Bob Mcadoo should have been included in the top 50 players of all time in 1997.

[Lebron23]

http://sportsthenandnow.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Mcadoo-Braves.jpg

http://i.cdn.turner.com/nba/nba/history/legends/bob-mcadoo/bob-mcadoo-608-070811.jpg

I think the NBA made a big mistake by not including him in the 50 greatest player of all time despite having a better professional career than some of the players that was chosen in 1996.


Mcadoo was the only former NBA MVP that was not included in the NBA 50 Greatest Player of all time, and he won his MVP Trophy during the dominating reign of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1970's.

During the 1975-76 Season, the 6'9" Bob McAdoo averaged 34.5 points, 14.1 rebounds and 2.12 blocks, with an incredible shooting of 51.2 from the field and an impressive free throw percentage of 80.5. In the same season, he also led the NBA in fan voting for the All-Star Game.

Sports Illustrated also quoted that Mcadoo was "the quickest tall man, finest shooter and most astounding outside scoring machine ever to play basketball"

He was also a former NBA 3 times Scoring Champion, and one of the best shooting big men during his time.


Russell called him the greatests shooting big men in the 1970's. Mcadoo played the PF and Center position during his prime., and he was also a great rebounder, and a very effective shot blocker while playing for the Buffalo Braves and New York Knicks.

Rebounds Per Game

1973-74 NBA 15.1 (3)
1974-75 NBA 14.1 (4)
1975-76 NBA 12.4 (7)
1976-77 NBA 12.9 (5)
1977-78 NBA 12.8 (8)

Blocks Per Game

1973-74 NBA 3.3 (3)
1974-75 NBA 2.1 (6)
1975-76 NBA 2.1 (6)


I think Bob McAdoo was more worthy of a slot in the Top 50 players of all time, and it's a shame that the NBA didn't recognized his past accomplishment because he played on some bad teams just like Pistol Pete Maravich.

I mean, Maravich was a decent player, but there’s no way he should be on the list before McAdoo.

Mcadoo was one of the best player in the 1970's and with his skills set i still think that he can also dominate in the modern era. he was a genuine freak of nature.

He also won 2 NBA titles as a role player for the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1980's.


http://www.euroleague.net/resourceserver/12511/a80d1475-f44a-4f94-ba9d-16c1583b9b76/be9/rglang/en-US/filename/a80.jpg


But the sad part of it he was named in the 50 Greatest Euroleague Contributors, but the NBA failed to include him in their lists.


Honors:


First overall pick in the 1972 NBA Draft
2x NBA champion (1982, 1985)
3x NBA Scoring Champion ( 74, 75, 76)
1x NBA MVP (1975)
1x All-NBA First Team (1975)
1x All-NBA Second Team (1974)
NBA Rookie of the Year (1973)
1972-73 All-NBA All-Rookie First Team
5x NBA All-Star (1974-78)

International Career

2X Euroleague Championship in 1987 and 1988
Former Euroleague MVP


Regular Season Stats


Games: 852
Points: 18787
PPG: 22.9
RPG: 9.4
APG: 2.3
SPG: 1.0
BPG: 1.5
FG%: 0.503
FT%: 0.754


NBA and College Highlights

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD4vbr-280Q&fmt=18

[hawkfan]

Yep.

[L.Kizzle]

Who do you take out? And yes, he was the biggest omission?

[Lebron23]

It would help if you posted players that made it over him and compared their resumes. Just a suggestion.


Pistol Pete Maravich
24 yrs.old Shaquille O'Neal - He only played less than 5 seasons in the NBA. He was a beast, but Mcadoo had the longevity on his side.
Lenny Wilkens

[pudman13]

McAdoo was amazing in his prime, and even after it (as a role players on some 80s Lakers championship teams), but here's my question about him. Why is it that there was a period (1976-1980), when he was still capable of 30 points a game, when he was traded from team to team, basically not wanted by anyone? Was he not a good team player? Not a good defender? Does anyone have any insight into this? I did read a book about the Celtics' 1978-79 season and they really didn't want him there at all, feeling (though they didn't entirely explain why) that he messed up team chemistry.

Anyway, here are people in the top 50 he should have ranked above:

Dave Bing
Billy Cunningham
Dave DeBusschere
Hal Greer
Bill Sharman
Nate Thurmond
James Worthy

Some others are questionable too, but McAdoo does have a brief peak period going against him, I suppose.

