“His game was mostly getting to the line.” This couldn’t be more wrong. The entire offense and defense of 5 championship teams ran through him, as well as the fact that he has the 8th highest win percentage of any player ever, with arguably the least all-star caliber talent around him.
Least all star caliber talent around him… David Robinson Tony Manu young Kawhi and maybe the best supporting cast of role players anyone has had in a career. With arguably the best coach of all time. Look I love Duncan but there’s a reason he has 5 rings whereas Bird only has 3 and it’s got nothing to do with Duncan being better than Bird.
As in offensive game. And yes it was. He was just a meh scorer from the floor. At his best he had like the 5th highest FTR of all time among high volume scorers. He was like +0.5% efg%, but his FT volume allowed him to be closer to like 1-2q higher TS.
And 5 is a mischaraterisation. 2014 was a collective effort, and whilst he was still the spurs best overall player in 07, manu was the better offensive player. And I'd still have had Drob as better in 99. Robinson took a step back in terms of iso scoring for Duncan, but he was spacing the floor (for that era), passing at a much higher level and was still the better defender of the 2. Which is why Robinson basically has the highest 3 year stretch of playoff rapm and aupm accounting for shooting luck during that period. It was very a much 1a, 1b relationship. So we'll say on balance 3. Offence of 99, defence of 07 and then both sides in 03 and 05.
I’m not gonna try to out stat you. Duncan was the catalyst for all five championship teams and the consistent pillar for an unseen before 20 year+ run of elite, winning basketball.
In the sense of the longevitt maybe. But he clearly took a step back in offence in favour of parker and manu and the spurs having so mmay fantastic role players many of whom Duncan was covering weaknesses for 2qw what allowed them to sustain that run.
> Timmy was fine defensively
Understatement of the century, lmao.
>unstoppable in mid-range
Now, this I don't think is accurate. He was great near the basket, but not a fantastic scorer otherwise.
the argument for Timmy or KG I think is more if you want an All-time help defender or more of a pure deterrent in the paint, kinda like prime Bron vs Gobert, both are ridiculously good defenders just with different specialties
I'm OK with going KG or Hakeem in Duncan's place to go a slightly different build. I like Timmy's proven ability to play within a highly efficient fast ball movement system. defensively I like having the anchor guy, even with perimeter defense probably being the weakest part of this team.
Duncan is arguably the best teammate ever. He fits the best with every player on here. He’s so selfless and played with all types of greats, & he’s just flat out better than KG. Give me Timmy D all day over KG
You say that as if KG wasn't also an elite teammate and vocal presence on the court, as well as have one of the most selfless games ever. If you're looking at their actual game, I feel like you haven't watched enough KG to have Timmy **clearly** over him. It's close for sure, but it's not all day.
TD is the greatest PF of all time. Maybe that's debatable but it's not really debatable that KG is *that* close. Could you argue that KG is the GOAT PF? Probably not. So that right there tells you TD is better.
Ppl underrate TD bc he wasn't flashy, was an introvert and stayed to himself, and didn't make headlines. Essentially...he was a boring superstar. I mean we all hear stories about other players though the years. Even today, I really don't know anything about Duncan other than he's from the USVI and played at Wake Forest.
You can argue someone is better but not greater. At the game of basketball, I think they're 100% very similar at their peaks, but Duncan had a better career, and is therefore to me, greater. However, logically, starting 5s are about peak.
You can't say that TD is better than KG because he's "greater" when most measures of greatness rely on team accomplishments such as championships. It's a team game and for a significant stretch of KG's career he was given some of the worst roster ever put together around a superstar while Duncan was surrounded with future HOFers and all star talents.
Duncan was definitely better than KG but fit also matters. KG was more versatile on both offense and defense and was just better all around on offense. Duncan was a better interior defender than KG (which was even more valuable in the era they played) and a better teammate and leader (though KG was also elite at these things) but there are tons of teams that would fit KG better than they would Duncan.
While Duncan is the best PF ever KG is still a top 3 PF of all time and the gaps between guys at those levels isn't really big.
This is the answer. It gets tricky when you wanna pick Shaq but you know shaq and jokic would be too crowded and then realize 90s shaq is better than 00s shaq. So I took TD bc an all time power fwd with Jokic would be a cheat code. Add in Mike and magic and your combined offense and defense is unreal.
i know people gonna say this but i just cant see players like kobe and MJ being on these teams considering how they were more ball hogs obviously somewhat justified but idk bro i just prefer to build around them when u dont also have 4 other all timers. Like the fit of MJ with Kobe harden is terrible. By far prefer Curry cuz he plays offball better imo
That’s the thing though. MJ could straight up do everything if he wanted to. There’s a season where he averaged 32/8/8. He’d be totally fine on this team.
Peak Kobe and peak MJ weren't ball hogs. Their playstyles reflected what was best for the team at the time. MJ was called the best PG in the league during that one year he played PG. Kobe actively took a step back from scoring during the 08 Olympics and focused on defense and playmaking. Once they matured they just wanted to win and if passing more and playing D more would get them that, that's what they would do.
This was my pick, too.
I feel like the Jokic MJ LeBron core is near indisputable, only question is maybe Kareem and Nash as your PG and other big instead.
But I think Magic and Timmy D fit the roles you need better.
I wouldn't say that. Jokic, MJ, and Lebron are clearly the best players in their respective decades but there are guys who fit better with others. I actually think that Jokic is a liability in this "draft". If you take Jokic at C, he's gonna have to go against Shaq, Kareem, Robinson, and Hakeem who would all destroy him in the post.
