The Quick Report 07.28.08: 10 Greatest Players in NBA History
Posted by Ben Quick on 07.28.2008
It's not filler! I swear!
Last week I mentioned that we are in a "boring period" of the NBA off season. It's way too early to start seriously analyzing the 2008-2009 season. I could write about Team USA, but we're still about a week or so before that becomes serious itself. So, since not much is really going on, I hope you all can forgive my self indulgence this week. Whenever I write a top ten list for anything it does feel a little like filler, but this time it's a little different. The other day I was at lunch with a fellow basketball junkie and I brought up the concept of the 10 greatest players ever. It sounds like a cake walk, right? That's what I thought. With even leaving the idea of ranking the players out, after about six names it gets tough because there have been so many great players in NBA history. People can knock the association all they want, but the NBA has as great of a legacy as in any other sport. From George Mikan to Greg Oden, there's been some amazing talents grace the hardwood. So, for fun, why not make a list of the 10 best ever? That's the idea...
10. Bob Cousy
This was the toughest slot to pick for. Whenever you pick the tenth spot you leave off the dozen or so guys that also deserve mention. This pick came down to Bob Cousy vs. Julius Erving. Obviously Dr. J was the better athlete and a more exciting player, but I have a hard time selecting a guy for the top 10 who spent arguably the best years of his career in the ABA. Besides, Bob Cousy extremely deserves to be selected in his own right. In the thirteen years that Cousy played for the Boston Celtics(1950-1963) Bob averaged 18 ppg, 5 rpg and 7.5 apg and won six championships with Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics. Many consider Bob Cousy to be the first great point guard in the history of the NBA. If you have problems with this pick ask yourself one question. How many other point guards were able to quarterback a team to six championships?
9. Tim Duncan
Some may not like that boring old Tim Duncan is the only current NBA player to make the list, but when you step back and look at Timmy's career, he deserves the selection. No player in the NBA today has led his team to more success than Duncan. Sure, Shaq can claim four titles just as Duncan can, but does anyone really want to try and pretend that he was anything more than a decoy for Dwayne Wade on his only championship with the Heat? Kobe Bryant may be the most skilled player in the league, perhaps maybe ever, but the two chances he's had at leading a team to a championship as the team's best player(2004 and 2008) he's failed miserably. Tim Duncan has had help, but he's still been the best player on a team that has never won less than 50 games since he was drafted to the Spurs in 1997(not counting the lockout). Tim Duncan is the best power forward in NBA history. He has made the Spurs one of the most successful teams in sports for a decade and has carried them to being one of only four teams to have won more than three titles in NBA history. By the time his career is over I'm sure Duncan will rank higher on the list.
8. Jerry West
If Bob Cousy was the first great point guard then Jerry West was the first great shooting guard. He's the logo. He's Mr. Clutch. He's the best player to never be named MVP. This is amazing on the fact alone that he was named to the NBA's First Team ten times. Jerry West was the one of the bigger heroes and victims of the original Celtic dynasty. He was a hero for the fact that he, along with his fellow Laker teammates Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain, challenged the mighty Celtics more than any other team. His count of championships may be few, but Jerry West pioneered the two guard position and had the will of a true champion.
7. Oscar Robertson
One could argue that Oscar Robertson has the greatest stat line in NBA history. His stat line reads 25.7 ppg, 9.5 apg and 7.5 rpg. You can add to that his record of 181 career triple doubles and you're looking at a player that has stats that few can top, if any. The only real problem with Oscar Robertson's career is that he was only able to capture two rings toward the end of his career. Two championships are nothing to scoff at, but it's what has kept him from being discussed in the uppermost tiers of NBA greatness. For the fact that he averaged a triple double for an entire season, a feat no other player has accomplished in NBA history, how can anyone say that he wasn't one of the 10 best ever? His name my not be that of some of the other players on the list, but to basketball junkies he's a legend all the same.
6. Larry Bird
Larry Bird is the perfect example of why basketball is an amazing sport. Here's a player that didn't have many natural gifts. He was tall, but not overwhelmingly so. Larry Bird was never the athlete that Dr. J or Michael Jordan was. Still, in his prime one could argue he was the very best player in the world. Larry Bird was an extremely smart player. His basketball IQ was second to none. He had a game that was built of that IQ and strong fundamentals. The legendary Celtic architect Red Auerbach once said that Larry Bird was the best player he'd ever seen. Larry Bird was a player that won three championships and also three MVP trophies. When the average fan thinks of the NBA generally three names come to mind. Larry Bird is one of them and the other two are still to come.
5. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
It doesn't matter what you call him. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Lew Alcindor. This UCLA Bruin was one of the most dominate players we will ever see. His infamous sky hook isn't only the most famous single shot in the history of the sport, but it was also the most devastating. In Kareem's career he won titles with both the Milwaukee Bucks and the Los Angeles Lakers, with his final total coming to six. Kareem also holds the record for most MVP trophies with six. I always feel that a lot of people just remember his goofy appearance and not for the fact that one could argue he was the greatest center of all time. I don't know if I would make that argument, but one could. With six rings, six MVPs and being the NBA's all-time career scorer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar will always make this list.
4. Wilt Chamberlain
This will probably be my most controversial selection. Not really because of the player, but more because of his placing on the list. Okay, there's no question that Wilt Chamberlain was the most dominate individual in NBA history. His records of scoring 100 points and grabbing 55 rebounds in single game performances and adding to that of being the only player to ever average an unthinkable 50 points per game may lead some to proclaim him the greatest of all time. I can definitely understand that impulse, but I always hesitate to do so. I can't call a player the greatest of all time that wasn't ever apart of a dynasty. With all of the great champions in NBA history, I can't place at the top a guy who only won two rings. Still, when it comes to setting records and dominating on an individual level, Wilt will never be topped.
3. Magic Johnson
The number ten pick, Bob Cousy, may have been the first true great NBA point guard, but Magic Johnson is the greatest point guard ever. It's not even close either. More than any other player will probably ever achieve, Magic Johnson is remembered as the ultimate passer and facilitator. His stat line may seem a little meek for being selected at #3(19.5 ppg, 11.2 apg and 7.2 rpg), but the five rings that he lead the Showtime Lakers to will more suffice. No player in NBA history proved that basketball is at its best when all five players are involved more than Magic. Oh, and this is the second of those names I mentioned earlier...
2. Bill Russell
For all the people who like to debate Larry vs. Magic, I've always thought Russell vs. Chamberlain was much more interesting. Which player is the greatest center ever? Is it the greatest offensive force the game has ever seen or the greatest defensive force the game has ever seen? Well, for me, I have to go with Russell. The guy is the father figure of the NBA. Whenever you see him at a game or an NBA event now he just brings such a level of class that no other player can match. That probably has to do with the eleven rings that he has. Bill Russell was the best player on a team that won 11 championships in 13 seasons. The Boston Celtics of the 1960's will always be the greatest dynasty in the history of the game. If it wasn't for the strength of my #1 pick I would feel kind of stupid for not selecting Russell at the top.
1. Michael Jordan
Okay, I know it's a little obvious and I don't mean little. The three names that the average fan thinks of when they think of the NBA are Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, but let's be honest, Michael's still on another level than Magic and Larry. When I look at Michael Jordan's accomplishments it never fails to amaze me. Let see, six NBA Championships, five MVP awards, six NBA Finals MVP awards, ten NBA scoring titles and a career stat line of 30 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 5.3 apg. Still, why Michael is the greatest player in NBA history goes far beyond the awards and stats. Never was there a player more suited for the big stage than Michael Jordan. When you saw him play it was obvious that Michael Jordan needed to win as much as he needed air. Whenever he was in a game there was never any doubt that he the best player on the floor.
More so than at any time in NBA history, in Michael Jordan's prime there was never any doubt who the best player in the league was. Today you can debate on Kobe vs. LeBron, but when Michael was leading the Bulls to those six championships it was a joke to even pretend a player was better than he was(just as Charles Barkley and Karl Malone). Michael Jordan led the Bulls to six NBA Championships without a major low post presence. That just doesn't happen, people. Today every superstar that enters the league is asked to pass the Michael Jordan test. Most have failed and none have completely succeeded. In a sport you only get one truly great player. That one player that transcends the sport. For baseball it was Babe Ruth, golf has Tiger and boxing had Ali. Basketball has Michael Jordan, the greatest.
