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109
Who is the greatest basketball player ever?
 
Featured by: tpowell25 at 8/26/09 8:17PM
FanIQ Pts? No | NBA | Closes 39 days | Multiple Choice Opinion Poll
Teams:  Michael Jordan | Larry Bird
Players:  Magic Johnson
Tagged as:   Kareem
Bill Russell
Bob Cousy
Bob Petit
Dwight Howard
Hakeem Olajuwan
John Havlicek
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Kobe Bryant
Larry Bird
LeBron James
Magic Johnson
Michael Jordan
Patrick Ewing
someone else
Walt Frasier
Wilt Chamberlain
109

(Caution -- you will be unable to change your answer.)


 &nbp;
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#1 | 112 days ago

3 -Peat!! Michael Jordan No Contest!!
 
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#2 | 112 days ago

2x 3-Peat + 6 MVP Against the toughest NBA defense and several greatest NBA players in history..+ several Finals game winning shots + several Defensive Awards= Yeah hands down Michael Jordan.
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#3 | 112 days ago

Bill Russell 
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#5 | 111 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?
I agree with you.  Even tho Jordan is my favorite and he accomplished much. I think the accomplilshments of Chamberlin were just unbelieveable. His point average per season record has never been matched, he was such an imposing figure on the court and I dont think that will never been seen again.
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#6 | 110 days ago

Wheres Chamberlain?... but I still go with Jordan even though I m a LAKER
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#7 | 110 days ago

Kobe and Lebron?    Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell instead!
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#8 | 110 days ago

Mj. Hands down.
#9 | 110 days ago

annilee60 wrote:
I agree with you.  Even tho Jordan is my favorite and he accomplished much. I think the accomplilshments of Chamberlin were just unbelieveable. His point average per season record has never been matched, he was such an imposing figure on the court and I dont think that will never been seen again.
That is true about Wilt. What he did can not and will not be duplicated. What he did and how he did it I don't think any player can do again in our lifetime or the next. He was by far more superior than any other player in his era. Only if he was on a good team. Imagine what he could have done then? If he would have won 4, 5, or 6 more championships I don't we'd be having this discussion now? But it is what it is though. The argument will live on...
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#10 | 109 days ago

The question should be who's the best player in the NBA besides Michael Jordan. I like other players more but Jordan is just better.
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#11 | 106 days ago

 When I say Michael Jordan it is not necessary for me to go to the two three peats. Just to watch the evolution of his game when he was playing is why I say him. Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain should have been involved in this pole. Both were aweome players in their own right and in fact the other players who made this list are also awesome, but I feel that Michael Jordan is the best.
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#12 | 106 days ago

alsportsfreak wrote:
Bill Russell 
Agreed.  Bill Russell.  Enough said. 
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#13 | 104 days ago

Wilt and Bill.  Obviously you just look at players playing and not their stats. These two dominated the game for years and their records will always stand.
#14 | 104 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?
Yeah, I'm sorry about that. I should edit it if I still can.
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#15 | 104 days ago

Where is Bill Russel and Oscar Robertson. Russel won 11 titles and The Big O averaged a triple double in one season
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#16 | 101 days ago

Everyone loves to jock Mike (is it the shoes?!) But Scottie came out of Central Arkansas! Mike wouldn't have developed the fade-away if he and 33 wasn't mixing it up everyday all day?!
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#17 | 98 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?
 don't worry, i think i've added them
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#18 | 95 days ago

The battle for number 2 is where the real discussion is.

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#19 | 95 days ago

I'll put it to you like this, lets say beings from other worlds wanted to invite earth to an intergalactal basketball tournament. they said past or present who would be your champion? Mike's the first pick.
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#20 | 94 days ago

MJ...Both of them!!
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#21 | 87 days ago

This pole just shows there is alot of people on this site who knows nothing about the sport!!! Russell & Chamberlain hands down..they both change the game forever and Jordan just played with in the changes. Bill Russell 9 as player and 2 as player coach. Bulls ask Jordan to do this when he was going to retir and he decline. come on people only other player to win as player coach Lenny Wilkins. please do some research!!!
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#22 | 86 days ago

With 5 times MVP,6 times FMVP,10 times FTS and rest many more awards only Micheal Jordon holds the title of greatest player of history. Hats off to him.
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#23 | 83 days ago

How many of the 50 greatest NBA players did Michael Jordan play against and how many did Bill Russell play against?  I'd say that Michael Jordan played against more of them than Bill Russell did.  Both dominated their eras but the difference is the size of the NBA between those eras.
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#24 | 82 days ago

though i like kobe & jordan, i still go for russell and chamberlain (as the best!)
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#25 | 81 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?
SSHHHHHHH!!
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#26 | 81 days ago

djagameking wrote:
The question should be who's the best player in the NBA besides Michael Jordan. I like other players more but Jordan is just better.
THANK YOU!!
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#27 | 81 days ago

"AND NOW ,INTRODUCING,..FROM NORTH CAROLINA..AT SHOOTING GUARD...6'6" ,...200 LBS..... THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME... NUMBER 23.... MICHAELLLLLLL,....AIRRRRR,....JOORRDAANNNN!!!!!!!!!   
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#28 | 78 days ago

While there are many great players from the past like: Pistol Pete, Larry Byrd, The Postman, Barkley, Shack, and others....MJ changed the way the game is played today. That in itself puts him in a league of his own.
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#29 | 75 days ago

Jordan and Kobe were my choice!

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#30 | 75 days ago

MJ was great, but Hakeem Olajuwan completely changed the way the position of center was played. Basketball is a game of match-ups, it is sad for Rocket fans that in the early '90s we did not have an answer for the Sonics because we were the only team in that era with a winning record aginst the bulls. Had the Rockets been able to get past the Sonics and Olajuwan been able to play in the finals aginst MJ's bulls I don't think MJ would have had 2 sets of 3, I think he and Olajuwan would both have 4 rings, but we will never know.

recently here in houston in an interview with a former Rockets front office person it was said that the bulls offered there #1 draft choice for Ralph Sammson, we know that the first three picks that year were Sam Boowe, Olajuwan, and MJ, that means that if the rockets would have made the trade they could have had Olajuwan and MJ on the same team, and the year before that the rockets passed up Clyde Drexler for Rodney McCray. Can you imagen how many championships the Houston Rockets could have had if they had Olajuwan, MJ, and Drexler on the same team? that would have been an all time great team. 
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#31 | 75 days ago

bigg_daddy wrote:
MJ was great, but Hakeem Olajuwan completely changed the way the position of center was played. Basketball is a game of match-ups, it is sad for Rocket fans that in the early '90s we did not have an answer for the Sonics because we were the only team in that era with a winning record aginst the bulls. Had the Rockets been able to get past the Sonics and Olajuwan been able to play in the finals aginst MJ's bulls I don't think MJ would have had 2 sets of 3, I think he and Olajuwan would both have 4 rings, but we will never know.

recently here in houston in an interview with a former Rockets front office person it was said that the bulls offered there #1 draft choice for Ralph Sammson, we know that the first three picks that year were Sam Boowe, Olajuwan, and MJ, that means that if the rockets would have made the trade they could have had Olajuwan and MJ on the same team, and the year before that the rockets passed up Clyde Drexler for Rodney McCray. Can you imagen how many championships the Houston Rockets could have had if they had Olajuwan, MJ, and Drexler on the same team? that would have been an all time great team. 

yeah that would have been a great houston team... but far as players are concerned... Hakeem the dream Olajuwan, had nothing on Michael Jeffrey Jordan....  sorry for you luck on that one...  i mean u clouded the point... u pick hakeem over michael jordan

Even if u say you would start ur team with a center u still cant even say you'd pick hakeem first in that catergory...  bill russell would shut him down defensively...period.. which he would do to just bout any center ever..... on a daily basis .. hence the 11 championships.....  wilt the stilt and jabbar would have done the damn thing to him offensively.....  which they did to just bout every center ever.... period.....  more wilt then jabbar in my opinion....  so that would make him fourth amongst centers.. and there is argument for Tim Duncan, Shaq in prime, not the young boy hakeem shut down, Mikan....    

 

And for the Record ... i know u put someone else... but u forgot MR Clutch, mr NBA, JERRY WEST on this list... he isnt someone else... thats a huge omission of talent on the list to start a team...

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#32 | 75 days ago

UNC420 wrote:

yeah that would have been a great houston team... but far as players are concerned... Hakeem the dream Olajuwan, had nothing on Michael Jeffrey Jordan....  sorry for you luck on that one...  i mean u clouded the point... u pick hakeem over michael jordan

Even if u say you would start ur team with a center u still cant even say you'd pick hakeem first in that catergory...  bill russell would shut him down defensively...period.. which he would do to just bout any center ever..... on a daily basis .. hence the 11 championships.....  wilt the stilt and jabbar would have done the damn thing to him offensively.....  which they did to just bout every center ever.... period.....  more wilt then jabbar in my opinion....  so that would make him fourth amongst centers.. and there is argument for Tim Duncan, Shaq in prime, not the young boy hakeem shut down, Mikan....    

