Best Sports Weekend of 2010?

2010 is obviously still young, but this upcoming weekend has a chance to be the best in sports for the entire year. The NFL Playoffs provide great weekends, mainly because you get so many games. But take a look at what we have coming up in just a few days, even with just one football game.

Saturday:
14 NHL Games
12 NBA Games
UFC 109: Relentless

Sunday:
Celtics vs. Magic
Super Bowl XLIV

Taking a closer look at the important events for this weekend, let's start on Saturday. Prior to 10pm you can enjoy some NBA and NHL action, but then it's time for the UFC. Their 1st card of the month features some "classic" match ups. Randy Couture vs. Mark Coleman headline the event in a light-heavyweight clash. Also on the card: Nate Marquardt vs. Chael Sonnen; Mike Swick vs. Paulo Thiago; Frank Trigg vs. Matt Serra; Demian Maia vs. Dan Miller.

Not the best card in the world, no title fights, but Couture (former heavyweight/ light-heavyweight champ), Coleman (former heavyweight champ), Marquardt (challenged for middleweight belt), Serra (former welterweight champ), and Trigg (challenged for welterweight champ) all have big time headliner experience. Some are saying the "Trigg vs. Serra" bout could be a "Loser Leaves the UFC" fight. I think it will be a solid card.

Sunday at 2:30 you get the Celtics and Magic. (At noon it's Tyreke Evans and the Kings vs. Chris Bosh and the Raptors, maybe Bosh's last game for Toronto?) This, early Feb. game suddenly becomes important for the now 4th place Celtics. They just lost to the Hawks, Magic, and Lakers, and have struggled vs. good teams all year long. The C's are at home and could use the win for confidence if not the standings.

That game should be over with plenty of time to get your snacks and drinks of choice in order for "The Big Game." I think you can get it (-6) Colts right now. They probably do cover, but I'll be rooting for the Saints so I don't want to go against that.

All in all, that's a damn good sports weekend. UFC 109, Celtics/ Magic, and the Super Bowl. Beat that 2010.

-Keefe

Keefe's 2009-2010 NBA Preview: Eastern Conference

Yesterday I gave you the Western Conference from top to bottom, today it's the Eastern Conference. Tomorrow I will conclude my 2009-2010 NBA Preview with Awards, Conference Finals match ups, and of course the NBA Champion. To the East!

Eastern Conference
1. Boston Celtics
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
3. Orlando Magic
4. Washington Wizards
5. Miami Heat
6. Chicago Bulls
7. Toronto Raptors
8. Indiana Pacers
9. Atlanta Hawks
10. Detroit Pistons
11. New York Knicks
12. Philadelphia 76ers
13. Charlotte Bobcats
14. Milwaukee Bucks
15. New Jersey Nets

1. Celtics
Who's Back: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen, Rajon Rondo, Kendrick Perkins, Glen Davis, Eddie House
Who's New: Rasheed Wallace, Marquis Daniels, Sheldon Williams, Lester Hudson

Turns out Glen Davis is even a bigger idiot then we thought. The big fella who signed a 2 year $6.5 million dollar deal in the off season was messing around with a friend and broke his thumb, he is now out 6-8 weeks. Not good, when it would have been ideal to ease KG back from his injury. This is annoying, but I still think the C's are the best in the East when healthy.

2. Cavaliers
Who's Back: LeBron James, Mo Williams, Big Z, Boobie Gibson, Anderson Varejao, J.J. Hickson
Who's New: Shaquille O'Neal, Anthony Parker, Jamario Moon

Everyone is talking about Shaq, but I think their best moves this off season were the signings of Parker and Moon. Two guys with some size at the 2-3 spot who can knock down the 3. Delonte West is an unknown, so suddenly those guys are even more important. And of course they have LeBron.

3. Magic
Who's Back: Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Jameer Nelson, Marcin Gortat
Who's New: Vince Carter, Matt Barnes, Brandon Bass, Ryan Anderson, Jason Williams (white one out of Florida, not the one who killed his driver or the one who ruined his NBA career wrecking a motorcycle.)

The East is clearly a 3 team race, and each team went out and tried to improve their club. Orlando is the defending Eastern Conference champions... which no one seems to remember. I like the addition of Vince, and Barnes and Bass were 2 guys I really wanted the Celtics to bring in. So even though they lose Hedo, I think the Magic are even better than they were last year. (Note: Rashard Lewis out the first 10 games after getting busted for roids.)