_____________________
Well, that's it for my filler column. Next week I think I'll have to take a look at the roster for Team USA. No disrespect to other countries' teams, but the USA should always win that tournament. I'll have to sit down and analyze whether this year's team should fair any better than the 2004 Athens squad did. Until then my peeps!
kobe not on the list because he "failed" twice to win rings as the team leader?? really...i guess we all don't remember how jordan failed 5 straight times as the team leader and only finally won after pippen became really good, and then had even more help with rodman, kerr, and kukoc later on. what hypocrisy. what kobe did with the lakers after shaq left i hardly doubt even jordan could have topped. kobe has done more with less than jordan ever has, and in the most difficult conference, too.
Posted By: Guest#2832 (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 12:03 AM
I still dont get the Tim Duncan love... but oh well, not my column.
Yes the Russell vs Wilt argument is way better and a lot more interesting than Magic vs Bird. I still say Wilt was more dominating, but who can really argue with Russell's Rings...
Posted By: Brad (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 01:10 AM
If Jordan is the greatest of all time, wouldn't you expect his team to collapse if he retired in his prime? Well they didn't, they won 55 games then next season after reinventing their offense. They would have won it all the following season if Jordan didn't come in towards the end of the season and mess up the chemistry. Pippen had a better career without Jordan than Jordan did without Pippen. The 1980's Laker's dynasty came to a close when Phil Jackson decided to have PIPPEN guard Magic Johnson (who he completely shut down). Michael Jordan was just another Vince Carter type player until Pippen came. KOBE is ALWAYS guarding the other teams top player, just like Pippen.
#1 Kobe Bryant...most skilled of all time on both ends. Never have or will see a better package of footwork, midrange game, ball handling, defense than him.
#2 Russell....Ultimate anchor of a dynasty.
#3 Pippen.... Combined with MJ to lead a Bulls team to 6 championships in the 90's, albeit a watered down time of the league. Guarded the other teams best player. Triple double threat night in and night out. Leading rebounder for his position.
Lead a dysfunctional Portland Trailblazer team to the brink of the finals.
Posted By: Jack (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 01:55 AM
You clowns are kidding about the MJ comments right? That guy in his prime was UNBELIEVEABLE. Kobe doesn't even compare. Kobe may be an amazing athlete, but MJ would have found a way to mop the floor with him had they played in the same time period. MJ was the most fierce competitor there is in the NBA, not the mention the best known athlete in the world. People STILL know him to this day and he hasn't played ball in quite some time. Can you say that about Kobe? Nope. Oh and MJ would NEVER have let his team get absolutely blown out in a game 6 of the NBA Finals. Never, not in a million years, wouldn't have happened.
Posted By: Gabe (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 03:31 AM
Wilt having virtually no supporting cast until he got to LA and constantly going against Celtic teams that had double digit Hall of Famers during his prime in the 60's has nothing to do with not winning rings? It was all his fault?
Posted By: Guest#8124 (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 05:38 AM
but what would have happend to the lakers if pau didn't arrive? they wouldn't have made the finals period.
Posted By: dean (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 08:49 AM
I'm the biggest Kobe mark around, and I agree that Jordan is twenty times the player he was.
Nice inclusion of Duncan on the list.
Posted By: Csonkaholic. (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 09:51 AM
Sad to see no Dr. J., but I think this is an excellent list overall. It's especially good to see Russell over Chamberlain just like he proved many times on the court.
Posted By: waaproductions (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 11:39 AM
You include Bob Cousy and Tim Duncan but dont include the most dominating force ever in Shaquille O'neil. This is the guy the triple team was invented after. The so called hack-a-shack since him getting 1 point down the court was far better than giving him a field goal opportunity. Look at his numbers for the 3 titles he won with the Lakers and they dwarf that of any other player for there greatest 3 playoff runs. Does Duncan have 4 titles sure but he never did not compile any playoff run as dominant as the lakers with Shaq at the helm. For him to be not listed in the top 10 is absurd, is he older now and not as agile sure but he had how many insane seasons before Tim Duncan came into the league, Tim couldnt even score the same as the 6th Man on his team this year. He let a 20 point lead evaporate to the Lakers. So next time you want to claim Tim Duncan as a superior shaq go check the numbers. Also Shaq 6 NBA finals appearances the first one in which he carried the Magic on his back, Tim Duncan 4 appearances.
