[bobbybParticipant]

I was listening on 1050am espn radio to the Mike Lupica show and he was saying that this " redeem team could beat the dream team. I of course disagree. And here is why.

Skill level— the current team is more athletic, but the fundamental skill level (passing, rebounding, midrange jumpshooting ect) is not even remotely close to what it was back in the day. You have to watch how much crisper the ball movement was. They didnt just kill teams, but they did it like the harlem globetrotters. They never even used the same line-ups. they always changed them up because it didnt matter!

Center Position– Tyson Chandler is a nice role player i would like to have on my club team but he sucks compared to the Dream Team Centers.  His stat line this year was  11.4, 9.9, and 1.4 blks

dream team –Patrick Ewing 22.5, 10.5, 2.8 blks  / Robinson 23.2 ,12.2, 4.5 blks!! ( no, that isnt a misprint

FIBA Rules-  Superstars of today  rely on the referee to bail them out in trouble. The refs will not given them the calls they are used to. The move Durant uses where he flails his arms under the defender will never be called on any other level of basketball. Lebron getting foul calls for getting breathed on , also will not be called. Cp3 would not be able to drive and probe with a stiff arm like a running back.

 

 

 

 

[frogmanParticipant]

Yeah but Michael Jordan wouldn’t be able to push his defender 5 meters for an open jumper.

I dunno, key players on that team like Bird, Magic and Stockton are nowhere near the defenders that the 2012 team are.  But like you said the centers of the dream team would be a major advantage. 

You could debate this for hours but it is all about personal opinion.

[GrandmamaParticipant]

No, it’s about a two second debate

[bobbybParticipant]

Stockton isnt great defender?? He is the ALL TIME steals leader in the history of the NBA by a mile. Larry and Magic were on the decline  in ’92, Even though Larry averaged 20 and 10 that year and Magic averaged 19 and 12 assister( with HIV!!)

[druneave3Participant]

Stockton is not a great defender. Do you really think he could hang with, or even stay in front of Russell Westrbrook? CP3, D-Will would kill Stockton. Looking at the matchups (Dream Team vs 2012), the edge goes to Dream Team because of Jordan, and the bigs. However, it is so tough to compare players from differnet eras. Players today are bigger, faster, and stronger. Who is going to guard Lebron? They could throw Pippen, MJ, Drexler at him but no one can stop him. Durant and Kobe would also be tough covers obviously. Who are old Magic and Bird guarding? You would also have Chris Mullin guarding Melo in that second team matchup. ehhh. I’ll still put my money on Jordan but it would be close, competitive, exciting, in your face basketball. I would like to see a seven game series.

A lot of people talk about the margin of victory that the Dream Team had. Well, the international game was not near as developed as it is now, and the level of competition is much, much better now. Tony Kukoc was about the best player the Dream Team came across (except when Dirk put 50 on them, find the Barkley audio talking about playing against Dirk). Other countries now all have several NBA player, or NBA-quality players on their rosters.  

[Da1potParticipant]

 I could not agree more with your analysis. I think the dream team would absolutely punish the 2012 U.S. team inside. Griffin, Love and Anthony (who plays a lot of power forward internationally) are all bad defenders and would get destroyed by the likes of Robinson, Ewing, Barkley, Malone and Bird. This team was straight up mean and bullied every team they faced. Chandler is a good defender, but has he ever had to guard post players that are the skill, size and strength of Robinson, Ewing and Malone? I have to admit that the wings on both sides are fairly evenly matched IMO. Just a note about all the stuff Chris Paul gets away with and all the "cheap" stuff he does in games- John Stockton invented all of it. 

[bobbybParticipant]

I think that people look at the legends "now" and forgot that they were young once.  I think USA will win gold , but it will be a struggle.  If i were the coach, ( hey i can dream cant i) I would focus my team around Durant. He is the only player at any position that cannot be guarded , period.

[Meditated StatesParticipant]

In FIBA play. Will lead the team in scoring. No answer for him at all.

[Bobcats-number-one-fanParticipant]

The Dream was mostly full off ALL TIME GREATS for the most part. Only LeBron, Kobe, and KD would even be given a chance to make this team. The players today are more athletic but they are not as fundamentally sound and do not take as much pride and joy in punishing the opposition as the players on the Dream Team did. No team in history inluding whatever this years Olympic team is calling itself could come close to beating the Dream Team. It’d be double digits easy. EASY!

[mj23mj23besteverParticipant]

 no way the goat would allow this game too b even be close double digit win with ease for the dream team that mention on stockton not being able too play almost made me piss myself with laughter hes as someone mentioned only the all time steals leaders but yea he cant play d lmao

[HadzialijagicParticipant]

 The "redeem team" would take the game lightly while the dream team would be pound the hell out of them the dream team would be the aggressor and the redeem team would get intimidated.  Karl Malone and Charles would have a field day vs the likes of Anthony durant love and griffin.

[B-ball fanParticipant]

You guys are letting nostalgia get in the way of actual analysis.  Nowadays, players can shoot much better from deep than they did back then.  The 3 point line has been around for longer, so players use it better.  Players are so much more athletic that the transition game and off-the-dribble game is dramatically better for modern NBA teams.  I know I will be negged like crazy, but you guys are stuck just longing for the good old days.  The quality of play in the NBA has increased dramatically since then.

I should point out that rule changes make it more difficult to score in the post, so the fact is few centers score like centers did in the ’90s because they will be doubled and fronted and deal with more different defenses, limiting their effectiveness.  It is much more difficult to score in the post in today’s NBA.

