Ranking the NBA’s Best All-Time Starting 5s Per Team Plus 6th man

    Written by Rafael Hagopjanian @RafaelHagopjani

   All franchises in the NBA have all-time greats and here we will rank all the best starting 5s in franchise history and a 6^th man. Each player will be ranked on how they stack up against the all time greats within their franchise and against other franchises. If a certain player has been on more than one team, he will be put on the one team that he spent the most years with.  The tiebreaker that will be used if a certain player was on two teams the same amount of years, will be whether that player played more games on one of the two respective teams. Also, a player can not be a different position than his natural position for the sake of this greatest all time starting 5 article i.e. Allen Iverson cannot be a Point Guard for the 76ers in their 5 because his natural position is Shooting Guard. Teams like the Seattle Sonics, New Jersey Nets, etc. are taken into account when including players as well. Stats are based on the years they were on their respective “all-time” teams. This is an opinion article, so please comment with any players I might have missed on some of the teams.

Worst of the best

30. Charlotte Bobcats: 

PG: Raymond Felton (2005-10) 13.3 PPG, 6.4 APG, 3.4 RPG

SG: Gerald Henderson (2009-13) 11.3 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 79.2 FT%

SF: Gerald Wallace (2005-11) 16.5 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.8 SPG

PF: Boris Diaw (2008-12) 12.9 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 48.9 FG%

C: Emeka Okafor (04-09) 14.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 50.6 FG%

6th: Brevin Knight (2004-07) 10.8 PPG, 8.3 APG, 81.8 FT%

Considering that the Bobcats have only been around for so long, its no surprise to see them at the bottom of this list. The two Geralds can only do so much with this lackluster squad, and this looks more like a regular starting lineup, not an all-time greatest lineup. There weren't many hard decisions on who to put in this lineup, that's for sure.

29. Toronto Raptors:

PG: Damon Stoudamire (1995-98) 19.6 PPG, 8.8 APG, 4.1 RPG

SG: Vince Carter, (1998-05) 23.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3,9 APG

SF: Jalen Rose (2003-06) 16.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 3.4 APG

PF: Chris Bosh (2003-10) 20.2 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 1.2 BPG

C: Oliver Miller (1995-98) 9.4 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 53 FGP%
6^th: Doug Christie (1995-00) 14.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.1 SPG

Sorry Canada, but since the Raptors are north of the border, it seems no "big fish" want to actually play there. Bosh, Carter, and Stoudamire, the main meat and bones of this all-time lineup, acted like they had always wanted out of Toronto and they all got their wish. It was also a tough decision to leave out Andrea Bargnani instead of Oliver Miller, but I didn't want to remind Raptors fans that Bargnani ever played in Toronto.

28. Memphis Grizzlies 
PG: Jason Williams (2001-2005) 11.9 PPG, 7.2 APG, 1.3 SPG
SG: OJ Mayo (2008-12) 15.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.7 APG
SF: Rudy Gay (2006-2013) 17.4 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 1.3 SPG
PF: Shareef Abdur-Rahim (1996-2001) 20.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.9 APG
C: Pau Gasol (2001-08) 18.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 1.8 BPG
6th: Marc Gasol (2008-13) 13.3 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 1.6 BPG

The Grizzlies have never really had a formidable backcourt until now, and hopefully there will be someone good enough to get rid of "above-average" players like White Chocolate and OJ Mayo (doesn't sound very good as a food choice) off this all time time list. If Mike Conley keeps playing like he is, it looks like he'll certainly surpass Williams. Otherwise, the Grizzlies' frontcourt is pretty darn stacked with Gay, Shareef and the Gasol brothers. The only person who could have possibly taken one of their spots is Zach "ZBO" Randolph.

27. Minnesota Timberwolves 
PG: Terrell Brandon (1998-2002) 15.6 PPG, 8.3 APG, 89.5 FT%
SG: Isaiah Rider (1993-96) 18.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 82.2 FT%
SF: Tony Campbell (1989-92) 20.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG
PF: Kevin Garnett (1995-2007) 20.5 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 4.5 APG
C: Rasho Nesterovic (1998-2003) 7.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 49.5 FG%
6th: Tom Gugliotta (1994-98) 18.2 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 1.7 SPG

Finally we get to a formidable team in the Timberwolves. The Timberwolves' all-time lineup would be much higher up the rankings if Al Jefferson was put on this squad or if Nikola Pekovic was put in (I thought it wouldn't be fair to put Pekovic in an all time greatest list after just one year). Kevin Garnett keeps this team afloat as well, considering this looks similar, yet still better than the subpar supporting cast he had in his first few years in the league.

26. Phoenix Suns:

PG: Steve Nash (1996-98,2004-12) 14.6 PPG, 9.0 APG, 44.2 3PFG%

SG:Charlie Scott (1971-75) 24.8 PPG, 5.3 APG, 4.1 RPG

SF: Shawn Marion (1999-08) 18.4 PPG, 10 RPG, 1.9 SPG

PF: Tom Chambers (1988-93) 20.6 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 2.3 APG

C: Alvan Adams (1975-88) 14.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.1 APG
6th: Kevin Johnson (1988-00) 18.7 PPG, 9.5 APG, 1.5 SPG

Chambers and Nash in their heyday could make for one deadly combination, and I would be excited to see this team run as well. If this team went small, this team could very well be the Run n Gun Suns we used to love. It was tough to choose between Kevin Johnson, Tom Chambers, and Amare Stoudemire, but it seems to be the correct choice considering the longevity of the first two's careers. 

Missing that one piece

25. Los Angeles Clippers/Braves

PG: Norm Nixon (1983-89) 14.6 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 9.0 APG

SG: Randy Smith (1971-79) 17.8 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 4.9 APG

SF: Danny Manning (1988-94)19.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG

PF: Elton Brand (2001-08) 20.3 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 2.3 BPG

C: Bob McAdoo (1972-77) 28.2 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.3 BPG
6th: Corey Maggette: (2000-08) 17.3 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 2.7 APG

The Clippers have always been known as the bottom feeders of the league until recently, and the Braves' McAdoo is possibly the only thing that keeps this team from being 29th on the list. Maggette, Brand, and Manning had the prime of their careers during their Clipper days, but they never really amounted to much other than a few playoff series wins. Chris Paul on this team would've been a lot of help, but sadly he's spent more time on the Hornets.

