A big thing was the longevity of them playing togther. Utah losing finals twice to Bulls tainted the legacy and to some extent exaggerated Jordans. We measure all by Jordan but Bill Russell is the truth here. 2 NCAA’s and 11 chips. Did that in an era where he was not idolized but called awful names by racist fans.
That said Stockton and Malone are a bit underrated but history is not kind those who sometimes lose. I think Lebron’s run to the finals is tainted by the fact he carried his team to some on his back but given his lack of likability to some we post him next to Jordan and see him not perfect. Thats ok, but the lack of respect for his accomplishments are a bit weird.
Especially that Jordan was a total ******* and vs the knicks anytime we touched him he got to the foul line. I respect the **** out of his game and what he has done but he was 10x the villain to us then Lebron ever was. LBJ came from HS with great fanfare and bravado never seen before. Not Jordan. ONly Magic Johnson came in like that but he was an NCAA champ and the Smile was so marketable in a time the NBA was struggling it was easy for them to do tilt that way.
Stockton and Malone were incredible duo. Karl Malone is still second to Abdul Jabbar on the all time scoring list. A lot of assists came from Stockton who also played a long time.
# 3 is Lebron James who is just about 1600 points away. He has played about 2 seasons less in games than Malone.
The Goat? Jabbar was not perfect but he has 6 rings in 20 seasons. Jordan’s 6 in 8 years makes him perfect but they were not consecutive as often thought. Jordan played 15 years.
Russell won 11 in 13 years playing.
Stockton and Malone deserve more praise than history has given. They were overshadowed by Jordan who destroyed anyone in the finals. That was earned and deservingly so! Nalod simply saying give others their do. Does not diminish Jordan by doing so.

I think the Wiz and Charlotte get in on the last 2. Charlotte is wayward without Hayward, but I feel like they have so much talent about to emerge. Boston is in a tough spot.

The West gotta be LA and GS. Not as much intrigue there, except for that first LA/GS play in game which should be entertaining.

Wait... it’s one and done? The Hornets season is over?