Dwayne Wade, a former Miami Heat legend, recently shared a cool tidbit on X about his All-Time Starting five, and he chose a team that will live on in basketball’s Valhalla. LeBron James, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and Steph Curry. The thirteen-time All-Star hit the perfect chords with NBA fans, and the video instantly went viral. Do you agree with this starting lineup? If not, who do you think should start (in no particular order)?
Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry is no.5
Although Steph is still hustling to score points on the floor, he is already largely regarded as the NBA’s best shooter. The four-time NBA champion advanced the art of making three-pointers, encouraging athletes all around the world to go for the ideal shot. Numerous NBA records belong to Davidson College alumni, including the most three-pointers made (3,390 to date). The NBA record for highest three-point percentage throws has a minimum of 1,200 tries and a minimum average of 90.7%. He shot 98 three-pointers in a season, which was tied with Klay Thompson for the most in the NBA playoffs.
Michael Jordan is no.4
What else can be said about the six-time NBA champion who has been the subject of a Netflix series that has received plaudits both for its writing and its viewing? The North Carolina College baller has won six finals MVP awards, motivated a nation, and, by all accounts, is one of the most well-known sports figures on earth. His inclusion is beyond discussion… NONE.
Kobe Bryant (Lakers) is no.3
Nearly every ranking of all-time greats features the late Bryant, and the shooting guard possessed the stats, longevity, and star power to command a starting spot in any lineup. Bryant was a five-time NBA champion and five-time NBA Finals MVP before his sad death. He played for the LA Lakers for his entire 20-year career and is regarded as one of the best ever. In addition to being inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame posthumously, Bryant won two gold Olympic medals for the United States in Beijing (2008) and London (2012). Nothing this Lower Merion (Ardmore, Pennsylvania) athlete couldn’t win, and his passing will live on in our memories.
LeBron James (Cavs, Lakers, Miami Heat) is ranked no.4
James, who was selected first overall in the first round of the 2003 draught, has been at the pinnacle of his profession for 20 years and has participated in 19 NBA All-Star Games. The best player of all time and the league’s top player, “King James,” is referenced in the same discourse as Michael Jordan. He is fourth on the list of assists, demonstrating his pliability and exceptional talent. The three-time Sportsman of the Year winner for Sports Illustrated is well-known worldwide.
Shaquille O’Neil (Celtics, Magic, Lakers, Heat, Suns) is ranker no.5
The Orlando Magic selected the 7-foot-1 centre in the first round of the 1992 NBA Draught, where he was a monster on the court. He would go on to carve himself a career that was so significant that it would surpass the giant himself. In his 19-year career, the four-time NBA champion played for six different clubs and earned 15 All Star selections. His jersey numbers, 34 for the Lakers and 32 for the Heat, were both twice retired in the NBA.