How many players in their prime could replace Bran?

[Ca$H]

With the same team/circumstances this season and win a championship?

Jordan, Shaq, KAJ, Magic, and Duncan. IMO that's it.

[ISHGoat]

Players who could have replaced him in 2007 and won: none

2011: many

2012: jordan

2013: jordan

2014: none

2015: none

[ClipperRevival]

Not too many. That's why he's one of the best ever. It's not rocket science.

[jstern]

Only Legit top 10 perimeter players. Jordan, Bird, Magic. That's pretty much it. Can't put Duncan, Hakeem, etc, because we're talking about replacing Lebron, and he's a perimeter player.

[Ca$H]

Players who could have replaced him in 2007 and won: none

2011: many

2012: jordan

2013: jordan

2014: none

2015: none

I'm only talking about this season.

[Fudge]

Jordan
Hakeem
Shaq

That's about it. None can replicate what he's doing in this Finals though, except maybe Jordan and Hakeem.

[ISHGoat]

I'm only talking about this season.

arguably none, only mj has a small case that can be made

[Ca$H]

arguably none, only mj has a small case that can be made

Peak MJ and Shaq for sure. I don't see how you can argue against those two.

[ISHGoat]

Peak MJ and Shaq for sure. I don't see how you can argue against those two.

Shaq and mj never showed the ability to carry shitty teams deep in the playoffs let alone be 2 wins away in the finals vs a stacked opponent

[Velocirap31]

I'm thinking only Jordan and Magic actually. There aren't any other play makers on the team.

[Ca$H]

Shaq and mj never showed the ability to carry shitty teams deep in the playoffs let alone be 2 wins away in the finals vs a stacked opponent

You're just a delusional Bran stan with no credibility.

[Doranku]

Peak MJ and Shaq for sure. I don't see how you can argue against those two.

Shaq has never done anything without a dominant perimeter player next to him. You think he's gonna beat these Warriors surrounded by the wing talent of Matthew Dellavedova, Imam Shumpert, and JR Smith? :oldlol:

Not to mention there is no answer for constant hack-a-Shaq late in games. Shaq would never win a title with this Cavs team.

[Ca$H]

Shaq has never done anything without a dominant perimeter player next to him. You think he's gonna beat these Warriors surrounded by the wing talent of Matthew Dellavedova, Imam Shumpert, and JR Smith? :oldlol:

Not to mention there is no answer for constant hack-a-Shaq late in games. Shaq would never win a title with this Cavs team.

2000 Shaq was so dominant though. Plus the Warriors are choking.

[ISHGoat]

You're just a delusional Bran stan with no credibility.

im a realistic bran stan with a great credit score

[riseagainst]

Players who could have replaced him in 2007 and won: none

2011: many

2012: jordan

2013: jordan

2014: none

2015: none

this. Literally no one in NBA history would be able to do what lebron is doing RIGHT NOW and carry the Cavs to wins against GS.
Well, maybe George Mikan.

[livinglegend]

With the same team/circumstances this season and win a championship?

Jordan, Shaq, KAJ, Magic, and Duncan. IMO that's it.

None

[Alamо]

Duncan would turn Blatt into the next pop and Cleveland into the next San Antonio

[Cocaine80s]

Jordan

Shaq too, he would rape bogut

[ninephive]

You're just a delusional Bran stan with no credibility.
Offer a rebuttal to what he said.

When MJ had a comparable supporting cast to what Lebron has now, he got swept twice in the first round and beat 3-1 while being outscored by Terry freaking Cummings.

And when did Shaq ever win a title without a ridiculously good supporting cast?

[ImKobe]

wing players? Jordan, Kobe, Wade, possibly Bird and Magic

people are too much in awe of Lebron's rebounding and passing, those 3 guys would have an easier time scoring and they are better defenders... that's not to discredit Lebron but his production isn't anything record-setting aside from the volume of shots he's taking.