24. Milwaukee Bucks:

PG: Sam Cassell (1998-2003) 19.0 PPG, 7.2 APG, 4.0 RPG

SG: Ray Allen (1996-2003) 19.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2,857 3-pt FGM,

SF: Glenn Robinson (1994-2002) 21.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 81.2 FT%

PF: Terry Cummings (1984-89, 1995-96) 19.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.3 APG

C: Andrw Bogut (2005-12) 12.7 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 53.1 FG% 
6th: Marques Johnson (1977-84) 21.0 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 3.7 APG
Before I wrote this article, I had never even heard of Cummings or Johnson, but looking at their stats and highlight tapes, it is apparent that they were very good players. Everyone knows Sam "I'm the ugliest player ever" Cassell was a great journeyman point guard and Ray Allen is the greatest 3 point shooter ever. This team can certainly go toe to toe with many top-tier teams, but they just don't have enough to beat many of the teams above them. If only Kareem played more years on the Bucks than he did on the Lakers.

23. New Orleans Hornets 
PG: Chris Paul (2005-11) 19.3 PPG, 10.0 APG, 2.4 SPG
SG: Dell Curry (1988-98) 14.0 PPG, 40.5 3PFG%, 85.2 FT%
SF:  Jamal Mashburn (2000-04) 21.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 5.0 APG
PF: Larry Johnson (1991-96) 19.6 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 4.1 APG
C: Elden Campbell (1998-2003) 12.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 1.7 BPG
6th: Muggsy Bogues (1988-98) 8.8 PPG, 8.8 APG, 1.7 SPG

This squad resembles a slightly better 92-93 Hornets in 2k13 and if Mourning was on this team it would definitely be able to stop the top tier teams. Mashburn was very underrated as a Hornet, and Chris Paul will pass off with ease to the other players on this team, especially if Larry Johnson didn't have his back problems on this team.The only real weak link is Campbell and sadly the only other respectable center that could be put instead of him was Jamal Magloire, and Magloire was an all-star and all, but come on, no.

22. Dallas Mavericks

PG: Derek Harper (1983-94) 14.4 PPG, 5.9 APG, 1.8 SPG

SG: Rolando Blackman (1981-92) 19.2 PPG, 3.2 APG, 49.7 FG%

SF: Mark Aguirre (1981-89) 24.6 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 4.1 APG

PF:Dirk Nowitzki (1998-2013) 22.9 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 87.6 FT%

C: Roy Tarpley (1986-95) 12.6 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 48.3 FG%

6th: Michael Finley (1997-2005) 19.8 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 3.3 APG

Yet again the center position is a problem for an all-time franchise starting 5. Nowitzki surrounds himself here with great scorers, especially with longtime running mate Michael Finley, but Tarpley is below par to say the least. He had good stats as a starter for the team, but those were during their rebuilding years, and he also had drug issues, which turns the Mavs' team down a notch.

21. Indiana Pacers

PG: Mark Jackson (1994-96, 1997-2000) 8.4 PPG, 8.1 APG, 36.2 3PFG%

SG: Reggie Miller (1987-05) 18.2 PPG, 39.5 3PFG%, 88.8 FT%

SF: Chuck Person (1986-92) 19.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 3.6 APG

PF:  Clark Kellogg (1982-87) 18.9 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 49.7 FG%

C: Mel Daniels (1968-74) 19.4 PPG, 16.0 RPG, 48.3 FG%
6th: George McGinnis (1971-75, 1979-82) 19.6 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.3 APG

This Pacers team is very confusing to me. I don't really know where to rank this team, because there would be no way of knowing whether this team would mesh together well. Mark Jackson will certainly try, but there are too many postups needed to keep Kellogg, Daniels, and McGinnis productive scoring wise. On the other hand, the legendary Reggie Miller and Chuck Person could absolutely head this team into the right direction, but to me it seems like there is just one piece missing from bringing this team into the next tier.

20. Orlando Magic:

PG: Anfernee Hardaway (1993-99) 19.0 PPG, 6.3 APG, 4.7 RPG

SG: Tracy McGrady: (2000-04) 28.1 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 5.2 APG

SF: Dennis Scott (1990-96) 14.8 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 40.3 3PFG%

PF:Terry Catledge (1989-93) 15.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 47.8 FGP%

C: Dwight Howard (2004-12) 18.6 PPG, 13.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG
6th: Nick Anderson: (1989-99) 15.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 2.8 APG

We're finally getting to the teams that would definitely win championships if teams were constructed the way they are here. Penny and the recently retired T-Mac would give defenses fits and Dennis Scott would be a great sharpshooter to offset their isos. Having Dwight before he became a pussy on the Lakers would also be a great addition to this already stacked squad. Having Nick Anderson in there would also be fantastic to add to the already great backcourt, hopefully he won't miss any crucial free throws this time around.
19. New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets

PG: Jason Kidd (2001-08) 14.6 PPG, 9.1 APG, 107 Triple-Doubles

SG: Drazen Petrovic (1990-93) 19.3 PPG, 2.7 APG, 51.3 FG%

SF: Richard Jefferson (2001-08) 17.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.0 APG

PF: Keith Van Horn: (1997-02) 18.2, 7.6 RPG, 36.4 3PFG %

C: Brook Lopez (2008-13) 17.9 PPG, 1.7 BPG, 79 FT%
6th: Derrick Coleman (1990-95) 19.9 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 1.6 BPG

This looks very similar to the Nets that had back to back Eastern Conference championships, except with a severe upgrade at the 2 and 5 (Kerry Kittles and Jason Collins anyone?). Draz could take over a game during his prime and Kidd looks to have a bevy of shooters to pass to. This looks like Stan Van Gundy's dream lineup with the inside-outside offensive setup looking like the best we would have ever seen. And with Derrick Coleman coming off the bench, this Nets team would've kept the team in New Jersey.