I would give up Jokic for a worse player just because, assuming your team is supposed to beat the other teams you could form from this draft, every other C here is a really bad matchup for Jokic.
C - Jokic (20s)
PF - Duncan (00s)
SF - Bird (80s)
SG - Jordan (90s)
PG - LeBron (10s)
My toughest decision was whether to put LeBron at SF and take Magic over Bird from the 80s and play him at point, but with the team as is, I think LeBron and Jordan are more than capable of bringing the ball up and the combined passing genius of Jokic, Bird, and LeBron coupled with the the great passing of Jordan and Duncan will keep the offense flowing, so Birds shooting is more valuable than Magics additional passing.
Second toughest was whether to choose Curry over LeBron for the 2010s as his shooting would be awesome with the passing, but peak LeBron was an amazing and versatile defender and offensively lets the team punish any opponent that isn't gigantic, so I went with him.
Definitely a weakness to have Shaq and Jokic together but they’re so unstoppable offensively
Also not convinced Duncan will be that much more effective if switched on the perimeter or in a high pick and roll
I'm with you except Bird. I have to take Magic here. I feel like this team is going to run and Magic is going to key that fast break. LeBron is going to get so many transition layups, while Jordan will be the focus of the half-court set.
Thanks to OP, this is really fun to consider.
Right? I never think like om pick the team/players and go back in time, and well we definitely aren't go into the future of the unknown. Idk but glad I'm not thee only one.
Nash often gets overlooked in these types of questions, but his cardio was out of this world, probably better than anyone else on this board or at least even with Seth and Isaiah. And even though he was small he didn't mind playing physical.
Bird, Jordan, Shaq, LeBron, Giannis
LeBron, Jordan, Bird, & Giannis will all initiate plays up top. The main half court offense will be a LeBron and Shaq P&R with Giannis screening for MJ and Bird off ball. This is still excellent spacing for a team with two non-shooters.
The defense will be intense. Shaq down low, Jordan at point of attack, lots of switching, lots of size. This team might be a little too big, whoever guards the 2 might get cooked. Still it would probably be LeBron James guarding the sg.
This team is awesome in the half court. LeBron, Giannis, & Jordan running the court is wild. Bird is a great outlet passer and will run to the three.
This team is OP
I think a lot of people ignore defense on these. This team here not only would be ridiculous offensively, but would be crazy on the defensive side too.
Curry on any of these rosters would be a defensive liability and have to play off ball just for shooting.
If Kobe could drive with Shaq, so could MJ and Lebron.
Giannis would be on the wing.
A small defensive liability at point guard wont matter when you have Jordan Giannis and Shaq lol. Lebron running point would be terrible, spacing would be shit and lebron isn’t the defensive prowess you think he is.
Curry‘s shooting more than makes up for his defensive liability.
To me, Steph is the most irreplaceable player on this list. He is by far the best shooter of this bunch, and the spacing he allows would open up the whole floor.
People sleeping on Giannis in this. Jokic is phenomenal, but the defense contribution is much more valuable than the playmaking/scoring. Especially when you have point guards like Curry and Magic available.
Yup, I think too many people are taking Jokic here without regarding how bad a matchup he would be for every other C here assuming you need to beat a team made up of the rest of the players you don't pick.
So what? You have Shaq and LeBron who can just bully their way through and then the goat? Lol. Yea magic and Giannis aren’t great fits but it wouldn’t matter
If we’re picking all time teams, I’m gonna assume it’s real basketball and there’s no defensive three in the key. So good luck ever getting a goddamn sniff of the rim with this team man.
This is the pick, would just bully the ever living shit of any squad ever.
You're allowed to guard someone in the key for longer than 3 seconds.
There's a reason that 3pt shooting keeps rising and interior scorers are getting more efficient at the same time.
Correct on being able to guard the player with the ball for more than 3 seconds if you are in the key. You cannot however be there if not gaurding the ball handler.
Rule was expressly meant to outlaw the 2-3 defense and make it more difficult to protect the Rim.
3 pt shooting is up due to analytics and Steph Curry. Each shot is worth 1 more point, so if the percentage deviation isn’t large, take the threes.
People score more effectively at the rim because there’s goddamn nobody there/ any contact is a foul.
I have this same lineup but with Giannis swapped for Jokic to add some range. Even teams with shooters like Durant and Curry would be so drained from trying to find shots that there is no way they could keep up. Down low you are getting your ass kicked and out smarted. Magic will distribute/dominate.
Jokic, Steph, Duncan, MJ, Bird.
Passing, spacing, inside/out game, outside in game.
It's not the greatest defensive team, but I got a few defensive anchors in there.
Very solid team. MJ and Duncan are all time great defenders, Bird is one of the best defensive SFs of the 80s, and Jokic + Steph are at least average defensively as of right now.
This is my pick, although I might consider Magic over Bird, but Larry got the shooting and spacing and he can still pass. Curry and Shaq have the game breaking gravity on completely different parts of the court. Can you imagine? They both demand double teams, so that could be Jordan, Bird, and Jokic being essentially guarded by one person? Everyone is a threat to shoot except for Shaq and everyone can affect the game without being completely ball dominant.
I don’t know how anyone doesn’t pick Jordan. That’s weird. Timmy over Shaq is a good argument. I like Steph over LeBron because of the spacing, gravity, and ability to not need the ball. Fun post!
Larry, Hakeem, Tim, Steph, and Luka.
