Who is truly the greatest in Basketball history?

Question

it is a fact to me that Michael Jordan is the greatest there ever was, and will be

Answer 1

Oscar Robertson.

Answer 2

Magic Johnson is the best in my eyes. He was never selfish, could play any position. The best passer of all time, almost averaged a triple double. He played against more competitive teams. If he played in the 90's it would of been Jordan and Magic, like Bird and Magic. But who was it in the 90's, there is only one name Jordan. Bulls were a playoff team without Jordan, but what happened to the Lakers when Johnson left.....they sucked. Johnson had Chamberlin in his early years, but after he left, Lakers still won championships. Magic was not a ball hog, talk about AI, Kobe....Jordan was worse.

Answer 3

I agree that Michael is one of the greatest of all time. You could argue Magic, Bird, Russell, Kareem and Wilt in there too.

However, PrettyTonyXC, you must be on crack if you think Kobe's success has come because he's only being guarded by one player. Most of the time, he's double or triple teamed; rarely is there just player on him. Even if it looks like there is, teams tend to lurk 1-2 other guys to stop his penetration, and to pounce on him once he stops his dribble to take a jumper.

I can't say the same for Wade, because I don't watch that many Heat games. But I can vouch for Mr. 24.

Answer 4

Magic or Michael

I like Robert D's breakdown, but where's Magic Johnson. At 6 10" he could shoot with three guys on him. He rebounded. Could he dribble and pass? he was Magic or Showtime. Where's Oscar Robertson? Both of these guys are kings of the triple double? I just pick Magic or Michael because they are from a dominant era with a lot more competition. 8-10 teams in the 60's - 30 teams now. I think it will be tough to get a more competitive time than the "boomer generation". i just don't think high schoolers spend the entire day on the court as they used to - or outside for that matter playing whatever sport. Salaries are a bit out of whack with quality - even to the extent they hesitate to play on the USA team. future trend may land the USA out of medal contention.

Answer 5

Bill Russell, MJ, Kareem, George Mikan, Magic this completes my top five. All have multiple NBA titles, all were MVP at least once. All were well rounded complete players.

Really this debate will go on for ages. This will always be a good question. Everyone feels as if their guy is the best ever. How can you ignore 11 NBA titles? Really how can you? Everyone goes to MJ for obvious reasons. But look at the people he learned from Pistol Pete, DR. J, etc. I just believe there are too many players to just say one guy is the best ever. If I say Magic then everyone will say yes but he only had 5 titles. If I say George Mikan then someone will say he never played against great competition. The pros and cons could go on forever.

Answer 6

Top 5:
Michael Jordan
Bill Russell
Larry Bird
Magic Johnson
Wilt Chamberlain/Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Answer 7

Michael Jordan is the greatest there ever was in basketball history. No doubt, no question, no debate.

Answer 8

I have some other nominees, by position.

There are really six positions in basketball--shooting guard, ball handling guard, shooting forward, rebounding forward and center, plus sixth-man.

Now it's logical that if someone does the primary thing his position demands, but can do it far better than anyone else, or along with that he can do other things, that makes him all-time, special. And along with ball handling, passing, and movement on the floor, a great player would need shooting ability, ability under pressure, rebounding for his position and playing defense.

By position, the best ever are, by my standards:

Ball-handling guards: Johnny Stockton, Pete Maravich
Shooting guards: Jerry West, Rick Barry, Michael Jordan
Shooting forwards; Larry Bird, Bob Pettit, Adolph Schayes
Power forwards: Jack Sikma, Gus Johnson, Rudy La Russo
Centers: Bill Walton,Shaquille O'Neal

So the man who could do the most in the most difficult category, ball-handling guard, with shooting shooting under pressure, defense, ball handling, rebounding and movement was Michael Jordan.

Answer 9

I'm sure its Michael Jordan

Answer 10

1. Mj 2. Majic 3. Bird 4. Kobe bryant

now you guys werent ready for kobe were u. But he has to be up there. He is the biggest offensive threat ever. You else do u knwo that can drive shoort the logn balla nd have a mid range shot combo better then him