18. Cleveland Cavaliers

PG: Mark Price (1986-95) 16.4 PPG, 7.2 APG, 40.9 3PTFG%

SG: World B Free (1982-86) 23.0 PPG, 3.9 APG, 45.4 FG%

SF: LeBron James (03-10) 27.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 7.0 APG

PF: Larry Nance (1987-94) 16.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 2.5 BPG

C: Brad Daugherty (1986-94) 19.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 53.2 FG%
6th: Ron Harper (1986-90) 19.4 PPG, 5.1 APG, 4.7 RPG

Yet again it seems like LeBron has a below-average supporting cast. If this was actual starting it would be legendary but compared to other all-time 5s it falls just short. The rest of the players surrounding James are above-average but none of them can be necessarily called star players. World B Free and Brad Daugherty can make for some exciting basketball, but they are players that probably could've only won a championship by being the 3rd best star players on a team (kinda like Chris Bosh).

17. Miami Heat: 
PG: Sherman Douglas (1989-92) 16.0 PPG, 7.9 APG, 1.7 SPG
SG: Dwyane Wade (03-13) 24.7 PPG, 6.1 APG, 5.1 RPG
SF: Glen Rice (1989-95) 19.3 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 38.7 3PFG%
PF: PJ Brown (1996-2000) 9.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 1.1 BPG
C: Alonzo Mourning (1995-02, 2004-08) 16.0 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 2.7 BPG
6th: Eddie Jones (2000-05, 2006-07) 16.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 3.0 APG

And after James's old team we get his current team. The Heat, although a young franchise, have had their more than fair share of great players. The only position that isn't above average for this article is Power Forward. PJ Brown is a great player in his own right, but its hard to really rank this 6 higher than this position when Udonis Haslem is about to break into your starting 5. Otherwise Rice, Mourning, and Wade make for a big 3.

Good, but not great
16. Oklahoma City Thunder/ Sonics 
PG: Gary Payton (1990-2003) 18.2 PPG, 7.4 APG, 2.1 SPG
SG: Dennis Johnson (1976-80) 14.2 PPG, 1.5 spg 1979 Finals MVP
SF: Kevin Durant (08-13) 25.3 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 88.2 FT%
PF: Spencer Haywood (1970-75) 24.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 1.4 BPG
C:  Jack Sikma (1979-86) 16.6 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 83.6 FT%
6th: Shawn Kemp (1989-97) 16.2 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 1.4 BPG

Before I started this article I thought an automatic insertion into the starting lineup would've been Shawn Kemp. Looking at Spencer Haywood's stats, though made me do a double take since those are legendary numbers over a span of 6 years. Onto the rest of the team, and what is there to complain about? This team is stacked from top to bottom, and I really see no holes for this team, since Gary Payton's horrid shooting is offset by Durant and Johnson. Sikma is also legendary in his own right, but even this team doesn't make it to the top 15 talent wise.

15. Sacramento Kings:

PG: Oscar Robertson (1960-70) 29.3 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 10.3 APG

SG: Mitch Richmond, (1991-98) 23.3 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.1 APG

SF: Peja Stojakovic, (1999-06) 18.3 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 39.8 3PFG%

PF: Chris Webber, (1998-05) 23.5 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 4.8 APG

C: Vlade Divac, (1998-04) 11.4 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.7 APG

6th: Jerry Lucas, (1963-70) 19.6 PPG, 19.1 RPG, 3.1 APG

The Big O is possibly the most underrated player in the history of the game. His numbers are eye-popping and it helps having such a good point guard when you have arguably two of the top 20 best shooters on this team. Add in Chris Webber, Jerry Lucas, and one of the greatest passing big men in Divac, and you've got one hell of a squad. There were really no other players on my mind in the history of the Kings/Royals that could've made this a better team for the franchise.

14. Portland Trail Blazers  
PG: Terry Porter (1985-95) 14.9 PPG, 7.0 APG, 3.5 RPG
SG: Clyde "The Glide" Drexler (1983-95) 20.8 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 5.7 APG
SF: Kiki Vandeweghe (1984-89) 23.5 PPG, 40.8 3PFG%, 88.1 FT%
PF: Rasheed Wallace (1996-2004) 16.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.3 BPG
C: Bill Walton (1974-78) 17.1 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 2.6 BPG
6th: Brandon Roy (2006-11) 20.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.0 APG

The Blazers arguably have the worst luck when it comes down to it. Bill Walton was the only player that brought a championship to this team, and soon after his career was derailed by injuries. Clyde Drexler ran into some guy named Michael Jordan and Rasheed Wallace was heartbroken in a loss to the Lakers that could've brought the Blazers another ship. Anyway, Porter and Vandeweghe are both very good players that could help this team and fit well as "role players" on such a talented team. Brandon Roy in his prime off the bench and you've got a very well rounded team. 

13. Houston Rockets
PG: Calvin Murphy (1970-83) 17.9 PPG, 4.4 APG, 89.2 FT%
SG: Kenny Smith (1990-96) 12.6 PPG, 5.3 APG, 40.7 3PFG%
SF: Rudy Tomjanovich(1970-81) 17.4 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 50.1 FG%
PF:  Ralph Sampson (1983-88) 19.7 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.9 BPG
C: Hakeem Olajuwon (1984-2001) 22.5 PPG, 11.4 RPG, 3.2 BPG
6th: Moses Malone (1977-82) 24.0 PPG, 15.0 RPG, 1.6 BPG

I don't think its fair that the Rockets have had such great big men in their history and never really have had a great backcourt to speak of. The trio of Olajuwon, Sampson, and Malone would make me tremble if they were ever on the same team together. Calvin Murphy and the Jet don't do this team any favors though (Sorry Kenny!). Tomjanovich might've been great on the Rockets, but he doesn't make me believe he really makes this team much better. It's really sad that that fantastic big man trio is surrounded by such average players.