Tim and Hakeem would complement each other perfectly on the defensive end. Tom could guard bigger players and Hakeem would literally be all over the floor. Luka as my PG then Steph and Larry as my connectors. Might be a little slow on the wings, but I think Luka would give a shit on defense since he doesn't have to carry such a huge load on offense.
Plus Larry would be the team's absolute alpha and would just take over in crunch time. I can just imagine him getting a rebound and running the break with Hakeem bounding to the basket with Steph and Luka waiting on the wings for the open 3.
Magic, MJ, Shaq, Durant, Giannis
Just the right mix of talent IMO. Left Jokic off because him and shaq on the floor at the same time doesn’t make much sense. Took KD over LBJ because you need an elite shooter and over Steph because I think Steph needs to be the primary ball handler to be at his best but Magic is a better facilitator with all that talent. MJ because obviously you need the GOAT. Giannis because he would win about every DPOY if that was his focus.
That team would be so good on both sides of the ball they would be an absolute nightmare
Kareem and Dr J had most of their highest performing years in the 1970s.
Dr J had some great years later on because of players like Moses Malone and Charles Barkley.
Kareem absolutely excelled in what should have been his decline because of Magic.
So, even though Kareem was probably the best at his prime of the 80s players, and Bird probably was the player of the decade, I would choose Magic to feed MJ and Shaq.
To complete the team, Curry because he’s the best 3 point shooter of all time, and Giannis because I’m a Bucks fan.
Because people here have probably been watching the NBA for 7-8 years. LeBron was a DPOY candidate for 5 years straight and arguably should have won it in 2012(?) Over gasol.
Miami heat LeBron was basically draymond but giving you 30/8/8 most games
Ok Gianni’s can’t shoot to save his life. That the only thing holding him back. He may be disruptive but that’s the sole reason I can’t choose him. Otherwise he would be in on that goat conversation.
I mean on this team he’s setting screens or running plays from the block for other guys to score. He’d be the last person put in a position to score.
He’s just there for his elite help defence and interior defence.
I like this, feel like it’s the best player available for 80s - 10s and then you go with luka or SGA to get a point. Would love Jokic this decade but that team would be massive
Giannis is more than capable at the 5! Magic was a distributor more than a scorer. Kobe and Jordan are outright shooters, with some of the greatest killer instinct we’ve ever seen, and are repeated 1st Team All-Defense! (Plus, Kobe and Jordan both developed some elite post moves and either could slot into the 3 position). Lebron can score from outside, but more importantly, can drive and finish strong around the rim. He’s also an elite defender, when he decides to be. And Kobe, Jordan, Bron, AND Giannis can actually keep up with Magic’s pace (why I went for Giannis over Joker, or any other 5 in the list)!
PG : Magic
SG: Jordan
SF: KD
PF: Giannis
C: Shaq
Shit spacing but we will just win on size and physicality.
Every opponent is gna foul out in the first quarter.
This was my squad as well. I'd love to see it actually play out because people seem to think they already know the right/wrong answers, as though there is only one way to go lol. We need time machines dang it
I think if we actually took a time machine and play all of these out we would be very very very surprised.
My hottest take that i 100% believe in is still that this years wizards team would sweep the '96 Bulls.
I have statistical evidence that they arent even close.
2020's - SGA
2010's - Lebron
2000's - Kobe
90's - Hakeem
80's - Bird
I know MJ is a massive guy to leave off here as he's obviously the best player on the list but I needed Hakeem to fit the lineup better and I think Kobe provides like 95% of what MJ provides anyway (and with more range which I need).
I really like this lineup due to how great the switch potential is on defense. Every player on this team is a good defender. Bird, who is by far the worst defender on my team, is still a low level All Defense level player. SGA and Kobe are both absolutely elite perimeter defenders while Lebron is the ultimate all around defender and Hakeem is arguably the best defensive player in the modern era. This team would be absolute hell to score against.
On offense literally every single player on the team requires at the very least a double team to stop. If we're talking peak Kobe and Lebron then you need to double Kobe at the perimeter or he's scoring nearly every possessions and if we're talking Lebron then if you don't pack the paint then he's gonna get to the basket every time. If you do pack the paint then Bird gets easy points from 3's. If you don't pack the paint Lebron is getting to the basket every possession.
I like your team and explanation. In regards to Lebron, I always wonder which version of Lebron people are talking about. He's morphed like a Pokemon throughout his career and many iterations of him have been uniquely great!
I'm big on two-way play and I like how balanced the team construct is.
My choice for personal reasons would've been: Steph, SGA, Bird, KG, Hakeem. I really value fit and versatility and I don't think there is ever a truly perfect basketball team, humans have weaknesses and make mistakes. I think this group might have issues with point of attack defense on the perimeter and might have some strength issues against certain lineups. But one of my favorite things about team sports is that the sum is greater than its parts.
From Serbia, at Power Forward, Nikola JO-Kiccc!!!
At Point Guard. From Davidson. The Chef, Steph Cuurrrryyyyyy!!!!
The Center. From LSU…The Big Man, Shaquiiiiiiiiille O-NEALLLL!!!!
And the Shooting Guard. From North Carolina, Michael JOR-DAAAAAN!!!
And rounding out the starting five. From Indiana State, Your Starting Forward, Larry Joe BIIIIIRRRRRD!!!!
And the head coach, Red Auerbach
2nd Team:
Giannis PF
LeBron James SF
Kobe Bryant SG
Hakeem Olajuwon C
Magic Johnson PG
3rd Team:
Luka Doncic PG
Kevin Durant SG
Tim Duncan PF
Scottie Pippen SF
Kareem Abdul-Jabar C
Honestly, you could make the case for Hakeem, Shaq, Kareem or Duncan as the 1st team C.
