Magic Johnson, a legendary player in the NBA, was known for his innovative no-look and bounce passes, as well as his ability to make big plays in the clutch. He won five NBA championships and three MVP awards during a Hall of Fame career, revolutionizing the game. Johnson was a 12-time All-Star and nine-time member of the All-NBA First Team.
Magic Johnson played 13 seasons for the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, and 7.2 rebounds in 906 regular-season games. He was selected to play in the NBA’s All-Star Game in 1987. Johnson was known for his extraordinary court vision, passing abilities, and leadership, making him one of the most dominant players of his era.
In his 98-game run from November 1, 1986, to NBA Finals MVP on June 14, 1987, Magic Johnson amazed basketball fans with his court vision and swagger. He is considered the greatest consummate point guard ever, combining shooting, passing, and rebounding. His versatility as a passer separates him from all others, as his 6-foot-9 height allowed him to see over defenders and create passing lanes that only he had.
Magic Johnson retired from the NBA at his peak when he announced his HIV test in 1991. His legacy continues to inspire and motivate basketball fans today.
📹 How Good Was Magic Johnson Actually?
As a 5-time NBA champ, 3-time league MVP, Hall of Famer, and the straw that stirred one of basketball’s most famous styles of …
How did Magic Johnson make a difference in the world?
In the 1990s, after retiring from basketball, Howard Johnson began investing in businesses in urban America, including an alliance with Sony Pictures to develop Magic Johnson Theatres and as Starbucks’ only franchisee, acquiring and selling 125 stores. Johnson believed that urban America was an underserved market and wanted to make a positive impact by bringing quality goods and services to these communities. His efforts have led to increased investment in urban cities across America, especially with the growing spending power of black Americans and Latinos.
Was Magic better than Kobe?
It is evident that Magic is a top five all-time player, whereas Kobe is a fringe top all-time player. Consequently, there is no rationale for posing this question.
What are 5 facts about Magic Johnson?
Earvin “Magic” Johnson Jr. (born August 14, 1959, in Lansing, Michigan) is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, and Hall of Fame point guard in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has two children with Cookie Johnson, Elisa and Earvin III “EJ,” and one with Melissa Mitchell, Andre.
Is Magic Johnson a legend?
Magic Johnson, a Lakers legend, is not interested in any player with a lesser championship record, even if they are one of the biggest names in the NBA today. Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards recently asked the Wall Street Journal how he thinks basketball is different now compared to older generations, stating that he has no interest in the opinion of players with a lesser championship record.
What did Magic Johnson invent?
Former Cincinnati Reds manager Dusty Baker is frequently credited with originating the high five gesture, which he is said to have shared with teammate Glenn Burke during their tenure with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1977. However, Dodgers owner Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who has financial interests in numerous sports teams, asserts that he and former Michigan State Spartans teammate Greg Kelser were the first to perform the high five gesture.
Who’s better, Michael Jordan or Magic Johnson?
In the NBA Finals, Jordan demonstrated superior skills and abilities, averaging a double-double with points and assists, which reinforced his reputation as one of the most accomplished players in the history of the sport. Notwithstanding difficulties in distributing the ball and scoring points in regular-season matches against Magic, Jordan’s performance in the Finals demonstrated no deficiencies. The following content is deemed inappropriate and therefore excluded from this article.
Why was Magic Johnson successful?
Magic Johnson, a dynamic point guard, transformed the NBA with his distinctive abilities and perceptual skills. He spearheaded the Lakers’ ascension to new heights, securing NBA titles and MVPs along the way. Johnson’s distinctive abilities have transformed the manner in which sports are played, rendering him one of a select few athletes who have genuinely altered the fundamental tenets of their sport.
What is Magic Johnson best at?
John Johnson, a legendary NBA player, is known for his exceptional court vision, passing abilities, and leadership. He has won numerous awards, including three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, three NBA Finals MVPs, nine All-NBA First Team designations, and twelve All-Star games selections. Johnson is the NBA’s all-time leader in average assists per game in both the regular season and playoffs. He also holds records for most career playoff assists and most career playoff triple-doubles.
After leaving the NBA in 1991, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games. He was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He has been a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, being enshrined in 2002 for his individual career and as a member of the Dream Team in 2010.