The pick-and-roll as it is used in today’s game is more dangerous than it ever was before.  Team’s from back then will have no way of stopping the high pick and roll with pgs like Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook, who are faster and more athletic than just about any player in the ’90s.  The Dream Team would be unable to shut off their dribble penetration or contain the roll men.

Plus, with bigger and stronger players, the modern team would rebound better whenever it went big, although it would probably throw small lineups out there just to get easy buckets in transition.

And I guess I don’t think that players back in the good old days just wanted to win more than players do now.  I don’t know; I think that is just people’s way of thinking of some way the Dream team could win.  Using more post scoring doesn’t constitute a greater desire to win.  Slowing the pace down doesn’t count either.

Bring on the negs.  I just think all this nostalgia is getting ridiculous.

[JBickart14Participant]

Lets be serious the 92 Dream team would win by double digits.

The 2012 Team is More Athletic, but not by a huge margin, they really only have an athletic advantage at two positions PG and SF and that is also they’re deepest positions.

the pace of the NBA has slowed down which works in favor of the Dream Team.
The 92 team is Also Bigger and the teams are about even strenght wise.
Defensively the advantage goe to the Dream Team, they have better and more rim protectors, and they’re best perimeter defenders are great scorers so they wont lose a beat putting in a defensive Line-Up

unless stockon is on the Floor the 2012 PG have no one to guard, Magic has been destroying small guards with his size his whole career

[rhamnlacsonParticipant]

 the dream team never called a time out in a game in the olympics cuz they were that dang good lets see the redeem team do the same

if they can(not gonna happen) like i said before the dream team is the greatest team ever assembled only second to the avengers(kidding) but seriously the greatest sports team of all time being compared  vs the dream team come on man  be serious here kobe only said that to make him sleep better at night(kidding)

[JoeWolf1]

 People don’t realize that great players who peaked in the mid 1990’s played in the modern era as 40 year old men and still MORE than held their own.

John Stockton averaged 1.7 steals per game as a 40 year old man in 2002-2003! That’s the modern era and he was freaking 40 years old.

Michael Jordan dropped 40 and 50 point games as a 38 and 39 year old in the modern era

Karl Malone pulled down 8.7 rebounds per game in only 32 minutes at age 40 in 2003-2004

A 37 year old David Robinson blocked 1.7 shots and pulled down 8 rebounds per game in only 26 minutes per game for an NBA Championship team…again, in the modern era

These are group of players who cemented their worth in the NBA a decade or more past their physical prime in the modern era.  If Tyson Chandler and Kevin Love are too strong for David Robinson and Karl Malone then I’m the real Joe Wolf.

 

[SonicSabotuerEidolon]

 I feel you.You can say all you want about those players The US is faceing  better comp now and still killing the comp.This team is able to put up close to 200 points.The way this team is constructed can negate the dream teams big.Kevin love at the 5 and durant,carmelo,or lebron at the 4 will make haveing  david robinson and shaq on the floor pointless.

I heard bird wasn’t the best defender but he also wasnt a pushover but with a reedem forward coming at him he will logg a lot of mins on the bench.

stockton haveing to go against deron and chris paul

jordan having to go against westbrook and kobe 

All good match ups

but in the end it will come down to the 4 and the 5 and the reedem team negates  the dream teams.Either they will have to come out to defend or leave a man open for a easy shot.

 

 

[SonicSabotuerEidolon]

@ Joe they cant rebound made shots.If the 4 is open he will have a high chance to make it or blow by the dreams teams 4.I doubt shaq will come out and stick kevin love so thats 3s raining down uncontested  and if he does the second line of defense is gone ,makeing life to easy for the forwards once they beat their man and maybe the pgs.Kobe and jordan will be a epic battle.

 

[JoeWolf1]

 ^Dude, Shaq didn’t play on the Dream Team.  Do you even know who played for them?

They had Pippen, Drexler and Jordan to match a small lineup at the 2, 3 and 4 and guys like Karl Malone and Charles Barkley with perimeter games who could stick with a guy like Kevin Love, who is not very quick laterally.

Why do you think it’s a valid option for the Redeem Team to go with a small lineup and you assume the Dream Team wouldn’t match that lineup?  Especially citing a player who didn’t play for the Dream Team.

 

[B-ball fanParticipant]

 If the Dream team used Magic as its pg, then he would have no one to defend.  Even when he was younger, he didn’t have the foot speed to check a guy like Russell Westbrook or Chris Paul.  His size advantage would help him on offense, but lead to him getting burnt on defense.

@joe wolf: The issue with a small lineup, is that a guy like LeBron can score all day in the post, even on a good defender like Pippen or Jordan, when a guy like Love draws the defense out to the perimeter.  The Dream team can go "small," but still have a big time post up pf, if LeBron is on the floor.  Plus, LeBron can still block shots and rebound like a big.  

[mikeyvthedonParticipant]

Would indeed, more than likely crush this squad. Sorry to say, they were just that good. As the original poster stated, they had those two centers who would both be amongst the conversation of best center in the league with Dwight Howard. Dwight is indeed a rebounding beast, better than even David and Pat, but they were light years ahead of him offensively and on par with him defensively. They were both legit 7 footers who could run the floor and in or near their relative prime.

The PG duel would be interesting, with athleticism of course being on the side of 2012. But, Magic and Stockton! Come on! Those guys are the two leaders in All-Time NBA Assist average. You can say what you will about Bird’s back being shot and his barely being able to play, just realize Magic still was relatively injury free.

Remember, Magic came back after the All-Star break in 1996 and averaged 14.6 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 6.9 apg in 30 mpg. This was a five year span from when he had last played in the NBA and he was still definitely a star. The guy was a complete nightmare match-up, incredibly cerebral and a fantastic competitor. Than you pair that with Michael Jordan, who was in his absolute prime as a player.

