I Made The ULTIMATE Basketball Team
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 16 ก.ย. 2023
- I built the "ultimate basketball team" of NBA players, based on how talented they are, and how well these players would mesh together. 15 roster spots, 3 players per position, 3 separate units.
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The game of Basketball has been my passion since I was 5 years old. I grew up as a kid watching my dad's recorded VHS tapes of playoff games through the 70s and 80s, and collected all the Basketball cards. Something about the game and what it represents just hooked me from a very young age.
My love for the game only continues to grow as time goes on. I love studying and analyzing the game, with an unbiased perspective. Feel free to subscribe, follow me on social media, and celebrate this amazing game and it's rich history with me!
I post videos every week on NBA history, predictions, hypothetical scenarios and current NBA topics.
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Intro Music: Turn On - RW Smith • Turn On - RW Smith (No...
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#nba #basketball #hoops - กีฬา
How would you start your ultimate 5?
LeBron, MJ, Bird, KG, Hakeem
PG Stockton
SG Jordan
SF Pippen
PF K. Malone
C D. Robinson
@Matthew-xl5bc lebron at point?
@@uudux Why not? LeBron is an all time great passer and playmaker
Iverson
MJ
Bird
Olajuwon
Wilt
I wouldn’t mind having this team represent us in a galactic tournament lol
it would be the real space Jam 2 that everyone deserves
actually, though hard, it could be uodated soon with new star. Jokic would be crazy. i hope he wins couple more chips. love the guy
@domenicochirico9787 an even better jokic instead of Shaq for the second unit would make them unstoppable, besides for the interior defense.
I dont under stand why you wouldn't want wilt in your starting 5 bruh...wilt would be the biggest, most relentless and most unstoppable force the fast break...with magic running the point...you dont think he would want wilt who can literally run for ever and beat virtually every big down there lol? not to mention wilt isnt just a 3 trick pony like shaq...wilt had a fade away, a finger roll, up and under, baseline spin, drop step, hook shot, post hop shot, and people had to respect his passing ability...which is why he used so many pump and pass fakes to get open...AND assuming we are playing under modern rules, the answer is obviously wilt lol...we never got to see wilt be able to back in to his defenders like shaq...if wilt had the free hand to do that, wilts gravity would be even more insane...wilts never ending running and versatile post game would suit magic or lebron....wilts post passing, screening and defense would be the perfect piece for Steph curry's and Kobes off ball movement...wilt is the type of player who can quite literally do almost anything you need...the fact that hes not starting over shaq is kind of crazy to me...hell do whatever the coach ask of him
Nope, iguodala should be on the team at the intergalactic tournament
I literally drained youtube, nothing left to watch. Then Jonny saved me.
I found Gils arena recently, its good for basketball content
Get a life bro 😊
You stay draining huh
bro i’m the same i watch youtube literally 16 hours a day i just have it in when i’m doing anything 😂
Ay fucking yo
I'd take Lance Stevenson at 15. He is entertainment gold for the 4th quarter when the game is obviously decided
Every roster has to have a Lance Stevenson, or a Thanasis!
You mean Stephenson?
Lance, Pat Bev, rodman, Jr Smith and Javale would be entertaining. Lol
@@carlpacquing2575 Thanasis or better known as a human victory cigar.
Team Entertainment
- Jason Kidd
- Michael Jordan
- Lance Stephenson
- Charles Barkley
- Shaq
While I have Lebron as #2 on my all time list, it’s so hard to work him into a lineup with a pass first point guard so I completely agree with your starting 5.
Yeah, I’m ok with LeBron being a starter IF you make Steph one too
@@jonnyarnett I don't think those 2 would work with MJ
The wouldn’t work with Kobe right ?
Larry Bird fits into WAY more lineups than people give him credit for. A lot like Kevin Durant does. Instant synergy because he can fit almost any role, but I do think younger, less heavy versions of LeBron also do this well
I dont under stand why you wouldn't want wilt in your starting 5 bruh...wilt would be the biggest, most relentless and most unstoppable force the fast break...with magic running the point...you dont think he would want wilt who can literally run for ever and beat virtually every big down there lol? not to mention wilt is just a 3 trick pony like shaq...wilt had a fade away, a finger roll, up and under, baseline spin, drop step, hook shot, post hop shot, and people had to respect his passing ability...which is why he used so many pump and pass fakes to get open...AND assuming we are playing under modern rules, the answer is obviously wilt lol...we never got to see wilt be able to back in to his defenders like shaq...if wilt had the free hand to do that, wilts gravity would be even more insane...wilts never ending running and versatile post game would suit magic or lebron....wilts post passing, screening and defense would be the perfect piece for Steph curry's and Kobes off ball movement...wilt is the type of player who can quite literally do almost anything you need...the fact that hes not starting over shaq is kind of crazy to me...hell do whatever the coach ask of him
This man is the only one who can bench lebron on his all time team and get away with it, very interesting video and a very good team you built
Lol. You could make my 2nd unit the starters, and I would honestly be cool with that too. Both groups of 5 would be incredible on the court together
@@jonnyarnettdo you think Larry is better at basketball then lebron
@@lilkellz6493he specifically in the video said no. He said bird fits much better as a starter than LeBron and I agree. LeBrons floor spacing and ball dominance wouldn't mesh well with Jordan and magic
@@jonnyarnett yeah and you could just switch kareem and shaq and then hack a shaq in the closing minutes wouldnt be a problem as well, but it is definitely an interesting debate between the 1st and 2nd unit
@@lilkellz6493you need LeBron is the 2nd unit. You want Steph to have the responsibility of feeding all those stars? That’s a job for the King. If anything, the 2nd unit could start, but Bron is with the right group
KD at power-Foward before Tim Duncan is something I absolutelly disagree
It’s more about the roster construction, rather than being 3rd fiddle.