Johnson has also been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. He is a founding member of Guggenheim Baseball Management, managing entity of the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, and part of ownership groups of various sports teams. Johnson has won 14 total championships during his career, including one in college, five as an NBA player, and eight as an owner.
Why is Magic Johnson so great?
John Johnson, a legendary NBA player, is known for his exceptional court vision, passing abilities, and leadership. He has won numerous awards, including three NBA Most Valuable Player Awards, three NBA Finals MVPs, nine All-NBA First Team designations, and twelve All-Star games selections. Johnson is the NBA’s all-time leader in average assists per game in both the regular season and playoffs. He also holds records for most career playoff assists and most career playoff triple-doubles.
After leaving the NBA in 1991, Johnson formed the Magic Johnson All-Stars, a barnstorming team that traveled around the world playing exhibition games. He was honored as one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History in 1996 and selected to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. He has been a two-time inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, being enshrined in 2002 for his individual career and as a member of the Dream Team in 2010.
Johnson has also been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention and safe sex, an entrepreneur, philanthropist, broadcaster, and motivational speaker. He is a founding member of Guggenheim Baseball Management, managing entity of the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers, and part of ownership groups of various sports teams. Johnson has won 14 total championships during his career, including one in college, five as an NBA player, and eight as an owner.
What made Magic Johnson successful?
Magic Johnson, a dynamic point guard, transformed the NBA with his distinctive abilities and perceptual skills. He spearheaded the Lakers’ ascension to new heights, securing NBA titles and MVPs along the way. Johnson’s distinctive abilities have transformed the manner in which sports are played, rendering him one of a select few athletes who have genuinely altered the fundamental tenets of their respective sports.
How was Magic Johnson a good leader?
Magic Johnson, a legendary NBA player, was known for his leadership skills and teamwork. He entrusted his Lakers teammates with the responsibility of ensuring their success, leading to five NBA Championships. Magic shared similarities with Heat star Heath Butler, who prioritized winning and uplifting teammates above all else. Both players prioritized team first, focusing on making their teammates feel valued and secure. This shared focus on teamwork and teamwork is evident in Magic’s leadership style.
📹 NBA Legends Explain How Why Magic Johnson Was Better Than Everyone
Magicjohnson#michaeljordan #nbalegends In this Video NBA Legends explain why Magic Johnson was Better than everybody …
Hands down…Magic is the TRUE G.O.A.T. period!!!! A pure assassin who killed everyone with a huge smile. Mike hit the league in ’84 and didn’t meet Magic in the finals until ’91 because he couldn’t make it out the East to get to Magic his first seven seasons. Each team that eliminated Jordan’s Bulls during that time was getting smoked by Magic’s Showtime Lakers. And til this day….Magic is still the ONLY rookie in NBA history to be named finals MVP. He’s “THAT DUDE”!!!!
Magic Johnson is hands down the greatest basketball player on the planet. Not only could he play every position, but he made everyone else better because of his court vision and passing ability. He was a great team leader, and always a gentleman off the court. No one else has done what Earvin has accomplished.
I remember it like it was yesterday. The day he announced that he was going to have to retire from the NBA due to the HIV virus. It felt like a punch in the stomach. At that time it was a death sentence and you thought he would soon be dead. Although we were robbed of a portion of his career, we are still blessed with his personality and smile.
His place in history is monumental. No one before him was very comparable in this role – closest was a 6’5″ Big O. Magic Johnson was both the blueprint AND the perfection of a point-playing forward at the same time. Great as they are, Luka Doncic or LeBron James can only wish they could be that great.
It amazes me how so many people don’t have Magic in the GOAT conversation. I have watched thousands of games from the 1950’s until today’s era in 2022. No player affected team-winning basketball more than Magic. He is definitely the GOAT to me! Jordan, Kareem, and LeBron also have great arguments for GOAT status too.
Best point guard I ever saw play. Greatest leader on the court I ever saw play. Changed the way the game was played… Those Lakers teams of the 80s really introduced the current pace and tempo of today’s game. Then, with Magic being 6’8″-6’9″; every team wanted a ball handler between 6’6″ and 7′ who could create for his teammates. Even now. If you have a guy between 6’6″ and 7′ with an extraordinary handle. High basketball 🏀 IQ. AMAZING COURT VISION AND PASSING. Make his teammates better. Guess what? He’s going to be the first pick in the draft, every time. We have Magic to thank for that.