[bizil]

Who do you take out? And yes, he was the biggest omission?

I agree! I think him and Nique were the biggest ones. McAdoo with those three scoring titles, an MVP, two NBA titles, and redefining the C and PF positions should have been a lock. That team had too many supporting cast type of players on it. For those kind of lists, u HAVE to look at the most dominant alpha dog players then the most dominant specialists or intangibles kind of players (like a Russell or Stockton). Some guys on that squad weren't DOMINANT ENOUGH to make the team. Guys like McAdoo and Nique EASILY WERE! To me, it was a forgone conclusion that they would make it.

[L.Kizzle]

I agree! I think him and Nique were the biggest ones. McAdoo with those three scoring titles, an MVP, two NBA titles, and redefining the C and PF positions should have been a lock. That team had too many supporting cast type of players on it. For those kind of lists, u HAVE to look at the most dominant alpha dog players then the most dominant specialists or intangibles kind of players (like a Russell or Stockton). Some guys on that squad weren't DOMINANT ENOUGH to make the team. Guys like McAdoo and Nique EASILY WERE! To me, it was a forgone conclusion that they would make it.
Wasn't McAdoo into drugs in the late 70. Bogger Sugar? That has to be the reason for not making NBA at 50 and not going into the hall into 2000?

[Round Mound]

Agree...But What Players Would You Have Taken Out Of The Top 50 Tu Put Bob Mcadoo?

[bizil]

Wasn't McAdoo into drugs in the late 70. Bogger Sugar? That has to be the reason for not making NBA at 50 and not going into the hall into 2000?

I've heard that before to. It wouldn't surprise if some judgemental assholes held that against McAdoo in order to get their buddies on the list. At the time of the list, they say McAdoo was THE ONLY MVP not to make the list. But they have Walton on there who was injury prone as hell and they have Shaq who was only in the L for five years. Having those two in there over McAdoo and Dominique is a travesty! The mark McAdoo left on the game can STILL be seen today.

At least offensively, Dirk is the most similar to Bob but with more three point range. Also in many ways, Durant is like a hybrid version of McAdoo, Gervin, T-Mac, and a bit of Bird all in one. This stretch PF craze that's going on today has Bob's footprint all over it. But the key to McAdoo (unlike strecth PF's like a Love, Ryan Anderson, etc) is the fact that he had an elite swingman's kind of scoring skillset at PF or C. Just Dirk has today.

[L.Kizzle]

Agree...But What Players Would You Have Taken Out Of The Top 50 Tu Put Bob Mcadoo?
Sharman

[pudman13]

At least offensively, Dirk is the most similar to Bob

When I first watched Dirk, that was exactly what came to mind: "This guy is another McAdoo." Everyone wanted to compare Dirk to Bird because, well, people are unimaginative and compare every white guy to another white guy, just like every female singer in a psychedelic band gets compared to Grace Slick.

Anyway, McAdoo in his prime was just amazing to watch. For a year or two, that Braves team with McAdoo, Ernie D. and Randy Smith was just about the most fun team in the history of the NBA.

[Miller for 3]

Agreed. The sad thing is Lebron would not make the current top 50. His era too weak, teams too stacked, too many paid refs, too many collisions, too many PEDs, etc. Maybe top 50 3rd options ever? But if your life deepened on it, would you really take Bran over Bibby or Pressey? Nah

[aj1987]

Agreed. The sad thing is Lebron would not make the current top 50. His era too weak, teams too stacked, too many paid refs, too many collisions, too many PEDs, etc. Maybe top 50 3rd options ever? But if your life deepened on it, would you really take Bran over Bibby or Pressey? Nah
Are you on drugs?

[stalkerforlife]

Agreed. The sad thing is Lebron would not make the current top 50. His era too weak, teams too stacked, too many paid refs, too many collisions, too many PEDs, etc. Maybe top 50 3rd options ever? But if your life deepened on it, would you really take Bran over Bibby or Pressey? Nah

:roll:

[Pointguard]

I've heard that before to. It wouldn't surprise if some judgemental assholes held that against McAdoo in order to get their buddies on the list. At the time of the list, they say McAdoo was THE ONLY MVP not to make the list. But they have Walton on there who was injury prone as hell and they have Shaq who was only in the L for five years. Having those two in there over McAdoo and Dominique is a travesty! The mark McAdoo left on the game can STILL be seen today.