12. Atlanta Hawks

PG: Mookie Blaylock (1992-99) 14.9 PPG, 7.3 APG, 2.6 SPG

SG: Joe Johnson (2005-12) 21.7 PPG, 5.5 APG, 4.7 RPG, 2.9 APG

SF: Dominique Wilkins (1982-94) 26.4 PPG, 6.9 RPG

PF: Bob Pettit (1955-65) 26.4 PPG, 16.2 RPG, 3.0 APG

C: Al Horford (2007-13) 15.3 PPG, 9.9 RPG 54 FG%
6th: John Drew (1974-81) 21.2 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 47.1 FG%

This team just looks like a bunch of underrated all-stars mixed together. Johnson and Wilkins would be great as a tag team, and Pettit is one of the most oft-forgotten players in the history of the NBA. Al Horford and Mookie are both average all-stars and this team can certainly make a case for being of those sneaky teams that can beat the teams above them. 

11. Washington Wizards/Bullets

PG: Gilbert Arenas (2004-11) 25.5 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.7 APG

SG: Earl Monroe (1967-72) 23.7 PPG, 4.6 APG, 3.7 RPG

SF: Caron Butler (2005-11) 19.0 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 87.2 FT%

PF: Elvin Hayes (1974-81) 21.3 PPG, 12.7 RPG, 2.1 BPG

C: Walt Bellamy (1963-66) 27.6 PPG, 16.6 RPG, 51.6 FG%

6th: Wes Unseld (1968-81) 10.8 PPG, 14.0 RPG, 3.9 APG

Agent Zero in his prime was a force to be reckoned with and the rest of the Bullets players were great in their own right. Bellamy, Hayes, Monroe, and Unseld are all legendary, and it would be unfair to say that just because we might not have seen them play, that they shouldn't be included in this all time list of Bullets/Wizards. Antawn Jamison was a player that could've been sneaked in but it would be idiotic to take out legends like Hayes and Unseld for him. 

10. Denver Nuggets

PG: Fat Lever (1984-90) 17.0 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 7.5 APG

SG: David Thompson (1976-82) 24.1 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 3.4 APG

SF: Alex English (1980-90) 25.9 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 4.4 APG

PF: Antonio McDyess (1995-97, 1998-2002) 18.2 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.7 BPG

C: Dikembe Mutombo (1991-96) 12.9 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 3.8 BPG

6th: Carmelo Anthony (2003-11) 24.7 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.1 APG

We arrive at the first team with a superstar 6th man in Carmelo Anthony, and I think any of the teams above them on the rankings would be very happy to have him as well. English, Thompson, and Anthony could go toe to toe with the best scorers of all time, because of their versatility on the offensive end. The only weak link seems to be Antonio McDyess, and no other Nugget really jumped out at me as being better than him. Mutombo is a great player to have on the inside, though, and with so many scorers around him its good to see that there is at least a defensive presence who can knock back shots with ease.

Contenders
9. Detroit Pistons 
PG: Isiah Thomas (1981-94) 19.2 PPG, 9.3 APG, 1.9 SPG
SG: Joe Dumars (1985-1999) 16.1 PPG, 4.5 APG, 38.2 3PFG%
SF: Grant Hill (1994-2000) 21.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 6.3 APG
PF: Dennis Rodman (1986-93) 8.8 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 53.7 FG%
C: Bob Lanier (1970-80) 22.7 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.3 APG
6th: Ben Wallace (2000-06, 09-12) 7.6 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 2.6 BPG, 1.6 SPG

If I was going up against this team, I would have to come well prepared for the physicality that these Pistons would bring. I rank them this high because if Rodman and Wallace were both in at the same time, its only logical to expect that they would stop the big men on the opposing team to a certain extent. With Thomas, Dumars, and Grant Hill as well they have great two way players who can go up against anybody. Also, Bob Lanier is often forgotten, but it would be foolish to think that he would be replaced by even Bill Laimbeer. This team is definitely the best defensive team in these rankings.

8. Golden State Warriors

PG: Tim Hardaway (1989-96) 17.7 PPG, 8.2 APG, 1,6 SPG

SG: Chris Mullin (1985-97, 2000-01) 20.1 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.9 APG

SF: Rick Barry (1972-78) 25.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, .893 FT%

PF: Joe Fulks (1946-54) 16.4 PPG, 5.3 RPG

C: Wilt Chamberlain (1959-65) 45.1 PPG, 25.1 RPG, 54 FG%

 6^th: Paul Arizin, (1950-62) 22.8 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 81 FT%

Looking at these players, you would expect this team to definitely be top 5. Something about this team just makes me think that this team would not mesh well though. Wilt probably wouldn't be able to average as much as he did against players who were actually as big as him, and Joe Fulks is not someone I think of as someone who is definitely in the history books. Paul Arizin is very underrated as well and having the TC in the TMC would make it impossible to to think that this team wouldn't be able to score. Rick Barry would probably need the ball in his hands almost every possession to be of use and with so many mouths to feed, it might be reminiscent of how the 2011-2012 Lakers played, on offense and on defense. This is because if you look at the players on this team, no one was really revered for their defense other than Wilt, and its doubtful he can stop everyone who drives in from the perimeter.

7. New York Knicks

PG: Walt  Frazier (1967-77) 19.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 6.3 APG

SG: Richie Guerin (1956-64) 20.1 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.3 APG

SF: Bernard King (1982-87) 26.5 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 52.7 FG%

PF: Dave DeBusschere (1968-74) 16.0 PPG, 10.7 RPG, 3.1 APG

C: Patrick Ewing (1985-2000) 22.8 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.8 BPG

6th: Willis Reed (1964-74) 18.7 PPG, 12.9 RPG, 1.8 APG

The Knicks have a very storied basketball history, as evidenced by how legendary the Madison Squared Garden AKA the Mecca of basketball is. With this great history comes great individual players and boy did they have several individual talents. The Knicks have too much talent to be ranked lower than this, because this lineup is just filled with players who will still be remembered 50 years from now in New York. There are many players who could've been interchanged with the above 6 but this 6 seemed to work best.