@@Says_me i understand and would pick tim duncan at the 2nd unit either way. What KD provides to that 2nd unit is covered by the others and that unit could benefit a lot from a solid player and elite defender like him
@@marceloasensiofilho3833I mean my issue there is Shaq + Duncan is gonna have the same spacing issues as the 1st unit. KD gives you a shooter at the forward slot and plays odd Bron better than Timmy. Especially as Kobe wants to Operate in the paint aswell you'd end up with the pain packed with only 1 off ball shooting threat
@@zephyrrrr4813 you do know that an NBA team will rarely have only 1st squad, only 2nd squad or only 3rd squad guys in the floor ?
It is very common to adapt who is on the floor and when each guy is on the floor according to what is needed against what opponent.
And btw with Shaq and Duncan on the paint and Steph on the 3 ball you really dont need much more om offense.
@@marceloasensiofilho3833 yes I was more trying to show a redundancy issue also keep in mind you're going against all time defenders not normal teams. There's a reason even Golden State has to pulled people off the floor with Klay and Steph.
Kudos on including Gary Payton, who was not only the greatest defensive PG of all time, he was a great offensive player that had solid range and could also take smaller guards into the post and punish them. The guy in incredibly underrated historically.
Payton is fine, but I would replace him with Kawhi Leonard. Kawhi can play point no problem, and nearly all of his stats are superior to Payton's.
@@thoughtsuponatime847true but i'd take jerry west out and have Kawhi instead at the sg position.
Everybody that played in the Jordan era is extremely underrated.
I would maybe take Oscar Robertson as my 3rd PG, Kawhi as SG, Pippen as SF, Duncan as PF, and Bill as C
My personal team would be:
PG - 1987 Magic
SG - 1996 MJ
SF - 2014 Durant
PF - 2003 Timmy D
C - 1972 Kareem
My bench would consist of 16 Steph, 09 Wade, 18 LeBron, 07 Dirk, 00 Shaq, 95 Stockton, 06 Kobe, 84 Bird, 04 Garnett, and 95 Hakeem.
I believe this team beats yours in a seven game series but I’ll run it in 2k and see for sure.
Your teams are basically "best of the 80s and 90s as first and best of the 2000s and 2010s as second" and I really think they are the best ones.
Right like it’s by era not actual players. Just like bias to bad boy piston era lol
Magic, MJ, Bird is a dream trio and that interior defense is diamond lol
Curry and Shaq is fucking nasty combo, I love it. Add the others and it's horrifyng to imagine
Kareem wasn't a great defender. Hakeem was a tad overrated as a block/steals merchant. Bill Russell and Kevin Garnett is by far the best possible interior defense combo.
@@thsu8Kareem literally has blocks titles and made first team all defense 😂. The fuck you on?
@@thsu8 Imo hakeem wasn't overatted but I I agree Russel plus either KG or maybe Giannis is the best defensive combo oat. I feel Giannis might have an edge over KG as the secondary defender but KG is a much better anchor
@@thsu8Kareem was one of the best rim protectors is basketball history.
Now I need you to do the all scrub team... Lol. Put together a team of all the players that when fitted together would be a complete disaster.
Lmao. That’s tempting….
A team of all time great players no less. Just with maximum chemistry issues
My first two picks are Allen Iverson and early career Wilt. Great scorers and talented players whose ball dominance would suffocate each other's offensive production and cause immediate conflict over who would be granted the most iso possessions
Russell Westbrook and James Harden would finally get a time to shine in a video
Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant (might leave in the off-season), and Wilt Chamberlain
Real solid choices. Perhaps CP3 could replace Payton, but I'm saying this just to say something. Lol. Aliens don't have a chance against this squad anyway
I am in total agreement having Larry Bird as the starting Small Forward.
OVER Durant really
@@A.S.O.L.Eif rather take a minuscule hit when it comes to scoring if I get a player who is leagues better when it comes to playmaking and defense, and rebounding 😂
@@theblazingblaziken1951 and shooting
@@A.S.O.L.Eas far as careers yes he's over durant but scoring would go to Kd.
Man, seeing your first team go against the second team would be incredible
It’d be an amazing game, with the first team getting the win. The gap between the first and second team’s defense is much bigger than the gap between the second and first team’s offense.
Steph would abuse Magic, MJ and Kobe is a wash, LeBron would get to the rim at will although Bird would get his, Dream would have a nightmare chasing Durant around the perimeter, and Shaq would break Kareem in half. 2nd team by 30.
@@thsu8Shaq ain’t stopping Kareem skyhook, Hakeem would absolutely annihilate and shit on KD, I can definitely see Larry struggling with LBJ, Kobe and MJ are going back and forth, and curry on magic😂😂? This a game 7
I think it would be damn close, but more killer mindset and clutch in the first team and that would be the difference
@@thsu8you`re kidding right?you underestimate Magic defense?
I love the idea of this video. I also love that you considered chemistry and play styles.
I like the second unit a lot more than the first, the spacing and shaq would be unstoppable.
I think Kobe really hurts that second unit and makes me like the first unit alot more. Kobe is probably the best tough shot maker ever but he still tries to make tough shots when the second unit is about generating open looks. Kobe is at best the 3rd option on that squad and I cannot see him playing that role the best. I have some issues like that with Hakeem but I feel that its much more minor and hakeem was a more willing passer imo
The second unit is my least favorite. It's an offensive powerhouse but so is first unit. But first unit is almost all top tier two way players. First unit would steal a ton of balls and force lots of turnovers. Remember when the bulls didn't let Shaq score a single point for half the game? The first team is that on massive steroids.
2nd unit is better and much faster if you make Shaq prime orlando magic-to- LA Shaq. Big fella ran the floor !!!They would freight train, and drain from outside incredibly. 5 on 5 they would smash the starting 5.
Hakeem, Kareem, and Jordan in the 1st unit is a floor spacing nightmare
Loved your overall analysis with everyone, great video!
