Larry Legend or Showtime Magic ?

[Loz]

Who do you think was a better player ?
I am probably biased being a passionate Boston Celtics fan for more than 10 years but Larry Legend was the greatest player i've ever seen. Some of his performances for the Celts in the 80's were legendary. Yes Magic's Lakers won more titles but remember the Celts played in a far tougher Conference back then. Isiah's Pistons, MJ's Bulls, etc ,whereas the western confrence was relatively piss weak.
The birdman was a sheer delight to watch.

 

[CURVE]

Originally posted by Loz
Who do you think was a better player ?
I am probably biased being a passionate Boston Celtics fan for more than 10 years but Larry Legend was the greatest player i've ever seen. Some of his performances for the Celts in the 80's were legendary. Yes Magic's Lakers won more titles but remember the Celts played in a far tougher Conference back then. Isiah's Pistons, MJ's Bulls, etc ,whereas the western confrence was relatively piss weak.
The birdman was a sheer delight to watch.

Strongest Conference, just. Strongest Division, definitely. Central was so weak in the eighties that in one season the entire division combined won just 40% of their games. The West was more even. With Houston, Portland, Pheonix and Golden State all putting in .600 season at some stage. Mind you for that entire era only two teams were consistant, the Lakers and the Celtics.

Anyway who was the better player, like you I'm biased, but towards Magic. I got to see him live at the Forum about 50 times in his rookie year and I thought then that there would never be a greater player, and I still believe that.

Now that the era is over I've become a Bird fan as well and have a soft spot for the Celtics Franchise, especially their players from the eighties, McHale, Malone and co. Thanks to a friend of mine in LA I have a few of the old Lakers/Celtics games on video, which I watch often and reminisce about the greatest era in Basketball.

 

[coxon]

Re: Re: Larry Legend or Showtime Magic ?

Originally posted by DEVO


Anyway who was the better player, like you I'm biased, but towards Magic. I got to see him live at the Forum about 50 times in his rookie year and I thought then that there would never be a greater player, and I still believe that.

Now that the era is over I've become a Bird fan as well and have a soft spot for the Celtics Franchise, especially their players from the eighties, McHale, Malone and co. Thanks to a friend of mine in LA I have a few of the old Lakers/Celtics games on video, which I watch often and reminisce about the greatest era in Basketball.

damn.. u are a lucky b*stard....
i think u mentioned it last time.. but were u a writer ??
living in LA for a few years right?

re the bird v. magic topic..
i'm prob biased toward Magic.. seen more of his games on tape... own books & other videos on magic & the lakers...

i'd love to get my hands on a tape on one of the biggest games ever.. 1979 championship game, between magic's michigan state & bird's indiana state... i think its the highest ever rated games in history.. love to have watched this one!

 

[Booze Hound]

Can't really split them. Very different playing styles but both great competitors and sportsmen.

Equal 2nd behind MJ for me.

 

[jod23]

Very hard to split, both completely different players with different styles and i would say they would be dead even except Magic gets the nod due to him winning more rings.

Still both players have to fight for second behind the one, the only Michael Jordan.

 

[CURVE]

Originally posted by jod23
Very hard to split, both completely different players with different styles and i would say they would be dead even except Magic gets the nod due to him winning more rings.

Still both players have to fight for second behind the one, the only Michael Jordan.

This isn't about Jordan, so why bring him into the thread. Who gives a f*** if they are second behind him, it's about Magic and Bird.

And to vote for Magic ahead of Bird simply because he has more rings is a true indication of your lack of knowledge about the game of Basketball. If the game was about rings then Bill Russell would be the Greatest Player that ever lived and Jordan wouldn't be in the top 5.

Magic and Bird are, for me, the two best players to have ever played the game, because they lifted the game to a new level. A level of style, skill, intensity and tension that has never been equalled in any sport at any other time in history. Magic brought Showtime. A flair and style that we'll never see again, but Bird's version of Showtime was also very exciting and a joy to watch. They brought Basketball to the mainstream and made it the most popular game in America. At the height of the Bird/Magic show, in the mid eighties, Basketball was more popular than Baseball and Gridiron, something it was unable to achieve during Jordan's era.
I sat up last night thinking about this question and watched game six from the 1984-85 series again, and even though I've seen that game at least 30 times I still get goosebumps. Magic's incredible behind the back pass between three Celtics to Worthy for a slam, Birds amazing shooting performance from the baseline (did he ever miss from that spot), Kareems unstopable skyhooks. It was a truly fantastic game, in fact with the exception of the masacre in the first game, it was a fantastic series.
I vote for Magic, not out of Laker bias, but becasue Magic is probably the most versatile player in the history of the game. His size and athletism made it possble for him to play anywhere on the court, and that he did, winning game six in the 1979-80 series as a centre, to winning 4 other championships as PG. He played every position, and was successful in every position.