6. Philadelphia 76ers

PG: Maurice Cheeks (1978-89) 12.2 PPG, 7.3 APG, 2.3 SPG

SG; Allen Iverson (1996-2007) 27.6 PPG, 6.1 APG, 2.3 SPG

SF: Julius Erving (1976-87) 22.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 3.9 APG

PF: Charles Barkley (1984-92) 23.3 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 57.6 FG%

C: Dolph Schayes (1949-64) 18.5 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 84.9 FT%
6th: Hal Greer (1958-73) 19.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 4.0 APG

Wow, AI, Dr. J, and Charles Barkley. If that doesn't convince of the 76ers' ranking being so high I don't know what will. Mo Cheeks might be a weak spot (Andre Miller and Larry Costello were the only real other options) but otherwise Schayes and Greer solidify this team's spot in the top 10 at the very least. We're getting to the point of these teams where if these teams stayed together they would win a championship for at least 5 years straight, and the first team on the list is not too shabby at all.

5. San Antonio Spurs:

PG: Tony Parker (2001-13) 16.6 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 5.6 APG

SG: Manu Ginobili (2002-13) 15.0 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 3.8 APG

SF: George Gervin (1973-85) 26.3 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2.8 APG

PF: Tim Duncan (1997-2013) 21.1 PPG, 11.6 RPG, 2.2 BPG

C: David Robinson (1989-2003) 21.1 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 3.0 BPG
6th: Larry Kenon (1975-80) 20.7 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.6 SPG

What did you expect? The current Spurs' big 3, Iceman, the Admiral and Larry Kenon make up a very scary bunch. The only team this team would possibly lose to is the aforementioned Pistons and the teams above them in this list, in my mind at least. The current Spurs are already a dynasty, and if you add one of the greatest scorers ever in the Iceman and a 5 time all star in Kenon, what's not to like with this squad? 

4. Utah Jazz
PG: John Stockton (1984-2003) 13.1 PPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2 SPG
SG: Pete Maravich (1974-80) 25.2 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.6 APG
SF: Adrian Dantley (1979-86) 29.6 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.1 APG, 56.2 FG%
PF: Karl Malone (1985-2003) 25.4 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 3.5 APG
C: Al Jefferson (2010-13) 18.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG, 1.6 BPG
6th: Carlos Boozer (04-10) 19.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 2.9 APG

It's a shame the Jazz never had a truly good center. Al Jefferson is a very good post presence, but with the players around him on this squad its almost sad to see all that talent go to waste. Stockton and Malone are the best tag team since... yeah never mind they're arguably the best pick and roll duo ever. Maravich and Dantley would only add to that already fantastic duo. Boozer off the bench would only give Stockton a poor man's version of Malone and I'm sure Stockton would've been perfectly fine with that. 

3. Chicago Bulls:

 PG: Derrick Rose (2008-13) 21.0 PPG, 6.8 APG, 3.8 RPG

SG: Michael Jordan (1984-93, 94-98) 31.5 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 5.4 APG

SF: Scottie Pippen (1987-98) 17.7 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 5.3 APG

PF: Horace Grant (1987-94) 12.6 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 53.0 FG%

C: Artis Gilmore (1976-82) 19.3 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.1 BPG
6th: Chet Walker (1969-75) 20.6 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 48.3 FG%

Jordan can't do it all himself is all that needs to be said about this lineup. Horace Grant in this lineup is similar in talent dropoff to PJ Brown on the Heat. He was a solid role player for Jordan's Bulls but he just doesn't really seem like a guy who will be known as one of the legendary "Bulls Power Forwards". It's too bad that Rodman played more years on the Pistons, but nevertheless Gilmore and Walker are very good in their own right. With Jordan's longtime running mate Pippen alongside him and former MVP Rose at the helm, this team would still do perfectly fine. 

2. Boston Celtics:

PG: Jo Jo White (1969-79) 18.4 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 5.1 APG

SG: John Havlicek (1962-78) 20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG

SF: Larry Bird (1979-92) 24.3 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 6.3 APG

PF: Kevin Mchale (1980-93) 17.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG 55.4 FG%

C: Bill Russell (1956-69) 15.1 PPG, 22.5 RPG, 4.3 APG
6th: Sam Jones (1957-69) 17.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 80.3 FT%  

Now we get to the top 2 and this is where the debate starts. How will we ever know whether the Celtics or Lakers' 6 would ever be better? I'm pretty sure we will never actually know but one thing is definitely true.  Both of these teams are absolutely legendary. This team is a bunch of Finals MVPS and title winners together, and I would go so far as to say that every Celtics fan would agree with the starting 5 at the very least (with Bob Cousy possibly replacing White). Putting Sam Jones on there might be a risky decision, but it only seemed fit to add a player that was on the Bill Russell squads. Anyway, I think any NBA fan would agree in saying that this assortment of 6 players could destroy every other team on a good day.

1. Los Angeles Lakers:

PG: Earvin Johnson (1979-90, 1995-96) 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG

SG: Kobe Bryant(1996-2013) 25.3 ppg, 5.3 RPG, 4.7 APG

SF: Elgin Baylor (1958-72) 27.4 PPG, 13.5 RPG, 4.3 APG

PF: James Worthy (1982-94) 17.6 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 52.1 FG%

C: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1975-89) 22.1 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 2.5 BPG
6th:  Shaquille O'Neal (1996-2004) 27.0 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 2.5 BPG

Now we finally get to the "Best All-Time 6" and I have to say, I don't think anyone would ever even try beating this team (except the aforementioned Celtics). It would be much more dominant than the Showtime Lakers, considering that the Showtime Lakers didn't have some of the best players EVER in Bryant, Shaq, and Baylor. It doesn't matter what anyone says, it is almost impossible to put this team below top 3. If you don't believe me, just look at the stats and come back to me. Jerry West was a close call between Kobe and Shaq but considering I'd never seen him play, the edge was given to the three peat Lakers duo.

Top 10 Weirdest Superstitions that current and former NBA Players have

Many of us can be a little superstitious when it comes to certain things, and NBA players (they're human?!) do as well. Here are the 10 weirdest superstitions current and former NBA players have had. If there are any others you know of please comment below.

