79 Comments

Kareem, Wilt, LeBron, Bill. No particular order. I can never just judge an athlete by his/her accomplishments on the court. I will always consider the GOATs to be the ones who recognized their platforms and used it to usher in change and not just for themselves. These four players I mentioned are those who were phenomenal athletes but activists and scholars and trailblazers. They never shied away from using their massive voices to speak for the disenfranchised and to do good for them.

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Maya Moore. She is on leave of absence during the prime of her career, helped an innocent person get released from prison, volunteered in Haiti, and made all-academic teams when she was in college. One of the most impressive people I ever read about.

Maurice Lucas. Enforcer on the court, kind and gentle off the court. Luke Walton named after him.

Steph Curry

Jack Twyman

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Julius Erving, LeBron James...and Meadowlark Lemon as an honoree.

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My top five are the starters on my SuperTeam, the Justice League/X- men collective that I would want in a seven game series versus anybody.

Kareem

Tim Duncan

Larry Bird

Jerry West

Michael Jordan

All tough minded, steady, and skilled enough to play all styles.

Second team is Bill Russell, Scottie Pippen, John Havlicek, Kevin Garnett and either Dennis Johnson or Nate Archibald ( I can never decide on the point guard. Considered Mo Cheeks, Norm Nixon, Chauncey Billups, Oscar, Michael Ray Richardson, Tony Parker, Mark Price and Michael Cooper. The second unit is but for speed, defense and versatility. I could relieve any starter with any second unit player. ( The only problem is keeping Garnett from foaming at the mouth, and getting Russ' stomach settled without starting)

For insurance, Kevin McHale and Grant Hill at 11th & 12th players.

Just missed: Ray Allen, Sidney Moncrief, David Robinson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Bill Walton, Andrew Toney, Adrian Dantley.

Yeah, I know, Magic, Iverson, Shaq, Wilt, Dr J, MaloneStockton, LeBron...my team is built to solve the problems these guys create.

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Kareem is the best ever to play in the NBA. In his second year he led the expansion Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA title. The expansion Bucks were the fastest team in ALL of professional sports to win a championship in their third year of existence.

He was also the most unselfish player to play the game. When the ball was passed to him in the lane, the first thing he would do is to survey the floor and look for a open teammate to pass the ball to. He could have averaged 40 plus points a game if he wasn’t so unselfish. When he entered college the NCCA had to abolish the dunk because they knew he would dominate the game.

Mark W.

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I love to discuss this topic, but the reality is, we can never answer it with authority. There are too many variables. Among the many MANY variables that do not get discussed are the improvements in training, diet and even the shoes. However, IMO, three of the biggest variables are:

1) could modern players deal with all of the prejudice that was directed at black athletes in the 50’s and 60’s? (Of course, prejudice still exists. But, it was blatant and ugly, whereas today, it is generally more hidden).

2) could players from previous decades deal with the constant infringement on their privacy that the internet brings?

3) would modern players be willing to give up their bodies if they weren’t getting the monetary rewards available now? Would older players have played harder/longer if they had these financial rewards?

I prefer to ask the following question…. All things being equal, meaning all players are the same age, 20, for example, they all had the same access to training, equipment, philosophy of the game (for example, they all either grew up with the 3 point being emphasized or not) - who would you pick first? Could Steph Curry be a star in a league without the 3? Could Kareem shoot the 3 if he was raised shooting the 3? In such a world, if you are the GM with the first pick, it’s either Kareem or Wilt. Any other picks are wrong. IMO.

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I’m 17 so my list is a lot more newer guys so at the point I would have Steph Curry im from San Francisco and he inspired to play and still does and also is one of my favorite players then at the 2 guard either MJ or Kobe I never watched MJ play but I seen highlights and other things and Kobe is Kobe very similar players so either one and at the 3 either Lebron,KD,Kawhi I love all those players so it might be the type of mood I’m in to choose between the 3. At the 4 maybe somebody like a Giannis or even move KD down to PF or somebody like Bill Russell at the Center Shaq or Kareem I know you guys didn’t really shoot threes and stuff but if you guys played in todays era you guys would adapt to it and add that to the things you guys already are good at.

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Hey, Kareem that's one Big rocking chair you have there! Basketball GOAT? As for players I haven't a clue. You were pretty good. The Big O was good too. Bob Cousie? Bill Russell, Magic, MJ! I judge the best at some endeavor by how much better they make others around them.

I do know the best coach of All Time. Any sport, any level... Doc Wooden. His Pyramid of Success should be plastered on the walls of any organizations boardroom.

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I have GOAT team - 1969 NY Knicks - with Walt Frazier, Dick Barnett, Dave DeBusshere, Bill Bradley and of course, Willis Reed. They were all great, each had a specialty, whereas other teams had stars, such as the Lakers, but never the all-around talent of the Knicks. Of course, your years, Magic's, and many Laker star years were awesome, but lacked all-around talent. Could the Lakers have won as much if you were out, as Willis Reed was? It is of course, a silly discussion on my behalf, as my affection for the Knicks is lifelong and perhaps my glasses are clouded.

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Kareem, you have always been at the top of my list…no question.

