Magic Johnson in todays generation?

[AboveLegit]

The 6'8 point guard of the showtime Lakers was known for his flashy passes on the fast break, clutch performances when it mattered the most, and his ability to play every position on the floor making him arguably the most versatile player to hit the NBA hardwood. Many players often compare LeBron not to Jordan, but to Magic because of their similarities in playing style.

 

With that being said, what position would Magic play in today's game? Would most NBA teams keep him at the PG, or use his size and versatility to play him in the front court like the Cavs did with LeBron?

[Poe]

It probably depends on the coach and the makeup of the team.

[AboveLegit]

It probably depends on the coach and the makeup of the team.

Well I don't want to make it too subjective, from an objective standpoint, what position would he play? Has the role of a PG changed since the 80's, forcing Magic to play the SF position like LeBron?

[Check my Stats]

His role would be identical to LeBron, except I figure he would be worse at it.

[Real Deal]

The league is dominated by fast point guards these days (just look at Rose, Wall, and Paul). Magic would be too big to defend those guys, and he would have to rely on a lot of help defense.

 

Because Johnson wasn't much of a scoring guard, I would think most coaches would stick him at the three. Makes a lot of sense. Magic was fast when he was younger, but during the late 80's, he was already slowing down a little.

[Real Deal]

His role would be identical to LeBron, except I figure he would be worse at it.

...worse than LeBron in what way? Scoring? Because honestly, that would be it.

[Poe]

Well I don't want to make it too subjective, from an objective standpoint, what position would he play? Has the role of a PG changed since the 80's, forcing Magic to play the SF position like LeBron?

 

If he isn't able to guard the point guards of today, then he would likely guard a different position defensively. Either way, he'd still run the point, even if it's not as a guard.

[htownborn]

This isn't even a question for me, LeBron James hands down is the Magic Johnson of today's NBA.The only difference is that LeBron is more athletic, bigger, and a more effecient scorer than Magic. Other than that he parrallel's Magic he averaged 8.6 assist a game last year and wasn't even a PG. Imagine if the SuperHeat decide to let LeBron play the point instead of Wade, Chalmers, or Arroyo he would at least average over 10 assist per game. And I agree AboveLegit, I have been saying for years that LeBron is more like Magic than Jordan. I honestly didn't see no similarity's between Jordan and LeBron other than the fact they both wore #23 and could jump out of the arena.

Edited July 25, 2010 by htownborn

[Poe]

So if Kobe is Jordan and LeBron is Magic.... Where the [expletive] is Bird?

[AboveLegit]

So if Kobe is Jordan and LeBron is Magic.... Where the [expletive] is Bird?

Bird is so unique. It's extremely hard to find a player who's such a great shooter, yet such a tenacious defender. People hardly ever recognize him for his work on the defensive end of the court, but he was a very reliable defender.

 

The first name that comes to mind when finding a modern day comparison for Bird would be Dirk, but he lacks the defense Bird had.

Edited July 25, 2010 by AboveLegit

[htownborn]

So if Kobe is Jordan and LeBron is Magic.... Where the [expletive] is Bird?

 

The closest person I see to Bird is Dirk.

[Nitro]

So if Kobe is Jordan and LeBron is Magic.... Where the [expletive] is Bird?

 

If he learns how to effectively pass out of double teams and read his teammates/the offense better, Kevin Durant. Both he and Bird are elite scorers with near 7-footer height and a lethal jumper and efficiency. Both guys can grab 9-10RPG (Durant was at 7.6RPG last season and that should only go up). The only major difference is the passing/playmaking game. Durant is still kind of an offensive blackhole, and doesn't know how to effecitvely pass out of double teams and read both his teammates and the defense a second or two before he has to react. Bird was an EXCEPTIONAL passer because of his unselfishness and ability to read the defense. Normally I would say if Durant has showed great playmaking skills yet he may never scratch even 5APG, but at the same time I don't think anyone realized T-Mac would ever be the 2nd best passing wing in the league (next to LBJ) when he was 21 either, So I'd say Durant has tha same oppertunity.

Edited July 25, 2010 by Nitro1118

[moeroadkill]

i agree with nitro if we are looking to compare bird with it would have to be durant imo. obviously durant isn't on the same level as bird but he still has a long career ahead of him to improve in the areas nitro said. he still needs to find his teammates better he has the all the tools to do so just has to show it. his improving his defensive game we saw flashes of it though the playoffs

 

as for the topic it would have to be at the 3 spot. the guards in todays game are to athletic they have speed, quickness and strength magic would get killed by the new era of players

[Big Penny]

Durant would have to work on his D alot to be compared to Bird

[nbablogjob]

The 6'8 point guard of the showtime Lakers was known for his flashy passes on the fast break, clutch performances when it mattered the most, and his ability to play every position on the floor making him arguably the most versatile player to hit the NBA hardwood. Many players often compare LeBron not to Jordan, but to Magic because of their similarities in playing style.

 

With that being said, what position would Magic play in today's game? Would most NBA teams keep him at the PG, or use his size and versatility to play him in the front court like the Cavs did with LeBron?

 

Hard to say whether he'd run the point or not. Either way, the offense would run through him. He'd still be fantastic. His style of play is relevent in every NBA generation.