Magic is my #1. He won 3 title in a four year span in three different leagues. High School, College and NBA. He also won the finals MVP as a rookie in the NBA. He was 🎩 🪄 🔮
Magic Johnson is hands down the greatest basketball player on the planet. Not only could he play every position, but he made everyone else better because of his court vision and passing ability. He was a great team leader, and always a gentleman off the court. No one else has done what Earvin has accomplished.
Hands down...Magic is the TRUE G.O.A.T. period!!!! A pure assassin who killed everyone with a huge smile. Mike hit the league in '84 and didn't meet Magic in the finals until '91 because he couldn't make it out the East to get to Magic his first seven seasons. Each team that eliminated Jordan's Bulls during that time was getting smoked by Magic's Showtime Lakers. And til this day....Magic is still the ONLY rookie in NBA history to be named finals MVP. He's "THAT DUDE"!!!!
I remember it like it was yesterday. The day he announced that he was going to have to retire from the NBA due to the HIV virus. It felt like a punch in the stomach. At that time it was a death sentence and you thought he would soon be dead. Although we were robbed of a portion of his career, we are still blessed with his personality and smile.
Every NBA player that played during that era and every other player since owes a huge thanks to Magic and Bird. I don't think the league is what it is today without them. They revived a dying league.
Magic came to watch my team that was a great moment promoting NBA. HE should be the all time greatest NBA player for all he has done. Not afraid to back up is faith. I loved K obe a nf Mike but Magic was about "Showtime"
@@marcconnelly5652 I was a Seattle SuperSonics fan. They could've won that series. They won game 1 at The Forum but remember the Sonics didn't have a home game. When they blew that 22 point lead in game 4 that was it
Magic was always my favorite player. I watched him play for the first time in 1980 when I was 7, I was mesmerized. There is only one Magic. Completely unique in what he offered the game of basketball. Bird said it best, “he’s the best I’ve ever seen.”
@@keithjoseph128 I can forgive that to a guard that replaces who is prolly the GOAT center of all time in a finals game, outperforms what he could have done and takes the chip home.
His place in history is monumental. No one before him was very comparable in this role - closest was a 6'5" Big O. Magic Johnson was both the blueprint AND the perfection of a point-playing forward at the same time. Great as they are, Luka Doncic or LeBron James can only wish they could be that great.
@@Michael-ii9fs I pretty much agree with you, although I mainly consider today´s NBA a different game with different rules (travelling all the time, no hand checking, no people in the paint, 3 point contest alternating slam dunk contest, no strong defenses, no team play, players free to receive the ball at any time, tons of athleticism, low IQ, etc.).
Magic gets moved down a couple spots on peoples list due to interruptions to his career!! Magic is the greatest point guard to play the game but was gifted to play all 5 positions no sweat!! I wonder what could have been if he never had to retire early
Magic ain’t a two way player, Every top ten player has made an All Defense Team but him. Magic never played both ends of the ball. Please tell me what Magic does better than Bron without saying passing, and some would even debate that.
It amazes me how so many people don't have Magic in the GOAT conversation. I have watched thousands of games from the 1950's until today's era in 2022. No player affected team-winning basketball more than Magic. He is definitely the GOAT to me! Jordan, Kareem, and LeBron also have great arguments for GOAT status too.
@@billmorrison9068 LeBron is the most talked player today, but he has two decades spanning career and 4 chips by team jumping. Bird got nearly (or more) accolades in a healthy career that was almost one fourth of Lebrons. Thats effectiveness. I dont have Lebron in my top 20 and I am not ashamed. To make the top 20 or top 50 in my book you need to have something that is not rated as a stat. You need to be a warrior. And please dont take this as an old grumpy head take. I have Steph Curry way above Lebron, but not as high as Magic. Because he is a franchise player and is tough as nails.
Magic Johnson is THE GOAT every place he played from High School to NBA he won legally not to mention in his first NBA championship (and season )he played all the positions and won! He's the GOAT!!!!
Magic was the reason why y started to play and watch basketball. The dude was one of the funnest players to watch but a pro and very competitive aswell.