4. Wizards
Who's Back: Gilbert Arenas, Caron Butler, Antawn Jamison, Brendan Haywood, Nick Young, Andray Blatche, DeShawn Stevenson
Who's New: Mike Miller, Randy Foye

If healthy this is a scary team, but of course, they are never healthy. Season hasn't even started and Jamison is already expected to miss the first 8-13 games. Gilbert played in only 2 last year, making it a lost year. When they go small thought look out: Arenas, Foye, Miller, Butler, Jamison... fun to watch, should be the highest scoring trio in the league too with Gilbert, Caron, and Antawn.

5. Heat
Who's Back: Everyone
Who's New: Q

D-Wade is the 2nd best player in the NBA in my mind. If he can get anything out of Jermaine O'Neal and Haslem up front, and if 2nd year players Beasley and Chalmers get better they should be a playoff team.

6. Bulls
Who's Back: Derrick Rose, John Salmons, Luol Deng, Tyrus Thomas, Kirk Hinrich, Brad Miller
Who's New: James Johnson, Jannero Pargo, Taj Gibson

Ben Gordon is gone, but I expect Derrick Rose to be even better than his Rookie of the Year campaign a season ago. They still got Hinrich coming off the bench and a pair of 1st round picks (Johnson & Gibson) who should contribute. Normally this might not be a playoff team, but the East is weak.

7. Raptors
Who's Back: Chris Bosh. Jose Calderon, Andrea Bargnani
Who's New: Hedo Turkoglu, DeMar DeRozan, Marco Belinelli, Jarret Jack, Amir Johnson, and Sports Brief favorite Antoine Wright

If they put it all together this could be a tough team, but thats a big if. DeRozan may have been the best athlete in the draft, how will he develop? Is this Bosh's farewell season in Toronto? Does he go out with a bang or 1st round play off exit... again.

8. Pacers
Who's Back: Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, T.J. Ford, Brandon Rush, Roy Hibbert, Jeff Foster
Who's New: Dahntay Jones, Tyler Hansbrough, Earl Watson

Like in the West I had to go with a sleeper to make the playoffs. This pick is based soley on how good I think Danny Granger is. Because the East has only 3 dominate teams, I believe 1 elite player can get his team into the playoffs (See: Wade, Rose, Bosh... now Granger.)

9. Hawks
Who's Back: Everyone
Who's New: Jamal Crawford, Joe Smith

Yes Joe Johnson should be on the same list as Granger, Bosh, and Rose, but I have a feeling the Hawks fall off a bit this year. They've gotten better each of the last 4 seasons, however I believe they have hit a wall. How much further can they get with a core group of Bibby (aging), Johnson (legit), Marvin Williams (sucks), Josh Smith (all over the place), and Horford (above average rebounder)?

10. Pistons
Who's Back: Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rodney Stuckey, Kwame Brown, Jason Maxiell, Will Bynum
Who's New: Ben Gordon, Charlie Villanueva, Chris Wilcox

Detroit forgot that all the good free agents were next off season and blew all of their money on Gordon and Villanueva this year. I just don't like this team. I wish a hardy goodluck to 1st year coach John Kuester.

11. Knicks
Who's Back: David Lee, Wilson Chandler, Al Harrington, Danilo Gallinari, Chris Duhon, Nate Robinson, Larry Hughes, Eddy Curry
Who's New: Darko!, Jordan Hill

Trivia question, who led the NBA in double-doubles last year? Answer: David Lee. Pretty ridiculous considering Lee plays in the same league as Dwight Howard. 1st round pick (8th overall) Jordan Hill has "a ways to go" according to head coach Mike D'Antoni, that sums up the entire squad I'd say. They'll score a lot and lose a lot. What happens if they don't get LeBron? Could Gallinari break out this year?

12. 76ers
Who's Back: Elton Brand, Andre Iguodala, Thaddeus Young, Lou Williams, Samuel Dalembert, Willie Green, Marreese Speights
Who's New: Jason Kapono, Rodney Carney, Jrue Holliday

Andre Miller is gone, meaning Lou Williams gets the job at point. What about 1st round pick Jrue Holliday? Well the guy who I said needed to return to school more than any other underclassmen, did not play in a single preseason game for Philly, and not because of injury, but rather he is so far out from the rotation. Nice.