Finally, I realize Kevin Durant is a monster. Than you have to realize, Scottie Pippen was a special defensive player, especially on the perimeter. He was strong, physical and I believe he might be even better equipped to handle KD than LeBron. We still have not gotten to Chris Mullin, who averaged 25.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4.2 apg and 2.0 spg (on 52.6% FG shooting!) in his previous 4 seasons. Clyde Drexler, who had just led his team to the NBA Finals and had averaged 24.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 6.0 apg and 2.2 spg (on solid 49% shooting) over his previous 5 seasons.

People forget just how incredible the Dream Team was, even compared to the great players on the 2012 Olympic Team. Still have not even gotten to Charles Barkley (the leading scorer on the 1992 team and in his prime, winning MVP the very next season while leading a team to the Finals) and Karl Malone (who averaged 29 and 11.4 over the 5 seasons before the 1992 Olympics). Yes, the 1992 team had Christian Laettner, but he was not exactly a slouch or a player that was depended on. The 2012 Team may have an advantage at 12th man, but that is about it.

The game has changed a lot, but one just needs to go back and look at the accomplishments of the 1992 team to see that on paper, this would more than likely be a blood bath in their favor. They were not much older than the players on the 2012 team at the time of the Olympics, they were fast and athletic as well, not to mention just as strong. LeBron, Durant and Kobe are rare specimens who could compete, just remember Magic, Michael, Scottie, Chuck, Karl, Pat and David were all freaks too. John Stockton was a monster, Clyde would be a tough cover at two.

Nostalgia be damned, I think people forget that the 1992 team was just as big and strong as this current team. They did not have a monster of LeBron’s caliber or a 6’10 SF, though this current team does not have big men that could touch Pat Ewing and David Robinson. Karl Malone and Charles Barkley were both big, strong and athletic, Kevin Love and Blake Griffin have nothing on them. Michael was younger than Kobe and was a complete monster.

Seriously, if you look at what the Dream Team guys were doing at the time they were putting up even more mega numbers and winning the same or more games as 2012. To analyze it and say that LeBron, Durant, Melo and Kobe would be too much just seems to have little validity. As much as things have changed, it is hard to believe that the 1992 guys would not still be absolute stars in the current league, competing with the 2012 players and in many cases getting the better of them. I do not believe nostalgia is the only factor, the 1992 team just had incredibly rare players playing at a ridiculously high level, to the point where it is difficult to say that some new age talent would be there downfall.

[JoeWolf1]

Jordan, Pippen and Drexler could all dunk from the FT line.  Athletic ability is not an issue.  

Sure, Lebron is a bigger player and would certainly score in the post, but Pippen is a good enough defender it’s not like he wouldn’t ever cause him greif or cause him to miss.  

You could say the same thing about a 28 year old Michael Jordan matching up against a 33 year old Kobe Bryant on the perimeter.  Jordan would certainly have the upper hand in that matchup.

Drexler would have a major speed advantage on Durant or Melo.

It’s all hypothetical, but it’s not as simple as Love would stretch the D and Lebron would post up and that’s why the Redeem Team would win.

[IndianaBasketballParticipant]

Obviously the 1992 Dream Team is A LOT better than this year’s team. Other than Christian Laettner (Shaquille O’Neal should’ve been on the team), everybody is in the Hall of Fame. This team had a Michael Jordan in his prime… That could damn near end the debate right there. He’d be the best player in this game and by a few notches.

But could this year’s team at least beat them maybe a game or two? Sure… I mean, the 1992 Dream Team was beaten by the Select Team that year. It’s possible they could lose. However, they’d beat this year’s team probabaly the high 90’s percent of the time.

[sjcmr5SamParticipant]

Without Rose and Without Dwight this is not a good matchup. But if they were both playing and the starting line up was Rose Kobe LBJ Durant and Dwight then you would have to like their chances against anyone. Im not saying they would be better but your an idiot if you say it wouldnt be close

[raybeasParticipant]

Not only would the ’92 Team beat this years Team USA, but the ’96 Team would as well. Especially with Rose and Howard, and Bosh and Wade out.

Barkley, Penny, Grant Hill, Malone, Reggie, Dream, Shaq, GP, Pippen, Mitch Rich, Robinson, Stockton. They would beat this years team 7 out of 10 times. ’92 would beat them 8 of 10.

[Bobcats-number-one-fanParticipant]

Jordan told The Associated Press Thursday that he laughed, "I absolutely laughed" when hearing Bryant’s comments that the squad training in Las Vegas could take Jordan and company.

 

Not gonna lie so did I!

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

The main question is the current 2012 version of Kobe Bryant as athletic and explosive as the 1992 Michael Jordan. Jordan could play the whole game (and then some), can Kobe do that now? I think today’s Kobe is stronger than the Dream Team MJ. Kobe is probably better from mid-range and better in the low post, with Jordan being a better defender.

I thought Charles Barkley was a beast and stole the show in 1992. But, LeBron is basically a bigger, stronger, and more talented version of Charles Barkley.

Magic and Stockton vs. Chris Paul, Westbrook, and Deron Williams would be fun to watch!

Larry Bird was on the roster but slowed by a bad back, but he could still shoot and play. Also at wing were Clyde Drexler and Chris Mullin. The current team counters with Kevin Durant, Carmelo Anthony (will also play some 4), and James Harden.

Pippen was a terror. The only thing close to him from the rest of these guys is Iggy. Iggy might be bigger and stronger, but Pip seemed a lot more skilled with better defense. James Harden also has some of that point forward game that Pippen excelled at.

