As I watched the first game of the NBA finals, it was apparent James enthusiasts were too quick to anoint him “King” and the new Jordan. He may indeed become the NBA’s greatest player, but let’s wait until he wins something. Hell, he’s only 22 years old (we think).
All this talk about being the “greatest” got me thinking about whom I would select for my all-time NBA team. As a long-time pro basketball fan who has been lucky to see most NBA greats play, this wasn’t an easy task. It was difficult leaving off some of my favorite players.
Three of my favorites who didn’t make my team were John Havlicek, Pete Maravich and Bill Bradley.
After Bill Russell’s retirement and until the arrival of Bird, Havlicek was “Mr. Celtics.” Even after becoming a starter, he’s considered by many to be the greatest 6th man in NBA history.
As a college student and basketball nut of the late ’60s, how couldn’t I be a fan of “Pistol” Pete? His entertaining performances and high-scoring acts at LSU made him one of all-time great collegiate players and later an NBA All-Star.
Then there was Bill Bradley - my favorite college player. As a Celtics fan, it was still easy to like the Knickerbockers’ star. When I was a kid and Bradley was at Princeton, instead of saying let’s go play hoops, I’d say, let’s go play some Bradley-ball. Democrats now chant, “Where have you gone, Bill Bradley?”
Despite my admiration for those great players, they still fell short of making my NBA team. Here’s my starting team and 12-man roster:
Center: Bill Russell
3-Forward: Larry Bird
4-Forward: Karl Malone
2-Guard: Michael Jordon
1-Guard: Ervin Johnson
Here’s my bench: Center: Wilt Chamberlain. Forwards: Julius Erving, Elgin Baylor and Kevin McHale. Guards: Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and Bob Cousy.
King James will have to wait for now.
Great team, but I might need to find a spot for Jabbar. And, with another ring, Duncan might need to be there, too.
Comment by GZguy — June 8, 2007 @ 5:52 pm
“King James” certainly has a long way to go to be compared to Jordon. I agree with GZguy…Duncan needs to be on your team.
Comment by GD Richard — June 13, 2007 @ 5:46 pm
Really Mc Hale over Duncan? Surprised you were able to see past your Boston bias to put Malone over Mc Hale……Mc Hale is the second most overrated player in History trailing only Scottie Pippen….right guy in the right place at the right time……COUSY? over Stockton? or what’s that guys name down in Phoenix? oh yea Nash. and if your going old school, Bob Petit has to be on your list before Mc “freaking” Hale……..
Comment by Effie Pee — June 16, 2007 @ 9:23 am
Hey Effie … if you check my team, it includes 4 Lakers. So, why am I not LA bias? Also, no one HAS to be on my list other than who I want….submit your own list!
Comment by Gil — June 16, 2007 @ 10:33 am
How could you not put kenyon martin on there…just kidding but you’re right about the James thing. Nowhere near MJ.
Comment by jedsixers — July 11, 2007 @ 10:33 pm
Spot on! Not even close to MJ man!!
Comment by LSU FOOTBALL — December 24, 2007 @ 4:03 am