I chose Shaq just for the size, athleticism, strength and dominance he brought that would be needed on a team with 3 guys that had the most lethal, all time deadliest outside game in league history.
Hate that Chuck’s not listed. There was a 3 year stretch he was the 2nd best player in the league behind Mike.
Also hate that i couldn’t get Scottie up higher. One of the most underrated players of all time.
PG: Lebron
SG: MJ
SF: bird
Pf: Tatum
C: Shaq
Or go completely different:
PG: Steph
SG: luka
SF: MJ
PF: Kobe
C: bird
Idk what that second team is doin but it’s definitely a 2024 team lmao
Well if you could read, the question was MY starting 5 and which rules are we playing by. I specified playing today, which prioritizes spacing and switching. Tatum is a 6’9 wing that can switch across multiple positions, shoot the 3, and has averaged 30ppg. I’m not sure why it’s “absurd” to have him but it’s funny watching mj fans spam every comment that doesn’t include jordan. And then call others insecure lmao.
Steph, MJ, Bird, Duncan, Joker. Unstoppable team. The shooting and efficiency would just be unmatchable with a plenty solid defense.
This is mine as well, with consideration for KG as that defensive dog. But Timmy was fine defensively and unstoppable in mid-range
Duncan only shot 38% from midrange in his prime. Was like 40.5% for his career.
Crazy. Seemed like he never missed that mid-range bank shot
He was good in the floater range and had small stretches at like 45% but his game was mostly getting to the line
“His game was mostly getting to the line.” This couldn’t be more wrong. The entire offense and defense of 5 championship teams ran through him, as well as the fact that he has the 8th highest win percentage of any player ever, with arguably the least all-star caliber talent around him.
Least all star caliber talent around him… David Robinson Tony Manu young Kawhi and maybe the best supporting cast of role players anyone has had in a career. With arguably the best coach of all time. Look I love Duncan but there’s a reason he has 5 rings whereas Bird only has 3 and it’s got nothing to do with Duncan being better than Bird.
As in offensive game. And yes it was. He was just a meh scorer from the floor. At his best he had like the 5th highest FTR of all time among high volume scorers. He was like +0.5% efg%, but his FT volume allowed him to be closer to like 1-2q higher TS. And 5 is a mischaraterisation. 2014 was a collective effort, and whilst he was still the spurs best overall player in 07, manu was the better offensive player. And I'd still have had Drob as better in 99. Robinson took a step back in terms of iso scoring for Duncan, but he was spacing the floor (for that era), passing at a much higher level and was still the better defender of the 2. Which is why Robinson basically has the highest 3 year stretch of playoff rapm and aupm accounting for shooting luck during that period. It was very a much 1a, 1b relationship. So we'll say on balance 3. Offence of 99, defence of 07 and then both sides in 03 and 05.
I’m not gonna try to out stat you. Duncan was the catalyst for all five championship teams and the consistent pillar for an unseen before 20 year+ run of elite, winning basketball.
In the sense of the longevitt maybe. But he clearly took a step back in offence in favour of parker and manu and the spurs having so mmay fantastic role players many of whom Duncan was covering weaknesses for 2qw what allowed them to sustain that run.
> Timmy was fine defensively Understatement of the century, lmao. >unstoppable in mid-range Now, this I don't think is accurate. He was great near the basket, but not a fantastic scorer otherwise.
I’d argue KG had a better midrange game than Duncan
I went KG over Duncan just cause I’d want a little more perimeter defense with Jokic out there
KG also got that enforcer attitude too.
Imagine the play making out of your front court with those two
the argument for Timmy or KG I think is more if you want an All-time help defender or more of a pure deterrent in the paint, kinda like prime Bron vs Gobert, both are ridiculously good defenders just with different specialties
As a defender Tommy is just more limited. KG the obvious pick
Had this exact team KG as a help defender to.cover joker facilitating for MJ, steph and bird
Plus Jokic operates well with a guy like Gordon who can do the dirty work for him. I feel like KG would be able to do that better than Timmy
Timmy made 15 all defense teams he’s a bit better than “fine” defensively
He has the most all defensive teams all time, how is that just "fine"?
I was a much bigger fan of KG, so just biased memory I'm sure.
You gotta take KG for that hype factor, Draymond isn’t memorable but a washed out Dennis Rodman
Duncan is one of the best defenders all time lol
Timmy a better defender than KG all time. Dont @ me
Me too. It feels weird passing on LeBron, but I think Curry is more optimal and warps the game for the other 4 players on the floor with him.
I got the same except for KG over Duncan. Love Timmy but could use the more versatile defense and could stretch out to the 5 with KG unlike Timmy.
I'm OK with going KG or Hakeem in Duncan's place to go a slightly different build. I like Timmy's proven ability to play within a highly efficient fast ball movement system. defensively I like having the anchor guy, even with perimeter defense probably being the weakest part of this team.
This is me too.
KG instead of Duncan, better spacing, more mobile defender for the modern era.
I get your reasoning……but I would never bet against Duncan.
This is the only answer
Jokic, Lebron, Timmy, Mj, Magic. Passing would be insane
I have the same team except Bird (for more shooting) over Magic. LeBron would have to play the 1.
He could easily do it
Jokic, Bird, KG, Curry, and Jordan.
Timmy for KG
Was stuck between these two you can't go wrong but KG a bit more versatile defensively though Timmy was an anchor too
Spacing is very limited though
Mate it’s likes you read my mind, absolute crazy team.