MJ 1st 3-peat, Wade 06 and Kobe 2001/2009 runs are on that level/even better.

[ninephive]

Duncan would turn Blatt into the next pop and Cleveland into the next San Antonio
But maybe not without Robinson, Parker, Ginobili, and some of the greatest role players ever (Horry, Bowen, Kerr, etc.).

[Alamо]

But maybe not without Robinson, Parker, Ginobili, and some of the greatest role players ever (Horry, Bowen, Kerr, etc.).



Most of those guys came after Duncan

[hateraid]

With the same team/circumstances this season and win a championship?

Jordan, Shaq, KAJ, Magic, and Duncan. IMO that's it.
I honestly believe nobody.
Jordan- He would demoralize this team and coach. His team could not get up for him. It would be like Luc Longley, Stacy King, replacing Pippen and Rodman.
Shaq- too much of a liability at FT.
KAJ- Good but not a great enough wing player to play along side
Magic- My best choice. Him or Bird because they can exploit defenses best by using teammates
Duncan- Would be the best defensively all round but no perimeter scoring

I'd say the closest all time would be Magic then Bird

[livinglegend]

wing players? Jordan, Kobe, Wade, possibly Bird and Magic

people are too much in awe of Lebron's rebounding and passing, those 3 guys would have an easier time scoring and they are better defenders... that's not to discredit Lebron but his production isn't anything record-setting aside from the volume of shots he's taking.

MJ 1st 3-peat, Wade 06 and Kobe 2001/2009 runs are on that level/even better.
:roll: :roll: :roll:

[Rocketswin2013]

wing players? Jordan, Kobe, Wade, possibly Bird and Magic

people are too much in awe of Lebron's rebounding and passing, those 3 guys would have an easier time scoring and they are better defenders... that's not to discredit Lebron but his production isn't anything record-setting aside from the volume of shots he's taking.

MJ 1st 3-peat, Wade 06 and Kobe 2001/2009 runs are on that level/even better.
LMFAO @ Magic. :roll:


Wade? Kobe? STOP IT.

LeBron is a better rebounder and passer than all but Bird. And while Bird matches LeBron as a rebounder and team defender, LeBron is a lockdown defender and better playmaker than he ever was. Bird never was a great playoff performer, btw.

Edit: Magic is a better passer obviously.

[stephanieg]

Moses Malone took a 40-42 Houston team to the finals while averaging 29/15. Won 2 games against the Celtics too.

[ninephive]

Most of those guys came after Duncan
I'm just saying comparing what Duncan had in any championship run to what Lebron has now is kind of ridiculous. Lebron is averaging 27 PPG more than the next best scorer on the team, Mozgov. That's unheard of. Duncan's never averaged more than 10 PPG more than the next best scorer on his team in a Finals run.

Consider this: Parker averaged more PPG in the 2007 Finals than Duncan did in the 2003 Finals. From a scoring perspective, what Lebron is doing is outrageous.

[pauk]

You have to keep in mind what the requirements are for replacing Lebron and seeing the same result.........

Lebron is their PG-SG-SF-PF & C, he plays/gives those facets of the game offensively very dominantly based on how you defend him/his team/what is needed.... and will guard that on the other end aswell, inside & out.... is averaging essentially a 41 point triple double in the Finals right now.... he is doing EVERYTHING (extremly literally speaking).... and ALL those facets of the game are/were heavily required from just ONE GUY to just BARELY win....

So first of all I dont think Hakeem/Shaq/Duncan/KAJ post ups will compensate for that type of "everything" required......

If Lebron wins this championship, considering everything/circumstances and all, he would have won it in a more significant/improbable way than Jordan/Magic or anybody in history did imo.... so if Jordan nor Shaq/Hakeem/KAJ/Duncan won like this i cant say they then could replace him for sure where we would see the same result....

