Whenever you ask someone who the best players of all-time are in any sport you are bound to get a variety of answers, as many older fans tend to favor the players from their era, while younger fans favor today’s stars.
So I decided to challenge that thinking by creating an all-NBA roster using players from every decade. Here are the rules for my roster:
- Fill out a roster with two players from every decade, starting with the 1950s.
- Make sure all the starters have someone to back them up.
- No two players from the same decade are allowed in the starting line-up.
- Arrange the bench in the order they would come off the court.
- List two alternates who should be the best in the game from 2010-2019.
- Each should be adequate replacements on the roster.
Here is the bench for my all-time roster. You can find the starters here.
6. Oscar Robertson (1960-1969)
Robertson could legitimately call himself the best player ever. Averaging a triple-double is no easy task, and he had the versatility that nobody else in that era ever had.
If you think LeBron James at 6'8" and 250 pounds can play any position, consider what Robertson could do at 6'5" and 220. In many aspects, he was the first combo guard in NBA history. He could probably play small forward in the 1960s as well.
The fact that Robertson was in his prime playing for the Cincinnati Royals is a major reason why he doesn’t get as much credit as he deserves. The only teams that really had that many televised games back then were the Lakers, Knicks, and 76ers.
Another thing many people don’t realize is that Robertson shot a better field-goal percentage than Jerry West, who many would consider one of the best shooters in the game. Robertson had a 49-percent field-goal percentage, as opposed to West, who shot 47 percent.
7. Kobe Bryant (2000-2009)
He’s hands down the best player in this era, and could be in the argument for top five players of all time. Bryant is nearly impossible to guard and has lately learned how to use his teammates.
The 81-point effort from Bryant shows that he can record 40 and 50-point games if he wants to on a regular basis. He now trusts the rest of the team—especially with Pau Gasol, the newest Laker, making it unnecessary to for Bryanttake over games like he used to. Now he needs to win a championship without O’Neal to put him into the highest echelon of NBA players.
Bryant has been largely overshadowed by Duncan, who has four NBA Championships and two MVPs. It’s a little early to establish what his legacy is, but he has two or three more years to go before he’ll be considered over the hill.
In these next few years, Bryant will have to take advantage of being the best player on a competitive team. Now that Duncan is past his prime, Bryant should win another MVP with the Lakers, and become more of a defensive stopper in the NBA with his Olympic experience.
8. Magic Johnson (1980-1989)
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3 months ago
Great read, dude...got my pick of the day! I see a lot of research and careful consideration went into this write- 5 stars
3 months ago
You are rediculous. Why isn't Shaq on you're team. Shaq in his prime, was the second best player ever.
from 3 months ago
You clearly didn't read my analysis on Hakeem Olajuwon and you probably missed the fact that I could only choose two players from this decade.
from 3 months ago
did Wilt Chamberlain make the starting roster - cuz obviously HE overshadow young O'Neil anyday, as does Bill Russell -
I assume he is a starter though, as should be Bill Russell...in other words - shaq who?
3 months ago
Amare Stoudamire and Yao Ming were too young too even play Shaq when he was on the Lakers winning titles.
Shaq didn't play as many great centers when he won those titles as Robinson, but players like Sabonis, Divac, Rik Smits, David Robinson, Mutumbo were all capable defensive centers. I think that the teams Shaq played in the West were deeper than any of the teams Olajuwon Played. The Kings, Blazers, Mavericks, and Spurs were all great teams. Keep in mind Olajuwon would probably have zero titles if Jordan didn't retire. By the way which Bryant are you talking about that would take a title away from the Bulls if teamed up with Olajuwon? The MVP Bryant, or the not as good young Bryant that Shaq played with.
3 months ago
You're right, I didn't read it. But why make that a rule? It kind of takes away from the title All time NBA team.
3 months ago
Because it forces you to take players from every decade. It's very hard to compare players from every era because there are things that make certain eras better or worse than others. If I didn't have that rule, I probably would've had more players from recent history because that's what I'm familiar with.
3 months ago
very thoughtful and I can't say I'd argue with anyone. Maybe putting Oscar Robertson in the starting line-up but I think that's splitting hairs. Good Article!
3 months ago
Patrick, I have Chamberlain starting but I couldn't choose him and Russell or else I would have to take out Robertson. For me, it was really about if I was more interested in the Malone-O'Neal tandem or the Olajuwon-Duncan pair and I chose the latter.
3 months ago
The Big O was incredible. His triple-double will never be duplicated. He deserves the pick. Good article.
3 months ago
where the hell is Bill Russell?? He didn't even make the bench? HE DOMINATED THE NBA AND GOT 11 RINGS OUT OF IT.. and where's KG? He's a Defensive Monster.. Who dominates, humiliates, and spits on his opponents after hes through with them.. and guess what.. you give him a good team.. HE CAN WIN A CHAMPIONSHIP.. Dwight Howard hasn't even fully developed.. how is he even considered to be an alternate?
3 months ago
No offense, but your list is horrible. How is Dwight Howard above Kareem and Bill Russell!?! Magic should start, not Cousy, and Elgin Baylor was better than Schayes.
Props for giving Dr. J the nod, though.
from 3 months ago
neither of you have read the first few paragraphs opening my article. No two players from the same decade can start, only two players are allowed from each decade, and there are two players who are going to star in the future. You can't argue for Russell and Kareem above Howard because then I wouldn't have a futures player. I don't put Russell above Chamberlain, who he would have to replace if I picked him. If I start Magic about Cousy, I can't start Bird.
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