Build your own GOAT

[bkkrh]

The main issue about the GOAT discussion is that you can go in so many different directions on what you evaluate and value. Even if you go between Jordan and Lebron, the issue already is that neither of them even is the leader in most of the categories you are making the argument about. Yes Jordan has more MVPs, but Kareem has more than him. Same for the titles and so on, you get the drill. It's not like in hockey where even if Ovechkin beat the goal record, Gretzky is still so isanely ahead in points that even the attempt to start a discussion seems silly.

So the idea of this thread is to build the ultimate GOAT by combining 2 players, excluding the following players:

MJ, Lebron, Steph Curry, Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, Bill Russell, Magic, Bird

I feel all of these players just would be making things too easy. Even though I find the idea of Kareem Curry shooting sky hooks from the logo, or Shaq Nash receiving the back-off-Shaq treatment generally entertaining. Same goes for a Larry Bird with Vince Carter's athleticism.

My personal choice: The grey Mamba - Scalabrine + Kobe

You basically take the skill, physique, athlecism, clutch mentality and longevity from Scalabrine and combine it with Kobe being the 4th youngest player to ever join the league and landing on a team that is ready to content with a GOAT level coach and another top 20 All time player. They are also just 5 months apart age wise, so even from a timeline perspective it works out perfectly.

The main knock towards Scal in the current GOAT conversation is that he was already 23 when he entered the league and that we are still waiting for him to really come out of his first retirement. He sometimes shows glimpses of his still improving skill level, like when he recently destroyed the Messiah himself 11-0 in a street ball match at 47, but you really need to wonder when he comes back. Personally I think he has kind of a gentleman's agreement with Lebron and leaves the 40s to him, to then come back in his 50s, more dominant than ever.

The second point and this would significantly change, are the titles. The Nets went from a 26-56 team to a 52 win team and made it to the finals 2 seasons in a row. Now this might be the only time where you can really give 0 blame to a player. Both finals he only played one minute in total. The first finals were against the Lakers, the 2nd against the Spurs, who had beaten the Lakers in the 2nd round. In both finals his head coach was Byron Scott, do I need to say more?

So if he had that kind of impact on the Nets, imagine what he can do on the Lakers. Shaq won his first title with A. C. Green starting next to him at Power Forward. You are literally replacing a 36 year old virgin with the original Long Beach Pimp.

It is also interesting from a roster perspective, since it negates the need of trading Eddie Jones and also the need to trade for Robert Horry. Scalabrine could either switch over to Small Forward, kind of a rich man's Larry Bird, or play PF, depending on if the Lakers decide to keep Ceballos around in that scenario.

You'd either have:

Van Exel - Jones - Scal - Campbell - Shaq

Or:

Van Exel - Jones - Ceballos - Scal - Shaq

Guess there won't be a 2nd triple for the Bulls, at least MJ got one title out of his 1st comeback, though.

[Kawaii Leonard]

The Sombor Shake: Jokic + Hakeem

Ultimate mix of offense and defense from a big

[Ol Roy]

I'll make one from the same draft: Scottie Pippen+Reggie Miller.

[Lalouie]

walton
+
..............................................................walton

wilt+russell

[Tor_Raps]

I'll take Jordan with Wemby's height lol

[SlimShady83]

Jason Williams <> Giannis

[playoffs]

Victor WembanGiannis

[Saints14]

Edit: I didn’t read the OP. Give me Kawhi Doncic

[316Hornets]

Give me Wade's athleticism combined with Duncan's post dominance. Would be basically unstoppable.

[Patches Perry]

I'll go a step further, by position:

PG- Westbrook + Nash
SG- Wade + McGrady
SF- Pippen + Durant
PF- Dirk + KG
C- Jokic + Hakeem

[JB2]

Kobe + Nash

[Stan]

Just give me Jokic with Hakeem’s defense and I’m good

[NbaAllDay]

Lebrons size, speed, passing and overall defensive ability in his prime with Currys shooting, handles and stamina.

It's basically a perfect player.

[Fencer reregistered]

I'll go a step further, by position:

PG- Westbrook + Nash
SG- Wade + McGrady
SF- Pippen + Durant
PF- Dirk + KG
C- Jokic + Hakeem

Good ones all, although I question your PG's defense. Nash + Kidd might be better.

Might also go with McHale + KG at PF. McHale upgrades the post defense and post scoring alike. Or if you really want a perimeter offensive player, take somebody who plays further from the basket than Dirk.

[bledredwine]

I'll take Jordan with Wemby's height lol

I was going to say Wilt if the lore is true, but this is much better.

There are a few guys who looked like video game cheat codes.
A wemby jordan who chooses to shoots threes would be the ultimate cheat code.

Also OP, you’re right that one player may lead Jordan in one goat category barely, but no one has all of them covered like him (rings achievements dominance on both ends etc). He also has more finals MVPs than kareem and we understand why his six may be closer to Russell’s 11 than many would admit, given the circumstances.

He’s missing a larger stature compared to those guys too, was just a freak of a player.

That’s why I’ll agree with Wemby Jordan for one million dollars Regis.

[EmpireFalls]

Kemba Walker mixed with Gerald Wallace.

I’m not exaggerating here. This player would be GOAT.

[Optms]

Surprised no one has said it but Shaq and Kobe.

Lebron and Curry also is god tier.

[bledredwine]

Kemba Walker mixed with Gerald Wallace.

I’m not exaggerating here. This player would be GOAT.

edit: double post

[bledredwine]

Kemba Walker mixed with Gerald Wallace.

I’m not exaggerating here. This player would be GOAT.

Explain? Genuinely curious

[playoffs]

Surprised no one has said it but Shaq and Kobe.

Lebron and Curry also is god tier.

No one said it because it doesn't meet OP's guidelines