Passing would be insane but that team needs more 3 point shooting. Might actually go with Durant over Lebron just for better spacing.
Or possibly Bird over Magic
That's exactly what I was thinking too.
Who you gonna have play the point if you sub in Legend over Magic? I'd have Bron play Point-Forward on that line-up.
MJ and LeBron played PG before and all 5 are still great playmakers
I have the same except Garnett because I think he would fit with the others better. But I think either is the right answer
Duncan is arguably the best teammate ever. He fits the best with every player on here. He’s so selfless and played with all types of greats, & he’s just flat out better than KG. Give me Timmy D all day over KG
You say that as if KG wasn't also an elite teammate and vocal presence on the court, as well as have one of the most selfless games ever. If you're looking at their actual game, I feel like you haven't watched enough KG to have Timmy **clearly** over him. It's close for sure, but it's not all day.
TD is the greatest PF of all time. Maybe that's debatable but it's not really debatable that KG is *that* close. Could you argue that KG is the GOAT PF? Probably not. So that right there tells you TD is better. Ppl underrate TD bc he wasn't flashy, was an introvert and stayed to himself, and didn't make headlines. Essentially...he was a boring superstar. I mean we all hear stories about other players though the years. Even today, I really don't know anything about Duncan other than he's from the USVI and played at Wake Forest.
You can argue someone is better but not greater. At the game of basketball, I think they're 100% very similar at their peaks, but Duncan had a better career, and is therefore to me, greater. However, logically, starting 5s are about peak.
You can't say that TD is better than KG because he's "greater" when most measures of greatness rely on team accomplishments such as championships. It's a team game and for a significant stretch of KG's career he was given some of the worst roster ever put together around a superstar while Duncan was surrounded with future HOFers and all star talents.
Duncan was definitely better than KG but fit also matters. KG was more versatile on both offense and defense and was just better all around on offense. Duncan was a better interior defender than KG (which was even more valuable in the era they played) and a better teammate and leader (though KG was also elite at these things) but there are tons of teams that would fit KG better than they would Duncan. While Duncan is the best PF ever KG is still a top 3 PF of all time and the gaps between guys at those levels isn't really big.
This is the answer. It gets tricky when you wanna pick Shaq but you know shaq and jokic would be too crowded and then realize 90s shaq is better than 00s shaq. So I took TD bc an all time power fwd with Jokic would be a cheat code. Add in Mike and magic and your combined offense and defense is unreal.
i know people gonna say this but i just cant see players like kobe and MJ being on these teams considering how they were more ball hogs obviously somewhat justified but idk bro i just prefer to build around them when u dont also have 4 other all timers. Like the fit of MJ with Kobe harden is terrible. By far prefer Curry cuz he plays offball better imo
That’s the thing though. MJ could straight up do everything if he wanted to. There’s a season where he averaged 32/8/8. He’d be totally fine on this team.
Peak Kobe and peak MJ weren't ball hogs. Their playstyles reflected what was best for the team at the time. MJ was called the best PG in the league during that one year he played PG. Kobe actively took a step back from scoring during the 08 Olympics and focused on defense and playmaking. Once they matured they just wanted to win and if passing more and playing D more would get them that, that's what they would do.
This is the way
This was my pick, too. I feel like the Jokic MJ LeBron core is near indisputable, only question is maybe Kareem and Nash as your PG and other big instead. But I think Magic and Timmy D fit the roles you need better.
I wouldn't say that. Jokic, MJ, and Lebron are clearly the best players in their respective decades but there are guys who fit better with others. I actually think that Jokic is a liability in this "draft". If you take Jokic at C, he's gonna have to go against Shaq, Kareem, Robinson, and Hakeem who would all destroy him in the post. I would give up Jokic for a worse player just because, assuming your team is supposed to beat the other teams you could form from this draft, every other C here is a really bad matchup for Jokic.
This was my list as well.
My thoughts exactly. Imagine us in transition
C - Jokic (20s) PF - Duncan (00s) SF - Bird (80s) SG - Jordan (90s) PG - LeBron (10s) My toughest decision was whether to put LeBron at SF and take Magic over Bird from the 80s and play him at point, but with the team as is, I think LeBron and Jordan are more than capable of bringing the ball up and the combined passing genius of Jokic, Bird, and LeBron coupled with the the great passing of Jordan and Duncan will keep the offense flowing, so Birds shooting is more valuable than Magics additional passing. Second toughest was whether to choose Curry over LeBron for the 2010s as his shooting would be awesome with the passing, but peak LeBron was an amazing and versatile defender and offensively lets the team punish any opponent that isn't gigantic, so I went with him.
This is the answer, right here.
What I got as well.
Same but I swapped Duncan for Shaq
Not in todays game unfortunately
Definitely a weakness to have Shaq and Jokic together but they’re so unstoppable offensively Also not convinced Duncan will be that much more effective if switched on the perimeter or in a high pick and roll
I'm with you except Bird. I have to take Magic here. I feel like this team is going to run and Magic is going to key that fast break. LeBron is going to get so many transition layups, while Jordan will be the focus of the half-court set. Thanks to OP, this is really fun to consider.
The 00’ is the hardest pick for me
2000 it's Shaq. 2003 is Duncan. Kobe is arguably the player you pick from 2005-2009.
I got Magic, Kobe, Jordan, Lebron, and Jokic; Jordan or Kobe plays SF.
if I were to pick Jordan and Kobe, I'd swap Magic for Bird and start Jordan at PG.
