All-Time Celtics

[Big Baby]

I have McHale at the 4 spot because he's a way better post player than KG is and an excellent defender, just as good if not better than KG. And I believe McHale was tougher both mentally and physically than KG.

I'm usually the leader of the "McHale was woefully underrated" chorus. But while he was a better post defender than KG, I think KG is a better player of modern defense otherwise.

I don't know about that. KG has trouble guarding quicker, smaller and physical forwards like Antawn Jamison, Carlos Boozer and guys like that. I don't remember McHale having trouble guarding guys like Barkley and Malone. And McHale also guarded centers and guarded them well, something KG shies away from doing.

I'm probably biased though because McHale is one of my 3 or 4 favorite Celtics of all time. But even if he wasn't, I'd still go with McHale for the simple fact that he was a gifted scorer in the post and he had a mean streak that KG just doesn't have. I'll leave you with this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7r6vXeOfyQ

My favorite moment in that clip is when Tommy quips, "Well, it's part of the game." Too funny.

[Jammer]

The Russell/KG/Bird frontline is unfair. Not only would you be pairing two of the best defensive big men that even played the game (and they'd play outstanding off of each other on defense as well), but you'd also be pairing two of the best passing forwards that ever played the game in Bird and KG. Two 20/10/5 players on one frontline, two of the best rebounders ever on one frontline, an interior defense that simply could not be scored upon, and three of the fiercest competitors ever on the same team...are you serious? It doesn't even matter who the guards would be, that's just insane.

Russell had a few seasons where he averaged over 5 assists per game (toward the end of his career).

His career average of 4.3 apg is lowered due to his first few seasons.

Russell was clearly better than KG is the passing department (primarily due to Russell's lightning quick reactions, KG seems like he's in slow motion by comparison). And, it was a lot harder to get credit for an assist then, the rules have getting credit have been eased up since then.

[drza]

The Russell/KG/Bird frontline is unfair. Not only would you be pairing two of the best defensive big men that even played the game (and they'd play outstanding off of each other on defense as well), but you'd also be pairing two of the best passing forwards that ever played the game in Bird and KG. Two 20/10/5 players on one frontline, two of the best rebounders ever on one frontline, an interior defense that simply could not be scored upon, and three of the fiercest competitors ever on the same team...are you serious? It doesn't even matter who the guards would be, that's just insane.

Russell had a few seasons where he averaged over 5 assists per game (toward the end of his career).

His career average of 4.3 apg is lowered due to his first few seasons.

Russell was clearly better than KG is the passing department (primarily due to Russell's lightning quick reactions, KG seems like he's in slow motion by comparison). And, it was a lot harder to get credit for an assist then, the rules have getting credit have been eased up since then.

I suppose I could debate with you about Russell vs KG in the passing department, but really, competition amongst themselves wasn't the point. My point was that pairing KG and Bird would have given that trio two of the best passing forwards in NBA history...if Russell is also a great passer, that also gives them one of the best passing centers in NBA history as well. Makes the trio even more unfair as a starting frontline against anyone else.