Basketball: All-Time Starting Five
Finally finished with school for the semester. Next will be a job hunt, take an online class at the JC. Needless to say, I figure I’ll have more time to post nonsense on here…I mean, REALLY cool and interesting stuff on here.
In honor of the pretty darn good NBA playoffs, here’s my all-time starting five at their natural positions (some honorable mentions, too).
Point Guard
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers (1979-1991, 1996)
The leader of the “Showtime” Lakers, at 6′9 Magic was certainly tall to be a point guard. However, that didn’t stop him from earning five rings (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988) and along with three MVP awards (1987, 1989, 1990). He could run the break better than anyone, but could take over a game when needed as well. Two hooks of his were unforgettable: one in the 1987 NBA Finals against the Celtics and one from three point land during the 1992 NBA All-Star Game. He did it all with a smile on his face, too.
Honorable Mentions:
Bob Cousy (Boston Celtics, Cincinnati Royals), John Stockton (Utah Jazz)
Shooting Guard
Michael “Air” Jordan
Chicago Bulls (1984-1993, 1995-1998)
Washington Wizards (2001-2003)
As if there would be any doubt. Owner of six rings (1991-1993, 1995-1998) and a five time MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998). Jordan could do it all. When questioned about his defensive abilities, he went out and became the Defensive Player of the Year. When questioned about his shooting ability by the Portland Trailblazers, he went out and made a then record six three point shots in a single NBA Final game. Simply put: he’s the greatest player to ever live.
Honorable Mentions:
Pete Maravich (Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans/Utah Jazz, Boston Celtics), Jerry West (Los Angeles Lakers)
Small Forward
Larry “Legend” Bird
Boston Celtics (1979-1992)
He might not look like much, but Larry Bird was a bad mofo. Magic said in all of his years of playing, Bird was the only player he came across that actually scared him. The winner of three rings (1981, 1984, 1986) and three MVP awards (1984-1986). A great rebounder and underrated defender in his prime (making the second all defensive team from 1982-1984). He is best known for his passing ability, his ability to succeed in big moments, and being one of the best shooters of all time.
Honorable Mentions:
Julius Erving (Virginia Squires, New York Nets, Philadelphia 76ers), Scottie Pippen (Chicago Bulls, Houston Rockets, Portland Trailblazers)
Power Forward
“The Big Fundamental” Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs (1997-Present)
There is absolutely nothing flashy about Tim Duncan, but he is arguably the highest skilled big man to ever play the game (hence the nickname). He has great footwork, the ability to put the ball on the floor and drive past people, and is an expert in the lost art of the bank shot. A great defender, though is often saved of those duties until the end of the game. An owner of four rings (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007) and a two time MVP (2002, 2003). He is the leader of the quiet San Antonio Spur Dynasty.
Honorable Mentions:
Charles Barkley (Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets), Karl Malone (Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers)
Center
Bill Russell
Boston Celtics (1956-1969)
This was a tough decision to make. Ultimately, I had to go with the all-time greatest winner in the history of all team sports. Need proof? Let’s try five MVP awards (1958, 1961-1963, 1965) and ELEVEN NBA titles (1957, 1959-1966, 1968, 1969). A master of the blocked shot, John Wooden called Russell the greatest defensive player he’d ever seen. A tenacious rebounder and possibly the smartest player to ever play the game. The reason for the lack of nickname? Two fold. One, his mother didn’t want him to have one. Two, his name is the nickname for this time in Celtic history: “The Russell Era.”
Honorable Mentions:
Wilt Chamberlain (Harlem Globetrotters, Philadelphia/San Francisco Warriors, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, San Diego Conquistadors), Kareem Abdul Jabbar (Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers)
There’s my list. Feel free to comment with your own lists or just discuss mine. I always like to see what others think on topics like this.
- Chris Lejarzar
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