was Jordan capable of playing

[AirBonner]

All 5 positions at an elite level? I don't think so.

[nightprowler10]

All 5 positions at an elite level? I don't think so.
Who is?

[AirBonner]

Who is?
Lebron James

[andgar923]

Lebron James
:lol :lol :lol

KG might be the only one.

Oh... and this guy named Earvin 'Magic' Johnson actually did just that, AS A ROOKIE.

And others will argue that Bird could do the same.

Just to name a few.

Shyiiiittt how could I forget Lamar Odom? in his prime he was basically doing that. Running the Clippers as a point, forward and center on any given night, and doing it at an all star level at that. He was so good Pat Riley compared him to Magic and couldn't wait to sign him.

[Mr Feeny]

:lol :lol :lol

KG might be the only one.

Oh... and this guy named Earvin 'Magic' Johnson actually did just that, AS A ROOKIE.

And others will argue that Bird could do the same.

Just to name a few.

Shyiiiittt how could I forget Lamar Odom? in his prime he was basically doing that. Running the Clippers as a point, forward and center on any given night, and doing it at an all star level at that. He was so good Pat Riley compared him to Magic and couldn't wait to sign him.

Magic most definitely did not, despite the media myth. He spent no more than 10 of the 48 minutes at center. He CAN'T play inside.
More importantly, he can't guard big guys like LeBron can and has for years.

To truly play all 5 positions, you need to be able to play the 5 positions offensively and defensively. The only guy capable of doing that is Lebron James.
Magic could barely guard 2 guards. He was a defensive liability, as per pat Riley's own admission. He most certainly wouldn't have been thrown in against centers defensively. The guy couldn't guard a lamp post:oldlol:

[AirBonner]

Also this thread is pertaining to Jordan not lebron.

[scuzzy]

Lebron James
Hold this W:applause:

AirBonner = Lebron Fam Agenda Executioner:pimp:

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Magic could not even play pg on defense. Especially not today.

LeBron could get away with playing the 5 today against pretty much every team except maybe Sacramento.

[AirBonner]

Hold this W:applause:

AirBonner = Lebron Fam Agenda Executioner:pimp:
Fresh off the ban and still winning. What a time :rockon:

[andgar923]

Magic most definitely did not, despite the media myth. He spent no more than 10 of the 48 minutes at center. He CAN'T play inside.
More importantly, he can't guard big guys like LeBron can and has for years.

To truly play all 5 positions, you need to be able to play the 5 positions offensively and defensively. The only guy capable of doing that is Lebron James.
Magic could barely guard 2 guards. He was a defensive liability, as per pat Riley's own admission. He most certainly wouldn't have been thrown in against centers defensively. The guy couldn't guard a lamp post:oldlol:
You mean the player that had one of the sweetest hook shots, interior spin moves, and could read the defense like no other could not play inside?

Yet the one being stopped by Barea and CP3 can?

:rolleyes:

[j3lademaster]

Lebron JamesAgainst small-ball, sure he can slot some time in at the 5. Not doing that in MJ's era, David Robinson, Shaq, Hakeem etc will eat him alive in the post.

[Mr Feeny]

You mean the player that had one of the sweetest hook shots, interior spin moves, and could read the defense like no other could not play inside?

Yet the one being stopped by Barea and CP3 can?

:rolleyes:That's exactly what I'm saying, because basketball is played on both ends of the court. As everyone in this thread has tried to tell you, Magic couldn't even guard his opposing pg. He definitely wasn't capable of guarding bigs like LeBron.

[smoovegittar]

OP states LBJ plays all 5 positions at an "elite" level. :wtf:

Only in this 'effin place. Torrential stupidity.

[Naero]

Lebron James

:oldlol:

Defensively speaking? Maybe

[j3lademaster]

You mean the player that had one of the sweetest hook shots, interior spin moves, and could read the defense like no other could not play inside?

Yet the one being stopped by Barea and CP3 can?

:rolleyes:The op is asking all positions at an elite level. Magic doesn't have the defense to be considered an elite center. Honestly no player in NBA history can be truly "elite" at all positions.

And honestly, who cares? It's like Jalen Rose said: positions are just made so novices can follow the game.

[andgar923]

That's exactly what I'm saying, because basketball is played on both ends of the court. As everyone in this thread has tried to tell you, Magic couldn't even guard his opposing pg. He definitely wasn't capable of guarding bigs like LeBron.

