BuzzerBeater Forums

Simple. Who's the best ever to play the game and why?
For me it's:

Bill Russell

Probably the most competitive and effective player ever, won 11 rings (including two being a playing coach!!) during 13-year career, which sounds almost out of this world these days. 5 times RS MVP, 12 ASG appearances. He is known for terrorizing and overwhelming opponents with his sensational defense. Not only did he defend, but he also ran the offense opening fast break oppotunities that followed his blocked shots or rebounds. His signature play was deflecting shots straight to his teammates (instead of into the stands) or intercepting them and starting fast breaks like a PG. All that thanks to his tremendous athletic capabilities.
During his prime has often battled Wilt Chamberlain for dominance in the low post. But even though Wilt recorded more statistical achevements (also influenced by the fact he was 1st option on every team), it was Russell who always came victorious, effectively locking down Wilt in crunch time.

Maybe MJ was more spectacular and recognizable in his prime, but it is Russell who has been the greatest achiever in NBA history.

I like the cut of your jib.

Oscar Robertson.

Okay, maybe not the best player ever...but my favorite professional is Dr. J followed by George Gervin.

Jordan is the best ever, but my favorite is Nash. Low pick, he didnt got lots of playing time early on his career, then he got better. After he got traded to the Suns, and he achieved the MVP status. Just like red wine, older the better. Other one is Akeem. Ive spend so many hours when i was kid to learn the dreamshake but basketball its not my talent...

Last edited by JohnnyB at 3/27/2010 6:10:02 PM

Dr. J is way up there anyway--he was well past his prime by the time the ABA merged and he still tore it up.

Ive read that Russell is up there, but maybe is the 1st time that somebody claims about Dr J.

The thing about J was that he was innovative--he changed the way the game was played. In many ways I think Jordan was copying J with the things he was doing. Jordan eventually got a little better, but J paved the way. Russell I'd rate higher if he weren't Russell. Besides, we all know Coozy was the best.

Are you kidding? From 75-79, Dr. J was the man in the NBA. Hell, he starred in a movie before MJ was even shaving. Before that he was the ABA.

For me, though, the greatest guy ever to play was Maravich. Basketball is a game, and Maravich was the greatest to ever play the "game" of basketball. Nobody ever had as much fun, I don't think. I love Russell, Bird, Big O, Magic, MJ, and Kareem and there is no question they ALL had more "success" than Pistol Pete. The only guy who even comes close to being as enjoyable to watch was Gervin, who could shoot from anywhere and in any position.

Granted I haven't followed the NBA closely in 10 years or so, but I still keep a marginal eye on it. Hard to say where Maravich would fit in today, but that's the thing. There will never be another guy like him. Akeem was like Russell, MJ like Dr J, Magic like Cousy and Robertson in one, Lebron like MJ. The only guy that comes to mind with a game even close to Pistol Pete's is Jason Williams, but that's like saying McDonalds is close to Kobe beef.

Akeem like Russell?? Maybe on D, but on offense Russell has nothing to do with Akeem. Russell wasnt a scorer at all. Russell never had any move that looked like that: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hW4uXlRGAF0&feature=re....

Dr J was the 1st high flyer, that Jordan master it and some more. I am not taking anything away, i have great respect for him, but simply MJ is the better player.

Clearly. Except that Connie Hawkins was the 1st high flyer.