Who's the Greatest NBA Player of All-Time?

Question

Everyone says Jordan, it seems, when I ask this question.

But it seems to me that it's sort of like how some kids say that The Matrix, was the greatest movie of all-time. It's just because they haven't seen anything different.

So, I want to know from people who actually have seen more of the NBA than the last ten years. Who's the greatest?

It seems like there are some worthy contenders:

Wilt Chamberlain, with his insane ability to score (and also, he got a lot of points in basketball, too). Oh yeah, he once led the league in assists, too

Oscar Robertson. The man *averaged* a triple-double one year... !?

Bill Russell. He takes San Francisco(!!) to two NCAA Championships. Wins 11 NBA titles. Wins Olympic Gold. Coaches the Celtics to 2 more titles. The man is a winner.

There must be others, too. Jordan was great, sure, but he had to wait till the Celtics & Lakers were past their primes to win; (and he also needed Jackson to put together a team). Jordan was overrated.

Answer 1

well now, finally someone gets it...yep...55 game winning streak at usf and two consecutive AA titles, then leading his olympic team to gold, then leading the Celtics to their first 11 titles in 13 years (would have been 12 except for that injured ankle in game three of one of the finals series), then being named the first black head coach in any major american sport, in a highly prejudiced city like boston, at a time when you couldnt even eat or room with the white teammates, would probably have won more MVPs had he been white...you dont honestly think MJ or any of the more recent players could have put up with all that and accomplished that much do you? now I think Jordan was an enormous talent...but look at what I posted...it doesnt take a genius...(and as for those who posted Erving and Drexler...ive been watching Doc since he was playing with Ice on the Squires and he and Clyde both played afwul defense (writers called it 'matador defense')) and its well documented that the lakers and bulls didnt win until coach came and installed a system that could keep less than star players contributing as long as they executed well (taking advantage of motion/isolation to keep the star players (mj, scottie, shaq, and kobe) in one on one matchups with only weak side (mostly late) help on the double teams...

Answer 2

I don't think Jordan was overrated. He was a great player, and carried those teams. He made Scottie Pippen a good player. Pippen would be no better than a Tayshaun prince in todays game, but all the attention Michael had, and his work ethic rubbed off on Scottie. That is why Jordan could be up there, HOWEVER I think that Magic was the best. He could do anything for the team. He was the ultimate team player, and could score when needed. He didn't have to score, because that was James worthy, and Kareem's job. Magic was a complete person. His career was cut short, but not to take away what he did for the NBA. My answer-Magic Johnson.

Answer 3

1) Bill Russell was the greatest winner in the history of team sports. 14 championships in 15 years. He made all his teammates better by his play on the court and leadership off of it. Revolutionized the defensive game. Practically invented the blocked shot. He's my pick. (I had the opportunity to meet him a few years ago and he is quite a warm, thoughtful and charming man)

2) Jordan. Maybe the most talented individual player. Didn't win as much as Russell, though. Sure, there were less rounds of playoffs in Russells day, but the league was watered down when Jordan was winning championships.

3) Magic Johnson. Make plays, score, rebound, cheer on his team and the crowd - whatever was needed to win he did it.

Answer 4

Magic Johnson. He was the only player that could truly play any position and still dominate. He was an amazing, keen passer and had a high basketball intelligence. Then it's Larry Bird. Then Julius Irving. Then it's Bill Russell. Then Wilt Chamberlain.

Then it's Michael Jordan.

Answer 5

Jordan, jordan, jordan...he is the best of all time and always will be.please don't say he is overrated; the public opinion is actually right on this one: mike is the greatest without a doubt

Wilt is 2nd because of his truly difficult to believe states (50ppg in a year!)

Answer 6

Michael Jordan. His name is commonly known by the majority of people around the world.

Answer 7

George Mikan of the minneapolis lakers, he revolutionized the game, they made a lot of rule changes because he was so good i.e goaltending he also was influentual in creating the three point line and the shot clock among many others

Answer 8

Clyde Drexler

Answer 9

That's a very difficult question to answer because there have been so many great ones, but one that a lot of people never mention and I think was a great one is Larry Byrd.

Answer 10

Larry Bird"