Best Point Guards in NBA History

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the talented young point guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, recently made headlines when he revealed his all-time starting five in an interview. What caught the attention of many basketball fans was the absence of LeBron James, widely considered one of the greatest players in NBA history. Instead, Gilgeous-Alexander chose to include other legendary players in his lineup. Let’s take a closer look at his choices and the reasoning behind them.

First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that creating an all-time starting five is a highly subjective exercise. Every basketball fan, player, and analyst will have their own opinions on who should be included in such a lineup. Gilgeous-Alexander’s choices reflect his personal preferences and admiration for certain players who have left a lasting impact on the game.

In Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-time starting five, he selected Magic Johnson as his point guard. Johnson, a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. His exceptional passing ability, court vision, and leadership skills helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to multiple championships during the 1980s. Johnson’s impact on the game transcended his position, as he revolutionized the point guard position with his size, skill, and versatility.

At shooting guard, Gilgeous-Alexander chose Michael Jordan, often considered the greatest basketball player of all time. Jordan’s scoring prowess, competitiveness, and clutch performances have solidified his legacy as a basketball icon. His six championships with the Chicago Bulls, along with numerous individual accolades, cement his status as one of the all-time greats.

Moving to the small forward position, Gilgeous-Alexander selected Larry Bird, a legendary player for the Boston Celtics. Bird’s shooting touch, basketball IQ, and versatility on the court made him a formidable opponent for any team. His rivalry with Magic Johnson during the 1980s helped elevate the NBA to new heights and captivated basketball fans around the world.

At power forward, Gilgeous-Alexander chose Tim Duncan, a dominant force for the San Antonio Spurs. Duncan’s fundamentally sound game, defensive prowess, and leadership qualities helped lead the Spurs to multiple championships. His consistency and longevity in the league have earned him a place among the greatest power forwards in NBA history.

Finally, at center, Gilgeous-Alexander selected Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. Abdul-Jabbar’s skyhook shot, shot-blocking ability, and basketball IQ made him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court. His six championships and six MVP awards speak to his incredible impact on the game.

While LeBron James may not have made Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-time starting five, it’s important to remember that basketball is a game of opinions and preferences. James’ accomplishments, skills, and impact on the game are undeniable, and he will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the greatest players in NBA history.

In the end, Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-time starting five reflects his admiration for certain players who have left a lasting legacy on the game of basketball. Each player in his lineup has made significant contributions to the sport and has earned their place among the all-time greats. As basketball fans, we can appreciate and celebrate the diverse talents and skills of the players who have graced the hardwood over the years.

Top Shooting Guards of All Time

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the talented young guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, recently made headlines when he revealed his all-time starting five during an interview. Surprisingly, one of the biggest names in basketball history was missing from his list – LeBron James. While many fans and analysts were taken aback by this omission, Gilgeous-Alexander’s choices shed light on his appreciation for the history of the game and the impact that certain players have had on the shooting guard position.

In Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-time starting five, he selected Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, and Dwyane Wade. Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the game of basketball and has redefined what it means to be a shooting guard. From Jordan’s six championships and unmatched scoring ability to Bryant’s legendary work ethic and killer instinct, Gilgeous-Alexander’s choices reflect a deep respect for the history of the game.

One of the most notable aspects of Gilgeous-Alexander’s list is the absence of LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time. While James has primarily played small forward throughout his career, he has also spent significant time at shooting guard, particularly during his time with the Miami Heat. However, Gilgeous-Alexander’s decision to exclude James from his all-time starting five speaks to the unique skill sets and playing styles of the players he selected.

Michael Jordan, often considered the greatest player in NBA history, is a natural choice for any all-time starting five. His six championships, five MVP awards, and unmatched scoring ability make him a clear standout at the shooting guard position. Kobe Bryant, a fierce competitor and one of the most skilled scorers the game has ever seen, is another obvious choice for Gilgeous-Alexander’s list. Bryant’s work ethic and dedication to his craft set him apart from his peers and solidify his place among the all-time greats.

