Post by trendsetta on Aug 8, 2022 8:26:39 GMT -5
Bill Russell is one of a few men and women who in this life has left a lasting and positive impression on me, and I mean not only as an athlete, an NBA player, an American, but most importantly, a man. Even though I didn't know him personally, I nonetheless loved him and deeply mourn his passing. I feel/felt similarly about George Carlin, Walt Frazier, Don Rickles, Jackie Gleason, Richard Pryor.
I have always been fascinated by NBA top 10 lists but thought that the NBA has been around long enough to expand a top 10 to a top 15, if only to accommodate Oscar, Wilt, and Mr. Russell, ie pre Bird-Magic.
My criteria is a combination of (1) two-way play, (2) Finals rings and (3) leadership.
Did they do all the things that helped their teams win: clutch-ness, efficiency, hustle, making others around them better, aka superior teamwork?
And lastly: does their play translate into any era, allowing all the equal access to modern diet and training and equipment. For example, Bird would have played longer with better medical attention and may have started at a younger age. Same with Bill Russell and all other 4-year collegians.
Bonus: Bill Russell Trophy aka Finals MVP
My conclusion based upon this is:
1 Jordan 6
2 Russell 13
3 Duncan 5 10x All-NBA 1st team
4 Magic 5
5 Kareem 6
6 Bird 3
7 Hakeem 2
8 Lebron 4
9 Shaq 4
10 Steph 4
11 Wilt 2
12-15 Bryant/Mo Malone/Dirk/Oscar
16/honorable mention: Durant
I have always been fascinated by NBA top 10 lists but thought that the NBA has been around long enough to expand a top 10 to a top 15, if only to accommodate Oscar, Wilt, and Mr. Russell, ie pre Bird-Magic.
My criteria is a combination of (1) two-way play, (2) Finals rings and (3) leadership.
Did they do all the things that helped their teams win: clutch-ness, efficiency, hustle, making others around them better, aka superior teamwork?
And lastly: does their play translate into any era, allowing all the equal access to modern diet and training and equipment. For example, Bird would have played longer with better medical attention and may have started at a younger age. Same with Bill Russell and all other 4-year collegians.
Bonus: Bill Russell Trophy aka Finals MVP
My conclusion based upon this is:
1 Jordan 6
2 Russell 13
3 Duncan 5 10x All-NBA 1st team
4 Magic 5
5 Kareem 6
6 Bird 3
7 Hakeem 2
8 Lebron 4
9 Shaq 4
10 Steph 4
11 Wilt 2
12-15 Bryant/Mo Malone/Dirk/Oscar
16/honorable mention: Durant