Oscar Robertson, MJ, Bill Russell, Larry Bird, Magic and LeBron… I lost count 😉

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Oy... only five...

My Dad always said that Oscar Robertson was astonishingly good so I'll start there - he was the undisputed king of the triple double decades before that phrase became common in the vernacular. Gotta go Wilt - my Pa told me that Wilt became tired of being called a ball hog so to show up his critics, he led the league in assists that season. That tragically overlooked and underappreciated Michael fella. I've always been a big Tim Duncan proponent - truly the Big Fundamental - tremendously skilled and a high class gent. And last...

Oh, right! That Roger Murdock dude, obviously! A truly wise (even given the fish repast selection) Renaissance Man/Polymath.

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For your consideration, in addition to the deserving choices below: Dr. J, The Big O, Bill Russell, Clyde, Wilt, Zeke from Cabin Creek...and soon, if not already, Steph Curry. I'd add a bunch of Celtics but my Laker heart isn't big enough.

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What an impossible challenge - so many variables! Though I like the idea of including how a player uses his recognition and power off the court. But, FWIW (in no particular order):

Michael Jordan

Magic Johnson

Kareem Abdul Jabbar

Lebron James

Kobe Bryant

Extremely difficult not to include Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Larry Bird and Steph Curry

And, especially difficult not to include Pete Maravich - best shooter of his generation.

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Kareem (of course). MJ (of course), Magic, Bird and Clyde the Glide. Nobody else would be able to keep up!

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Magic - Not because he was the best physically (although he was great), but because he had skill & charisma to inspire the rest of the team, and to make everyone he played with BETTER.

Kareem - because, well, you're Kareem. As a Bruin, I followed you from the time we were at UCLA together (when you were Lew). We didn't know each other, but I remember standing next to you several times @ the Student Union, & went to almost every game at Pauley, including the infamous opening game when you & the freshmen BLEW OUT the varsity team that was to become national champions that year. You had the ability to take over a game & make it yours.

Jordan - How can he not be there? Just watch a retrospective highlight film.

I'm going to go old school now. & give you a tandem. Jerry West & Elgin Baylor...together! Am I starting to sound like an aging Lakers fan? West was sooooo cool & collected & would just hit that pullup jump shot with such precision...and still feed he rest of the team. Elgin? One of the greats that started the real athleticism & amazing moves that culminated with Jordan & Kobe & others.

Wilt the Stilt - not as graceful as Kareem, but his sheer physicality could dominate a game, & when he was on, the game belonged to him.

I love all the others people have listed, & could easily include any of them...but these 5 (including the West/Baylor tandem) are the ones that I'd most want to see again if I could...and deserve the honors. I specifically think that Jerry West & Elgin Baylor don't get the long-term recognition they deserve. Nuff said.

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In order -- Greatest: Kareem, Michael, Magic, Oscar, Hakeem.

Favorites: Bernard King, Andrew Toney, Purvis Short, Doc, Iceman.

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My $.02:

Kareem

Dipper

Bird

Magic

MJ

On any given day, I could swap out for LeBron and/or Russell.

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I’m so old school that my list will be unrecognizable to many who read this substack! I could easily pick more modern players, but I’d kinda like to pay homage to earlier GOATS, from a time when players aged out so much earlier. That includes Kareem, but also Elgin Baylor and Jerry West. To that I would add Michael Jordan and Dr. J.

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Kareem, Hakeem, LeBron, Michael, Magic

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There is only one GOAT and that is Kareem. Nobody has done what he has as a basketball player let alone what he has done off the court. His career in the NBA alone is enough to put him on top but when you add what he did in college, 3 national titles (would have been 4 if he would have been allowed to play as a freshman) and 2 national titles in high school (no one has done that) makes it not even close. He could have played in any era and still would have dominated!! Now since the question was top 5 here are the other 4, not in any particular order. Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Lebron James.

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My 5 are guys that I saw play in person and not even on tv. I’m 50 so I never got to see Wilt or Russell play. The 1980s Lakers tickets were too tough to get so I can’t say Kareem or Magic. But I saw plenty of legends in person at the old Boston Garden and the current facility, the TD Bank garden. Michael Jordan as my shooting guard. Piston legend Isiah Thomas as my point guard. Larry Bird and Lebron James as my forwards and at center from Centenary #00 Robert Parish!!!!!!!!!!!

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1) Michael Jordan

2) Magic Johnson

3) Oscar Robertson

4) Bill Russell

5) Larry Bird

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kobe bryant for his story and animated film and daughter relationship kareem abdul jabar for this and sharing his intelligent thoughts Magic Johnson for his book about having HIV and his many efforts to help educate people Michael Jordan for being human Kevin Durant for calling out the disrespect and ridiculous media during the olympic games

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Kareem, Magic, Duncan, LeBron, Jordan.

