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If you put everyone in their prime and had them play against teams TODAY if I could make the ultimate team it would be:
1. Magic
2. Jordan
3. Lebron
4. Duncan
5. Oneal
Yes yes I'm missing a lot of greats, but if I want to win games in today's NBA this is the team I would make.
Great question. Most truly great players played long careers. There were not the same kind a player throughout. So I will nail down the preferred time frame for each player.
PG- Magic Johnson (circa 1987)
SG- Michael Jordan (circa 1991)
SF- LeBron James (2013)
PF -Dennis Rodman (circa 1996)
C- Kareem Abdul Jabbar (circa 1976)
To anyone looking at this list Rodman stands out. With so much scoring potency there is no need for Duncan, Malone, or Dirk at PF. Rodman was a defense and rebounding specialist. He would fit perfectly with a high powered group like this.
The back court of Magic and Jordan really needs no explanation. I went for athletic prime Jordan over post up/fade away Jordan. Magic would turn both LeBron and Jordan into wide receivers with the kind of passes he could deliver. Not to mention Magic's size and ability to post up opposing PG's would allow him to switch up and receive passes for James. Magic's ability to post up any opposing PG was one of his greatest strengths.
Lastly, Kareem in the late 70's was a basketball marvel. And the young Kareem would be able to run the floor and finish well with this group.
PG - Magic Johnson
SG - Michael Jordan
SF - Lebron James
PF - Tim Duncan
C - Shaq
Duncan over Bill Russell was probably the hardest call. No offense to Wilt, Kareem, Olajuwon, etc, but Shaq in his prime was just a physical freak... too big/strong for the great big men of years past.
Off the bench:
PG - Isiah Thomas (I'm a Pistons fan)
SG - Kobe Bryant
SF - Larry Bird
PF - Bill Russell
C - Kareem
My thoughts exactly on Shag. I can't see putting Olajuwon over him or anyone else at that position for that matter. Shag wasn't just the most powerful/ unstoppable center at one point for about a five year span but he also had a level of finesse that gets unnoticed. Besides Jordan at sg, he was my easiest pick for any position. He would have dominated the centers of yesteryear in my personal opinion. Bill Russell and Wilt chamberlain in their primes wouldn't have any ability to stop Shag. Wilt played at a time when the league was small and not that athletic. I believe basketball players have become, bigger, stronger, quicker, and faster. Wilt would most likely be slightly above average five years ago and above average now since the league lacks very good centers. Shag was just to athletic, big/ strong, and quick.
PG - Magic
SG - Jordan
SF - Bird
PF - Malone
C - Wilt
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