13. Bobcats
Who's Back: Gerald Wallace, Raymond Felton, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, Vlad Radmanovic, D.J. Augustin, Nazr Mohammed
Who's New: Tyson Chandler, Gerald Henderson

Still everytime I hear the name Bobcats or see their uniforms I have to convince myself it's an NBA team. Seems more like an NBDL or Arena Football or something. Raja Bell is putting off surgery, but if he reinjures his left wrist he could be out for good. Okafor out Chandler in, means less than their 35 wins from a season ago.

14. Bucks
Who's Back: Michael Redd, Andrew Bogut, Luke Ridnour, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute
Who's New: Hakim Warrick, Brandon Jennings, Carlos Delfino, Kurt Thomas, Ersan Ilyasova

They lose Villanueva and Sessions from a 34 win team, of course Michael Redd played just 33 games due to injury. Speaking of injury former 1st rounder Joe Alexander (who sucks) is out 8-12 weeks. I do like Brandon Jennings a lot, and he is a reason to watch a Bucks game this year.

15. Nets
Who's Back: Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Yi Jianlian, Bobby Simmons, CDR, Josh Boone
Who's New: Courtney Lee, Terrence Williams, Skip to my Lou, Russian Owner

Like the Kings, Bucks, and T-Wolves, NJ should watch a lot of college basketball this year. There is a tremendous Freshmen class this year with the likes of Wall, Favors, Cousins, Henry, Sidney, and Stephenson. Goodluck Nets!

-Keefe

Enjoy the 1st Night of the NBA Season! Celtics/ Cavs, Wizards/Mavs, Rockets/ Blazers, and Lakers/ Clippers. I'll have all the awards and pick my NBA Champ tomorrow.

The Orlando Magic!

Despite the fact that the Celtics are down 0-1 to the Magic, and lost home court advantage in the series. I still believe the C's will win the series. The reason? Because they aren't playing your older brother's Orlando Magic. Check it out...



-Keefe

David Blaine: What the?

First off let me say I am an absolute fan of card tricks and all that stuff. If David Blaine or any other person who had just read a book on card tricks walked up to me, I would be entertained for hours. So when DB (you got to like how they made his initials look like a spade last night), does his Street Magic, I'm in. During his primetime special for "Dive of Death," which I'll get into, they showed close to 2 hours of his performances on the street. And I mean on the street. You see some of these crowds he found? It could be considered magic that he survived. Regardless I was just as blown away as everyone else by the money tricks, card mind f's, and lottery ticket predictions. Let's face it, the stuff he's doing is out there, and I have no idea how he does it. But that's where it should end for D. Blaine.



Instead you got a guy who stands in a block of ice for days, stands on a pole high above the Earth, attempts to hold his breath for a NFL quarter, and then last night this "Dive of Death." Did they ever explain the point to this? Ok I get that he hung like a bat upside down for 60 hours... or so we were told. Apparently he was up there less than 50 minutes on this past Monday when he was standing upright. He got water breaks and time to releave himself. That's not magic, that's precautionary. I don't get it. John Saunders, the reluctant MC for the night, made a brief mention of people who had been in Central Park and seen Blaine standing, but according to the distinguished doctors on hand (where did they find these guys), they said that he was never upright long enough to completely orient his body. Ok, fine.

After the "60*" hours was up, Blaine was hoisted into a crane and placed atop the 44 foot apparatice. The countdown clock ticked down, all that remained was the "Dive of Death." So, what was he going to do again? Just dump onto the platform? Well I certainly didn't know, no one ever said what was supposed to happen. With everyone watching Blaine took a step off and started to fall, it didn't take long until you could see the cable attached to him. What the? Blaine briefly touches the giant base only to be pulled gently back up to the sky. Not only did we not know if this was the plan of attack, but they obviously failed to mention any of this to Saunders, who as Besse pointed out, gave the awkward and ultimately premature "That was amazing."

Was it amazing? Maybe the fact that people looked on for hours in Central Park to witness... whatever that was, could be considered amazing. Saunders continued, "and like that he disappears into the atmosphere." Come on. Next thing you know, ABC is running the credits on the screen as I wait for answers that never came.

