won’t fit in this team at all! You could atleast add someone like John Stockton instead of looking for offense from a point guard!

[I May Be WrongParticipant]

 WAIT a second! Did you just call yourself out and call yourself an IDIOT after making this thread? 

 

[Tongue-Out-Like-23Participant]

Lmfao!  He obviously was using this as a sub-account and has another account that he wanted to get positives for.  

How sad.

[TRC1991Participant]

 both those lineups are faulty. tiberius has no power forward and asap henry took pippen over lebron. lebrons better than pippen at every aspect

[LerinErinParticipant]

 Had Hakkem at pf…. He isnt mentioned by name but that is who he’s was describing! Also James vertical leap Is 32 inches according to multiple Internet sites.

[FastAndFuriousParticipant]

 Lebrons vertical leap may be 32 but his max is in the 40’s for sure.

[LerinErinParticipant]

 I am talking about standing vertical leap

[FastAndFuriousParticipant]

 Well be specific, when most people say Vertical they are talkin about their max vert.

You never hear someone say on the streets my Max vert is 40 inches, people always say my vert is 40 inches.

[LerinErinParticipant]

http://basketball.about.com/od/collegebasketballglossary/g/verticaljump.htm Definition: One of the "measureables" associated with basketball players is "vertical leap" — sometimes called "vertical jump." As the name implies, "vertical leap" is a measure of jumping ability — specifically, the amount an athlete can elevate himself or herself from a standing position. The most common way to measure vertical leap is to first measure the player’s standing reach — the highest point he or she can reach while standing flat-footed — then mark off the highest point that player can reach with a jump. The difference between the two measurements is his or her "vertical jump." Also Known As: vertical leap Examples: Syracuse guard Jonny Flynn posted the best vertical jump at the 2009 NBA Scouting combine – 40 inches.

[iguapops420Participant]

 You’re telling me that you’re giving Kevin Durant the role of primary scorer off the bench? Not smart when you have Kobe IMO. As a 6th man asked to only come in play D and score, Kobe would be a 20-25 PPG unstoppable bench scorer. Durant is good, but he doesn’t have the skillset that a young Kobe did. Young Kobe was a top 3-4 scorer EVER. Period. 63in 3 quarters vs the Mavs who only had 62 I believe. 81 pts most in modern era. Dude was an unstoppable scorer who in his prime never even got to score out of his sweet spots. It amazes me that even after all of his best scoring seasons, the dude managed to do it from spots on the court he was least comfortable creating from. In a lot of ways, his offensive versatility being able to handle the ball like a guard at a young age put him in a spot the rest of his career that he reall ydidn’t want to be…a facilitator/scorer. 

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

Who is 23 with three scoring titles? 

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

 Dennis Rodman would surely be on this team.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

My team:

Starters:

PG: Magic Johnson
SG: Michael Jordan
SF: LeBron James
PF: Larry Bird
C: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Bench:

PG: John Stockton
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Scottie Pippen
PF: Hakeem Olajuwon
C: Shaq

Reserves: Oscar Robertson, Bill Russell

I am going with a quicker, more finesse team as my starting lineup. So LeBron at the 3, Bird at the 4, and KAJ at the 5.
However, Bird and LeBron are basically interchangable. Top two guards ever with the top two all-around playmakers at forward with
possibly the league’s greatest all-around center in the middle. You can’t go wrong there.

Great second unit with Stockton at point two great wings in Kobe and Pippen and the twin towers down low in
Hakeem and Shaq inside. In the last two reserve spots I am going with two all-time greats in Oscar Robertson and Bill
Russell. The Big O can play all thee perimeter spots and defend as well. He’s a perfect fifth guard on this team. Bill Russell is another
all time great and the greatest winner ever. One of the best, if not THE best, rebounders and shot blockers in the game. He can play the 5
in smaller, quicker lineups or the 4 in bigger lineups.

How about this defensive lineup: Oscar Robertson, Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, LeBron James, and Bill Russell. Or take out LBJ and put in Kareem or Hakeem next to Bill Russell for a bigger defensive unit.

[J-rueMykelParticipant]

PG’s-Magic Johnson/Steve Nash/Jason Kidd

SG’s-Michael Jordan/Kobe Bryant/Scottie Pippen

SF’s-Lebron James/Kevin Durant/Larry Bird

PF’s-Tim Duncan/Kevin Garnett/Dennis Rodman

C’s-Shaquille O’neal/Hakeem Olajuwon/Dwight Howard

Went with three guys on each position.
The starters are who I believe are the greatest at their respective position
I chose mostly players of this generation because I believe the evolution of basketball as well as of the human being has made basketball players better than they were. 
My argument is that players like Kareem, Oscar Robertson, and Bill Russell were kind of like superior athletes to the players against in their eras, nowadays players are "built" to be more athletic and bigger stronger and faster, I just dont think they would dominate todays game like they did years ago…prolly could say the same about Larry Legend, but I don’t think you can leave the great white hope of this team….

