Could you win a title with this team?

No way, those guys are all ancient now. And in Wilt's case, dead.

DD

 

You could put Magic on an NBDL team and they'd make the EC playoffs, though it would help to have Nelson Mandela at the 4.

 

Assuming Gabe Kaplan is coaching this squad, they very well could win a ring.

 

I remember that crazy ass shot Ceballos made with the mavericks a few years ago. That's literally all I know about him

 

You don't remember the blindfold dunk?

Or am I insane and thinking about someone else....

 

Bill Cosby is an actor

 

Short on shooters? What are you talking about? The half-court hook shot is a devastating weapon.

 

Probably so, this is an almost all-star team, at least the starters. I actually think they compliment each other very well with Magic being very unselfish (maybe one of the most in history of the game) and Wilt and Hawk being some of the best finishers ever. It's funny, this team has two players who could make turn the worst teams in league into instant contenders (Wilt and Magic), while their games are totally different and complimentary.

That team would be dominated in just about any era of basketball. If that team worked well, together, I don't think 85-86 Celtics, 95-96 Bulls, or 64-65 Celtics could beat that team. Even though, I think teams, like 85-86 Rockets, 98-99 Spurs, or Pistons (from late 80s or 03-05) might stand better chance against them, because of team defense and big bodies in the middle.

Right now, they would crush almost every team in the league, even the Lakers and maybe the Celtics. I think the Celtics would stand a better chance though, because of defensive discipline (stoppers) and their defensive maestro (TT).

Wilt - Most dominant player in NBA history (could you imagine someone, like Gasol, Perkins, and other lowly centers trying to guard Wilt). He'd overpower them, run circles around them, make Globetrotter type passes, and shut them down offensively. It's going to take an Olajuwon or Mutombo type defensive center to even remotely slow him down.

Maurice Stokes - Would be undersized (lacking athletic skill) against modern power forward, but having him play next Wilt makes up the difference. Im pretty sure Wilt would be doubled and triple teamed from beginning to end. Still, I wouldn't expect him to fair very well (by himself) against the likes of Malone, Duncan, Garnett, Nowitzki, RW, McHale, and Amar'e. Those players are way too big and probably much faster than Stokes. Again, he would have a little help from Wilt.

Connie Hawkins - He'd just the typical high scoring wing player that most teams have in the league.

Magic - Might be the real force of this team (at least on offense), him passing to Hawk, Wilt, Cos, Curly, and other players will make highlight reels every single night.

Marquis Johnson - would be good option at point guard (who is in reality a forward) for this team, since Magic would be doing the ball handle. Johnson could be just another scoring option and finisher. Defensively, I'll explain later.

Bench: Sweetwater Clifton, Cedric Ceballos, Devean George, Greg Cadillac Anderson, Todd Day, Fred Neal, Bill Cosby, Pooh Richardson - Not that best bench in the world and there not going to be the most talented . . . but this might be most entertaining bench though on off the court.


Bill Cosby will bring first class theatrics, more people in audience will pay attention to Bill Cosby on the bench than they would the mascots and sometimes the actual game. We will often get jokes about him talk about his life in general or some of family in stands. Other times, we might get him doing commentary (or critique) on NBA youth who are decked out in tats and jewelry sporting corn-rows and mo-hawks. Though, he'll often be seen play fighting with the refs and fans after bad calls going against his team, sort of like Mutombo, but not quite as funny, though . Mark Madsen -lite player.

The best (on court) bb talent (bench wise) will be Cedric Ceballos, who has been recent (within the last 20 years) all-star and go to player in the league. His last year in Phoenix (93) to LA Lakers (97), and averaged over 19 points a game for three consecutive seasons. Also, Pooh Richardson and Todd Day who were both moderately above average NBA players in their heydays on bad teams. That would be in a perfect situation, not being the go to players and having open shots on the floors. They should be able to hit shots, at least 42% to 47%. All 3 should have their game amplified by Magic and Wilt's passing ability with Wilt's double teams.

Sweetwater Clifton might've been agood, decent player in his day, but against the freaks of 80s - 00s. He'll be a great utility player, nothing more. 6-6 center from the 50s against a 250 pound, 7 footer in 1990s that ain't happening. Malik Rose type player.