I have won :) 🎉
I think unit 2 would have an edge until team 1 goes to the hack a shack
You're second unit would be unstoppable in the modern game, with Lebron running the floor with all those shooters, and Shaq!
Kobe would have the ball the most
imo, your starting 5 is perfect. I agree with you, the starting 5 should be the ones who will be closing out the final minutes of the game. The quintessential closers of the game are Jordan and Bird. Excellent video, as always Jonny.
Damn dudes been consistent lately 👍
Dude has been over working keep up....from Kenya 🇰🇪🇰🇪
How about a team of players who won in the same year MVP and DPOY. That'd be nuts.
Only 3 players have done that
Isn't that only Jordan / Hakeem / Giannis?
@@stevedavidmusic Actually James Harden won MVP and DPOY in 2018. Lockdown defender with 200+ blocks and steals. I remember Steph could barely get the ball to halfcourt with Harden's ball-hawking.
@@stevedavidmusic honestly, give me those 3 in their primes against any team in the NBA rn (ignoring exhaustion 😆)
@@thsu8no Rudy Gobert won dpoy in 2018
Oh yeah, another Jonny Arnett video... It put smile on my face
This upload schedule is glorious Jonny! We are loving the consistency man
Your content is getting us through this basketball winter. Thank you 👍
Beautiful lineup. I love how it unintentionally became different era units, but synergy is key and that was captured very well. Aint no one taking these teams down 😂
3rd vid in a row?!Ur killing it man keep up the content 🔥
Starters
Pg steph
Sg mj
Sf bron
Pf dirk
C shaq
Bench
Pg magic
Sg Kobe
Sf bird
Pf Duncan
C Kareem
3rd unit
Pg Nash
Sg wade
Sf kd
Pf Garnett
C Hakeem
Dirk? Stop the cap
@@johnfs123 that was a really hard decision for me but I think my lineup needs more shooting to adjust to the modern game and I think we can cover him defensively with bron and shaq
No Wilt, No Kareem? Man there's so much meat in your soup and I can't fault you for it.😂
Kareem is on the 1st team.
I would put Prime Wilt over Prime Kareem. Wilt would be able to play the running style that Magic would bring to the table and a terrifying option.
Great video, Jonny! Usually, when I imagine all time great rosters, I try to think of the best at each position, like Jordan, Magic, Duncan, etc. Nevertheless, I like the way you constructed your roster and how you focused on different aspects, like ball handling, shooting, rebounding, defense, spacing, etc. It is a well-thought and great roster. Very tough to stop also. Kudos.
I probably would have Chamberlain on my team, but I totally get why you did not include him.
Hope you have a great day and great week 😊.
also the closing line up can be beyond the starters for some matchups, for example having Jerry West in the closing line up replacing one of the bigs could be huge considering he is by far the best closer alongside mike, it would be hell having magic feeding jordan in the post, feeding west and larry in the perimeter and Hakeem/Kareem in the low block, and it would allow a pass heavy quick offense (playing west at the 2, mike at the 3, and bird at the 4)
@@luizansounds Excellent points. I second this.
Any body else taking the 2nd unit to beat the first XD
Honestly I wouldn’t be surprised 😂 Both group of 5s are nasty. As a Lakers fan, I just remember Shaq shooting free throws in the final minutes of the 4th, and that was nerve racking af. Lol
Absolutely. I think Magic is going to have a hard time containing Steph, and I actually think Kareem could really struggle against Shaq. He wasn't as strong as other centers which was why Moses Malone was able to get the better of him, and Shaq cranks that up to 11. He would have Hakeem for help defense, but helping off of KD is suicide.
@@jaketerpening3284steph is not guarding Magic
@@franagustin3094 True, but Magic isn't a lethal 3 point shooter, so the mismatch is more punishing in Steph's favor.
That’s not happening. 🧁s wouldn’t beat 🦁s. Most especially in the mental aspect.
😂 in the closing minutes you don't want Shaq taking free throws. It would be embarrassing to have smaller than a 50 point blowout
Great Video as always 💯❤️
The chemistry aspect of the question is interesting. For on court chemistry the team looks great. For off court, can you imagine the drama that would come from Kobe and KD being on the bench? There would be an epic meltdown every other night.
Tbh I think kd could be convinced to come off the bench especially if LeBron also is lmao. idk about Kobe though.
Jordan' ego would destroy this team TBH
Great video. You have an amazing depth of basketball knowledge and common sense. 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Magic, Jordan, LeBron, Bird, Kareem
Curry, Kobe, Durant, Duncan, Shaq
Stockton, Wade, Dr J, Malone, Hakeem
It hurt to see TD in the third unit but it’s hard to argue with any choices. Although I do believe if you went strict position based teams he would be higher on the list.
I'd make a case for KG being on that 3rd team over dunc but they're both unreal players depending on what u need
@@adolfBBC I am a Duncan fan through and through so making that argument would be tough but I do respect KG.
i think timmyd should have been on unit 2
heres my take on the video if you want to read it..
2 things
1. You went w magic in the starting lineup for passing and bird for shooting, but i hope you do realize that you could have just exchanged the 2 w lebron and curry, lebron is just as good a passer as magic (almost, but you get the point) and steph is an infinitely better spacer, so not a bad ideaa to have steph jordan lebron hakeem and kareem as starters.