You will need another Lebron to replace Lebron here.... closest thing from those you mentioned is Magic, he could give Cavs alot which Lebron is giving, but alot is not enough, it will need to be exactly what Lebron is doing at the very minimum & preferably more...

[midatlantic09]

Only Legit top 10 perimeter players. Jordan, Bird, Magic. That's pretty much it. Can't put Duncan, Hakeem, etc, because we're talking about replacing Lebron, and he's a perimeter player.

Bird had zero handles, so no, he couldn't replace Lebron.

[midatlantic09]

With the same team/circumstances this season and win a championship?

Jordan, Shaq, KAJ, Magic, and Duncan. IMO that's it.

No.

[hateraid]

You have to keep in mind what the requirements are for replacing Lebron and seeing the same result.........

Lebron is their PG-SG-SF-PF & C, he plays/gives those facets of the game offensively very dominantly based on how you defend him/his team/what is needed.... and will guard that on the other end aswell, inside & out.... is averaging essentially a 41 point triple double in the Finals right now.... he is doing EVERYTHING (extremly literally speaking).... and ALL those facets of the game are/were heavily required from just ONE GUY to just BARELY win....

So first of all I dont think Hakeem/Shaq/Duncan/KAJ post ups will compensate for that type of "everything" required......

If Lebron wins this championship, considering everything/circumstances and all, he would have won it in a more significant/improbable way than Jordan/Magic or anybody in history did imo.... so if Jordan nor Shaq/Hakeem/KAJ/Duncan won like this i cant say they then could replace him for sure where would see the same result....

You will need another Lebron to replace Lebron here.... closest thing from those you mentioned is Magic, he could give Cavs alot which Lebron is giving, but alot is not enough, it will need to be exactly what Lebron is doing at the very minimum & preferably more...

:applause:
Most sensible answer yet. That's why I responded with nobody and being Magic and Bird the closest.
I think the Jordan default answer does not apply because he couldn't motivate this shit mix of misfits. Imagine what he'd do to Tristan after clanking all those short hooks? He'd be the next Kwame.
A post player can't replicate Lebron's production and perimeter impact. Most guards couldn't because they can't replicate his post presence.
Like the post says, a player most similar to Lebron. Hell, Pippen may actually be the closest, but he couldn't achieve the same results

[Rocketswin2013]

You have to keep in mind what the requirements are for replacing Lebron and seeing the same result.........

Lebron is their PG-SG-SF-PF & C, he plays/gives those facets of the game offensively very dominantly based on how you defend him/his team/what is needed.... and will guard that on the other end aswell, inside & out.... is averaging essentially a 41 point triple double in the Finals right now.... he is doing EVERYTHING (extremly literally speaking).... and ALL those facets of the game are/were heavily required from just ONE GUY to just BARELY win....

So first of all I dont think Hakeem/Shaq/Duncan/KAJ post ups will compensate for that type of "everything" required......

If Lebron wins this championship, considering everything/circumstances and all, he would have won it in a more significant/improbable way than Jordan/Magic or anybody in history did imo.... so if Jordan nor Shaq/Hakeem/KAJ/Duncan won like this i cant say they then could replace him for sure where we would see the same result....

You will need another Lebron to replace Lebron here.... closest thing from those you mentioned is Magic, he could give Cavs alot which Lebron is giving, but alot is not enough, it will need to be exactly what Lebron is doing at the very minimum & preferably more...
Magic never came close to LeBron as a rebounder and defender. LeBron is literally doubling nearly all of Magic's career best playoff DBPM. He's also really close to magic's career playoff assist rate.

I don't think there's a wing player who could match LeBron like this. I think a prime Hakeem, maybe Duncan could play this level of defense and offense with a lack of offensive talent. Defense for sure, but the scoring and playmaking is tough to replicate.

[jstern]

Bird had zero handles, so no, he couldn't replace Lebron.

What do you mean by handles? Doing cross overs, etc?

