In a recent video appearance on the YouTube channel Run It Back on FanDuel TV, basketball Hall of Famer and ABA champion Dan Issel shared his personal selection for the greatest starting five in the history of the sport. The 77-year-old icon, who enjoyed a storied career, offered his perspective on the players he believes stand above the rest.
Issel began his list with the legendary Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He recalled their numerous head-to-head matchups, noting that he and Abdul-Jabbar faced each other approximately 62 times during regular seasons and playoffs. With a touch of self-deprecating humor, Issel remarked that those encounters likely meant he was on the losing side of the scoreboard the vast majority of the time, underscoring Abdul-Jabbar's dominance.
The second name Issel placed on his elite list was Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time. Issel referred to him by his iconic initials, "MJ," solidifying Jordan's place in his all-time starting lineup. This selection comes as no surprise given Jordan's six championships and numerous accolades.
A more unexpected choice for some fans might be Julius Erving, also known as Dr. J. Issel explained that he had the unique opportunity to witness Erving's early career in the American Basketball Association (ABA). He described Erving as "incredible" and a player who performed feats on the court that Issel had never seen before. Specifically, Issel highlighted Erving's ability to dunk over the formidable Artis Gilmore, a testament to his revolutionary athleticism and style.
Rounding out his quintet, Issel selected two more icons of the game: Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Larry Bird. Their inclusion completes a roster that spans different eras and styles, yet all are united by their transformative impact on basketball. Magic Johnson's wizardry as a point guard and Larry Bird's sharpshooting and fierce competitiveness defined a legendary rivalry that elevated the entire NBA.
Dan Issel's selections reflect a deep appreciation for both statistical greatness and the eye-test of witnessing generational talent firsthand. His list combines centers, forwards, and guards who not only dominated their respective eras but also changed how the game was played. The choices of Abdul-Jabbar, Jordan, Erving, Johnson, and Bird represent a blend of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ that is rarely seen combined in a single starting five.
The conversation provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a player who competed against many of these legends. Issel's firsthand experience facing Abdul-Jabbar and watching Erving's ascent gives his opinion a unique weight, bridging the gap between different generations of basketball greatness.
Based on reporting from Чемпионат.com.