Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Bill Russell in the All-Decade Team Playoffs

Here is what we are going to do.  We are going to take the best point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center from the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, 1980's, 1990's, and 2000's.  Each team will also get to choose a sixth man of any position.  We are going to take these "All-Decade Teams" and rank them from one to six.  The top two seeds will get a bye in the tournament, while teams three and six will play and four and five will play.

Each team will be ranked in three categories: offense, defense, and winning history.  The rankings will be from one to six.  The rankings will factor in the different matchups in the tournament.

Let us get started with the teams first.

1950's Team

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BOSTON - APRIL 20: Boston Celtic great Bob Cousy waves to fans as he heads out to the mound to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before the start of the Boston Red Sox versus the New York Yankees on April 20, 2007 at Fenway Park in Boston, Massachuset

That is Bob Cousy.  He still looks like he could play.

PG - Bob Cousy (18.4 ppg and 7.5 apg)

SG - Bill Sharman (17.8 ppg and 3.9 rpg)

SF - Paul Arizin (22.8 ppg and 8.6 rpg)

PF - Bob Pettit (26.4 ppg and 16.2 rpg)

C - George Mikan (22.3 ppg and 13.4 rpg)

Sixth Man - Dolph Schayes (18.5 ppg and 12.1 rpg)

Offense Ranking - 6th

Defense Ranking - 6th

Winning Ranking - 5th

Overall Ranking - 6th

What is going to make things difficult for this team is size.  George Mikan is only 6'10" and would probably be dominated by most of the upcoming centers.  One thing this team knows how to do is win, as Bob Cousey and George Mikan won multiple championships.  An interesting matchup for teams would be Bob Pettit due to his incredible rebounding ability. 

1960's Team

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: NBA legend Bill Russell is acknowledged for recieving the Medal of Freedom on the court at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game at Staples Center on February 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowled

PG - Oscar Robertson (25.7 ppg, 9.5 apg, and 7.5 rpg)

SG - Jerry West (27 ppg, 6.7 apg, 5.8 rpg)

SF- Elgin Baylor (27.4 ppg and 13.4 rpg)

PF - Willis Reed (18.7 ppg and 12.9 rpg)

C - Bill Russell (15.1 ppg and 22.5 rpg)

Sixth Man - Wilt Chamberlain (30.1 ppg and 22.9 rpg)

Offense Ranking - 2nd

Defense Ranking - 1st

Winning Ranking - 1st

Overall Ranking - 1st

This is a dominant team looking to crush anything that gets in its way.  The toughest call was between Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, but Russell has more rings and is a more imposing defensive player.  Can you imagine when Wilt Chamberlain subs in for Willis Reed and both Russell and Chamberlain are on the court at the same time together?  That is a scary thought for the other decade teams.

This team also boasts a dynamic guard duo who can score, pass, and rebound.  Oscar Robertson is the only player to ever average a triple-double for a season and will be a nightmare to guard for the other point guards.

1970's Team

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 20: Former NBA player Kareem Abdul Jabbar arrives to the T-Mobile Magenta Carpet at the 2011 NBA All-Star Game on February 20, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

PG - Pete Maravich (24.2 ppg and 5.4 apg)

SG - George Gervin (26.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg)

SF - Julius Erving (22 ppg and 6.7 rpg)

PF - Elvin Hayes (21 ppg and 12.5 rpg)

C - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (24.6 ppg and 11.2 rpg)

Sixth Man - Walt Frazier (18.9 ppg, 6.1 apg, 5.9 rpg)

Offense Ranking - 5th

Defense Ranking - 5th

Winning Ranking - 4th

Overall Ranking - 5th

This would be a fun team to watch with "Pistol" Pete Maravich running the show and Julius Erving throwing it down on the fast break.  This team would put up a ton of points and being able to have Walt, Pete, George, and Julius sub for each other would keep their legs fresh and allow them to run up and down the court on the other teams. 

One thing this team has in favor for them is size at the guard and forward positions.  Kareem is no slouch either, and can put up points and rebound with the best of them.

1980's Team

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 01: Los Angeles Lakers basketball great Magic Johnson speaks during an event announcing naming rights for the new football stadium Farmers Field at Los Angeles Convention Center on February 1, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. A

PG - Magic Johnson (19.5 ppg, 11.2 apg, 7.2 rpg)

SG - Adrian Dantley (24.3 ppg and 5.7 rpg)

SF - Larry Bird (24.3 ppg, 10 rpg, 6.3 apg)

PF - Kevin McHale (17.9 ppg and 7.3 rpg)

C - Moses Malone (20.6 ppg and 12.2 rpg)

Sixth Man - Alex English (21.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg)

Offense Ranking - 4th

Defense Ranking - 3rd

Winning Ranking - 3rd

Overall Ranking - 3rd

This is a big and athletic team.  When you have a 6'8" point guard running your team, you are going to be just fine.  This team is going to be the type of team that bangs you around down low, as every player averaged over five rebounds a game for their career.  Look for them to run the ball with Magic and if they slow it down, look for Larry Bird to step outside and drain shots from all over the court.

