Kolek planning to go pro
Magic Johnson was considered pretty darn athletic for his day. I don't think he would be considered so now.
On pure athleticism, I’m not sure Jordan is a clear cut number one. Am I crazy to think Dominic James was more athletic? Just far less skilled?LeBron is crazy athletic for a guy his size. I’d argue his athleticism is better than Jordan. It’s just Jordan had a ton of skills to go with his athleticism that made him so great.
Dominic might be my favorite MU player, but he was not as athletic as prime MJ. Jordans vertical was 46, compared to 38.5 for Dom. Wilt might be those most athletic. Of course, not sure how many of his stories are fish stories. Like lifting Arnold (schwarzzennaegger, not the kid from Different strokes) with ne arm. He supposedly had a 48 inch vertical as well.
Yep. Who knows if he or Bird would even get minutes on the Atlanta Hawks?
Muggsy had a legitimate 44.5 vert which was solidified at the NBA combine in 1984. He could also bench 335 lbs.
Bird would be great too obviously. I think his game would be harder to translate to now.
I loved seeing Muggsy in that new Ceasar's sportsbook commercial.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LlNfFsVfBi0
I think you underestimate how athletic the guys are now. Amazing dunks 15 years ago look routine. Heck, even the Vince Carter dunk contest looks a little pedestrian now.On pure athleticism, I’m not sure Jordan is a clear cut number one. Am I crazy to think Dominic James was more athletic? Just far less skilled?LeBron is crazy athletic for a guy his size. I’d argue his athleticism is better than Jordan. It’s just Jordan had a ton of skills to go with his athleticism that made him so great.
I'd be interested in your reasoning for this.Doncic seems to have no trouble with today's game and Bird was more skilled than he is.
First, I don't believe that to be the case. Second, I think he would struggle more with the quickness of the defenses compared to his era. Third, I did say he would still be "great."
I do know how crazy athletic guys are now. Best athletes in the world. And remember, I am not talking about 30+ MJ. I am talking early 20's athletic prime.Just curious - did you ever see him live in his first 5 years in the League? I probably averaged 15-20 games a year, so I saw everyone play. No one could touch MJ's combination of athletic abilities.
Larry worked his ass off for every bucket, and was the definition of a gym rat. I think we saw the peak of his game when he was in his prime.I'm not sure that if Larry worked any harder that he'd have been a better player.Aka, we saw Larry at his absolute best and top of his potential.
As long as we all acknowledge Bob Cousy was the best PG ever
Larry Bird would come out against todays players and drop 50
“We saw the peak of his game when he was in his prime”And you, good sir, are the esteemed winner of the “2022 Mr. Obvious” award.
He'd have to...he's not nearly as svelte as he was back in the day.
Again, there's this misnomer that running and jumping mean everything. Didn't Bird do alright vs Dominique Wilkins? As far as I know no one could guard Bird at all until he threw out his back.Nowitzki seemed to manage okay in the 2011 Finals vs Lebron and Wade.
He’s drop 50 on Jimmy in that outfit
Nowitzki also had inches on Bird.But your Dominique statement reminded me that I saw this just a few weeks ago. There is no doubt that he was a great player, but just look at this. The first thing I noticed was how slow and under the basket 1980s NBA stands in comparison to now. You honestly think Bird would get away with simple pick plays getting him open at the free throw line now? Especially considering the NBA can zone up now.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18Roy0sQyC4Look, I have been watching the NBA for a long time. The level of play that you see now is really much higher than then. It's faster, elevated, with much more sophisticated defenses.