 

And for the Record ... i know u put someone else... but u forgot MR Clutch, mr NBA, JERRY WEST on this list... he isnt someone else... thats a huge omission of talent on the list to start a team...

how can you say hakeem had nothing on MJ, the question was who is the greatest player in basketball history. while there is a case to be made for MJ being the greatest, so many players today play just like mike did, (koby, labron) just to name a couple. but nobody before or sence played the center position like DREAM did. for that, and my home town bias i have to give the nod to hakeem
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#33 | 75 days ago

bigg_daddy wrote:
how can you say hakeem had nothing on MJ, the question was who is the greatest player in basketball history. while there is a case to be made for MJ being the greatest, so many players today play just like mike did, (koby, labron) just to name a couple. but nobody before or sence played the center position like DREAM did. for that, and my home town bias i have to give the nod to hakeem
six final's mvp... five regular season mvp, five mvp nine time all nba first team defenses ... 11 scoring titles or something like that... six titles... a desire to win like no others... and all this with a squad of role player, and with pippen included was never the same when not playing with mike....

yes kobe and lebron if u wanna name them two, and those are the only two that u can name like mike nowaday so it aint like its so many players that play like mike, they may WANT to, but they arent mike, but mike changed game in different way, through elevation and desire. a case can be made for hakeem, a very small one... but nba bias says mike
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#34 | 75 days ago

 Jordan won 6 titles and every individual award in the game so he is first. Russell is a extremely close second due to his 11 titles.
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#35 | 75 days ago

The Bulls, the Lakers, and the Celtics had (have) great teamwork.
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#36 | 73 days ago

With 5 times MVP,6 times FMVP,10 times FTS and rest many more awards only Micheal Jordon holds the title of greatest player of history. Hats off to him.
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#37 | 72 days ago

UNC420 wrote:
six final's mvp... five regular season mvp, five mvp nine time all nba first team defenses ... 11 scoring titles or something like that... six titles... a desire to win like no others... and all this with a squad of role player, and with pippen included was never the same when not playing with mike....

yes kobe and lebron if u wanna name them two, and those are the only two that u can name like mike nowaday so it aint like its so many players that play like mike, they may WANT to, but they arent mike, but mike changed game in different way, through elevation and desire. a case can be made for hakeem, a very small one... but nba bias says mike
i must say you know your stats, but stats are just numbers and you can not judge players just by how many rings they have. for example is robert horry a better basketball player than karl malone, or charles barkley, no of course not but robert hory has what 9 rings and if you add up all the championship rings on karl malone, and charles barkley you would still have none.

when you look at the way the position is played, while he is a better player than thoes before him, he still plays the game the same way that dr. j, george gervin, alex english, dominique willkens, adrian dantley, the list goes on and on. and you want to bring pippen in to the argument, how many titles did mj have before pippen was next to him?? you are right pippen was never the same player with out mj, but mj was also not the same without pippen.

but when you look at hakeem, and the centers that came before him, he really changed the way the position was played.

just like being an all-star, everyone knows that mvp's only go to people on the best teams, so mj, has more mvp's than hakeem, big deal, if hakeem had the kind of tallent around him that mj had not only would he have had more championships but also more mvp's.
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#38 | 72 days ago

UNC420 wrote:

yeah that would have been a great houston team... but far as players are concerned... Hakeem the dream Olajuwan, had nothing on Michael Jeffrey Jordan....  sorry for you luck on that one...  i mean u clouded the point... u pick hakeem over michael jordan

Even if u say you would start ur team with a center u still cant even say you'd pick hakeem first in that catergory...  bill russell would shut him down defensively...period.. which he would do to just bout any center ever..... on a daily basis .. hence the 11 championships.....  wilt the stilt and jabbar would have done the damn thing to him offensively.....  which they did to just bout every center ever.... period.....  more wilt then jabbar in my opinion....  so that would make him fourth amongst centers.. and there is argument for Tim Duncan, Shaq in prime, not the young boy hakeem shut down, Mikan....    

 

And for the Record ... i know u put someone else... but u forgot MR Clutch, mr NBA, JERRY WEST on this list... he isnt someone else... thats a huge omission of talent on the list to start a team...

funny you put Shaq in prime in your post, when Shaq was in his prime he faced Hakeem in the finals, and dream sweept him. you put russell and wilt on your list, in there era they were the greatest 2 centers but look at all the other centers in the league, thoes two were really in a league of there own, they did not have to go aginst guys like tim duncan, patrick ewing, alonzo morrning, david robenson. how good would thoes 2 have been if the tallent level in there era was the same as the talent level in hakeems era?? i am not saying they would not still be great but they would not have the same stats. i did not forget jerry west, i just did not list the whole 50 greatest players list.

i see your screen name is unc420, i am guessing unc stans for the tar heels, if i am right i can understand your love for mj. but you can not argue that looking at the way mj played is any diffrent than the way others have played the game before him. you can also not argue that DREAM changed the way all centers play that came after him. it is for that reason and that reason only that i say hakeem is the greatest player ever.
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#39 | 72 days ago

1. michael jordon
2. lebron james
3. kobe bryant
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#40 | 72 days ago

1. michael jordon
2. lebron james
3. kobe bryant
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#41 | 72 days ago

Yeah I can tell texans must have a shady view on sports....

Michael Jordan without pippen.... he came out of retirement at like 35, average more points then pippen did in his prime with over 20, made an allstar game, and if not for a clock malfunction that allowed kobe to hit the game winner that year, it would of been mikes....

Further more mike was the same player without pippen, just more self assertive since he lead the league several times in scoring before hand, was all nba before hand, and all defensive player before hand.... also if u dont remember really wasnt pippen, any player just about could of stepped up to the demands figuring mike was gettin double, and tripled teamed at the least....

On top of that for the mike jordan hater and hakeem lover.... no hakeem didnt play shaq in his PRIME, do u know what PRIME MEANS, the most productive years of ur career..... they sweep the magic when SHAQ was a pup... two or three years in the league... so if thats the case dwight howard is in his prime, chris paul is in his prime, brandon roy is in his prime, kevin durant is going into his prime year....

And yes bill russell and wilt chamberlian was a step above everyone else... its called TALENT.... just like kobe, lebron, and D WADE is a step above everyone now ... ITS CALLLED TALENT...... russell was so intelligent , he was able to think a team in many occasions to 11 championships, and wilt was such the specimen he was able to have them incredible numbers......

And you put anyone else on a team with bj armstrong, craig hodges and steve kerr, not gettin open jumpers..... horance grant, bill wennington, will purdue, and bill cartwright, gettin doubled in the post........ ron harper, dennis rodman, and scottie pippen, who were all good but same token not the players mike helped them to be by takin the focus off of them.... so talented teammates.... i disagree... these players werent talented.... they were decent role players at best besides maybe pippen who was an excellent ROLE PLAYER... wasnt star in college, wasnt start after mike, and prolly wont be in hall of fame...  where as hakeem when he won his two titles had a hall of fame teammate in clyde drexler.... and pippen if im not mistaken went to that team... did he even get a chip with them....
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#42 | 71 days ago

(Edited by dragonzblade3232)
Go Jordan
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#43 | 71 days ago

(Edited by dragonzblade3232)
Go Jordan.  If Jordan played in Wilt and Russell area I swear he would have won more Rings then Russell he might of scored more then 100 points also. Phil said Jordan can score 50 points a game if he wanted to but that's not gonna win you any rings he told Jordan to work with his team because its a team game. Also I think he would have more rings if he didn't retire twice.
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#44 | 69 days ago

not knocking the author on this- but this question was a no-brainer. As a serious b-baller, Michael took the fun out of the game in his prime simply because YOU COULD NOT STOP HIM. All you could do was pray and hoped he missed. Remember, even the JORDAN RULES from Detroit didnt work!!!
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#45 | 65 days ago

who scored 100 points in a championship game?wilt chamberlain...double triple double performance?20plus points in 3 stats?wilt chamberlain...and he is a laker!!!!!!!!!!
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#46 | 62 days ago

maybe if it was asked from the oldest to the youngest players
because the older players sat the trend for the younger players
the game did not change only the names of the players in the game
because all of them are great players of  NBA

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#47 | 62 days ago

look at the championsips. 3 peat. Jordan
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#48 | 62 days ago

look at the championsips. 3 peat. Jordan
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#49 | 62 days ago

championships
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#50 | 61 days ago

I have respect for Wilt and Bill but lets be honest they played in an era when the athletes were not as strong, athletic or talented..so theres no wonder why they made a name for themselves..Jordan on the other hand played against great players and and still beacame who he was THE GREATEST BASKETBALL PLAYER EVER!!! and i dont want hear that crap about Wilt scoring 100 points in a game either..because you know as well i know if jordan played during those times hed score 100 points every game and maybe more..lets get real JORDAN IS THE GREATEST...
#51 | 61 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?