 

[CURVE]

Re: Re: Re: Larry Legend or Showtime Magic ?

Originally posted by coxon


damn.. u are a lucky b*stard....
i think u mentioned it last time.. but were u a writer ??
living in LA for a few years right?

No, I was the son (I was 8 when we moved) of an Australian IT officer who was a part of NASA's deep space program in Canberra. Because of his expertise NASA sent him to in LA for about 18 months for some extra training, that fortunately coinsided with the arrival of the Magic Man.

 

[The_Flying_Egg]

Probably Magic. He could do more than Bird and was more versatile

 

[Loz]

Hey Devo, is there any chance you could get me a copy of those Celtics-Lakers games on Tape ? I would dearly love to get a copy of them (on PAL format not NTSC ?)

I would much appreciate it.

 

[jod23]

Originally posted by DEVO


This isn't about Jordan, so why bring him into the thread. Who gives a f*** if they are second behind him, it's about Magic and Bird.

And to vote for Magic ahead of Bird simply because he has more rings is a true indication of your lack of knowledge about the game of Basketball. If the game was about rings then Bill Russell would be the Greatest Player that ever lived and Jordan wouldn't be in the top 5.

Magic and Bird are, for me, the two best players to have ever played the game, because they lifted the game to a new level. A level of style, skill, intensity and tension that has never been equalled in any sport at any other time in history. Magic brought Showtime. A flair and style that we'll never see again, but Bird's version of Showtime was also very exciting and a joy to watch. They brought Basketball to the mainstream and made it the most popular game in America. At the height of the Bird/Magic show, in the mid eighties, Basketball was more popular than Baseball and Gridiron, something it was unable to achieve during Jordan's era.
I sat up last night thinking about this question and watched game six from the 1984-85 series again, and even though I've seen that game at least 30 times I still get goosebumps. Magic's incredible behind the back pass between three Celtics to Worthy for a slam, Birds amazing shooting performance from the baseline (did he ever miss from that spot), Kareems unstopable skyhooks. It was a truly fantastic game, in fact with the exception of the masacre in the first game, it was a fantastic series.
I vote for Magic, not out of Laker bias, but becasue Magic is probably the most versatile player in the history of the game. His size and athletism made it possble for him to play anywhere on the court, and that he did, winning game six in the 1979-80 series as a centre, to winning 4 other championships as PG. He played every position, and was successful in every position.

Well i couldnt be bothered writing a novel on both players so i just said Magic. And as much as you dont like to think so, Rings mean a lot. Not so much for the Steve Kerrs and the Judd Buechlers but for the stars who lead there team to victory. Championships is what its all about, its not the final measure of ones talent or success but it goes a long way.

Larry Bird - the great white hope, he is the greatest small forward to ever play the game, he had an uncanny way of doing the impossible at key moments in games. Whether it be hitting a jumper or a three, grabbing a seemingly out of reach rebound or making the steal or pass for an easy score. Pressure meant nothing to Bird. He was a phenomenal rebounder which i think he doesnt get enough credit for, you watch him jump 3,4 5 times tipping it to his advantage and eventually he would come down with it, he was everything that blue collar stands for. He was also a leader, he led by example and at times led by just being on the court. Bird was a great player and in any other era barring MJ and Magics he would have won a whole lot more than 3 rings.

Magic Johnson - without doubt the best Point Guard to ever showcase his talents in the great game of basketball. He is in my opinion the greatest leader from any era, Jordan often led by example but Magic could lead the team when he wasnt even on the floor, often barking instructions from the sideline. Floor General in the dictionary has a picture of Magic next to it, no fast break is better than when its led by Magic Johnson. Magic could do everything, score when called upon, rebound, block shots, steal the ball and of course he could pass the pill. I dont care what anybody else say i know for a GOD DAMN fact nobody is better at passing the ball than Earvin Magic Johnson. Flashy, stylish and unstoppable, if you were open, or even if you werent Magic would get you the ball in a position for an easy bucket.

Bird and Magic both had great all round games, they were both winners and they were both legends but in the end its Magics better all round game, being able to play any position, his ability to lead and his amazing passing skills that still (even after seeing them a thousand times) astound me that pushes Magic over the line.

Happy Devo Still Mike beats them both

 

[Booze Hound]

It can be truly said the Bird and Magic took a NBA to a new level, both in play and interest. Luckily they came along together and their respect for each other, as much as their play, is a huge example to the modern players.