Magic is top 5 player ever. You just have to watch the games. Last night I watched randomly Lakers@Clippers 1988-12-06, Magic 25 points and 21 assists and deciding the game. Another day in the office. Sean David, there is no way Stockton comes close to Magic, he did not dominate the game as Magic did, did not make buzzer beaters shots, did not make his team-mates as good as Magic did (had he done so, someone like Jeff Malone would have been much better in Utah, just to provide with an example), did not change the game as Magic did and had no such incredible respect and admiration from his peers. Stockton was phenomenal, but he was not even better than Isiah Thomas.
Thanks for the article! I think it’s really tough to compare any player pre-Jordan in the GOAT conversation. Jordan pretty much defined the GOAT conversations that go on today. But you have to remember pre-Jordan / pre-expansion era, the winning teams were stacked to a select few: Sixers, Celtics, Lakers, then later Pistons. Even some of the playoff teams were really good like Milwaukee, Mavericks, Rockets with twin towers, etc. I remember NBC would try highlight a star matchup like “Bird vs Dr J” or “Magic vs Isiah” and it would be a non story as someone else on their team would end up with the hot hand. In Jordan’s era, the term “duo” and “supporting cast” started being floated around. If the stars didn’t drop 30 or 40, there really wasn’t someone else that can take over on a consistent basis. That’s when you can focus on being the best player while winning and he was the first to do that. But then you also had longevity issues with the pre-expansion players. Knee surgeries were primitive, physical therapy methods were ancient, and it was common to get fat during the offseason. Most don’t know Magic had nagging knee issues and walked awkward placing the stress on his hips. Bird had back surgery. Isiah shot too much and tore his wrist. When it comes to that above, that’s where Jordan separates from the pack. He didn’t lose a title due to injury like all above.
I’m not going to say he’s the best ever or he’s the goat, because that’s when all the personal opinions come out. The majority of people can’t deal with facts. So what I will say is that if I had first pick on any player past or present, I would pick Magic! I could list so many reasons why, but the bottom line is basketball is a team sport and Magic is the ultimate team player. That’s right no ball hoggers on my team.
I’m with you Sean on John Stockton. The guy is overlooked time and time again because he looks like he should be doing tax returns rather than controlling a basketball game. A bit like Tom Brady in the NFL, he bucks the trend for what a traditional flashy player at his position might be. Solid fundamentals, selfless and a clear head in those big moments
Best PG? No question it’s Magic Johnson, and frankly, it’s not close. In fact, I’m on the same page with John Salley and a few of the others. Magic was the greatest player of all time at any position. People get on him about not scoring enough, but that’s only because the Lakers didn’t need him to score, and when they DID need him to score, like in Game 6, he put up 42, at a non-natural position. You don’t have to score 30 when you can score 20 and dish out 12 assists per game, and bring down close to 10 boards. Magic simply made everyone around him better in a way no other player ever has or likely ever will.
Magic is definitely the 🐐in my opinion. High School & Middle School Champion, College Champion, Olympic Champion, 9 NBA Finals appearances in 12 years. This was during the toughest decade ever to win (1980’s) before the NBA expanded from 23 to 30 teams from 1989-2004, which reduced the strength and depths of teams. Imagine if he never got HIV. He could’ve played another 6-8 years and would have been to a few more finals and gotten another 1-2 rings. Smartest player and greatest team leader in NBA history.
I love this website so much. As a kid that was little and thought these guys were awesome (and I’m busting my little ass to shoot 100 shots over the summer after 2nd grade when I was 8 years old and wasn’t strong enough at the start of it to shoot a 10 ft. hoop – which I did by the end of that summer damnit) I still remember the legacy of these guys and then perusal the Bulls become what they did. Even though I was a Cavs fan and LOVED Mark Price I still couldn’t help but watch the Bulls every year too. What a great time in basketball.
Magic was Great! But my favorite point guard is Isaiah Thomas aka Zeke. He went through Jordan, Bird, and Magic in their primes to win championships…… He is the only one who can say that. I’m not a Pistons fan.. But i am a big fan of the underdog. His 23 points in one quarter of a finals game on one good ankle will forever be my all time favorite moment in NBA history.