2. KD in the second unit???! i think you have enough shooters in steph, 06 kobe and 13 lebron, but what you dont have is defence, specifically interior defence. Imagine team 1 goes up against team 2, shaq is not nearly good enough on defence to stop hakeem let alone kareem, plus there is no one else who has an interior presence, kobe and lebron are both good defenders, on the PERIMETER, hakeem and kareem are eating inside, so imo, replace kd w timmyd. Also, kobe lebron are ball dominant players, we dont need another dude who is at his best w the ball in his hands. Timmyd is an unselfish defensive big which is just what steph kob bron and the diesel need to go over the moon. Also, w kd in unit 3, theyll get exactly what they lack, shooting, since the logo is the only real shooter there, and not only that, they also lack a little bit of scoring since gary pippen and bill are primary defenders, so it wouldnt be a prob giving kd the ball and letting him do his thing, plus interior defence wont be as big of a problem since they have the late great bill russell (whos obv better than shaq, atleast on defence).
im willing to stick my neck out (at the risk of losing it) that this would be hands down the most exciting and competitve series ever
team 1 - magic jordan bird dream kareem
team 2 - steph kob bron timd shaq
team 3 - gary west pippen kd bill
clearly 2 teams are better than the 3rd but still i feel like every team is at its best here w no real weaknesses and the series could go in any dirn, would love to hear all of yalls comments on my take!
Which center would you put him over? Since he played that most his career
@@vicedm1145 really depends on who you talk to on that one. He is regarded as the best PF to ever play by most so I see him as a PF.
Love your videos! I don’t fully agree with everything but I know you know ball and do your homework before all your posts. Your how good we’re they really videos are my favorite. But keep being the best in the business.
Great video, like aways. Spot on line ups
Love this!
This team is lethal
My starting 5 would be: curry, mj, lebron, kd, and Kareem. I am always back and forth on whether to include shaq or Kareem at center, but I choose Kareem for better floor spacing. This team would have solid defense, solid floor spacing, solid athleticism, solid dominance in the paint for any of the slashers, and longevity.
Hakeem is the answer
Duncan
Steph mj Bron is the clear choice for that, the tough thing is what to do w the big spots. I switch between a Tim-Hakeem or Kd-Hakeem team depending on era/match up, but those big guys like Shaq and Kareem j don’t work in their prime unless the offense runs through them, and that doesn’t work at the highest peak of team construction
The issue I have with starting Steph MJ LeBron is the same reason I don't like starting magic. They both tend to have the ball in their hands so much and with Steph and MJ you get insane opportunities to create ball movement, also the change that LeBron off the bench brings is way bigger than anyone else. I would liken it to how Iggy was better than the 2015 starting sf but him coming off the bench flipped the entire game on its head. Or Manu Ginobili doing the exact same. I think Larry starting, into LeBron off the bench is a bigger change up and thus a bigger advantage to LeBron starting then someone else off the bench.
steph doesnt need the ball bruh. dude literally the best off ball player@@zephyrrrr4813
This video is the perfect break down of how the best teams are assembled instead of just the best players.
Jonny is cooking
I might like strong defense, I would take Wilt (best shot blocker and rebounder), Hakeem (best shot blocker and rebounder), Kobe (great defender and scorer), Jordan (best scorer ever and amazing defender), and Curry (underrated defender &amazing shooter). Seems like an odd lineup, but I think they would work together well. Good luck scoring on this team. Not to mention this team can score also. Maybe the best 2 way team ever!! I would also make sure the whole team would be on the amazing Japanese tech for athletes from holyhydrogen. You should see what it does for endurance and healing times.
If you want defense, Russell >> Wilt. It isn't even close.
Maybe, but I was thinking best 2 way players, I think wilt was better at offense and great at defense
You had me completely sold when you picked Bird on the 1st team. The only complaint I would make is that I feel like Bill Russell would be better starting over Kareem. Sometimes Larry and Magic could let guys get by them, having a complete lockdown center (Kareem is good, but he is not Bill Russell) gives Hakeem the freedom to play out a little more and help pick up defensive breakdowns in the mid-range to give, Magic, Jordan and Bird time to swarm.
That’s what I was thinking
I agree. The offense is already the goats. Might as well boost defense to absurd levels.
I love it. I got the starters over the second and third units. Dude, I love your channel.
I have very little to argue with here. Great list!
Your starting 5 has always been my choice for the greatest starting 5 of all time.
I quite literally had the exact same 15 people.
I’d have started Duncan or Russell over Hakeem, but otherwise I’d have had every person you mentioned, and I’d have had your starting 5, save Duncan or Russell.
I dont under stand why you wouldn't want wilt in your starting 5 bruh...wilt would be the biggest, most relentless and most unstoppable force the fast break...with magic running the point...you dont think he would want wilt who can literally run for ever and beat virtually every big down there lol? not to mention wilt is just a 3 trick pony like shaq...wilt had a fade away, a finger roll, up and under, baseline spin, drop step, hook shot, post hop shot, and people had to respect his passing ability...which is why he used so many pump and pass fakes to get open...AND assuming we are playing under modern rules, the answer is obviously wilt lol...we never got to see wilt be able to back in to his defenders like shaq...if wilt had the free hand to do that, wilts gravity would be even more insane...wilts never ending running and versatile post game would suit magic or lebron....wilts post passing, screening and defense would be the perfect piece for Steph curry's and Kobes off ball movement...wilt is the type of player who can quite literally do almost anything you need...the fact that hes not starting over shaq is kind of crazy to me...hell do whatever the coach ask of him
@@JohnnyRodgers3 Wilt's ego probably holds him back more than anything. Remember, they considered lineup chemistry in the parameters. Larry and Magic were all about making the extra pass. Wilt not making the extra pass would drive them insane and that's not even considering the clash with Jordan over who is the primary scorer. I don't think there is any question whatsoever that Wilt is skilled enough to play on the team but I do have concerns over whether he could coexist with them. There are some very, very big egos on that roster already and a lot of people that would throw a fit in an 82 game season where they ride the bench or don't get the attempts they think they should. The question with the lineup is never about skill for me it's whether or not they can actually be a team instead of a collection of generational players that all think they are the GOAT
I think if you asked him to change his play style, he surely would, if you ask his teammates and him self on how he truly wanted to approach the game...he NEVER wanted to take 62 shots in a game and in fact was hard on himself for years after that 100 pint game...he had 8 coaches across a 13 year career...2 of them were literally rookies another was an outed racist and another was a crack head in remission...he did what ever his coaches asked him to and was able to change his play style accordingly...wilt wanted to be a team player, he just didn't always have the team or coaching around him to fit that play style...wilt played very well off ball and was arguably the greatest offensive rebounder of all time, he was a great touch passer from the post and didn't hold the ball for long when scoring...usually taking 1-3 dribbles and going...@@raiderplague
also Im pretty sure wilt would get his fair share on the break...sure there are bigs who could run with him like bill Russell, David Robinson and giannis...sure there are bigs with the strength to contest like shaq and Artis Gilmore...sure there are bigs with the endurance to run all night like bill Russell...but there's none that have all 3, besides wilt...wilt could get you 16 on fast breaks and 10 on put backs alone...he wouldn't need that many touches to score 30-40...especially in the modern game...with the extra spacing, the lax defensive play, smaller centers and the crazy amount of offensive lee way( being able to dip his shoulder and carry in the post) I could see wilt in todays game avg 40 on 65-70% shooting easily...remember how many times wilt changed his play style when he was asked...arguably the most adaptable player in NBA history...
