I really like this discussion. My only two topics for debate would be:
1) The original Charlotte Hornets got moved to New Orleans so the Bobcats shouldn't represent Johnson/Mourning.
2) Some of the unanimous votes seem like they shouldn't be unanimous (not that I disagree with the outcome)
1. Lakers: Kareem and Wilt weren't even mentioned?
2. OKC/SEA: While at the end of the day I agree Durant will win, no Gary Payton?
3. ORL: Penny has to be in this discussion, McGrady should get some thought too.
4. SA: Really? No one voted for the Admiral? I'm honestly shocked!
5. TOR: As much as I hate the guy, Bosh probably should have been mentioned.
Once again not really upset with the picks for any of these teams, but I'm kind of shocked these guys won unanimously. How many guys were you having this discussion with?
Theres five of us.
1. I though for myself Wilt was dominant but didn't win a ton like Magic. We all agreed Magic raised the Lakers to a much more higher level than Wilt or Kareem.
2. A coulle them thought about GP, but we agreed that Durant at this stage has more impact for a team than GP did in Seattle.
3. Penny wasnt in the discussion. Great player, but we agreed it was Shaq's team.
4. Admir is great. HOF but we agreed Timmy not only was the better player, he also helped David win the Championship.
5. Bosh wasnt considred. Sadly, we didn't even discuss him. We went "We agree on Vince? Okay, chug."
I'll give you 1 & 5 because I have less compelling arguments for them
2. I still think Durant will win when all is said and done, but GP did take MJ to six while KD only took LBJ to five. Picking today I think GP gets my nod until Durant truly takes over.
3. Shaq certainly had the better/more dominant career, but the year after he left Penny was averaging around 40 points per game in a playoff series against a superior Miami Heat team (which was known for their defense). He took a 2nd seed to 5 games (in the old 5 game 1st round format) as a 7th seed. That series alone (for me at least) makes his case for possibly the greatest Magic player ever.
4. I honestly don't even know how to argue this one, Robinson and Duncan are 2 of the greatest big men of all time. I just can't believe Robinson got no votes. Outside of Gervin (who was before my time), Robinson put the Spurs on the map and made them a contender almost singlehandedly. I'd argue him and Duncan are almost equals and the only separating factor would be rings, but Duncan has a lot more talent than Robinson did. Elliott was probably the 2nd best player Robinson had (Rodman only contributed one side of the floor), while Parker, Ginoboli, and Robinson himself complimented TD. Honestly the hardest decision of the group for me, two great players in different circumstances for most of their careers but similar abilities.