NBA 2015-16

[Town Heretic]

I remember Charles Barkley saying the hardest person to defend is Kevin McHale, and he said something along the lines of You just hope he is having an off night. Chuck being 6'5" on a good day has something to do with it.

And not to be a total homer to the 80s which is the most dominate period in the NBA in my short lifetime, but Bird said Dennis Johnson is the best teammate he ever had. Or maybe it was the best teammate he had. It has been a couple of decades, ya know? I didn't root for the Celtics. It was showtime and the Lakers. Things like seeing Greg Kite come in when they are losing and having a fight start with say...Dominque Wilkins, or whomever they needed out of the game.

But I realized KC Jones being just as much of a cheater as fellow New Englander Bill Belicheat doesn't take away from how good they were.

Cousy, Havlicek, Bird, McHale, and Russel.

Good luck against that 5. And yes, the composite Lakers are the only team that could compete.

I would leave Shaq off the Lakers team. When these lists are compiled, I assume basketball rules are enforced. I know I am not telling you anything when I say the NCAA outlawed the dunk because Alcindor/Jabbar was so good, they tried to level the field. And Jabbar says that made him much better. The millennials might not know the NCAA changed rules because he was so dominant.

Magic, (Magic can play anywhere), West, Worthy, Jabbar, Chamberlain.

Yes, I think Jabbar and Chamberlain can co-exist. And people forget how much Worthy does because of his teammates being legends of the game. Worthy will do anything, and everything. Kobe is as good as anybody, but I want people that play with teammates.

My Laker's list would look like a split between yours and theirs. Magic, Kobe, Baylor, Jabbar and Chamberlain. Kobe and Baylor because they were superior players. Kobe could do anything West could and Baylor was a better all around player than Worthy, who I think rode greats and a couple of playoff games into a reputation that's bigger than he tended to be.

I'm sticking with Garnett but rethinking it I'll take Havlicek over Pierce. Again, as great as McHale was he was never as dominant as KG or as athletic. Kevin was a great shooter whose defense was mostly a near freakish wingspan. Comparatively slow of foot and no where near as fluid as Garnett.

In terms of accolades at position, KG dominates, leading 15 to 7 over McHale in all-star appearances, 9-1 all-NBA teams, 9-3 all defense teams, 1-0 defensive player of the year, and 4-0 rebounds leader.

 

[The Berean]

I'm sorry but I'm claiming Wilt for the Warriors. He played his first five and a half seasons with the Warriors and those were most of his greatest and most dominant seasons. Plus he played the most games with the Warriors. The Warriors Wilt would destroy the Lakers Wilt all night long. Wilt belongs to the Warriors, not the Lakers.

Warriors All-time Team
C- Chamberlain
PF-Nate Thurmond
SF-Rick Barry
SG-Steph Curry
PG-Tim Hardaway

With Chamberlain and Thurmond in the front court they could take on any front court in NBA history.

For those who don't know who Nate Thurmond is, he's one of the greatest rebounders and greatest shot blockers of all time. Thurmond averaged 15.0 rebounds per game for his career which is 5th all time. Thurmond is just one of 3 players to have 40+ rebounds in a game. Thurmond is also the first player ever to have a quadruple double in a game.

This starting 5 would hang with any other franchise's all time team. You have a ridiculous inside power game plus three big time scorers plus a point guard that can give 20 pts/10 assists, and a bunch of steals. Also Steph and Rick Barry could light it up from the 3-pt line.

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[Nick M]

Well, Kevin Garnett is a Timberwolf for most of his time. If you go by their time, then I don't consider him for the Celtics at all. And that isn't a bad idea you have either. It seems very reasonable.

 

[Jefferson]

So who won the NBA draft? According to a lot of commentators it was MY Indiana Pacers.

 

[The Berean]

Well, Kevin Garnett is a Timberwolf for most of his time. If you go by their time, then I don't consider him for the Celtics at all. And that isn't a bad idea you have either. It seems very reasonable.

Exactly Nick. When making all time team a player should be assigned to the team where he played the most games and or had his greatest seasons. I would give some allowances if a player had most of his best seasons with the team he played the second most games if the games played is close. Laker fans try to claim Wilt Chamberlain but that is a no go for me. The seasons were he had his ridiculous stats all came as a Warrior. If we could go back in time would you rather see the 1962 version of Wilt or the 1972 version of Wilt? :think:

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[Town Heretic]

Garnett won an NBA Championship with my Celtics. He's a Celtic. So is Allen. LeBron started and will likely end with Cleveland, but he's still a member of the Heat. You can't deny a championship run with a team. Manning may be a Colt for life, but the Broncos have a piece of him too.

Chamberlain can be claimed by the Lakers as well, but even if you don't, then move Shaq in with Jabbar and that group beats just about anyone. My Celtics could fight them, but you have to give the edge to L.A. Bench play, historically, might be the difference.

 

[Nick M]

Exactly Nick.

Reggie Jackson was his best with the Athletics, but sure as hell went into the Hall as a Yankee for 3 obvious reasons. I think we should consider it from several angles. And Garnett spent a long time in Minnesota. It is who he is.

 

[The Berean]

Reggie Jackson was his best with the Athletics, but sure as hell went into the Hall as a Yankee for 3 obvious reasons. I think we should consider it from several angles. And Garnett spent a long time in Minnesota. It is who he is.

