4. Magic Johnson (1979-1991, 1995-96)
If Larry Bird comes in at the No. 5 spot, then Los Angeles Lakers point guard, and showrunner for the famed Showtime team, Magic Johnson, comes next.
The first half of the 1980s seemed to favor the Celtics. Bird finally took out Johnson in a head to head NBA Finals, and Magic was deemed “Tragic Johnson.”
Then, however, Magic took over the league.
His credits include five NBA Championships, three NBA MVP awards, and three NBA Finals MVP awards.
It’s actually incredible to think about this guy’s style. He couldn’t shoot from the outside, yet he could dominate a basketball game without scoring one point.
That, folks, is the true measure of NBA greatness.
It didn’t stop him from averaging 11.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds and shooting a filthy .520 from the floor for his career.
Magic is the best facilitator this league has ever seen.