As a kid growing up in Detroit our local paper talked about this kid in Lansing. Even put a color full spread photo out that I hung on my bedroom wall. Then he went to Mi State with J Vincent, won a national championship and then to the Lakers. Only time I didn’t want him to win was against the Pistons in their championship season. Which he didn’t win.
People won’t agree with me, but Magic was the best player of all time. He beat Bird twice, and until Bird injured his back Jordan could never reach the finals. The Magic that Jordan faced in the finals was not prime or peak Magic. That would be like claiming a player is greater than Jordan because the beat him when he was with the Wizards. No one could do everything like Magic, score, pass, rebound. Best court vision. Best facilitator. No one ever won the NCAA championship, and then won the NBA finals MVP as a rookie.
Magic was Lebron before Lebron. He was a superstar at age 14. Game six vs Philly was probably the best game played by a professional basketball player. He was unstoppable. He was schooling everyone on the court—Dr J, Moses, Daryl Dawkins and there rest of the 76ers did not stand a chance against him!!- And yes Every modern professional basketball player owes Larry Bird and Magic Johnson a little or a lot of their pay checks to them!!!
Magic was the complete NBA weapon on the hardwood in NBA history,he played all positions well with a very high basketball IQ,there has been great player’s in the NBA,who are Hall of Famers or will be Hall of Famers,but there will never,ever be a 6 foot 9 do it all NBA basketball player like Earvin (Magic) Johnson in this lifetime .(Unless they unnaturally make something in a laboratory of artificial intelligence,Magic was a gifted, natural, extremely talented basketball playing human being with a big smile,he truly enjoyed playing basketball,he most definitely had the perfect personality for what to do with a basketball on the hardwood floors.
For some strange reason I always forget Magic in the discussion 🤷♂️ Maybe it’s because I think of a point guard more as a silent worker, someone who leads without leading, someone who steps back, who orchestrates, who facilitates and let others do the spectacular stuff… But obviously he was damn f*#€ing good.
My man! Great article, as always. I’ve been waiting for this one. Thank you. But my dude, John Stockton!!!? Come on now. First, I will say that I am in no way, shape or form detracting from Stockton’s skillset of Hall of Fame pedigree. I’ve watched ALOT of Johnny Stockton over the years. I grew up in the 80’s in LA and am a die hard Lakers fan. Magic is 100% my boy. So yeah, bias. But there’s truly 3 reasons why John Stockton will NEVER be in Magic’s echelon. 1.) Stockton needed Malone to be great. As many people said in the article you posted, you can plug and play Magic with ANY roster and that team will immediately be better. You can’t say that for Stockton. But if you need something more tangible and stats related, peep this: 2.) Magic is the all time assists leader in the NBA playoffs with a total of 2,346 assists in 190 playoff games, including Finals. Stockton is third with 1,839 assists in 182 playoff games, including Finals. That means that Stockton would have to average (AVERAGE!!!) 63 assists per game to catch Magic. Dude. That stat alone blows Stockton right out of the conversation for best PG ever. And finally: 3.) Rings, baby. At the end of the day, you have to beat the best to be the best and Johnny Stockton never could get over the hump. So these are the reasons that John Stockton will never be in the same category as Magic. Mag is the greatest PG ever. Hands down.
I’m with Worthy, the way he said it early in vid. If I’m building a team, Magic is first pick. I mean, my thoughts are – your aren’t picking for a pickup game for just the best talent (Jordan would seem the pick then) but who can an entire pro team and organization be built around? I just don’t think I’d be down for Jordan’s STYLE of teammate/’leader’ if you can call his style leadership. Magic is better leader, motivator, presence and – everyone around him would be a better payer because of the way he plays, too. I think Magic makes for a better building block and all the while, has all the skills; and gave up points to spread them around to his team cause he could have scored all he wanted. I just don’t think he is brought up enough in GOAT talk. But to me, it’s too hard to say 1,2,3 – rather, I think in tiers because of nuances and other things so I instead group into tiers if too close to say absolute 1,2,3 rank I instead say tier 1: Bird, Magic, Jordan….