Devean George just a 3 point specialist, but a clutch one who can play defense ok.

Cadillac Anderson will be the same career backup player he was in SA and Atlanta . . . won't get alot of minutes, because of you know who..

Fred Neal was a great globetrotter, but I don't have any idea of how good an NBA player he'd be, like other Globetrotting And-1 type players.

I'm assuming everyone on this list in their prime or close to it (not too far into their twilight years).


Strengths:

Offense in the Paint (or Post Play) - again would be outstanding, Wilt and Magic would make it happen. There will be open shots everywhere for everyone else.

Passing (Ball Movement) - They've got pretty good passer on this team, especially Wilt and Magic (and maybe Fred Neal, but this would competitive bball). You'll think you're watching Harlem Globetrotters or And 1 players in some games.

Scoring - I doubt this team will rarely score under 103.0 ppg, even with injuries. With Wilt, that's 25 to 100 points alone, throw in Connie, Magic, and Marquis, and odd bench players Day and Ceballos. I see them averaging anywhere from 109 to 119 points a game.

Fan-favorite team - This team will have alot of fans for Magic and Bill Cosby alone. Throw in the high scoring style and winning alot of games and ESPN hyping them up (Magic and Wilt). Electrfying passes and plays.

Post Defense - Wilt Chamberlain, Stilt, Big Dipper, Bombaata, and Mr. 20,000. Like, Mutombo, Olajuwon, Kareem, and other dominate defensive centers, Wilt will stop alot of guard penetration, while having the same intimidation factor as Shaq and put guards on their a__es for coming into the paint or trying to make showboating dunks.

Vulnerablities:

Perimeter Defense - If they come up against any super wing type players, like MJ, Kobe, Lebron, Bird, Dr. J ... or even TMac, Wade, or Pierce...they are going to get ate alive on the wing. Also, they might struggle a bit against those run n gun type teams, like Nash's Suns or KJ's version. Even, TMC.
This team doesn't have any true defensive stoppers unless Bill Cosby can pull something out of his hat or pudding cups . . .but I don't see whatever that is stopping someone, like MJ or Kobe going off for 55 points (though Wilt might off set them). This team will give up over 100 easily on some nights.

Undersized team - After Wilt, this team doesn't have any great low block defenders or boxy rebounders to box out. Magic, Stokes, and Hawk can rebound, but they are going to be going against some very physical 4s and 4s masquerading as 3s . . . some very big stocky players and fowards who are high jumping, speed demons. Which leads me to this next negative...

Great (big) Front-lines with a great or all world defensive center - This is not to say all, but some. Since, I believe you truly need all world defender or exceptional team defense to slow a team with Mr. 20,000 on it (and stop penetration from Magic's passes). I could see an Olajuwon squad (like Rockets of 86 or 94), especially the 86 version with a healthy Sampson or a young Kareem squad ...maybe a Shaq squad (if he plays defense) giving them trouble. Because, these are players that can make Wilt play the whole game on both sides of the ball, like Russell or even better. While, at the same time, I think Wilt would destroy certain C/PF combinations, like Parrish/McHale (not good enough defensively - too small even together), Gasol/Bynum (not good enough period - esp. defensively, too soft), whoever the Bulls had (Cartwright/Grant or Longley/Rodman) . . .

Very Physical Big teams or Great Defensive teams - Wilt and Magic would look like Superman and the Flash against most teams, but I think there are different types of teams that would give them alot of fits, beyond super shooting guards/forwards and run and gun team. Most of all, it would be the teams who either play supreme defense or play very physical on defense combined with great coaching. It would 80s or mid 00s (04) version of the Pistons, current Celtics and Spurs, mid 80s or 90s Rockets, or the Knicks of 90s. Maybe the Bulls. Teams who can get stops and throw high powered offenses out of their game plan.

The first type teams, like the Larry Brown Pistons team or the Greg Popovich Spurs, I see them exploiting alot of things against this super team. First, both teams will play Wilt similar to Shaq get him on the free throw line, while also slowing the game down for Magic's fast pace style. Also, both teams have some of the greatest post defenders ever, Duncan and Ben Wallace. On one hand, I believe Duncan and a few no name centers with Popovich's guidance can do a fair job against Wilt holding him to something admirable, like 25 to 30 ppg with alot of missed free throws.