The players were weak back then thats why they won that many titles if they played in 85, 90s n 2000,2009 they would have been called just good players... 

#52 | 61 days ago

Bill & Wilt dominated during their days - mostly because there was no contest to their size & physicality.  I would pick a tie between Bird & Magic!!  The overall NBA game was much better at the time & they still dominated!!  I will say Jordan was the best clutch shooter - maybe best ever.  But he was NOT the best ever - is overall game wasn't better - he just got away with more from the refs!!  & his HOF speech was "riDICKulASS" -- what an arrogant @#$@#%#%!
#53 | 54 days ago

CHYTWNTON wrote:

The players were weak back then thats why they won that many titles if they played in 85, 90s n 2000,2009 they would have been called just good players... 

LIke i said the players back then were not as talanted and athletic as they are know dude..heck i dont even think the crossover was invented yet back in those days trust me they got those titles because they played a bunch of scrubs..put Jodan back in that time...on a bulls team and that wouldnt have happend he would have had all those titles and maybe more..
#54 | 53 days ago

(Edited by floyd_fan7421)
Have one of these supermen centers try and stop the Sky Hook and they will have less success than they did when Kareem played.  No one could stop him.  That is why he will always have the most points in NBA history.  Bill Russell would not have stopped him.  The only thing wrong with Kareem is he only had about 6 years with a decent team around him to compliment his offense.  As soon as Magic got there it was Showtime and Title #2 for Kareem.  He had Oscar Robertson in Milwaukee.  As long as he had some help he was imposible to stop.  He didn't win every year.  Just about every other year.
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#55 | 48 days ago

The question is who is the greatest basketball player ever, not NOW.  Kobe and Lebron are having good careers and Lebron's is far from over but the question was EVER. 
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#56 | 48 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?
 no such thing as the greatest player...as jordan said others came before him (masterfully i might add) and sooner or later others will come after him....so...taint just one...
   when will we get to that place where competition is healthy and it takes more than one to fix the meal...
#57 | 47 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?
ojekeme1 you are so dumb... Looks at all the stats and Jordan is by far the greatest player EVER!!!!!
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#58 | 47 days ago

IGo4FemToes wrote:
ojekeme1 you are so dumb... Looks at all the stats and Jordan is by far the greatest player EVER!!!!!
?????i dont know
#59 | 47 days ago

Jesus Shuttleworth.
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#60 | 47 days ago

I believe Jordan was the best. He had the immense knowledge and intellect about the game, not to mention the unsurpassed talent. He was always willing to put the whole team on his shoulders and carry them, in sickness and health. There were other greats that I respect, but they did not have the all around game like Jordan. Some had defense and no offense or vice versa. Jordan had a lot of both. I'm not going by stats, but just by his repertoire of moves alone. He was the greatest.
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#61 | 47 days ago

aijha27 wrote:
I believe Jordan was the best. He had the immense knowledge and intellect about the game, not to mention the unsurpassed talent. He was always willing to put the whole team on his shoulders and carry them, in sickness and health. There were other greats that I respect, but they did not have the all around game like Jordan. Some had defense and no offense or vice versa. Jordan had a lot of both. I'm not going by stats, but just by his repertoire of moves alone. He was the greatest.
I agree. Mr. Jordan is the final composite of a superstar player who made his teammates better. His greatness descended from Connie Hawkins to Dr. J. He has outshone those 2 and then some!!
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#62 | 47 days ago

I gave an answer but that was hard and it could have went to any of those players
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#63 | 47 days ago

(Edited by biglworld928)
you know it  by 2 letters M J
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#64 | 46 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?
 The Celtics with Bill Russell and company ran roughshod over the NBA for nearly 15 years. sometimes they would literally limp into the playoffs, but somehow turned into supermen. Their record 8 straight championships will never be broken. Jordan's squads were great, but The Celts did it for a long time with virtually the same crew year in and year out. Russell's chief competitor at the center position was Wilt the Stilt. Their battles became legendary. Chamberlain got the stats, while Russell and the Celts got the rings.  While Jordan's 3-peats were outstanding, the Celts were painstakingly brilliant.
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#65 | 46 days ago

 MJ is the man he killed my Knicks year after year.
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#66 | 46 days ago

(Edited by ojekeme1)
IGo4FemToes wrote:
ojekeme1 you are so dumb... Looks at all the stats and Jordan is by far the greatest player EVER!!!!!
David, you are the perfect example of of the ignorance that I spoke of in my blog last week. Rather than respond in kind, with a personal counterattack, I will educate you and for that matter many others on the pre-Sportscenter impact of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain and others on the NBA game that we love today.

I have read a ton of comments about "MJ" changing the game. Here are some game changing facts that should be considered when people throw around terms like "game changing" player.

1. It is strange that George Mikan was left off this list. Mikan was so dominant for the Lakers that the NBA widened the foul lane and introduced the shot clock during his ten years in the NBA from 1946 to 1956. He also was the "inventor" of the "Sky Hook". He was also a member of the first four NBA all-first teams and All-Star teams. Game changing!!!

2. In 1967 the NCAA banned dunking the basketball because of the dominance of Lou Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in John Wooden's UCLA powerhouse dynasty. Jabbar the perfected the Mikan "Sky Hook" and continued his domination of the basketball world in the NBA for 20 years (1969-1989) winning an NBA best six (6) MVP honors. During this time he compiled a list of individual and team awards much to numerous to mention in this post. Game changing!!!

3. Bill Russell more than any other "Big Man" in the history of the NBA defined "help defense". The NBA fan hasn't changed much in the last 60 years. The propensity to honor prolific scorers always has been part of fan-dome; however because even during his playing days Russell was undersized for a center he had to depend on his quickness and athletic ability to become a dominant force. Other notable first for Russell include leading his 1961-1962 Celtics to the NBA's first 60 win season and becoming the first African-American head coach in NBA history. Like Jabbar his individual honors are too numerous to list here but his career averages are not: 15.1 ppg, 22.5 rpg and 4.3 apg. By the way, the NBA defensive player of the year and all-defensive team (which he won) distinction was not awarded for the first time until 1969, Russell's last year as a player. Game changing!!!

4. Among others, Chamberlain is the only player in NBA history to average more than 40 and 50 points in a season or score 100 points in a single NBA game. He also won seven scoring, nine field goal percentage, and eleven rebounding titles, and once even led the league in assists as a 7'2" center. Chamberlain, who played his college ball in Kansas, is the only player ever to be named a "territorial pick" by an NBA squad due to his high school roots (Philadelphia Warriors). Chamberlain also is one of only two players in NBA history to be awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP trophies in the same season.  Game changing!!!

While Jordan, a great player in his own right compiled an impressive list of individual accomplishments his biggest "game changing" elements were in the areas of marketing and promotions not in the actual way that the game was played. While Piston's coach Chuck Daley was famous for his use of the "Jordan Rules" (a combination of picks, traps, hard fouls and double/triple teams) to slow down Michael Jordan this in not unlike the pressures faced by Oscar Robertson (whose career I did not chronicle in this post) or Chamberlain two and a half decades before Jordan. In fact, Chamberlain considered retiring after only his second NBA season because of this same type defensive treatment. There were no dramatic rules changes or even new defensive schemes created because of Jordan.

I mention the pre-Sportscenter impact of these other players because, Jordan was the beneficiary of the push by major corporations (Nike, Gatorade, General Mills {Wheaties} and others) in the area of sports marketing and endorsements. All of these inroads were spurned by technological and social advances (computers & cable/satellite television). This increased the popularity and following of the NBA game to a global scale; benefiting not only Jordan but, the NBA (David Stern) and the afore mentioned corporate giants as well as many others. Mikan, Chamberlain, Russell, Robertson, West, Jabbar (to a lesser degree) and others played a game which was regional in scope well into the decade of the 1970's therfore they did not benefit from the exposure that today's stars have.
Enter the poll to see my answer
#67 | 46 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
David, you are the perfect example of of the ignorance that I spoke of in my blog last week. Rather than respond in kind, with a personal counterattack, I will educate you and for that matter many others on the pre-Sportscenter impact of Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain and others on the NBA game that we love today.

I have read a ton of comments about "MJ" changing the game. Here are some game changing facts that should be considered when people throw around terms like "game changing" player.

1. It is strange that George Mikan was left off this list. Mikan was so dominant for the Lakers that the NBA widened the foul lane and introduced the shot clock during his ten years in the NBA from 1946 to 1956. He also was the "inventor" of the "Sky Hook". He was also a member of the first four NBA all-first teams and All-Star teams. Game changing!!!

2. In 1967 the NCAA banned dunking the basketball because of the dominance of Lou Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) in John Wooden's UCLA powerhouse dynasty. Jabbar the perfected the Mikan "Sky Hook" and continued his domination of the basketball world in the NBA for 20 years (1969-1989) winning an NBA best six (6) MVP honors. During this time he compiled a list of individual and team awards much to numerous to mention in this post. Game changing!!!