 

 

[sheltwon3Participant]

I would put Hakeem at the 4 spot and Shaq at the 5 because one on one there is nobody who can stop Shaq in the post.  If you have the best players on the court, everyone will get a lot of one of one time.  Hakeem is also unguardable one on one too.  Also Trying to drive on Shaq and Hakeem in their primes would be almost impossible.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

J-rue,

Good point. I think today’s superstars don’t get enough credit. I think today’s players are bigger and quicker. Today’s players are versatile too and nearly all of them can hit 3’s.

I think LeBron is a guy who has already passed Oscar Robertson among the all-time greats. The Big O was the first oversized power guard. He dominated smaller guys. When more modern players started to show up later in his career his numbers began to drop. In today’s game, Robertson would be a rich man’s James Harden with better defense, ball handling, and mid-range game.

I think Pistol Pete’s game might translate better with today’s bigger and faster finishers. I think he would be like a rich man’s Manu
with better point guard skills. Pete and Oscar had fundamentals which should translate to any era.

Bill Russell relied more on size, speed, and athelticism to dominate back in the day. Not sure that would translate to today’s game since a
6’9 center would be undersized. But, I think he could have played in the 2012 Finals without a problem. He would thrive in any era in a small-ball lineup. If Wilt and Shaq were “modern” centers then Russell could play today as a post-modern center, a smaller center who relies on quickness and length and a high motor. I think he would put up Dennis Rodman type numbers with a few more points and 3 or 4 blocks a game. If a prime Russell manned the center spot for the current Miami Heat team I would bet on them to win the next three titles. If he played on today’s Thunder team with Ibaka at the 4 and the deadly Durant/Westbrook/Harden trio on the wings with Perkins, Collison, and Perry Jones
off the bench inside they could win six straight titles.

The 12 guys on my team could play in any era, including Bird. Even in today’s loaded league a prime Bird would still be a top 10 player in the game, with perhaps only LeBron clearly ahead of him. I would put Bird in the Durant, Wade, Kobe, Chris Paul, Rose, Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, and Dwight Howard category.

[iguapops420Participant]

PG-Kobe/Magic/Kidd

SG-MJ/Petrovic/Wade

SF-LBJ/Durant/Pippen

PF-KG/LarryLegend/Dirk

C-KAJ/Shaq/Dream

I went a different path having Kobe/MJ as the scorers at their respective position. KAJ does what he does, with KG and LBJ as the facilitators. Elite D from position 1-5.

The bench is simply run and gun floor spacing, with an elite PG and an Elite post presence either of which you can run your team through and will get open looks for your 3 elite shooters. 

My 3rd string is basically a group of players who fit the same molds of the starters and backups with Kidd being able to fill into Magic’s role if he were to go down, Wade can take Kobe OR MJ’s spot if either were to go down. Pippen is the poor man’s replacement for Bron as his role would be the exact. Dirk can fill in as Larry’s replacement if Larry were to go down or if he had to slide down to the 3 in case of Durant injury. And The Dream can fill in at any role the bigs are asked whether its spacing the floor some, elitely defending, getting out on the break, or facilitating the offense. The ultimate utility player for this type of team.

Somewhat of an outside the box type of team, but IMO, it’s got perfect balance of shooting,defense,driving,athleticism, playmaking at EVERY position, offensive/defensive mismatches, and clutch play.

[TRC1991Participant]

I dont mind the -3 points, i just wish someone would tell me what they think scottie pippen is better at than lebron james

[iguapops420Participant]

 Actually running an offense and locking down a player. LBJ may be a better playmaker as long as he has the ball in his hands 24/7, but as a guy who actually plays the role of pg, not pseudo pg , I personally think Scottie does it better. LBJ simply sets shooters up better. Pip set shooters up fed the bigs and genuinely got the ball to the players in their sweet spots. While LBJ has become the most versatile defender in the game I still don’t think he can D up s good as Pip could. Hell, I’d say Rodman was just as versatile in fact. LBJ is great, but its not like he was straight up better than PIppen at everything. I’d even say they rebounded at about the same rate as well.

[RUDEBOY_Participant]

ITS BEEN about 50 seconds since i read I 1st read I Might Be Wrong’s Comment about this post…and i’m still LMAO

[F_S]

G – lebron

G -kobe

 

F-  MJ

F- durant

C- shaq

.

WOULD $HIT ON ANY TEAM YOU CAN PUT TOGETHER, seriously

[F_S]

 you convince lebron to pass first at all times ^ and take the less amount shots. and that itself will create open lanes for him.

i think about athleticism. lebron would own magic johnson athletically, they match in size but thats about it. 

.

who’s gonna outplay kobe at sg?

.

what sf is gonna outplay MJ?

.

here it gets tricky, but in a team with so much 1vs1 power a player who can stretch the floor and KILL on catch and shoot situation, comes kevin durant 

.

i like young athletic monster in –YOUNG rookie shaq with 30 14 2.5 3.5

[Author]

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