Slam Magazine: The Top 50
So I know we should be talking about the Lakers 15th championship and how they are the clear favorite for another run in 09-10, but I came across this recent list from Slam Magazine:
Slam’s Top All Time 50
1. Michael Jordan
2. Wilt Chamberlain
3. Bill Russell
4. Shaquille O’Neal
5. Oscar Robertson
6. Magic Johnson
7. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
8. Tim Duncan
9. Larry Bird
10. Jerry West
11. Elgin Baylor
12. Kobe Bryant
13. Hakeem Olajuwon
14. Bob Pettit
15. Julius Erving
16. Moses Malone
17. John Havlicek
18. Karl Malone
19. Isiah Thomas
20. Charles Barkley
21. Rick Barry
22. John Stockton
23. Elvin Hayes
24. Bob Cousy
25. David Robinson
26. Kevin McHale
27. Scottie Pippen
28. Jason Kidd
29. George Mikan
30. Kevin Garnett
31. Willis Reed
32. Wes Unseld
33. Nate Thurmond
34. Dolph Schayes
35. Walt Frazier
36. Patrick Ewing
37. Jerry Lucas
38. Gary Payton
39. Allen Iverson
40. Billy Cunningham
41. Clyde Drexler
42. LeBron James
43. Dominique Wilkins
44. Dave Cowens
45. George Gervin
46. Bob McAdoo
47. Earl Monroe
48. Dennis Rodman
49. Walt Bellamy
50. Steve Nash
I would love to hear what people think of this list, and how this might now change with Kobe winning his 4th ring.
I also think it is time for an updated 50 Greatest Players list no? That was in 1996-1997 season they made that list–I think we have seen an incredible influc of NBA players in the last 12 years-some which even now should be considered.
~ by sportsyente on June 15, 2009.
Posted in NBA
Tags: Bill Russell, Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, NBA, Shaquille O'Neal, Wilt Chamberlain
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We’ve had this discussion many a time, but never have we actually compiled, ranked, and printed the list.
I think the main issue with these types of lists is the criteria on which you judge a player. For instance, if you start with championships, you could just start from the top with Bill Russell. But then, LeBron wouldn’t be on the list and Sasha Vujacic would. In fact, Tom Sanders, who isn’t even on this list, would be number two with 10 championships.
But you can’t do it strictly on talent and numbers because then LeBron would undoubtedly be in the top 3. If not #1. These things lack the intangibles that put MJ atop the list of every single list maker ever.
So how do you do it? I don’t know the answer. But I do know that after this championship, Kobe has to move up. On this list. Right now he’s behind Jerry West and Elgin Baylor for being in the top 10. Elgin Baylor won none (arguable, according to this: http://www.sculu.com/did-elgin-baylor-ever-win-a-championship-ring-with-the-lakers-3168/) and Jerry West won 1. Kobe’s 4, along with his scoring titles, MVP, and playoffs MVP, should easily pass those 2.
Larry Bird behind Tim Duncan? I don’t know about that. So putting Timmay at number 9, I think Kobe passes him too. 4 Rings each, Duncan got 2 with the Admiral and Kobe got 3 with the Diesel. It’s hard to say who has more of an impact on their team, but I give the edge to Kobe, slightly, because of his edge. He can take over the game and his team’s doubt by himself. I don’t know if I’m seen Timmy do that, and definitely not on a consistent basis.
So using this list, I’d say Kobe is #9 all time. That’s fair.
Also, that means the Lakers have 5 of the top 10 players of all time, not including number 11 and number 12. Yes, they are the best NBA franchise of all time.
Shaq in front of Kareem? In what world? Shaq had a very short run of goodness/greatness…girth does not mean great. Kareem changed the game; came into the game a winner and left it that way; he is arguably the second on the list ahead of Wilt. Shaq is not even in top 10. Hakeem killed him when he played against him. Footwork killed him. He couldnt move. He had no shot. He couldnt shoot a free throw.
In terms of Kobe, he deserves to move up although I think guys like Elgin Baylor, for their time, were equally great. Still, Kobe has shown, like Jordan, that he can adapt; first a fantastic individual player and now a superb team player with intelligent game.And for God’s sake, Shaq ahead of Kobe? I would take Bird and Duncan ahead of him…Basketball skills count and Bird and Duncan have shown they have them and can win.
Funny you should mention 3 key Legends: Jerry West, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Julis “Dr. J” Erving! These Guys do deserve to be on this list but surely anyone would agree that they all should be the TOP 3! These are Legends and their players wanting so bad to be them but they can only imitate them and they’ll be wanting to do the same when September gets here and all three are competing in a major Poker Tournament in the Atlantis Bahamas! Personally I want a close up with this but I just wish i had a ticket to go!