by Rovyn Bautista

Created on: November 03, 2009   Last Updated: November 06, 2009

Creating a five man squad out of the greatest all time NBA players is not the easiest to thing to do. Some would say it is simple, but if you really focus on it, and try to depict each individual player, it gets to be a pretty difficult task. Selecting from a wide variety of players ranging from Earving "Magic" Johnson, Larry Bird, Nate Archibald, Rick Barry, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and of course Michael Jordan, these are just some of the names that can be chosen to create a five man squad with. If you want to go in further detail, trying to mesh the personalities of each of these superstars would be just as difficult. But we won't get into that.

With that said, if it were up to me to select a five player team to call an all time greatest line up it would consist of these five players. Starting at point guard, would have to be none othe than the man who could play it all, Magic Johnson. With his ability to find teammates even by closing his eyes, it makes him the perfect floor general for my squad. At the shooting guard position, is there any doubt about this choice, Michael Jeffrey Jordan? Considered as the greatest to ever lace up a pair of shoes, he scores, defends and is oh so clutch, the man can do it all.

The power forward spot was a very tough field to choose from: Tim Duncan, Karl Malone, just to name a few. However, once it came down to it, Tim Duncan holds the spot on my team. A proven champion who has dominated the 4 spot ever since his rookie year. Mr. Fundamental is arguably the best power forward in history. Deciding on a Center was just as hard as any of the positions above. A coin toss decided my center and I am happily saying my starting center would be Dwight Howard. Although not established offensively, he guarantees 10+ rebounds and at least 2 blocks shots per game. I dont need him to score because I have others to do that, and even if those scorers miss a shot, here comes Howard with the put back slam. Which brings me to my surprise small forward pick, Michael Cooper. Just like Howard, I do not need him to score, he provides a tough and intimidating perimeter defender opposite Jordan.

While there will be many nay sayers towards my selected five, my team can score, defend the perimeter and interior, but not only that, we have the best finisher of all time. Just ask Bryon Russell and Craig Ehlo.

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