Erick Blasco's All-Time NBA Team

When first presented with the inquiry as to what my all-time NBA lineup would be, I was overwhelmed at first—so many brilliant NBA superstars to choose from, so precious few roster spots. After careful deliberation though, it turns out the task wasn’t going to be the ordeal I initially imagined it would be.

Nope, it wasn’t impossible to find a quintet of players that were not only spectacularly talented, but courageous, clutch, and with synchronous talents that would result in an efficient and versatile offense and a stonewalling defense.

Without further ado, the team.

Center: Bill Russell
Power Forward: Tim Duncan
Small Forward: Larry Bird
Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan
Point Guard: John Stockton

Since all NBA Championship teams are predicated on defense, having Bill Russell as my defensive anchor will all but guarantee that opposing offenses will have no safe quarters in the vicinity of the basket. On offense, Russell will  be a blue-collar guy, setting off-ball screens, cutting judiciously, and occasionally venturing to the right box to drop in a very effective right hook.

Tim Duncan gets the nod for being the best help defender of his generation, and because I’d need a more versatile post-up presence who can also defend.

Larry Bird is an obvious choice for small forward because of his versatility and his competitive drive. In my offense, Bird’s main function will be to provide long-range shooting and spacing, though his ball-handling and decision-making skills are also top-notch.

Michael Jordan’s all around excellence makes him the easiest inclusion of all. Not only will Jordan also contribute to the team’s punishing defense, but he’ll also be the team’s number one offensive option, especially if sets get jammed up and the shot clock is winding down.

John Stockton’s primary function will be to disrupt the timing of opposing offenses by his relentless on-ball defense, physical strength, and genius-level anticipatory skills. On offenses, his court awareness and ability to make every pass will be his primary assets, and will only look to shoot to keep defenses honest.

Given the tremendously physical nature of the team, most opponents will give up mentally because of the sheer beating they’d take on the court. And if they’re physically fit to handle the rough stuff, Jordan, Bird, and Stockton are all well-versed in destroying opponents psychologically.

Russell will most likely defend the opposition’s best face-up defender because Duncan’s perimeter defensive skills are relatively weak. Each player can single-handedly control the defensive backboard by himself. Bird will probably be asked to defend the opposition’s best wing defender for the first three quarters to keep Jordan fresh on offense, though Jordan will undoubtedly defend the best-of-the-best down the stretch.

My offense will be initiated by my defense, and with all the blocked shots, steals, defensive rebounds and quick outlet passes my team would generate, Stockton, Jordan, and Bird would form a nigh-unstoppable fast-break.

In the halfcourt, my team would run a patient, disciplined, hybrid of Jerry Sloan’s flex offense, and Phil Jackson’s triangle, each centered on getting Jordan early post-up position

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