While watching ESPN and other Sports
Stations I noticed a trend. Their discussion on Best Player only included
players from the 80's, 90's & Modern era. Which inspired me to create a
real Best Player list that included all decades and a current best player list.
Also I wanted to leave my comments to why
different decades were ignored. Well without much thought the average analyst
is going to highlight only a few from a decade. As well they're going to focus
on the players that were the top when they were in college/ starting their
career. Which explains why Magic and MJ are as far back as analyst will cover. Plus ESPN was created in 1978.
As for my List here it is
1- Kareem Abdul Jabbar
The all time leading scorer, top 5 in
various other stats with 5 MVPs, 2 Finals MVPs, 19 All Star appearances and 6
Championships. No matter if your a stat guy, awards guy or championship guy;
Kareem is the top or near the top in everything. That's why he's the greatest
all time.
2- Wilt Chamberlain
Not the all time scorer but he would have
if he played a few more seasons. He was and still is the most dominant athlete
in sports history. As a single player he was the closest to a "win a title
by yourself" player. He could lead the league in every stat but free
throws if he wanted including assist where he average over 8 in one of his last
years active. No one can guard him. Period.
3- Bill Russell
The greatest champion of all time. I know
it's hard to believe someone winning more rings than Jordan but Russell nearly
doubled Jordan with 11 championships. The most shocking part was he only played
13 years!
4- Larry Bird
The definition of a fighter. Larry Bird
was the original killer. Yes he won championships, awards and had the best
stats for his position of small forward ever but his best qualification was how
serious he took the game. While others quit competing after the game Bird
didn't. Magic Johnson got 2 more rings than Bird during the 80's but if Bird
had Kareem I'm certain Magic would have never won a single ring. Oh and just
for a bonus Jordan never beat Bird while Bird was playing healthy. So I guess
you could say Bird kept "Air Jordan" grounded.
5- Oscar Robertson
The best all around guard ever to play.
He could do what LeBron does in the modern era plus some. Oh and he was only 6
foot 5!
6- Kobe Bryant * 7- Micheal
Jordan
I'm not going to describe every player on
this list but I will explain why I put Kobe in front of Jordan.
Kobe and Jordan play the exact same way
but there is a difference to them. Jordan had a consistent up bringing in
America, played college ball, had a consistent supporting cast and once he had
Phil he won every year in the 90's. ( Every year he played with Phil that is.
And neither Kobe or Jordan has won without him.) Kobe who has had no
consistency with Phil, supporting cast, college ball or growing up in the same
place he has performed at nearly an identical level as Jordan. Plus he has
outperformed Jordan with longevity and shooting ability. If Kobe had the same
consistency as Jordan Kobe may have 8 plus titles, 35 thousand points and all
the bragging rights that go with saying your GOAT.
8- John Stockon
The best point guard to ever play.
Period.
9- Karl Malone
Second on the all time scoring this.
Enough said.
10- Jerry West
If the 3 point shot was around when the
Logo was playing all of the records would say Jerry West number one.
11- Julius Erving
12- Magic Johnson
13- Hakeem Olajuwon
14- Elgin Baylor
15- Bob Cousy
16- George Miken
17- Shaquille O'Neal
18- Moses Malone
19- Elvin Hayes
20- Kevin Garnett
21- Robert Parrish
22- Nate Thurmond
23- Lebron James *
24-Tim Duncan *
25- Scottie Pippen
* indicates best current players
-Chris Schlierman