At least offensively, Dirk is the most similar to Bob but with more three point range. Also in many ways, Durant is like a hybrid version of McAdoo, Gervin, T-Mac, and a bit of Bird all in one. This stretch PF craze that's going on today has Bob's footprint all over it. But the key to McAdoo (unlike strecth PF's like a Love, Ryan Anderson, etc) is the fact that he had an elite swingman's kind of scoring skillset at PF or C. Just Dirk has today.
Great post as always.

In fairness to McAdoo, he was a superior post player than Dirk and could penetrate from the top of the key. In his prime had years where he blocked more than 3 a game, had more than 4 assist per game and more than 15 rebounds per game. McAdoo, had one of the best all around games in the history of the league. He outscored Kareem in his prime by huge ppg numbers. While not long lasting, it was an undeniable skill set and as you said, had more influence on todays game as much as anybody. McAdoo was shooting from 3 point land despite there not being a line there.

[WillC]

Yes, McAdoo was a huge snub.

As was Dominique Wilkins.

You could also make a strong case for Artis Gilmore, Bernard King, Alex English, Adrian Dantley and others.

However, I believe the voters tried to cover a range of decades and positions, thus someone like Lenny Wilkens or Dave Bing (PGs) got in at the expense of more deserving big men and wing players.

[bizil]

Great post as always.

In fairness to McAdoo, he was a superior post player than Dirk and could penetrate from the top of the key. In his prime had years where he blocked more than 3 a game, had more than 4 assist per game and more than 15 rebounds per game. McAdoo, had one of the best all around games in the history of the league. He outscored Kareem in his prime by huge ppg numbers. While not long lasting, it was an undeniable skill set and as you said, had more influence on todays game as much as anybody. McAdoo was shooting from 3 point land despite there not being a line there.

Well said sir! As u said, Bob was also an elite big man in terms of big man duties such as the blocked shots and boards! I think peak McAdoo as a C or PF is the top 10 of all time AT EITHER position in terms of peak. Ideally, I would view him as a PF. Peak wise, the only PF's FOR SURE I would take over him are Duncan, KG, and Barkley.

[bizil]

Yes, McAdoo was a huge snub.

As was Dominique Wilkins.

You could also make a strong case for Artis Gilmore, Bernard King, Alex English, Adrian Dantley and others.

However, I believe the voters tried to cover a range of decades and positions, thus someone like Lenny Wilkens or Dave Bing (PGs) got in at the expense of more deserving big men and wing players.

I agree! They tried to cover a wide range of guys for sure. But looking at that list, u gotta take off Shaq and Bill Walton in my book. How is Walton's career better than McAdoo's. Bob has an MVP just like Bill. He has two rings in comparison to Bill's two. But Bob was better for much longer than Bill with three scoring titles. And I love Walton! Peak wise, he's for sure a top 10 center ever. And in the all around sense, he's a top five center ever. But his overall resume doesn't matchup to Bob's. And Shaq had NO CASE over guys like Nique, English, and Dantley at that point in time!

[WillC]

I have no problem with Walton's selection. You already pointed out that his peak was outstanding and resulted in a famous championship victory (something McAdoo never achieved as his team's best player but, rather, as a valuable role player).

McAdoo also played minimal defense and benefited from the fast pace of his era (and, specifically, his team).

However, he definitely belonged on the top 50 list ahead of Dave Bing for example.

[bizil]

I have no problem with Walton's selection. You already pointed out that his peak was outstanding and resulted in a famous championship victory (something McAdoo never achieved as his team's best player but, rather, as a valuable role player).

McAdoo also played minimal defense and benefited from the fast pace of his era (and, specifically, his team).

However, he definitely belonged on the top 50 list ahead of Dave Bing for example.

I don't have a problem in general with Bill on the list. But not at the expense of McAdoo on the list. And sure Bob had his weaknesss, but his OVERALL CAREER is more impressive that Walton's career. A 50 Greatest list ISN'T about peak value, it SHOULD be about your overall resume. It's not Bob's fault he was on teams in his prime years that weren't ready to contend. Bill was simply TOO INJURY PRONE to make the list over McAdoo. As u said, in a perfect world, both should be on the list.