10. Kevin Garnett eats a PB &J before every game
Ben Gordon once brought a PB & J to the Bobcats locker room and Tyrus Thomas gave him flack for it, but I bet Thomas wouldn't even try making fun of KG. Garnett even got the whole Celtics team into his ritual while he was a player there and it seems like it did wonders for them in his inaugural 2008 year.

9. Mike Bibby and his nail clippers
Mike Bibby used to bite and chew his nails when he would go to the bench as a Sacramento King, and he would never stop the habit. That is until someone from the Kings' staff (I'm guessing a person with above average intellect) handed Bibby a nail clipper because it was kind of nasty watching Bibby just biting away. Bibby has now clipped his nails hygienically ever since.

8. Brian Shaw never clipped his nails on game days
After Bibby, we now have Shaw doing the opposite. The new Nuggets coach admitted to never clipping his nails on game days during his career, because his fingertips would feel "weird". Not a really crazy superstition but its one that he expressly lived by nonetheless.

7. Caron Butler used to drink a 2 liter bottle of Mountain Dew before and during games. 
Butler literally used to drink half his 2 liter bottle before a game, and he would drink the rest at halftime. Considering that that's very unhealthy (and it could make your penis smaller), the Washington Wizards banned him from doing this while he was on the team. I would too if my player was doing the Dew.

6. Jerry West would drive the same streets every time to the Forum
Jerry West used to drive to the Forum on game days and he would take the exact same streets each time no matter what. It's very interesting to hear that even West, who we now know as a very calm, normal man was very superstitious in his heyday.

5. Darrell Armstrong drank a coffee with 7 packets of sugar before each game
Armstrong isn't in the league any more, but I'm sure he could've stayed a bit longer with that kind of persistence with coffee. He also ate two pieces of candy at halftime of each game. I feel like he should've kept this ritual before the infamous 1996 dunk contest where he simply laid it up.

 

4. Ray Allen has a crazy routine
Ray Allen, before each game, takes a 90-minute nap at 11:30 in the morning, has chicken and white rice for lunch at 2:30, shaves his head and steps on to the court at precisely 4:30, and then practices shooting for three hours. EVERY GAME DAY. That's actual OCD, I really hope Ray Allen sees a doctor about the issue. Or maybe not, I mean he's perfectly fine being a 2-time champion and record holder of most 3 point field goals over a career,  I guess.

3. Rajon Rondo takes 5 hot showers on game day
Rajon Rondo takes the last shower exactly 45 minutes before tipoff, and he must have some really dry skin. How is it possible to take that many showers in one day, let alone hot ones. I think the most I've ever topped out at is 4. Apparently he takes that many showers, because he does his best thinking in the water (Alright Merman Rondo). I honestly want to know how long each shower is because that could be up to an hour per day of just simply showering.

2. Jason Terry wears the shorts of the opponent before he goes to sleep. 
Jason Terry is an absolute freak for doing this. He has so many connections around the league that he gets the opposing teams' shorts before each game (if they have updated logos on their shorts) and he wears the shorts the night before he plays them. He also played with Mike Bibby at Arizona so I guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree in the college sense as well.

1. Michael Jordan wore his UNC shorts under his Bulls shorts during gamesThe famous reason we all wear long shorts now is because of MJ. He would wear his lucky North Carolina shorts under his Bulls shorts, so he would always need longer shorts to cover them up. Hence people started following Jordan's "fashion statement" and we all wear long shorts now. I would personally like to thank MJ for such a huge advancement for society.

Top Ten Overpaid Players in the NBA

Written by Max Gates (@mgates93)

Before the new CBA, teams were handing out ridiculous contracts like grocery store coupons. There are so many horrible contracts in the NBA it’s unbearable.  Every team has at least one overpaid player that makes you think, “If only that team didn’t have him, they could go out and sign the guy they really need.”  Let’s take a look at some of the worst contracts today.  All contracts are based on the time that they actually signed their respective contracts.

10. Gerald Wallace, Boston Celtics, (4 year, 40$)

This just didn’t make sense.  It made just as little of sense as trading their first round pick to Portland, which turned out to be Damian Lillard.  Someone else they could have taken: Harrison Barnes.  Ouch…  The Nets, who were digging really deep into their pockets to pay the rest of their starting five, went out and signed Gerald Wallace for 4 years. His defense has deteriorated and he’s a shell of himself offensively.  Then again, it’s not exactly easy to play offense with Williams, Lopez, and Johnson surrounding you.  It only took one year for the Nets to ship him to Boston, along with Humphries, so that they could try building another super team to contend in the East.  As for Boston, they’re in the rebuilding process whether Danny Ainge says they are or not.  A lot of Boston fans don’t love this move because they have to live with Wallace for three years, but if they want to be bad then this is what they needed to do.  The upcoming draft is the best in years, so taking Wallace’s remaining $30 million makes some sense.  Here’s a bright side for Wallace: There won’t be the “win this year or else” pressure he had in Brooklyn now that he’s on a rebuilding team.  I think he’ll play more efficiently than he did in Brooklyn, but nothing special.  If he can just play some defense and not shoot 40% from the field like he did this year, it won’t be so bad for the Celtics.

9. Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers (5 year, 60$)

Anything can happen with Granger at this point.  He can either turn out to be a blessing in disguise for the Pacers, or almost worthless like this last season.  He only played in five games this year and was completely irrelevant for all of them.  When they first signed him, the Pacers believed they found their star of the future.  He actually was a really good player when they first inked him.  He put up 25 points and 5 rebounds a game before he signed, and still put up 24 and 5 the following year.  But his low field goal percentage and slowly decreasing stats became glaring as the years went on.  Before he got injured, he was averaging 18 points a game, 5 rebounds, but shooting a low 41% from the field.  The year before he was shooting 42% while putting up 20 a game.  Unless you’re Allen Iverson, the best player on the team can’t be shooting that low for so many seasons.  At this point I’m not sure what will happen to Danny Granger.  Some think he’ll come back and have a very good year.  The only time he’s played 82 games was his second year in the league, so that’s not a good sign.  Regardless, he’ll be taking a backseat to Paul George and possibly Roy Hibbert (if he can still average 17 ppg like he did in the playoffs).  That is unless he’s traded, which is a real possibility.  Rumors floated around that an Eric Bledsoe / Danny Granger swap was being discussed.  The Pacers would’ve definitely been my Finals pick if that trade went through.