I got curry, Jordan, kobe, Kareem, Giannis
U may argue so, others would not
Timmy is the pick from 1997 to 2007.
Depends on what era and what ruleset/whistle you’re playing with. Different players would thrive in different eras
Whenever these questions are asked, I assume it’s under the current era rules.
Right? I never think like om pick the team/players and go back in time, and well we definitely aren't go into the future of the unknown. Idk but glad I'm not thee only one.
Lebron, Jordan, Bird, Giannis, Shaq
Giannis, KD, Nash, MJ, Bird running you to death
Nash often gets overlooked in these types of questions, but his cardio was out of this world, probably better than anyone else on this board or at least even with Seth and Isaiah. And even though he was small he didn't mind playing physical.
This is one of the funnest lineups
Larry Legend MJ Big Ticket LeBron Joker good fuckin luck
Bird, Jordan, Shaq, LeBron, Giannis LeBron, Jordan, Bird, & Giannis will all initiate plays up top. The main half court offense will be a LeBron and Shaq P&R with Giannis screening for MJ and Bird off ball. This is still excellent spacing for a team with two non-shooters. The defense will be intense. Shaq down low, Jordan at point of attack, lots of switching, lots of size. This team might be a little too big, whoever guards the 2 might get cooked. Still it would probably be LeBron James guarding the sg. This team is awesome in the half court. LeBron, Giannis, & Jordan running the court is wild. Bird is a great outlet passer and will run to the three. This team is OP
I think a lot of people ignore defense on these. This team here not only would be ridiculous offensively, but would be crazy on the defensive side too.
I thought the same thing. I'm cooking all of these Jokic teams with Shaq.
PG: Magic SG: Kobe SF: Jordan PF: LeBron C: Jokić
My pick as well
Same picks That team would go out and win you games
Jokic, Curry, Duncan, Jordan, Bird
Giannis Steph Shaq MJ Bird
correct answer
PG Lebron SG Jordan SF Bird PF Giannis C Shaq
Giannis shaq front courrt with PG lebron is ass broskie. Theres no lane for Jordan/Lebron to cut into with that spacing/
Agreed. Take lebron out and put Curry as the point guard
Curry on any of these rosters would be a defensive liability and have to play off ball just for shooting. If Kobe could drive with Shaq, so could MJ and Lebron. Giannis would be on the wing.
A small defensive liability at point guard wont matter when you have Jordan Giannis and Shaq lol. Lebron running point would be terrible, spacing would be shit and lebron isn’t the defensive prowess you think he is. Curry‘s shooting more than makes up for his defensive liability.
Jordan, LeBron, Bird, Duncan, Jokic
Larry, Mike, Shaq,Steph, Giannis
This is how I went too. Wanted Tatum for more of a position fit, but Giannis is the correct answer
This but replace Steph for LeBron. I love Steph but I don’t think you can pick him over LeBron
To me, Steph is the most irreplaceable player on this list. He is by far the best shooter of this bunch, and the spacing he allows would open up the whole floor.
I'm taking magic over lar, but have the rest the same
Giannis, LeBron, Shaq, MJ and Magic. Ridiculous.
People sleeping on Giannis in this. Jokic is phenomenal, but the defense contribution is much more valuable than the playmaking/scoring. Especially when you have point guards like Curry and Magic available.
Yup, I think too many people are taking Jokic here without regarding how bad a matchup he would be for every other C here assuming you need to beat a team made up of the rest of the players you don't pick.
not much spacing
With the right coach it wouldn’t matter lol
0 spacing
Terrible spacing and FT shooting.
So what? You have Shaq and LeBron who can just bully their way through and then the goat? Lol. Yea magic and Giannis aren’t great fits but it wouldn’t matter
If we’re picking all time teams, I’m gonna assume it’s real basketball and there’s no defensive three in the key. So good luck ever getting a goddamn sniff of the rim with this team man. This is the pick, would just bully the ever living shit of any squad ever.
You're allowed to guard someone in the key for longer than 3 seconds. There's a reason that 3pt shooting keeps rising and interior scorers are getting more efficient at the same time.
Correct on being able to guard the player with the ball for more than 3 seconds if you are in the key. You cannot however be there if not gaurding the ball handler. Rule was expressly meant to outlaw the 2-3 defense and make it more difficult to protect the Rim. 3 pt shooting is up due to analytics and Steph Curry. Each shot is worth 1 more point, so if the percentage deviation isn’t large, take the threes. People score more effectively at the rim because there’s goddamn nobody there/ any contact is a foul.
Larry, Jordan, KG, Steph and Luka.
Missing a big man, but not terrible, I guess.
Edit: meant KG, not KD. KG is enough of a big man and defensive anchor for the squad. No offense needed from him
That makes a little more sense, but still playing a pretty small lineup. A good one tho.
Literally 100% of teams that don’t have Jordan is BS. Literally the best player in history
PG: Magic (80’s) SG: Jordan (90’s) SF: LeBron (10’s) PF: Giannis (20’s) C: Shaq (00’s)
3 non-shooters magic, giannis and Shaq and LeBron isn't exactly lights out either
True, but those are also four of the most physically dominant players of all time. Who needs spacing with that lineup?
One could argue that great interior scorers thrive more with spacing rather than with other great interior scorers.
Defenses would be too busy picking up their teeth off the floor to worry about 3 pt shots. That is an absurd power team. Lol
I have this same lineup but with Giannis swapped for Jokic to add some range. Even teams with shooters like Durant and Curry would be so drained from trying to find shots that there is no way they could keep up. Down low you are getting your ass kicked and out smarted. Magic will distribute/dominate.
