Hard to compare eras but bill dominated his more than larry, was a better athlete by any measure, more longevity despite playing in the civil rights era, and a more dominant defensive player.
Personally I am a huge larry stan, think he was born in the wrong era and if he was shooting 10 3’s a game he would’ve been even better than he was…that said he still isn’t a tier above Bill. Both top 4-6 of all time.
Agree. Saying that Bill Russell wasn’t anywhere near as good as bird is a ludicrous statement. Bill would’ve been a 4-5x finals mvp if they’d awarded it when he played.
Yup, /u/ForAfeeNotforfree is pretty far off
Bill would have had 7 FMVPs and 9 DPOYs
Would NOT have gotten the FMVP his rookie year over Tom Heinsohn, and probably not 1959 even though he almost averaged 30 rebounds. He would have won the next 7 FMVPs in a row for the Celtics until Havlicek would have won in '68 and Jerry West won in '69 otherwise Havlicek would have gotten it.
I just hate bill russell disrespect because not only is there footage of him hurdling players like giannis or lebron, but he dealt with circumstances that even a player from the 80s couldnt imagine, racism, players strikes, charter buses, death threats, getting his house broken into and defecated on, etc. Despite all that he won 11 rings in 13 seasons. He also won rings as a PLAYER COACH which is just a whole nother level of goated.
Yup the biggest winner, #1 all-time on defense, I easily have him #4 all-time but can see him ranked #3-#5 for people that aren't ignoring the 60's era.
Kidd would be so versatile in the modern nba. Can pass at a HOF level, guard 1-3 and maybe 4, and eventually got a 3 point game which would probably come much earlier if he played now.
Also, while Dirk is one of the great shooting bigs ever, kg was no slouch, and I’d much rather have great shooting and punishing defense than elite shooting and fine defense.
The offensive gap between Dirk and KG is light years. Dirk was the offence that won 50 games for 11 years straight and 7 of those years he was undisputed first option with 2 finals appearances.
In the playoffs, he’s 1 of 4 guys ever to average 25 and 10 and has the highest improvement from regular season.
KG was good, Dirk is a Goat offensively, and top 3 mid range player of all time.
I agree that Dirk is a substantially better weapon than KG, especially as a first option. My point was that on a team with Luka, Allen, and Bird, I would much rather have intense defense and a huge physical presence on both ends of the floor.
You kinda have to go with these 4 and Allen, the best shooter here probably. 4 absolute killers on the court, which you need to go 82-0, mostly a mental game to keep that up.
Bad spacing with Luka,.Bird and Allen is not possible. KG has a very good jump shot as well.
This is better spacing than the current Mavs.
If your brain goes right to "there aren't four players on the court with 40% three point shooting so we can't use that lineup" then you are oversimplifying and acting like your a GM for a 2k team.
The warriors got by with Draymond and Looney (or Kuminga, GP2 etc. etc.) because they had 2 lights out guys. Ray Allen and Bird are also lights out shooters.
If it is required, then it would mean anyone picking Luka would have to run with three guards. Unless you move him to SF. But then that defeats the purpose of the categories. No idea what the OP intended, though.
Ya I'll take Nash, Tatum, Allen, Bird, Garnet. You don't want Luka to be ball dominant on an allstar team like this. All those other players know how to share the ball.
In the comments I don't understand how people are picking Luka + Kidd or Nash or Rondo. With how ball dominate Luka is what the hell are any of those other three going to be doing?
That was my initial thought. 3 7 footers who can guard the perimeter and play inside out paired two 6'8 guys who can shoot lights out along with being all time playmakers.
Tatum, Nash, Allen, Bird, KG
Almost wanted to pick Russell for the world-ending rim protection but who’s to say how he’ll fare in the modern game and KG offers 80% of the defense with 10x the offense
Went with Luka as captain at first but we can’t have a hole like that on D if we’re going 82-0
This is the one. Everyone picking Luka but you have great pass first guards with lower usage rates available. This lineup can shoot the lights out, everyone can pass (Nash and Bird being 2 of the greatest ever), and there’s enough flexibility on defense that you can switch very effectively.
Rondo, Ray Allen, Luka, Bird, Garnett
Playmaking coming out of their ears, some of the best shooters ever, and Garnett anchoring the defense. Team full of DAWGS
Nash-Allen-Bird-Tatum-KG
Nash, Allen, and Bird are possibly top 5 shooters of all time (alongside Curry and Miller). Would all feast with today’s 3pt volume, plus playmaking with Nash and Bird is unfair. And KG was a great deep 2 shooter, could’ve easily been a stretch big in today’s game. Not to mention he is one of the GOAT defenders and a perfect modern center with his rim protection + “switchability”.