Lebrun's defensive abilities are extremely exaggerated, and almost reach Kobe-esque levels of exaggeration.

While Magic was not an elite defender, he was very capable as a one on one defender, but mostly overrated was his off the ball defense which is on par with Bron's. Magic was simply smarter than Lebron and it aint close, he knew how to read the floor and reacted faster in ways that Bron can't. The same can be said about Bird, they simply knew how to read and react, they positioned themselves to be at the right place at the right time to interrupt the offense or make a stop.

Playing defense isn't solely about betting chase down blocks and steals, it's about controlling the flow of the opponent's offense and both Bird and Magic were great at it.

Yes Magic had issue with quicker guards, but guess what? so does 90% of the players to ever play!

Offensively Magic was more capable in the post and perimeter than Bron, he just had more options in his offensive arsenal, and knew how to use his body to shield off defenders in ways Bron still can't. I actually stated in the past that Magic has a better shot at beating MJ on a 1 on 1 than Bron, and it's mainly due to Magic's use of his body to shield off defenders.

Don't sleep on Magic's game, if you put him intoday's era he's even deadlier.

[Sarcastic]

Specialist > Jack of all trades master of none.

[andgar923]

The op is asking all positions at an elite level. Magic doesn't have the defense to be considered an elite center. Honestly no player in NBA history can be truly "elite" at all positions.

And honestly, who cares? It's like Jalen Rose said: positions are just made so novices can follow the game.

I honestly feel KG could be 'elite' on all 5 positions.

He's legitimately locked up every position consistently, whether on a simple mismatch switch or defensive assignment.

I've seen him run the offense and control the floor like a true pg. Has the moves, footwork and even slashing ability of a SG and we all know what he can do in the paint.

Imo KG is the most gifted multi faceted player ever.

[Mr Feeny]

Lebrun's defensive abilities are extremely exaggerated, and almost reach Kobe-esque levels of exaggeration.

While Magic was not an elite defender, he was very capable as a one on one defender, but mostly overrated was his off the ball defense which is on par with Bron's. Magic was simply smarter than Lebron and it aint close, he knew how to read the floor and reacted faster in ways that Bron can't. The same can be said about Bird, they simply knew how to read and react, they positioned themselves to be at the right place at the right time to interrupt the offense or make a stop.

Playing defense isn't solely about betting chase down blocks and steals, it's about controlling the flow of the opponent's offense and both Bird and Magic were great at it.

Yes Magic had issue with quicker guards, but guess what? so does 90% of the players to ever play!

Offensively Magic was more capable in the post and perimeter than Bron, he just had more options in his offensive arsenal, and knew how to use his body to shield off defenders in ways Bron still can't. I actually stated in the past that Magic has a better shot at beating MJ on a 1 on 1 than Bron, and it's mainly due to Magic's use of his body to shield off defenders.

Don't sleep on Magic's game, if you put him intoday's era he's even deadlier.

You cant be serious.

Lebron's DEFENSE during the 2016 playoffs and finals:


Lebron's defense in the 2016 playoffs:

Overall: 31.9 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 45.9%, -14.0%
Threes: 24.1 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 36.7%, -12. 6%
Twos: 36.6 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 50.5%, -13.9%
<6ft: 37.9 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 61.3%, -23.5%

LeBron's defenae in the 2016 finals:

Overall: 31.6 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 47.9%, -16.3%
Threes: 29.0 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 39.6%, -10.6%
Twos: 33.3 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 53.6%, -20.3%
<6ft: 38.5 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 63.6%, -25.1%


This was one of the best defensive performances in the history of basketball. Magic on his very best day isn't even worth mentioning in the same sentence as lebron defensively.

[andgar923]

You cant be serious.

Lebron's DEFENSE during the 2016 playoffs and finals:


Lebron's defense in the 2016 playoffs:

Overall: 31.9 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 45.9%, -14.0%
Threes: 24.1 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 36.7%, -12. 6%
Twos: 36.6 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 50.5%, -13.9%
<6ft: 37.9 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 61.3%, -23.5%

LeBron's defenae in the 2016 finals:

Overall: 31.6 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 47.9%, -16.3%
Threes: 29.0 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 39.6%, -10.6%
Twos: 33.3 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 53.6%, -20.3%
<6ft: 38.5 DFG%, opponents usually shoot 63.6%, -25.1%


This was one of the best defensive performances in the history of basketball. Magic on his very best day isn't even worth mentioning in the same sentence as lebron defensively.