Karl Malone at his physical prime vs. Blake Griffin. Damn, that would be fun to watch. I will give a slight edge to the Mailman for a more well-rounded game, but if Blake Griffin took on 1992 Angola he could finish with ten or twenty dunks by halftime.

I think the Dream Team has the edge at center. Patrick Ewing was a beast who could score, rebound, and block shots. David Robinson could do the same, but was even taller, and a better athlete. Tyson Chandler is tall and can play great low post defense, and even block shots, rebounds, and catch lobs but he is not at the same level of Ewing and the Admiral. Kevin Love will be playing (undersized) center too. Not the athlete as either of the 1992 centers or as tall. I don’t think Love can score as well inside either and really isn’t a shot blocker. But, Love can rebound with anyone and he can really shoot it. Give the size edge to Ewing/Robinson and inside scoring edge to those guys, but Kevin Love could make the rebounding war a push, with Love being a better shooter and passer. Christian Laettner was also on the Dream Team and could play some center (more of a power forward though). He could play in this game, but I don’t think he would be as good as the 2012 bigs.

Although, when I watched the Dream Team it was more about MJ, Magic, Sir Charles, Stockton, Pippen, Bird, and Karl Malone and less about the centers. Chandler and Love can contribute enough rebounds, dunks, blocked shots, and hard fouls to make this interesting.

I think though that the big battle here would be between Michael Jordan and Kobe. MJ set the tone in 1992. He was the team’s ace in the hole. Could Kobe be that kind of player in 2012? MJ relentlessly attacked, scored, and played shut-down defense. If Kobe could do that then his superior post game, mid-range shooting, and superior strength could tip the scales to the 2012 Team aka (perhaps) the Last Dream Team.

[Tyreke JohnsonParticipant]

 the dream team bigs (Malone, Barkley, Ewing, Robinson) would eat this redeem team bigs alive and that alone would push them over the top. you also had jordan and barkley in their primes who could wreck havoc in their own right. bird still had his shooting touch and magic’s court vision was still in tact. mullin could hit the three anyday. stockton was a monster on offense and defense and then you have pippen who would shot down any offensive threat the redeem team had. i cant even believe this is up for debate, itll be hard pressed to find any team to duplicate the level of talent and dominance the dream team had.

[Ghost01Participant]

 I think if the current team was 100% with Rose/Wade/Howard/Bosh instead of Westbrook/Iguoudala/Griffin/Harden, then the current team would be far superior. Right now, talent wise, its not too far away from being even, and Jordan could easily swing that difference.

[Jlv2012]

hard time beating the Select team right now.  It also depends if they are playing by rules and regulations from back then or right now.  Honestly, there is no debate.  This thread needs to be deleted, erased from memory, and never spoken of again.

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Probable lineups:

1992 Dream Team

PG: Magic Johnson
SG: Michael Jordan
SF: Scottie Pippen
PF: Charles Barkley
C: David Robinson

2012 Last Dream Team

PG: Chris Paul
SG: Kobe Bryant
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: LeBron James
C: Tyson Chandler

… Magic is a bigger point guard, but the 2012 team has more size at the other 4 positions. D Rob is the better skilled center and more mobile, but Chandler can also protect the paint and rebound.

I think LeBron bests Charles Barkley and Barkley was probably the most effective player on the Dream Team. Jordan vs. Kobe would be the deciding matchup. Pippen can defend and handle the ball and pass, but Durant is a freak and can score on anybody. He can also rebound some and block shots.

[joecheck88Participant]

 I don’t think it is real close. The Dream Team would more than likely beat this team 80% of the time. The problem I have is this is not the best team we could field. I think if the 2012 team had a healthy Rose, Howard, Bosh, Aldridge that it would be much closer. Especially with Howard. The current 2012 team would be kind of screwed though. Lol. Watching Kobe and MJ go at it would be fun though. MJ is better but you can’t deny they wouldn’t be going at it hard. 

 

And with Kobe saying they are better, is he supposed to say they would crush us? I’m sure Kobe expects to win every time he is on a basketball court.

[NYFLAVA2K9Participant]

Dream Team Vs Redeem Team 2.0

Patrick Ewing > Tyson Chandler (Ewing would abuse Chandler in every category… Just too skilled and big for him. Tyson isn’t a scorer so Ewing wouldn’t even have to take him serious on that end.)

David Robinson > Kevin Love (D-Rob is one of the most dominating defenders EVER! K-love would be relegated strictly to long jump shots. Strength, size, mobility, and post moves go to D-Rob by a mile.)

Karl Malone > Anthony Davis (With news of Blake Griffin being injured as I write this up, it looks like the Redeem teams chances take yet another turn for the worse in this hypothetical match up. I actually had Malone and Griffin as equal match ups for the fact that their offensive and defensive skill sets are eerily similar at this point in their careers. Blake is an athletic freak, lets just hope this second major injury of his career doesn’t change that. Malone wasn’t too far behind the "athletic freak" tag in 92′, as you don’t earn the nickname "Mail Man" for no reason. With Davis matching up with Malone, the only real advantage Davis would have is length and defensive presence. Even with that said, I highly doubt Davis of right now could slow down an in his prime Malone.)

Larry Bird < Carmelo Anthony ( Bird would get burned by Melo while playing defense as his back was giving out at this point… but the same would be done to Melo when Bird has the ball in his hands. Bird even at this point had superior passing, rebounding, and shooting skills, and a much higher IQ. I only give Melo the advantage because of the physical limitations of Bird’s back and the effect it would have on his minutes.)