I chose Tatum purely for the defensive fit next to KG, having Doncic and Nash is diminishing returns in offense plus defensive issues. if Nash wasn’t available at G I would’ve gone with a Doncic lineup though.
Tatum
Kidd
Ray Allen
Truth - this is just heart over brain. Favorite player ever so he’s getting the nod over Larry tho he has no business getting that
KG
Luka, Bird, KG, Allen, Pierce. Tough call between Dirk and Pierce for that last spot, but I felt like Pierce was more versatile as a defender. Seeing Dirk and Bird playing together would be fun, though.
Tatum, Russell, Bird, Ray Allen, Rondo
Would use all of them in their prime bro.
Larry Bird and Ray Allen will hit their 3s non stop, no one will beat it.
So for Luka, I'm going Kidd and Allen as the back court, Bird and KG as the front court.
Kidd can space the floor or run the offense, plus guard the opponents best perimeter player. Allen, for obvious reasons. A Bird/Luka two man game would be pretty killer. KG, all around defender and can be a really dangerous pick and role guy. KG has to accept being the 3rd/4th option on offense and go all out on defense for this to work.
For Tatum, it's basically the same team and for the same reasons, but swap Nash for Kidd. I need Nash to run the offense, and afford to lose Kidds defense because I don't have to hide Luka. I will have to hide Nash a bit which is harder to do but I think the trade off from Kidd to Nash is worth it.
Everyones picking Luka so to be different:
Kidd
Allen
Bird
Tatum
KG
Absolutely lockdown defense. Picked KG over Russell because hes better offensively. 4 players can shoot 3s and KG used to do the long 2 so the spacing is amazing. Kidd, Tatum, and Bird are all elite ball handlers.
As much as I like Luka better than Tatum personally, a starting five of Nash, Ray, Tatum, Bird, KG would be the most balanced combination you can make here.
Nash runs the pick and roll show. Well spaced out with shooters. Tatum and KG would be legit perimeter and interior defense + great help defense. Ultimately rather have Nash run the offense over Luka. Especially with so many great shooters. Could swap KG for Dirk, but then you lose the defensive hub.
Steve Nash
Ray Allen
Larry Bird
Jayson Tatum
Kevin Garnett
Had trouble deciding between Nash and Rondo and then KG, Russell and Dirk.
I think in today's NBA KG would be less inclined to those long 22 footers instead of stepping out to 3 so he would spread the floor and him and Bird would raise each other through sheer competitiveness. Then it's borderline impossible to stop pick and roll with Nash plus deadly shooters on the perimeter if he wants to kick out. Or pick and pop with KG. Their entire offense could just be them rotating onto a bad defensive matchup.
pg: luka, sg: ray allen, sf: bird, pf: kg, c: dirk. that was russel but I really don't have an idea about how he played. pick the guys more of fit I don't think you can stop this one from shooting 3s I just got kg so that I have a menace on the court.
Tatum, KG, Bird, Russell, Brown
No one could score on this team.
I’d just have Bird run high pick and rolls with KG and Russell all game. Tatum & Brown would have so much room to cut to the basket.
Among the problems with this graphic is that you would almost have to take Luka as the captain (reasoning below), meaning that if you can only choose 1 per row, you're locked into a 3-guard team with a small forward and only one big. It doesn't take advantage of tons of possible opportunities, especially when several of the guards are also ball-dependent.
Why is it nearly a slam dunk to take Luka? Because as the team captain, you would want to have someone representing the best of your franchise, because otherwise why are the other veterans with the 21 combined rings listening to you?
With apologies to the Mark Aguirres of the world, there have been 5 great Mavericks (though 3 of these had the bulk of their greatness on other teams). Dirk is a top 11-20 all-time player, Kidd and Nash each about a 50-60 player, Kyrie about a 60-80 player (who could still move up a bit), and Luka has the potential to end his career as a top 20 player but hasn't accomplished anything yet. Terry is not a top 200 player.
