He sure did. Jordan and Pippen were the only players to be on the first and second title run.

Well given the somewhat unrealistic scenario I would still take Jordan.

Jordan was the greatest, and always will be, in large part because he was able to make average players play great around him. As a team leader he could make more of his teammates than Shaq could, if we assume neither team has great players.

Shaq would dominate inside, but you need more than one man to win.

Should it come down to a one-point game, who is going to take that shot and make it, and make NBA history? You know who.

Oh come on!

That's the strategy the opposing team would use to their advantage. Keep fouling Shaq to put him at the foul line.

Remember, Jordan is probably the only player that didn't have any weaknesses. He could shoot from anywhere, he could rebound, he could assist, he could shot free throws, he could he could... you get the idea. If I'd choose a player, I'd choose the one that is supreme all around.

That's the strategy the opposing team would use to their advantage. Keep fouling Shaq to send him to the line.

Remember, Jordan is probably the only player that didn't have any weaknesses. He could shoot from anywhere, he could rebound, he could assist, he could shot free throws, he could he could... you get the idea. If I'd choose a player, I'd choose the one that is supreme all around.

If you think Mutt nailed it, then he backed up my point and contradicted yours. As I said, if you were asking who would you draft 1st as Mutt said, you'd take Shaq. However, you asked who would you most want to add to a terrible team in their prime. Terrible teams need players who can create their own shots and create for other players.

With the zone being deployed more and more in the NBA these days, teams with a solid low post scoring center need to compliment that with outside shooting otherwise teams can take the big man completely out of the game. Look at the top teams in the league this year, all have great perimeter play and very mediocre center play.

I agree if you have a terrible team and you need to draft someone and your choice is a center or a shooting guard all else being equal you draft the center. Hakeem went number one Jordan number was third.

But your question assumes we have a crystal ball at draft time and know what these players become. If that's the case how can you let Jordan slip by? He was very loyal to the Bulls (that's why I bring up Orlando). Shaq only won it all when another player emerged (Kobe). Jordan had Pippen but he was also the one responsible for Pippen being so great. Jordan's prime also lasted a lot longer than Shaq's.

Actually, his question had nothing to do with the draft and never mentioned it. He asked which player would you want to add to a terrible team mid season if you were wanting to make a quick improvement and run to the playoffs.

This is a tough question, and you need to put your personal feelings and who YOU think is better and look at it from the standpoint of a GM of a shit team in the NBA, who is most likely fighting to keep his job.

You have to look at which player is going to have the largest impact on your entire organization. When I start weighing on all the factors in this situation I myself if I was a GM would take Jordan.

Jordan has heart and demands the best from everyone else on the team, Shaq is all about himself and his ego, if the team is losing he's not going to bust his ass to win. He'll be pissed that he's on a shit team. Jordan early in his career with Doug Collins got the Bulls into the playoffs.

Jordan also puts asses in the seats, when they are at home always a sell out, when they are on the road always a sell out. This also has a huge impact on the team, and is good for a GM. It would bring more media attention to the team as well, which is good. You're the shit team that just fucking got Jordan, the best to ever play.

I understand the point Cori is making, but when you say it's a terrible team with no real good players, you need to think who is going to make an impact, who is going to really give your team the best chance at winning, someone who can take over and just tell everyone else where to go.

I know a good center means a lot to a team, and when you want to create a team to build towards winning a championship of course you want a top center to build around, but Cori said someone who will come in and help the team win now, and get them into the playoffs, just one season. Jordan has the tools to do this, he can take over and just win. Shaq needs someone to get him the ball, Shaq needs the help with an awesome point guard, or small forward. Jordan is like having a high school super star, give him the ball, and get open just in case.

This is something that could go both ways, but I think if it's one season, and you want to win NOW, put asses in the seats and etc. hands down you go Jordan.

Although I would take Shaq, you obviously understood my post...it is a closer call than most realize.

Good post and logic.

not knowing anything about the teams except for who the star player could be and what they will do - I follow history.


1983/84: The Bulls struggles continue as they finish with an awful 27-55 record, missing the playoffs for the 6th time in 7 years. During the season the Bulls deal away Reggie Theus creating the need for a solid shooting guard, which they hoped would be filled by a 6-6 guard from North Carolina named Michael Jordan who the Bulls selected with 3rd overall draft pick.

1984/85: Michael Jordan stepped into the starting lineup right away and dazzled the NBA earning a trip to the All-Star Game, while earning comparisons to Julius Erving. Jordan would go on to finish 3rd in scoring with 28.2 ppg, earning the Rookie of the Year as the Bulls made the playoffs with a 38-44 record. However, it would be a quick exit as the Bulls are knocked off by the Milwaukee Bucks in 4 games.

Anybody else and I take the center, but Jordan was so special he breaks the rules of common sense.

hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha.....I seem to remember a similar conversation at WA L.A.....I thought you were drunk at 9am but now I see that you are constantly drunk..that is the ONLY basis in reasoning for this statement

I'd take a driven Jordan or Kobe over a lazy, dominant Shaq anyday.... someone still has to give Shaq the ball... Shaq always had a good team and another star to help him

I'd like to see Shaq replace Kobe on the Lakers and see how the Lakers do... probably not as well as the Lakers are doing now(despite the losing streak, they are getting back on track and will be better when healthy).

Kobe can either facillitate or take over when the team is down 20, Shaq can't do either IMO

why wouldn't you take the best player EVER in nba history? :helpme

well i should say the greatest basketball player is Michael Jordan...he can do everything, post, 3 point shot, assist, rebound and indeed a very talented player..i should say that shaq is not that bad but i think his most advantage is his height and body...but over all, i would prefer MJ, though i'm a kobe fan..