Although Kareem Abdul Jabbar wore the Los Angeles Lakers jersey alongside Magic Johnson throughout many campaigns and dominated the league collectively, the two-time NBA Finals MVP doesn’t rank his former teammate amongst the very best level guards in basketball historical past.
Whereas most do think about Johnson to be the very best participant there ever was in his place, the second-highest NBA scorer locations one other basketball legend on the high.
“I don’t suppose you’re going to need to hear this. Oscar Robertson. The Massive O. I solely had the prospect to play with him on the finish of his profession, however he was superior,” Abdul-Jabbar advised the press at first of this week.
Try a few of Robertson’s finest highlights, as he was nicknamed Mr. Triple Double again within the 60s and 70s:
Throughout an interview in New York, he ultimately acknowledged different nice gamers on this place, however barely named his ex-Lakers teammate.
A few weeks in the past, Stephen Curry reignited the controversy over the NBA’s all-time finest level guards by inserting himself on the high of the ladder. In a current interview with former participant Gilbert Arenas, the previous Wizards star requested him the query straight, and Curry bluntly stated “sure.”
Then, after enthusiastic about it for a minute, the present famous person accepted that it was an advanced dialog, particularly contemplating Magic’s profession, however that that is exactly why these debates are so enjoyable to have interaction in.
“I clearly needed to reply that manner,” he defined. “However I actually really feel like, to your level, Magic’s résumé is ridiculous. so the truth that we’re even having this dialog is a spot I by no means thought I’d be. However the reality, to your level and the way you grade it, that is why we’ve these conversations as a result of it’s enjoyable.”
Stephen is a four-time NBA champion with Golden State who has revolutionized the sport as a prolific shooter. Then again, Robertson performed in a distinct period and solely received a single league title, however was honored because the season’s MVP in six events.
A long time later he was awarded a spot within the Naismith Memorial Basketball Corridor of Fame in two alternatives, the primary for his NBA profession, and later for his achievements within the Olympic Video games. Robertson had profession averages of 25.7 factors, 7.5 rebounds and 9.5 assists all through 14 campaigns.
Kareem acknowledged the greatness of different NBA gamers who excelled as level guards, however remained satisfied Robertson was the very best
Abdul-Jabbar, or “The Captain” as he was additionally recognized, acknowledged Johnson, Curry, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant’s significance, however stayed true to his place of inserting Oscar on the high of the point-guard checklist.
“I do know Steph Curry and LeBron, Kobe [Bryant], Magic [Johnson] … all of these guys are superior, however I must go together with Oscar,” he stated.
Check out the Warriors star’s remarks over his place as the very best level guard in NBA historical past:
.@StephenCurry30 SAID HE’S THE BEST POINT GUARD EVER. 👀🔥
HIS WORDS. NOT MINE. 🤷🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/SYgQHlQwr2
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) August 21, 2023
Kareem then claimed that Robertson’s profession had been underappreciated principally as a result of period he performed in, as he additionally believes that he didn’t take pleasure in taking part in through the trendy recreation.
“If folks had seen him play within the prime of his profession with the 3-point shot … Oscar had 3-point vary, however he by no means bought to play when the 3-point shot was included into the sport. Individuals don’t actually perceive how important he was,” he assured.
Each Robertson and Abdul-Jabbar performed a few seasons facet by facet with the Bucks, main the Milwaukee franchise to the 1971 NBA trophy.