Who do you think is the best ever person who played basketball?

[Dimmu Borgir]

(I will not include the names of many talented players here, but you can put it here if it your choice. Just post also the reason why do you think makes him the best player who ever played basketball)

Let’s start with.

Magic Johnson, (1979 – 1991, 1996) for me is the BEST ALL AROUND PLAYER who can play the five positions. He has the highest assist average in an NBA career ever. He lead the lakers to the NBA crown when he was just a rookie but yet didn't win rookie of the year he has 5 rings 3 MVP's and way way more awards. he is a great player and if he didn't retire on his 12 season he would probably be at the very top at this list or at least second because he was probably the best of the era he played. Career average are: 19.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 11.2 apg

Kareem Abdul Jabbar (1969 – 1989)

Who had the most points of all time in the NBA (38,387), He won just as many championships as MJ, and just as many MVPs. Also, Abdul-Jabbar is the NBA’s all-time leader in minutes played (57,446, field goals made (15,837), field goal attempts (28,307), All Star Games (18), and All Star Selections (19). He is now 10th in Field Goal Percentage (.559), 2nd in Games Played (1,560), 3rd for most Rebounds (17,440) Career average: 24.6 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.5 bpg.

Wilt Chamberlain (1959 – 1973) 

(career high lights) He averaged 50 points in a single season Scored 100 points in a single game. Got 55 rebounds against the Celtics led by Bill Russell (2nd all time career rebounder behind chamberlain) Had a 33 game winning streak. Of the 62 times more than 60 points have been scored by a single person in a game, 32 of those times were by Chamberlain. Blocked shots were recorded after he retired, but Harvey Pollack asked his statisticians to count Chamberlain's blocks, and they got up to 25 one night. Well above the record for most blocks in a single game.  In a sport where one game is 48 minutes for a season he averaged 48.5 minutes a game, thanks to overtime.

 2× NBA champion (1967, 1972) NBA Finals MVP (1972),  4× NBA Most Valuable Player (1960, 1966–1968),  13× NBA All-Star (1960–1969, 1971–1973),   NBA All-Star Game MVP (1960),  NBA Rookie of the Year (1960) ,  7× NBA scoring champion (1960–1966) , 11× NBA rebounding champion (1960–1963, 1966–1969, 1971–1973) ,  7× All-NBA First Team (1960–1962, 1964, 1965–1968)
Statistically, Wilt is the most dominating player who played in the NBA but the problem is he has only two championship.

Michael Jordan. (1984 – 1993, 1995 – 1998, 2001 – 2003)

•  6× NBA champion (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998); 6× NBA Finals MVP (1991–1993, 1996–1998);  5× NBA Most Valuable Player (1988, 1991–1992, 1996, 1998); 14× NBA All-Star (1985–1993, 1996–1998, 2002–2003); 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (1988, 1996, 1998); NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1988);  NBA Rookie of the Year (1985); 10× NBA scoring champion (1987–1993, 1996–1998);  3× NBA steals champion (1988, 1990, 1993); 10× All-NBA First Team (1987–1993, 1996–1998);  All-NBA Second Team (1985);  9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1988–1993, 1996–1998) Career Average. 30.1 ppg, 6.2rpg, 5.3 apg

I think MJ became only the greatest basketball player because of media hype. He is good but surely he is not the best.  Statistically, he is not dominating a game like Kareem Abdul Jabbar did. And when athleticism and versatility is concern, He cannot play the five positions unlike Magic Johnson.  About championship rings, he has just 6 compared to Bill Russel l 11.   

So here’s my choice.

BILL RUSSEL (1956 – 1959)

 Listed as between 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) and 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m), Russell's shot-blocking and man-to-man defense were major reasons for the Celtics' success. He also inspired his teammates to elevate their own defensive play. Russell was equally notable for his rebounding abilities. He led the NBA in rebounds four times, and remains second all-time in both total rebounds and rebounds per game. He is one of just two NBA players (the other being prominent rival Wilt Chamberlain) to have grabbed more than fifty rebounds in a game. Though never the focal point of the Celtics' offense, Russell also scored 14,522 career points and provided effective passing.

13 years in nba. 13 times in nba final championship. 11 nba champion. In 1957 - 1958 season, russel injured badly that’s why Celtics lost the nba championship. In 1966 - 1967 season, boston lost in finals as russel playing for the first time as playing coach.     