According to David Blaine himself, who was on with the smoking hot Kelly Ripa and the ageless Regis today, he said, he was supposed to jump and, at 10 feet, be swept away by a bunch of helium-filled balloons. Really? Maybe it's better it didn't work out. How is that any better? What a disaster. "Dive of Death?" with balloons. What is he, a clown now? I just don't get it. Stick to street magic David.


What card am I thinking of?

(Week 4 NFL picks coming tomorrow)

-Keefe

Celtics vs. Lakers: From 1987 to 2008

-Keefe

For the first time in 21 years the Boston Celtics will meet the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals. It’s the match up everyone outside of Detroit and San Antonio wanted to see, and the way the Pistons played the 4th quarter in Game 6 and the Spurs effort, maybe everyone wanted another Celtics Lakers Final. This is the 11th time these two franchises will meet for the League’s Championship, with Boston holding an 8-2 advantage. Of course since their last meeting, over two decades ago, a lot has changed. The Lakers won in ’87, and added 4 more titles and 7 (8 counting this year) more appearances in the Final. Meanwhile the Celtics failed to win the championship, and have not made it back until this season.

In the years following the 1987 Finals both teams experienced unimaginable events that affected their franchises. The tragic death of Reggie Lewis and the diagnosis that Magic Johnson was HIV positive rattled not just the Celtics and Lakers, but the entire NBA. But it was the Lakers who were able to not be labeled, simply a great team of the 80’s, known solely by their storied history. The Lakers beat the Celtics in ’87, then captured back-to-back championships for the first time in Los Angeles’ history in ’88 beating the Isiah Pistons in 7 games, right before Detroit won two in a row. They made another Finals run in ’91 with Magic but without Coach Pat Riley. As we all know they lost to Jordan’s Bulls as that era began, and Magic and the Showtime Lakers were never made it out of the West again.

The 90’s ran out and Phil Jackson teamed up with a 27 year old Shaquille O’Neal and a 21 year old Kobe Bryant. LA ripped off 3 straight titles led by Shaq and Kobe. The Lakers were back! They beat the Pacers, 76ers, and Nets a combined 12-3 in three consecutive NBA Finals. A run at a 4th banner was derailed by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and yes Stephen Jackson the next year. In 2004, Karl Malone and Gary Payton joined forces in attempt to win their first ring, reminiscent of Charles Barkley teaming up with Hakeem and Drexler in Houston. The All-Star Lakers did make the Finals, but lost to Billups, Rip, the Wallaces, and Detroit. Phil Jackson left the next year and the team failed to make the post season. Upon his arrival the Lakers returned to the playoffs only to bow out in the 1st round his first two seasons back, but now here they are, the favorites to win the NBA title.

What about the Celtics? What happened to them following the 1987 Final? Boston remained very competitive between 88-93, always finishing with a winning record and making the playoffs. Larry Bird retired after an injury plagued ’92 season that ended in a Game 7 loss in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, and the Cavs. It was then Reggie Lewis’ team. He made the 1992 All-Star team, and averaged 20.8 points per game in each of his final two seasons. The year after Lewis’s death, the Celtics were 32-50, and missed out on the playoffs. From 94-01, Boston was a combined 241-383, making the playoffs just once, and losing in the 1st round. The weakness of the Eastern Conference and the skill of Paul Pierce and Antoine Walker did equal one conference finals run where they lost in 6 games to Jason Kidd and the Nets. This year’s Finals run came off of a well documented 24 win season where they were openly trying to get Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. Had they got the number 1 or number 2 pick, who knows how many more years the Finals draught would have lasted.

Let’s take a closer look at the Celtics and Lakers in the past 21 seasons. (This takes into account everything after the Lakers win in the 1987 Finals over Boston).

NBA Championships:

Celtics – 0
Lakers – 4

Finals Appearances (counting 2008):

Celtics – 1
Lakers – 8

Years in the Playoffs:

Celtics – 12/21
Lakers – 19/21

Losing Seasons:

Celtics – 11
Lakers – 3

Coaches:

Celtics – 8 (K.C. Jones, Jimmy Rodgers, Chris Ford, Rick Pitino, Jim O’Brien, John Carroll, Doc Rivers.)

Lakers – 11 (Pat Riley, Mike Dunleavy, Randy Pfund, Bill Bertka, Magic Johnson, Del Harris, Kurt Rambis, Phil Jackson (2x), Rudy Tomjanovich, Frank Hamblen.)

