Opinion
At halftime of the 2022 NBA All Star game, they formally celebrated the greatest 75 players (there was actually 76 due to a tie in the voting) from the NBA’s first 75 years.
It got me thinking, what is the greatest 12-man roster that can be assembled from those 76 legends?
This would be the greatest fantasy team of all. A team that, if all 12 players were magically in their prime, could potentially go 98-0 (82-0 in the regular season and 16-0 in the playoffs).
Without question, players have improved over time as the speed, strength, athleticism, height and three-point shooting ability have gone up. Therefore, with respect to the past legends of the game, this team will honour those advancements and have a more modern feel.
In selecting the team, I’ve factored in ESPN’s rankings and also considered the age of each player.
This team is built to win in 2022.
Notable omissions
Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Oscar Robertson are all ranked inside the ESPN top 12, however had all retired by 1974.
No doubt these legends could have adapted comfortably to the NBA in 2022, however there would be a substantial adjustment period needed. They would no longer be athletic outliers like they each were in the 1960s, and all three had retired prior to the three-point line coming into existence. Besides, Chamberlain (51%) and Russell’s (56%) free-throw percentages don’t suggest they would have attempted many threes.
No doubt all would excel, but with the quality of options from more modern players, I couldn’t find a way to squeeze them in.
Stephen Curry
Point guard, ranked 16th on ESPN
The greatest shooter of all time, Curry has revolutionised the NBA with his three-point shooting.
Magic Johnson
Point guard/shooting guard, ranked fourth on ESPN
The greatest playmaker of all time, Magic will enable the offense to flow to perfection.
Michael Jordan
Shooting guard, ranked first on ESPN
The greatest player of all time, he will have to be a little more selfless than usual on this team, but his mentality will help them aim for perfection.
(Photo by Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant
Shooting guard/small forward, ranked tenth on ESPN
Just when teams think they will be getting some respite as Jordan heads to the bench, on comes his heir apparent.
Kawhi Leonard
Small forward, ranked 33rd on ESPN
The epitome of the modern basketball player. Can do it all, plus can defend the opposition’s best player.
LeBron James
Small forward/power forward, ranked second on ESPN
His playmaking ability and brute strength will add another dimension.
Kevin Durant
Small Forward/power forward, ranked 12th on ESPN
The greatest three-level scorer of all time, when the shot clock is running down, give the ball to KD and get out of the way.
Larry Bird
Small forward/power forward, ranked seventh on ESPN
An unselfish star who can shoot the lights out, Bird would still be a sensation.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Power forward, ranked 18th on ESPN
His energy will give the opposition nightmares. Proved he belongs on this team in the 2021 playoffs.
Tim Duncan
Centre/power forward, ranked eighth on ESPN
Would be the perfect modern centre, as the NBA becomes more versatile. A fantastic leader.
Shaquille O’Neal
Centre, ranked 11th on ESPN
The most physically imposing player in history, prime Shaq has the athleticism to be a huge spark for this team.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Centre, ranked third on ESPN
The greatest big man of all time and with a sky-hook that works in any era.
I’m not going to pick a starting lineup as the debates of Magic vs Steph, Durant vs Duncan, and Duncan vs Kareem vs Shaq could go all day.
I will let Phil Jackson decide.
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