Scottie Pippen = Lebron James (Pippen is the greatest wing defender of all-time… You think Shawn Marion gave LeBron fits??? Picture Pippen guarding him. Pippen was also just as versatile as LeBron and a better mid to long range shooter. LeBron has the size advantage and is a SLIGHTLY better passer. I know this is a tough argument, but I think at the least Pippen would play LeBron equally.)

Charles Barkley >Andre Iguodala (Barkley was just as good a defender, and passer as Iggy is now. Barkley was also the better rebounder and interior scorer by a mile. Iggy has a SLIGHT advantage on shooting and ball handling, and again that’s debatable.The only clear cut advantage Iggy has is athleticism, but Barkley was no slouch in that category either. Barkley was playing at MVP levels at this point in his career, while Iguodala can barely make an All-Star team.)

Christian Laettner < Kevin Durant (This would be one of the Redeem teams only favorable match ups. KD is just flat out better at every facet of the game than Laettner ever was even in his prime, let alone fresh out of college.)

Clyde Drexler > James Harden (At this point in their careers they were both coming off of losses in the finals. The difference is Drexler actually led his team there and did all that he could to win it, while Harden pulled a dissapearing act and looked intimidated. Drexler is Harden’s ceiling essentially, as Drexler put up plenty of 20-5-5 seasons and was an All-NBA caliber defender. Drexler was also more athletic, while Harden’s only advantage here is his shooting.)

Michael Jordan > Kobe Bryant (This is the argument of all arguments… if Kobe were 5 years younger. MJ still wins even that debate. We are talking about the GOAT in his prime, versus a player who in his prime was still the junior version of the aforementioned MJ. He just one-ups Kobe in every facet of the game, especially at this point in their careers… But if Kobe were 5 years younger… MJ would win that match-up still, but it would be closer than most think.)

Chris Mullin < Russell Westbrook ( Westbrook wins this match up due to sheer speed and athleticism. While Mullin is the better shooter, Westbrook would dominate him on the pick and roll and off the dribble drive. This again is one of the Redeem teams few clear cut advantages, but lets say you put Drexler on Westbrook, and Mullin on Harden and things even out alot more.)

Magic Johnson > Deron Williams ( Deron is considered a big point guard in todays game, but Magic has about 5 inches and 30 pounds on him at this point in their careers. One of Deron’s biggest strengths is his ability to back down smaller point guards… Not happening against Magic.)

John Stockton > Chris Paul ( Think about what Gary Payton brought to the table with his defense, athleticism, and speed. Think about what Paul brings in the same catgeories and you get almost a dead draw between he and Payton. Now this is most peoples argument as to why Paul would beat Stockton… more athletic, better defender etc. Now, think about what how Stockton still managed to play his game against Payton. Isn’t it fair to say Stockton in 92′ can do the same against Paul of now adays? Paul’s athleticism is starting to dip, and the only advantage he would have on Stockton is rebounding.)

Conclusion: The clear cut advantage goes to the Dream Team! Nuff said…

[PrettyBoyPeeWeeParticipant]

 I think it all just comes down to what rules they would have played by, the NBA rules of the Old School or the NBA rules of the New School or the FIBA rules of the Old School or the FIBA rules of the NewSchool. And the match up’s n who play’s what position, but The Dream Team 92 would win 3 reasons why #1 Magic 6’9" pg- big advantage ova any other pg, #2 Pippen- would probly just focus on defense and could lock down anybody, and #3 D.Robinson would be uncontainable he’s basiclly a 7’1" version of D.Howard before Howard, but with a postup game nobody on the 2012 team would be able 2 stop him period.

[HobbyOGParticipant]

Reedem Team 2.0 can’t beat Reedem Team One…

[Memphis MadnessParticipant]

Who would Larry Bird guard? Who would Chris Mullin guard? Could Laettner do much off the bench at the 4/5?

I loved Jordan’s blend of unparalleled talent and athleticism in 1992, but I think he was better “overall” in 1996 with an even higher basketball IQ, championship experience, a better mid-range game, and a better post game. Plus, he still had some hops, and could still get to the lane and get to the line. Compare him to Kobe. Yeah, Kobe was a better athlete and better hops 5 or 6 years ago, but he learned a few things since then and is better in the low post and with his mid-range shot. Just because Kobe has slowed down a bit, doesn’t mean he’s still not a heck of a talent. He may have to pick his spots more but he can shoot over anyone and score from anywhere. If Kobe buckled down, focused, used his veteran savvy, and picked his spots then he could play against a 1992 Jordan — or have Iggy or LeBron defend him.

This would probably be the best lineup for the Dream Team — a blend of size, speed, scoring, and defense.

PG: Magic Johnson
SG: Michael Jordan
SF: Scottie Pippen
PF: Charles Barkley
C: David Robinson

That’s one hell of a team. Magic is a 6’9 beast at point guard. MJ can score on anyone, Pippen can defend anyone, Barkley is an all-around terror, and David Robinson is a 7’1 freak with a rare blend of size, speed, power, finesse, and talent.

The 2012 team could counter with this lineup:

PG: LeBron James — can run any offense and get to anywhere he wants. Great passer, rebounder, and a shot blocking threat. He would have no problem guarding Magic. But, could Magic guard him?

SG: Kobe Bryant — lacks ’92 MJ’s freakish athleticism and explosiveness but the guy can score and shoot from anywhere. Super high Basketball IQ too.

SF: Andre Iguodala — great motor guy who can defend, run the floor, finish, plus handle some, rebound some, and pass some. He can defend four spots on the floor and also play the 2, 3, and 4.

PF: Carmelo Anthony — not a true power forward, and may lose a battle of the bulge to Sir Charles but he is a little bit taller than Barkley. Great offensive game, and can rebound a little. Not the athlete that the ’92 Barkley was but can still dunk.