Best point guard I ever saw play. Greatest leader on the court I ever saw play. Changed the way the game was played... Those Lakers teams of the 80s really introduced the current pace and tempo of today's game. Then, with Magic being 6'8"-6'9"; every team wanted a ball handler between 6'6" and 7' who could create for his teammates. Even now. If you have a guy between 6'6" and 7' with an extraordinary handle. High basketball 🏀 IQ. AMAZING COURT VISION AND PASSING. Make his teammates better. Guess what? He's going to be the first pick in the draft, every time. We have Magic to thank for that.
Magic was a rookie and lead his team to the NBA Finals. Even when LAL went back to the Finals in 91 in the post Riley & Kareem era with Worthy & Scott injured. Magic, Jordan, & Kareem top 3 no doubt.
@@mrhollister8520 do you think the lakers had two of the top 3 players of all time at the same time? How did they ever lose a playoff series? How did the rockets beat them in 86? That is crazy talk.
@@johnfruechte3265 I agree. El Captain & Magic are top 3 all time greats. However, that does not guarantee winning. LBJ and Wade were top 5 in 2010-2014 but they did not always secure the chip.
I'm not going to say he's the best ever or he's the goat, because that's when all the personal opinions come out. The majority of people can't deal with facts. So what I will say is that if I had first pick on any player past or present, I would pick Magic! I could list so many reasons why, but the bottom line is basketball is a team sport and Magic is the ultimate team player. That's right no ball hoggers on my team.
When u pick your greatest player.... ignore the opinions..... cause most fake fans think that their goat should be everybody's goat...... magic johnson is the greatest.... say it loud and proud
What people fail to mention but always bring up when talking about Larry Bird is that Magic was not overly athletic and could not jump but was a master at the dribble and using his body as a shield. He was the smartest and craftiest on the floor and led the NBA and steals 2 years in a row and was not 1st team All defense, unheard of, leading shot blocker and steals leader is the cornerstone of the 1st team all defense.
Magic Johnson lacked the athleticism that Michael Jordan had but he was more fun to watch because of his showtime passing and most of all his charisma.
John Dillon ...You don't have to be athletic to be a great player. Fundamental games win more beyond your imagination. Jordan also said that Earvin Johnson was the best point-guard ever. The former never played five positions in the NBA Finals. Furthermore, Magic was the ultimate floor General in Michigan State. After James Worthy left UNC, Jordan and the rest of the Tar Heels didn't win anything. The same results happened when Michael Jeffrey Jordan entered the NBA. From 1980 to 1991, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr. was NBA's complete and ultimate floor General, PERIOD!!!
Magic is top 5 player ever. You just have to watch the games. Last night I watched randomly Lakers@Clippers 1988-12-06, Magic 25 points and 21 assists and deciding the game. Another day in the office. Sean David, there is no way Stockton comes close to Magic, he did not dominate the game as Magic did, did not make buzzer beaters shots, did not make his team-mates as good as Magic did (had he done so, someone like Jeff Malone would have been much better in Utah, just to provide with an example), did not change the game as Magic did and had no such incredible respect and admiration from his peers. Stockton was phenomenal, but he was not even better than Isiah Thomas.
I truly believe Magic was not only the greatest point guard but the greatest basketball player of all time, he made unknowns known and good players great.
No way he is greater than Jordan, or Lebron...or Bird imo. He had a better team than Bird. If the Celtics had not been so banged up the last time they played the Lakers in the finals, they would be 2-2 head to head, and they would both have 4 chips
But Magic and Kareem played together for a decade. Arguably the best PG and the best C on the same team. IMO that harms both their chances of being named the GOAT. NB potential GOATs didn’t all play each other, so there can never be a GOAT. Maybe several GOTEs - Greatest Of Their Eras.
@@PhoenixAscending Lebron is not better than Magic...only for milennials and people who needs to promote current NBA. By the way Kareem did not win anything with the Lakers til Magic arrived. Those 5 rings in L.A. came along with Magic. Anyhow, each person has its favorites, I understand. To me, Lebron could have been top 5 had he remained in Cleveland and make the Cavaliers a winning dynasty, instead he left when he realized he could not win a championship there and moved to Miami to assure his ring with an already championship team. This removes him automatically from any conversation about the greatest players ever. Some of us still have and keep idealism and certain romanticism about the game and winning. It is not only about winning, it is also very important how the winning happens. And Lebron doesn´t score high in this regard. Cheers.