My starting 5:
Pg:Magic
Sg:Jordan
Sf:Bird
Pf: KG
C: Wilt
2nd Unit:
Pg: Curry
Sg:Kobe
Sf:Lebron
Pf:Hakeem
C:Bill Russell
3rd Unit:
Pg: Oscar
Sg:Jerry west
Sf: Kawhi
Pf:KD
C:Tim Duncan
@@raiderplague
@@JohnnyRodgers3 All of that is more than fair, but just like it wasn't a skill issue keeping Wilt off the team it may not be a situation of Wilt actively doing anything negative that would cause a negative perception of him, especially in a competitive environment like the NBA. When you have people like Jordan and Kobe who were famous for taking any perceived slight, real or imagined, as a personal attack.
Wilt was known to brag a bit about his physical accomplishments and there are numerous interviews where he would give different numbers. Any time he drove with the ball instead of passing could be a time where Jordan could take it personally and just try to deny him the ball. Combine those two things and I could see how someone that doesn't really know him on a personal level would think he is just an arrogant asshole and go full tilt into freezing them out.
Jordan said on numerous occasions that he would freeze out teammates who he felt weren't playing "within the system" or who weren't making the effort he liked or expected. All those things are things I could see causing him to butt heads with Jordan and Kobe. Even Shaq on the original list is a bit of a risk of that for me. I don't know if Shaq and Jordan could have coexisted because Shaq is very sensitive and Jordan didn't mince words. That lockerroom looks like a nuke ready to go off at any moment to be honest.
Looking at your squads...the biggest bone of contention for me is that if you needed synergy, Elgin Baylor has a strong case on that 3rd Unit. Nobody ever had more synergy with Jerry West. Other than that they look like amazing squads to me. Good work.
Jonny, great list man. I feel my brain getting bigger waching this video!
Phenomenal team and i like your thinking when constructing each lineup. Dig the soundtrack too. Love your channel, Jonny! Please do keep it up.
Larry Bird is a hot take, and I completely agree with it, he will fit better with Jordan and Magic.
If Steph curry starts then Lebron starts. But since magic starts u need a greater shooter which is where bird comes in. If curry starts then u don't need bird for shooting and instead then u would take lebron to compliment Steph
I dont under stand why you wouldn't want wilt in your starting 5 bruh...wilt would be the biggest, most relentless and most unstoppable force the fast break...with magic running the point...you dont think he would want wilt who can literally run for ever and beat virtually every big down there lol? not to mention wilt is just a 3 trick pony like shaq...wilt had a fade away, a finger roll, up and under, baseline spin, drop step, hook shot, post hop shot, and people had to respect his passing ability...which is why he used so many pump and pass fakes to get open...AND assuming we are playing under modern rules, the answer is obviously wilt lol...we never got to see wilt be able to back in to his defenders like shaq...if wilt had the free hand to do that, wilts gravity would be even more insane...wilts never ending running and versatile post game would suit magic or lebron....wilts post passing, screening and defense would be the perfect piece for Steph curry's and Kobes off ball movement...wilt is the type of player who can quite literally do almost anything you need...the fact that hes not starting over shaq is kind of crazy to me...hell do whatever the coach ask of him
Isiah Thomas would fit better with Jordan and Magic jk
@@marqkuisphillip2295I disagree I think even with Steph you start Larry. Larry was the master of the extra pass and LeBron off the bench is so strong.
Personally I would have 1967 or 1968 Wilt Chamberlain instead of Bill Russell, since he played more of a team game than early '60s Wilt. These were the years that he showed that he could take a backseat on scoring and become a more all around player with his passing and defense. Because of this, he'd be perfect to fill in for almost any big man on the team. If you need a powerful force in the paint like Shaq, a finesse first player that relies on agility like Hakeem or Kareem, or even someone who can stretch the floor (with his fadeaway). However, like Shaq, his poor free throw shooting could be exploited late in the game. Other than that, I'd have to say I completely agree with your list.
I would have 67 - 68 Wilt as the starting 5 with Hakeem at the 4.
@@Mike-yq7ce perfect combo 👍
The team will struggle with ego problems already. Wilt would be too much.
@thoughtsuponatime847 that's why I have this version of Wilt. More unselfish and held back on offense. I see your point though
@@sir_sack Wilt is tempting, but the competition is also. Russell gets the edge for me because a defensive titan like Russell scales better alongside better team mates compared to a natural isolation scorer like Wilt. Russell is famous for his selfless style and leadership which this team needs. Additionally, Russell's WOWY stats are higher than Wilt's, so he contributed more to winning, and he did it without needing to have the ball.
Jokic would also be an ideal center to throw in, as he makes his team mates so much better.
