Erick Blasco's All-Time NBA Team

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.

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