Bird can handle the basketball just fine, he has the passing ability, the high basketball IQ, and can create his own shots. And most importantly, he's better at creating his own shot when he has to.

[FPJ]

This year? Nobody, it has never been done.

Just think about how much you would be willing to pay each Cleveland individual player to play for your team.

[FKAri]

With the same team/circumstances this season and win a championship?

Jordan, Shaq, KAJ, Magic, and Duncan. IMO that's it.

Those guys wouldn't win with this squad. wtf

Duncan? lmao. We saw what dat nigguh did in the Olympics. :lol

[TheBigVeto]

None. I doubt Jordan, Bird, Duncan, Kareem, Russell etc can lead in their Finals series with JR Smith in the team.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

0. Nobody is better at carrying scrubs than LeBron. You can argue that maybe he doesn't fit in well with other stars sometimes, but his scrub carrying abilities are second to none.

[TheBigVeto]

Duncan? lmao. We saw what dat nigguh did in the Olympics. :lol

To be fair Duncan had Marbury in his team.

Nobody can win NBA championship or Olympic Gold Medal with Marbury.

[Fallen Angel]

Jordan's overall game
Bird's overall game

Magic's on-court coaching

Shaq's dominance

[oarabbus]

0. Nobody is better at carrying scrubs than LeBron. You can argue that maybe he doesn't fit in well with other stars sometimes, but his scrub carrying abilities are second to none.

This is actually true.

Jordan would have won rings on the Heat championship teams.

He wouldn't make it to the finals on these scrub Cleveland teams

[plowking]

Probably only Detlef Schrempf.

He was a hell of a player.

[SHAQisGOAT]

"Larry Bird had no handles."

"Magic Johnson never came close to LeBron as a rebounder."

:facepalm

Some of the most idiotic, most ignorant stuff I've ever read... ISH getting dumber by the minute :lol

[aj1987]

"Larry Bird had no handles."

"Magic Johnson never came close to LeBron as a rebounder."

:facepalm

Some of the most idiotic, most ignorant stuff I've ever read... ISH getting dumber by the minute :lol

LMFAO @ Magic. :roll:


Wade? Kobe? STOP IT.

LeBron is a better rebounder and passer than all but Bird. And while Bird matches LeBron as a rebounder and team defender, LeBron is a lockdown defender and better playmaker than he ever was. Bird never was a great playoff performer, btw.

Edit: Magic is a better passer obviously.
Belongs in the dumbest things ever said thread, TBH.


I honestly believe nobody.
Jordan- He would demoralize this team and coach. His team could not get up for him. It would be like Luc Longley, Stacy King, replacing Pippen and Rodman.
Shaq- too much of a liability at FT.
KAJ- Good but not a great enough wing player to play along side
Magic- My best choice. Him or Bird because they can exploit defenses best by using teammates
Duncan- Would be the best defensively all round but no perimeter scoring

I'd say the closest all time would be Magic then Bird
:applause: :applause:

Magic and Bird would be the best bet. The only reason why they might fail is because of defense, but yeah, those are the only two who could probably win with this squad.

Shaq was indeed a liability at the FT line, but dude almost always hit his clutch FT's.

[Prime_Shaq]

0. Nobody is better at carrying scrubs than LeBron. You can argue that maybe he doesn't fit in well with other stars sometimes, but his scrub carrying abilities are second to none.
I agree with this. On topic though, Jordan/Shaq/Bird IMO

[rhowen4]

The person would have to be able to play point well enough. People who picked big men: have you seen dellavedova try to run the point? Eeeesh

So jordan and magic are the only candidates imo

[Roundball_Rock]

0. Nobody is better at carrying scrubs than LeBron. You can argue that maybe he doesn't fit in well with other stars sometimes, but his scrub carrying abilities are second to none.

Exactly.

