MY ALL-TIME BEST!

I had watched thousands and thousands of NBA games since 1974 and also had read volumes of books and magazines through 4 decades of following the world's greatest baketball league. Each decade saw the emergence of new superstars, which imprints lasting greatness on my basketball memory.

And now, I'm coming up with my own unique choices on who is the best ever on the different facets of the pro game. I would like to explain that my choices would only start from the 1970s to date as I had no definite idea on how the stars of the 1940s, 50s and 60s actually strutted their wares.

Best Dunker: Julius "Dr. J" Erving. He is the pioneer of the slam dunk. The man idolized by Michael Jordan for the original "hangtime". Who would ever forget the cradle slam that he imposed on Laker top-defender Michael Cooper. How about the death-defying leap from the free-throw line to slam his way to the 1984 NBA slam dunk title. In a capsule, he started it all.

Best Scorer: George "Iceman" Gervin. The master of the "finger-roll" can light up the scoreboard on any given night. His slender body deceives any defender that comes his way. He led the NBA in scoring for several years.

Best Passer: Earvin "Magic" Johnson. The leader of the 1980s LA Lakers "showtime" squad. As a teammate, all you had to do is roam around the court in offense, look for your favorite spot and he'll get you the ball. A unique pointguard at 6'9", he led the league in assist countless times.

Best Clutch Player: Larry Bird. The legend from Frenchlick, Indiana had bailed out the Boston Celtics many times, either by a buzzer-beater shot or an "eye-of-the-needle" pass. Who would ever forget his amazing steal and incredible assist to Dennis Johnson with 3 seconds left in the 1987 Eastern Conference finals against the Detroit Pistons. Truly a one of a kind player.

Best Rebounder: Wes Unseld. The only player in NBA history to win both the MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same year. A massively-built center, who led the NBA in rebounds despite his miniature size of 6'6". He is truly amazing.

Best Shot Blocker: George Johnson. The 6'11' center of the San Antonio Spurs in the 1980s led the league in rejections for several years. Equipped with an elongated "octopus-like" arms, GJ52 alter shots taken by almost all NBA players during his time. Defense is the name of his game.

Best Player: Michael Jordan. Do I need to elaborate? MJ23 won 6 titles with the Chicago Bulls. The man called by Larry Bird as "God disguise as a basketball player" had several MVP awards. A type of player that comes only "once in every century".