It depends on how you look at it, and what you look at, you have to consider several factors. 1. Impact: Impact on the game(Both the playing game and the game on and off the court, the team, the opposing team, the fans, the arena, the media, etc.) 2. Numbers: Actual Basketball Numbers: Scoring Average, Rebounding, Average, Assists, etc. 3. Achievements: Awards(Championships, MVP Awards, All-NBA, All-Defensive, All-Star Selections, Statistic Titles and Placement(Scoring, Rebounding, Assists, etc.) 4. Era: The NBA has had some higher periods of achievement than others, here is a list of how I classify them. The Beginning(1947-1959) The Great Emergence: The Silver Era(1960-1973) The Era of Bad Feelings with Good Intentions(1974-1979) On Cloud 9: The Golden Era(1980-1993) Early Descent: The Post Jordan Era 1(1993-1994 season) One Last Dance: The Return of Michael Jordan(1995-1999) The Period of Uncertainty: Post Jordan Era 2(1999-2003) Even though Michael Jordan played during this time, he was not the player he used to be, and his impact was not what it was. Glimmers of Light(2004-Present) <u>Team</u> Talent around them: Starters, Bench Coaching: System(Offense, Defense), Use of player in question within system(Option, Reliance) <u>Abilities</u> a. Physical Abilities: Speed, Quickness, Power Strength, Leaping Ability, etc. b. Basketball Skills: Ball Handling, Shooting, Passing, Rebounding, Defense c. Intangibles: Confidence, Intelligence, Patience, Aggressiveness, Will, etc. Here is my choice as the Greatest Players of All Time <u>Overall</u> Michael Jordan Wilt Chamberlain Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Earvin Magic Johnson Larry Bird <u>Numbers</u> Wilt Chamberlain Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Shaquille O'Neal Oscar Robertson <u>Impact</u> Michael Jordan Wilt Chamberlain Bill Russell Earvin "Magic" Johnson/Larry Bird Kareem Abdul-Jabbar <u>Achievements</u> Michael Jordan Wilt Chamberlain Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Bill Russell Earvin "Magic" Johnson <u>All Time Starting 5</u> C Wilt Chamberlain PF Karl Malone SF Larry Bird SG Michael Jordan PG Earvin "Magic" Johnson <u>Other players in the same class</u> Shaquille O'Neal Kareem Abdul Jabbar Earvin "Magic" Johnson Larry Bird Oscar Robertson Julius Erving Karl Malone Tim Duncan Jerry West Elgin Baylor Bill Russell Moses Malone
I like your all time starting five, many people try to make a complete list of all time players.. It is difficult because MJ was perhaps the best on many areas, but not on all.. An Wilt Chamberlain was good on other areas, and in that way we have many star players in the years.. I think that your list is pretty much complete, mine would perhaps see a little different out. Kobe would have a little role, I still think he miss a lot, but is on his way.. And for the future is LeBron and Melo star quality..
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Iaurdae:</div><div class="quote_post">Melo</div> If he goes on playing like this no way. LeBron,there will be no next Jordan,but LeBron is going to have a great impact on the game.