The Celtics' franchise, on the other hand, has two top 10 players (Bird, Russell), a top 20 player (Garnett), a top 30 player (Havlicek), about 6 top 40-60 players (McHale, Sam Jones, Cousy, Sharman, Pierce, Cowens), and about 5 more 60-80 players (Parish, Heinsohn, Archibald, Allen, Dennis Johnson). I'm not counting Walton's one season, or brief stints with Shaquille or Dominique, etc. Tatum has a good chance to be counted among some of these players (as does Brown), but right now he is arguably not one of the 12 best Celtics of all time yet. So no, he can't be the captain.
Are we getting these players in their prime or just their years with the Mavs/Cs?
If we're going prime, Kidd, Ray Ray, Tatum, Bird and Russell is the most well rounded team you could put together here, keeping in mind there is only one ball to go around.
Correct me if I’m wrong here, but, the best team that one can make from this group is right here.
• PG - Luka Doncic *
• SG - Kyrie Irving
• SF - Jaylen Brown
• PF - Larry Bird
• C - Dirk Nowitzki (or) Kevin Garnett
Comment y’alls thoughts!
This team would not go 82-0 but it would be hilarious to play a defensive squad of Kidd, Tatum, Bird, Russell, KG. Might just hold every single opponent to under 100pts
Larry bird was really really good but respectfully brown would absolutely cook him 1x1. There’s no way he would be able to keep up with anyone’s speed and athleticism in todays game
Prioritizing defense, but not at the expense of offense (but Bill Russell is too good to not include).
Kidd
Jaylen
Bird
Tatum
Bill
4-out offense, with Bill as a rim runner. 2-4 can attack on all three levels. Kidd can get anyone the ball.
Defensively, Jaylen, Bird, and JT can switch 2-4 as needed. Kidd as the better offensive floor general than Rondo, and better defensively than Nash; can cover 1-3 as needed.
Didn’t pick Pierce because he’d be redundant (and not as good) with JT and Bird. Not choosing any guards for better defensive switchability.
If you don’t have bird outta those 3 you’re high
He’s a tier above like every player on this list lmao
Bill is on this list
bill no where near bird
Hard to compare eras but bill dominated his more than larry, was a better athlete by any measure, more longevity despite playing in the civil rights era, and a more dominant defensive player. Personally I am a huge larry stan, think he was born in the wrong era and if he was shooting 10 3’s a game he would’ve been even better than he was…that said he still isn’t a tier above Bill. Both top 4-6 of all time.
Agree. Saying that Bill Russell wasn’t anywhere near as good as bird is a ludicrous statement. Bill would’ve been a 4-5x finals mvp if they’d awarded it when he played.
11 rings. He would’ve had 8-9 FMVP easily.
Yup, /u/ForAfeeNotforfree is pretty far off Bill would have had 7 FMVPs and 9 DPOYs Would NOT have gotten the FMVP his rookie year over Tom Heinsohn, and probably not 1959 even though he almost averaged 30 rebounds. He would have won the next 7 FMVPs in a row for the Celtics until Havlicek would have won in '68 and Jerry West won in '69 otherwise Havlicek would have gotten it.
I just hate bill russell disrespect because not only is there footage of him hurdling players like giannis or lebron, but he dealt with circumstances that even a player from the 80s couldnt imagine, racism, players strikes, charter buses, death threats, getting his house broken into and defecated on, etc. Despite all that he won 11 rings in 13 seasons. He also won rings as a PLAYER COACH which is just a whole nother level of goated.
Yup the biggest winner, #1 all-time on defense, I easily have him #4 all-time but can see him ranked #3-#5 for people that aren't ignoring the 60's era.
They named it after him tbf
There's a video on YouTube of Bill jumping over a guy on a fast break.
https://youtu.be/j2AlFrOj5Mc?si=nCM6-mGwxZnP_QYW
Dude was an olympic level track athlete at 6’10 so i dont wanna hear about no plumbers
Agreed
But he's also 67 years old.
I’m high and I could tell ya that😂
Idk if dats possible to not pick him... U can combine a few of dees dudes and they still couldn't hold a candle to OG 😂
I mean do you really need 1 of each section? Because I'm taking 2 or 3 of the bottom row. Luka already a pg, not taking the top row at all
Nah for sure you would take Nash and skip the second row. Doncic Nash bird Russell and Garnett would be my team
Kidd would be so versatile in the modern nba. Can pass at a HOF level, guard 1-3 and maybe 4, and eventually got a 3 point game which would probably come much earlier if he played now.