All-Stars Players:

Celtics – 9 (Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, Danny Ainge, Robert Parish, Reggie Lewis, Antoine Walker, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen.)

Lakers – 8 (Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul- Jabbar, James Worthy, A.C. Green, Eddie Jones, Nick Van Exel, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant.)

Best Trade:

Celtics – Al Jefferson, Sebastian Telfair, Gerald Green, Ryan Gomes, Theo Ratliff, and draft picks for Kevin Garnett.

Lakers – Javaris Crittenton, Kwame Brown, Aaron McKie, rights to Marc Gasol, and draft picks for Pau Gasol.

Worst Trade:

Celtics – Joe Johnson, Randy Brown, Milt Palacio, and 1st round pick for Rodney Rogers and Tony Delk. Also Chauncey Billups for Kenny Anderson.

Lakers – Caron Butler for Kwame Brown.

Diehard Fan:

Celtics – Donnie Wahlberg
Lakers – Jack Nicholson

Well as you can see these two proud franchises have taken different routes from 1987 to make this rematch happen here in 2008. I truly believe these are the best two teams in all of basketball and deserve to be here. After Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett joined the Celtics there were rumblings that, in the East, this team has a shot at the Finals. Then during the season, once Kobe decided he wanted to stay in LA, the Lakers had their young big man Andrew Bynum go down forcing them to hit the market. The beginning of February the Lakers made the most 1 sided trade in sports history (least in the conversation), and suddenly there was a legit chance of a Celtics-Lakers Final four months later. It gets started on Thursday in Boston and I am ready to go.

Early lean: Celtics in 7.

Best Point Guards of the Last Quarter Century

-Keefe

Who are the top point guards from the past 25 years? I never saw Bob Cousy or Oscar Robertson play, so why try to compare them to those I did see. The Top 10 separated themselves from the rest of the pack fairly easily; I also included 5 Honorable Mention selections, with two of them ready to crack the list following a couple more good seasons, especially my pick for the MVP this season, Chris Paul. If you disagree with any of my picks let me know, and let the debate begin. These are, in my eyes, the best point guards of my lifetime.

Honorable Mentions:

Chris Paul: Knocking on the door, should be on this list, and jumping over most of the names if he keeps his play at this insane level. Just too soon to put him up there right now.

Deron Williams: Only Paul is playing better than him this year at the position. But let’s wait for him to make an All-Star team before putting him in the same class as this distinguished group.

Gilbert Arenas: Certainly scores more than any other point guard on this list (career 22.9 ppg), and he definitely qualifies as a PG unlike Allen Iverson in my opinion. At 26, and with 3 All-Star games under his belt, time will tell if he can make his teammates better and achieve team success like all great floor generals.

Penny Hardaway: Without question was on his way to being on this list. Made more All-NBA 1st Teams (2) than the players I selected 7-10, but had really only 3 very good seasons. Trailed off dramatically and even Lil Penny can’t help him crack the top 10.

Baron Davis: If healthy this guy would have to be on this list. The 5 years prior to this season Davis could not stay on the court. When he was on he was great. Everyone saw the performance against the Mavs last year, and that’s one reason I hope the Warriors make the playoffs again.

With the exception of Penny the other 4 point guards all have a chance to surpass the bottom portion of this Top 10. Many of these guys are still playing making it difficult to truly compare their careers. But let’s get it going in reverse order.


10. Chauncey Billups:

3- time All-Star, Finals MVP (1), All-NBA 2nd Team (1), 3rd Team (1), All Defensive 2nd Team (2), NBA Titles (1).

Career Averages: 14.8 points, 5.5 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 1 steal
Top 10 in MVP vote (1)

Mr. Big Shot has been a staple for the solid and consistent Detroit Pistons. Good thing the Celtics gave him a chance to play point. His defense combined with his scoring ability has him on the list for now, but Paul, Williams, and Arenas could pass him by the time its all said and done.

9. Mark Price: 4- time All-Star, All-NBA 1st Team (1), 3rd Team (3),

Career Averages: 15.2 points, 6.7 assists, 2.6 rebounds, 1.2 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (4)
Best Free Throw Shooter in NBA History: 90.4%

Don’t put Price on the free throw line, shot over 90% for his career. Who knows how much he would have won if he didn’t have to play against Isiah’s Pistons and Jordan’s Bulls.