:oldlol: at Jordan. When the historical Jordan actually had such teams (albeit with a 20+ ppg second option for 2 years, something LeBron lacks in the Finals) he could not get above .500 in the regular season and was going 1-9 in the playoffs in the first round against 59, 63 and 67 win teams--not sweeping a 60 win team in the ECF and (potentially) beating a 67 win team in the Finals.



Jordan would have won rings on the Heat championship teams.

He wouldn't make it to the finals on these scrub Cleveland teams

Yes, Jordan would have won in 11' unlike LeBron but there is absolutely nothing in Jordan's record to suggest he could do what LeBron has been doing with Jr Smith and Delly as his next best players.

[Cold soul]

Jordan
Magic
Kareem
Hakeem
Shaq
Duncan
Bird

Majority of top 10 could.

[hateraid]

Exactly.

:oldlol: at Jordan. When the historical Jordan actually had such teams (albeit with a 20+ ppg second option for 2 years, something LeBron lacks in the Finals) he could not get above .500 in the regular season and was going 1-9 in the playoffs in the first round against 59, 63 and 67 win teams--not sweeping a 60 win team in the ECF and (potentially) beating a 67 win team in the Finals.

Not to mention those teams were preassembled unlike the replacement squad that Lebron has now.



Yes, Jordan would have won in 11' unlike LeBron but there is absolutely nothing in Jordan's record to suggest he could do what LeBron has been doing with Jr Smith and Delly as his next best players.

I don't think this would be the case. Jordan and Wade are too similar. One won't be able to facilitate the other. And in the case of both trying to win they need an interior defender. I think it would less likely be the case.

[LeBird]

Thinking about it, I think Bird could but he'd have to defer more defensively. Offensively, he'd probably be more efficient but at the same time there may be more turnovers as others playmake and bring it up to the half-court for Bird to take over.

But even as a huge Bird fan; I think Lebron is the only one who you can say for certain could lead this kind of team to a title with a straight face.

I think the other guy is Magic and while he might give way defensively, he'd orchestrate the play better offensively; but I think ultimately he'd have a lot of trouble if he was asked to be the #1 scorer and shoot that much and playmake. People mentioning Jordan are delusional; he couldn't even dream of doing this - he is the worst kind of player for it.

All that aside; if Lebron pulls this off it will be comfortably the greatest finals I've witnessed from a player. They're against a ridiculously good team, that has more or less everything and even the bench is deep...and he's lost his 2nd and 3rd best teammates; and the rest of the guys minus Lebron probably has trouble getting to 20 wins in a RS.

Basically one of the most stacked teams in recent history + the MVP v Lebron and a bunch of guys nobody really wanted.

Even if you don't like Lebron this is amazing theatre, even if the Basketball is ugly at times.

[FKAri]

Jordan
Magic
Kareem
Hakeem
Shaq
Duncan
Bird

Majority of top 10 could.

Whos getting the ball to Duncan? Whos bringing it up? Whos running point? Whos running the plays?

Dumbfuk.

[LeBird]

Whos getting the ball to Duncan? Whos bringing it up? Whos running point? Whos running the plays?

Dumbfuk.

No big man could do what Lebron is doing.

[SHAQisGOAT]

For perimeter players... Jordan and Bird, maybe Magic...

People talking about Bird then mentioning (lack of) defense? :rolleyes:
LeBron's above Larry overall defensively mostly due to on-ball perimeter D - and that mostly due to athleticism - but Bird had the edge in terms of team defense (better post m2m too) and this is not even prime defensive Bron we're talking about here... Is he locking anybody down in this series or what?
Bird would bring AT LEAST the same impact in terms of team D.

Only things "going against" Bird is that, due to lack of lateral quickness, he couldn't play point as someone like LeBron, and Larry was never that player with major USG%, never took ridiculous amount of shots or kept the ball in his hands a whole lot, you could even argue he was too unselfish at times even as him being one of the coldest, clutchest mf'ers ever...