3. Bill Russell more than any other "Big Man" in the history of the NBA defined "help defense". The NBA fan hasn't changed much in the last 60 years. The propensity to honor prolific scorers always has been part of fan-dome; however because even during his playing days Russell was undersized for a center he had to depend on his quickness and athletic ability to become a dominant force. Other notable first for Russell include leading his 1961-1962 Celtics to the NBA's first 60 win season and becoming the first African-American head coach in NBA history. Like Jabbar his individual honors are too numerous to list here but his career averages are not: 15.1 ppg, 22.5 rpg and 4.3 apg. By the way, the NBA defensive player of the year and all-defensive team (which he won) distinction was not awarded for the first time until 1969, Russell's last year as a player. Game changing!!!

4. Among others, Chamberlain is the only player in NBA history to average more than 40 and 50 points in a season or score 100 points in a single NBA game. He also won seven scoring, nine field goal percentage, and eleven rebounding titles, and once even led the league in assists as a 7'2" center. Chamberlain, who played his college ball in Kansas, is the only player ever to be named a "territorial pick" by an NBA squad due to his high school roots (Philadelphia Warriors). Chamberlain also is one of only two players in NBA history to be awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year and MVP trophies in the same season.  Game changing!!!

While Jordan, a great player in his own right compiled an impressive list of individual accomplishments his biggest "game changing" elements were in the areas of marketing and promotions not in the actual way that the game was played. While Piston's coach Chuck Daley was famous for his use of the "Jordan Rules" (a combination of picks, traps, hard fouls and double/triple teams) to slow down Michael Jordan this in not unlike the pressures faced by Oscar Robertson (whose career I did not chronicle in this post) or Chamberlain two and a half decades before Jordan. In fact, Chamberlain considered retiring after only his second NBA season because of this same type defensive treatment. There were no dramatic rules changes or even new defensive schemes created because of Jordan.

I mention the pre-Sportscenter impact of these other players because, Jordan was the beneficiary of the push by major corporations (Nike, Gatorade, General Mills {Wheaties} and others) in the area of sports marketing and endorsements. All of these inroads were spurned by technological and social advances (computers & cable/satellite television). This increased the popularity and following of the NBA game to a global scale; benefiting not only Jordan but, the NBA (David Stern) and the afore mentioned corporate giants as well as many others. Mikan, Chamberlain, Russell, Robertson, West, Jabbar (to a lesser degree) and others played a game which was regional in scope well into the decade of the 1970's therfore they did not benefit from the exposure that today's stars have.
Ok, since we are getting technical....

As you can see below... Kareem did have a better FG% out of the 4 (Wilt, Bill, Michael and George) and a better rebound% (after all he is a Center along with George and Bill and should), that is the only 2 stats he shined in. He sucked at free throws and assists. And had less Awards and Honors than Jordan (See stats below)

Wilt
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.511
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.54
Rebound/game (Avg) 22.9
Assist/game (Avg) 4.4

Awards
1956-57 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
1959-60 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1959-60 NBA MVP
1959-60 NBA Rookie of the Year
1965-66 NBA MVP
1966-67 NBA MVP
1967-68 NBA MVP
1971-72 NBA Finals MVP

Honors
1956-57 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1957-58 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1959-60 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1960-61 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1961-62 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1962-63 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1963-64 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1964-65 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1965-66 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1966-67 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1967-68 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1971-72 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1971-72 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1972-73 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

Bill
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.561
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.44
Rebound/game (Avg) 22.5
Assist/game (Avg) 4.3

Awards
1954-55 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
1957-58 NBA MVP
1960-61 NBA MVP
1961-62 NBA MVP
1962-63 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1962-63 NBA MVP
1964-65 NBA MVP

Honors
1954-55 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1955-56 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1957-58 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1958-59 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1959-60 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1960-61 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1961-62 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1962-63 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1963-64 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1964-65 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1965-66 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1966-67 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1967-68 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1968-69 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

George
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.772
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.416
Rebound/game (Avg) 13.4
Assist/game (Avg) 2.7


1952-53 NBA All-Star Game MVP

Honors
1948-49 BAA All-BAA (1st)
1949-50 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1950-51 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1951-52 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1952-53 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1953-54 NBA All-NBA (1st)

Michael
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.835
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.497
Rebound/game (Avg) 6.2
Assist/game (Avg) 5.3

Awards
1983-84 NCAA AP Player of the Year
1983-84 NCAA John R. Wooden Award
1983-84 NCAA Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Award
1984-85 NBA Rookie of the Year
1987-88 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1987-88 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
1987-88 NBA MVP
1990-91 NBA Finals MVP
1990-91 NBA MVP
1991-92 NBA Finals MVP
1991-92 NBA MVP
1992-93 NBA Finals MVP
1995-96 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1995-96 NBA Finals MVP
1995-96 NBA MVP
1996-97 NBA Finals MVP
1997-98 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1997-98 NBA Finals MVP
1997-98 NBA MVP

Honors
1981 McDonald's All American
1982-83 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1983-84 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1984-85 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1984-85 NBA All-Rookie (1st)
1986-87 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1987-88 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1987-88 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-NBA (1st)

Clearly as an "All Around Player" and over the course of his career, Jordan shines above the other three you mentioned. (Not taking anything away from the others individual accomplishments.)

Give me a player whos numbers are better on an average and who has accomplished more awards on the court and you will have my attention.

Oh and BTW- all the above info on Jordan was on the court where he got his fan base and not in the Gatorade and Nike commercials. Hell I could care less what he endorses. I don't drink Gatorade, I prefer K-Swiss over Nike, and I don't wear underwear!!!

*** Jordan rules and is the Best NBA player to date***

Funny how Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Julius Erving, among many other NBA greats, agree with me.

So-- End of discussion
Enter the poll to see my answer
#68 | 46 days ago

IGo4FemToes wrote:
Ok, since we are getting technical....

As you can see below... Kareem did have a better FG% out of the 4 (Wilt, Bill, Michael and George) and a better rebound% (after all he is a Center along with George and Bill and should), that is the only 2 stats he shined in. He sucked at free throws and assists. And had less Awards and Honors than Jordan (See stats below)

Wilt
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.511
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.54
Rebound/game (Avg) 22.9
Assist/game (Avg) 4.4

Awards
1956-57 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
1959-60 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1959-60 NBA MVP
1959-60 NBA Rookie of the Year
1965-66 NBA MVP
1966-67 NBA MVP
1967-68 NBA MVP
1971-72 NBA Finals MVP

Honors
1956-57 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1957-58 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1959-60 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1960-61 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1961-62 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1962-63 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1963-64 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1964-65 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1965-66 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1966-67 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1967-68 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1971-72 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1971-72 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1972-73 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

Bill
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.561
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.44
Rebound/game (Avg) 22.5
Assist/game (Avg) 4.3

Awards
1954-55 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
1957-58 NBA MVP
1960-61 NBA MVP
1961-62 NBA MVP
1962-63 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1962-63 NBA MVP
1964-65 NBA MVP

Honors
1954-55 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1955-56 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1957-58 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1958-59 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1959-60 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1960-61 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1961-62 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1962-63 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1963-64 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1964-65 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1965-66 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1966-67 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1967-68 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1968-69 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

George
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.772
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.416
Rebound/game (Avg) 13.4
Assist/game (Avg) 2.7


1952-53 NBA All-Star Game MVP

Honors
1948-49 BAA All-BAA (1st)
1949-50 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1950-51 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1951-52 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1952-53 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1953-54 NBA All-NBA (1st)

Michael
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.835
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.497
Rebound/game (Avg) 6.2
Assist/game (Avg) 5.3

Awards
1983-84 NCAA AP Player of the Year
1983-84 NCAA John R. Wooden Award
1983-84 NCAA Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Award
1984-85 NBA Rookie of the Year
1987-88 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1987-88 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
1987-88 NBA MVP
1990-91 NBA Finals MVP
1990-91 NBA MVP
1991-92 NBA Finals MVP
1991-92 NBA MVP
1992-93 NBA Finals MVP
1995-96 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1995-96 NBA Finals MVP
1995-96 NBA MVP
1996-97 NBA Finals MVP
1997-98 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1997-98 NBA Finals MVP
1997-98 NBA MVP

Honors
1981 McDonald's All American
1982-83 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1983-84 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1984-85 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1984-85 NBA All-Rookie (1st)
1986-87 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1987-88 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1987-88 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-NBA (1st)

Clearly as an "All Around Player" and over the course of his career, Jordan shines above the other three you mentioned. (Not taking anything away from the others individual accomplishments.)

Give me a player whos numbers are better on an average and who has accomplished more awards on the court and you will have my attention.

Oh and BTW- all the above info on Jordan was on the court where he got his fan base and not in the Gatorade and Nike commercials. Hell I could care less what he endorses. I don't drink Gatorade, I prefer K-Swiss over Nike, and I don't wear underwear!!!

*** Jordan rules and is the Best NBA player to date***

Funny how Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Julius Erving, among many other NBA greats, agree with me.