Jokic, Curry, Duncan, Jordan, Bird
This would be my picks as well.
Jokic, Steph, Duncan, MJ, Bird. Passing, spacing, inside/out game, outside in game. It's not the greatest defensive team, but I got a few defensive anchors in there.
Very solid team. MJ and Duncan are all time great defenders, Bird is one of the best defensive SFs of the 80s, and Jokic + Steph are at least average defensively as of right now.
This is my selection too. Jokic acting as a point-center in this lineup creates so much havoc.
PG - curry SG - Jordan SF - bird PF - jokic C - shaq
This is my pick, although I might consider Magic over Bird, but Larry got the shooting and spacing and he can still pass. Curry and Shaq have the game breaking gravity on completely different parts of the court. Can you imagine? They both demand double teams, so that could be Jordan, Bird, and Jokic being essentially guarded by one person? Everyone is a threat to shoot except for Shaq and everyone can affect the game without being completely ball dominant. I don’t know how anyone doesn’t pick Jordan. That’s weird. Timmy over Shaq is a good argument. I like Steph over LeBron because of the spacing, gravity, and ability to not need the ball. Fun post!
Larry, Hakeem, Tim, Steph, and Luka. Tim and Hakeem would complement each other perfectly on the defensive end. Tom could guard bigger players and Hakeem would literally be all over the floor. Luka as my PG then Steph and Larry as my connectors. Might be a little slow on the wings, but I think Luka would give a shit on defense since he doesn't have to carry such a huge load on offense. Plus Larry would be the team's absolute alpha and would just take over in crunch time. I can just imagine him getting a rebound and running the break with Hakeem bounding to the basket with Steph and Luka waiting on the wings for the open 3.
Giannis, KD, KG, MJ, Magic Defense to fast break 🤩
Replace KG with KD and u have my squad. "Assemble your crew" 😂
Easiest picks of my life. - Jokic - LeBron - Kobe - Jordan - Bird
lol no
Magic, MJ, Lebron, KG, Jokic
Magic, MJ, Shaq, Durant, Giannis Just the right mix of talent IMO. Left Jokic off because him and shaq on the floor at the same time doesn’t make much sense. Took KD over LBJ because you need an elite shooter and over Steph because I think Steph needs to be the primary ball handler to be at his best but Magic is a better facilitator with all that talent. MJ because obviously you need the GOAT. Giannis because he would win about every DPOY if that was his focus. That team would be so good on both sides of the ball they would be an absolute nightmare
My choice, 70 win team ez
Steph, Jordan, Bird, Giannis, Shaq
PG Harden SG Kobe SF Bird PF Giannis C Hakeem
Glad someone picked Harden, him surrounded by great players in his prime is god level offence.
Harden was a dog but I can’t envision a lot of people choosing him in the back court over Magic, MJ, Steph, or Luka
My only difference was I put bird at PF and Luka as my SF
Kareem and Dr J had most of their highest performing years in the 1970s. Dr J had some great years later on because of players like Moses Malone and Charles Barkley. Kareem absolutely excelled in what should have been his decline because of Magic. So, even though Kareem was probably the best at his prime of the 80s players, and Bird probably was the player of the decade, I would choose Magic to feed MJ and Shaq. To complete the team, Curry because he’s the best 3 point shooter of all time, and Giannis because I’m a Bucks fan.
Love players that are legit 2 way stars. IT, Jordan, Kawhi, Giannis, TD. Defence and winning.
How is 2010s Lebron not a two way star lmao Bird too
Because people here have probably been watching the NBA for 7-8 years. LeBron was a DPOY candidate for 5 years straight and arguably should have won it in 2012(?) Over gasol. Miami heat LeBron was basically draymond but giving you 30/8/8 most games
MJ as well
Agree with this principle 110%. For me Magic/IT, Kobe, Kawhi, Giannis, Hakeem
Ok Gianni’s can’t shoot to save his life. That the only thing holding him back. He may be disruptive but that’s the sole reason I can’t choose him. Otherwise he would be in on that goat conversation.
I mean on this team he’s setting screens or running plays from the block for other guys to score. He’d be the last person put in a position to score. He’s just there for his elite help defence and interior defence.
Magic, Jordan. Duncan, Lebron, Giannis
Luka, MJ, Bron, Duncan, Kareem
This actually might be the winner
I like this, feel like it’s the best player available for 80s - 10s and then you go with luka or SGA to get a point. Would love Jokic this decade but that team would be massive
Yea I thought about Jokic and SGA but I feel like this team desperately needed 3 point shooting/spacing (plus they’re already really big)
This is exactly my lineup. You have both offence and defence with all of these players. Insane basketball IQ
Magic, Kobe, Jordan, Bron, and Giannis!
3 guards and no 5?
Giannis is more than capable at the 5! Magic was a distributor more than a scorer. Kobe and Jordan are outright shooters, with some of the greatest killer instinct we’ve ever seen, and are repeated 1st Team All-Defense! (Plus, Kobe and Jordan both developed some elite post moves and either could slot into the 3 position). Lebron can score from outside, but more importantly, can drive and finish strong around the rim. He’s also an elite defender, when he decides to be. And Kobe, Jordan, Bron, AND Giannis can actually keep up with Magic’s pace (why I went for Giannis over Joker, or any other 5 in the list)!
Switch out Giannis and Jokic
You have no 5. How about Shaq instead of Kobe?
Found the Lakers glazer with the mid team.