I’m high and still taking bird
Luka-Allen-Bird-KG-Bill. Dirk or KG was the only hard decision, but all three of your wings are offensive minded, so went KG.
Also, while Dirk is one of the great shooting bigs ever, kg was no slouch, and I’d much rather have great shooting and punishing defense than elite shooting and fine defense.
Fine could be a stretch too if we’re being honest, esp if we’re playing today’s style and he’s gonna have to switch and guard 25 feet out
I meant as a whole team.
The one knock on KG would be he is not an offensive closer. Not really an issue with that team.
The offensive gap between Dirk and KG is light years. Dirk was the offence that won 50 games for 11 years straight and 7 of those years he was undisputed first option with 2 finals appearances. In the playoffs, he’s 1 of 4 guys ever to average 25 and 10 and has the highest improvement from regular season. KG was good, Dirk is a Goat offensively, and top 3 mid range player of all time.
I agree that Dirk is a substantially better weapon than KG, especially as a first option. My point was that on a team with Luka, Allen, and Bird, I would much rather have intense defense and a huge physical presence on both ends of the floor.
You kinda have to go with these 4 and Allen, the best shooter here probably. 4 absolute killers on the court, which you need to go 82-0, mostly a mental game to keep that up.
Bad Spacing, put in dirk for Bill Russel. Bird was a fine defender
Bad spacing with Luka,.Bird and Allen is not possible. KG has a very good jump shot as well. This is better spacing than the current Mavs. If your brain goes right to "there aren't four players on the court with 40% three point shooting so we can't use that lineup" then you are oversimplifying and acting like your a GM for a 2k team. The warriors got by with Draymond and Looney (or Kuminga, GP2 etc. etc.) because they had 2 lights out guys. Ray Allen and Bird are also lights out shooters.
none of these combinations would win 82 games though
Doubt any combination of players would win 82 games, there’s just too much variance
Anytime you can have Jason Terry alongside Bill Russell you have to make it happen right
Doncic, Allen, Bird, Garnett, Russell
Did we not only get to pick one from each row?
That wasn't specified.
If we don’t, then this looks like the best combo to me.
If it is required, then it would mean anyone picking Luka would have to run with three guards. Unless you move him to SF. But then that defeats the purpose of the categories. No idea what the OP intended, though.
Gotta have 2x mvp Nash
Ya I'll take Nash, Tatum, Allen, Bird, Garnet. You don't want Luka to be ball dominant on an allstar team like this. All those other players know how to share the ball.
Perfection
Congrats you lost 9-18 games.
Luka-Ray-Bird-Dirk-Russell
Yeah how do you beat that?
I'd take nash over Ray but ya
The team doesn't need the passing tho, Bill would be a modern day Sabonis but with amazing defense
In the comments I don't understand how people are picking Luka + Kidd or Nash or Rondo. With how ball dominate Luka is what the hell are any of those other three going to be doing?
People could have said the same about all kinds of duos, including Luka and Kyrie. They share.
Luka, Allen, Bird, Dirk and KG
I’m the only one taking the entire bottom row? Luka - Bird - Dirk - KG - Russell
That was my initial thought. 3 7 footers who can guard the perimeter and play inside out paired two 6'8 guys who can shoot lights out along with being all time playmakers.
Luka, Kidd, Allen, Bird, Russell
Tatum, Nash, Allen, Bird, KG Almost wanted to pick Russell for the world-ending rim protection but who’s to say how he’ll fare in the modern game and KG offers 80% of the defense with 10x the offense Went with Luka as captain at first but we can’t have a hole like that on D if we’re going 82-0
This is the one. Everyone picking Luka but you have great pass first guards with lower usage rates available. This lineup can shoot the lights out, everyone can pass (Nash and Bird being 2 of the greatest ever), and there’s enough flexibility on defense that you can switch very effectively.
“We can’t have a hole like that on D” *picks Nash*
Captain Luka Russell KG Bird Nash
This is the right choice. KG and Dirk is close but the rest have to be right
Luka, Nash, Allen, Bird, Russell
This is the one
Jason Kidd - Ray Allen - Tatum - Larry Bird - Bill Russell
Who tf would choose 4ondo over Nash and Kidd???
Who tf put Jason Terry in here lmao
Doncic, Kidd, Allen, Bird, Russell
Kidd, Allen, Bird, Tatum, Russell
luka, garnett, bird, allen, nash
Luka, Bird, Allen, KG, Russell
Nash > Allen
Luka/Kidd/Allen/Bird/Russell
The same but switch out Russell for Kevin Garnett. One of the best defenders of all time in his prime but could score and pass.