8. Nene Hilario, Washington Wizards (5 year, 65$)

At one point he had the highest field goal percentage in the league (61.5% in 2010 – 2011) while putting up 14.5 points and 7.6 rebounds (he also shot 71% from the line).  He was a difference maker for the Nuggets and a very valuable player for their team.  However, when Washington was finally fed up with the Javale Mcgee experiment he was involved in a trade that sent Nene to Washington.  In my opinion, this was a huge win for the Nuggets and for a few reasons.  They first got out of almost all the $65 million they owed him by trading him at the deadline.  In return they got a young, athletic, but boneheaded (emphasis on boneheaded) center.  His only real offense is getting the finishing passes on pick and rolls from Andre Miller and dunks, but his enormous wingspan and athleticism make him valuable.  I’m surprised George Karl didn’t feature him more in such an “up and down the floor” offense as opposed to using Nene.  For the playing time Mcgee got, he’s a little overpaid.  But I’d rather pay him than Nene at this point in their careers.  I have more faith in the young and improving Mcgee rather than the aging Nene.  His field goal percentage dropped to 48% and he was constantly out injured.  He won’t even be featured much with the newly signed John Wall, up and coming Bradley Beal, and their new small forward Otto Porter.  He’ll be taking a backseat for $13 million a year.  He’s being paid like the second best player on a good team, except the Wizards haven’t proven anything.  If he can at least play solid defense and shoot a high percentage from the field, he won’t be doing Washington an injustice for the next several years. 

7. Andrew Bogut, Golden State Warriors (5 year, 60$)

Bogut is somewhat of a different situation than the rest of the players on this list.  His $13 million was ridiculous last year and his $14 million is even worse this year.  He’s always out injured so not only are the Warriors overpaying him but they only got 32 games out of him (44 including playoffs).  Once in a while we see some sparks of his offensive game, but that’s once in a very long while.  However, Golden State needs him.   Trading away Monta Ellis to the Bucks was the right thing to do.  They got rid of the often ball hogging Ellis for the low post defender they needed.  This also allowed Steph Curry to control the ball more as well as Klay Thompson becoming the starting shooting guard.   Instead of Ellis jacking up a ridiculous amount of shots, they now have the perfect floor spacer to compliment Steph Curry.  Although Bogut is highly overpaid, he is a great fit for their team.  Yes he only puts up 6 points a game but with the Splash Bros., David Lee, the emerging Harrison Barnes, and the newly acquired Andre Iguodala surrounding him, his last job is to score.  His shot blocking and defense are what Golden State relies on, and they won’t be getting very far in the playoffs without him.  Bogut may only have 1 year left, but it was still a “Bo-gus” trade (see what I did there?).

6. Kendrick Perkins, Oklahoma City Thunder (5 year, 39$)

To be honest, GM Sam Presti was just really excited to get the low post presence he needed to contend in the West.  Durant and Ibaka were limiting Jeff Green, so it only made sense to address their most glaring weakness.  But why would Presti extend him for five years at $39 million?  The once known “Dwight Howard stopper” was able to give headaches to Howard and other great centers around the league, but in return gave his own team headaches with his horrific offense.  He could only score points from getting wide open dunks, shots within four feet of the basket, and the charity stripe and maybe not even that. HE ALSO NEVER SMILES! He can still grab rebounds efficiently and his offense really isn’t needed when you have Durant and Westbrook running the show, but he’s being paid like the third or fourth best player on a team.  There are many more cost efficient centers that could step in and take Perkins’ role.  At one point, Sam Presti was regarded as one of the smartest general managers in the league.  But ever since he traded away James Harden, his reputation has been damaged more than Greg Oden’s knees.  The trade was without a doubt one of the worst in NBA history since they gave up Harden for practically nothing.  If only they had dealt Perkins and his horrible contract there could have been at least one bright spot for Oklahoma City.  Darryl Morey would have still gone through with the trade. 

5. Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando Magic (5 year, 53$)

Remember how important Hedo was to the 2009 Magic’s playoff run?  He and Rashard Lewis were Dwight’s most valuable teammates since they were capable of spacing the floor so well.  Turkoglu is being paid like a star but is without a doubt far from one.  In fact, Hedo has been completely insignificant (and more of a problem) this entire year. After stints in Toronto and Phoenix, he found his way back to Orlando, but now more expensive than the first time (originally he signed with them for 6 years, $36.7 million.  Toronto signed him for the 5 year deal).  This last year he only played in eleven games and averaged 2.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.  He could have played in twenty more if he wasn’t caught juicing, but I guess he did Orlando a favor by saving them 3 million dollars. 

4. Andris Biedrins, Utah Jazz (6 year, 54$)

The final year of Andris Biedrins’ head-scratching contract has finally arrived.  It’s still baffling and nearly impossible to understand why Golden State would offer the skinny, offensively atrocious seven footer $54 million.  Yes, at one point he was a good rebounder, averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds in 2008 – 2009.  But that’s literally it, and he was still overpaid.  As the years went on he has progressively gotten worse.  This last year he played in 53 games and grabbed 3 rebounds and put up 0.5 points.  Wait, what?  He couldn’t even put up one point a game and he was collecting $9 million?  He should have been thrown in jail for robbing the Warriors the last several years!  Let’s not ignore his free throw shooting either.  The last four years he’s averaged 16% (’09 – ’10), 32% (’10 – ’11), 11% (’11 – ’12), and 30% (’12 – ’13).  Sorry if that made you queasy.  I actually can’t wait to see what happens now that he was dealt to Utah (so that the Warriors could sign Iguodala).  I’m either going to be surprised with what he’ll do with the minutes he’ll receive from the tanking Utah Jazz, or I’ll laugh for a solid two hours as I watch him play without one post move in his arsenal.  Actually, Biedrins will be the one laughing the most since he’ll be $9 million richer than all of us for just being 7 feet tall. 