I have a different opinion but i have respect for your view, too few people give Magic the nod as the greatest. I always laugh when people say Kobe is the greatest Laker.
For me, the holy trinity of the NBA are: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. I find them almost untouchable, for all that they have brought to the league, both in playing quality and mentally as leaders, through the prism of will and skill to win in the end.
Thanks for the video! I think it's really tough to compare any player pre-Jordan in the GOAT conversation. Jordan pretty much defined the GOAT conversations that go on today. But you have to remember pre-Jordan / pre-expansion era, the winning teams were stacked to a select few: Sixers, Celtics, Lakers, then later Pistons. Even some of the playoff teams were really good like Milwaukee, Mavericks, Rockets with twin towers, etc. I remember NBC would try highlight a star matchup like "Bird vs Dr J" or "Magic vs Isiah" and it would be a non story as someone else on their team would end up with the hot hand. In Jordan's era, the term "duo" and "supporting cast" started being floated around. If the stars didn't drop 30 or 40, there really wasn't someone else that can take over on a consistent basis. That's when you can focus on being the best player while winning and he was the first to do that. But then you also had longevity issues with the pre-expansion players. Knee surgeries were primitive, physical therapy methods were ancient, and it was common to get fat during the offseason. Most don't know Magic had nagging knee issues and walked awkward placing the stress on his hips. Bird had back surgery. Isiah shot too much and tore his wrist. When it comes to that above, that's where Jordan separates from the pack. He didn't lose a title due to injury like all above.
Magic is definitely the 🐐in my opinion. High School & Middle School Champion, College Champion, Olympic Champion, 9 NBA Finals appearances in 12 years. This was during the toughest decade ever to win (1980’s) before the NBA expanded from 23 to 30 teams from 1989-2004, which reduced the strength and depths of teams. Imagine if he never got HIV. He could’ve played another 6-8 years and would have been to a few more finals and gotten another 1-2 rings. Smartest player and greatest team leader in NBA history.
I’m with you Sean on John Stockton. The guy is overlooked time and time again because he looks like he should be doing tax returns rather than controlling a basketball game. A bit like Tom Brady in the NFL, he bucks the trend for what a traditional flashy player at his position might be. Solid fundamentals, selfless and a clear head in those big moments
Best PG? No question it's Magic Johnson, and frankly, it's not close. In fact, I'm on the same page with John Salley and a few of the others. Magic was the greatest player of all time at any position. People get on him about not scoring enough, but that's only because the Lakers didn't need him to score, and when they DID need him to score, like in Game 6, he put up 42, at a non-natural position. You don't have to score 30 when you can score 20 and dish out 12 assists per game, and bring down close to 10 boards. Magic simply made everyone around him better in a way no other player ever has or likely ever will.
Magic has always been the greatest basketball player to ever play to me. I just wish fans could time travel and watch a game of his. These RUclips clips and highlights never do him justice. Everything seemed to always go right for him on the court.
I love this channel so much. As a kid that was little and thought these guys were awesome (and I'm busting my little ass to shoot 100 shots over the summer after 2nd grade when I was 8 years old and wasn't strong enough at the start of it to shoot a 10 ft. hoop - which I did by the end of that summer damnit) I still remember the legacy of these guys and then watching the Bulls become what they did. Even though I was a Cavs fan and LOVED Mark Price I still couldn't help but watch the Bulls every year too. What a great time in basketball.
Magic was Great! But my favorite point guard is Isaiah Thomas aka Zeke. He went through Jordan, Bird, and Magic in their primes to win championships...... He is the only one who can say that. I'm not a Pistons fan.. But i am a big fan of the underdog. His 23 points in one quarter of a finals game on one good ankle will forever be my all time favorite moment in NBA history.
As a kid growing up in Detroit our local paper talked about this kid in Lansing. Even put a color full spread photo out that I hung on my bedroom wall. Then he went to Mi State with J Vincent, won a national championship and then to the Lakers. Only time I didn't want him to win was against the Pistons in their championship season. Which he didn't win.
