Friday, March 7, 2008

All time NBA team?


I was listening to the "Mike and Mike" show (which more and more often is missing a Mike) this morning and they were discussing their All-time NBA team,as in picking 5 guys to put on the floor as your team.
I have decided to add to that and pick four teams as if they were going to play each other.
The downside for team "Blue" is that they get picks 6-10, Team "White" 11-15 and Team "Green" 16-20.
Please remember the numbers beside them is the "coachspeak" for positions,5 is center,4 power forward,3 small forward,2 shooting guard and 1 point guard.
Team Red
5-Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: wins over Wilt Chamberlain as the better fit in a team concept
4-Karl Malone-the prototypical Power forward
3-Larry Bird-all around star
2-Michael Jordan-Only criticism is his shooting amount.
1-Magic Johnson-revolutionized the position.

Team Blue
5-Wilt Chamberlain-the dominant offensive performer in the sport ever.
4-Tim Duncan-Nice guy that can play the 5 as well
3-Charles Barkley-Not really a true 3 or 4,but have to put him somewhere.
2-Jerry West-the top shooter of his time
1-Oscar Robinson-the player of the sixties for those under 6'10.

Team White
5-Bill Russell-Not the best scorer,but the ultimate team player
4-Elgin Baylor-the first true star power forward
3-Julius Erving-More for his Nets days than his Sixers and the Philly days were great.
2-George Gervin-the Iceman was one pure shooter to watch
1-Bob Cousy-not sure how his game would have played today,but look at the titles and numbers

Team Green
5-Moses Malone-No one was a better rebounder.
4-Kevin Garnett-Could be the most underrated star of his time
3-Kobe Bryant-I still think he is a "me guy" and overrated,but fits here
2-Pete Maravich-Maybe a bit high here,but it would be fun to see him in this field
1-John Stockton-The assist king would have fun passing to these guys.

Feel free to comment,post your own teams or predict who would win a round robin tourney of these teams.

Bullpen Notes

Before you write,yes I remembered LeBron James.
I think if we revisit this in a few years,James will find a place on a team,but has not played long enough yet.

Interesting article on Oakland GM Billy Beane,but perhaps Oakland fans should worry about this occupation with soccer.
If he is so interested in that at the possible expense of his job,I would have real concerns after this rebuilding job is finished.

Class move by the Blackhawks and new owner Rocky Wirtz in finally bringing Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita back to the organization.
If you want to build heritage and pride in your franchise,you need to keep your stars from the past involved with the team in some capacity.
Good Job Rocky!

The Pirates have told Sean Burnett that he is competing for a bullpen position,not for a rotation spot.
Might not be a bad move for Burnett or the Bucs,as if Burnett is returned to Indianapolis,he would likely be a starter.

Josh Sharpless was sent to Indianapolis already in a mild surprise as the Pirates have stated that Sharpless did not come to camp in the needed shape to compete.
Not good news for Sharpless and his future with the Pirates.

New Jersey Devils host the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at 7:00.
Coverage here tomorrow.

Photo Credits
Abdul-Jabbar-Bill Baptist-NBAE/Getty Images
Pistol-NBAE/Getty Images

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