C: Tyson Chandler — not the gifted athlete or great scorer that a 1992 David Robinson was (probably at his athletic prime, too) but he can still defend the paint, and throw down some dunks. Not as prolific a shot blocker, but close to equal in terms of strength with Chandler might being a bit tougher than the Dream Team Admiral.

I think this is a great matchup. Obviously, MJ would be a tough guard so they could put Iggy on him. Or LeBron. But they might want to put LeBron on Sir Charles, or Magic, but probably LBJ would best be used on Barkley which would also allow him to be a weak-side shot blocker. I think Kobe is big, strong, and long enough to guard the Dream Team Magic. If not, they could put LeBron on Magic and let Kobe try to contain either Pippen with his smarts or give him a try on the Round Mound of Rebound. Then Carmelo can defend Pippen if Kobe is on Magic and LeBron is on Barkley. Pippen is quicker and a better athlete, but Carmelo might be a little taller and has a size and strength advantage.

Tyson Chandler would have to hope that David Robinson doesn’t break out on too many fast breaks or get a ton of offensive rebounds. Other than that, Chandler can handle Tyson Chandler ok. If not, he needs to put a hard foul to Robinson and make him earn it at the line. Chandler would be a much better defender against Patrick Ewing, but David Robinson gives the Dream Team a better all-around player at the center spot.

The 2012 Team with Iggy and Chandler in the lineup would really only have 3 true scorers, but Iggy can put some points on the board due to his hustle, hops, and ability to get out on the break. Chandler could get some points with dunks and offensive put backs. Those two guys don’t need the ball to be effective, which might actually be a good thing.

If those are the big matchups this would be the second team battle:

1992 Dream Team:

PG: John Stockton
SG: Clyde Drexler
SF: Chris Mullin
PF: Karl Malone
C: Patrick Ewing

2012 Last Dream Team:

PG: Chris Paul
SG: Russell Westbrook
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Blake Griffin
C: Kevin Love

These would be the second units then. Stockton is a tough, tough point guard who can pass, run the offense, and score too. Chris Paul is great too. This would be a great matchup! At the 2 guard spot Clyde The Glide would have the size matchup over Westbrook but I don’t think that Westbrook or any other guy on the 1992 second team could guard or keep up with Westbrook (if they put Stockton on Westbrook then I don’t think Drexler could guard CP3). I have Mullin at the 3 since I don’t think Larry Bird could guard anyone on the 2012 team — especially not Kevin Durant. KD is taller, longer, stronger, more athletic, and a better shooter than the 1992 Mullin. A much better dunker too, and probably better on the boards.

At the 4 spot we have Karl Malone vs. Blake Griffin. If there is anyone who could match the Mailman at his athletic peak (but maybe not as muscular or refined offensively as his later versions) it would be the 2012 version of the Blake Show. Mailman was spoon fed by Stockton, throwing down some massive dunks. Imagine the same from Blake getting passes and alley oop lobs from Chris Paul. At the 5, the Dream Team has an advantage in terms of size, power, and low post skill. Ewing can ball, especially the 1992 version. Good in the low post with a solid mid-range jumper. He can also block shots and rebound. Love would be outmatched in terms of size, height, and probably strength too, but Love is better offensive threat on the perimeter, a better passer, and probably a better rebounder.

Last two:

Dream Team:

SF/PF: Larry Bird
PF/C: Christian Laettner

2012 Team USA:

PG: Deron Williams
SG: James Harden

Even though Larry Bird is one of the top ten players ever, I am wondering if the 1992 version of Larry Bird could get up and down the floor with the 2012 team. Also, who could he guard? Could he guard LeBron or Durant? Doubt it. Bird can definitely still shoot it and pass it in 1992 but his limitations could keep Larry Legend off the court for most of the time. Laettner was a big talent in college and could play the 4 or 5 but he wasn’t quite ready for prime time as a member of the 1992 Dream Team. The 1992 Dream Team has two players who would negatively effect the outcome unless Larry Bird gets really hot for a game like Mike Miller did in Game 5 of this year’s Finals.

D-Will can play ball. He’s a big point guard that can handle, pass, run the offense, and score. He can also shoot. He is also versatile enough to play the shooting guard spot, but I doubt he could guard Jordan or Drexler. Harden is a good versatile guard who will play the 2 but also some 3. I think he would give the 2012 team a favorable matchup with Mullin at the 3 and Bird at the 3 as well. Harden is a good play maker and passer who could give the 2012 team big back court off the bench with along with Westbrook, with RW shooting, scoring, and slashing, and Harden handling and distributing.

[TallmanNYCParticipant]

Dream Team One wins. All this discussion about matchups misses the point. Jordan still at the top of his game. 

But I will play the matchup game. A matchup between the 92 Jordan and the 2012 Kobe would be a joke. In fact if DT 2012 even played Kobe more than spot minutes the DT 1992 would crush them. You just can’t have a 43% shooter out there with guys like this taking shots. Lebron and KD would try to match Jordan and they are at least talented enough and enough in their prime to maybe make a game of it. But Kobe would be almost unplayable at the level of game that DT1992 would be balling.

I love Chandler as a player, but Robinson outplays him solidly. Ewing brings monster defense as well, so Robinson can take a breather. Chandler has to play nearly the entire game or else DT2012 is blown out.

Barkley versus Love would be an interesing battle but obviously advantage goes to Barkley. Malone outplays Griffin as well. Lebron can matchup at PF with these guys if need be. I’m already figuring Lebron has to play the entire game for DT2012 like Chandler. But from a stamina perspective he couldn’t do 48 minutes banging against Barkley and Malone. So Lebron has to go to small forward a lot.

