Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Larry Bird are among the most iconic players in the history of the NBA. The three stars have achieved almost everything that any basketball can desire in their careers.
Mike is regarded as the Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) by most fans. On the other hand, the iconic rivalry between Magic and Bird leading the Lakers and the Celtics will always have a place in the hearts of NBA fans.
There have been countless debates among fans and players about who is the best out of them. One such video about three NBA players namely, Chris Webber, Shaquille O’Neal, and Steve Smith took place a few years ago.
While you might guess that Jordan will be the unanimous pick for them, that wasn’t the case. Three basketball stars picked Lakers legend Magic Johnson over Bird and MJ.
Chris Webber: For me it’s the fact of what you guys just brought up, who wants to play with other people on the team. When I think of Magic Johnson, if I’m starting my team with the point guard that sat in the captain’s chair and played center in every position in the game in the championship, It’s no way I’m going against Magic.
I have help defenders that can probably help you know you look at all these guys are great but you look at the first few years of all these guys. They all had great Hall of Famers and maybe Mike didn’t have that in the beginning. But to me one thing is Magic being the leader that he is, maybe it’s up for question but Magic to me and the history of the game is one of the best leaders from what you’ve seen in getting people energized, getting the crowd energized, the style of play. You ever noticed when they scored how fast Magic Johnson got the ball up to half court.”
Steve Smith: “If I had to pick because I started my team always with a center and a point guard. If I’m going to start my guy with a team with a point guard or center I have to go with Magic Johnson.”
Shaquille O’Neal: “It would have to be Magic Johnson because if you look at the traditional point guard they have always been not small but smaller. Magic was the first oversized guy that excelled at being a point guard.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZEYuivlk-I
Magic’s ability to lead the team and maintain the flow of the game was unmatched. There is a reason that playing the point guard position is not easy for everyone. But Magic made it look easy.
