RealGM

Unsure how I’d stack all of them up (it is a much more nuanced question), but I don’t hate the notion that from 1-5.. the 2002-03 All-NBA first team was the best one in history

Kobe
McGrady
Garnett
Duncan
Shaq

Is there another 5-man first team that would (1) beat the above lineup in a best of seven series and/or (2) stack up better / more valuable from 1-5, additively, across the quintet of players?

88

Magic
Mj
Larry
Charles
Hakeem

From 89-91 after Larry past his prime they still had Magic, Mj, Charles, and alternating Hakeem, Ewing Drob or Karl there thats tough too

2021 is pretty good, and fits well

Curry
Doncic
Kawhi
Giannis
Jokic

A few others
1983
Bird
Dr. J
Malone
Moncrief
Magic

1972
Frazier
West
Kareem
Hondo
Haywood

1964
West
Oscar
Wilt
Pettit
Baylor

Cavsfansince84 wrote:1964
West
Oscar
Wilt
Pettit
Baylor

1963 is the same team, with Russell instead of Wilt. Depending on who you prefer.

03-04 is the same as in the OP, with Kidd instead of T-Mac.

If we ignore prime a bit, 2012-13 is strong:

CP3
Kobe
LeBron
Durant
Duncan

2021 is probably the strongest IMO. Just about every All-NBA team that doesn't have a massive shooting deficit against them is much smaller and physically weaker. Jokic' early prime stage is their Achilles heel, he was significantly worse on defense and less mentally strong two years ago. 1988 and 2003 are also both insanely talented and physically powerful but heads up against 2021 they would be in deep trouble from the 3pt shooting deficit, especially 1988.

Among teams that haven't been mentioned, 2009 stands out to me:

Dwyane Wade
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Dirk Nowitzki
Dwight Howard