There has been a whole lot of significant player movement during the NBA off-season. Richard Jefferson was traded to the Spurs to join an already solidified all-star trio, Shaq joined King James looking for his 5th Chip and Lebron's first, Vince Carter replaced the "Turkish Michael Jordan" on Orlando while Trevor Ariza and Ron Artest swapped places. Let's not forget that the Celtics signed Rasheed Wallace, a player who will undoubtedly strengthen an already tenacious defense. All of these teams were already among the best in the L less than a year ago and they have all greatly improved. If you aren't running with at least three all-stars, you're not in the conversation.
This stacking of franchises reminds me of hoop in the 80s. The decade yielded legendary teams with multiple Hall of Famers.
Philladelhpia 76ers
The 76ers were led by the great "Dr. J", a player that revolutionized the game and was an idol to the best player ever. (I don't have to tell you who that is.) His supporting cast included Moses Malone, signed as a free agent before their championship season whom also won the MVP that season, Maurice Cheeks, and Andrew Toney. Notable achievements by Mo Cheeks was his selection for the all-defensive first team that year. Andrew Toney averaged 19.7 ppg in the 1981-82 championship season.
Detroit Pistons
The volatile team known as the Bad Boys had players that ushered in a new breed of basketball player. They were a tough gritty team that excelled on their physicality. They were led my Hall of Fame point guard Isaiah Thomas, who to this day is still overlooked as one of the best players to ever pick up a rock. They didn't come on as challengers until the mid to late 80s when they drafted Isaiah's back court running mate Joe Dumars (played the best D you could possible play against Mike), Dennis Rodman and John Salley(prototypes for the new athletic forwards that would eventually command the league) to join bruisers Bill Lambier, Rick Mahorn and Vinnie "the Microwave" Johnson.
Boston Celtics
Until the 90s, Boston was known as the most storied franchises in the L. They still hold the crown for most titles in NBA history at 17, three of those won in the 80s. Their teams in that decade were among the deepest in recent memory. We know about the "Larry Legend", but he was apart of the best front line in NBA history playing along with Kevin Mchale and Robert Parish. Throughout the decade the Celtics had many great players don their jersey. Dennis Johnson, Nate Archibald, Bill Walton, and Reggie Lewis.
Los Angeles Lakers
The showtime Lakers were clearly the king of kings during this decade fast breaking their way to 5 championships. They were led by Ervin "Magic" Johnson, a 6'9' point guard whose skills have never been replicated. He was surrounded by one of the best supporting casts ever. James Worthy(One of the most underrated players in NBA history), Kareem(arguably the best center of all time), Byron Scott(automatic jump shooter with an unbelievable mid range game), Norm Nixon, and Bob Mcadoo.
The San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and the Los Angeles Lakers(and to a lesser extent the Cavs) have all stacked their teams in order to go to war with each other for years to come. Each move made was trumped by the next in order to add more star power. One thing is for certain, we're in for one of the most exciting seasons ever.
This stacking of franchises reminds me of hoop in the 80s. The decade yielded legendary teams with multiple Hall of Famers.
Philladelhpia 76ers
The 76ers were led by the great "Dr. J", a player that revolutionized the game and was an idol to the best player ever. (I don't have to tell you who that is.) His supporting cast included Moses Malone, signed as a free agent before their championship season whom also won the MVP that season, Maurice Cheeks, and Andrew Toney. Notable achievements by Mo Cheeks was his selection for the all-defensive first team that year. Andrew Toney averaged 19.7 ppg in the 1981-82 championship season.
Detroit Pistons
The volatile team known as the Bad Boys had players that ushered in a new breed of basketball player. They were a tough gritty team that excelled on their physicality. They were led my Hall of Fame point guard Isaiah Thomas, who to this day is still overlooked as one of the best players to ever pick up a rock. They didn't come on as challengers until the mid to late 80s when they drafted Isaiah's back court running mate Joe Dumars (played the best D you could possible play against Mike), Dennis Rodman and John Salley(prototypes for the new athletic forwards that would eventually command the league) to join bruisers Bill Lambier, Rick Mahorn and Vinnie "the Microwave" Johnson.
Boston Celtics
Until the 90s, Boston was known as the most storied franchises in the L. They still hold the crown for most titles in NBA history at 17, three of those won in the 80s. Their teams in that decade were among the deepest in recent memory. We know about the "Larry Legend", but he was apart of the best front line in NBA history playing along with Kevin Mchale and Robert Parish. Throughout the decade the Celtics had many great players don their jersey. Dennis Johnson, Nate Archibald, Bill Walton, and Reggie Lewis.
Los Angeles Lakers
The showtime Lakers were clearly the king of kings during this decade fast breaking their way to 5 championships. They were led by Ervin "Magic" Johnson, a 6'9' point guard whose skills have never been replicated. He was surrounded by one of the best supporting casts ever. James Worthy(One of the most underrated players in NBA history), Kareem(arguably the best center of all time), Byron Scott(automatic jump shooter with an unbelievable mid range game), Norm Nixon, and Bob Mcadoo.
The San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, Orlando Magic, and the Los Angeles Lakers(and to a lesser extent the Cavs) have all stacked their teams in order to go to war with each other for years to come. Each move made was trumped by the next in order to add more star power. One thing is for certain, we're in for one of the most exciting seasons ever.
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