Beating the best; a starting five to take on the GOAT
November 20, 2013
His Royal Airness, Air Jordan and the G.O.A.T (greatest of all-time) are all nicknames associated with the NBA’s most iconic player – Michael Jordan.
While promoting this year’s NBA 2K14 video game, Jordan picked four NBA greats to join him on a hypothetical pickup squad.
“I got no chance of losing. None at all,” he said during the video released to promote NBA 2K14, according to ESPN.com. Although Jordan’s selections of Magic Johnson, Scottie Pippen, James Worthy and Hakeem Olajuwon are all quality choices, it could have been better.
When selecting his four, Jordan overlooked weaknesses that could be exposed on the court. This is not the first time Jordan has overlooked flaws in players, something he frequently displayed during his time as the Charlotte Bobcats’ general manager.
Here is a starting five that could easily wipe the floor with Jordan’s team:
Point Guard – John Stockton
There is no man in the history of professional basketball that epitomizes the word “unselfishness” the way Stockton does. The Utah Jazz legend is one of the few floor generals that had the ability to make anyone and everyone around him better on a nightly basis.
To this day, Stockton owns NBA records for career assists and steals. Although he was never a prolific scorer, his delicious dimes and uncanny ability to disrupt passing lanes were second to none.
In pickup games, tough perimeter defending and getting easy buckets in transition is a necessity. Stockton is the cream of the crop in those departments and is a must-have in the backcourt.
Shooting Guard – Kobe Bryant
Self-proclaimed as the “Black Mamba,” Bryant is just that – one of the deadliest strikers in NBA history. With the ability to score at will and make clutch shots under immense pressure, Bryant is the next best option besides Jordan at the guard position.
In his career, Bryant ranks fourth in scoring with 31,617 points and counting. In a 2006 matchup against the Toronto Raptors, Bryant dropped 81 points, second only to Wilt Chamberlain’s 100 point performance.
A 15-time All-NBA Team selection, 12-time All-Defensive Team pick, and five-time NBA Finals winner, Bryant is not afraid of the spotlight.
With his relentless scoring ability, perimeter defense and the capability to make clutch shots when necessary, there is no other player worthy.
Small Forward – LeBron James
Ever since his move to Miami, “King James” has simply been a king amongst peasants.
James has shied away from being strictly a scorer and instead has turned himself into one of the game’s most well-rounded players.
Whenever LeBron steps on the court, he is a legitimate triple-double threat. Last season, James averaged 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, while also being a lockdown defender on both the perimeter and in the post. James also posted a 56.5 percent field goal percentage last season, a mind-boggling number for a dynamic wing player.
Because of his unique blend of size, speed, and brute strength, James also excels on the fast-break, making him nearly impossible to contain when he gets a full head of steam.
Power Forward – Dennis Rodman
With two legitimate scorers on the team, one area of need that still needs to be addressed is rebounding and a tenacious attitude on the defensive end.
Although known for his explosive attitude, crazy hairstyles and odd tattoos, Rodman was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive end.
Despite being undersized at his position, Rodman is a two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year winner, seven-time All-Defensive First Team selection, and seven-time rebounding champion. He could bang bodies with anyone down low and control the glass, while also stepping out on the perimeter guarding the league’s best scorers.
A fearless enforcer is always good to have, and nobody is more deserving than Rodman.
Center – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Anytime someone can add the NBA’s all-time leader in scoring to the roster, it’s a no-brainer.
Standing at 7-foot-2, Abdul-Jabbar had some of the slickest post moves known to man and perfected the game’s most unstoppable move: The sky-hook.
Aside from his offensive ability, Abdul-Jabbar averaged 11.2 rebounds per game, while being an underrated shot-blocker and rim protector with 2.6 blocked shots per game.
Combined with the play of Stockton, Bryant, James, and Rodman, this unit could certainly deflate Air Jordan on the court and the rest of his crew.