Still, Bird had terrific stamina and endurance for such a series, he was even a better rebounder than James and would've simply destroyed GS there, he would KILL them in the post if they gave him the 1on1 opportunities they give LeBron, he'd spread the floor more, shoot better, could score a lot too even if I don't see him taking huge amount of attempts but he'd keep the game flowing better, make others better and more involved, and if the Warriors decided to double, he was even a better pure-passer than Bron, plus could take care of the rock, don't get it twisted.
And LB would bring better overall intangibles, such as leadership, clutchness, ability to adjust to more strategies and teammates' styles, mind toughness...

Jordan could do it, as he's (arguably) the GOAT scorer, could go all out scoring big and efficiently, plus he had the all-around game to go along with it.

Magic? I don't know... On the playmaking, running the offense, versatily, keeping them on their toes part, they're more than covered but Cavs need that #1 option bringing major points/scoring and although Magic could definitely score and was extremely efficient, he never was that player who'd average lots of points, never a volume scorer. And he was a great rebounder but didn't bring much impact defensively.


As for centers (assuming they'd replace Mozgov while Bron's replaced by a SF who can handle the ball, or a PG, at Timofey's level):

Shaq could've done it, as he had (arguably) the GOAT peak... He'd destroy GS's frontcourt, eat up them boards, kick the ball to shooters when doubled, protect the paint... Go see what he did in his best Finals.

And something similar to that^ for peak Kareem, Wilt and Hakeem.
My wild card call here would be peak Moses Malone.

[Cold soul]

Whos getting the ball to Duncan? Whos bringing it up? Whos running point? Whos running the plays?

Dumbfuk.


Lol so much disrespect towards Duncan his 2003 playoff run you can argue was better than anything Lebron ever done dumb****.

[RicksPlace]

2011 Dirk, but they would have to work really hard on the boards. He would absolutely kill them in the post, and I doubt GS guards him single coverage. If there's a double team, kick it out to the open shooters.

[Bankaii]

Jordan
Magic
Kareem
Hakeem
Shaq
Duncan
Bird

Majority of top 10 could.
I respect others' opinions, but man yours is just stupid. Is Magic gonna score 40 ppg?

[riseagainst]

Jordan
Magic
Kareem
Hakeem
Shaq
Duncan
Bird

Majority of top 10 could.

uhhhhh no. Maybe Bird doe.

[TheCorporation]

Players who could have replaced him in 2007 and won: none

2011: many

2012: jordan

2013: jordan

2014: none

2015: none

Agreed, although 2011 Bulls were tough and so were Mavis. Still, he should've won in 2011.

[TheCorporation]

Shaq has never done anything without a dominant perimeter player next to him. You think he's gonna beat these Warriors surrounded by the wing talent of Matthew Dellavedova, Imam Shumpert, and JR Smith? :oldlol:

Not to mention there is no answer for constant hack-a-Shaq late in games. Shaq would never win a title with this Cavs team.
Exactly. Shaq is amazing but no one is winning it all with this Cavs squad.

[MEB2kDeez]

0. Nobody is better at carrying scrubs than LeBron. You can argue that maybe he doesn't fit in well with other stars sometimes, but his scrub carrying abilities are second to none.
This

[Bless Mathews]

Shaq and mj never showed the ability to carry shitty teams deep in the playoffs let alone be 2 wins away in the finals vs a stacked opponent

Remember who he had to get here.

Kyrie.

And a red hot jr smith and shrumpert.

Putting up great numbers to GET to the finals.

Let's not act like Bron been doing it this since the first round.

[32jazz]

Shaq and mj never showed the ability to carry shitty teams deep in the playoffs let alone be 2 wins away in the finals vs a stacked opponent

MJ fans whine incessantly about the lack of talent on his sub .500 teams , but now in theory he can ' carry' bad teams like the Cavs to the brink of a ring :facepalm


Outside of some great big men I would say :

Bird ,Magic & Lebron of course.