For years after Magic appeared many teams went out for 'big' point guards (missing out on some talent along the way. No player has been able to play all 5 positions so well (the nearest, for me, may be Garnett, a great player but possibly only 'good' handling the point).

Bird develoed a new position - point forward. A favourite Bird story is how he spent an off season practicing shooting left handed 'in case I was in game and my right hand got injured'. The following season the Celtics were in a 4th quarter dogfight and needed a 3 to take the game into overtime on the final play. Bird has the ball at the top of the key with the clock running out and no pass on (and remember, when talking about the great passers Bird is up with anyone). He had two good defenders on him and no way of getting off a right handed shot. He 'falls' to the side and shoots left handed. It doesn't touch the rim on its' way through and barely flicks the bottom of the net. Celtics go on to win. They say genius is the ability for taking pains. That's genius.

On the original Dream Team they were passed their best. Bird should have been retired with his back, Johnson probably should have been with his 'condition' but, I'm told, they were still the heart and soul of the team despite all the other great talents.

Both seemed at times to win by force of character. A trait common about great sportsmen in any field like Ali, Redgrave, Bradman and Jordan.

 

[McCartney5]

I'd have to go with Larry just

 

[coxon]

the next Bird? the next Magic?

ok...

i know i know... there will never be another Larry Bird.... there will never be another Magic Johnson... however, which of the current crop of NBA stars do u think resemble Larry and Magic ??

say.. with Larry... in the past... names such as Tom Gugliotta, Christian Laettner.. have been associated with Larry...

i think Dirk Nowitzki is showing alot of promise... outstanding shooter from outside, as well as strong rebounding skills.. and the familiar mop of shaggy blonde hair running down the court...

another celtic...even tho he isnt white.. Antoine Walker.. rugged inside player, prolific 3pt shooter, and most importantly, an outstanding passer ~~

with Magic... wow.. i've seen so many recent names being called the next magic.... big shooting/passing guards like steve smith, anfernee hardaway, walt williams... penny was the best of them.. before injuries cut him down...

at the moment... someone like Lamar Odom has the size, skills, ability to play all positions on the floor... Jalen Rose was a big PG during his college days.. thought he'd get the nod as starting PG before the shock emergence of tinsley...

hmmm.. your thoughts?

 

[jod23]

Re: the next Bird? the next Magic?

Originally posted by coxon
ok...

i know i know... there will never be another Larry Bird.... there will never be another Magic Johnson... however, which of the current crop of NBA stars do u think resemble Larry and Magic ??

say.. with Larry... in the past... names such as Tom Gugliotta, Christian Laettner.. have been associated with Larry...

i think Dirk Nowitzki is showing alot of promise... outstanding shooter from outside, as well as strong rebounding skills.. and the familiar mop of shaggy blonde hair running down the court...

another celtic...even tho he isnt white.. Antoine Walker.. rugged inside player, prolific 3pt shooter, and most importantly, an outstanding passer ~~

with Magic... wow.. i've seen so many recent names being called the next magic.... big shooting/passing guards like steve smith, anfernee hardaway, walt williams... penny was the best of them.. before injuries cut him down...

at the moment... someone like Lamar Odom has the size, skills, ability to play all positions on the floor... Jalen Rose was a big PG during his college days.. thought he'd get the nod as starting PG before the shock emergence of tinsley...

hmmm.. your thoughts?

LIFE ON THE BBALL BOARD! Thanks Coxy

Well the guy i first thought of when you say next Larry Bird has to be Dirk Nowitski, he has all the skills, can shoot well, is a tough customer and can rebound. Only difference would be height, Larry stood at around 6'8 i think but Nowitski is 7'0 on the dime. Another player who is gone now and kind of played half and half in Larry career was Chris Mullin. I loved Mullin, he could shoot the lights out but wouldnt be pushed around, could hit the boards and was a great passer. Thoroughly underated i thought and if his career wasnt troubled with drugs and alcohol i think he couldve gone down as one of the greats.

As for the next Magic....well there tough to find. Magic was really a one of a kind...6'9 and running the point, i mean how often does that happen. The guys you mentioned like Steve Smith and Walt Williams were more 2 guards than Points. Penny was the best of them ive seen and still he paled in comparison to the Magic Man. The guy i think is most like Magic would be Stevie Franchise, although he stands at 6'3 which is tall for a point but small compared to Magic he can still do it all. Fantasic rebounder and passer, can score with the best of them and is a great leader. He is on course this season to become just the fourth player in history to average in excess of 15ppg, 5rpg and 5apg in each of his first three season. Now i dont know the three but i would put good money on two of them being Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson. Thats good company.