Posted By: Terrible (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 01:02 PM
nice list, i would put Bird top 5 though
what about making a current players top 10 list? that could be interesting
Posted By: Guest#9670 (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 01:13 PM
jordan would have never let his team lose a game 6 in the finals? yeah, you're right...in the first 5 years of his career, he never even sniffed the finals, losing in the first and second round constantly. lol
and people don't know kobe's name? you do know he's the most well known nba player internationally? not to mention he's the number 1 jersey seller in china and europe? if you ask a random international player to name a current nba star, they're not gonna say lebron, or wade, or dirk, or yao. they're gonna say kobe.
and you think pau is what mattered to the lakers? hahahah, let's see what happens to the lakers without kobe. without kobe, the lakers don't even make the playoffs. what happened when jordan retired? oh that's right, pippen led his team to 55 wins and to a near eastern conference finals berth.
Posted By: chad (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 01:34 PM
Kobe shot 40% in the Finals and was outplayed by Paul Pierce. MJ was never outplayed by any single player in the Finals. Enuff said!
Posted By: Jake (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 02:33 PM
To all the people complaining about Jordan,
Did you see the man play. There is no doubt that he is the greatest. And anybody suggesting that Kobe is better should stop watching the NBA. All the comparisons should have stopped after this year's Finals. Mike would've never let his team (wit or without Pippen) blow leads as big as the Lakers did in Games 4 & 5 (yes, I know thw Lakers still won Game 5). He also wouldn't have let his team get embarassed in an elimination game in the Finals. I think there are aspects of the game where Kobe's better, but overall, Mike's the man.
Posted By: Bobby (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 03:04 PM
I am HUGE, HUGE Celtics fan. So it pains me to admit that Jordan was better than Russell or Bird. But, it is true. Anyone who begins to put Kobe in the same catgegory of either of these players needs to be committed. There is no arguement you could make that even justifies a direct response. He couldn't break the starting line-up of an all-time Lakers team if you play him at guard.
Posted By: guest (Guest) on July 28, 2008 at 08:19 PM
The name is the GREATEST PLAYER in NBA History... Chamberlain was so great, he got bored with leading the league every year inpoints and rebounds, so he decided in 68b he would leadthe league in assists.....and he did still scoring and rebounding 24/24. I know most of you who read this column never saw Chamberlain play, but he was the best PLAYER ever. Period.
Posted By: Tuck28 (Guest) on July 29, 2008 at 03:15 PM
To the moron who said the Bulls would have won it all in 1994-1995 if Jordan hadn't have come back to ruin the chemistry of the team, get your facts straight, the bulls were actually in danger of missing the playoffs, Jordan revived them, and they climbed all the way up to the 4th seed. Then before the 95-96 team, Jordan got everyone to work there ASSES off in the off season and all they did that season was have the greatest single season a team has ever had, and then breezed through the playoffs losing only 3 games (2 vs the Sonics where it was plainly obvious the Bulls were just taking it easy so they could win the title at home in front of the home folks). The great thing about Jordan is that he evolved so much into the player he had to be. He beat everyone with his raw athleticism early in his career, but needed to learn the art of the team game (insert Phil). When he came back, he lost a step, but he learned how to play in a different way (working extremely hard on his jumpshot and the fadeaway which was unstoppable) knowing he couldn't (shouldn't) beat people to the basket every time. You're gonna hold it against Michael that he didn't win in the first 5 years of his career? Why, because Kobe did (with Shaq)? That's ridiculous. Kobe's teams were about as good as Jordans were in those first 5 years, and it's a joke to say that anyone in the western conference today are as good as the Celtics and Pistons that Jordan kept running into every year (you know better TEAMS).
Posted By: gwpbrian (Guest) on July 30, 2008 at 05:39 PM
chad(guest) how many rings does kobe have???
and the lakers are to one dimentional... until bynum blosssomed and pau came.
as for promoting the game internationaly jordan did more then kobe ever will.
and tuck i have a feeling you never saw wilt play.
Posted By: dean (Guest) on August 01, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Jordan was great, but he didn't get those MVP awards and rings until Bird turned into a crippled old man. Magic retired, and Isiah Thomas' Pistons squad was on the verge of being broken up. During the Bulls second 3-peat they even picked up a couple of the Bad Boys of Detroit.
Posted By: K. Bett (Guest) on August 02, 2008 at 12:29 PM
Yeah but Bird, Magic, and Isiah had deeper squads around them. Jordan had Pippen and a bunch of role players (that played there roles perfectly to be sure). Magic had Worthy, and Kareem. Bird had Mchale, Parrish, Ainge, and Johnson. Isiah had Dumars, and Laimbeer.
Posted By: gwpbrian (Guest) on August 04, 2008 at 09:33 PM