Imagine practices and scrimmages! Whewwww!😮😮😂😮
Jonny please make a video about representing major awards to only players who played 65 games or more in that season in nba history!! 🙏🏼
Replying so he sees it
Love Bird starting, I have also always had him there, mainly because I believe the Magic-MJ-Bird trio would have the best chemistry. I personally would put Hakeem on the 5 and start Timmy.
I have to say first and second units seem very closely equally matched to me. Or they are a such great players that is hard to see what weaknesses would the other team rely on to win. I would reluctantly give the edge to the first team because I think they have won more and they have possibly a stronger mentality. Bird and MJ alone are the kind of players who won't let their team lose. I think Shaq could be the one issue, since it would be u to Kareem and Hakeem to hold off and then he could dish it to Kobe or Curry, but you have Magic and MJ to steal and recover the ball. Such a difficult prediction
You are absolutely correct. The difference in talent between team 1 and 2 is minimal. The difference comes down to finishing games. MJ and Bird are the two best to ever do it. That's why they'd win most of the matchups.
ill give to the second team cause all those players are some of the best scorers oat and with incredible floor spacing and more slashing opportunities 2 wins
Incredible roster, good work!
My list was similar to yours, but with some adjustments.
1st Team (switched 1st and 2nd teams. Assuming we are playing with modern rules, modern shooters have advantage)
- Steph Curry
- Kobe Bryant
- Lebron James
- Kevin Durant
- *Nikola Jokic* (replaced Shaq. Similar offensive ability. Can shoot free throws and 3s. Jokic's passing + 4 shooters can not be stopped)
2nd Team
- Magic Johnson
- Michael Jordan
- Larry Bird
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
3rd Team
- *Kawhi Lehnard* (replaced Payton. Can play point. Better shooter. Nearly all of his stats are superior to Payton's)
- Jerry West
- Scotty Pippen
- Tim Duncan
- Bill Russell
Coach: Phil Jackson
- Need the zenmaster to handle some of these massive ego's.
Assistant Coach: Bill Russell
- We need this selfless leadership. This appointment should remind players to ignore drama and focus on winning.
------------------------------------------
Team 1 vs Team 2
By happenstance, the year 2000 separates these teams. Winner depends on the rules. I would switch these teams depending on what era of rules we are playing with.
3rd Team is primarily for substitutions and drama avoidance. These players are no maintence, no drama players. The threat of substituting players
Ideal Starting Five
- Steph Curry
- Michael Jordan
- Lebron James
- Kevin Durant
- Nikola Jokic
Great picks Jonny! Especially switching The dream at 4 so you can enter Kareem. The other 3 are no brainers
Dream at 4 feels so awkward to me you really want his rim protection yet think how many stretch 4s are available. I don't think you can justify starting or closing with 2 bigs all time cause of the level of shooters you'll have.
Your 2nd unit is better than starters if you put in Mike instead of Kobe.
I think that the best swap on those 2 units is Lebron and Magic… which also means swapping Bird and Curry.
That's how you feel Jonny 💯
I think I would just put Rodman somewhere in there simply because I loved the way he played the game and how tenacious he was, all the mind games he was playing, unnerving the opponent. He was just such a different kind of player who didn't do what all the other greats did.
No Tim Duncan in 1st or 2nd team is a crime because his defense is top 5 of all time.
This video is amazing
Very nice topic!
Please do that on a regular basis... once a year?
How did Wilt not spend the prime of his career in a team oriented offense? He 3-peated the MVP, won the championchip as the best player, and lead the league in scoring, assists and rebouding during his stint with the 76'ers.
He could, and has shown, unlike most of these other players, that he could play different roles with different teams.
*This assumes that we play in 2023 rules and coaching
Starting lineup-
PG- Stephen Curry
SG- Michael Jordan
SF- LeBron James
PF- Kevin Durant
C- Hakeem Olajuwon
The starting lineup of Steph-MJ-LeBron-KD-Hakeem is the ideal modern lineup. Everyone aside from Curry can essentially switch everything, and even if Curry was switched on he just needs to provide pressure and lure a drive into arguably the greatest defender of all time (Hakeem). Curry is essential for this lineup for spacing purposes (We are playing in 2023 rules and strategies), while KD adds versatility on both ends that earns him the spot over Tim Duncan, who's the superior paint presence. The other option would be Dirk, but Dirk isn't switchable on defense like KD and having two non-switchable defenders would be rough.
The offense would be run through MJ and LeBron by attacking mismatches (Or through Hakeem in the post if a guard's on him). It'll practically be 3-on-3 with LeBron, MJ and Hakeem because Steph and KD would be on the weak-side, doing screening actions for each other, and I really doubt the defense would be willing to give up an open jumper to Steph or KD, especially since both LeBron and MJ are good enough passers to hit them if they're wide-open.
The defense would be hiding Steph on the weakest isolation scorer (He's a good defender in terms of chasing guys around screens, calling out rotations and hustling, he's just a massive mismatch for good isolation scorers). Unsurprisingly, Steph would be hunted, but as mentioned above, all he needs to do is lure them into the lane for either an averaged mid-range pull-up or a paint attempt with Hakeem's shot-blocking presence. Even if you put a stretch 5 as an attempt to bring Hakeem out of the paint, LeBron+KD+MJ are excellent at rotating and X-outs will take away any viable shot.
Bench (15-20 MPG, consistent rotation guys)-
PG- Magic Johnson
SG- Kobe Bryant
SF- Larry Bird
PF- Tim Duncan
C- Kareem-Abdul Jabbar
C- Shaquille O'Neal
Everyone here serves a purpose as a backup that'll be useful against every team. Magic is a giant playmaker who'll take the role of the primary passer when our other giant playmaker with way better defensive versatility (LeBron) sits.
Kobe will take MJ's role when he sits as he's basically an ever-so-slightly discounted MJ. Having Kobe as a backup will give us the ability of being able to rest MJ for at least 15-20 minutes so he could go 100% on both offense and defense.
