ThaRegul8r

First Trio:

Starting point of the team.

Magic Johnson.

With Magic, you want players who can run with him on the break. With that in mind, the next players chosen are,

Julius Erving.

“Julius was the best player I’ve ever seen in the open court,” said Billy Cunningham, “and that includes Jordan.”

And his running partner on the break with Magic:

Clyde "The Glyde" Drexler

Magic and Drexler are a huge backcourt at 6-9 and 6-7, and both were great rebounders. Any one of the three can rebound and it's off to the races. All three also regularly finished among the league leaders in steals, so they can also start the break that way. So now you've got a fastbreak of Magic with Dr. J and the Glide on either side of him. So with those three pieces in place, who do you choose to fill out the other two positions, and who do you choose as your sixth man?

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GTA Addict

Magic
Drexler
Erving
K. Malone
Russell
6th: West

Since this would be a running team, who better to put in the middle than a man who knew a thing or two about fastbreaks, Bill Russell. On a team already with elite offensive players but average defenders, Russell would fulfill his role perfectly. Karl Malone can also run on the break and would add some low post scoring for a more dynamic offense. Jerry West as my sixth man would provide some much-needed long range shooting and perimeter defense, and could effectively run the fastbreak in the absence of Magic.

Though, by choosing three all-time greats I guess I'm not exactly adding a "supporting cast"...

jericho

I can't improve on that team, although I don't love the chemistry of the starting trio. You end up with a team that has warts in the half-court because none of the starting five are strong shooting threats. Magic became a decent clutch shooter and it's not like Drexler and Erving couldn't throw the ball in the ocean, but the offense might devolve into a bunch of isos and guys getting in each other's way in the post. Malone is probably the most reliable jump shooter of the bunch.

Crazy as it sounds, I might swap Drexler out for a guy like Mitch Richmond, or even Sam Jones or Hal Greer.

ThaRegul8r

Focal point of the team:

Hakeem Olajuwon

Combined with

Steve Nash

and

Ray Allen

A sharpshooting backcourt that will give Hakeem room to operate in the post. Then you've also got Nash feeding Hakeem.

__________________
THE REGULATOR
"I'm not the showstopper, I'm RUNNING the show!"

jericho

Hmm. I'll go with Dave DeBusschere and John Havlicek, two golden oldies who will defend extremely well and can each play multiple positions. Both are excellent teammates who will have no problem deferring to Hakeem or to whichever guard heats up. DeBusschere is a great rebounder for his size, and can score when needed. Havlicek is a good rebounder and very good playmaker, and can explode for 30-35 on offense if Hakeem gets into early foul trouble.

xray

Give me a bruiser like Charles Oakley (or even Dennis Rodman) to help with rebounding, and since you've got great shooting in Ray and Nash, I'll take Shawn Kemp to complete the running game.

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jericho

Rodman could play at small forward, but Kemp and Oakley seem a bit redundant. You need someone to guard the 3s.

Also, with Hakeem in the pivot do you want to emphasize a running game?

xray

I watched Akeem from college, so I picture him as a mobile post; and Kemp had a nice game from 15 feet (with quickness) - but I do see your point.

I'd take my chances.

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ThaRegul8r

Halfcourt team. Focal point:

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

Greatest halfcourt scoring option ever.

John Stockton
Kareem played with Oscar and Magic, two of the greatest point guards ever to play the game. Here he'll have the all-time assists leader. "Stockton to Kareem!"

Dennis Rodman
Provides rebounding.

Who do you put with them?

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jericho

I'll go with Larry Nance and Dwyane Wade.

Nance and Rodman give you a strong defensive combination at forward. They can switch positions depending on the matchups. The front line would dominate the boards. Rodman's presence means they're playing 4 on 5 at the offensive end, but Nance can slash or post up when needed. He's an athletic hustle guy and intelligent enough player to stay out of Kareem's way.

Wade (assuming he's healthy) is a great fit on a team with Kareem. He's a high-octane scorer who can explode on offense when needed, but won't have any problem deferring to the big man. He rebounds and defends very well for his size, is an excellent playmaker, and probably plays the point whenever Stockton sits.

It would nice to have another shooter in the starting lineup, but I'd have Mike Miller or a couple of Steve Kerrs coming off the bench.

ThaRegul8r

#1) Tim Duncan, John Havlicek, and Isiah Thomas

#2) Bill Russell, Jason Kidd, and Joe Dumars

__________________
THE REGULATOR
"I'm not the showstopper, I'm RUNNING the show!"