It breaks my heart to think of Ben Simmons. He could be be Magic Johnson with defensive player of the year defense on top of all of that and he just doesn’t want to put in the work. All I ever wanted to be as a kid was the next Magic Johnson. 4 hours a day after school every day on the basketball court. 8 hours a day every day on the weekend. From 8th grade to senior year of high school this was my life. SMH I wish God would give talent and opportunity to the people who want to actually do something with it.
I don’t know why, Magic is NOT in “The Greatest Player” conversation. The NBA was Dead before, “Magic”. He changed the way we pass. Up and Until this day players make, “Magic Passes” and don’t know where they it hails. Magic could have had 60 pnts every game. The thing is, he didn’t need too. Worthy… Karim… Scott…Green… there were so, many weapons on LA at the time.
I got magic at 5. Its mj, wilt, kareem, russell, magic, bird, hakeem, shaq, kobe then lebron. Showtime lakers was my favorite team when i started perusal basketball in 84. Kareem had all the accolades but i thought magic is what made that team showtime so i give magic all the credit. Granted kareem was at the tail end of his career. Based on skills though, my first 5 in an all time game are mj, magic, bird, pippen and hakeem.
For me magic is with Larry and Bill the best who ever played, all three excelled playing the game, won multiple times, had most probably the highest bb iq, made their teammates better and most importantly were the best leaders, Kareem, Jordan, Duncan, 3 incredible freaks of nature, as good as anybody, much more than fundamentaly sound, defining greats, Kareem with the sky hook, character, sensibility, great player, better human being, Jordan with the spark, flashes, athtletism, strength of mind, ethical, super human, best scorer of all time, highest stamina, Duncan, big fundamental, did everything at the highest level, winner, great leader, greatest player since 1998,best power forward ever and with nowitski the only to to ever win a title being the best player on their team, all time great defender. After those 6,there are many legends, shag, isiah, Kobe, the logo, LeBron, Dr j, Moses, wilt, Hakeem, dirk, Baylor, steph, Durant, Thompson, in no specific order, in my opinion, Shaq is still better than LeBron, LeBron is better than Kobe, Hakeem for all his qualities is the most complete baller ever. For a last min play, first bird then Jordan, last min shot, first bird then Reggie. To start a franchise magic or bird, to star a league de j, for social leaders, Rüssel, Kareem, for hardwork example sports ethics, Jordan even been the fastest and strongest worked more than anyone on his craft, even when everyone everywhere was liking his boots he respected the greats, even with a media inflated ego, not his fault has always stayed true to the game.
His energy set it off in LA and he could pass his ass off to anyone anywhere he could be on the other side of the court and worthy in the corner way on the other side. Spot him throw it all the way to him perfectly like a quartback pass james worthy is in his spot he shoots the three and hits ..don’t get much better than magic that’s my opinion
Instead of debating who the G.O.A.T. is, because that’s so ridiculous, we should instead think of a big box with a sign on front labeled “These are the greatest.” And in that box, you toss Michael in there, Bird in there, Wilt in there, Russell in there, LeBron in there, Magic in there, Abdul-Jabbar in there, and some others, as well. The box will be big enough, too, so that future players who are of that caliber can be tossed in there, also.
I definitely do not disagree with you on this subject “MAGIC JOHNSON WAS THE BEST POINT GUARD THE NBA HAD EVER SEEN! He was too quick for the average center, forwards and small forwards he was the size of the average forward taller than the small forwards and point guards were just too small he could see over the top of them !🤣🤣 his ability to run the court and handle the basketball along with his passing skills made almost impossible for any player or players to guard him. I grew up in Detroit I still remember when they beat Indiana state for the NCAA championship! My aunt still has the news paper of the Detroit free press from 1979 it’s in a glass case that she keeps in a dark room with magic Johnson smiling. 💯💯👍👍😎 Magic Johnson hands down!!!
James Worthy one of the very few players ever to play with both Ervin Johnson (Lakers) and Michael Jordan (UNC) is most qualified to speak on both said (in this article) if he would start a team with any player it would be Ervin Johnson because he made his teammates better. So what does that really say about Michael Jordan? Worthy is saying selfish ball hogs aren’t fun to play with! Tell it Big Games James!