But if I had to choose between Bob and Mac for the list, give me McAdoo. If u are talking flat peak, give me Walton. Unless u are a Magic, MJ, Bron, Bird, or Kobe kind of perimeter player, the most valuable asset in bball is a dominant all around or alpha dog center. Like Walton, Kareem, Wilt, Hakeem, Shaq, Moses, or Duncan (even though he's listed as a PF, he's a dominant 7 footer with a dominant center's skillset). Bob was more a true PF who played as an undersized center often.

[Big#50]

Half of the old timers on the list wouldn't make my top 100 now.

[WillC]

Half of the old timers on the list wouldn't make my top 100 now.

Fast forward another 50 years and kids will be saying the same thing about Jordan and LeBron, i.e. that they don't belong on the list.

Learn to respect the game's history and early superstars.

[Psileas]

I don't have a problem in general with Bill on the list. But not at the expense of McAdoo on the list. And sure Bob had his weaknesss, but his OVERALL CAREER is more impressive that Walton's career. A 50 Greatest list ISN'T about peak value, it SHOULD be about your overall resume. It's not Bob's fault he was on teams in his prime years that weren't ready to contend. Bill was simply TOO INJURY PRONE to make the list over McAdoo. As u said, in a perfect world, both should be on the list.

But if I had to choose between Bob and Mac for the list, give me McAdoo. If u are talking flat peak, give me Walton. Unless u are a Magic, MJ, Bron, Bird, or Kobe kind of perimeter player, the most valuable asset in bball is a dominant all around or alpha dog center. Like Walton, Kareem, Wilt, Hakeem, Shaq, Moses, or Duncan (even though he's listed as a PF, he's a dominant 7 footer with a dominant center's skillset). Bob was more a true PF who played as an undersized center often.

With the cases of "marginal" top-50 selections, PR's and general fame would play a major role too, imo. I'm not that sure Walton would have entered had he chosen to stay away from the action and fall into relative obscurity or had he had the mundane personality of someone like Kareem.

[BoutPractice]

One of the most underrated superstars... also played a huge historical role in foreshadowing later developments in the NBA. There's a direct line from McAdoo to current players like Durant.

[LAZERUSS]

McAdoo's three year run from 73-74 thru 75-76 is probably a top-10 peak all-time. And that includes his post-seasons, as well,...and in one of which he averaged 37.4 ppg.

He not only finished 2-1-2 in the MVP balloting in those three years, but he should have won it in 75-76.

His peak season, in 74-75 was amazing. He averaged 34.5 ppg on a .512 eFG%, in an NBA that averaged 102.6 ppg on a .457 eFG%. Compare that with Durant's '13-14 season of 32.0 ppg on a .560 eFG% in an NBA that averaged 101.0 ppg on a .501 eFG%. As you can see, McAdoo averaged more ppg against the league average, and had almost the same differential against league average eFG% (.055 to Durant's .059.)

And while McAdoo was no longer a dominant player in the 80's, he had a senesational '82 post-season run. In fact, in playing considerably less minutes, he put up nearly identical numbers as Kareem did in the '82 Finals. KAJ played 35.3 mpg, and averaged 18.0 ppg, and 7.7 rpg, on a .531 FG%...while McAdoo played 27.5 mpg, and averaged 16.3 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and shot .569 from the floor. So he certainly was a major contributor to a title team.

It is pure speculation, of course, but a peak McAdoo had a range of 20+ feet, so the assumption would be that, had the 3pt line existed back then, that he would have adapted to it, and likely could have scored even more ppg, as well.

And as Pointguard already pointed out, McAdoo was running away with scoring titles in years in which a prime Kareem was playing in. Not only that, but he was outscoring Kareem H2H in most of them (albeit, KAJ was probably more efficient and was the better rebounder.) BTW, his best game against Kareem was a 45 point outburst, and in which he hit 17 consecutive shots from the floor at one point.

Too bad his prime was cut short by injuries, or he would most certainly have gone on to be one of the all-time greatest scorers in NBA history.

[La Frescobaldi]

Half of the old timers on the list wouldn't make my top 100 now.
Doesn't change anything.
It was a snapshot at that time, presented at the All-Star game, and it was honors for all those who were the greatest up to that time.

A new list that removed some of them in favor of players who built their entire careers on the shoulders of those guys would be purest stupidity.

