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NBA’s All-Time Team: The 15 Players Who Would Make the Ultimate Starting Five

Basketball fans have long debated the ideal starting five in the NBA’s storied history, which has seen legends rise and rivalries flare up. The greatest players are all-time greats who changed the course of history, broke records, and amazed fans with their superhuman abilities. These athletes have taken the game to new heights and cemented their names in the sport’s rich history.

Imagine the incredible synergy of these extraordinary players, where leadership meets agility, strength meets elegance, and natural talent combines with unflinching resolve.

There are so many great players to choose from, each with their own unique skill set and contributions to the game. But if you could build an all-time starting five, who would you choose?

The answer to that question is sure to vary depending on who you ask, but there are a few players who would be on everyone’s list. These are the guys who were unstoppable on both ends of the court, who led their teams to championships, and who changed the way the game was played and would make the ultimate starting five. So who are these 15 players? 

1. Michael Jordan

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For good reason, Michael Jordan is universally regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. He was an elite scorer, a tenacious defender, and a clutch performer. He could take over a game at any time and was the head of two of the greatest dynasties in NBA history.

Jordan is an obvious choice for any ultimate starting five of the NBA’s All-Time Team. He could play with any player in the league, but his finest combinations would be with Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Scottie Pippen, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Jordan would have a great point guard in Magic Johnson, who could set him up for easy shots. With Larry Bird, Jordan would have another terrific scorer to help relieve some of his strain.

Jordan would have a long-time teammate and one of the finest defenders in NBA history in Scottie Pippen. Jordan would also have a powerful low-post scorer in Kareem Abdul-Jabbar who could spread the floor for him.

Jordan would be a force to be reckoned with on any ultimate starting five on the NBA’s All-Time Team, regardless of who he teamed with.

Related: NBA’s 20 Best Defenders: The Players Who Stopped Their Opponents

2. LeBron James

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LeBron James is one of the most versatile players in NBA history, and he would be an excellent addition to any ultimate starting lineup. He can score from everywhere on the floor, as well as rebound, pass, and defend at an outstanding level. He is also a fantastic leader and winner.

James can play with any other player in the NBA, but his finest combinations would be alongside Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry.

James would form one of the most unstoppable duos in NBA history with Michael Jordan. Magic Johnson would provide James with a powerful point guard who could set him up for easy points.

With Kevin Durant, James would have another excellent scorer to help relieve some of his strain. And in Stephen Curry, James would have one of the best shooters in NBA history to help him spread the floor.

Read More: NBA’s 15 Greatest Scorers: The Players Who Put Up the Numbers

3. Kobe Bryant

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Kobe Bryant was a ruthless scorer and a clutch player who could change the course of a game at any time. He was a versatile player who could play a variety of spots on defence. The NBA’s All-Time Team’s starting five could use him in any situation. Bryant’s top combinations include Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Tim Duncan.

Bryant would have one of the most formidable combos in NBA history with Michael Jordan. Bryant would have a strong point guard in Magic Johnson who could set him up for simple baskets.

Bryant would have a great low-post scorer in Shaquille O’Neal who could open up the floor for him. Bryant would also have a dynamic big man in Tim Duncan who could score, grab rebounds, and defend at a high level.

4. Shaquille O’Neal

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Shaquille O’Neal’s placement in the final starting five of the NBA All-Time Team is undeniable due to his dominance on the court. Shaq was an unstoppable physical force on the court at 7’1″ and over 300 pounds. His success under pressure is evidenced by his three NBA Finals MVP medals in addition to his four NBA championships.

Shaq adds a commanding presence to the frontcourt when paired with other players. His inside scoring and rebounding complement Michael Jordan’s leadership and perimeter skills to create a well-rounded and potent offensive duo.

Additionally, Shaq’s defensive prowess, along with that of other top defenders, creates an impenetrable defensive wall, guaranteeing a strong and cohesive roster for the All-Time Team.

5. Stephen Curry

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Stephen Curry is one of the best shooters in NBA history, and any team would benefit greatly from his ability to open up the floor for his teammates and stretch defences. He can play alongside other great scorers like LeBron James or Michael Jordan since he is a very excellent distributor and ball handler. Curry is becoming a good perimeter defender thanks to his recent defensive improvements.

Curry and Michael Jordan together would be an offensive powerhouse. Curry’s three-point shooting would complement Jordan’s ability to score from everywhere on the court, and they would be able to set each other up for easy shots throughout the whole game.

Curry and LeBron James would be fantastic offensive, passing, and defensive pairing. Due to Curry’s shooting and James’s ability to create mismatches, he would have more space to work with on offence.

Curry and Magic Johnson make for an explosive pick-and-roll combination. Curry’s shooting would free up looks for Johnson to take, and Johnson would have space to work in the paint thanks to Curry’s distributing abilities.

6. Magic Johnson

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Magic Johnson was a point guard who transcended the game and changed it with his passing skills. He was a triple-double machine who had top passing, shooting, and rebounding skills. He was also a fantastic leader who assisted the Lakers in capturing five NBA titles.

Any team would benefit from having Magic Johnson, but he would be most effective when teamed with a talented scorer like LeBron James or Michael Jordan. They would score, which would free up room for him to move around in the paint thanks to his passing skills to locate open shots.

Magic and Bird were the two best players in the NBA in the 1980s, and they would have been unstoppable together. Magic and Kareem were the dynamic duo that led the Lakers to five NBA championships in the 1980s.

 Magic and Shaq would have been a force to be reckoned with in the paint. Magic’s passing ability, leadership, and scoring ability would make him a valuable asset to any team.