8. Kevin Johnson:

3- time All-Star, All-NBA 2nd Team (4), 3rd Team (1).

Career Averages: 17.9 points, 9.1 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.5 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (2)

KJ is definitely underrated when discussing best point guards of all time. A career 18-9 guy coupled with his dunk on Hakeem, he has a place on my list.

7. Tim Hardaway: 5- time All-Star, All-NBA 1st Team (1), 2nd Team (3), 3rd Team (1).

Career Averages: 17.7 points, 8.2 assists, 3.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (3)

His homosexual comments brought him back into the headlines, but during his playing days his killer crossover got all the attention. Could score and set up teammates, and like Price and KJ they might have been looking up at the man guarding them, but always left them picking up their jock.

6. Jason Kidd: 9- time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, All-NBA 1st Team (5), 2nd Team (1), All-NBA Defensive 1st Team (4), 2nd Team (5), All-Rookie 1st Team.

Career Averages: 14.2 points, 9.2 assists, 6.7 rebounds, 2 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (5)

Maybe should be higher on this list. The Top 6 are head and shoulders above the rest. A triple- double waiting to happen every time he’s on the court. A championship has eluded him, he wasn’t going to get it with the Nets, and now he may not even get a chance with the Mavs. Still one of the best I’ve ever seen.


5. Steve Nash: 6- time All-Star, MVP (2), All-NBA 1st Team (3), 3rd Team (2).

Career Averages: 14.3 points, 7.3 assists, 2.9 rebounds, 0.8 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (3)

The hardest guy to rank, is 5 to high or to low? Can’t play defense, but he’s the only guy on the list to win the MVP not named Magic. It’s hard to say Kidd hasn’t had a better career, but Nash won 2 straight (should have been 3 straight) MVP awards. I’ll give him the nod here.


4. Gary Payton: 9- time All-Star, Defensive Player of the Year (1), All-NBA 1st Team (2), 2nd Team (5), 3rd Team (2), All-NBA Defensive 1st Team (9), All-Rookie 2nd Team, NBA Titles (1).

Career Averages: 16.3 points, 6.7 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.8 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (8)

The last 3 or 4 years has hurt the Glove’s legacy. People forget just how great he was in Seattle. 9 times 1st team all defense? He was defensive player of the year, in a season where he put up close to 20 points and 7.5 assists a night. I almost want to put him higher, but these 3 guys aren’t going anywhere.


3. John Stockton: 10- time All-Star, All-Star Game MVP (1), All-NBA 1st Team (2), 2nd Team (6), 3rd Team (3), All-NBA Defensive 2nd Team (5).

Career Averages: 13.1 points, 10.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 2.2 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (5)
All-Time leader in assists and steals

Everyone runs the pick-and-roll and everyone wants to run it like Stockton. Also to have more assists and steals than anyone else in the history of the NBA is just astonishing, not to mention, along with Magic, the point guards for the Dream Team. Next stop for Stockton is the Hall of Fame in Springfield.


2. Isiah Thomas: 12- time All-Star, Finals MVP (1), All-Star Game MVP (2), All-NBA 1st Team (3), 2nd Team (2), All-Rookie 1st Team, NBA Titles (2), Hall of Fame.

Career Averages: 19.2 points, 9.3 assists, 3.6 rebounds, 1.9 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (4)

His post playing career has been, in a word; awful. But he won’t be penalized for that on this countdown. Isiah was simply incredible with the ball in his hands. Plus give him credit for snatching up 2 titles sandwiched around Bird, Magic, and Jordan. Maybe if he never got involved with the CBA or the Knicks people would still be talking about him on the court and not off.

1. Magic Johnson: 12- time All-Star, MVP (3), Finals MVP (3), All-Star Game MVP (2), All-NBA 1st Team (9), 2nd Team (1), All-Rookie 1st Team, NBA Titles (5), Hall of Fame.

Career Averages: 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals
Top 10 in MVP vote (10, 9 top 3 finishes)

Doesn’t matter if this list is the best point guards of the last 25 years or 125 years your winner is going to be Magic. 3 MVP awards, 5 NBA titles, and less than 3 rebounds shy of averaging a career triple double. He was more than just a point guard, but when he was running the show there was no one better. (Unless it was the Magic Hour). He and Isiah are both already in the Hall, and I expect many of the other names on this list to join them as well.