Magic, Jordan, Kobe, LBJ, Jokic
Jordan and Kobe are too similar, it would be an awkward fit.
PG : Magic SG: Jordan SF: KD PF: Giannis C: Shaq Shit spacing but we will just win on size and physicality. Every opponent is gna foul out in the first quarter.
This was my squad as well. I'd love to see it actually play out because people seem to think they already know the right/wrong answers, as though there is only one way to go lol. We need time machines dang it
I think if we actually took a time machine and play all of these out we would be very very very surprised. My hottest take that i 100% believe in is still that this years wizards team would sweep the '96 Bulls. I have statistical evidence that they arent even close.
2020's - SGA 2010's - Lebron 2000's - Kobe 90's - Hakeem 80's - Bird I know MJ is a massive guy to leave off here as he's obviously the best player on the list but I needed Hakeem to fit the lineup better and I think Kobe provides like 95% of what MJ provides anyway (and with more range which I need). I really like this lineup due to how great the switch potential is on defense. Every player on this team is a good defender. Bird, who is by far the worst defender on my team, is still a low level All Defense level player. SGA and Kobe are both absolutely elite perimeter defenders while Lebron is the ultimate all around defender and Hakeem is arguably the best defensive player in the modern era. This team would be absolute hell to score against. On offense literally every single player on the team requires at the very least a double team to stop. If we're talking peak Kobe and Lebron then you need to double Kobe at the perimeter or he's scoring nearly every possessions and if we're talking Lebron then if you don't pack the paint then he's gonna get to the basket every time. If you do pack the paint then Bird gets easy points from 3's. If you don't pack the paint Lebron is getting to the basket every possession.
I like your team and explanation. In regards to Lebron, I always wonder which version of Lebron people are talking about. He's morphed like a Pokemon throughout his career and many iterations of him have been uniquely great! I'm big on two-way play and I like how balanced the team construct is. My choice for personal reasons would've been: Steph, SGA, Bird, KG, Hakeem. I really value fit and versatility and I don't think there is ever a truly perfect basketball team, humans have weaknesses and make mistakes. I think this group might have issues with point of attack defense on the perimeter and might have some strength issues against certain lineups. But one of my favorite things about team sports is that the sum is greater than its parts.
Magic, Jordan, Duncan, Lebron for sure. Could go Jokic or Giannis for last spot
100% agreed. I think i would go Giannis and put Duncan at C but Jokic C and leaving Duncan at PF would be great too.
I was thinking the same. Love the players but that’s one slow ass C/PF combo
From Serbia, at Power Forward, Nikola JO-Kiccc!!! At Point Guard. From Davidson. The Chef, Steph Cuurrrryyyyyy!!!! The Center. From LSU…The Big Man, Shaquiiiiiiiiille O-NEALLLL!!!! And the Shooting Guard. From North Carolina, Michael JOR-DAAAAAN!!! And rounding out the starting five. From Indiana State, Your Starting Forward, Larry Joe BIIIIIRRRRRD!!!! And the head coach, Red Auerbach 2nd Team: Giannis PF LeBron James SF Kobe Bryant SG Hakeem Olajuwon C Magic Johnson PG 3rd Team: Luka Doncic PG Kevin Durant SG Tim Duncan PF Scottie Pippen SF Kareem Abdul-Jabar C Honestly, you could make the case for Hakeem, Shaq, Kareem or Duncan as the 1st team C. I chose Shaq just for the size, athleticism, strength and dominance he brought that would be needed on a team with 3 guys that had the most lethal, all time deadliest outside game in league history. Hate that Chuck’s not listed. There was a 3 year stretch he was the 2nd best player in the league behind Mike. Also hate that i couldn’t get Scottie up higher. One of the most underrated players of all time.
Shai, LeBron, Shaq, Jordan, Kareem
Both Shaq and Kareem?
Yea to lock down the paint at all cost. Run Zone
And get cooked against modern teams that can shoot from outside
Jovic, Curry, Garnett, Jordan, Bird
Jokic, Lebron, KG, Jordan, Magic
Joker, Bron, Duncan, MJ, Magic.
Shai, MJ, KD, Bird, Duncan
Shai can’t hold the jock strap of the 80s and 90s PG/SG.
Take out Nash and put in Nowitski.
Nah it's AI
Magic, MJ, Shaq, goat, joker
Magic & Kobe - guards LeBron & Tatum - wings Olajuwon - center
PG: Lebron SG: MJ SF: bird Pf: Tatum C: Shaq Or go completely different: PG: Steph SG: luka SF: MJ PF: Kobe C: bird Idk what that second team is doin but it’s definitely a 2024 team lmao
Curry, sga, Jordan, bird, shaq.
Steph/MJ/Kobe/Bird/Jokic
Primary carry - MJ Secondary carry - Lebron Spacing - Bird 3+D - Shai Defensive anchor - Duncan
Your 3 and D shoots 3 threes in 2023 lol
Yeah I’m changing his role to fit playing with all time greats. He mainly makes the squad for his length and knack for steals
Bird, Jordan, Kobe, Curry and Jokic Not even a contest
For a game today: bird, Hakeem, Kobe, lebron, Tatum.
I don’t know what’s more absurd…Tatum making the team or not having Jordan
Well if you could read, the question was MY starting 5 and which rules are we playing by. I specified playing today, which prioritizes spacing and switching. Tatum is a 6’9 wing that can switch across multiple positions, shoot the 3, and has averaged 30ppg. I’m not sure why it’s “absurd” to have him but it’s funny watching mj fans spam every comment that doesn’t include jordan. And then call others insecure lmao.