They beat the pistons the first year though. I'm sure you pulled against him in that finals series as well. The pistons got hosed, though. They should have 3 in a row. The foul call on Kareem's shot was a joke. The league wanted the Lakers to win
@@PhoenixAscending I have selective memory. I don't remember so therefore it didn't happen. J K. As a hockey fan 1st I remember something more about the much longer playoff run of the Wings than the Pistons. And easily remember the Lions BIG playoff.......walk or trip or whatever us CRAZY Lions fans should call it.
@@sparkyguitar0058 Haha ok, I got ya. Yeah those red wings were tough back in the day. Even in the 90's they were probably the best organization in hockey
My first and only arguing point when it comes to the Magic-Michael debate is this:: Magic would've been a HOFer at all five positions. That also made him the G.O.A.T.
You can choose the GOAT looking at the individual statistics and I get it. But you cant't really put the true value of the player only by his statistics. To me Magic is the GOAT. Thank you for all the joy you brought.
I'm glad, Sean, you mentioned John Stockton as being in the same exalted category with Magic as contender for best all-time point guard. Until now I've always felt alone in thinking the same thing.
People won't agree with me, but Magic was the best player of all time. He beat Bird twice, and until Bird injured his back Jordan could never reach the finals. The Magic that Jordan faced in the finals was not prime or peak Magic. That would be like claiming a player is greater than Jordan because the beat him when he was with the Wizards. No one could do everything like Magic, score, pass, rebound. Best court vision. Best facilitator. No one ever won the NCAA championship, and then won the NBA finals MVP as a rookie.
Magic was Lebron before Lebron. He was a superstar at age 14. Game six vs Philly was probably the best game played by a professional basketball player. He was unstoppable. He was schooling everyone on the court-Dr J, Moses, Daryl Dawkins and there rest of the 76ers did not stand a chance against him!!- And yes Every modern professional basketball player owes Larry Bird and Magic Johnson a little or a lot of their pay checks to them!!!
Magic was the complete NBA weapon on the hardwood in NBA history,he played all positions well with a very high basketball IQ,there has been great player's in the NBA,who are Hall of Famers or will be Hall of Famers,but there will never,ever be a 6 foot 9 do it all NBA basketball player like Earvin (Magic) Johnson in this lifetime .(Unless they unnaturally make something in a laboratory of artificial intelligence,Magic was a gifted, natural, extremely talented basketball playing human being with a big smile,he truly enjoyed playing basketball,he most definitely had the perfect personality for what to do with a basketball on the hardwood floors.
For some strange reason I always forget Magic in the discussion 🤷♂️ Maybe it's because I think of a point guard more as a silent worker, someone who leads without leading, someone who steps back, who orchestrates, who facilitates and let others do the spectacular stuff... But obviously he was damn f*#€ing good.
Magic is the best player ever for me. Or the second best behind Jordan. I don't have it defined. But without a doubt Magic is better than Lebron and Kareem.
It breaks my heart to think of Ben Simmons. He could be be Magic Johnson with defensive player of the year defense on top of all of that and he just doesn't want to put in the work. All I ever wanted to be as a kid was the next Magic Johnson. 4 hours a day after school every day on the basketball court. 8 hours a day every day on the weekend. From 8th grade to senior year of high school this was my life. SMH I wish God would give talent and opportunity to the people who want to actually do something with it.
PG-Magic, SG-Jordan, SF-James, PF-Bird, C-Kareem. I think that teams pretty hard to argue against. There's 1 guy I'm not sold on, but, if I took him off I'd get crushed, so whatever.
John Stockton is def underated because he lacks the aura or charisma/flashy plays, outspoken leadership qualities of Magic plus the chips but stats wise #1 in assists all time and steals all times. Not a pushover for sure.
I'm with Worthy, the way he said it early in vid. If I'm building a team, Magic is first pick. I mean, my thoughts are - your aren't picking for a pickup game for just the best talent (Jordan would seem the pick then) but who can an entire pro team and organization be built around? I just don't think I'd be down for Jordan's STYLE of teammate/'leader' if you can call his style leadership. Magic is better leader, motivator, presence and - everyone around him would be a better payer because of the way he plays, too. I think Magic makes for a better building block and all the while, has all the skills; and gave up points to spread them around to his team cause he could have scored all he wanted. I just don't think he is brought up enough in GOAT talk. But to me, it's too hard to say 1,2,3 - rather, I think in tiers because of nuances and other things so I instead group into tiers if too close to say absolute 1,2,3 rank I instead say tier 1: Bird, Magic, Jordan....