Luka, Rondo Allen, Bird, KG
F hurts no matter which way you go, but it’s obv Bird
Luka Ray Bird KG Russell
Kidd Allen Doncic Bird KG
Any combination will fail that absurd goal
Luka, Shuttlesworth, Bird, KG, Russell.
Luka, Jaylen Brown, Larry, Dirk, Bill Russell,
Doncic, Rondo, Allen, Bird, Russell
JKidd, Ray Allen, Tatum, Bird, KG. The lineup I think would work the best on the court.
All In there prime Steve Nash ray allen tatum bird Russell
Luka as my PG Ray as my SG Bird as my SF Dirk PF KG Center
Luka Rondo Bird Dirk KG
Tatum, Kidd, Allen, Bird, KG
Rondo, Ray Allen, Luka, Bird, Garnett Playmaking coming out of their ears, some of the best shooters ever, and Garnett anchoring the defense. Team full of DAWGS
Nash-Allen-Bird-Tatum-KG Nash, Allen, and Bird are possibly top 5 shooters of all time (alongside Curry and Miller). Would all feast with today’s 3pt volume, plus playmaking with Nash and Bird is unfair. And KG was a great deep 2 shooter, could’ve easily been a stretch big in today’s game. Not to mention he is one of the GOAT defenders and a perfect modern center with his rim protection + “switchability”. I chose Tatum purely for the defensive fit next to KG, having Doncic and Nash is diminishing returns in offense plus defensive issues. if Nash wasn’t available at G I would’ve gone with a Doncic lineup though.
Luka, Nash, Kyrie, Bird, KG
Trading out because next year is the Lebron MJ Kareem class
luka, allen, larry, dirk, garnett
All classy team of course
Luka, Nash, Ray Allen, Larry, Bill
Luka ray bird and KG
Doncic Bird Ray Russell KG
Tatum Kidd Ray Allen Truth - this is just heart over brain. Favorite player ever so he’s getting the nod over Larry tho he has no business getting that KG
Luka, Bird, KG, Allen, Pierce. Tough call between Dirk and Pierce for that last spot, but I felt like Pierce was more versatile as a defender. Seeing Dirk and Bird playing together would be fun, though.
Nash, doncic, bird, kg, russell
Tatum Bird Bill Ray and Rondo
garnett bird tatum kyrie kidd
Rondo - Luka - Bird - Dirk - Garnett
Tatum, Russell, Bird, Ray Allen, Rondo Would use all of them in their prime bro. Larry Bird and Ray Allen will hit their 3s non stop, no one will beat it.
-Nash -Allen -Bird -Tatum -Dirk
Nash, Allen, Bird, Luka, Russell Easy
Kidd-Allen-Bird-KG-Russell
Luka, Steve Nash, Larry, Dirk, KG
Nash Allen Bird Tatum and KG. Only C and PG is debatable others are clear cut non arguments
Luka, Bill, Nash, Bird, and Allen. Nobody is beating that damn team.
Mavs Nash? Pass.... What is going on here? Power forwards KG and DIRK are centers now? okay?
Nash, Allen, Tatum, Bird, Garnett. Considered kidd over Nash since I already had a ton of shooting, but went with Nash anyway.
So for Luka, I'm going Kidd and Allen as the back court, Bird and KG as the front court. Kidd can space the floor or run the offense, plus guard the opponents best perimeter player. Allen, for obvious reasons. A Bird/Luka two man game would be pretty killer. KG, all around defender and can be a really dangerous pick and role guy. KG has to accept being the 3rd/4th option on offense and go all out on defense for this to work. For Tatum, it's basically the same team and for the same reasons, but swap Nash for Kidd. I need Nash to run the offense, and afford to lose Kidds defense because I don't have to hide Luka. I will have to hide Nash a bit which is harder to do but I think the trade off from Kidd to Nash is worth it.
Everyones picking Luka so to be different: Kidd Allen Bird Tatum KG Absolutely lockdown defense. Picked KG over Russell because hes better offensively. 4 players can shoot 3s and KG used to do the long 2 so the spacing is amazing. Kidd, Tatum, and Bird are all elite ball handlers.
White guys and Ray Allen
Rondo, Irving, Bird, Garnet & Doncic = 82-0.