Tracy McGrady, known for his scoring prowess and versatility on the court, was a dominant force during his prime and earned seven All-Star selections over the course of his career. Allen Iverson, a fearless and dynamic guard, revolutionized the point guard position with his scoring ability and ball-handling skills. Dwyane Wade, a three-time NBA champion and 13-time All-Star, rounds out Gilgeous-Alexander’s starting five with his tenacity, leadership, and clutch performances in big moments.

While LeBron James may not have made the cut for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-time starting five, his impact on the game of basketball is undeniable. James has consistently been one of the most dominant and versatile players in the league, with four MVP awards, four championships, and countless All-Star selections to his name. His ability to score, rebound, and facilitate for his teammates has set him apart from his peers and solidified his place among the all-time greats.

In the end, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-time starting five serves as a reminder of the rich history and diverse skill sets that have defined the shooting guard position in the NBA. While LeBron James may not have made the cut for his list, the players he selected have each made a lasting impact on the game and have earned their place among the greatest to ever play the position. As the NBA continues to evolve and new stars emerge, it is important to reflect on the contributions of those who have come before and paved the way for future generations of players.

Greatest Centers in Basketball History

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the talented young guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder, recently made headlines when he revealed his all-time starting five in an interview. Surprisingly, one of the biggest names in basketball history was missing from his list – LeBron James. While many fans and analysts were taken aback by this omission, Gilgeous-Alexander’s choices offer a unique perspective on the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood.

In Gilgeous-Alexander’s starting five, he selected Magic Johnson at point guard, Michael Jordan at shooting guard, Kobe Bryant at small forward, Tim Duncan at power forward, and Shaquille O’Neal at center. Each of these players is a legend in their own right, with multiple championships and accolades to their name. Gilgeous-Alexander’s choices reflect a deep appreciation for the history of the game and the impact that these players had on the sport.

Magic Johnson, known for his exceptional passing and court vision, revolutionized the point guard position during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers. His ability to make his teammates better and control the flow of the game made him a perennial All-Star and a five-time NBA champion. Johnson’s inclusion in Gilgeous-Alexander’s starting five speaks to his understanding of the importance of a floor general in a successful team.

Moving on to shooting guard, Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. His scoring prowess, defensive tenacity, and competitive drive set him apart from his peers. Jordan’s six championships with the Chicago Bulls solidified his legacy as a basketball icon. Gilgeous-Alexander’s choice to include Jordan in his starting five is a testament to the impact that Jordan had on the game and the lasting impression he left on future generations of players.

At small forward, Kobe Bryant was a force to be reckoned with on the court. His scoring ability, footwork, and work ethic made him one of the most dominant players of his era. Bryant’s five championships with the Los Angeles Lakers cemented his status as a legend in the game. Gilgeous-Alexander’s decision to include Bryant in his starting five reflects his admiration for Bryant’s skill and determination.

Moving to power forward, Tim Duncan was a model of consistency and excellence throughout his career with the San Antonio Spurs. His fundamental skills, leadership, and basketball IQ made him one of the most successful players in NBA history. Duncan’s five championships and two MVP awards speak to his impact on the game. Gilgeous-Alexander’s choice to include Duncan in his starting five highlights his appreciation for Duncan’s versatility and winning mentality.

Finally, at center, Shaquille O’Neal was a dominant force in the paint during his time with the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, and Miami Heat. His combination of size, strength, and skill made him virtually unstoppable on the court. O’Neal’s four championships and three Finals MVP awards underscore his impact on the game. Gilgeous-Alexander’s decision to include O’Neal in his starting five showcases his respect for O’Neal’s dominance in the paint.

In conclusion, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s all-time starting five offers a unique perspective on the greatest players in basketball history. While LeBron James may be absent from his list, Gilgeous-Alexander’s choices reflect a deep appreciation for the impact that Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O’Neal had on the game. By honoring these legends, Gilgeous-Alexander pays tribute to the rich history and tradition of basketball.