<3 olajuwon, did a school biography on the dream in middle school. The guy was a stud in handball before even touching a basketball, " The more you know " (rainbow trails)
Magic Jordan Lebron Duncan At those positions its not even a debate. Bird was great but Lebron is better. Center, I'm obviously going with Dream.
Umm what? The main argument for Bird not being higher up was because he got hurt and his career was relatively short for an all time great. His prime was right up there with Lebron's. I mean - 29.9 ppg, on 50-40-90 shooting with 9.3 boards and over 6 assists per game is still quite insane.
Yes. Bird was that good. Smarter, killer instinct, better shooter, better passer. He's maybe #2 or #3 all-time.... Period.
Agreed! I came in here expecting to get super mad, but I can't believe I agree with Shaq's all time list. I'd also be okay with Duncan instead of Barkley, & for LBJ fans, if allowable let's just put LeBron instead of Magic at the point?
How many people using definitive language to punctuate their certainty were actually around when Bird played? It's interesting that in sports, the best player ever can always be found playing in the here and now. And you're a part of it because you saw it on ESPN and heard it verified on First Take. As long as you mimic the kind of over the top emotional rhetoric you hear on TV, there can be absolutely no doubt. Case closed.
Steve Blake at the 1 Stephen Jackson at the 2 Steve Novak at the 3 Detlef Svhrmpf at the 4 Shawn Bradley at the 5
When LBJ is at his best, it is impressive. When Bird was at his best, it was ruthless beauty. If you're going to pick one, it kind of depends on where you are and what you value. That said, no doubt Magic is the all-time point guard. I think it is impossible for folks who weren't around to fully understand the change to the game of basketball (from NBA hardwood to East Texas concrete) that Bird and Magic brought. Not many people can dunk like LBJ, but everyone has a chance to make at least one pass worthy of Magic or Bird before they give up the game for job and family.
No it doesn't. Lebron is the best player in the NBA right now... Doesn't mean he's as good as Larry was. Given Lebron's inconsistent shooting, and ability to get rattled mentally, I don't think he will ever ascend to the Magic/Larry/Michael pantheon. Those guys redefined the game at a time of much more physical play and better overall competition. (Hell, they all competed against each other! There's nobody close to that sort of competition for Lebron today).
did you even watch Bird play? He may not be the physical specimen that LeBron is, but he was unstoppable. I'd take Bird in his prime over LeBron. He was a great shooter, had the all around game, and most importantly, he had the killer instinct.
Larry would probably frustrate the hell out of Lebron if they were matched up. While Bird wasn't fast, he made up for it with amazing anticipation and quick hands. He utilized his length well, and never hesitate to dive/give up his body (which eventually decimated his back) He'd also dominate the mental aspect, while posting up Lebron all day, putting him in the torture chamber... And forcing him to make open jump shots. To me, Bird is more unguardable due to his ability to hit any shot out there, along with his passing ability that's likely only secondary to Magic.
Bird also had a huge hands and was very strong (this has been mentioned by multiple players from his day). The guy was a competitor as ruthless as there ever was. Oh, and he was a better passer than Lebron is (Lebron is great but Larry's court vision was sick). His prime was as impressive as any player to ever play the game. He's my starter at SF. He would probably get 8-10 wide open looks from three (and knock down most of them) if he had Dream and Duncan (or Barkley) in the post.
I agree with Magic Jordan Bird Dream Kareem That lineup would be absolutely unstoppable. Lebron can't space the floor like Bird can and Hakeem and Kareem in the post would destroy anybody. Plus you have 4 amazing passers and 5 great defenders who have great size for their position. Anyone saying Lebron is better than Bird is nuts. He could literally shoot with his eyes closed and his Bball IQ might be the best of all time.