Nash, Luka, Bird, Dirk, Russell. Most possible mvps If it’s one from each row it’s Nash, Allen, Bird, Tatum, Russell
Luka, Nash, Bird, Dirk and let's say half of Kidd. A pure Boston dream team.
Irving\\Ray Allen Jayson Tatum\\Bird Bill Russell
Doncic, bird, garnett, nash, allen
As much as I like Luka better than Tatum personally, a starting five of Nash, Ray, Tatum, Bird, KG would be the most balanced combination you can make here. Nash runs the pick and roll show. Well spaced out with shooters. Tatum and KG would be legit perimeter and interior defense + great help defense. Ultimately rather have Nash run the offense over Luka. Especially with so many great shooters. Could swap KG for Dirk, but then you lose the defensive hub.
All those dudes are old. Kyrie is the best pick
Steve Nash Ray Allen Larry Bird Jayson Tatum Kevin Garnett Had trouble deciding between Nash and Rondo and then KG, Russell and Dirk. I think in today's NBA KG would be less inclined to those long 22 footers instead of stepping out to 3 so he would spread the floor and him and Bird would raise each other through sheer competitiveness. Then it's borderline impossible to stop pick and roll with Nash plus deadly shooters on the perimeter if he wants to kick out. Or pick and pop with KG. Their entire offense could just be them rotating onto a bad defensive matchup.
Even Rondo and Terry don’t think they should be in this group of players.
Tatum Rondo Kyrie Bird Russell
Bird, Garnett, Baylor, Allen, Kyrie. Easy.
Luka, Kidd, Bird, Dirk, and give me Bill Walton at center. I just think it would be hilarious to watch a bunch of white guys win 70+ games.
Doncic Kidd Allen Bird KG.
Kidd, Nash, Doncic, Bird, Novitsky. White supremacy is back after 70 years
Kidd, Allen, Bird, Tatum, Garnett
JT-Rondo-Kyrie-Dirk-KG I really wanted to say ray but couldn’t pass up having Kyrie 😂
Larry Bird
Kidd/Allen/bird/Tatum/kg Healthy balance of offense and defence
Luka Kyrie Bird Dirk Garnett
Luka Brown Bird KG Russell
Luka bird Garnett dirk and the 5th don't even matter give me rondo he can play defense
Rondo Kyrie Luka Bird KG
The Steve Nash disrespect in this thread is insane
I think the two obvious choices are Luka and Bird… being that you can only have one from each row I’ll add Nash Allen and KG
Doncic-Nash-bird-kg-rus
Nash, Luka, Bird, KG, Bill
Luka, Ray, Bird, Russell, KG
Luka-Nash-Bird-Dirk-KG
Luka - Kyrie - JB - KG - Russell.
Kidd, Allen, Doncic, Bird, Bill Good luck to ya
Luka Allen Bird Nowitzki Russell A Luka pick and roll with Russell and all those shooters around them? Game over.
Luka, Kidd, Nash, Bird, Dirk
Luka; Ray, Larry, Dirk, Kevin
pg: luka, sg: ray allen, sf: bird, pf: kg, c: dirk. that was russel but I really don't have an idea about how he played. pick the guys more of fit I don't think you can stop this one from shooting 3s I just got kg so that I have a menace on the court.
Luka, Nash, Kyrie, Bird, KG I’d be happy with that.
Nash Ray Luka Bird KG
Luka…nash and ray for shooting, bird, KG
Kidd, kg, bill, and I don’t care who else. Good luck trying to score
Bird, Russell then it doesn’t matter.
Tatum, KG, Bird, Russell, Brown No one could score on this team. I’d just have Bird run high pick and rolls with KG and Russell all game. Tatum & Brown would have so much room to cut to the basket.
Among the problems with this graphic is that you would almost have to take Luka as the captain (reasoning below), meaning that if you can only choose 1 per row, you're locked into a 3-guard team with a small forward and only one big. It doesn't take advantage of tons of possible opportunities, especially when several of the guards are also ball-dependent. Why is it nearly a slam dunk to take Luka? Because as the team captain, you would want to have someone representing the best of your franchise, because otherwise why are the other veterans with the 21 combined rings listening to you? With apologies to the Mark Aguirres of the world, there have been 5 great Mavericks (though 3 of these had the bulk of their greatness on other teams). Dirk is a top 11-20 all-time player, Kidd and Nash each about a 50-60 player, Kyrie about a 60-80 player (who could still move up a bit), and Luka has the potential to end his career as a top 20 player but hasn't accomplished anything yet. Terry is not a top 200 player. The Celtics' franchise, on the other hand, has two top 10 players (Bird, Russell), a top 20 player (Garnett), a top 30 player (Havlicek), about 6 top 40-60 players (McHale, Sam Jones, Cousy, Sharman, Pierce, Cowens), and about 5 more 60-80 players (Parish, Heinsohn, Archibald, Allen, Dennis Johnson). I'm not counting Walton's one season, or brief stints with Shaquille or Dominique, etc. Tatum has a good chance to be counted among some of these players (as does Brown), but right now he is arguably not one of the 12 best Celtics of all time yet. So no, he can't be the captain.