Reggie Jackson chose to be inducted as a Yankee. But the Hall of Fame no longer allows players to choose their caps. This change came about because a player I think it was Wade Boggs or Dave Winfield, tried to sell his cap to the highest bidder. Today the Hall of Fame chooses the cap. For example Gary Carter went into the Hall of Fame as an Expo even though he won a World Series title with the Mets.

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[Nick M]

Interesting, and not what I read. Not surprised though.

How does one place Moses Malone? A journeyman that just happens to be an all time great? I think of him as the Sixers. I'd bump AI just because there is no need to remember him.

 

[Town Heretic]

Kevin Durant is considering GS while being courted by his present team, my Celtics, the Spurs, Heat and Clippers.

The Celtics have an intriguing group of emerging players but I can't see why Durant would find that more attractive than OKC, unless he's drawn to the history and market. He has a pal in the green, but I think it's a long-shot. Forget the Heat or Clippers. The Spurs are aging and I think they're a couple of years past being a serious contender for Durant. Why rebuild with a coach who may be gone with Duncan?

No, it's home, GS and Boston. If I was Durant it would be an easy choice, Golden State. But for injuries and an uncharacteristic fragility, plus a ridiculous run by James, GS has another ring. Durant would give them three great players, talented supporting players and a proven bench.

Time for Berean to get excited. . . unless my guys can sneak in and steal him, in which case we're an instant playoff contender and potential challenge for Cleveland.

 

[Nick M]

Time for Berean to get excited. . . unless my guys can sneak in and steal him, in which case we're an instant playoff contender and potential challenge for Cleveland.

Cleveland is the champions, but GS is still a better all around team. They just did not get it done. That happens. The better team can lose.

 

[Town Heretic]

Cleveland is the champions, but GS is still a better all around team. They just did not get it done. That happens. The better team can lose.

I agree, though it's really unusual in a series. In the NFL, less surprising. One and done to the hotter hand, sure. But losing four of seven to a lesser team? :think: That takes some doing.

GS gave two away to Cleveland the time before, with it's second and third best players hobbled. I thought this one should at least go seven given the health of the Cavs. But I think injuries of a less noticeable sort contributed to the failure...having KD would, to my mind, lock them in as front runners for the next three years easily.

 

[The Berean]

Kevin Durrant joinging the Warriors would be incredible. But there are three key questions:

1) Can the Warriors afford Durrant and not have to gut their team?

2) How would Durrant fit within the Warriors offense?

3) Are Steph, Klay, Durrant willing to take less shots and share the ball?

 

[patrick jane]

Kevin Durrant joinging the Warriors would ne incredible. But there are three key questions:

1) Can the Warriors afford Durrant and not have to gut their team?

2) How would Durrant fit within the Warriors offense?

3) Are Steph, Klay, Durrant willing to take less shots and share the ball?

Yes Yes and Yes

 

[Town Heretic]

Kevin Durrant joinging the Warriors would ne incredible. But there are three key questions:

1) Can the Warriors afford Durrant and not have to gut their team?

2) How would Durrant fit within the Warriors offense?

3) Are Steph, Klay, Durrant willing to take less shots and share the ball?

Working backwards, Klay is the question. Steph would have fun with KD, but it would mean Klay playing Bosch, the inherent problem with having more than two elite players...of course, Klay is just moving into that area and maybe he'd be okay with it, or maybe you forget Durant and pick up a better center, like Whiteside in Miami or even Howard. That alone might have gotten you the repeat.

2) Durant would be a terrific fit. He'd give GS two powerhouse scorers in their stable, but you'd have to rebuild your bench, lose your free agents and probably one of your aging bigs. So I'm liking my 3 suggestion better...that said, considering the age and skill sets here, your coaching and talent assessment, it might actually still be a terrific idea.

1) Time and free agency are about to start doing that anyway, so maybe ripping the band aid off now is the right move, considering what you get in return.

 

[Nick M]

Sometimes we never know until there, but it seems like Durant knows they are already loaded and is there to contribute and win in a team environment. Unlike say, Shaq and Kobe who argued over who is the man. I only see good. 73 wins again?

 

[tetelestai]

Both at age 30:

View attachment 24462

Just in case someone forgot just how good Larry Bird was.

 

[patrick jane]

Both at age 30:

View attachment 24462

Just in case someone forgot just how good Larry Bird was.

Bird is the word

 

[Nick M]

Both at age 30:

View attachment 24462

Just in case someone forgot just how good Larry Bird was.

Compare all around game to Jordan. 6.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists.

 

[Town Heretic]

Bird is the word

MY favorite player. One of the all time best clutch players. Made his team better. Terrific shooter.

Head to head with LeBron.

James has one more MVP and Finals MVP than Larry. 1 more all NBA first team honors. 2 more all NBA teams.
LeBron has 5 Defensive 1st team selections to Larry's 0.
Leads Larry in all-defense teams overall 6-3.
Leads Bird 1-0 in scoring leader titles.

Playoffs
Bird - James
PPG: 23.8 - 28
RBS: 10.3 - 8.8
AST: 6.7 - 6.8
STL: 1.8 - 1.8
BLK: .9 - .9
FG%: 47.2 - 47.8
3PT%: .321 - .321
FT%: .890 - .746

So you can't go wrong with either. Larry gives you better clutch shooting and is stronger at the FT stripe. James gives you a defensive side and athleticism that Bird simply couldn't match.