For Detroit, it would be two Wallaces, Okur, and Campbell trying to work against Chamberlain. They would give WC a few more fits, because they have four legit big men who can defend and bother Wilt. Not stiffs, like the Spurs center by default or flat footed, like some of those 70s and 80s big men. Wallace is a player whose defense abilities might be the next best in line after Dream and Mutombo, but woefully smaller. Yet, he can be helped by Rasheed who is sometimes underrated defensively. Throw in an aggressive Okur and stout Campbell. Unlike most teams, these Pistons would be very well stocked for such powerful center, like Shaq. I think the 80s version might get man handled though with Laimbeer, Salley, Edwards, and Rodman, since collectively I don't think any of them (even) Rodman are as good defensively against big men.

For defensive backcourt, I would say the (same) Pistons/Spurs again and the 90s Bulls would give this team the most fits on defense. Possibly, last years Celtics (with Allen, Pierce, Posey, TAllen, and Garnett). For the Bulls, it would be 91 Finals over again with Pippen (insert Bowen or Prince for other teams) trying to slow down Magic, MJ (insert Pierce would guard either Connie or Johnson, while Armstrong or Harper gets the odd man out. I think Phil would let MJ switch on Hawkins and Johnson, since he probably could check either player without alot of problems. Hawkins was a great wing, but I don't think he can blow by or even over power MJ too much. Also, I believe the complicated defensive sets of the Bulls combined with their pressure on the ball and playing passing lanes will disrupt the offense more than usual. Getting turnovers would be the key. Lastly, the shots that were open for most of regular season and a bit of playoffs will suddenly disappear for wing players, like Day, Richardson, and the "Cos."

Trouble with physical teams, would be against those rough housing teams, like Pistons, Jazz, and Knicks and teams that are just too big on the front line, like the Twin Tower Rockets or Spurs. For the latter, Stokes would basically be matched up against Olajuwon (as young player), Thorpe, or Duncan. That will be squash matchup, on both side of the floor. Olajuwon and Duncan are way too big and skilled (athletic) for Stokes, while Thorpe has the added touch of being an athletic post-70s power forward. He'd run circles around Stokes, as well.

The first type of teams ... rumble and tumble type ones, like the Pistons and Knicks will without a doubt give them alot of troube in the sense of the physical game. It may not hurt Wilt, as much and maybe Magic. But it will certainly, slow down the other players. Wing players will suddenly get shutdown, similarly to how Derek Harper mugged and stamped Kenny Smith in 94 Finals. Ewing, Oakley, and Mason may not completely stop Wilt like the other teams, but they will make hard for him and even cause a few near scuffles. It'll be similar to playing someone, like Shaq with a bit more athleticism and skill. Though, not quite as gifted shooting touch as Olajuwon.

I believe this will be a 59 to 70 win team (in most decades and seasons) with everyone in near or close their prime, #1 seed in either conference, will do well against most teams. See an occassional lost against off nights, teams with high scoring wings/backcourts, run/gun styles, or those defensive juggernauts or roughneck, physical teams.

The team would be unbeatable in 50s and most of the 60s, possibly through most of 70s, but will face some stiff competition (when defenses start to improve, development of the power forward position, great class of centers, and hyper athletic wing players come of age) against the 80s teams (like Celtics, Lakers, Pistons), then in 90s (against the Bulls, Rockets, Knicks, and maybe Supersonics) and 00s (Lakers, Spurs, Pistons, and late Celtics).

Number of Championships:

50s: 10, they win every single year of the decade without any significant injuries
60s: 6, they split with Celtics
70s: 8, no super teams in this era, except Jabbar's Bucs and a few Laker teams.
80s: 4 - 5, the 76ers, Rockets, Celtics, and Pistons derail the rest of their runs.
90s: 2 -3, I don't see them outpacing the Bulls and barely passing the Rockets.
00s: 3 - 4, the Spurs, Lakers, Celtics, and Pistons end their seasons.