Melo, of course, would not get any PT in a real game with the rest of the DT2012 squad to work with. You don’t sit Lebron or KD to bring in Melo, ever.

I love Bird and consider him an all time great. But he was years from his prime at that point. Bird could still put up stats and was very good, but yes the back was bad at this point and he would also not get PT unless the game were no longer in doubt. Mullin probably also wouldn’t get a lot of play. Christian Lattner of course would not play.

Harden has to get PT at the 2G after Kobe has bricked a bunch of fadeaway 2s. Does anyone really think Kobe in 2012 could take MJ92 off the dribble? Did anyone take MJ off the dribble back then? So all Kobe can do is take long twos. You aren’t winning this game doing that. Harden wilts under the pressure. DWill also gets time at 2G, but he is too short and not athletic enough and MJ just shoots over him all day.

Pippen and Iggy battle it out nicely at the Small Forward position. They do their stat stuffer thing but Iggy is just a poor mans Pippen anyway. Besides, KD and Lebron are getting the major minutes.

Finally, I love how Westbrook is constantly brought up as this some sort of unguardable guy. You guys know that OKC does lose games, right? You know he only shoot 46% last year year and that was by far his best year. He misses over half his shots. People do guard him. Happens all the time. OKC doesn’t just lose in the finals to the Heat (where guys like Chalmers and rookie Norris Cole were guarding Westbrook). OKC loses to scrub teams with mediocre pointguards. Happens all the time. Would he be faster than Magic? Sure. Lots of guards were faster than Magic. Magic beat fast guards all the time. Same thing for Stockton. You think they never saw a fast guard in their career? Yet they still wracked up crazy stats (stats that blow anything Westbrook has ever done except points per game, which Westbrook mainly gets because he just takes a ton of shots) and both guys were still at the top of their game in 1992. 

[GrandmamaParticipant]

http://espn.go.com/olympics/summer/2012/basketball/story/_/id/8159879/2012-olympics-michael-jordan-laughed-kobe-bryant-dream-team-boast

 

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Michael Jordan said there’s no way Kobe Bryant and this year’s USA Olympic basketball team could’ve beaten the 1992 Dream Team.

Jordan told The Associated Press Thursday that he laughed — "I absolutely laughed" — when hearing Bryant’s comments that the U.S. squad training in Las Vegas could take Jordan and company.

 

Jordan said there’s "no comparison" which team is better.

"For him to compare those two teams is not one of the smarter things he ever could have done," Jordan said prior to playing in a celebrity golf tournament in Charlotte.

Jordan said the 1992 team, which included 11 future Hall of Famers and won its six Olympic games by an average of more than 43 points en route to capturing the gold medal, was a better overall team largely because of the experience it put on the floor.

"I heard Kobe say we were not athletic," said a smiling Jordan as he sat in a golf cart puffing on his cigar while waiting to tee off. "But we were smart. He said we were too old, but I was 29 and in the prime of my career. Pip (Scottie Pippen) was 26 or 27, (Charles) Barkley was 29, Patrick (Ewing) was 29 and Chris Mullin was 29. Almost everybody was still in their 20s."

Jordan’s response came after Bryant told reporters in Las Vegas that this year’s team could pull out a win against the Dream Team if they faced each other in their primes. Bryant said this year’s team has a "bunch of racehorses, players who are incredibly athletic, while the Dream Team consisted mainly of players at the tail end of their careers."

“

For him to compare those two teams is not one of the smarter things he ever could have done.

” — Michael Jordan, reacting to Kobe Bryant’s "Dream Team" comments.

 

Bryant’s comments received immediate and sharp rebuttal from some members of the Dream Team, including Barkley.

Jordan joined in on Thursday.

"Most of us were in the prime of our careers, at a point where athleticism doesn’t really matter," said Jordan, the owner of the Charlotte Bobcats. "You have to know how to play the game."

Jordan shook his head when asked why he thinks Bryant made the comments.

"I imagine he’s trying to say it to legitimize his own Dream Team," Jordan said. "But to me it’s not even a question what team is better."

Jordan said Bryant is certainly entitled to his opinion — even though he said it’s just plain wrong.

"For him to make that comparison, it’s one of those things where it creates conversation," Jordan said. "I guess we’ll never know. I’d like to think that we had 11 Hall of Famers on that team, and whenever they get 11 Hall of Famers, you call and ask me who had the better Dream Team. Remember now, they learned from us. We didn’t learn from them."

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

[SonicSabotuerEidolon]

 The dream team was made the same year I was born so I cant honestly say I know the team by heart I was expecting some of the best players to play on it.Im shocked shaq didnt make  it.

It seems like the older guy say dream team younger guys say the 2.0 team.

One thing we can all agree on is when you talk about any player from the past that was great or any team its taboo to say a player or team  of my generation is better.Thats wrong ppl are bias.

I have watched films of (the greatest games !) past players.

Theres no way if the  dream team plays small they beat the reedeem team.

You guys act as if everyoneone on the team will see playing time if they were to match up.No its not like that and as I said the 4 and the 3 will break  this game.You cant rebound made shots! the bigs on the other team will be only good for their offense  when the 5 and 4 can step  out spread the floor and take shots from the 3.Lebron just had one if not his best season ever hes maybe the best small forward of all time if you was to make an all time team who would be your starting small forward?

The dream team are HoFs but you think this team doesnt have any either? lol

Im sorry guys stockton going againts chris paul and deron ? Come on now hes one of the best pgs of all time yes but can he stay in front of ANY OF THESE GUYS SPEED WISE OR POWER WISE be serious now.The pg depth  of talent today in the nba maybe be the deepest ever in  history these two are the best of the best .