Larry Bird will act as a glue-guy. Think about it this way: what can't Bird do? He's a 6'8"-6'9" forward who possesses above average shooting ability (Though I do believe his shooting is quite overrated because of his % drop in the playoffs), great passing abilities, excellent defensive playmaker, excellent rebounder, and a good scorer. KD's shooting edges the starting spot for him, but Bird's still an excellent back-up who'll get a lot of meaningful minutes.
Tim Duncan will be the defensive anchor for bench lineups. Tim at the 4 is basically the only option when we want to play twin tower (which we will) in bench minutes. He offers switchability and mid-range shooting that every other big doesn't possess, and he's arguably the best shot-blocking non-center of all-time.
Kareem-Abdul Jabbar and Shaquille O'Neal would be our options at center. Jabbar offers FT shooting and slightly better defense, while O'Neal is the more dominant player. Both of them are nearly impossible to stop, and whoever plays will be dependent on the opponent's bigs, but one of them will get significant minutes.
Bench (5-10 MPG/DNPs, wildcards)-
SG- Klay Thompson
PF- Dirk Nowitzki
PF- Giannis Antetokounmpo
C- Nikola Jokic
Everybody here offers something unique that might not be needed constantly, but could be useful sometimes.
Klay and Dirk's specialty is obvious - when we're down by 3 with 2 seconds to go, they're guaranteed to be on the floor.
Giannis in my opinion is the second most versatile defender of all-time behind Draymond, but considering how much better Giannis is on offense he's the choice here. Whenever we need a stop, Giannis can be put at the 2/3, and we'll have unreal defensive versatility next to LeBron at the 1.
Nikola Jokic is in my opinion the best offensive center of all-time. He won't be played a lot because he's nowhere near the defensive presence that Hakeem, Kareem and Shaq are, but if we're in urgent need of offense, Jokic will be played.
Closing lineups:
Closing lineup is the lineup you play in a tight game with 4 minutes left. The game will be slow-paced and isolation-heavy to avoid turnovers that'll lead to easy fast break points, so defense is more important in those lineups. FT shooting will be a big part in late game situations, so bad FT shooters like Shaq will be left off those lineups.
Closing lineup #1:
PG- Stephen Curry
SG- Michael Jordan
SF- LeBron James
PF- Tim Duncan
C- Hakeem Olajuwon
This is the ideal closing lineup in my opinion. Steph's gravity makes the offense much smoother (Random wide-open layups will occur because of his shear presence) and with a total of
30 All-defensive first team appearances, scoring on them will be HARD. Scoring in the paint is near impossible, which leaves jumpshots as the main option, and aside from Steph everyone's an all-time isolation defender, and doubling Curry's man won't be a problem as either one of Duncan or Olajuwon could remain near the rim. This team's also a tremendous rebounding team, and will generate second chance points in a time where they'll need it.
Closing lineup #2:
PG- LeBron James
SG- Michael Jordan
SF- Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF- Tim Duncan
C- Hakeem Olajuwon
This is the ideal closing lineup against offensive-minded teams. Not only is it the ultimate switchable team, every player in this lineup has been Top-3 in DPOY votings at least once. This would lock-down every single team there is, and despite very questionable spacing, the fast breaks this defense will generate is good enough, not to mention that MJ and Hakeem are both incredible tough-shot-makers.
Wildcard lineup #1:
PG- Stephen Curry
SG- Klay Thompson
SF- Kevin Durant
PF- Dirk Nowitzki
C- Nikola Jokic
This lineup's use feels obvious - when you need a 3 urgently. Jokic can practically just sit in the high post while the other 4 generates a 40% wide-open 3 through screening/DHO actions with Jokic
Wildcard lineup #2:
PG- Nikola Jokic
SG- Kevin Durant
SF- Giannis Antetokounmpo
PF- Kareem-Abdul Jabbar
C- Shaquille O'Neal
The lineup of absolute length. They're 6'11", 6'10", 6'11", 7'2" and 7'1" respectively with a somewhat workable spacing. If the opponent dares to play small-ball, this lineup would absolutely tear them apart with 95% FG% layups every possession. However, this will be unplayable normally, therefore it's just a wildcard lineup.
So, our ultimate team:
PG/SG- Stephen Curry (2021)
PG- Magic Johnson (1989)
SG/SF- Michael Jordan (1991)
SG/SF- Kobe Bryant (2006)
SG- Klay Thompson (2016)
SF/PG/PF- LeBron James (2013)
SF/PF- Larry Bird (1987)
PF/SF- Kevin Durant (2014)
PF- Tim Duncan (2001)
PF/SF- G. Antetokounmpo (2021)
PF/C- Dirk Nowitzki (2007)
C- Hakeem Olajuwon (1993)
C- Shaquille O'Neal (2000)
C- Kareem-Abdul Jabbar (1972)
C/PG- Nikola Jokic (2023)
Great team. I love that the third unit is soul crushing defenders. Oh, you're having a good game against Steph.... Meet the Glove. 😅
Wonderful picks!
First off this is my fav channel! Love this dude! NEVER OUTLANDISH!!
Can you do a video on the best runner up NBA final teams, perhaps rate them compared to other runners up
Hey great vid
Great starting 5 he chose
Magic Jordan Bird Hakeem Kareem 🔥
I can dig it!👍🏾
My man is just cranking out content, sheesh
Great vid.
I really think your 2nd unit would destroy your first one pretty easily
The Dream and the Cap will both have to be double teaming Shaq nearly all game and he has way too many shooters for them to be comfortable doing that
Love this list. When your channel starts going viral like Space Ice, you're gonna be a millionaire. Hope you have your Lambos and houses in the hills picked out.