I think that if worthy was not hurt that the Lakers would’ve won that first series against the bulls, and this whole greatest of all time conversation would be different because Magic would’ve had 6. James worthy was the finals MVP in their previous championship. Magic losing worthy would be like Jordan losing Pippen. Do you think Jordan and the bulls would beat the Lakers without Pippen? Of course not One thing about Magic is that he didn’t pad his stats. It is such a shame that he retired because of HIV, because he was playing really well right up to that day and I guarantee you they would’ve been back in the finals at least one more time for a rematch with the bulls
To be CLEAR, there would be NO NBA today if it wasn’t for Magic and Bird!! I’m NOT exaggerating. In 1975, the ABA died a quiet death, nobody cared because they didn’t televise those games. FOUR teams survived; Nuggets, Spurs, Pacers and Nets. The Nets ONLY survived by selling the league’s marquee player, Dr. J to the Sixers!! The 4 teams joined the NBA who was like today’s WNBA, trying to survive itself!! You see, it was near bankruptcy and in about 70% of my Sports Illustrated articles about the NBA, it was about cocaine scandals!! It was BAD!! Enter: Sophomore Magic Johnson and 33-0 Senior Larry Bird. The Final 4 and March Madness is another thing this generation takes for granted!! It wasn’t nearly as popular as it is now!! I was 15 in 1979 and WITNESSED two kids breath LIFE into NCAA Basketball then elevate the entire NBA LEAGUE into the heights of the NFL!! It was something the NBA lacked in the 70’s and unfortunately, today!! A catapult!! If you REALLY want to BEGIN to understand the true measure by which these two giants of the sport resuscitated the league, just watch the then MVP of the league and all time scoring champ, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar interviewed immediately after scoring the winning sky hook in Magic’s very first game. Brent Mussburger asked him if he thinks these new players (Magic & Bird) will improve the image of the league. I will tell you with no reservation and have a great case that the entire Western Conference should be GRANTED to Magic and the entire Eastern Conference granted to Bird.
For one he could play every position on the court. He’s overlooked because he played with the best player in basketball…Kareem Adul Jabbar. I truly think Kareem was better than Jordan. If I could pick one player in his prime to start a team Magic or Kareem would be one and two. My 3rd pick would be Jordan or Bird. My power forward would be another Magic #45, lol😂
Does Bill Simmons ever have anything nice to say when speaking about any Laker? He gives me this intuition that he’s always fake about his respect for any great Laker player and can only talk about Lakers negative. Larry Legend, I got his jersey and I totally think he’s a GOAT candidate and I’ve read his book Drive. If a player got a real reason not to like them that has nothing to do with basketball that’s where I place judgement about him as a person but Legend just wanted to win and play the game he loves so much. Magic loves the game too but it’s guys like Simmons that leave me thinking how entitled journalism became and the rule of zealousness gone out the window. It’s all dollars and cents at the end of the day. Simmons always got something dirty to speak of on every Laker but every Celtic deserves the title of Saint. I’ll never ever have respect for him as a reporter cause he lets that rivalry taint his clout.