Give me a million negs and it still doesnt change the facts that their outmatched. The dream team could be the first  reedem team howard was young,bosh was soft,boozer was lost, they were in their primes thats a no brainer. But this team im sorry the dream team couldn’t be .

 

[NYFLAVA2K9Participant]

You get my neg gladly…

LeBron got shut down by Shawn Marion just last year… He’s not some super human unstoppable player even a year and a ring later… Again, Pippen would give LeBron fits that no one on the Thunder was even close to capable of doing… Yes LeBron is Great… But watch some film on Pippen and tell me how LeBron is going to dominate him… Not happening… An even draw at best…

Stockton played head to head against Gary Payton aka "The Glove" (Equally as fast as CP3 and Deron, and one of the best on ball defenders ever)..  And WON!!! Not to mention guys like Isaiah Thomas, Allen Iverson,, Mugsy Bouges… Guys who end to end would DUST CP3 and Deron… Furthermore, explain how Ricky Rubio and Tony Parker can be succesful in todays NBA but Stockton in his prime wouldn’t??? Better yet explain how Steve Nash is still doing it?

Michael Jordan… The G.O.A.T!!!!… In 1992 on his way to what could’ve been 8-10 championships had he not retired twice… I Repeat 8-10 championships easily… V.S. Kobe… No disrespect to Kobe… But c’mon… Do we even need to go into the facts??

Now you’re asking yourself…Well what if the 2012 Team had Dwight and Bosh healthy… Still not happening… D-Rob was a better defender and post player than Dwight, and it’s not even close… Ewing would dominate Bosh… The same Bosh who got ABUSED by Dirk…

KD and Westbrook are the only players on the 2012 team who would really form match up problems for the Dream Team due to there length at their respective positons… But trust it wouldn’t be enough of a difference maker as the ball movement and scoring of the Dream Team would negate there scoring..

You young dudes think that athleticism is some new found black magic…. Domonique Wilkins was every bit as athletic as anyone on this squad.. In the 80’s… And every last one of the wings on the Dream Team  more than held there own in match ups with him…

I’m born in 85 so I have the pleasure of remembering games as early as 1990… I’ve followed every draft since 96’… My point is I was born just in time to watch Jordan etc of the past, and Kobe etc of nowadays, and not develop a generation based bias.. I promise you there isn’t as much difference in body types and speed of the past players compared to to nowadays as you think..If anything, the players of the past had to go up against bigger, stronger, more physical players alot more often then these players do… There bodies took alot more of a beating in the past then now…  Yes the game is faster now adays, but never discount the conditioning of the players of the past.

The key word here though is EFFICIENCY. The efficiency in which the Dream Team members played is unmatched… They shot better percentages and played closer to the basket… They had better passers and a better ability to spread the floor… I don’t even see how this is an argument… Were talking about a really good 2012 team, which arguably isn’t even as good as the 2008 team  or the 1996 team V.S. The greatest basketball team to ever take a court…

SHuT it DOWN!!!

[JoeWolf1]

 Have you seen Stockton play or do you just see pictures of a guy in short shorts and assume he can’t play?

John Stockton was a very strong and physical player, some would say he was even dirty.  He was a tenacious on ball defender and if he could stick with Tim Hardaway’s cross over then I don’t think Chris Paul would be too fast for him.  If he could hold his own against a 6’9” point guard in Magic Johnson, then I think he could handle the strength of Deron Williams.

You’re just assuming the Dream Team couldn’t play because of a couple highlight videos you saw and a few episodes of NBA’s Greatest Games.

You’re entitled to your own opinion, but you really lost all credibility in this arguement when you started throwing Shaq’s name around as a memeber of the Dream Team.

 

[NYK2010Participant]

Bird is a better defender than you think obviously he’s not in Lebron’s league on D but he’s not garbage.

Also he makes up for it with his clutch play and great shooting.

8 titles maybe even thats no guaratee but 10 is crazy they won 6 in 8 years because both Jordan and Pippen were in their prime.  When MJ came back in 2001 he wasn’t the same player and Pippen wasn’t the same after 98 anyway.  Bulls didn’t destory teams in their 5th and 6th titles it took them 7 games to beat Indy in the ECF.  Also the Finals against Utah twice easily could’ve gone 7 games.

Dont’ tell me Cartwright or Longley get it done at Center against Olajuwon, Shaq, Duncan later on.

Drexler, Kobe were very good defenders in those years better than Byron Russell, Dan Majerlie and Hersey Hawkins some of the guys who guarded MJ in the Finas.

Just because they won 6 doesn’t mean they get 10 titles.

[SonicSabotuerEidolon]

 Your rite joe I shouldn’t have thought I should have known before speaking but I think I made some valid points.All you guys have made a better argument then me.I will a stay in my lane about anything before my memory.I just think the versatility  would be no laughing matter……plus the fiba game exp of this team  and rule changes would sway in the reedeem teams favor.

[NYK2010Participant]

Also did someone say the Dream Team was old in 92.

MJ, Ewing, Barkley, Robinson, Malone, Stockton, Pippen, Drexler, Mullin were all in their prime.

As for versatility any team with Jordan, Pippen, Drexler can guard multiple positions.

Robinson was quick enough to guard PF’s and Barkley would be a diff. kind of beast that Love has never faced.

Problem for this year’s deam team is they don’t have a Shaq or Dunca in their prime or close to it.

Malone would put a hurting on Anthony Davis or anyone else.

Would be fun watching Durant n Bird shoot though.

[Author]

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