In sports writing, I often see an all time starting 5 list complying, in their opinion, the best NBA player ever at each position. This time, however, I want to make an all time starting 5 while also considering how well they would complement each other - not just using overall skill.
I'll pick them in order of the thought process.
1st pick - Easy. Michael Jordan. No-one was a better go-to scorer than MJ. The best primary scoring option of all time. MJ could also defend very well, had good court vision, etc. An all around player that was the best go-to scorer of all time. Plus, SG is the most shallow position of the 5. Picking MJ first was an easy choice to build a team around.
Now that I have a primary scorer, having another "go-to" guy could cause problems. I want players that can be great without having to be the "first option." Players that will perfectly compliment Michael Jordan.
2nd pick - Bill Russell. MJ is the ultimate go-to player, Bill Russell is the ultimate team player, and both are the two ultimate champions. Bill was the best defensive player of all time. He had great court vision and was always the smartest player on the court. MJ/Bill would be an unstoppable duo. MJ would anchor the offense and Bill would anchor the defense.
2nd pick - Bill Russell. MJ is the ultimate go-to player, Bill Russell is the ultimate team player, and both are the two ultimate champions. Bill was the best defensive player of all time. He had great court vision and was always the smartest player on the court. MJ/Bill would be an unstoppable duo. MJ would anchor the offense and Bill would anchor the defense.
As I now have MJ and Bill, I am looking for complimentary players. Players that don't need to dominate the ball, that have good ball movement, and just be good overall. Also MJ works best when the floor is spaced, so I want at least one great three point shooter if not two.
3rd pick - I'm going with Tim Duncan. Duncan has proved he is all about the team and all about winning. He wouldn't have any problem letting MJ be the go-to guy. "Mr. Fundamental" would be a perfect fit down low with Bill Russell.
4th pick - I'm taking Stephen Curry. Steph has good ball movement and is a team player. He cares about winning and would concede to let MJ be "the guy." Curry is the best 3 point shooter the league has ever seen. With his extra range and quick release, it will really spread the floor for Jordan to work.
5th pick - Because of his range, the SF I am going with is Larry Bird. Along with Curry, that gives me not one but two great 3 point shooters to open the lane up for MJ. Bird is also an all-around player. He'll contribute greatly to ball movement, rebounding, etc.
Starting Five
PG - Stephen Curry
SG - Michael Jordan
SF - Larry Bird
Big - Tim Duncan
Big - Bill Russell
Bill and Duncan are both skilled and athletic enough to play either center or power forward, so I just listed them both as "big."
This, in my opinion, would be the best all time starting five anyone could assembled. This team would be able to out score anyone with MJ leading the way and Bird and Curry spacing the floor. Ball movement would be top notch. With Bill Russell anchoring the defense, they could shut any team down defensively. Curry and Bird could "cheat" a bit, going for steals and such with Russell, Duncan, and MJ's help defense abilities. Basketball IQ would be through the roof with Russell, Duncan, Bird and MJ. Experience wise they have a combined 27 rings and 17 MVPs (and counting).
This, in my opinion, would be the best all time starting five anyone could assembled. This team would be able to out score anyone with MJ leading the way and Bird and Curry spacing the floor. Ball movement would be top notch. With Bill Russell anchoring the defense, they could shut any team down defensively. Curry and Bird could "cheat" a bit, going for steals and such with Russell, Duncan, and MJ's help defense abilities. Basketball IQ would be through the roof with Russell, Duncan, Bird and MJ. Experience wise they have a combined 27 rings and 17 MVPs (and counting).
