Original Dream Team vs. Current All-NBAers

[atoaz12]

Mentioned this in another thread but I'm interested in the feedback

Seven game series

Original Dream Team

http://www.interbasket.net/players/usa/1992_dream_team.jpg


vs.

Current All-NBA Team (I picked them haha)

Guards: Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, James Harden
Forwards: Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin, Carmelo Anthony
Centers: DeMarcus Cousins, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard


I absolutely think the current squad would win. If the Dream Team were all in their prime, it may be a different discussion.

But I take the current group in 6

[rauchand]

Really? Is this even a debate?

[Nyfancam01]

in before the typical "dream team would beat them by 134323432 points" blah blah blah.

this won't end well.

[atoaz12]

Really? Is this even a debate?

Absolutely!

Aging Magic, Drexler and Bird. Laettner is the 24th best player in the group.
Who is Stockton checking?

If Modern USA puts Lebron, Westbrook, Durant, Davis, and Curry on the court, who is checking that group from Original Dream Team?

Think that is a legit question

I'm not diminishing their greatness, but a chunk of that team was no where near their prime

[groundsupport]

Odds are OP was born after 1992.

Obviously he has zero clue that Stockton lead the league in steals multiple times, and made multiple all defensive second teams.

[atoaz12]

Odds are OP was born after 1992.

1983. Just not this romantic that thinks everything was always better when... :)!

I'm not alone on this. Russillo (SVP & Russillo) and several others didn't even think this was close back during the Olympics. Picked the current group.

[atoaz12]

Odds are OP was born after 1992.

Obviously he has zero clue that Stockton lead the league in steals multiple times, and made multiple all defensive second teams.

When point guards were distributors, not scorers and not 6'5 and up

[Carder23]

People who grew up in the 80s and 90s think their players were invincible, and that the 80s-90s had more better players, and was a better game than the current NBA, when this is totally wrong. You just think that way because you grew up then...

Anyone could easily tell how 2010s NBA is better than 80s-90s. Just like how 80s-90s is better than 60s-70s.

That being said, current squad in 5 or 6. LeBron would cancel out Jordan, and all the other Team USA players are in their primes. Dream Team wasn't.

[I only pull for]

Odds are OP was born after 1992.

Obviously he has zero clue that Stockton lead the league in steals multiple times, and made multiple all defensive second teams.

Let's not forget Stockton is the all-time NBA leader in steals and assist.

This younger generation of fans have no clue...

[SportsItUpCards]

Absolutely!

Aging Magic, Drexler and Bird. Laettner is the 24th best player in the group.
Who is Stockton checking?

If Modern USA puts Lebron, Westbrook, Durant, Davis, and Curry on the court, who is checking that group from Original Dream Team?

Think that is a legit question

I'm not diminishing their greatness, but a chunk of that team was no where near their prime

LOL! :D

S...M...H...

[kairi-2008]

I think the new team would win.
The original team wasn't the best players in the league at the time, most of them were. But I really don't feel that Chris Mullins should have made the team. Larry and Magic were also payback for being great people and having great careers. Christian Lattner was an odd pick for me, don't get that at all.
So four of the originals weren't in their prime, for me.
Plus I think the game has naturally improved, players are better. Not saying ever player is better, but the average.
Which team will always be the greatest, the original Dream Team can't ever be topped.
When the original team hit the world, our jaws dropped, now, no one cares.

[groundsupport]

Let me guess OP, you think Dellavedova is a better defender then Stockton.

[atoaz12]

Let's not forget Stockton is the all-time NBA leader in steals and assist.

This younger generation of fans have no clue...

I watched him! Stats can be so hollow... watch the game....

Is he checking Westbrook? Too big and strong
Or Steph? Too quick

I don't see it. But it's an opinion. Would love to hear WHY I'm wrong other than I'm young - which I appreciate. 31 is the new 24 :D

[atoaz12]

Let me guess OP, you think Dellavedova is a better defender then Stockton.

Absolutely not. Steph will figure him out. Started to last night.

[atoaz12]

LOL! :D

S...M...H...

You provide nothing of substance to this forum :)!

(apologies on the non-multi quotes... keep seeing stuff after I press send)

[pac213up]

When point guards were distributors, not scorers and not 6'5 and up

PG's were not primary scorers because the rules were different.

[Carder23]

PG's were not primary scorers because the rules were different.

Or because they were unathletic and couldn't do anything but pass a la Magic/Stockton

[I only pull for]

There is nothing of substance on this forum...
What is your point?