The big question on this team is going to be Moses Malone.  If he can keep up with all the other dominant centers, this could be a wild card-type team.

1990's Team

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CHARLOTTE, NC - FEBRUARY 25: Owner of the Charlotte Bobcats, Michael Jordan smiles during their game against the Sacramento Kings at Time Warner Cable Arena on February 25, 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and

PG - John Stockton (13.1 ppg, 10.5 apg, 2.2 spg)

SG - Michael Jordan (30.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.3 apg)

SF - Scottie Pippen (16.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 5.2 apg, 2 spg)

PF - Karl Malone (25 ppg and 10.1 rpg)

C - Hakeem Olajuwon (21.8 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 3.1 bpg)

Sixth Man - Charles Barkley (22.1 ppg and 11.7 rpg)

Offense Ranking - 1st

Defense Ranking - 2nd

Winning Ranking - 2nd

Overall Ranking - 2nd

This might be the most balanced team in the whole tournament.  They have a true point guard who can pass and play defense.  They can score inside or outside and will have a great pick-and-roll game.  However, the main reason for them ranking first in offense is because of Michael Jordan.  He is simply the greatest player to ever play the game.

I picked Barkley over a guy like Isaiah Thomas as sixth man for his size.  Where this team could be most dangerous is with Pippen running the point and Barkley, Malone, and Olajuwon banging down low.

2000's Team

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MIAMI, FL - MARCH 10: Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers calls a play during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on March 10, 2011 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and

PG - Steve Nash (14.6 ppg and 8.4 apg)

SG - Kobe Bryant (25.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 4.7 apg)

SF - LeBron James (24.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 6.2 apg)

PF - Tim Duncan (20.6 ppg, 11.5 rpg, 2.3 bpg)

C - Dwight Howard (18.1 ppg, 12.8 rpg, 2.2 bpg)

Sixth Man - Shaquille O'Neal (23.7 ppg, 10.9 rpg, 2.3 bpg)

Offense Ranking - 3rd

Defense Ranking - 4th

Winning Ranking - 6th

Overall Ranking - 4th

Don't let the career stats of these guys fool you into thinking they are less of a player than those that came before them.  It's a different game and these six players have dominated their decade.  They are the most athletic of all the teams and have, probably, the greatest athlete to ever play the game in LeBron James.  This team will definitely try to outrun and wear down the other teams.

I picked Nash over Jason Kidd and Chris Paul because he has been a better player for longer than Paul and because he is a better scorer and more creative than Kidd.  I also went with Howard over O'Neal because O'Neal's dominance was really split between the 90's and 00's.

First Round Matchup No. 1: 1980's vs. 1950's

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DETROIT - APRIL 06: Larry Bird (R) and Earvin 'Magic' Johnson walk on the court to be honored for the 30th anniversary of their match up in 1979 NCAA Championship Game between Indiana State and Michigan State prior to the Michigan State Spartans playing

Final Score:

1980's - 98

1950's - 74

What ultimately does the 1950's team in is their size.  With Players like Johnson, Bird, and Malone, the 80's team jumped out to a hot start and continued to push the ball inside and use their size and physicality to their advantage.

The 50's team doesn't turn the ball over very much and are sound on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball, but they lack athleticism and Magic Johnson proves to be nearly unstoppable running the fast break.

Magic Johnson wins the game MVP with 23 points, 14 assists, and 8 rebounds, while Larry Bird and Bob Cousy lead both their teams in scoring with 28 points.

First Round Matchup No. 2: 2000's vs. 1970's

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PHOENIX - FEBRUARY 20: Shaquille O'Neal #32 of the Phoenix Suns and Kobe Bryant #24 of the Los Angeles Lakers talk during the game at US Airways Center on February 20, 2008 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that,

Final Score:

2000's - 123

1970's - 117

This is an entertaining game to watch with dozens of lead changes.  What ultimately wins the game for the 2000's is their athleticism and stamina.  The point guard battle between Pete Maravich and Steve Nash proves to be one for the ages, as Nash gets 20 assists while Maravich leads his team in scoring with 39 points.  The 70's team tries to feed the ball down low to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, and Shaquille O'Neal are up to the task of shutting him down and keep Kareem to only 13 points.