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Kareem, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, Oscar Robinson, Steph Curry

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My next 5 are Wilt, Jerry West, Tim Duncan, Oscar and Steph Curry

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Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird

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So many great responses, and so many people pointing out the obvious...that comparisons between eras are next to impossible. I prefer to revise the question to read as follows: If you were an NBA GM, and could draft any player today as a 21 y.o., what would that draft look like? My picks:

1. Kareem

2. Wilt

3. Bill Russell

4. MJ

5. Oscar Robertson

6. Magic

7. LeBron

8. Larry Bird

9. Tim Duncan

10. George Mikan

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I think you are. You were the first superstar whom the league wanted to restrict your abilities instead of promoting them. THe NBA was trying to cash in on the enormous monetary success of the NFL, watching in amazement as football quickly took over dominance from MLB. The NBA was salivating at the possible money they saw possible. Then here comes Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr, the greatest baskestball talent in history. Just what the NBA wanted, right?? EXCEPT, the guy was a black man who spoke his views, rather than shuffle off smiling saying "I'm just here to play basketball." As you answered a commentator once....."Yes I DO mind, very much." As all of us old enough to remember, the League officials immediately treated you different than any previous player. The superstars of the day were players like Baylor who constantly travelled................Oscar Robertson who constantly charged and Jerry West who couldn't be touched without a defensive foul being called. But Kareem was roughed up constantly, often resembling a mugging, and few fouls were called. Some say Chamberlain was roughed up as much. I don't think so, but it irrelevant anyway. Fouls were called on the players who were physical. On March 2. 1962, Wilt went to the line THIRTY TWO times, a months dosage for you.

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1 - MJ - 6-0, culture/significance of league, competitive drive & ability to change game.

2 - Bron - All around game + longevity + down 3-1 against the warriors

3 - Kareem - Longevity + sheer dominance at three levels of the game

4 - Bill Russell - 11 rings.

5- Kobe - Combination of winning, longevity, dominance, and impact on the culture. Plus Magic calls him the greatest Laker.

(My next ones would be - Magic, Wilt, Duncan, Shaq, Bird followed by Curry, Durant, Hakeem, Oscar, and Jerry West).

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Allen Iverson/ Michael Jordan/Dr J/ Dwyane Wade/Lebron James—my list has nothing to do with statistics… the “g.o.a.t.” Title is ridiculous because of its immense subjectivity of what that means and why—Lebron fix your defense please god haha

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Only five? Can't do it. Three centers: You, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell. Six forwards: Tim Duncan, Larry Bird, Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, Rick Barry. Six guards: Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Lenny Wilkens, Bob Cousy, Walt Frazier. Two guys who were all over the court all of the time: Michael Jordan and John Havlicek.

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Pre Merger/ABA-Bill, Kareem, Wilt, Oscar, Dr. J

Post Merger-Jordan, James, Magic, Shaq, Bird

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Yeah. So many great players & talents. That's why I love this game. Good to read comments from the young fans too. Can't imagine what players from the earliest days of the game would think about today's game.

Tonight on NBA TV, Lakers at the Warriors. 🏀

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Jerry West, Oscar Robertson, Julius Irving, Bill Russell, Michael Jordan

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Kareem, Jordan, LeBron, Russell, Magic. All 5 both revolutionized the game in a specific way and at least one aspect of our society beyond sports as well.

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1) Michael Jordan

2) Kareem Abdul Jabbar

3) Magic Johnson

4) Kobe Bryant

5) LeBron James

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1) Bill Russell

2) Kareem Abdul Jabbar

3) Earvin Magic Johnson

4) Kobe Bryant

5)Larry Bird

Number 6 would be Steph Curry, but as he's still playing, we'll have to wait & see how his record ends up. Love him however. I actually need 10. 5 is too hard.

Kareem, you look great in Lakers Purple!! Love the shoes.💜

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MJ/Bird/Durant/Wilt/Kareem

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I’m going to choose mine based on players I’ve seen. I began watching the NBA in 1980. My top 5 in no particular order: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Lebron James.

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BTW, Bill Walton would be right up there if he played longer. As for Ebon, he is probably the best forward all around ever. But he's not in my top 5 either.

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Bill Russell, Wilt, Kareem (of course), Magic and Larry. Listed in order of entry into league. My basis for inclusion is impact on game + contribution to team + fan appeal. Was really hard to exclude Jerry West and Michael Jordan. Also, close was Bob Cousey.

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KAJ, MJ, Russell, Wilt, Magic

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I would go Bill Russell, Kareem, Michael Jordan, Magic and Bird.

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Bill Russell, Michael Jordan, you, Wilt Chamberlain, LeBron James/ in that order.

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Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, and OMG! Bill Russell? Elgin Baylor? Oscar Robertson? Jerry West? Larry Bird? Magic Johnson? I'm set on the first four, but I've got six players vying for the fifth spot, and there are probably more than that (Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, etc.)

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1 Kareem Abdul Jabbar 2 Michael Jordan 3 Magic Johnson 4 Bill Russell 5 Wilt Chamberlain

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Kareem (GOAT), Wilt, LeBron, Jordan, Bill Russell

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Kareem

Magic Johnson

Bill Russell

Julius Erving

Shaquille O'Neal

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1. Kareem - that sky hook is one of a kind.

2. Lebron - wins with marginal sidekicks

3. Jordan - won a lot w 2 of top 50 of all time on his team

4. Kobe - mamba says it all

5. Bill Russell - winner but less talented league

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