I was a Laker fan since Jerry and Elgin played. When Magic Johnson came into the league the energy just changed. Over the course of his career many great players had many great years but in my eyes he was my choice for MVP every year. He made every teammate a better player, he made showtime ballet.
I absolutely agree. You just have to watch the games and see Magic dominated the game in the 80´s as only Bird could. Jordan was behind these two in their prime. Unfortunately injuries in 1991 finals prevented from enjoying the real duel. To me Magic is top 5 ever with no doubt. Cheers.
As always brother I love the content. Magic has to be one of the starting 5 of the entire NBA based solely on the fact that he could start and dominate at any position on the court, I don't care what era!
I will also comment that I know you respect Pippen, as do I, but Magic liked Pippen! I think that says something. Could you imagine past the dream team and Magic's shortened career, in a dream scenario they were on a team together from 88 to idk 98 to use an easy reference!
Even if he's not the GOAT or greatest point guard of all time, he was the consummate performer and entertainer. He changed the game forever. A fair amount of the 100's of billions of dollars the NBA is worth this days can be attributed to the way he played the game....and that smile!
My man! Great video, as always. I've been waiting for this one. Thank you. But my dude, John Stockton!!!? Come on now. First, I will say that I am in no way, shape or form detracting from Stockton's skillset of Hall of Fame pedigree. I've watched ALOT of Johnny Stockton over the years. I grew up in the 80's in LA and am a die hard Lakers fan. Magic is 100% my boy. So yeah, bias. But there's truly 3 reasons why John Stockton will NEVER be in Magic's echelon. 1.) Stockton needed Malone to be great. As many people said in the video you posted, you can plug and play Magic with ANY roster and that team will immediately be better. You can't say that for Stockton. But if you need something more tangible and stats related, peep this: 2.) Magic is the all time assists leader in the NBA playoffs with a total of 2,346 assists in 190 playoff games, including Finals. Stockton is third with 1,839 assists in 182 playoff games, including Finals. That means that Stockton would have to average (AVERAGE!!!) 63 assists per game to catch Magic. Dude. That stat alone blows Stockton right out of the conversation for best PG ever. And finally: 3.) Rings, baby. At the end of the day, you have to beat the best to be the best and Johnny Stockton never could get over the hump. So these are the reasons that John Stockton will never be in the same category as Magic. Mag is the greatest PG ever. Hands down.
Magic is my greatest point guard ever. I have zeke second, and probably Stockton third. I have hard time ranking steph as a point guard, even though he is one of the best offensive guards ever. A score first point guard is a contradiction in terms to me.
I don't know why, Magic is NOT in "The Greatest Player" conversation. The NBA was Dead before, "Magic". He changed the way we pass. Up and Until this day players make, "Magic Passes" and don't know where they it hails. Magic could have had 60 pnts every game. The thing is, he didn't need too. Worthy... Karim... Scott...Green... there were so, many weapons on LA at the time.
Question can Michael Jordan play all five positions and play them well…magic did it in the finals and dropped 42 as the center.. knew how to play the game from day one it took Michael years to figure it out
When MJ filled in as point guard he did very well. Also, MJ developed a killer mid range post game later in his career and I think if he had been a few inches taller, then yeah absolutely MJ could have played all five…that said…I truly believe that Magics style of leadership was more effective for team morale and making his teammates better as a far superior passer.
Magic made EVERYONE on your team better. And installed a positive winning attitude. And made your franchise more marketable by a giant step for being so likeable. Definite GOAT candidate
Magic is my #1 of all time. You have Magic at the one, you can fill in two through five and they will win. I've never heard that story about the 1980s finals that Pat Riley shared, wow. he is the greatest.
![[#2024MAMA] ROSÉ (로제), Bruno Mars - APT. | Mnet 241122 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/dgGqD28J6aQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I agree, he’s not just the GOAT point guard, but I STRONGLY believe the he is the GOAT period!!!
My man Magic 🎩
Magic is my #1. He won 3 title in a four year span in three different leagues. High School, College and NBA. He also won the finals MVP as a rookie in the NBA. He was 🎩 🪄 🔮
And he lost some good years due to hiv
Absolutely!!!!
