Basically, the title.
Which among crean of the crop superstars rivals held each other the most that prevent both of them in climbing on most of the respectable and honorable nba all time list?
MY LIST
1. MAGIC AND BIRD
They are #1 for me. If either one of them doesn’t exist, the other one left will be the by far best player in the 80s. And ofc, as an effect will win more rings. (Maybe 2 or 3 more rings)
2. Kobe and Duncan
All those countless western conference playoffs matches. They were lucky they were both in West. So, their finals record is not affected by them winning/losing against each other. But still, the existence of both of them prevented each other of winning more rings
I want to put Russell and Wilt #3. But Russell won 11 rings to Wilt’s 2. So, they didn’t held each other.
Who else?
Steph ruined prime Harden’s legacy
LeBron and Westbrook
They were lucky they were both in West. So, their finals record is not affected by them winning/losing against each other.
That DRIVES ME NUTS.
Nothing towards OP. I’ve just heard the sentiment for years and years now and it MAKES NO SENSE.
Instead of losing to Kobe in a hypothetical Finals, Duncan was “lucky” he instead lost to the Lakers BEFORE the Finals?!?!?!?
Kobe and Shaq (if they got along better theyd have at least 6 rings)
LeBron and Steph for sure
LeBron and Dan Gilbert; LeBron and Curry/KD
If Dan Gilbert was competent, LeBron likely stays in Cleveland for at least 20 years, and brings multiple titles before 2016.
If Curry and KD didn’t team up to take down LeBron, Cavs probably three-peat, or win a couple more in the next 3 years, and LeBron stays in Cleveland.
I don’t know if it would be enough to unanimously put him over Jordan, but it certainly helps his case. Dude is low key unlucky asf lol
Kobe and Duncan were never rivals. There wasn’t any real hate or storyline.
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Magic vs. Bird.
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Russell vs. Chamberlain.
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Jordan vs. Thomas. Piston vs. Bulls had real animosity. Jordan would’ve had 8 titles in a row if not for the Pistons.
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