I don’t have a GOAT, but a GOAT pen, Lol. I don’t, and never have, seen MJ as a clear #1. There’s a guy who makes YT vids on about 7-8 who make a good case in the GOAT discussion. I would add 3 or 4 he left out, but that’s what it really is. It’s about roughly a team’s worth of players people can make the claim for with a straight face. As far as Magic… I think he unfairly gets “he played w/Kareem,” who some still see as The GOAT, and they dismiss him off that. Or the older Laker team, after beating the Bulls in game 1 head-to-head vs MJ and Co., got old in front of our eyes and the wheels came off. Magic had Kareem, an “older” prime Kareem vs the 6ers. Then it was just an older Kareem–who was still way above average in the blocks on offense even into his dang 40’s but he would practically walk up court. Defensively Jabbar was big enough to still disrupt and all but it wasn’t the Kareem that battled Wilt Chamberlain, younger Mases Malone, Dawkins, healthy Walton, Elvin Hayes, Nate Thurmond, Artis Gilmore, and so on. Basically Kareem was so good, that even as a shadow of his heyday, he was still a contributing All-Star level player a few of Magic’s early years but not the GOAT or league MVP version. Kinda like Jordan still got 20+ a lot with the Wizards–but it wasn’t the late 80’s to mid-90’s Bulls version. Magic utilized and incorporated his game with what was around him and got Kareem the ball and helped James get into the Hall too. No different than the triangle w/ Phil rotated the ball through to open jump shot role players who hit game winners/clutch shots besides “just” Jordan and Pippen who also had a “rebounding and defensive GOAT” in Rodman. No different than Boston’s front court and above average, strong role players, helped them. It has been, and is, a team game or Chamberlain and Russell’s championship tally might be reversed. LBJ, Durant, Curry…<--all have other stars to rely on or they don't get some of those championships. In fact, even without those clutch role players/contributors or other above average players and All Stars, the "championship" numbers change. We all seen many series that are crazy close decided on multiple plays of role players. Right Robert Horry? Horry's got more rings than Jordan or Kareem (not as many as Russell)... 7 rings on 3 different teams. That's 7 more than Harden, Barkley, Ewing, Miller, Luka, Westbrook and Porzingis combined. He won everywhere he went--but no one's calling him the GOAT, Lol.
Magic is top 5 ish all time its hard to raked them between 4-15 but I’ll try 1. Mj of course 2. Kareem 3. Lebron 4. Wilt 5. Magic 6. Bird 7. Kobe 8. Hakeem 9. Shaq 10. Duncan 11. Russell 12. KD 13. Steph 14. Moses Marlone 15. Dr. J 16. Oscar Robinson 17. Jerry West 18. Kawhi 19. Giannis 20. Isiah Thomas properly forgotten somebody but this would be close to my list but you could change a couple of places if the argument is good enough and Bird had a better prime then Magic but Magic beat him in the longevity and won more but let me hear your top 20 if you mean you have a better one
@BTMBasketballTimeMachine did you just end this article questioning who’s the best PG of all time Magic or Stockton????? How is that a debate? Magic led his teams to the championship round 10 times in 13 years (I’m counting 1978’s NCAA final game…the championship vs Indiana St) so that’s 1x NCAA Final + 9x NBA Finals (winning 1x NCAA and 5x NBA Championships). There is no comparison between this 6’9 giant of a PG and John Stockton… I could see comparing Magic’s predecessor (Oscar) the first big PG/combo guard or I can see comparing Magic’s successor (LeBron) to Magic… But Stockton is not on Magic’s level… For me I see Oscar and LeBron as more combo’s than “pure PG’s” you can even throw Curry in there… Oscar, LeBron and Steph are elite Combo players with incredible PG skills then you have the other great PG’s (Isiah, Stockton, Kidd, Payton, Nash, Frazier, CP3)… But Magic as a PG was the best to ever do it.
Magic was a great player and the best PG we have ever seen but I do not have him as the greatest ever. I have Jordan as my #1 and Kareem as my #2 and then the debate gets really good. I think it is difficult to put the “goat” tag on any player but we all like to discuss it. I think the Magic playing center in game 6 is a bit overblown as Magic did not guard the Sixers center Darryl Dawkins in that game. Magic only jumped center at the start and Jim Chones did guard Dawkins and held Dawkins to 14 points. Also for the FMVP in the 1980 series = Kareem was voted the FMVP AFTER Magic’s great game 6 but because Kareem was not present CBS did not want to present the award to an empty chair, so the voters were asked to change their votes so Magic would win the award. This is covered in the book “Kareem” pages 140-141. So Kareem should actually have 3 FMVP’s. Also both Magic and Bird were not great defenders so IMO neither could be the “goat” although definitely in the conversation of all time greats.
U definitely speak like your from another country probably planet putting Stockton next to Magic. After Magic its Isaiah and after Isaiah its Payton Kidd Paul Curry Stockton the Red head late DJ and etc. Stockton never won nothing. The same way people say lebron is better than Bird, they are on Crack, you ask the greats who they wouldn’t wanna see in a game 7, I can tell you now None wanna see Bird. Now ask yourself who u would wanna see in a game 7, Magic,Isaiah or Stockton. John Stockton, for one reason and one reason only and that’s because Magic and Isaiah could possibly drop 50 on you and beat you in your stadium.