Stephen A. Smith reveals his top 5 NBA players of all time, excludes Steph Curry and Kobe Bryant
Superstars have appeared in the NBA on a regular basis. Some players have etched their names in the top echelons of the sport, even if we might not see many make the All-Star teams or the All-NBA.
They are rightfully regarded as some of the finest players in NBA history and serve as the foundation of the league’s continued expansion. The GOAT argument has long been a recurring topic in NBA coverage, despite several discussions coming and going.
LeBron James, according to some, has been the finest to ever do it, despite some people saying that Michael Jordan is the GOAT. Stephen A. Smith, a seasoned analyst, and host for ESPN, recently weighed in on the discussion.
.@stephenasmith's top five NBA players of all time 👀
Who's on your list? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/pQxK2KWD9T
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) July 7, 2022
Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan was first on the analyst’s GOAT list, then LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Bill Russell, and Magic Johnson.
Although Smith has long been outspoken about his appreciation for “His Airness,” it was encouraging to learn that the seasoned commentator ranked LeBron James, a forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, as the second-best player in the history of the sport.
The guys that came after LBJ wasn’t bad either, with Magic Johnson and maybe one of the most important point guards, Bill Russell, coming in after Lakers great and six-time NBA champion Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Although Smith’s top five selection is strong, there were several notable omissions, including Kobe Bryant, a five-time NBA champion. There is no doubting that the list analyst placed themselves up front in terms of records, abilities, and the ludicrous amount of individual successes they have had, even if a GOAT list is subjective and may vary from person to person.
LeBron James is at the peak of his game and continues to put up absurd numbers across the board, which is more astounding given that he is already on the list. Despite having 19 seasons under his belt, he is undoubtedly not finished.
Can LBJ add any more titles or accomplishments to his ever-growing list of honors? Who do you consider to be the GOAT?
Fans on social media were quick to question Stephen A Smith’s top 5 NBA players of all time. On Twitter, one wrote, “How is Kobe Bryant not on that list? Shocking exclusion” while another added, “Bill Russell over Steph Curry? You have gotta be kidding me. That’s just because of his NBA Championships.”
if lebron isn’t first it’s invalid
— 🦌 (@DameToGiannis) July 7, 2022
Laughable without Kobe on this list.
— JB (@John_Blizzard) July 7, 2022
https://twitter.com/jSpoutniikgames/status/1544835345400926209
Bill Russell number 4 pic.twitter.com/3eCKIFXTzc
— Jbra (@jbr22_2) July 7, 2022
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