Assembling the Perfect Team
How do you build the perfect team? It’s one thing to choose the best player at each position on the floor, but this is a little different than simply ranking legends. Shooting? Size? Scoring? Defense? All of the above? Maybe there are many right answers to this question – but, maybe, this is the best answer. What do you think?
2024 Olympic Games Topps Now Card 26 – LeBron James Steph Curry Kevin Durant Triple Auto /1
All-Time Starting Five
In the backcourt, the first agonizing decision, but in the end, Steph Curry takes his place in the backcourt. While it feels almost impossible to leave Magic Johnson off this team, when taken as a whole, this unit needs Curry just a little more. While Magic is a superior passer, the sheer gravity that Curry creates with his shooting and off-ball movement makes him a beautiful fit with the rest of this group.
2024 Olympic Games Topps Now Card 27 Steph Curry
Steph Curry, PG
Player Stats
• most 3PM
• 42.6% 3PM
Career Accomplishments
• four-time champion
• two-time mvp
• 10-time all-star
What they said
• “I was super excited to be able to finally team up with him in a win-or-die type atmosphere.” – lebron james on playing with curry in 2024 olympics
Simply put, you make room for the GOAT. With Curry providing shooting and spacing, Jordan is free to do what he does: dominate. While Jordan shot only 32.7% from three for his career, in his two highest-volume years, Jordan converted on 42.7 and 37.4 percent of attempts from distance. And, sure, he’s the alpha dog, but his remarkable defense and, yes, playmaking (Jordan averaged over five assists per game) will also have him getting along with his teammates – when he needs to.
1993/94 Topps Finest #1 Michael Jordan Refractor
Michael Jordan, SG
Player Stats
• 30.1 ppg
• 49.7% FGM
Career accomplishments
• six-time champion
• five-time mvp
• six-time finals mvp
what they said
• “MJ is one of one. God level, unmatched, unparalleled, a pure master…” – Kevin Durant
The Chosen One has exceeded even the loftiest expectations that followed him since high school. The fact is, LeBron would have an absolute field day in this lineup. Known as the superstar who always makes the right play, his superlative passing ability makes this group impossible to defend.
2023/24 Topps Chrome Basketball Sapphire #23 LeBron James Gold Refractor /50
LeBron James, SF
Player stats
• most points scored
• fourth all-time assists
• 30th all-time rebounds
career accomplishments
• four-time champion
• four-time mvp
• 20-time nba all-star
what they said
• “Congratulations to LeBron on this incredible achievement. It’s a testament to his hard work, longevity, and his great skill.” – Jordan on Lebron becoming all-time leading scorer
This is where things get tricky. There are a lot of ways to build a team of legends, but at the end of the day, Durant’s shooting and scoring is prioritized slightly over the fundamentals of Tim Duncan, the vision of Larry Bird, and the athleticism of Garnett. A Stretch-Four-and-More, KD was unstoppable with Curry in Golden State, and provides even more space for MJ and LeBron to get to the rim at will.
2024 Topps Chrome U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Team Hopefuls 1984 Topps #84T-4 Kevin Durant Black Refractor /10
Kevin Durant, PF
Player stats
• eighth all-time scoring
• 50.1% FGM
career accomplishments
• two-time champion
• one-time mvp
• 14-time all-star
what they said
• “He’s just out of this world talent. I think he even goes even harder in practice, and when the game starts, it’s just routine for him.” – Lebron James
Yet another tough call, with bigs like Kareem, Wilt, Shaq, and Jokic all missing out. But, Hakeem Olajuwon is a perfect fit. A phenomenal rebounder and preposterous rim protector, Olajuwon’s athleticism and defensive instincts set the table for aggressive guarding from MJ and The King on the wing. The all-time leader in blocks, Olajuwon is also a fantastic offensive option in the post. A polished scorer with an unbelievable array of offensive moves.
2023/24 Topps Chrome Basketball #52 Hakeem Olajuwon Green Wave Refractor /65
Hakeem Olajuwon, C
Player info
• all-time blocks leader
• 11.1 rpg
career accomplishments
• two-time champion
• two-time finals mvp
• two-time defensive player of the year
what they said
• “If you ask Michael Jordan what one guy he ever feared, it was Hakeem Olajuwon.” – Robert horry