7. Larry Bird

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Larry Bird was an all-around forward with a wide range of skills. He excelled in scoring, grabbing rebounds, passing, and defending. Additionally, he had a knack for winning huge games when it mattered most.

Any team would benefit from having Bird on it, but he would be more effective when partnered with a strong centre like Shaquille O’Neal or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Their scoring would free up room for him to play on the perimeter thanks to his passing abilities, which would enable him to find them with open shots.

Bird and Magic were the two best players in the NBA in the 1980s, and they would have been unstoppable together. Bird and Jordan were two of the greatest scorers in NBA history, and they would have been a nightmare for opposing defences.

Bird and LeBron are two of the most versatile players in NBA history, and they would have been able to play together in a variety of ways. His scoring ability, passing ability, and defence would make him a valuable asset in the starting five.

8. Kevin Durant

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Kevin Durant is a 6-foot-10-inch power forward who is widely regarded as one of the best scorers in NBA history. He is a nightmare matchup for opposition opponents because he can score from wherever on the field. He is also an excellent passer, rebounder, and defender.

Durant would be an excellent addition to any team, but he would be most effective when partnered with a powerful playmaker such as Magic Johnson or LeBron James. His scoring abilities would relieve the playmaker’s pressure, and his ability to spread the floor would provide space for the playmaker to operate.

9. Wilt Chamberlain

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Wilt Chamberlain was a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor. He was an excellent scorer and rebounder in NBA history, as well as a competent defender. In his heyday, he was a physical specimen who was practically unstoppable.

Chamberlain would be an excellent addition to any team, but he would be most effective when teamed with a powerful playmaker such as Magic Johnson or LeBron James. His ability to score would relieve the burden on the playmaker, and his ability to rebound and defend would make him a vital addition to the starting five.

10. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar

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For more than two decades, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was a dominant force in the court. He was a tremendous scorer in NBA history, as well as a good rebounder and defender. He was a master of the skyhook, a nearly unstoppable shot.

Abdul-Jabbar would be an excellent addition to any team, but he would be especially effective when partnered with a powerful playmaker such as Magic Johnson or LeBron James.

Abdul-Jabbar and Bird would have been an excellent frontcourt tandem, capable of scoring from wherever on the court. His ability to score would relieve pressure on the playmaker, and his ability to rebound and defend would make him an invaluable asset. 

11. Tim Duncan

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Tim Duncan’s selection to the NBA’s All-Time Team’s final starting five is a testament to his sustained greatness and fundamental skill. Duncan’s unmatched abilities in scoring, rebounding, and defence make him a versatile asset as a five-time NBA champion and two-time MVP. His selfless play and leadership qualities create cohesive team chemistry, allowing him to work effectively with other elite players.

When Duncan is paired with other teammates, the team’s performance improves significantly. His low-post scoring complements Michael Jordan’s perimeter scoring, resulting in a balanced offensive attack.

Duncan’s defensive expertise, combined with that of other strong defenders, increases the team’s ability to shut down opponents. His hard work ethic and humble nature make him an integral part of the starting five for the ideal All-Time Team.

12. Bill Russell

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Bill Russell was one of the greatest winners in NBA history, leading the Boston Celtics to 11 championships in 13 seasons. He was a dominant defensive presence, averaging 22.5 rebounds per game for his career. He was also a solid scorer, averaging 15.1 points per game.

Russell would be a great fit in any starting five, but he would be especially deadly paired with a dominant scorer like Michael Jordan or LeBron James. His rebounding ability would allow him to create second-chance opportunities for his teammates, and his defence would help to take pressure off of the scorer.

13. Ray Allen

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Ray Allen’s selection to the NBA’s All-Time Team’s final starting five is justified by his outstanding shooting ability and clutch performances. Allen’s ability to stretch the floor and score from anywhere makes him a potent offensive weapon, as evidenced by his status as the NBA’s all-time leader in three-pointers made.

When Allen is paired with other players, the team’s scoring opportunities improve. His shooting ability complements Tim Duncan’s inside presence, resulting in a balanced inside-outside attack.

Additionally, Allen’s willingness to share the ball and move without it allows him to blend in with ball-dominant players like Michael Jordan, improving team chemistry and offensive effectiveness. His history as one of the best shooters of all time cements his place among the all-time greats.

14. Hakeem Olajuwon

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Hakeem Olajuwon’s selection to the NBA’s All-Time Team’s ultimate starting five is due to his unmatched skillset as a centre. Olajuwon’s post moves, quickness, shot-blocking, and rebounding abilities make him an unstoppable force on both ends of the floor, as evidenced by his two NBA championships and two Finals MVP awards.

When Olajuwon is paired with other players, the team’s defensive strength and interior domination are improved. His shot-blocking ability complements Michael Jordan’s perimeter defence, forming a deadly defensive duo.

Offensively, Olajuwon’s scoring range complements Ray Allen’s outside shooting, creating a varied offensive challenge for opponents. 

15. Kevin Garnett

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Kevin Garnett was a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the floor. He was a vital component of the Boston Celtics’ championship squad in 2008, and he was one of the best two-way players in NBA history. Garnett excelled as a scorer, rebounder, and defender. He was also an outstanding passer and leader.

Garnett would be an excellent addition to any team, but he would be most effective when partnered with a dominating scorer such as Michael Jordan or LeBron James. Garnett and James would have made an excellent size, athleticism, and talent combo.

His ability to score and rebound would relieve pressure on the scorer, and his defence would aid in taking away the opponent’s greatest player. 

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