So-- End of discussion
MICHAEL JORDAN
#69 | 45 days ago

annilee60 wrote:
I agree with you.  Even tho Jordan is my favorite and he accomplished much. I think the accomplilshments of Chamberlin were just unbelieveable. His point average per season record has never been matched, he was such an imposing figure on the court and I dont think that will never been seen again.
I think you are right about Wilts stats and how great a player he was in our day. I too am a die hard Michael Jordan fan, but you have many other players who come into the league  every few years with the same potential both of those players had but not all of them live up to it. I am a child of the 60's and grew up watching Chamberlin, Russell, Lambier and remember when the ABA  teams existed. One thing about Wilt he played team ball just as Jordan did. True enough he took the spot light more often than not but he was also a team player. These young guys now need to learn to work together as a team if they want to shine like Wilt and the old school players did. It takes more than one person to have a good team.
Enter the poll to see my answer
#70 | 45 days ago

I agree with your comments about  Wilt and the Big O. Oscar was truly awesome and one of the best back in the day, I am from Indianapolis and it is sad that many of our youth have forgotten the great  things he and his  Crispus Attucks high school  team mates accomplished. Some of which were:
  • Led Attucks to a 45-game winning streak over his last two seasons, including two consecutive Indiana state championships; scored a record 39 points in the 1956 finals.
  • Attucks became the first African-American school to win the Indiana state championship and the national championship, and the first Indianapolis school to win the Indiana state title.
  • High school first team All-American, 1955, 1956; National Player of the Year, 1956
  • Named Indiana’s "Mr. Basketball" in 1956, led Indiana All-Stars to sweep of Kentucky All-Stars.
  • National High School Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Info courtsey of About the Big O Career Stastics (http://www.thebigo.com/AboutOscarRobertson/careerstats.php)
Enter the poll to see my answer
#71 | 45 days ago

IGo4FemToes wrote:
Ok, since we are getting technical....

As you can see below... Kareem did have a better FG% out of the 4 (Wilt, Bill, Michael and George) and a better rebound% (after all he is a Center along with George and Bill and should), that is the only 2 stats he shined in. He sucked at free throws and assists. And had less Awards and Honors than Jordan (See stats below)

Wilt
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.511
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.54
Rebound/game (Avg) 22.9
Assist/game (Avg) 4.4

Awards
1956-57 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
1959-60 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1959-60 NBA MVP
1959-60 NBA Rookie of the Year
1965-66 NBA MVP
1966-67 NBA MVP
1967-68 NBA MVP
1971-72 NBA Finals MVP

Honors
1956-57 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1957-58 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1959-60 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1960-61 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1961-62 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1962-63 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1963-64 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1964-65 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1965-66 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1966-67 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1967-68 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1971-72 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1971-72 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1972-73 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

Bill
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.561
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.44
Rebound/game (Avg) 22.5
Assist/game (Avg) 4.3

Awards
1954-55 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
1957-58 NBA MVP
1960-61 NBA MVP
1961-62 NBA MVP
1962-63 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1962-63 NBA MVP
1964-65 NBA MVP

Honors
1954-55 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1955-56 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1957-58 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1958-59 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1959-60 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1960-61 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1961-62 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1962-63 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1963-64 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1964-65 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1965-66 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1966-67 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1967-68 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1968-69 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

George
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.772
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.416
Rebound/game (Avg) 13.4
Assist/game (Avg) 2.7


1952-53 NBA All-Star Game MVP

Honors
1948-49 BAA All-BAA (1st)
1949-50 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1950-51 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1951-52 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1952-53 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1953-54 NBA All-NBA (1st)

Michael
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.835
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.497
Rebound/game (Avg) 6.2
Assist/game (Avg) 5.3

Awards
1983-84 NCAA AP Player of the Year
1983-84 NCAA John R. Wooden Award
1983-84 NCAA Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Award
1984-85 NBA Rookie of the Year
1987-88 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1987-88 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
1987-88 NBA MVP
1990-91 NBA Finals MVP
1990-91 NBA MVP
1991-92 NBA Finals MVP
1991-92 NBA MVP
1992-93 NBA Finals MVP
1995-96 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1995-96 NBA Finals MVP
1995-96 NBA MVP
1996-97 NBA Finals MVP
1997-98 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1997-98 NBA Finals MVP
1997-98 NBA MVP

Honors
1981 McDonald's All American
1982-83 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1983-84 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1984-85 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1984-85 NBA All-Rookie (1st)
1986-87 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1987-88 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1987-88 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-NBA (1st)

Clearly as an "All Around Player" and over the course of his career, Jordan shines above the other three you mentioned. (Not taking anything away from the others individual accomplishments.)

Give me a player whos numbers are better on an average and who has accomplished more awards on the court and you will have my attention.

Oh and BTW- all the above info on Jordan was on the court where he got his fan base and not in the Gatorade and Nike commercials. Hell I could care less what he endorses. I don't drink Gatorade, I prefer K-Swiss over Nike, and I don't wear underwear!!!

*** Jordan rules and is the Best NBA player to date***

Funny how Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Julius Erving, among many other NBA greats, agree with me.

So-- End of discussion
David, Like I said to begin my post my intent was to educate those of you who are merely casual fans of the game. Yes I'm getting very technical. You justified your personal attack on me "ojekeme1 you are so dumb..." by saying "Looks at all the stats". You have listed the numerous honors that Jordan was the recipient of however, you fail to mention like I did in my post that honors such as Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive First/Second Team and  Finals MVP were not even given out until the 1969-1970 season or later. In case you are having trouble with the math that is 13 years after Mikan, the same year as Russell's last season, and two seasons prior to Wilt leaving the NBA to coach in the ABA. Of course I guess that has no merit in your world.

Just to clarify before you post any more rebuttals of useless awards or stats, Statistics for 3-pt. shooting, blocks, the separation of offensive/defensive rebounds, steals and turnovers were all introduced to the NBA game between 1973 and 1979. Therefore there is no accurate data on the contributions of players who played the game prior to these years.  I won't even waste time discussing awards like McDonald's All-American which wasn't contested for the first time until 1979.

As far as "All Around Player" averages. You must have overlooked my casual mention of Oscar Robertson. Rather than to post his career averages I will post a link to his page on NBA.com so you can do the side by side player comparison yourself. http://www.nba.com/history/players/robertson_stats.html

If you had read and comprehended my remarks in reference to Nike and Sportscenter there would be no reason for you to make such a remark as "Hell I could care less what he endorses." My friend, what I was attempting to illustrate is how much the NBA has changed, grown and benefited by corporate marketing, cable/satellite television and computers.

Most passive fans (of which I have included you) know nothing about regional drafts rights; the fact that the NBA had more than two rounds in the draft; the fact that NBA owners had a silent segregationist code that only allowed 3 minority players per team; the fact that, as I have mentioned in two post now, many of the awards that we measure greatness by today didn't even exist in the pre-1979 NBA; the fact that it is due to the global expansion of the game and corporate sponsorship that the NBA is as big and successful as it is today (but that is an economics lesson that I will deliver at another time).

If Michael Jordan in all his greatness had played basketball in a time where even his greatest performances were not reported in the sports pages of media markets across the country for two days after the game; were only televised in his local market, if they were televised at all and did not benefit from the exposure granted by the sponsorship of corporate giants then his exploits would be just as easily discounted as you are attempting to do to Oscar, Wilt, Russell and Jabbar. 

In short, it is easy to shine when you stand on the backs of those who paved the way for you; and, benefit from the fruits of their labor.
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#72 | 45 days ago

IGo4FemToes wrote:
Ok, since we are getting technical....

As you can see below... Kareem did have a better FG% out of the 4 (Wilt, Bill, Michael and George) and a better rebound% (after all he is a Center along with George and Bill and should), that is the only 2 stats he shined in. He sucked at free throws and assists. And had less Awards and Honors than Jordan (See stats below)

Wilt
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.511
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.54
Rebound/game (Avg) 22.9
Assist/game (Avg) 4.4

Awards
1956-57 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
1959-60 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1959-60 NBA MVP
1959-60 NBA Rookie of the Year
1965-66 NBA MVP
1966-67 NBA MVP
1967-68 NBA MVP
1971-72 NBA Finals MVP

Honors
1956-57 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1957-58 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1959-60 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1960-61 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1961-62 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1962-63 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1963-64 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1964-65 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1965-66 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1966-67 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1967-68 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1971-72 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1971-72 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1972-73 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

Bill
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.561
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.44
Rebound/game (Avg) 22.5
Assist/game (Avg) 4.3

Awards
1954-55 NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player
1957-58 NBA MVP
1960-61 NBA MVP
1961-62 NBA MVP
1962-63 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1962-63 NBA MVP
1964-65 NBA MVP

Honors
1954-55 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1955-56 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1957-58 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1958-59 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1959-60 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1960-61 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1961-62 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1962-63 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1963-64 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1964-65 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1965-66 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1966-67 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1967-68 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1968-69 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

George
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.772
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.416
Rebound/game (Avg) 13.4
Assist/game (Avg) 2.7