It's true, he was pretty allergic to losing.
Can't put him over MJ (or even Bird), but he's top 5-10.
@@Xenon-h9z Magic is my all-time #1 pick to start an NBA team. GOAT.
Magic Johnson is hands down the greatest basketball player on the planet. Not only could he play every position, but he made everyone else better because of his court vision and passing ability. He was a great team leader, and always a gentleman off the court. No one else has done what Earvin has accomplished.
💯
Hands down...Magic is the TRUE G.O.A.T. period!!!! A pure assassin who killed everyone with a huge smile. Mike hit the league in '84 and didn't meet Magic in the finals until '91 because he couldn't make it out the East to get to Magic his first seven seasons. Each team that eliminated Jordan's Bulls during that time was getting smoked by Magic's Showtime Lakers. And til this day....Magic is still the ONLY rookie in NBA history to be named finals MVP. He's "THAT DUDE"!!!!
I remember it like it was yesterday. The day he announced that he was going to have to retire from the NBA due to the HIV virus. It felt like a punch in the stomach. At that time it was a death sentence and you thought he would soon be dead. Although we were robbed of a portion of his career, we are still blessed with his personality and smile.
I cried when they made that announcement love live magic!!!!
being a kid when i heard that, not knowing about HiV back then, we thought Magic was going to die
In 1991 most people that got HIV was dead within 6 to 12 months
A HORRIBLE day. TERRIBLE!
Only day that topped Magic’s retirement was Kobe’s and Gigi’s helicopter crash. Sad sad sad
Every NBA player that played during that era and every other player since owes a huge thanks to Magic and Bird. I don't think the league is what it is today without them. They revived a dying league.
Magic came to watch my team that was a great moment promoting NBA. HE should be the all time greatest NBA player for all he has done. Not afraid to back up is faith. I loved K obe a nf Mike but Magic was about "Showtime"
I thought Magic and Bird ruined the NBA because it changed everything.it ruined Seattle's chance to go back to the finals and Boston became
A lot of the great teams broke up.like the Sun's and the spurs trading James Silas to Cleveland
Media myth.
@@marcconnelly5652 I was a Seattle SuperSonics fan. They could've won that series. They won game 1 at The Forum but remember the Sonics didn't have a home game. When they blew that 22 point lead in game 4 that was it
Magic was always my favorite player. I watched him play for the first time in 1980 when I was 7, I was mesmerized. There is only one Magic. Completely unique in what he offered the game of basketball. Bird said it best, “he’s the best I’ve ever seen.”
Magic is in the conversation for greatest of all time. He was that good and influential
If you ignore defense.
@@keithjoseph128 I can forgive that to a guard that replaces who is prolly the GOAT center of all time in a finals game, outperforms what he could have done and takes the chip home.
Best player of all time. Insane ball handling skills for someone 6'9". He elevated the play of everyone around him the second he entered the NBA.
His place in history is monumental. No one before him was very comparable in this role - closest was a 6'5" Big O. Magic Johnson was both the blueprint AND the perfection of a point-playing forward at the same time.
Great as they are, Luka Doncic or LeBron James can only wish they could be that great.
@@Michael-ii9fs
Yeah well said bro. Straight to the point.
@@Michael-ii9fs I pretty much agree with you, although I mainly consider today´s NBA a different game with different rules (travelling all the time, no hand checking, no people in the paint, 3 point contest alternating slam dunk contest, no strong defenses, no team play, players free to receive the ball at any time, tons of athleticism, low IQ, etc.).
Magic gets moved down a couple spots on peoples list due to interruptions to his career!! Magic is the greatest point guard to play the game but was gifted to play all 5 positions no sweat!! I wonder what could have been if he never had to retire early
Magic ain’t a two way player, Every top ten player has made an All Defense Team but him. Magic never played both ends of the ball. Please tell me what Magic does better than Bron without saying passing, and some would even debate that.
@@Michael-ii9fs nah bro... Magic was a PASSER who was groomed to score
It amazes me how so many people don't have Magic in the GOAT conversation. I have watched thousands of games from the 1950's until today's era in 2022. No player affected team-winning basketball more than Magic. He is definitely the GOAT to me! Jordan, Kareem, and LeBron also have great arguments for GOAT status too.