@jonnyarnett you literally got all my starting 5 except I have big fundamental, Timmy at the 4
Jonny godly
The second unit is unstoppable on offense. Inside, outside, fast breaks and half-court sets 💯
switch curry and magic and bird with james, and then you will have the best five man team.
you will have James as a playmaker, and the best 3 point shooter in the history of the game
I would switch Kevin Durant for Kevin Garnett. Lebron, Kobe, and Steph don't mind taking the 20-30 foot jumper, so having Kevin and Shaq on the blocks is good fit. Or, if you efficiency, go with 84 McHale. Or a great passer and efficient, go with 77 Bill Walton. I would trust them all above Durant's whiny ass.
Oh man I love thinking about this question.
Here’s my full 12 man ultimate roster that I think has no flaws and can beat yours, Jonny (even though a lot of our players overlap)
PG: LeBron (‘13)
SG: Jordan (‘90)
SF: Durant (‘14)
PF: Garnett (‘04)
C: Olajuwon (‘94)
PG2: Steph (‘16)
SG2: Kobe (‘06)
SF2: Kawhi (‘19)
PF2: Bird (‘85)
C2: Shaq (‘01)
11th: Pippen (‘94)
12th: Payton (‘96)
I valued defense and switchability first and foremost, since I really only need a couple offensive threats to generate any shot and get me through any game. Secondly, I valued spacing so that I can compete in any era. Curry and KD are really my only “minus” defenders (even tho KD is plus), but GP and Pip can come in and replace them if needed.
LeBron at PG is kind of a curveball, but really he’s one of the best passers ever, has the size of Magic with much better defense.
Garnett starting really shouldn’t be debatable if we’re talking primes. I’m assuming if we’re playing in modern era he would be able to stretch the floor more, since he already was shooting deep mid ranges in his era. I really think the omission of KG from your list is surprising.
Hakeem is one of the best passers out of the low post ever, so I need to surround him with people who can knock down the 3 like Lebron, KD, MJ, or KG (in corner). I believe my second unit speaks for itself in this department, with 4 of the greatest shooters ever and Shaq.
I guess if I had to fill out the rest of the roster it would be Bill Russell, Tim Duncan, and perhaps Jokic to throw another curveball at defenses.
when the third stringers have over 20 rings combined you know your team has no flaws 😂
Awesome video! Imagine making this a series where you make the ultimate Lakers, Celtics, Heat etc. as well as maybe all time USA, World etc.
That is a great idea!! And then make it a GIANT compilation at the end of the 30 team series…. I like your thinking
All of the first team players played at the same time between 84 and 87, all the second team players played at the same time between 09 and 11. Thought that was kinda interesting
Awesome... you have the same starting 5 I'd pick. Go Jonny!
I've always said my best fit starting 5 would be magic, Jordan, Larry, Giannis, Russell
So the assignment is to build a team to beat yours without using any players you chose. Let’s do it.
STARTERS
PG: Chauncey Billups
SG: Sidney Moncrief
SF: Alex English
PF: Dirk Nowitski
C: Tim Duncan
I have Chauncey at my PG to be our anti-Kobe/Shaq/Payton, as he was able to lead and facilitate his 2004 Pistons team to triumph over a stacked Lakers team with all of them on the roster through a brilliant mix of clutch shooting, lockdown defense, and unprecedented psychological warfare. Surround him with lockdown defenders in Dirk, Sidney, and Tim, and you have essentially that 2004 Pistons team on steroids. You could make a case for Wallace being at the center to complement Chauncey, but I think Tim’s scoring along with his all-time great defense makes him more potent here. You get some nice floor spacing with Dirk and Chauncey both hitting 3s, great post scoring with Tim and Dirk, a reliable scoring boost with English pouring buckets in, great interior defense from the frontcourt, and lockdown perimeter defense from both guards who are some of the best defenders at their position. This is the ultimate underdog 5 to win it all here.
BENCH
PG: John Stockton
SG: Reggie Miller
SF: Kawhi Leonard
PF: Amar’e Stoudemire
C: Bill Laimbeer
This is super close between Stockton and Nash at PG. Nash is probably the better spacer, but John is a nasty defender, has Finals experience, and is just as if not more effective in the pick and roll, so we’ll go Stockton at PG and let the rest space our floor. Speaking of which, we have two clutch shooters with Kawhi and Reggie on the floor. At PF we have John’s pick and roll partner, Amar’e Stoudemire, who is frankly here because I hate Karl Malone, but also because he was such an effective PF in his own right, but the tandem of him and Nash was one of the most potent offenses in the NBA for a time. Just imagine Stoudemire and Stockton, two pieces of two all-time great pick and roll duos, coming together as one. Laimbeer at center seems strange until you consider what the rest of this unit is somewhat lacking: spacing and strong interior defense. As much of an ass as Bill was, he was ahead of his time as a center with a 3-point shot, and he was a notoriously nasty defender who would gruesomely punish anybody who set foot in the paint. This is, like my first unit, sort of a scrappy underdog team that I feel like would hold its own through gritty defensive play, reliable spacing, and a strong playmaking PG who can provide perimeter defensive presence. Add in Kawhi being Kawhi and you have a pretty scary team.
RESERVES
PG: Isiah Thomas
SG: Pistol Pete Maravich
SF: Tayshaun Prince
PF: Kevin Garnett
C: Ben Wallace
Essentially just the missing pieces. A do-it-all, dominant PG who can take over games through both scoring and facilitating, a flashy ball-handling and fantastic shooting SG, a lockdown defensive SF and Center from that 2004 Pistons team, and possibly the greatest defensive PF of all time. Not worried as much about spacing with this unit, they have plenty of solid scorers and would hardly ever be all on the floor at once. They’d moreso be here to hold down the fort as our top two units get what little rest they need.
That starting line up is nasty! Never losing a game!
That second unit is brutal!!!
This looks almost identical to my made up roster. The only thing I would’ve switched was kd for dirk
PG: Magic
SF: Bird
SG: MJ
C: Hakeem
PF: Duncan