If you read my post a few weeks ago as the basketball world was getting ready for the NCAA Final Four men’s basketball tournament you know that is my most favorite weekend in all of sports. Since the NBA Playoffs are really heating up, I thought I would put together an all-time NBA Final Four. The difference in the NCAA Final Four and the NBA Final Four is that the NBA teams are playing a five-game series so there is no one and done. Each team must win 3 of the 5 games. As you can see the players are from all different eras, but they will all play by the current rules. (You will have to use your imagination in some cases i.e. West did not play with a 3-point shot but I believe it would have helped him score even more.) All the players are playing at their prime so there is no “old” Wilt playing against a young Kareem. Think of these elite players at their best. I’m sorry if you did not have the opportunity to see them personally. Finally, this is a TEAM tournament and every player on each team must “buy in” to their role for the success of the team. Obviously, there are GOATS on each team but that’s not what this is about. So, who is your pick to win the championship?

Team #1

Wilt Chamberlain—C

Tim Duncan—PF

LeBron James—SF

Kobe Bryant—SG

Magic Johnson—PG

 

Team #2

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar—C

Kevin Garnett—PF

Elgin Baylor–SF

Michael Jordan—SG

Oscar Robertson—PG

Team #3

Shaq O’Neal—C

Dirk Nowitzki—PF

Julius Erving—SF

Jerry West—SG

Walt Frazier—PG

 

Team #4

Bill Russell—C

Karl Malone—PF

Larry Bird—SF

George Gervin—SG

Steph Curry—PG

 

Again, this is a round robin tournament where each team must win 3 games of the 5 against the other team. In a perfect tournament, which this is, no one gets hurt or fouls out. There is ONE caveat, each one of you as the GM, can substitute ONE player from your team BUT it cannot be a player that is on these teams. (Maybe you have a better point guard, power forward, etc.)

As a 70-year NBA fan I do not think that the greatest players of all time are the players of previous eras. I think there are some great players currently playing in the NBA. I believe there are a couple of players that are young and already making a case for them to break into the top 20 all-time. If you agree with me, I would be interested in seeing a team of current players that you believe could play with the legends on these teams.

I hope you enjoy the challenge. There is no right pick, it’s purely subjective, have fun and please only vote one time for who you think would be the CHAMPION. *Pick your ‘Dream’ team.  I will post the results in a week or so. thebasketballgoat.com