1952-53 NBA All-Star Game MVP

Honors
1948-49 BAA All-BAA (1st)
1949-50 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1950-51 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1951-52 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1952-53 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1953-54 NBA All-NBA (1st)

Michael
Career F/T % (Avg) 0.835
Career F/G % (Avg) 0.497
Rebound/game (Avg) 6.2
Assist/game (Avg) 5.3

Awards
1983-84 NCAA AP Player of the Year
1983-84 NCAA John R. Wooden Award
1983-84 NCAA Naismith Men's College Player of the Year Award
1984-85 NBA Rookie of the Year
1987-88 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1987-88 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
1987-88 NBA MVP
1990-91 NBA Finals MVP
1990-91 NBA MVP
1991-92 NBA Finals MVP
1991-92 NBA MVP
1992-93 NBA Finals MVP
1995-96 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1995-96 NBA Finals MVP
1995-96 NBA MVP
1996-97 NBA Finals MVP
1997-98 NBA All-Star Game MVP
1997-98 NBA Finals MVP
1997-98 NBA MVP

Honors
1981 McDonald's All American
1982-83 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1983-84 NCAA AP All-America (1st)
1984-85 NBA All-NBA (2nd)
1984-85 NBA All-Rookie (1st)
1986-87 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1987-88 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1987-88 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-NBA (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-NBA (1st)

Clearly as an "All Around Player" and over the course of his career, Jordan shines above the other three you mentioned. (Not taking anything away from the others individual accomplishments.)

Give me a player whos numbers are better on an average and who has accomplished more awards on the court and you will have my attention.

Oh and BTW- all the above info on Jordan was on the court where he got his fan base and not in the Gatorade and Nike commercials. Hell I could care less what he endorses. I don't drink Gatorade, I prefer K-Swiss over Nike, and I don't wear underwear!!!

*** Jordan rules and is the Best NBA player to date***

Funny how Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Julius Erving, among many other NBA greats, agree with me.

So-- End of discussion
OMG... You're killing me!!!

I am only replying as I neglected to post Oscar's stats as well.

You stated "Statistics for 3-pt. shooting, blocks, the separation of offensive/defensive rebounds, steals and turnovers were all introduced to the NBA game between 1973 and 1979. Therefore there is no accurate data on the contributions of players who played the game prior to these years."

Also you stated "...you fail to mention like I did in my post that honors such as Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive First/Second Team and Finals MVP were not even given out until the 1969-1970 season or later."

Why do you think I omitted these from Jordans stats? Because there weren't intorduced until late in Wilt's, Bill's career (I forgot to post Oscar's initially) and by me posting only Jordan's would be an unfair comparison... geez!!!

Won't even waste my time commenting on your hypothetical senerio of Jordan playing earlier in life.... it is what it is. We'll never know for sure what the outcome would be. I believe that it would be the same though.

Ok here are the Stats with Oscar as well:

Basic Data Michael Wilt Oscar Bill
NBA Seasons 15 14 14 13
NBA Championships 6 2 1 11
Finals Played 6 6 2 12

Honors & Awards Michael Wilt Oscar Bill
Season MVP 5 4 1 5
All-NBA 1st Team 10 7 9 3
All-NBA 2nd Team 1 3 2 8

Scoring Titles 10 7 - -
Rebound leader - 11 - 4
Assists leader - 1 6 -
Rookie of the Year yes yes yes no

Season Stats Michael Wilt Oscar Bill
Total Games 1,072 1,045 1040 963
Points per Game 30.1 30.1 25.7 15.1
Rebounds per Game 6.2 22.9 7.5 22.5
Assists per Game 5.3 4.4 9.5 4.3
Field Goal % 0.497 0.54 0.485 0.44
Free Throw % 0.835 0.511 0.838 0.561
Total Points 32,292 31,419 26,710 14,522
Total Rebounds 6,672 23,924 7,80 21,620
Total Assists 5,633 4,643 9,887 4,100

Playoffs Stats Michael Wilt Oscar Bill
Total Games 179 160 86 165
Points per Game 33.4 22.5 22.2 16.2
Rebounds per Game 6.4 24.5 6.7 24.9
Assists per Game 5.7 4.2 8.9 4.7
Field Goal % 0.487 0.522 0.46 0.43
Free Throw % 0.828 0.465 0.855 0.603
Total Points 5,987 3,607 1,910 2,673
Total Rebounds 1152 3913 578 4104
Total Assists 1022 673 769 770

Jordan shines again as the best all around player... enough said.

Discussion closed
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#73 | 45 days ago

Also-

Have you even heard the game that Wilt scored the 100 points? I have heard it a few times and really it is kind of a joke. Wilt scores 100 points even and the next highest score on his team was by Al Attles who had 17 points (8 for 8 +1 free throw). Then there was Paul Arizin and Tom Meschery who scored 16 each. All they did was kept feeding Wilt so he could score 100. That is apparent by the others scores (and by listening to the broadcast). Now-a-days that would of been considered a ball hog.

Atleast the other team had a more all around good mix of number and was team play. Willie Naulls had 31, Richie Guerin had 39 and Cleveland Buckner had 33.

Even with all that said... the Warriors only won by a mere 22. 
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#74 | 44 days ago

IGo4FemToes wrote:
OMG... You're killing me!!!

I am only replying as I neglected to post Oscar's stats as well.

You stated "Statistics for 3-pt. shooting, blocks, the separation of offensive/defensive rebounds, steals and turnovers were all introduced to the NBA game between 1973 and 1979. Therefore there is no accurate data on the contributions of players who played the game prior to these years."

Also you stated "...you fail to mention like I did in my post that honors such as Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive First/Second Team and Finals MVP were not even given out until the 1969-1970 season or later."

Why do you think I omitted these from Jordans stats? Because there weren't intorduced until late in Wilt's, Bill's career (I forgot to post Oscar's initially) and by me posting only Jordan's would be an unfair comparison... geez!!!

Won't even waste my time commenting on your hypothetical senerio of Jordan playing earlier in life.... it is what it is. We'll never know for sure what the outcome would be. I believe that it would be the same though.

Ok here are the Stats with Oscar as well:

Basic Data Michael Wilt Oscar Bill
NBA Seasons 15 14 14 13
NBA Championships 6 2 1 11
Finals Played 6 6 2 12

Honors & Awards Michael Wilt Oscar Bill
Season MVP 5 4 1 5
All-NBA 1st Team 10 7 9 3
All-NBA 2nd Team 1 3 2 8

Scoring Titles 10 7 - -
Rebound leader - 11 - 4
Assists leader - 1 6 -
Rookie of the Year yes yes yes no

Season Stats Michael Wilt Oscar Bill
Total Games 1,072 1,045 1040 963
Points per Game 30.1 30.1 25.7 15.1
Rebounds per Game 6.2 22.9 7.5 22.5
Assists per Game 5.3 4.4 9.5 4.3
Field Goal % 0.497 0.54 0.485 0.44
Free Throw % 0.835 0.511 0.838 0.561
Total Points 32,292 31,419 26,710 14,522
Total Rebounds 6,672 23,924 7,80 21,620
Total Assists 5,633 4,643 9,887 4,100

Playoffs Stats Michael Wilt Oscar Bill
Total Games 179 160 86 165
Points per Game 33.4 22.5 22.2 16.2
Rebounds per Game 6.4 24.5 6.7 24.9
Assists per Game 5.7 4.2 8.9 4.7
Field Goal % 0.487 0.522 0.46 0.43
Free Throw % 0.828 0.465 0.855 0.603
Total Points 5,987 3,607 1,910 2,673
Total Rebounds 1152 3913 578 4104
Total Assists 1022 673 769 770

Jordan shines again as the best all around player... enough said.

Discussion closed
Look at Oscar's numbers again, then take into account he didn't have the three point shot. his overall game averages are better than Jordan's.  Because these guys played in different eras it's impossible for me to pick one as the best but the group of Chamberlain, Oscar Robinson, and Jordan  are at the top of the list because they could do almost anything they set their mind to. score, rebound, pass, play defense etc. Russell, Magic, and Kareem would be just ever so slightly below these 3 on my list.

I don't rate winning championships as high as some others do ( tho I don't discount it altogether) because that is more of a team effort. If it were all about championships we'd be talking about Sam Jones(10) and Robert Horry (7) as some of the greatest players of all time.`
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#75 | 44 days ago

misanthrope wrote:
Look at Oscar's numbers again, then take into account he didn't have the three point shot. his overall game averages are better than Jordan's.  Because these guys played in different eras it's impossible for me to pick one as the best but the group of Chamberlain, Oscar Robinson, and Jordan  are at the top of the list because they could do almost anything they set their mind to. score, rebound, pass, play defense etc. Russell, Magic, and Kareem would be just ever so slightly below these 3 on my list.