3. Andrea Bargnani, New York Knicks (5 year, 50$)

What more can we possibly say about Andrea Bargnani and his horrible contract?  Actually, a lot!  The former number one overall pick has been nothing short of a bust since 2006.  Defense and rebounding have never been his M.O. and he’s constantly out because of injury.  Besides his 2009 – 2010 and 2010 – 2011 seasons, he’s been a huge disappointment.  At 7’0 he can stretch the floor, but he hasn’t been able to the last two seasons.  Last year he only played 35 games (started in 25) and the year before he only played 31.  He’s never shot over 47% from the field in his career, and somehow managed to shoot 40% AS A 7’0 CENTER (39.9% to be exact).  That’s completely inexcusable especially if you can’t defend a parked car or box out if your life depended on it.  For Masai Ujiri to somehow deal him to the Knicks for Steve Novak, Quentin Richardson, Marcus Camby, and three draft picks is beyond me.  I will never understand the mind of James Dolan, especially since he’s pushing himself deeper into the luxury tax.  If you’re thinking “maybe Glen Grunwald has something up his sleeve,” don’t kid yourself.  This trade has Dolan written all over it.  The Knicks needed defense, rebounding, and health from their big men.  Instead, they got an injury prone, subpar floor spacer (the exact opposite of what they needed) for 22 million dollars. Sid Seixeiro from Sportsnet 360 referred to Masai Ujiri as “Messiah Ujiri,” and it totally fits.

2. Joe Johnson, Brooklyn Nets (6 year, 119$)

Since he was a four time all star at the time, Atlanta was so desperate to keep Johnson they shelled out a monstrosity of a contract.  Soon after he signed, his numbers began to slip.  He went from 21 ppg to 18 the next two seasons, as well as his field goal percentages dropping as well. It didn’t take long for Danny Ferry (his first week as general manager) to send him and his remaining $90 million to the newly relocated Brooklyn Nets in exchange for multiple expiring contracts.  At times it felt as if Joe Johnson was out of place on the Nets, but then he’d bounce right back and prove how dominant he could be.  There were stretches where he would shoot below 40% somewhat often and almost be hard to find in the Nets’ offense.  Here and there he’d have some really great games, but they weren’t very often.  One of them was his 24 point, 5 rebound, 5 assist game against Milwaukee when he hit the game tying three to send it to overtime as well as the midrange dagger to win it.  However, his “clutch gene” doesn’t make him worth 69 million dollars over the next three years.  How can he actually live up to his salary when Deron Williams, Brook Lopez, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce surround him (Andrei Kirilenko is the sixth man too)?  Last year he was regarded as the third best player on the Nets and only put up 16 points a game with a low field goal percentage (42%).  He’s 6’7 and weighs 240 pounds.  LeBron James is 6’8, 250 pounds.  Of course I’m not saying he should be more playing like LeBron, but I am saying he has, is, and will continue to underperform.  He’s not getting any better and I’d even put the ball in Garnett and Pierce’s hands more often than his.  He’s a fifth option on this roster and he’s the sixth highest player in the league.  The worst part about his contract?  He makes almost $25 million in his last year, and that’s not until 2015 – 2016.  Think about Joe Johnson now, and then imagine paying him that much in three years.  That’s just horrible.  But then again, the luxury tax bill Mikhail Prokhorov will receive for the next several years will just be pocket change for him. 

1. Amare Stoudemire, New York Knicks (5 year, 99$)

Amare is without a doubt the king of bad contracts. But before I even talk about his salary, let’s just look at his career so far in New York.  When he first arrived in 2010-11, he put up 25.3 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks a game.  He was able to stretch the floor really well and even went on a nine game, 30+ ppg tear where he averaged 34.4 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks. Until Carmelo Anthony arrived towards the end of that season, he was undeniably the best player on the Knicks. The following year was a rollercoaster in New York.  The emergence of Linsanity and the tension between Melo and D’Antoni overshadowed the new frontcourt of Anthony, Stoudemire, and Chandler.  The team was centered around Melo, forcing Amare to take a backseat to New York’s face of the franchise.  During that lockout season, Amare played 48 of the 66 games and put up 17.5 points and 7.8 rebounds.  Questions concerning Carmelo and Amare’s chemistry began to surface.  But then the 2012-13 season happened.  Amare was constantly plagued by injury, only playing in 29 games without one start.  His numbers dropped dramatically again, averaging 14.2 points and 5 rebounds.  His absence from the Knicks roster was no problem for the team either, who placed second in the East and advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time since 2000. The Knicks shockingly played BETTER without Amare on the floor.  His defense was just atrocious in those 29 games, but then again was his defense ever good?  Just take a look at these two clips if you need a quick reminder: 

I could be wrong, but I’m pretty sure Manu and Kristic aren’t notorious around the league for setting screens. Now about that salary… As bad as paying Bargnani $22 million over two years sounds, Amare’s $21.6 million next year would make me sick if I was a Knicks fan.  Oh, and let’s not forget the last year of his contract which pays him $23.4 million!  James Dolan must have a thing for overpaid, injury prone, defensively lackluster big men, because why else would he deal for Andrea Bargnani!?  It’s a shame they can’t even put him to use now that Carmelo has moved over to the 4.  If they could even get some productive, consistent minutes off the bench it wouldn’t be so bad.  I actually wish he was amnestied instead of Chauncey Billups, and not for the Knicks sake but Amare’s.  No it wouldn’t have been pretty to go from the face of the New York Knicks to being claimed by a subpar team, but it would have been far better in the long run.  He could have still earned a hefty paycheck from wherever he ended up and would actually be one of the focal points of that team. Hopefully next year Woodson can put him in a role where we see glimmers of the old Amare.  If only he and Melo could actually work together, then his 44 million over the next two years wouldn’t sound that bad.