I think the 2 and 3 are pretty much consensus picks. Wilt and Magic are not easily dismissed. Hakeem out of position is the hard argument to make, but perhaps the most fun.
The defensive goaltending rule was in place before the NBA even started, namely in 1945. Offenisive goaltending, on the other hand, was legal until 1958, the year before Chamberlain entered the league. So his insane-looking numbers may have taken advantage of some circumstances, like style of play and lack of other power players, but the legality of goaltending wasn't one of them.
That was against an older kareem. Kareem's longevity was pretty amazing. All those centers were amazing.
I hate when people post they think someone should be 2 but don't give the reason why...... I pick kobe because I believe that at the end of his career, his resume will stack up against any body thats on that list, even regard to their respected era.
So when SAS wins this year , Duncan will have as many rings as Kobe right? Where does that put Duncan then?
This poll & thread show the idiocy of this board..... For starters, I have no idea why Oscar Robertson isn't even on the poll. Good god. Kobe with 53 votes? are you serious? 1. MJ 2. Wilt 3. Big O Everyone else. thread/
His ring came towards the end of his career, after he finally got out of Cincinnati, joining Kareem in Milwaukee. The entire franchise was in it's third year, Kareem was in his second, who was still Lew Alcindor. Kareem probably had not hit his prime years and Oscar was past his. They went 12-2 in the playoffs including a sweep in the finals. It's difficult to make light of that accomplishment.
I have no problem with this. However, the single best player status is a little difficult to guage in a team sport across eras. The exact reason players like tmac and AI won't be included in these conversations b/c putting up numbers isn't enough.
Don't you know? To be great you have to win a bunch of titles without another HOF player playing aside you. Sort of like Jordan Magic Bird Russel Chamberlain Olajuwon Bryant O'Neal Duncan all accomplished. Oh wait...
Kobe with 55 and Dream with 94. Seriously. Dream is not the 2nd best player. I don't want to do it, but I can and will argue that I do believe that Dream was inferior to Russell, Kareem, Shaq, and maybe Duncan and Wilt. My list is: Jordan Russell Kareem Magic Shaq Bird Duncan Hakeem Erving Kobe