And I can show a number of videos debunking those stats.

He often gets beat, is out of position, and gambles too much. He doesn't have Magic's IQ, has slow feet.

So should I start posting videos now or wait for a different thread?

[aj1987]

And I can show a number of videos debunking those stats.

He often gets beat, is out of position, and gambles too much. He doesn't have Magic's IQ, has slow feet.

So should I start posting videos now or wait for a different thread?
Are you arguing that Magic was a better defender than LeBron? :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm

If you are, please NEVER and I mean EVER talk about basketball.

[warriorfan]

Specialist > Jack of all trades master of none.

this post is false, lebron is a master at colluding

[Mr Feeny]

Are you arguing that Magic was a better defender than LeBron? :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm

If you are, please NEVER and I mean EVER talk about basketball.Thank you.

Just when you think you've heard the dumbest stuff, these people come up with worse and worse stuff with every passing day.

[Hey Yo]

:lol :lol :lol

KG might be the only one.

Oh... and this guy named Earvin 'Magic' Johnson actually did just that, AS A ROOKIE.

And others will argue that Bird could do the same.

Just to name a few.

Shyiiiittt how could I forget Lamar Odom? in his prime he was basically doing that. Running the Clippers as a point, forward and center on any given night, and doing it at an all star level at that. He was so good Pat Riley compared him to Magic and couldn't wait to sign him.
No he didn't...it's a myth.

[Mr Feeny]

And I can show a number of videos debunking those stats.

He often gets beat, is out of position, and gambles too much. He doesn't have Magic's IQ, has slow feet.

So should I start posting videos now or wait for a different thread?You can go ahead and do that and nobody would take them seriously because they'd be cherry picked. You don't understand anything about basketball if you don't think the 2016 finals was a great defensive performance. The men held opposition players to 32%
You think people are going to read that and change their minds because some chump on here posts a couple of video of Lebron getting beat on a few plays during the series?

Come on OG:biggums: you just feeling the heat as the bran nears goat.

[andgar923]

Are you arguing that Magic was a better defender than LeBron? :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm :facepalm

If you are, please NEVER and I mean EVER talk about basketball.
Did I say he was better?

[aj1987]

You can go ahead and do that and nobody would take them seriously because they'd be cherry picked. You don't understand anything about basketball if you don't think the 2016 finals was a great defensive performance. The men held opposition players to 32%
You think people are going to read that and change their minds because some chump on here posts a couple of video of Lebron getting beat on a few plays during the series?

Come on OG:biggums: you just feeling the heat as the bran nears goat.
Watch him post a 2-3 minute video from that Ordan stans YT channel, in which almost half the bad defensive plays are because of bad self defense, and the team defense just imploding.


Did I say he was better?

And I can show a number of videos debunking those stats.

He often gets beat, is out of position, and gambles too much. He doesn't have Magic's IQ, has slow feet.

So should I start posting videos now or wait for a different thread?
You implied Magic was a better defender than LeBron.

[andgar923]

You can go ahead and do that and nobody would take them seriously because they'd be cherry picked. You don't understand anything about basketball if you don't think the 2016 finals was a great defensive performance. The men held opposition players to 32%
You think people are going to read that and change their minds because some chump on here posts a couple of video of Lebron getting beat on a few plays during the series?

Come on OG:biggums: you just feeling the heat as the bran nears goat.

A few plays? a few cherry picked clips? There's videos analyzing his entire time on the floor, for games and series on end. There's videos of him getting beat repeatedly in one on one/head to head matchups.

Again, not a few plays, not cherry picked... but complete analysis on his whereabout on the court while on defense.

[Hey Yo]

Lebrun's defensive abilities are extremely exaggerated, and almost reach Kobe-esque levels of exaggeration.
:rolleyes:


While Magic was not an elite defender, he was very capable as a one on one defender, but mostly overrated was his off the ball defense which is on par with Bron's. Magic was simply smarter than Lebron and it aint close, he knew how to read the floor and reacted faster in ways that Bron can't. The same can be said about Bird, they simply knew how to read and react, they positioned themselves to be at the right place at the right time to interrupt the offense or make a stop.
Magic's defensive assignment was the least offensive player on the floor. That's the polar opposite of James' assignments for most nights.