[La Frescobaldi]

I agree! They tried to cover a wide range of guys for sure. But looking at that list, u gotta take off Shaq and Bill Walton in my book. How is Walton's career better than McAdoo's. Bob has an MVP just like Bill. He has two rings in comparison to Bill's two. But Bob was better for much longer than Bill with three scoring titles. And I love Walton! Peak wise, he's for sure a top 10 center ever. And in the all around sense, he's a top five center ever. But his overall resume doesn't matchup to Bob's. And Shaq had NO CASE over guys like Nique, English, and Dantley at that point in time!

Big Mac was never the face of the league, and Walton was. Yeah Walton's career was damaged by injury, but Mac, as great a scoring threat as he was at all times, was never the player Walton was. Walton was incandescent.

Absolutely McAdoo should have been a Top 50 player. It was an outrage.

[pudman13]

LAZERUSS, La Frescobaldi...do either of you have any insight into why he got traded around (i.e. given away) the way he was in that 1976-1980 period?

I've watched those Laker finals games multiple times, and he looked to me in the early 80s just as deadly on offense as he was when he was winning scoring titles in the early 70s.

[LAZERUSS]

LAZERUSS, La Frescobaldi...do either of you have any insight into why he got traded around (i.e. given away) the way he was in that 1976-1980 period?

I've watched those Laker finals games multiple times, and he looked to me in the early 80s just as deadly on offense as he was when he was winning scoring titles in the early 70s.

Damaged goods.

[moe94]

Agreed. The sad thing is Lebron would not make the current top 50. His era too weak, teams too stacked, too many paid refs, too many collisions, too many PEDs, etc. Maybe top 50 3rd options ever? But if your life deepened on it, would you really take Bran over Bibby or Pressey? Nah

Stop posting on ISH while high on gas or glue or whatever it was you said you did.

[LAZERUSS]

Agreed. The sad thing is Lebron would not make the current top 50. His era too weak, teams too stacked, too many paid refs, too many collisions, too many PEDs, etc. Maybe top 50 3rd options ever? But if your life deepened on it, would you really take Bran over Bibby or Pressey? Nah

I guess averaging 31.8 ppg in his playoff "must win" games is meaningless to you then?

[La Frescobaldi]

LAZERUSS, La Frescobaldi...do either of you have any insight into why he got traded around (i.e. given away) the way he was in that 1976-1980 period?

I've watched those Laker finals games multiple times, and he looked to me in the early 80s just as deadly on offense as he was when he was winning scoring titles in the early 70s.

Mac just might be the greatest scorer I've ever seen. Nobody has ever been better, that's for sure. Not even Chamberlain who was the most unstoppable player with the ball in his hands that ever lived.... because McAdoo could score literally from anywhere.
He shot like a guard and got compared to the Logo. Seriously.
He posted up and got compared to Wilt. Seriously.
He drove and people talked about Goodrich or Chet the Jet Walker. !!!??
He wore out Dave FREAKING Cowens!!

But McAdoo got injured and teams started trading him for full value rather than face more down-time due to knee.

He also had an enormous ego, and that didn't fit too good, either with a lot of teammates or with coaches.

http://www.si.com/vault/1975/04/28/616596/a-beaut-of-a-brawl

http://www.si.com/vault/1977/12/12/622798/big-men-the-knicks-got-but-a-team-they-aint
This is a bio article that shows what everybody thought about Mac in the mid-70s...........
http://www.si.com/vault/1976/03/08/559139/shoot-if-you-musti-must-says-mcadoo

Oh yeah that dude was elite all right.

[LAZERUSS]

Mac just might be the greatest scorer I've ever seen. Nobody has ever been better, that's for sure. Not even Chamberlain who was the most unstoppable player with the ball in his hands that ever lived.... because McAdoo could score literally from anywhere.
He shot like a guard and got compared to the Logo. Seriously.
He posted up and got compared to Wilt. Seriously.
He drove and people talked about Goodrich or Chet the Jet Walker. !!!??
He wore out Dave FREAKING Cowens!!

But McAdoo got injured and teams started trading him for full value rather than face more down-time due to knee.

He also had an enormous ego, and that didn't fit too good, either with a lot of teammates or with coaches.

http://www.si.com/vault/1975/04/28/616596/a-beaut-of-a-brawl

http://www.si.com/vault/1977/12/12/622798/big-men-the-knicks-got-but-a-team-they-aint
This is a bio article that shows what everybody thought about Mac in the mid-70s...........
http://www.si.com/vault/1976/03/08/559139/shoot-if-you-musti-must-says-mcadoo

Oh yeah that dude was elite all right.

