Michael Jordan, in his latest interview, was asked to pick four other he'd draft to play with him in a big game. He listed Magic, Scottie Pippen, James Worthy and Hakeem Alajuwon. Now that is strong!

I would put that starting 5 up against any other.

I’ll take peak James, Leonard, Bird, Duncan, and Shaq and dismantle that five.

Saint3333 wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 22, 2019 6:02 pm

I’ll take peak James, Leonard, Bird, Duncan, and Shaq and dismantle that five.

Definitely arguable but boy would it be fun to watch.

Saint3333 wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 22, 2019 6:02 pm

I’ll take peak James, Leonard, Bird, Duncan, and Shaq and dismantle that five.

If played under old NBA rules LeBron and Leonard are less effective.

James and Leonard can guard any position on the court.

6’8” dudes built like brick houses with their speed would dominate in any era.

Any five that doesn't include Bird is highly suspect. He'd average 40/15/10 in today's NBA.

Pat Riley once said, "If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save a game I'd choose Michael Jordan; If I had to choose a player to take a shot to save my life...I'd take Larry Bird."

Saint3333 wrote: ↑

Tue Oct 22, 2019 6:02 pm

I’ll take peak James, Leonard, Bird, Duncan, and Shaq and dismantle that five.

with you but Jerry West instead of Leonard - and most of you young guys never really saw Wilt but he was an athletic freak

Maravich,Russell,Erving,West,The Big O.

If played in 2019... Steph, KD, Larry Legend, Dirk, and Shaq would put 140 on them.

MJ, James, Shaq, Hakeem, Dirk.

I'm not going to say where they are as individuals in the all time lists, but I think the chemistry and positioning would work well with this crew. Two unstoppable posts that could both play D. a 7 footer dropping fade-away 3's. James bringing the ball up with Jordan. Jordan functions well off the ball as Pippin and other pg's brought the ball up quite a bit.
If I need one shot to win it I'm looking at Bird, Ray Allen, or Big Shot Robert Horry with 7 rings hanging from those nuts.
As much as I love watching old clips of Big O, Kareem, Wilt, etc.. I have to admit that as time has gone on the depth of athletic talent has gone through the roof. Mid level players in 2019 would have dominated decades ago. Before you start trying to say but but but the rule changes....If they had grown up in those eras they would have handled the play back then. If you've ever had the chance to watch some of these guys go at it in practice they aren't afraid to knock the hell out of each other in ways that wouldn't be allowed in a game.
1987 to 2019 the average height has been 6-7 but the weight is what keeps going up. The guys these days are ripped to the core.
All PG SG SF PF C
1990/91 208 lbs 176 lbs 194 lbs 209 lbs 223 lbs 239 lbs
2013/14 221 lbs 189 lbs 207 lbs 221 lbs 242 lbs 255 lbs

This is the real reason you truly can't compare the generations of players. The athletic talent pool is so deep thanks to the growing population that freak athletes are running 5 sec 40's carrying 250lbs on the regular.
This guy did a great job of breaking down and organizing data from basketball-reference.com
https://www.thehoopsgeek.com/average-nba-height/

Don't forget Meadowlark Lemon...Jordan isn't the only basketball player from Wilmington,NC

MJ is the GOAT no doubt. Horrible owner but I digress. I heard he was drinking tequila during the interview so a grain of salt is needed. Pippen was really good but he ain’t sniffin the floor with the best 5. It really depends on what style of play in place. Magic and Bird need to be considered but I wonder if those two and MJ could coexist on the same floor. If you want to ring up points fast Curry needs to be in the mix. He is unreal when he heats up. I always thought that Shaq could have put up 40 and 20 every night if he wanted. I would not have him in my 5. It’s fun to debate and there are so many guys who could be on the 5- LJ, Kobe, Malone.

I think Jordan picked those 4 to join him because he knows their game and knows he could play with them. It's not about who's the best.

Any 5 without Pistol Pete Maravich and Larry Bird is suspect.

Pre-2000s NBA when the game could be physical

PG- Maravich
SG- MJ
SF- Larry Legend
PF- Charles Barkley
C- Hakeem Olajuwon
*you could honestly move MJ to the Point and substitute Kawhi to the SG position. Kawhi is ridiculously physical and his game would translate

Current NBA environment where it is more hands off

PG- Magic
SG- MJ
SF- LeBron
PF- Larry Legend
C- Shaq (Wilt, Hakeem, Durant) really anyone of them under today’s rules.

No offense to Curry, who is indeed HOF worthy, there would be plenty of players who could match what he is doing under today’s rules. Curry separates himself with the 3-ball. Gary Payton was more complete and Maravich was Curry before Curry, he just didn’t play long enough and was way ahead of his time. LeBron’s game doesn’t translate to the past because, despite his size, he doesn’t have the footwork and mental physicality.

Matthew Dellevedova, Adam Morrison, Chandler Parsons, Brian Scalabrine, Boban Marjanovic

I'm an 80's, 90's guy, what can I say

PG - Stockton
SG - Jordan
SF - Larry Bird
PF - Tim Duncan
C - Hakeem Olajuwon

Current players:

PG - Steph Curry
SG - Kawhi Leonard
SF - Lebron
PF - Durant
C - Anthony Davis

I thought my middle school team I started on was pretty strong. Too bad I can't remember every ones names!!!!

bettysburner wrote: ↑

Wed Oct 23, 2019 1:28 pm

Matthew Dellevedova, Adam Morrison, Chandler Parsons, Brian Scalabrine, Boban Marjanovic

Adam Morrison, Sean May, Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh, and Frank Kaminsky