I don't rate winning championships as high as some others do ( tho I don't discount it altogether) because that is more of a team effort. If it were all about championships we'd be talking about Sam Jones(10) and Robert Horry (7) as some of the greatest players of all time.`
Thank you for your honest and unjaded commentary. I am so glad that there are others who can notice the differences that I have attempted to illustrate.
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#76 | 43 days ago

Jordan my the greastest to must of you all.but when the NBA makes up rules to stop you ,that to me makes you the grestest ever to play the game.The player I'm taking about is Wilt.

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#77 | 42 days ago

I say Magic Johnson because he is the only player in history that could play all five positions at an all-star level. Michael Jordan couldnt guard Dominique Wilkins but Magic could. Wilt could not guard a quick guard like Bob Cousy but Magic could. I say Magic hands down
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#78 | 41 days ago

magic - what other player have you seen with his talent? he could play at every position and play well. there will never be another magic man did it all!
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#79 | 41 days ago

How dumb... even Magic Johnson says Michael Jordan was better.

Please~
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#80 | 41 days ago

Jordan NO CONTEST!
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#81 | 40 days ago
SuperStar123 (+)

 GOT TO BE JORDAN, UNTIL KING JAMES FINISH'S CAREER AND CAN BE COMPARED. IT WILL PROBABLY STILL BE JORDAN THEN!   
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#82 | 39 days ago
myrna_ventura (Myrna) profile photo

MICHAEL JORDAN GOT TO BE THE BEST EVER NBA PLAYER IN HISTORY
#83 | 39 days ago

(Edited by Asertiv808)
Its sad, THE LOGO isnt even on the list.... Jerry West must have been pretty special to have his likeness appear on every piece of NBA merchandise, and who was the first player ever considered to replace his logo-ness?  Michael Jordan! The next player who seems to strike fear into entire teams when he gets it going is the future Most Dominant...Lebron James....  Pistol Pete Maravich, Julius Erving, Bernard King(if he had stayed healthy) Dominique Wilkins.... Btw,George Mikan was big before everybody else was, Russell won more titles for sure but Russell was primarily a defensive specialist so someone else did most of the scoring, Chamberlin has loads of individual scoring records, not too many titles to go with it, Kareem seems to get overlooked, yet he had a shot that was RARELY blocked, that he scored at will and played against all the top centers of his era and beat them.... And no one should forget Akeem THE DREAM.... All things considered Michael Jordan still the best for scoring, defense, titles, team play and big moments in NBA hisitory..imo  AND thanks to the posters for making some great reading, this is why the NBA is the best sport, SMARTER FANS!! lol
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#84 | 33 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
David, Like I said to begin my post my intent was to educate those of you who are merely casual fans of the game. Yes I'm getting very technical. You justified your personal attack on me "ojekeme1 you are so dumb..." by saying "Looks at all the stats". You have listed the numerous honors that Jordan was the recipient of however, you fail to mention like I did in my post that honors such as Defensive Player of the Year, Defensive First/Second Team and  Finals MVP were not even given out until the 1969-1970 season or later. In case you are having trouble with the math that is 13 years after Mikan, the same year as Russell's last season, and two seasons prior to Wilt leaving the NBA to coach in the ABA. Of course I guess that has no merit in your world.

Just to clarify before you post any more rebuttals of useless awards or stats, Statistics for 3-pt. shooting, blocks, the separation of offensive/defensive rebounds, steals and turnovers were all introduced to the NBA game between 1973 and 1979. Therefore there is no accurate data on the contributions of players who played the game prior to these years.  I won't even waste time discussing awards like McDonald's All-American which wasn't contested for the first time until 1979.

As far as "All Around Player" averages. You must have overlooked my casual mention of Oscar Robertson. Rather than to post his career averages I will post a link to his page on NBA.com so you can do the side by side player comparison yourself. http://www.nba.com/history/players/robertson_stats.html

If you had read and comprehended my remarks in reference to Nike and Sportscenter there would be no reason for you to make such a remark as "Hell I could care less what he endorses." My friend, what I was attempting to illustrate is how much the NBA has changed, grown and benefited by corporate marketing, cable/satellite television and computers.

Most passive fans (of which I have included you) know nothing about regional drafts rights; the fact that the NBA had more than two rounds in the draft; the fact that NBA owners had a silent segregationist code that only allowed 3 minority players per team; the fact that, as I have mentioned in two post now, many of the awards that we measure greatness by today didn't even exist in the pre-1979 NBA; the fact that it is due to the global expansion of the game and corporate sponsorship that the NBA is as big and successful as it is today (but that is an economics lesson that I will deliver at another time).

If Michael Jordan in all his greatness had played basketball in a time where even his greatest performances were not reported in the sports pages of media markets across the country for two days after the game; were only televised in his local market, if they were televised at all and did not benefit from the exposure granted by the sponsorship of corporate giants then his exploits would be just as easily discounted as you are attempting to do to Oscar, Wilt, Russell and Jabbar. 

In short, it is easy to shine when you stand on the backs of those who paved the way for you; and, benefit from the fruits of their labor.
Dude you wasted your time, maybe you should educate yourself. Think about the completion Wilt had to face, no Shaq, no Hakeem, no Robinson, no Mutumbo and so on. But Michael Jordan dunked on all of them and he would of dunked on Wilt and Bill to. Are you crazy comparing and player to Mike. Even Wilt and Bill will tell you he is the greatest, not just basketball player but all around athlete of all time.
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#85 | 33 days ago

We all wanted to be like Mike.
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#86 | 33 days ago

ManningsOffense wrote:
Dude you wasted your time, maybe you should educate yourself. Think about the completion Wilt had to face, no Shaq, no Hakeem, no Robinson, no Mutumbo and so on. But Michael Jordan dunked on all of them and he would of dunked on Wilt and Bill to. Are you crazy comparing and player to Mike. Even Wilt and Bill will tell you he is the greatest, not just basketball player but all around athlete of all time.
Really? The level of competiton was better when Jordon played compared to Wilt. You do realize there were 18 more teams in the league when Jordan retired than when Wilt retired.  And as far as being the greatest all around athlete of all time that is just absurd. I'd put Dave Winfield, Dave Logan, Jim Thorpe, Jackie Robinson, Bo Jackson and Jim Brown ahead of him.
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#87 | 33 days ago

misanthrope wrote:
Really? The level of competiton was better when Jordon played compared to Wilt. You do realize there were 18 more teams in the league when Jordan retired than when Wilt retired.  And as far as being the greatest all around athlete of all time that is just absurd. I'd put Dave Winfield, Dave Logan, Jim Thorpe, Jackie Robinson, Bo Jackson and Jim Brown ahead of him.
no their more influential but not better athletes
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#88 | 33 days ago

misanthrope wrote:
Really? The level of competiton was better when Jordon played compared to Wilt. You do realize there were 18 more teams in the league when Jordan retired than when Wilt retired.  And as far as being the greatest all around athlete of all time that is just absurd. I'd put Dave Winfield, Dave Logan, Jim Thorpe, Jackie Robinson, Bo Jackson and Jim Brown ahead of him.
no their more influential but not better athletes
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#89 | 33 days ago

misanthrope wrote:
Really? The level of competiton was better when Jordon played compared to Wilt. You do realize there were 18 more teams in the league when Jordan retired than when Wilt retired.  And as far as being the greatest all around athlete of all time that is just absurd. I'd put Dave Winfield, Dave Logan, Jim Thorpe, Jackie Robinson, Bo Jackson and Jim Brown ahead of him.
no their more influential but not better athletes
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#90 | 33 days ago

and what does more teams have to do with anything
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#91 | 33 days ago

ManningsOffense wrote:
and what does more teams have to do with anything
There would be 216 more roster spots in the NBA during Jordan's career that were not there during Wilt's. The talent pool is diluted.
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#92 | 33 days ago

no athlete's just were not as good back then, that's a simple fact plus rules made it much easier for Wilt. I would like to see him vs Shaq in his prime
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#93 | 32 days ago

UNC420 wrote:
Yeah I can tell texans must have a shady view on sports....

Michael Jordan without pippen.... he came out of retirement at like 35, average more points then pippen did in his prime with over 20, made an allstar game, and if not for a clock malfunction that allowed kobe to hit the game winner that year, it would of been mikes....

Further more mike was the same player without pippen, just more self assertive since he lead the league several times in scoring before hand, was all nba before hand, and all defensive player before hand.... also if u dont remember really wasnt pippen, any player just about could of stepped up to the demands figuring mike was gettin double, and tripled teamed at the least....

On top of that for the mike jordan hater and hakeem lover.... no hakeem didnt play shaq in his PRIME, do u know what PRIME MEANS, the most productive years of ur career..... they sweep the magic when SHAQ was a pup... two or three years in the league... so if thats the case dwight howard is in his prime, chris paul is in his prime, brandon roy is in his prime, kevin durant is going into his prime year....

And yes bill russell and wilt chamberlian was a step above everyone else... its called TALENT.... just like kobe, lebron, and D WADE is a step above everyone now ... ITS CALLLED TALENT...... russell was so intelligent , he was able to think a team in many occasions to 11 championships, and wilt was such the specimen he was able to have them incredible numbers......

