David Aldridge's NBA GOAT Case, Hawks Soaring, Lakers & Pacers Panic
Dec 5, 2024
auto_awesome
David Aldridge, a Senior columnist for The Athletic and co-author of 'The Basketball 100,' dives into the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James GOAT debate. He discusses which current players might break into the all-time Top 10 and highlights some underrated legends of the game. The Atlanta Hawks are celebrated for their recent success, while concerns grow over the struggles of the Lakers and Pacers. Aldridge's insights on player legacies and team dynamics offer a rich perspective for every NBA fan.
David Aldridge discusses the collaborative process behind 'The Basketball 100,' highlighting the careful consideration in ranking historical players without omitting any from previous lists.
The podcast explores the ongoing GOAT debate, with Aldridge illustrating the compelling cases for both Michael Jordan and LeBron James while acknowledging the complexities of sports legacy.
Aldridge shares insights on the public reaction to the player selections in 'The Basketball 100,' emphasizing the importance of celebrating greatness while addressing differing expectations from fans and analysts.
Deep dives
Introduction of The Basketball 100
The podcast features the introduction of 'The Basketball 100,' a definitive ranking of the greatest NBA players of all time, co-authored by Hall of Famer David Aldridge. Originally inspired by the NBA's 75th anniversary celebration, the authors sought to expand their top 75 players into a comprehensive 100-player list. This required researching and adding 25 new profiles while maintaining the integrity of the original rankings, ensuring that no players from the previous list were omitted. Aldridge elaborates on the thoughtful process of player selection and the extensive writing efforts that culminated in the book's impressive size of 200,000 words.
Highlighting Notable Players
Aldridge expresses excitement about writing profiles for distinguished players like Julius Erving and Wilt Chamberlain. He shares insights into Erving's impressive shooting stats and mature playing style, which often gets overshadowed by his acrobatic dunks. In contrast, Aldridge notes the 'cartoonish' numbers of Chamberlain, who averaged extraordinary stats that seem almost unreal compared to modern players. Through interviews and research, Aldridge gained deeper appreciation for these legends, revealing dimensions of their greatness that go beyond their most famous highlights.
Analyzing Player Additions and Discussions
During the ranking process, Aldridge discusses the collaborative nature of deciding which additional players should be included in the top 100. John Hollinger, a co-author, advocated for players like Jimmy Butler, while Aldridge pushed for Dave Bing, showcasing how discussions were productive rather than contentious. They eventually concluded that being ranked 100th did not diminish a player's legacy, but rather was a result of the competitive nature of the exercise. The conversation reflects the camaraderie and respect shared among the writers as they navigated the challenges of ranking historical talent.
Greatest of All Time Debate
The podcast delves into the ongoing debate of who truly deserves the title of the greatest basketball player of all time. While Aldridge acknowledges Michael Jordan's status as the GOAT, he emphasizes that other players like LeBron James and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have compelling cases. Aldridge highlights James's remarkable consistency, impressive playoff performances, and scoring record, while also detailing Kareem's dominance in scoring without relying on three-pointers. The discussion reveals the complexities of sports legacy, individual accomplishments, and how perceptions vary among fans and analysts.
Surprise Additions and Player Reactions
Another topic discussed in the episode is the reaction to the final list of players included in 'The Basketball 100,' especially the absence of stars like Klay Thompson. Aldridge conveys his satisfaction with the selections while also sharing the heightened scrutiny that comes with creating definitive rankings. He reflects on the responses of players and fans and how their expectations can often differ from analytical assessments. Ultimately, Aldridge assures listeners that the book aims to celebrate the greatness of each player while stimulating interesting conversations about their legacies.
On Thu.'s No Dunks, the guys talk with Hall of Famer David Aldridge about 'The Basketball 100' book, the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James GOAT debate, which current players are most likely to crack the Top 10 all-time list, and the most underrated players in history. That, plus the Atlanta Hawks are flying high, Tyler Herro's All-Star case, and panic surrounding the Lakers and Pacers.
📚 The Basketball 100 book: https://bit.ly/4gnVMgr
▶️ Join the No Dunks Playback room: https://www.playback.tv/nodunks
📈 Subscribe to No Dunks on YouTube: YouTube.com/nodunksinc
👕 No Dunks merch for the holidays: https://nodunks.com
𝕏 Follow No Dunks on Twitter/X: https://x.com/NoDunksInc
🏝️ No Buffs x Survivor 47 ep. recaps: https://www.youtube.com/@NoBuffs