Luka Allen pierce bird KG
Tatum, bird, brown, Garnett, Russell
Are we getting these players in their prime or just their years with the Mavs/Cs? If we're going prime, Kidd, Ray Ray, Tatum, Bird and Russell is the most well rounded team you could put together here, keeping in mind there is only one ball to go around.
Tatum, Rondo, Ray, Larry, and Bill. They might go 98-0.
Luka, j kidd, kyrie, bird, bill
Nash Bird Tatum KG Russell.
Luka , kyrie , allen , bird , bill russel
Correct me if I’m wrong here, but, the best team that one can make from this group is right here. • PG - Luka Doncic * • SG - Kyrie Irving • SF - Jaylen Brown • PF - Larry Bird • C - Dirk Nowitzki (or) Kevin Garnett Comment y’alls thoughts!
Luka, Nash, Ray Allen, Larry Bird, Bill Russell
Tatum - Kidd - Kai - Bird - KG
Luka, jkidd, Allen, Bird, Russell
Doncic, Brown, Bird, Dirk, KG
Luka, Ray Allen, Jaylen Brown, Dirk, KG Nobody beating that team. EVER!
Luka, Rondo, Allen, Bird, KG
Luka rondo bird kg bill
Luka can’t even go 82 games let alone 82-0 Gotta make time for his side hustle as an Overwatch live streamer
Paul Pierce is fat, ugly, and pooped his pants
Jt, Bird, Kg, Allen, and Nash
This team would not go 82-0 but it would be hilarious to play a defensive squad of Kidd, Tatum, Bird, Russell, KG. Might just hold every single opponent to under 100pts
Luka-Kyrie-Bird-Dirk-KG.. perimeter D might be an issue but scoring 140 points should help
Larry bird was really really good but respectfully brown would absolutely cook him 1x1. There’s no way he would be able to keep up with anyone’s speed and athleticism in todays game
Prioritizing defense, but not at the expense of offense (but Bill Russell is too good to not include). Kidd Jaylen Bird Tatum Bill 4-out offense, with Bill as a rim runner. 2-4 can attack on all three levels. Kidd can get anyone the ball. Defensively, Jaylen, Bird, and JT can switch 2-4 as needed. Kidd as the better offensive floor general than Rondo, and better defensively than Nash; can cover 1-3 as needed. Didn’t pick Pierce because he’d be redundant (and not as good) with JT and Bird. Not choosing any guards for better defensive switchability.
Luka bird nash dirk terry FTW
Luka and bird alone would dominate, but Allen, Kidd,KG
The 2010 Celtics, basically.
Dončić Allen Tatum Bird Nowitzki
Nash - Allen - Bird - Luka - KG
Luka, Ray, Larry, Dirk, Bill
None of these options can lead to 82-0. I like Luka, dirk and Nash, but no one else.
Luka- Allen-Bird-KG-Dirk
Dirk, Bird, Allen, Nash and Tatum The other team can dunk all they want. That’s an easy 30 made threes per game with that squad.
Doncic, nash, allen, bird and garnett
Luka rondo bird dirk kg
Kidd-Ray-Luka-Larry-KG
Luka, Kidd, Ray, Bird, and KG It's a sweep
Tatum, Kid, Kyrie, Bird & Dirk/Bill.
Luka, Kyrie, Bird, Dirk, Russell
LUKA , BIRD , JAYLEN BROWN , DIRK , BILL RUSSELL LETS GO 💯🏀💪🏿💪🏿
Luka at 1, Ray at 2, is Larry 3, KG 4, Russell 5
Luka, Kidd Allen, bird, kg
Nash, Allen, Doncic, Bird, Russell
Luka , ray allen, bird ,kg,Russell