Career average: 15.1 ppg, 22.5 rpg, 4.3 apg

Legacy

Russell is one of the most successful and decorated athletes in North American sports history. His awards and achievements include eleven NBA championships as a player with the Boston Celtics in 13 seasons (including two NBA championships as player/head coach), and he is credited with having raised defensive play in the NBA to a new level.[65] By winning the 1956 NCAA Championship with USF and the 1957 NBA title with the Celtics, Russell became the first of only four players in basketball history to win an NCAA championship and an NBA Championship back-to-back (the others being Henry Bibby, Magic Johnson, and Billy Thompson). In the interim, Russell collected an Olympic gold medal in 1956. His stint as coach of the Celtics was also of historical significance, as he became the first black head coach in major U.S. professional sports when he succeeded Red Auerbach.
In his first NBA full season (1957–58), Russell became the first player in NBA history to average more than 20 rebounds per game for an entire season, a feat he accomplished 10 times in his 13 seasons. Russell's 51 rebounds in a single game is the second highest performance ever, only trailing Chamberlain's all-time record of 55. He still holds the NBA record for rebounds in one half with 32 (vs. Philadelphia, on November 16, 1957). Career-wise, Russell ranks second only to Wilt Chamberlain in regular season total (21,620) and average (22.5) rebounds per game, and led the NBA in average rebounds per game four times. Russell is the all-time playoff leader in total (4,104) and average (24.9) rebounds per game, he grabbed 40 rebounds in three separate playoff games (twice in the NBA Finals), and he never failed to average at least 20 rebounds per game in any of his 13 post-season campaigns. Russell also had seven regular season games with 40 or more rebounds, the NBA Finals record for highest rebound per game average (29.5 rpg, 1959) and by a rookie (22.9 rpg, 1957). In addition, Russell holds the NBA Finals single-game record for most rebounds (40, March 29, 1960 vs. St. Louis and April 18, 1962 vs. Los Angeles), most rebounds in a quarter (19, April 18, 1962 vs. Los Angeles), and most consecutive games with 20 or more rebounds (15 from April 9, 1960 – April 16, 1963).[67] He also had 51 in one game, 49 in two others, and twelve straight seasons of 1,000 or more rebounds.[1] Russell was known as one of the most clutch players in the NBA. He played in 11 deciding games (10 times in Game 7s, once in a Game 5), and ended with a flawless 11–0 record. In these eleven games, Russell averaged 18 points and 29.45 rebounds.[19]
On the hardwood, he was considered the consummate defensive center, noted for his unmatched defensive intensity, his stellar basketball IQ and his sheer will to win.  Russell excelled at playing man-to-man defense, blocking shots, and grabbing defensive and offensive rebounds.[1] He also could score with putbacks and made mid-air outlet passes to point guard Bob Cousy for easy fast break points.[1] He also was known as a fine passer and pick-setter, featured a decent left-handed hook shot and finished strong on alley oops.[19] However, on offense, Russell's output was limited. His NBA career personal averages show him to be an average scorer (15.1 points career average), a poor free throw shooter (56.1%), and average overall shooter from the field (44%, not exceptional for a center). In his 13 years, he averaged a relatively low 13.4 field goals attempted (normally, top scorers average 20 and more), illustrating that he was never the focal point of the Celtics offense, instead focusing on his tremendous defense.
In his career, Russell won five regular season MVP awards (1959, 1961–63, 1965)—tied with Michael Jordan for second all-time behind Kareem Abdul Jabbar's six awards. He was selected three times to the All-NBA First Teams (1959, 1963, 1965) and eight Second Teams (1958, 1960–62, 1964, 1966–68), and was a twelve-time NBA All-Star (1958–1969). Russell was elected to one NBA All-Defensive First Team. This took place during his last season (1969), and was the first season the NBA All-Defensive Teams were selected. In 1970, The Sporting News named Russell the "Athlete of the Decade". Russell is universally seen as one of the best NBA players ever, and was declared "Greatest Player in the History of the NBA" by the Professional Basketball Writers Association of America in 1980.[1] For his achievements, Russell was named "Sportsman of the Year" by Sports Illustrated in 1968. He also made all three NBA Anniversary Teams: the NBA 25th Anniversary All-Time Team (1970), the NBA 35th Anniversary All-Time Team (1980) and the NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1996). Russell ranked #18 on ESPN's 50 Greatest Athletes of the 20th Century in 1999. In 2009, SLAM Magazine named Russell the #3 player of all time behind Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain.[68] On Saturday February 14, 2009, during the 2009 NBA All-Star Weekend in Phoenix, NBA Commissioner David Stern announced that the NBA Finals MVP Award would be named after Bill Russell.[2] Russell was named as a 2010 recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.[69]

[zzgundam]

Best ever? Michael Jordan.
Best current? LeBron James.

[dere'k ™]

for me its micheal jordan... wala parin tatalo sa kanya...

[fayt]

For me... Michael Jordan....

Sya ang nagpasikat ng basketball sa ibang mundo

Statistical wise, halos lahat nag top sya.. hindi lang offensive pari defensive area ng basketball nag top din

Wala pa halos nakakaemulate sa galing nya sa homecourt pati na rin sa team. May mga player na nakalapit pero hindi pa rin nararating kung sino man si Jordan sa baaketball..

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[Dimmu Borgir]

MJ is very far as statistics is concerned. Offensive to Wilt (Wilt average 50 points in one season and even score 100 points in a single game considering 3 points is not existing those days) and defensive from Bill Russel. (Bill Russel is notably known for his man to man defense, shot blocking abilities, rebounding skills, and athleticism.)  As far as galing, i dont think so na ganun sya kagaling, Di sya versatile katulad ni Magic Johnson na pwedeng maglaro from Center to point guard.  Michael Jordan is not even effective in playing point guard position. He can play only SG and SF position..