Excellent stuff.

I like these quotes:


"I used to think he took bad shots, but I've changed my mind," says Abdul-Jabbar. "Nobody takes it from where McAdoo does and hits."

and...


"With this guy, you have to watch him from 28 feet and in," says Laker Coach Bill Sharman. "He's got the quickest release since Jerry West." Says Boston's John Havlicek, "The best pure shooter I've ever seen."

[bizil]

With the cases of "marginal" top-50 selections, PR's and general fame would play a major role too, imo. I'm not that sure Walton would have entered had he chosen to stay away from the action and fall into relative obscurity or had he had the mundane personality of someone like Kareem.

I agree with u for sure! General fame and promotion will give a certain boost to guys. Great point!

[bizil]

One of the most underrated superstars... also played a huge historical role in foreshadowing later developments in the NBA. There's a direct line from McAdoo to current players like Durant.

No doubt about it! A 6'10 player with the lean body, athletic ability, and scoring skillset of an elite swingman. Many people will say guys like Jerry Lucas were great shooters before McAdoo. And Lucas was for sure. But the thing with Bob was his scoring skills were more similar to the SG's and SF's of that time. Also his body frame and agility was of a SF's. But he could jump well and had the height and reach of a big man. Lucas or guys like Kevin Love were your pure PF's who's secondary position was C. McAdoo was guy who could and DID play ALL THREE FRONTCOURT positions. A guy like Durant is an evolution down the road to a McAdoo scoring wise. Durant at 6'10 is is a true SF who also has played PF and SG. But what he does best is shoot from anywhere on the court AND uses slashing ability as a great weapon as well. But his BREAD and BUTTER is shooting the rock.

[bizil]

Big Mac was never the face of the league, and Walton was. Yeah Walton's career was damaged by injury, but Mac, as great a scoring threat as he was at all times, was never the player Walton was. Walton was incandescent.

Absolutely McAdoo should have been a Top 50 player. It was an outrage.

Walton was NEVER the face of the L! In that era, I would say Kareem was the face of the L. And then once Doc got his feet wet, Dr. J and Kareem in tandem (like Bird and Magic later down the road) were the face of the L. Walton was NEVER really the face of the L. Kareem won a ring with the Big O WAY before Walton earned a ring.

And the bottom line is McAdoo's overall CAREER is better than Walton's flat out. I don't have a problem with Bill on the list. I'm just saying not at the expense of a three time scoring champ, MVP, and two time NBA Champ like McAdoo. I've ACTUALLY read that Walton said he DIDN'T deserve to be on the list over a guy like Nique as well. The reason why is because Nique had a great career with longevity while Walton was VERY INJURY PRONE!

[Nuff Said]

Are you on drugs?
http://suicideproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/aa.jpg

[La Frescobaldi]

Walton was NEVER the face of the L! In that era, I would say Kareem was the face of the L. And then once Doc got his feet wet, Dr. J and Kareem in tandem (like Bird and Magic later down the road) were the face of the L. Walton was NEVER really the face of the L. Kareem won a ring with the Big O WAY before Walton earned a ring.

And the bottom line is McAdoo's overall CAREER is better than Walton's flat out. I don't have a problem with Bill on the list. I'm just saying not at the expense of a three time scoring champ, MVP, and two time NBA Champ like McAdoo. I've ACTUALLY read that Walton said he DIDN'T deserve to be on the list over a guy like Nique as well. The reason why is because Nique had a great career with longevity while Walton was VERY INJURY PRONE!

sorry biz, we just gotta disagree.

Absolutely Walton was king of injury. And in fact that was a measure of how important he was. Ratings plunged every time he got injured. It's just how it was in the later '70s. Sorry if you weren't there to see it. No disrespect to the guy's greatness but Dr. J took over in popularity as a direct result of Walton constantly being sidelined. There was a vacuum.
Kareem was the best player in the league but he was never the face of the league. He probably should have been, he is one of the 3 greatest all-time, with Wilt & Mike. But he never had the charisma for it, on-court or off. He was always greatly respected but not loved.

If you read my posts on this very thread, I agree it was a disgrace that Mac wasn't on the list. But there's no way Walton was getting left off. His peak was as high as anyone who ever played, and if his feet had not been a problem he probably comes closest, that I have seen, to joining that circle of 3. {Although Duncan has got a case, at this point}

[MiseryCityTexas]

Yes, McAdoo was a huge snub.