You saw Stockton at the end of his career not his prime..

Who in this generation of players could check:
Charles Barkley or Karl Malone, they would kill these stick figures in todays league.
Same with Ewing and Robinson..
Magic was far from being washed up in 1992, his HIV forced him out of the game.
Not one single guy other than Lebron could check Magic.
Pippen would hands down shut Lebron down...
and I didn't even get started on MJ.

[atoaz12]

PG's were not primary scorers because the rules were different.

Not Current USA Team's issue

Or because they were unathletic and couldn't do anything but pass a la Magic/Stockton

You aren't giving Stockton enough credit, although 'Tragic' Johnson (vet nickname for his shot when he first came into the league) did struggle with the jumper

[trixstar]

Or because they were unathletic and couldn't do anything but pass a la Magic/Stockton

Jesus Christ you're an idiot.

[asujbl]

If we are going by the Dream Team, in 1992, so guys like Bird were for all intents and purposes done (his back wouldn't hold up having to play the 2015 guys)

The current squad is going to win.

If the Dream Team were in their primes? I'd roll with them.

And I'm plenty old enough to remember the Dream Team and watching every single game.

[jmmintz]

Christian Lattner was an odd pick for me, don't get that at all.

USA basketball decided they wanted to have one college kid on the team, and Laettner was arguably the best player in college basketball (love him or hate him, he was great in college).

That's why he was on the team - they were always going to fill one spot with an NCAA player.

[kairi-2008]

There's a big difference between John and Russell.
And those differences are because the game has changed.
John made things up as he went along, he understood the players around him. He made them better, he was a true point guard. I think Russell could shut him down one on one, but that's not the game John brings, he is about team. Russell can't stop him with what he knows. And there was Gary back then, and hand checking, that didn't slow John down.
On the other hand, John ain't got a hope of stopping Russell, I think he is like LBJ, unstoppable one on one, and that's the game him would take to John.
They both play differently, I do think the current team would win, but I would still rather watch the 80s and 90s play a mans game.

[Shareef35]

Drexler was a year away from being in the Finals and still had 2 title runs in him, where he was averaging close to 20 ppg.

-Stockton could cover Curry, if Delladova and others can do it. I'm sure Stockton would figure it out.
-Jordan and Lebron cancel out, think Barkley and Malone would be unstoppable and give fits inside to whoever is guarding them.
-Pippen would be covering LeBron.
-Durant with his range could give the Dream Team some trouble.
-Ewing/Robinson vs. Cousins/Duncan and Dwight. I'd take my money with Dream Team just cause Cousins is still a mental case and Dwight will be asking for signed shoes from them.

Think Dream Team would take it in 6, it's this simple with your life on the line do you trust to beat the 1992 team? I'm going to guess you wouldn't want your life to rest in the hands of Cousins, Howard, Carmelo and Harden.

Your team is definitely deeper because overwhelming majority of players are in their primes (Duncan probably only one not and maybe Melo) but just don't see how that team could lose especially with how the game has changed where it's less defense and more offensive type game with no hand checks, just don't see it.

These are just my two cents, always enjoy these scenarios.

[pac213up]

Or because they were unathletic and couldn't do anything but pass a la Magic/Stockton

There is a reason the game has gone from working inside to outside to now outside to inside. Just like there is a reason QB's in the NFL now chuck it 50 times a game.

Athleticism was hindered by strength back then. You could use your hands and forearms to manhandle ball handlers. You could also knock people off of screens and picks. Turning the corner was far more difficult.

The fact that you believe Stockton and Magic could only pass makes your basketball opinion fairly irrelevant.

[kairi-2008]

USA basketball decided they wanted to have one college kid on the team, and Laettner was arguably the best player in college basketball (love him or hate him, he was great in college).

That's why he was on the team - they were always going to fill one spot with an NCAA player.

I agree he was the right pick, I guess what I didn't understand was why put one in ?

[jmmintz]

Or because they were unathletic and couldn't do anything but pass a la Magic/Stockton

This is just silly.

Magic can't do anything but pass? Find me one other player that can/did play all five positions and do it well? LeBron James.

After that? Maybe there's someone, but I'm struggling to come up with a name. I think that's a two-man list.

[atoaz12]

There is nothing of substance on this forum...
What is your point?

You saw Stockton at the end of his career not his prime..