What really hurts the 70's team is the versatility of LeBron James.  For long stretches, James plays point and they move Duncan to small forward while Howard and O'Neal clog up the middle.  This size proves nearly unstoppable.

The MVP of the game is LeBron James who lead his team in scoring with 33 points.  He also added six assists and nine rebounds, along with four steals and three blocks.

Second Round Matchup No. 1: 1960's vs. 2000's

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7 Feb 1997: Former Los Angeles Laker Wilt Chamberlain addresses the media at a press conference before the NBA All-Star Game at the Renaissance Hotel in Cleveland, Ohio. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bahr /Allsport

Final Score:

1960's - 109

2000's - 88

Even though Willis Reed is starting at power forward, he doesn't play for very long.  Within the first five minutes of the game, Reed is out and Chamberlain is in and the game is pretty much over.  With Russell and Chamberlain down low, the 2000's team has a difficult time getting anything down low.

Oscar Robertson runs the point beautifully while Russell and Chamberlain find the open man when they are double-teamed down low.  Although LeBron James plays another dominant game with 38 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, Russell and Chamberlain combine for 78 points in the win.

The MVP of the game is Wilt Chamberlain who scores 46 points while grabbing 18 rebounds.  Neither Duncan, Howard, or O'Neal have an answer for Wilt, as he dominates all three throughout the game.

Second Round Matchup No. 2: 1990's vs. 1980's

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CHICAGO, IL - FEBRUARY 15: Former players Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen of the Chicago Bulls share a laugh before a game between the Bulls and the Charlotte Bobcats at the United Center on February 15, 2011 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User exp

Final Score:

1990's - 109

1980's - 108

This was a great back and forth game.  The 90's team was down by one with 12 seconds left.  They pass in the ball to Pippen who dribbles up court.  Jordan comes off a double screen set by Barkley and Olajuwon for an open jumper to win the game.  Jordan shoots and the sweet, sweet shot goes in at the buzzer to put the 90's team into the finals.

The 80's team jumped out to an early start with Magic Johnson taking John Stockton to school in the paint.  It wasn't until the 90's team put Pippen at point and Barkley at small forward that they started chipping away at the lead.  Jordan absolutely dominated Adrian Dantley at the start of the game, which soon led to the 80's putting both Magic Johnson and Alex English on Jordan.  He still ended the game with 43 points and a game winning shot.

Stockton and Malone run the pick-and-roll beautifully throughout the game.  Larry Bird has a decent game, but Pippen makes it difficult for him throughout the day on the perimeter and Barkley beats him up in the paint.  Bird and Johnson finish the game with 61 combined points, but it still isn't enough.  The unsung hero for the 80's team is Alex English who scores 22 off the bench for them.

Although Jordan wins the game MVP with his scoring, the defense of Hakeem Olajuwon plays a key role in this game.  He keeps Moses Malone to just 13 points and nine rebounds.  He also ends the game with an amazing six blocks.

Final Game: 1960's vs. 1990's

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LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 19: NBA legend Bill Russell looks on as he attends NBA All-Star Saturday night presented by State Farm at Staples Center on February 19, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)

Final Score:

1960's - 96

1990's - 91

This game goes down as the greatest basketball game ever played and was a battle from the start. 

Once again Willis Reed is benched early in favor of Wilt Chamberlain and the combination of Chamberlain and Russell proves to be unstoppable.  Neither Malone nor Barkley can stop Chamberlain, as he scores 12 straight points in the first quarter.  Hakeem Olajuwon is soon given the assignment and slows Wilt down a little, but he ends the game with 36 points.  Russell absolutely dominates the paint and forces the 90's team to beat them from the outside.  Barkley and Malone combine for only 19 points and 8 rebounds.

The 90's team makes a late push in the fourth quarter, thanks to the play of Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen and they actually take the lead with six minutes left in the game.  Jerry West hits a three-pointer to give the 60's team back the lead, and they never look back from there.  John Stockton is again dominated by a bigger point guard and soon finds himself on the bench while Pippen plays point for the second straight game.  Pippen plays great defense on Oscar Robertson throughout the game, but Elgin Baylor is able to beat Charles Barkley nearly every time he touches the ball.

The MVP of the game goes to Bill Russell who ends the game with 24 points, 19 rebounds, and a monster nine rejections.  Jordan finishes with 45 points and was the only real threat to score for the 90's team.

Congratulations 1960's All Decade Team!  You are the best decade of players to ever play the game.  Watch out for the 2010-2020 team next decade.