As was Dominique Wilkins.

You could also make a strong case for Artis Gilmore, Bernard King, Alex English, Adrian Dantley and others.

However, I believe the voters tried to cover a range of decades and positions, thus someone like Lenny Wilkens or Dave Bing (PGs) got in at the expense of more deserving big men and wing players.


Lenny Wilkins was just as good a player as Chris Paul is today honestly.

[LAZERUSS]

McAdoo's three year peak from '74 thru '76 is arguably a top-5 offensive run all-time.

[La Frescobaldi]

Lenny Wilkins was just as good a player as Chris Paul is today honestly.

dude was silky. So was Dave Bing.

[bizil]

sorry biz, we just gotta disagree.

Absolutely Walton was king of injury. And in fact that was a measure of how important he was. Ratings plunged every time he got injured. It's just how it was in the later '70s. Sorry if you weren't there to see it. No disrespect to the guy's greatness but Dr. J took over in popularity as a direct result of Walton constantly being sidelined. There was a vacuum.
Kareem was the best player in the league but he was never the face of the league. He probably should have been, he is one of the 3 greatest all-time, with Wilt & Mike. But he never had the charisma for it, on-court or off. He was always greatly respected but not loved.

If you read my posts on this very thread, I agree it was a disgrace that Mac wasn't on the list. But there's no way Walton was getting left off. His peak was as high as anyone who ever played, and if his feet had not been a problem he probably comes closest, that I have seen, to joining that circle of 3. {Although Duncan has got a case, at this point}

Great post! But I just don't see how Walton was the face of the L in that timeframe over a guy like Kareem. He wasn't on the court long enough. Out of 328 games in his first four years in the L, he ONLY played 209 games. That includes the MVP season and NBA title. The year he got the MVP in '78, he only played 58 games that year. So for me, I just don't see how Walton can make the list over guys who were much more durable and had more successful careers. McAdoo had a better career than Walton in my book. Peak wise as u said, Walton was a good as any center ever.

In terms of Dr. J, he was going to be the poster child and top draw of the NBA. A healthy Walton wouldn't have stopped that. Doc was a look to the future and had the charsima, greatness, and style of play to build the league around. Dr. J was the bridge to Magic, Bird, and MJ in the 80's. If I had to pick ONE GUY to be the superstar or ambassador for the my league, it would be Dr. J. He was the total package in that regard over a Walton or Kareem. A true Holy Trinity for marketing though was Dr.J-Magic-Bird and then MJ-Magic-Bird.

[houston]

mcadoo was headcase and soft player

[bootsy]

Was saying this back when the list was announced and Walton should have been removed.

[Lebron23]

Just read that he was the first shooting big man in NBA History. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siLRhzOndAI

[72-10]

I agree, he could have easily been named to that squad, and I think he was one of the last omissions on the cutting room floor. He twice led the league in scoring and followed that up by winning some championships with the Lakers. McAdoo's main weakness was dribbling, but he made up for that in the other areas.

[dankok8]

He's a very overlooked player in historical discussions. Most casuals know nothing about one of the greatest scorers in NBA history.

[72-10]

A lot of people thought he should have been back-to-back league MVP, but too many people thought he played for a loser of a ballclub, so the 1975-76 trophy went to Laker great Kareem instead, who had a historically statistically outstanding season despite not making the playoffs. It's hard to imagine how that wasn't enough to get his team into the playoffs, but it implies how strong the conference competition was. To date, Kareem's 1975-76 season is the last MVP who didn't make the postseason.

[getting_old]

grew up on the Braves with 2 for McAdoo and Randy Smith and Ernie D and Doctor Jack and Marin's birthmark, lots of games attended at Buffalo and nearby Maple Leaf Gardens

Bob.... his game is most repped by Durant today, except Bob had to cover all the centers and do the rebounding

The Braves were a solid team, never getting past the Hondo C's or Hayes Bullets

Bob didn't care at all about the media, this worked against him.

Bob went off to the cratering/capsizing of the very beloved Knicks, in tandem with Spencer Haywood they couldn't get it right and this was like a crime against humanity to the fans and media.

Great player, great memories, but he wasn't accomplished enough to ignore or be hostile to the media to still get respect. Moses Malone was too accomplished for the media to ignore his media tactics at honours time.