Who in this generation of players could check:
Charles Barkley or Karl Malone, they would kill these stick figures in todays league.
Same with Ewing and Robinson..
Magic was far from being washed up in 1992, his HIV forced him out of the game.
Not one single guy other than Lebron could check Magic.
Pippen would hands down shut Lebron down...
and I didn't even get started on MJ.

Then why come here? Cause it's fun, right?
Dwight is a stick? Cousins too? Seriously? Duncan, even at this age, would hold up just fine on both ends

And who in the world is Malone checking? Mailman mailed in defense. Would be obliterated

Magic had knee issues for the Olympics so it's hard to know what his impact really would have been.

You lost me at hands down shut down Lebron... shows your bias and makes it hard to take everything else serioulsy.
Would it be a great matchup? Of course. But a complete shutdown is a bit much

As I start thinking, Kawhi may even replace Harden...

[atoaz12]

USA basketball decided they wanted to have one college kid on the team, and Laettner was arguably the best player in college basketball (love him or hate him, he was great in college).

That's why he was on the team - they were always going to fill one spot with an NCAA player.

It was between him and Shaq. Hard to believe they went Laettner looking back...

[the mesiah]

Absolutely!

Aging Magic, Drexler and Bird. Laettner is the 24th best player in the group.
Who is Stockton checking?

If Modern USA puts Lebron, Westbrook, Durant, Davis, and Curry on the court, who is checking that group from Original Dream Team?

Think that is a legit question

I'm not diminishing their greatness, but a chunk of that team was no where near their prime
What u mean who is Stockton guarding , everybody sweatin Delladova stopping curry and making it tough for him in the Finals,Stockton is waaaaay better on D .
I'll take my chances with Pippen on Lebron,drexler on westbrook -just make him shoot as drexler would be smart enough to figure out Russ,jordan would have a field day against durant if tony allen took durant out of his game in numerous showdowns previously ,then david robinson is a ultra athletic big man to hold off uni brow,.then oh yea Round mound of rebound in his prime/Karl Malone would kill whoever thought they could guard them.

[jmmintz]

I agree he was the right pick, I guess what I didn't understand was why put one in ?

'92 was the first year the USOC allowed pros to play, so I'm guessing it was a token thing.

It was between him and Shaq. Hard to believe they went Laettner looking back...

Retrospectively, yes. But at the time, it wasn't quite as ridiculous.

[groundsupport]

I agree he was the right pick, I guess what I didn't understand was why put one in ?

Shaq holds that honor.

Laettner got it because he a shot and people went nuts.

[pac213up]

Under the current rules with most of today's All-Stars in their prime I would guess they would give that 92 a run for their money.

Playing under the rules that the 92 team had to play with.....that team would beat this group of All-Stars with ease, even given the fact that some of those guys were on the backside of their careers. The elbows Malone would be throwing to guys coming down the lane would be classic.

[fullmetal]

It would be entertaining to watch.


Stockton was also the beneficiary of very generous official scorers. I think he has a few assists while on the bench.

[I only pull for]

Then why come here? Cause it's fun, right?
Dwight is a stick? Cousins too? Seriously? Duncan, even at this age, would hold up just fine on both ends

And who in the world is Malone checking? Mailman mailed in defense. Would be obliterated

Magic had knee issues for the Olympics so it's hard to know what his impact really would have been.

You lost me at hands down shut down Lebron... shows your bias and makes it hard to take everything else serioulsy.
Would it be a great matchup? Of course. But a complete shutdown is a bit much

As I start thinking, Kawhi may even replace Harden...

Dwight Howard and Demarcus Cousins, hold their own with true hall of famers..hahahahhahaha
That was enough for me.
Howard and Cousins would've rode the pine back then. Hell I would take Divac over those 2 scrubs.

[atoaz12]

Dwight Howard and Demarcus Cousins, hold their own with true hall of famers..hahahahhahaha
That was enough for me.
Howard and Cousins would've rode the pine back then. Hell I would take Divac over those 2 scrubs.

Didn't say they would win their matchups. I said they aren't sticks.

And if current team goes small, those two guys don't see the court cause they aren't stepping out to guard anyone because they never had to.

Just like the young guys have never had to defend a true post game.

That's what makes this interesting. So you can calm down and smile now

[mc1]

Drexler was a year away from being in the Finals and still had 2 title runs in him, where he was averaging close to 20 ppg.

Summer of 1992 was the year right after the Blazers/Bulls Finals. He turned 30 that June. I guess that means current LEbron is also considred aging?:confused:

Regarding Mullin's inclusion, say what you want about the Warriors style of play with Run TMC, he was a top 5-10 scorer in the league. He was definitely a top player in the early 90s.

