And That's The Way It Was......

July 17,2009 (aged 92)

I know it’s long but it’s a good read. (Almost all of it is copy and paste, so your not just reading the ramblings of a crazy man). Here is a great list that I dug up in the Motown Sports Revival: It has the ratings of the three guys that a few of us have been discussing concerning the determining factors for a players greatness. It also includes two players associated with the Magic. I start off with my favorite player growing up just so you know my measuring stick. I was not a Jordan fan. I’m not a Kobe fan, just so you know where I’m at. I like Wade but mostly because of Charles Barkley.  I do like Lebron a lot and I think he will be top 10 when it’s all said and done. I did, however, lose a little respect for him after we knocked his “kings crown” off of his head…he showed himself to be a poor sport. I’m sure that will change with maturity as will the sophomoric mistakes that Kobe made early in his career and Dwight has made thus far, you know what I’m talking about. Without further adieu.

3) Magic Johnson

Magic’s greatness can be quantified by citing a lot of statistics. But, I think the single most compelling evidence of his greatness is that there hasn’t been a player since who has been able to do the things he did. He was a 6’8 point guard who could run the break, drive to the hole, rebound and post-up. His excellence produced five NBA Championships and three MVPs. He accomplished all of that despite the fact that his career ended at 31 years of age. One can only imagine what he could have done with five-to-ten more years added to his career. Magic holds a slight edge over Shaq in a number of categories. He holds a 5-4 Championship advantage, a 9-8 All-NBA First Team advantage, a 9-8 advantage in top-5 MVP finishes, and a 3-1 MVP advantage (although both won three Finals MVPs). Magic is 6th on the all-time Wins Shares Above Average-list. Shaq is 7th. Plus, as a 6’8 point guard, Magic is one of the few players in NBA history who can claim a size advantage relative to his position on par with Shaq’s.

11) Kobe Bryant

Where Kobe winds up on this list remains to be seen. He could end up in the top five or stay right where he is at. It all depends on whether he can bring the Lakers back to Championship-glory without Shaq. As it stands now, Bryant’s career has been spectacular. Although, there is no question that his career was greatly enhanced by Shaq’s presence. Together they won three-straight NBA Championships. Apart, Shaq has a title and Kobe does not. Kobe’s stellar combination of offensive and defensive brilliance is rarely seen in the NBA. In fact, the only guard that I can recall that played both sides as well is Michael Jordan. Kobe finally has an MVP under his belt which will help his profile. He needs to start piling up the individual hardware if he is going to make a move into the top ten. A few Finals MVPs wouldn’t hurt. Jordan has six. Kobe has zero.

21) LeBron James

LeBron James is the closest thing to Magic Johnson that the league has seen since Magic retired. Unlike most "pie in the sky" comparisons, I actually think LeBron will end up being better than Magic. In fact, I think LeBron has the potential to end up being the best player the league has ever seen. He is physically dominant at the ripe age of 23. At 6’9, LeBron can do everything Magic could do and more. He is bigger and stronger than Magic already. Barring a career-ending injury, LeBron will dominate the NBA like few have ever seen.

49) Patrick Ewing

Ewing is one of those stars who had the misfortune of playing at the same time as Michael Jordan. I remember some of his dominating performances in the playoffs against the Pistons. He was one of the top two centers in the NBA in the late 80’s/early 90’s but he was never able to lead his team to a championship or win an MVP.

50) Dwyane Wade

Even though Wade is considered by most to be one of the best players in the NBA, I think he is vastly underrated. He gets to the rim better than any player I have ever seen and that’s saying something. Any coach who doesn’t give Wade the ball every possession over the last five minutes in a close game should be fired. When Wade takes the ball to the rim late in a game, he will either makeit or get fouled. If he can stay healthy, Wade’s individual numbers will skyrocket without Shaq. He is as physically gifted as any player in the league.

81). Vince Carter

Carter has the dubious distinction of being one of those players who never wins anything. Dominique Wilkins, Charles Barkley, and Tracy McGrady are other members of that club. To be fair, Carter has never been on a great team. If you put him on the 80s Lakers, there’s no doubt he would’ve won as many championships as James Worthy. Carter should take a hit for not being able to lead a team to serious contention but he should also be appropriately acknowledged for being a great player. Carter is 20th on the all-time list for PPG at 23.8. He takes a lot of shots but his shooting percentages aren’t that bad. He is a 45% shooter from the field and a 38% shooter from beyond the arc. Carter’s all-around game is certainly more evolved than someone like Reggie Miller. Carter has career averages of 5.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game to go along with a steal and a block. Carter’s career has been marred by injuries and untapped potential. Still, he is one of the most athletic players to ever play the game and is one of the top scorers the league has ever seen.

And that's the way it was.  In honor of Walter Cronkite, the best anchorman ever.  I you didn't have the distinct pleasure of inviting him into your home every night for the day's events.....you really missed out.