Sidenote: I acutally think modern day (08-09) Rockets would do fair against them (because of defense and good, big center), Yao might be able to bother Wilt with his size and assistance from Hayes and Mutombo, while Battier and Artest could probably handle or slow down Magic. We usually do well in slowing superstars down or keeping them close their averages. Scolandry would dominate their forwards, too small. Still, the Rockets wouldn't win the series, because of turnovers, blown leads, and letting Pooh Richardson and Ceballos do us in Jason Terry and Josh Howard style.

We lose in 5 or 6, but could force a 7th game, if team plays inspired enough. But, the elimination game will be total blowout or blown lead in the 4th quarter. Yao will not get calls (but will still put fairly good numbers) and might foul out more than once, and then Wilt will run wild on our reserves.

We'd be like Dallas Mavs/Utah Jazz (80s) against the show time Lakers or the Pacers/Knicks against the Bulls ... can make it competitive, but we wouldn't beat them in playoff series for championship.

 

I'd still take him over Tmac

 

I hate Todd Day.

 

Depends, did another team sign theo huxtable?

 

haha. i remember that one. it was such bull****.

there's absolutely no way in hell you blindfold someone and they coherently find their way around, MUCH LESS to a basketball hoop to dunk on! lol

 

WOW

I post seldomly, but that was just too great of a post to not acknowledege. I'm impressed.

(Seeing that SamFisher already approved - how often does THAT happen? )

 

It's ok, if you can deal with typos, rambling, and too much information.

I might be selling Stokes short, even though, I don't think he'd stand a good chance being defensive stopper against the likes TD, KG, McHale, Kemp, Amar'e, a young Akeem, and "me" Karl Malone. Those players have that extra dimension to their game with Kemp, KG, and Amar'e ... it is their explosiveness to basket, which I think would be too much for player from older generation. If you have modern defenders who are quite big and athletic struggling to stop those players. . . it's going to be hard for someone likes to Stokes to do so.

The fundamentals and wide range of shots from TD, KG, McHale, Gasol and that "d@mn" Karl Malone would be alot for a smaller player to handle, unless he is a defensive specialist in the mode of an Hayes, Artest, or Rodman. It may not always be about them outmuscling Stokes ... but simply getting good position or getting a great unchallenged shot.

Telling Stokes to go out and slow down someone, like Karl Malone, Tim Duncan, or Kevin McHale might be too much. I think this team might need defensive 4 off the bench. He might still be able to get 8 to 11 rebounds, but I don't think he can a defensive stopper to Rodman

Hawk's game might change a little bit, but he still be a great player, like you said and I mentioned. He wouldn't be hottest thing around, because of wings, like MJ, Kobe, Lebron, and D-Wade who are all another planet. I think he'd still be an all-star caliber player and would still be a wonderful compliment to Magic and Wilt.

Again, I think having Wilt and Magic will beat alot of teams, alone, like Shaq and Kobe. Having players, like Stokes, Haynes, Hawk, Johnson, Ceballos, and etc. Will make them a top-flight team.

The biggest problem again, like another poster said will be outside shooting, or team defense. Against bigger, physical teams or top-flight defense are going give them a little bit trouble. Even with all of the talent and charisma of this team, it won't be cake walk for them in the later decades. Like, I said originally, in certain years that would lose to teams, like Bulls, Celtics, Rockets, Spurs, Lakers, or Pistons. Mainly, because of they lack defensive stoppers, while the other teams are over flowing with them with great defensive coaches. Or maybe someone outperforming Wilt or stopping him down the stretch, like Olajuwon or Shaq, as the other players keyed on supporting cast. I say this as Wilt is probably the greatest center ever, truth be told, he never played against anyone as athletic and gifted as Olajuwon, or as strong Shaq (or even Yao Ming), or as tall and defensively sound as Duncan, Mutombo, or Mourning. On that alone, I think those players keep him in a respectable range of 23 to 34. Wilt might come out with better numbers on some nights, but probably not every game, like he did in 60s where most centers were 6,5 and 6,6. He's not going to score 50 points in a season, either. Maybe, best center in the league, but I doubt the latter.



Hard to say, who coached them ... they need a strong (but non-overbearing or micro-manging) personality. Someone, like Larry Brown or JVG would be bad for them. There too many strong personalities for that (Magic, Wilt, and Cos) . . .

Can't think of anyone right off hand, maybe Rick Adelman or Phil Jackson.