Bird and Magic were included in the team as a sort of tribute. Bird was practically done and Magic was 'retired'. Ignore them and Laetner and you had a core group of players that were either their in prime or just entering it, around the same age Lebron is now. 29-30 is considered past a players prime now? Every single player besides Magic/Bird was 30 or under.

[groundsupport]

How fun would it have been with Shaq on that team? lol

[Jpayne7787]

What if we changed the dream team up a little bit so they match up a little better age wise.. Say replace leatner and Mullins for kemp/Olajuwon/shaq/cwebb and no offense to magic but swap him with a young healthy and athletic penny hardaway/glove to match up with Russell Westbrook. I think the dream team will physically spank the current roster. Imagine the faces of Lebron and Dwight after a hard check looking towards the ref begging for a foul :)

[atoaz12]

How fun would it have been with Shaq on that team? lol

Interesting to think about.

Wonder if he would have taken training seriously and really worked at his craft had he spent a summer with that group.

Could have been scary....

[groundsupport]

http://media.giphy.com/media/khIlR3bb7xHBm/giphy.gif

[pip33tomj23]

People who grew up in the 80s and 90s think their players were invincible, and that the 80s-90s had more better players, and was a better game than the current NBA, when this is totally wrong. You just think that way because you grew up then...

"More better players"... haha

People that grew up in the 80's and the 90's definitely saw real basketball compared to todays game... todays game is soft!

I think the talent in the 80's and 90's is on par with todays NBA actually. I just love that the "current" generation (25 and younger) has no clue what real basketball was like. "More better players"... haha

Real basketball, when the NBA was on NBC and CBS before it, still gives me chills.

[Shareef35]

Summer of 1992 was the year right after the Blazers/Bulls Finals. He turned 30 that June. I guess that means current LEbron is also considred aging?:confused:

Regarding Mullin's inclusion, say what you want about the Warriors style of play with Run TMC, he was a top 5-10 scorer in the league. He was definitely a top player in the early 90s.

Bird and Magic were included in the team as a sort of tribute. Bird was practically done and Magic was 'retired'. Ignore them and Laetner and you had a core group of players that were either their in prime or just entering it, around the same age Lebron is now. 29-30 is considered past a players prime now? Every single player besides Magic/Bird was 30 or under.

Hope you realize that we are arguing the same point from OP. I don't believe Drexler was aging at all. Just saying.

[airball]

Ewing, Robinson, Stockton and Jordan is enough to defeat the current all nba team (only 4)

Chris Paul vs Stockton LOL, Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook, James Harden LoL
Forwards: Lebron James, Anthony Davis not today, Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin LOL, Carmelo AnthonyLOL
Centers: DeMarcus Cousins LOL, Tim Duncan, Dwight Howard LOL

[rcmb3220]

People who grew up in the 80s and 90s think their players were invincible, and that the 80s-90s had more better players, and was a better game than the current NBA, when this is totally wrong. You just think that way because you grew up then...

Anyone could easily tell how 2010s NBA is better than 80s-90s. Just like how 80s-90s is better than 60s-70s.

That being said, current squad in 5 or 6. LeBron would cancel out Jordan, and all the other Team USA players are in their primes. Dream Team wasn't.

We do think that way and we are correct. It's only true with basketball though. That era of baseball and football doesn't compare to what we have now.

[bethanyb1201]

What if we changed the dream team up a little bit so they match up a little better age wise.. Say replace leatner and Mullins for kemp/Olajuwon/shaq/cwebb and no offense to magic but swap him with a young healthy and athletic penny hardaway/glove to match up with Russell Westbrook. I think the dream team will physically spank the current roster. Imagine the faces of Lebron and Dwight after a hard check looking towards the ref begging for a foul :)

^^^^^^ this ! You very rarely see blood any more and the NBA is full of actors who you would think we're dying with the slightest touch. Everyone of the current generation would be on the DL after 2 quarters against the old timers.

[Jpayne7787]

Off topic a little but imagine a 1-2 combo of Payton and MJ. 2 of the sickest in your face crap talking athletic monsters on defense. Can you imagine Both the mental and physical stress they would create for Westbrook/Paul/harden/curry? Lol. Edit-(espicially with rules more 90s style with the hand checking and just for giggles Olajuwon/shaq vs Dwight/cousins)

[Litwing]

Lets try in nba2k, see which team is better.