And you put anyone else on a team with bj armstrong, craig hodges and steve kerr, not gettin open jumpers..... horance grant, bill wennington, will purdue, and bill cartwright, gettin doubled in the post........ ron harper, dennis rodman, and scottie pippen, who were all good but same token not the players mike helped them to be by takin the focus off of them.... so talented teammates.... i disagree... these players werent talented.... they were decent role players at best besides maybe pippen who was an excellent ROLE PLAYER... wasnt star in college, wasnt start after mike, and prolly wont be in hall of fame...  where as hakeem when he won his two titles had a hall of fame teammate in clyde drexler.... and pippen if im not mistaken went to that team... did he even get a chip with them....
Dont knock Scottie Pippen, dude. He is one of the greatest 50 of all time. If I do recall he did take them to the ECF, but lost to the knicks. MJ without Pippen one playoff sries win over cleveland. Horace Grant was an above average power forward and BJ armstrong had that sweet jump shot. Yeah I have to agree there were a lot of role players. But the BEST ROLE PLAYER of all time has to be Scottie Pippen he didnt have a 3 in his number for nothing. W/out pippen there is no 6 chips, there is no 72 in record setting season. And dig this, all this is coming from a die hard bad boys fan. Oh, and if Isiah Thomas was 6'6" (jordan's height) he would have been the greatest of all time. 
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#94 | 32 days ago
naturallyholistic (+)

I believe that Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is the greatest player to ever play in the NBA.  He took the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Lakers to the championship.  His sky hook is the ultimate shot and it cannot be stopped.  He made Oscar Robertson and Earvin Johnson better players.  Someone that should be on this list is Earl Manigault.  Manigault was an amazing athlete and was destroyed by drugs.  I believe that Manigault could have been the greatest player ever. 
#95 | 30 days ago

your all wrong brian scalabrine is clearly the best basketball player to ever step foot on a court
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#96 | 26 days ago

I say Michael Jordan because of what he accomplished through his work ethic. I will say that one person that was not on the list that should have been was Oscar Robinson. The man avg a triple double one SEASON.  
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#97 | 20 days ago

MJ!  Hands down.  MJ is the greatest to ever run up and down the court.  Every young player currently in the league grew up idolizing him.  I would venture to guess that all of us on this board, wanted to be like Mike as well.   He won every award imaginable.  Basically changed the way the players do business.  MJ for prez!
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#98 | 19 days ago
nancy_adams23 (+)

Fatal wrote:
Wheres Chamberlain?... but I still go with Jordan even though I m a LAKER
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#99 | 19 days ago

Wilt is defence and offence. He is the best!
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#100 | 18 days ago

Obviously you can't read in English so what language should I use? Oscar's Field Goal % during his career is .485 and Jordan's was .497... doesn't seem better to me. One word for you Oscar fans... RESEARCH!!!!!
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#101 | 18 days ago

(Edited by IGo4FemToes)
Look at Oscar's numbers again, then take into account he didn't have the three point shot. his overall game averages are better than Jordan's. 

OMG Stop with Oscar's numbers are better than Jordans!!!!!

AGAIN-- Oscar's Field Goal % during his career is .485 and Jordan's was .497... doesn't seem better to me. One word for you Oscar fans... RESEARCH!!!!!
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#102 | 17 days ago

floyd_fan7421 wrote:
Have one of these supermen centers try and stop the Sky Hook and they will have less success than they did when Kareem played.  No one could stop him.  That is why he will always have the most points in NBA history.  Bill Russell would not have stopped him.  The only thing wrong with Kareem is he only had about 6 years with a decent team around him to compliment his offense.  As soon as Magic got there it was Showtime and Title #2 for Kareem.  He had Oscar Robertson in Milwaukee.  As long as he had some help he was imposible to stop.  He didn't win every year.  Just about every other year.
Kareem wasn't even the best player to graduate UCLA.  Bill Walton, anchored the UCLA Teams that won 88 in a row, won the NBA championship in Portland in his one healthy season, wiping up the floor with Kareem, and in his one healthy season with the Celts also defeated Kareem's Lakers.  Bill is  the greatest player ever to play the game.
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#103 | 17 days ago

dbaker wrote:
 Jordan won 6 titles and every individual award in the game so he is first. Russell is a extremely close second due to his 11 titles.
yeah, 6 is better than 11, sure.  MJ benefits from the recency bias.  He was great, he's the greatest marketeer in NBA history, and probably the 2nd or third billionaire in sports - Tiger just made #1! - but he lacked the great rival - Bill vs Wilt, Magic vs Larry vs. Dr J - so MJ was the greatest of his time. 
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#104 | 17 days ago

onie6204 wrote:
who scored 100 points in a championship game?wilt chamberlain...double triple double performance?20plus points in 3 stats?wilt chamberlain...and he is a laker!!!!!!!!!!
but his best years were as a Warrior
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#105 | 17 days ago

Nebraska_49er wrote:
While there are many great players from the past like: Pistol Pete, Larry Byrd, The Postman, Barkley, Shack, and others....MJ changed the way the game is played today. That in itself puts him in a league of his own.
... thats true i agree with that...even kobe and lebron are fun of MJ..
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#106 | 17 days ago

...can't beat MJ anymore,, sorry guys...
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#107 | 15 days ago

ojekeme1 wrote:
Where are Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain? All this talk about jordan's 3-peats... Can you top 8 straight and 11 total?
What are you talking about?!?!?! Michael Jordon is a BALLER!!!
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#108 | 14 days ago
redneck_chick (Lisa) profile photo

Earl "The Goat"  Manigault would be my pick even though he never made it to the NBA he would have been better then Micheal Jordon if he would have just laid off the drugs
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#109 | 14 days ago

dwight howard r u kidding me
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#110 | 13 days ago

Micheal Jordan may be the best but he lack off teamworkmanship with the Bulls. I think Kareem is the greatest because he was out there to help his team through the toughest times and manage to get past them. Kareem also was a wonderful friend to his community. No matter who chooses Micheal Jordan over Kareem, Kareem is a hero to me.
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#111 | 13 days ago

lleedubb wrote:
"AND NOW ,INTRODUCING,..FROM NORTH CAROLINA..AT SHOOTING GUARD...6'6" ,...200 LBS..... THE GREATEST OF ALL TIME... NUMBER 23.... MICHAELLLLLLL,....AIRRRRR,....JOORRDAANNNN!!!!!!!!!   
Micheal is not the best unless he works with his team, not himself.
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#112 | 13 days ago

JDuggie you stated: Micheal Jordan may be the best but he lack off teamworkmanship with the Bulls. I think Kareem is the greatest because he was out there to help his team.

JDuggie research your facts before stating stupid things!!!

Wilt averaged 4.4 assist per game and Jordan averaged 5.3. Again Jordan was better in this area over Wilt. ***Assist is what helps the other players on a basketball team.***
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#113 | 11 days ago

IGo4FemToes wrote:
JDuggie you stated: Micheal Jordan may be the best but he lack off teamworkmanship with the Bulls. I think Kareem is the greatest because he was out there to help his team.

JDuggie research your facts before stating stupid things!!!

Wilt averaged 4.4 assist per game and Jordan averaged 5.3. Again Jordan was better in this area over Wilt. ***Assist is what helps the other players on a basketball team.***
babe ruth
#114 | 10 days ago

divine_sweet95 wrote:
?????i dont know
hi shanika me 2 a fan of LAL..... I wish 2 chat with  U . my email id  is  bhavinkg91@gmail.com   . 
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#115 | 10 days ago

hi shanika me 2 a fan of LAL..... I wish 2 chat with  U . my email id  is  bhavinkg91@gmail.com   . 
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#116 | 10 days ago

IGo4FemToes wrote:
JDuggie you stated: Micheal Jordan may be the best but he lack off teamworkmanship with the Bulls. I think Kareem is the greatest because he was out there to help his team.

JDuggie research your facts before stating stupid things!!!

Wilt averaged 4.4 assist per game and Jordan averaged 5.3. Again Jordan was better in this area over Wilt. ***Assist is what helps the other players on a basketball team.***
soory thought u said baseball player see this happens when u work 3 shifts in a day "not good" lol
#117 | 10 days ago

the big O is the best
#118 | 9 days ago

The only time Kareem did not have an all-star supporting cast was when he was a Buck. Jordqan is the greatest because he took some ham and eggers (Armstrong, Grant, Cartwright, Pippen, and Paxson) and helped them excel. He helped Pippen become one of the greatest 50 (also the best Role player ever) Now did Kareem do that. Oh, my bad he had Worthy, Magic, Scott, & Cooper. With the Buycks he had Flynn Robinson  21.8 points per contest, 6-6 forward Bob Dandridge made the NBA All-Rookie Team, and Jon McGlocklin threw in 17.6 points per game. Oh and he did play with the Big O
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#119 | 6 days ago

mj is tops no matter what u say.   and dont say kobe bryant
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#120 | 6 days ago

mj is tops no matter what u say.   and dont say kobe bryant
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