Quote:
Originally Posted by lakersfan2046
I will go with Magic Johnson
The way I look at it is if you are going to rank Basketball players, you need to do so based on three things:
1. Rings (A single player in BBall can be the difference between a ring or not)
2. Personal Stats
3. Impact on the game (changes in officiating rules, being emulated by younger players, etc.)
It is clear that Magic, Wilt and Russell should all be considered for the Top 3 slot. Russell and Magic have Wilt beat on the ring counter front. However, Wilt and Magic have Russell beat on the personal stats front. Finally, Magic and Wilt have Russell beat on the impact on the game front.
From the above, it is quite clear that Russell is last on my list out of the three. He has not had a lasting impact on the game. His personal stats are not very impressive and he won in a weaker era. Magic edges out Wilt because he has had a longer lasting impact on the game of basketball (no look passes, point forwards, PG playing multiple positions, Showtime, etc.) and won more rings. While Wilt had more stellar personal achievements in scoring and rebounding, the Magic man was no slouch himself. So, I have to go with Magic. The way I see it:
1. Michael Jordan
2. Kareem
3. Magic
4. Wilt
5. Bill Russell
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Only if he has the required supporting cast to work with around him....
To value a players individual career with this team accomplishment being the biggest and in some cases the only priority and totally discredit what the player did with what he had to work with around him (win or lose) is unfair, simpleminded and just stupid.... this is not tennis for gods sake...