This week marked the 50th anniversary of Wilt Chamerlain’s indelible 100-point game. So in honor of this unmatched feat, I’m taking a look at the best players of all time; or rather, the best in my lifetime. Since I wasn’t around to see the Archibalds, Russells, and Havlicek’s of the world, I’m limiting my study to the last 40-something years.
My criteria are simple – the best players at their position since 1970. I’m picking a starting 5 and a backup at each position. As with any ranking list, it’s totally subjective and there are reasonable alternatives, but that’s OK. Take a look at my picks and then tell me who would make your team in the comments.
Here’s my team…
— POINT GUARD —
Earvin “Magic” Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers 1979-1991, 1996
The point guard: Magic Johnson.
I needed some convincing to put Magic in the starting point guard spot. For some reason the guy just seems a little fakey to me, but after further reflection, the choice was obvious. Nobody had more charisma, leadership and “magic” than Earvin. He could play all five positions. He was the leader on a team of stars, invented the no-look pass, and his numbers simply speak for themselves.
Career accomplishments:
Close second: Jason Kidd.
— SHOOTING GUARD —
Michael Jordan
Chicago Bulls 1984-1998, Washington Wizards 2001-2003
The shooting guard: Michael Jordan.
Volumes have been written about this legend, so there’s not much more I can add. I remember watching him on TV and thinking to myself that no one will ever be as great. Then while working for the Spurs, I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing MJ in a post-game locker room interview during his comeback/farewell tour with Washington. I’ll never forget it. The greatest player of all time. End of story.
Career accomplishments:
- 6× NBA Champion (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
- 5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991–1992, 1996, 1998)
- 14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002–2003)
- 6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998)
- 10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
- 3× NBA steals champion (1988, 1990, 1993)
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988)
- 10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998)
- All-NBA Second Team (1985)
- 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1985)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1985)
- 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998)
- 2× NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion (1987–1988)
- NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- #23 Retired by Chicago Bulls and Miami Heat
- NCAA Champion (1982)
Close second: Kobe Bryant.
— POWER FORWARD —
Tim Duncan
San Antonio Spurs 1993-present
The power forward: Tim Duncan.
Maybe a homer call here, but it’s hard to put anyone else in the same class as The Big Fundamental. His skills and quickness have diminished now to the point that it’s almost hard to remember how dominant the guy was in his prime. But keep in mind that it took Tim’s arrival in San Antonio to put another great player, David Robinson, over the top to a championship. With the best footwork of any big man ever, Duncan is also the most unassuming anti-star, and best overall team player — which makes this an easy call.
Career accomplishments:
- 4× NBA Champion (1999, 2003, 2005, 2007)
- 3× NBA Finals MVP (1999, 2003, 2005)
- 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2002–2003)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1998)
- 13× NBA All-Star (1998, 2000–2011)
- 9× All-NBA First Team (1998–2005, 2007)
- 3× All-NBA Second Team (2006, 2008–2009)
- All-NBA Third Team (2010)
- 8× All-Defensive First Team (1999–2003, 2005, 2007–2008)
- 5× All-Defensive Second Team (1998, 2004, 2006, 2009–2010)
- NBA All-Rookie First Team (1998)
- NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000)
- USBWA College Player of the Year (1997)
- Naismith College Player of the Year (1997)
- John Wooden Award (1997)
- 2× ACC Player of the Year (1996–1997)
Close second: Charles Barkley.
— SMALL FORWARD —
Larry Bird
Boston Celtics 1979 – 1992
The small forward: Larry Bird.
Larry Legend was literally awesome — and awe-inspiring — to watch. Perhaps the best passer in history, and without a doubt the best clutch shooter in history. At the end of the game, there was no one you wanted to have the ball more than Bird. As a 76ers fan growing up, I dreaded Celtics games because Boston always dominated the matchup. Sporting a weird looking set shot, he had a killer instinct, knowing exactly when to step on the opponent’s throat.
Career accomplishments:
Close second: Julius Erving.
— CENTER —
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Milwaukee Bucks, Milwaukee Bucks 1969-1975, Los Angeles Lakers – 1975 – 1989
The center: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
The all-time leading scorer with an unfathomable 38,387 points, he won six championships on two teams. Invented the unblockable “sky hook,” making him virtually unguardable in the post. He earned an incredible 19 all-star appearances and was MVP of the league six times.
Career accomplishments:
- 6× NBA Champion (1971, 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987–1988)
- 6× NBA Most Valuable Player (1971–1972, 1974, 1976–1977, 1980)
- 19× NBA All-Star (1970–1977, 1979–1989)
- 2× NBA Finals MVP (1971, 1985)
- 10× All-NBA First Team (1971–1974, 1976–1977, 1980–1981, 1984, 1986)
- 5× All-NBA Second Team (1970, 1978–1979, 1983, 1985)
- 5× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1974–1975, 1979–1981)
- 6× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1970–1971, 1976–1978, 1984)
- NBA Rookie of the Year (1970)
- NBA All-Rookie Team (1970)
- NBA’s 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- 3× NCAA Men’s Basketball Champion (1967–1969)
- 3× NCAA Basketball Tournament MOP (1967–1969)
- Naismith College Player of the Year (1969)
- 2× USBWA College Player of the Year (1967–1968)
- No.33 retired by Milwaukee Bucks
- No.33 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
Close second: Shaquille O’Neal.
Journeys with Jeff 