For me... Michael Jordan....

Sya ang nagpasikat ng basketball sa ibang mundo

Statistical wise, halos lahat nag top sya.. hindi lang offensive pari defensive area ng basketball nag top din

Wala pa halos nakakaemulate sa galing nya sa homecourt pati na rin sa team. May mga player na nakalapit pero hindi pa rin nararating kung sino man si Jordan sa baaketball..

Sent from my HTC Sensation Z710e using Xparent Red Tapatalk 2

[Prime™]

Wala ako masyado alam sa basketball eh. Pero for me, Michael Jordan.

Dude c'mon.. he played with bugs bunny.. like really who plays with THE bugs bunny?

And besides, ano sabi rubber shoes ko? That's right. Jordan.

MJ ftw man.

[kingjames24szupladoh]

MJ nuff said . . .

G.O.A.T yan ee . . .

He was like Ali of Boxing maraming magaling but the charisma he had wala ng tatalo . . .
di lang stats ang dapat pagbasehan dyan , consider the era na pinaglaruan nila , i don't think Bill Russel will still dominate in this era . . .

[Puswak63]

for me jordan ... Kahit bata kilala siya

[Dimmu Borgir]

that's true.. because of this what we called media hype. but it doesn't justify that because of that, pwede na nating sabihing sya na nga. We are talking here extra ordinary talent and skills..

Even Phil Jackson select Bill Russel over MJ if he asked to start a team considering he handles MJ and he rely only statistically over Russell.
 
 

for me jordan ... Kahit bata kilala siya

[fayt]

that's true.. because of this what we called media hype. but it doesn't justify that because of that, pwede na nating sabihing sya na nga. We are talking here extra ordinary talent and skills..

Even Phil Jackson select Bill Russel over MJ if he asked to start a team considering he handles MJ and he rely only statistically over Russell.
 
 

i think Jordan creates so called "media hype". It is not because of media why Jordan was well known to others, it because of pure skills and talent that all of us notice to him.

[tonistork]

Majority of sports writers, analyst, and even ordinary hoop fans consider His Airness Michael Jordan the greatest athlete to ever play basketball. . . and hmmm. . . I agree with them.

[ctguy19]

si MJ pa din ang the best

[Dimmu Borgir]

consider skills, talent, leadership and so on?   

bill russell is the man, 13 years in nba.. 13 nba finals appearance..  11 championship, just lost once in a nba championship,  (he is injured on the other one and did not play) 

So sad that his accomplishment is not well known and easily shadowed by Jordan accomplishment, who is very far from him. Thanks to movie & product endorsement that makes him well known around the world. Jordan anyway is considered to be one of the most branded name in sports story..

i think Jordan creates so called "media hype". It is not because of media why Jordan was well known to others, it because of pure skills and talent that all of us notice to him.

[McLovin]

for me it would be MJ although some would argue that bill russell deserves the honors but considering that there are only 10 teams on the league on that era..... game schedules were not that tough compared to 82 regular season games plus playoff games jordan has to play

[Dimmu Borgir]

"Russell played in an era where there were fewer NBA teams—about 10. While some may argue that each team had more concentrated talent, the level of talent does not compare to that of today’s game."

- Short answer: quality and not the quantity of teams determines the difficulty of winning the championship.

The level of talent in today's game is DIFFUSED across 30 teams (although the international players are certainly buffing up the talent level post-200). Players who were NOT talented enough to be drafted and play in the NBA in the 80's got their chance in the 90's when 6 expansion teams joined the League. Also, the top players in Jordan's time rarely match up each other to test their abilities. To give an example, Shaq only faceoff with Ewing in the East 4x and facesoff with Hakeem and Robinson in the West 2x. The top centers spend most of their time fending off middling talent like Ilgauskas.

In contrast, in Russell's time, the NCAA and NIT (when it still mattered) was concentrated in only 8-9 teams. This is why most teams back then have multiple Hall Of Famers on their rosters. Even the bottom-feeding teams like the Knicks have HoF players like Walt Bellamy. The 24th pick of the 1st round today would be the final pick of the 3rd round in the 60's. Only the cream of the crop get to play in the NBA in the 60's. In addition, Russell would face off Wilt Chamberlain 8-9 times a season. When he is not fighting Wilt, he is fending off other Hall of Famers 8-9x again like Nate Thurmond, Jerry Lucas, Willis Reed etc. you get the drift. They have to work their butts off almost everytime.


Russell might have played with 3 or 4 top 50 guys, but he also played AGAINST a lot of top 50 guys, as the players I just named indicates.

Russell was the ULTIMATE "makes his teammates better" guy. Jordan never made anyone better... Pippen had his best year in 1994, when Jordan was retired, and BJ Armstrong and Horace Grant made their ONLY All Star appearances in 1994 (without Jordan there to "make them better)... Armstrong played 11 years in the NBA and Grant played 17 seasons.

for me it would be MJ although some would argue that bill russell deserves the honors but considering that there are only 10 teams on the league on that era..... game schedules were not that tough compared to 82 regular season games plus playoff games jordan has to play