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This is all according to your personal opinion. I think the consensus top 10 is KAJ, Wilt, Russell, Shaq, Duncan, Hakeem, MJ, LBJ, Bird, Magic-in whatever order. Many would have Kobe, KG and others slip in, but I think that top 10 is pretty solid.

Which of these do you think is most overrated, with the qualifiers listed after each? I tried to come up with how some homers might describe each of the players-and many others might see that description as overrated. I hope this makes sense

Shaq would be in my Top 10 if it wasn't for Mikan

The question answered by OP, Jordan.

Is there a way to change my vote? Reading it more carefully the comment about Magic is the most overrated.
You can't be the greatest of all time if you were never clearly the best player at any one time.

Bird for me. Wilt is really hard to get a read on, but I don't think he's more overrated than Bird unless someone has him as clear-cut GOAT.

Would’ve voted Kobe but he (rightly) wasn’t an option, so I voted for Russell. Just really don’t think he’s anywhere close to one of the ~5 best basketball players to ever play.

Hakeem is not top 10 all time and definitely not consensus. How many first round exits in his prime, 5? 6? So since you included him Ill have to say Hakeem.

He's just the guy people throw out when they want to sound knowledgable.

Bill Russell does not have a case for GOAT imo. GOAT level defense sure, but his offense was below average

I feel like Magic consistently gets the most overrated. I’ve seen him ranked top 5 too many times for my liking.

Whoever you don't like as much as the rest.

I’m thinking Shaq.

Bill Russell. With how mediocre his offense was, i just don’t think anyone could have that kind of impact in any era but his. You can be of the belief that the only thing that matters is what a player did in his own era, but I disagree to at least some extent.

DQuinn1575 wrote:Is there a way to change my vote? Reading it more carefully the comment about Magic is the most overrated.
You can't be the greatest of all time if you were never clearly the best player at any one time.

This is what confuses me when people say that Magic could’ve been the GOAT. HIV or not, he clearly reached his peak and his peak wasn’t goat level although it was top 10 caliber for sure.

No-more-rings wrote:Bill Russell. With how mediocre his offense was, i just don’t think anyone could have that kind of impact in any era but his. You can be of the belief that the only thing that matters is what a player did in his own era, but I disagree to at least some extent.

Don't see any reason to doubt that Russell would have similar impact in 1970s or 1980s. Russell in deadball 1997-04 era would be ridiculous as well.

Maybe he wouldn't reach this level after three point revolution, but he'd fare extremely well for the majority of NBA existance.

thebigbird wrote:Would’ve voted Kobe but he (rightly) wasn’t an option, so I voted for Russell. Just really don’t think he’s anywhere close to one of the ~5 best basketball players to ever play.

What don't you think Russell was one of the 5 best players that ever lived?

https://www.reddit.com/r/nbadiscussion/comments/lgzjpx/february_12_1934_bill_russell_was_born_no_one_did/

70sFan wrote:

No-more-rings wrote:Bill Russell. With how mediocre his offense was, i just don’t think anyone could have that kind of impact in any era but his. You can be of the belief that the only thing that matters is what a player did in his own era, but I disagree to at least some extent.

Don't see any reason to doubt that Russell would have similar impact in 1970s or 1980s. Russell in deadball 1997-04 era would be ridiculous as well.

Maybe he wouldn't reach this level after three point revolution, but he'd fare extremely well for the majority of NBA existance.

His shotblocking while would still carry great significance, still clearly loses some importance with not only the 3 point line but with the league expanding and teams just learning to play more efficient offense in general.

He’d be ridiculous in the 97-04 era sure, but it wouldn’t be goat level.

Stalwart wrote:Hakeem is not top 10 all time and definitely not consensus. How many first round exits in his prime, 5? 6? So since you included him Ill have to say Hakeem.

He's just the guy people throw out when they want to sound knowledgable.

Hakeem’s 4 1st round exits between 88 and 91 he averaged 26/14 on 58 ts% and a 27 PER almost. None of those numbers even accurately capture his defense either. Pretty sure he wasn’t the reason his teams were losing those years.

Based off of the comments you added, I'd go with Magic or maybe Bird. I don't think peak Magic was good enough for him to be the GOAT regardless, and I don't think Bird was the most skilled player ever.

In general I think of the players in this list, Jordan is probably overrated the most by fans. Not that he isn't a top player ever with a fantastic GOAT case, but I see him elevated to a god-like status too often, probably partly due to being the most iconic American athlete ever & the massive Jordan brand.

No-more-rings wrote:

70sFan wrote:

No-more-rings wrote:Bill Russell. With how mediocre his offense was, i just don’t think anyone could have that kind of impact in any era but his. You can be of the belief that the only thing that matters is what a player did in his own era, but I disagree to at least some extent.

Don't see any reason to doubt that Russell would have similar impact in 1970s or 1980s. Russell in deadball 1997-04 era would be ridiculous as well.

Maybe he wouldn't reach this level after three point revolution, but he'd fare extremely well for the majority of NBA existance.

His shotblocking while would still carry great significance, still clearly loses some importance with not only the 3 point line but with the league expanding and teams just learning to play more efficient offense in general.

He’d be ridiculous in the 97-04 era sure, but it wouldn’t be goat level.

There was no three point line in the 1970s. Three point line wasn't used at all in the 1980s. I see no reason to think that Russell would lose significant portion of his value in these eras.

1990s started to utilize three point shot more, so there is a case that Russell wouldn't be as impactful, but then again - 1997-04 era was horrible on offense and strong defensive players arguably had higher impact than offensive stars.

On Bill Russell:

https://www.reddit.com/r/nbadiscussion/comments/lgzjpx/february_12_1934_bill_russell_was_born_no_one_did/