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 on either block.

I’d start with Stockton bringing the ball up, and feeding to Duncan in the pinch-post, with Jordan curling around Duncan and heading straight to the low post. If Jordan is defended exceptionally well, Stockton and Russell will double screen for Bird popping out for a three just above the top of the key.

If neither option works, Duncan can pop the 18 footer, attempt to drive, or pass to Jordan or Bird setting up a screen/roll with Duncan.

In the flex, I’d set up a baseline cross-screen with Duncan and Jordan designed to get Jordan the ball on the strong-side box. If the defense fronts that option away, Jordan can pivot and curl back around Duncan to the opposite. wing. Russell will swing the ball, and Jordan will have either room to operate on the wing, or if the defenses switches, Duncan defended by a guard on the box.

Or Jordan can set a screen from the strong side box, with Bird coming off that screen, and then the Duncan screen to set up the same scenario.

Needless to say, Phil Jackson will be my head coach, with Jerry Sloan and Tex Winter the top assistants.

On defense, I’d most likely play close to the vest with as little gambling as possible. I’d rarely switch screens on ball, and I’d try to cheat the ball-handlers away from the screen if at all possible, funneling the opposition to the basket to take advantage of Russell and Duncan.

Chemistry would never be an issue with these guys as Bird and Jordan would get plenty of touches to be satisfied, and Duncan, Russell, and Stockton have virtually no on-court egos. Jordan would no doubt demand perfection from his teammates, but with four of the smartest players to ever play the game, he’d get it.

Would the team be flawless? Of course not—no team would ever be flawless. Duncan and Russell may have difficulty defending opposing big men who can face up from 20-feet. Bird wasn’t an ultra-elite defender, and aside from him, spacing can potentially become an issue with Jordan and Stockton not particularly prolific from behind the arc. But for the most part, the team is versatile and smart enough to compensate for their flaws, while attacking opponents’ weaknesses at will.

Put this team on an NBA court, and I guarantee they cruise to an NBA championship against any opponent with any other combination of players you can think of.