When it comes to people choosing their all-time NBA team, the names MJ, Kobe, LeBron, Shaq, and Kareem are always coming up. Yet one thing many forget is that a team of only ball-dominant superstars will never function. The fact of the matter is that with Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant on a team, there often isn’t enough ball to go around, and having steady role players is the best solution. This is why I have come up with my all-time NBA team to display proper team building.
Starting off at point guard, we have Hall of Famer Isaiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons. Few players can lead and direct a team the way Isaiah Thomas can. With his court vision, cunning, crisp passes, and great dribbling. He is a player who perfectly understands his teammates’ strengths and weaknesses, can distribute the ball with perfect accuracy, and pass without looking. He is always going in the right direction on offense, along with being a solid defender, leading the Pistons to two back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. His dribbling skills will never be matched. He could keep the ball so low to the ground that no defenders could alter his trajectory, making him the perfect leader for my dream team.
At shooting guard, none other than the splash brother himself: Klay Thompson, second only to Steph Curry in three-pointers per season, a four time NBA champion, five time all-star, and holder of the record for most points in one quarter with 37 points. Although often sidelined by his fellow splash brother Steph Curry, Thompson is still the greatest catch-and-shoot scorer of all time and a solid defender, making him a great fit for a pass-first point guard like Isaiah Thomas. His magical 37 point quarter against the Sacramento Kings in 2015, in which he hit 11 three pointers and 2 layups and didn’t miss once, might never be beaten.
At center, we have Hakeem “The Dream” Olajuwon. From being a back-to-back finals MVP and champion, to being the 1993-94 League MVP and a Hall of Famer, his footwork and offensive post presence are second to none. Hakeem Olajowan originally wanted to be a soccer player for most of his childhood, leading him to develop footwork skills the likes of which have never been seen before or again in the NBA. His post presence was that of which no other center will come close.
At power forward, the “Greek Freak” himself. Giannis Antentokounmpo, a Most Improved Player award recipient, defensive player of the year, back to back MVP, and NBA Champion and finals MVP by 26, is a sight to behold. This 6 ’11, 242 lb, genetically perfect NBA big man is widely considered to be one of, if not the, best player in the NBA currently. From his freakish athleticism and speed, to his competitive drive and work ethic, in the position of power forward he is second to none. Able to get across the court in 3 dribbles and dunk from the paint, his athleticism is second to none, not to mention his stellar defense and play-making skills. Considering he still currently plays, who knows what else he will accomplish.
Last but certainly not least, at small forward: “The Hick from French Lick” Larry Bird, the 1980 Rookie of the Year, three time NBA Champion, two time Finals MVP, back-to-back-to-back league MVP, and Hall of Famer. Although many would choose LeBron at small forward,Bird’s clutch lights out shooting, passing, and leadership make him a better position and team player, not to mention his legendary trash talk. From his league-saving rivalry with Magic and the Showtime Lakers, to the Dream Team and his many other memorable moments, he truly is “Larry Legend” and a perfect final addition to my dream team.
