For the all-star game last night, MLB trotted out their four greatest living players. If you were to do that for the NBA, who would you go with? I'd probably go Michael, Magic, Russell, and Jabbar. I've got 10 options listed in the poll, but if someone I didn't list deserves mention (Olajuwon?), go for it. Edit: clearly Shaq belonged in the poll as well.
Been through this many times. "Great" has several definitions. There should be a separate poll for each definition. A more interesting poll would be, which definition of "great" should be used in polls.
I get you. This is slightly different than most "greatest ever" questions in that since it's living players only, Wilt is excluded. Still, since each person's definition of great is different, that's what makes it interesting. The players who rise above the rest are those who fit the largest number of people's definitions of great.
You can do it by peak years (Bill Walton, Shawn Kemp), little talent but leadership against adversity (e.g. Knicks fans would propose John Starks), longevity, talent had injury not struck (Oden), number of championships (Laker fans like this one) etc., etc. By position, by decade, etc., etc.
If they all came back in their prime for the 2016 season, the four most modern players would still dominate because the game has left the relative athleticism of older players behind.
Ha...they're discussing this very topic on Jay Mohr Sports right now, including the question of, "What is greatness?" They're mostly discussing resume v ability, vis-a-vis whether or not Lebron belongs.
I'm sorry, but any poll that does not include Jerry West (the freakin' LOGO for God's sake!) is a complete and utter sham. Boot Dr. J and insert Zeke.....
If only I could change it after the fact. You're right--I should have omitted Dr. J and Kobe, and included West and Shaq instead. My apologies.
When I look at the old greats I usually ask myself how they would be in today's NBA. Players like the logo, Russell, Dr. J and Robertson just wouldn't be as good IMO. The era of true statistical achievement was in the early to mid 90's. That's why I put Jordan above all. Players were able to grab, abuse and push players around. The three point shot wasn't used like it is today. And players today are really protected than that era. Give me the top 5 players in the 90's and I will argue they are the best 5 of all time. Hakeem, Jordan, Shaq and Malone
Billy Corgan, Lou Reid, Michael Johnson and Larry Graham are great artists, but I think we are talking about NBA Basketball Players
