NBA_Jordan named his all-time dream
NBA_Jordan named his all-time dream
Michael Jordan is often considered the greatest basketball player of all time and with good reason.
He was never defeated in an NBA Finals series, giving him a flawless 6-0 record in championship rounds. That is why people pay close attention when he discusses his all-time starting five.
Jordan shared his choices in a 2005 interview with Cigar Aficionado founder Marvin R. Shanken. He placed himself at shooting guard and assembled a formidable lineup featuring some of the finest players ever to compete in the NBA. Here is a closer look at the legendary player’s all-time starting five.
Point Guard
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson
Former Los Angeles Lakers floor general Magic Johnson has faced increasing competition from Golden State Warriors superstar Steph Curry for the title of the greatest point guard of all time.
Even so, Jordan has consistently favoured his friend and on-court rival in discussions about the greatest ever. Johnson, a five-time champion, helped guide the Lakers through their dominant 1980s era and served as the centrepiece of one of basketball’s historic teams. Jordan recognised his impact and chose him as his point guard.
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Magic Johnson selected career highlights
5x NBA Champion
3x NBA Finals
3x NBA Most Valuable Player
12x NBA All-Star
2× NBA All-Star Game MVP
9× All-NBA First Team
4× NBA assists leader
2× NBA steals leader
"That's easy. Magic Johnson," Jordan said. "Because of his height, you'd have a tough time defending him. It's a beautiful thing to see a 6-foot 9-inch guy rebound the ball and start the break. It would be the all-time tallest team, putting me at the two guard."
Ranking the best point guards in NBA history featuring Russell Westbrook, Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry
Ranking the best point guards in NBA history featuring Russell Westbrook, Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry
Small Forward
Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen
Scottie Pippen
At small forward, Jordan’s choice was his longtime teammate and trusted co-star Scottie Pippen. The former Portland Trail Blazer earned a place in Air Jordan’s lineup ahead of legends including Julius Erving and Dominique Wilkins. Pippen played a major role alongside Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ 1990s dynasty, winning six championships with the team.
"That is the toughest part because I played with one of the best small forwards, Scottie Pippen," MJ said. "He is as versatile as it comes. He handles the ball. He's a good defensive rebounder. I would be hard-pressed to pick someone else at the small forward position, even though I know Dr J [Julius Erving] is sitting right there, too, especially in terms of excitement."
He further continued: "And there's Dominique Wilkins, too. And you'd have to think about Elgin Baylor, even though I never saw Baylor play, or played with him. But from what I know, and what he could provide, it's Scottie Pippen. I know that's being biased to some degree. But I can't help it."
Ranking the best small forwards of all-time in the NBA featuring Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and the Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant
Ranking the best small forwards of all-time in the NBA featuring Boston Celtics legend Larry Bird, Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James and the Phoenix Suns' Kevin Durant
Power Forward
Larry Bird
Larry Bird
Larry Bird
Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics were a major challenge for Jordan and the Bulls throughout the 1980s. The three-time champion went 6-0 against Jordan, who has always respected his great rival. Bird made Jordan’s chosen five ahead of players such as Charles Oakley, Karl Malone, and James Worthy.
"There's James Worthy, whom I love, and he is a North Carolina guy," Jordan told Shanken. "Karl Malone, Charles Barkley, whom I adore and is a good friend, and Charles Oakley. But in terms of again, versatility, it has to be Larry Bird. The things he could provide to you all around: his demeanour, his work ethic, and his versatility once again.
Ranking the best NBA players of all-time featuring Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
Ranking the best NBA players of all-time featuring Wilt Chamberlain, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James
Center
Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon
Hakeem Olajuwon guided the Houston Rockets to consecutive championships between Jordan and the Bulls’ two three-peats. He earned league MVP honours in 1994 and was selected to 12 All-Star teams. Olajuwon, ranked at number three on our list of greatest centres of all time, is widely regarded as one of the most skilful centres in the league and was promptly selected by Jordan in his all-time starting five.
"It's going to be somewhat biased because I didn't play back in the days of Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, some of the great stars prior to me. And it's very tough because I'm friends with a lot of players today," Jordan explained. "But if I had to pick a centre, I would take [Hakeem] Olajuwon. That leaves out Shaq, Patrick Ewing. It leaves out Wilt Chamberlain. It leaves out a lot of people."
He further continued: "And the reason I would take Olajuwon is very simple: he is so versatile because of what he can give you from that position. It's not just his scoring, not just his rebounding or not just his blocked shots. People don't realise he was in the top seven in steals. He always made great decisions on the court. For all facets of the game, I have to give it to him."
Michael Jordan
Michael Jordan
Jordan’s lineup certainly looks formidable, combining versatility, shooting, defensive strength, and physical presence. Seeing all these icons play together at their peak would have been a remarkable spectacle.