Offensively Magic was more capable in the post and perimeter than Bron, he just had more options in his offensive arsenal, and knew how to use his body to shield off defenders in ways Bron still can't. I actually stated in the past that Magic has a better shot at beating MJ on a 1 on 1 than Bron, and it's mainly due to Magic's use of his body to shield off defenders.

Don't sleep on Magic's game, if you put him intoday's era he's even deadlier.
Magic wouldn't be able to pound the rock for 10-15 seconds with his back to the basket, backing down his defender.

They didn't have the 5 second rule back then which allowed him to do so

[andgar923]

Watch him post a 2-3 minute video from that Ordan stans YT channel, in which almost half the bad defensive plays are because of bad self defense, and the team defense just imploding.



You implied Magic was a better defender than LeBron.

That's your interpretation, never did I claim he was better.

I simply posted attributes as to why Magic isn't a horrible defender like some make him out to be. Amongst those attributes are some that he has an advantage over Bron. There are things that Magic does better defensively, and there are others that Bron is better at.

But I never stated Magic was better.

I did however state that Magic is the better offensive player. Aside from 3pt shooting (which wasn't used much at all back then), Magic has more game than Magic.

[andgar923]

No he didn't...it's a myth.

Magic played all 5 positions at different moments during the season as a rookie, and continued to do so throughout his entire career.

[aj1987]

That's your interpretation, never did I claim he was better.

I simply posted attributes as to why Magic isn't a horrible defender like some make him out to be. Amongst those attributes are some that he has an advantage over Bron. There are things that Magic does better defensively, and there are others that Bron is better at.

But I never stated Magic was better.

I did however state that Magic is the better offensive player. Aside from 3pt shooting (which wasn't used much at all back then), Magic has more game than Magic.
Magic isn't even in the same stratosphere as LeBron, when it comes to defense. You might want to watch LeBron from '09, '10, '11 (minus the Finals), '12, and '13.

Also, LeBron is a better scorer than Magic. That's not even up for debate.

[andgar923]

:rolleyes:


Magic's defensive assignment was the least offensive player on the floor. That's the polar opposite of James' assignments for most nights.



Magic wouldn't be able to pound the rock for 10-15 seconds with his back to the basket, backing down his defender.

They didn't have the 5 second rule back then which allowed him to do so
:lol :lol :lol

Oh my

[guy]

Lebron doesn't play center at an elite level. Even if we want to say he plays every position at a decent level, who cares? So did players like Shawn Marion and Lamar Odom. No one translates that aspect into "greatness" for them.

[Hey Yo]

Magic played all 5 positions at different moments during the season as a rookie, and continued to do so throughout his entire career.
But you know you were referring to the 1980 Finals, which like I said was a myth.

It's easy to say that _______ played all 5 positions at "different moments" of the game or career.

[Mr Feeny]

That's your interpretation, never did I claim he was better.

I simply posted attributes as to why Magic isn't a horrible defender like some make him out to be. Amongst those attributes are some that he has an advantage over Bron. There are things that Magic does better defensively, and there are others that Bron is better at.

But I never stated Magic was better.

I did however state that Magic is the better offensive player. Aside from 3pt shooting (which wasn't used much at all back then), Magic has more game than Magic.Too bad that the majority of basketball fans disagree with you and think Magic was a horrific defender. His own coach thought so
In fact, Riley (coming off the 2006 title with the heat) said "he (Magic) wasn't close to Wade offensively." That's Riley saying Wade is a better offensive player than Magic. Granted that was Wade before his injuries and he didn't sustain that level but it's a damning statement.


If Riley thinks Wade was a better offensive player than Magic, then lebron most certainly is as well. Defensively, this is a joke. Magic is one of the all time garbage defenders and lebron is one of the best all time.

You can't be serious. You're digging yourself a hole.

[Tking714]

Imagine Lebron trying to gaurd up Shaq or Hakeem :lol

[Nastradamus]

Lebron could probably be a Dwight Howard type C if that was his focus. No question on the other 4 spots

[GrapeApe]

Nobody can play all 5 positions at an elite level.

[Gileraracer]

Lebron James

:roll: :roll:

Lebron get bullied at the SF in todays game, imagine how 90s center would rape him.