I think I do. Michael Jordan, six rings, number without Pippen, zero. Magic Johnson, five rings, number without Kareem, zero. Kareem, six rings, number without Magic, one, with Oscar. It really does make me appreciate Hakeem even more.
In 1961 Walt Bellamy came into the league as the number 1 overall pick. He was quite a physical specimen- 6'11", athletic, with a variety of offensive moves, and he would average over 31.6 ppg as a rookie, second all-time (still!) to Wilt Chamberlain, to go with 19 rebounds per game. He was inducted into the HoF, scoring over 20,000 points in a 14 year career. The first time that the rookie phenom Walt faced Wilt, they met at half court before the tip. Bellamy said, 'Hello, Mr. Chamberlain. I'm Walter Bellamy.' Chamberlain reached for Bellamy's hand and said, shook it, smiled, and said 'Hello, Walter. You won't get a shot off in the first half.' Wilt, true to his word, blocked Bellamy's first nine shots. Shot blocking was not an official stat at the time, but there were nights where the lane was literally closed to everyone because of #13. And of course he was was better on the offensive end.
I wish I could have witnessed Kareem vs Wilt in their prime. But.. I'll perfectly happy witnessing Olajuwon:grin: and Jordan and all those who started in the 80s
Sadly, I don't remember that viewing that match-up at either. I do remember sitting on the floor watching Wilt and Bill go at it. At least a couple seasons of that. Probably this time of year, back when the Dead Sea was still sick.