Lebron is maybe #5 all time behind Magic, MJ, Kareem and Bird, basketball's Mt. Rushmore.
Larry Bird has a better argument than LaBum
@@billmorrison9068 LeBron is the most talked player today, but he has two decades spanning career and 4 chips by team jumping. Bird got nearly (or more) accolades in a healthy career that was almost one fourth of Lebrons. Thats effectiveness. I dont have Lebron in my top 20 and I am not ashamed. To make the top 20 or top 50 in my book you need to have something that is not rated as a stat. You need to be a warrior. And please dont take this as an old grumpy head take. I have Steph Curry way above Lebron, but not as high as Magic. Because he is a franchise player and is tough as nails.
He's My Greatest Player of all Time! Period!
Magic Johnson is THE GOAT every place he played from High School to NBA he won legally not to mention in his first NBA championship (and season )he played all the positions and won! He's the GOAT!!!!
NO
@@bwink23 Blinkie....this guy fits the bill:
ruclips.net/video/qY3hNJ-DHNs/видео.html
😃
Magic was the reason why y started to play and watch basketball. The dude was one of the funnest players to watch but a pro and very competitive aswell.
Best point guard I ever saw play. Greatest leader on the court I ever saw play. Changed the way the game was played... Those Lakers teams of the 80s really introduced the current pace and tempo of today's game. Then, with Magic being 6'8"-6'9"; every team wanted a ball handler between 6'6" and 7' who could create for his teammates.
Even now. If you have a guy between 6'6" and 7' with an extraordinary handle. High basketball 🏀 IQ. AMAZING COURT VISION AND PASSING. Make his teammates better. Guess what? He's going to be the first pick in the draft, every time. We have Magic to thank for that.
Magic was a rookie and lead his team to the NBA Finals. Even when LAL went back to the Finals in 91 in the post Riley & Kareem era with Worthy & Scott injured. Magic, Jordan, & Kareem top 3 no doubt.
Kareem led them and was the best player in the world his rookie year, but Magic showed out Game 6
@@kingjames3949 Kareem’s peak is unrivaled
@@mrhollister8520 I’d put Wilt peak there
@@mrhollister8520 do you think the lakers had two of the top 3 players of all time at the same time? How did they ever lose a playoff series? How did the rockets beat them in 86?
That is crazy talk.
@@johnfruechte3265 I agree. El Captain & Magic are top 3 all time greats. However, that does not guarantee winning. LBJ and Wade were top 5 in 2010-2014 but they did not always secure the chip.
Magic and Bird saved the NBA in the 80's. Those 2 players along with DrJ made me love basketball.
THANK YOU!...FOR NOT FORGETTING THE IMMORTAL DR.J!!.....he ...to me...is the CAPSTONE!...of the modern game of basketball....
I'm not going to say he's the best ever or he's the goat, because that's when all the personal opinions come out. The majority of people can't deal with facts. So what I will say is that if I had first pick on any player past or present, I would pick Magic! I could list so many reasons why, but the bottom line is basketball is a team sport and Magic is the ultimate team player. That's right no ball hoggers on my team.
When u pick your greatest player.... ignore the opinions..... cause most fake fans think that their goat should be everybody's goat...... magic johnson is the greatest.... say it loud and proud
Magic is the 🐐 . He dominated the game during the best era of basketball.
True hoop heads know that Kareem is the arguably the NBA GOAT. But without doubt, the BASKETBALL GOAT. No one is more accomplished.
I've seen all of you fakers in other sports comments saying
M J' s the Goat
@@xxcrump2640 you are a lier, anybody that knows me will tell you that I never said mj was the goat. Never! I believe Pipen is a better player.
Greatest point guard of all time. Can play any position as well so ahead of his time
What people fail to mention but always bring up when talking about Larry Bird is that Magic was not overly athletic and could not jump but was
a master at the dribble and using his body as a shield. He was the smartest and craftiest on the floor and led the NBA and steals 2 years in a row
and was not 1st team All defense, unheard of, leading shot blocker and steals leader is the cornerstone of the 1st team all defense.
And couldn't guard any position.
Magic Johnson lacked the athleticism that Michael Jordan had but he was more fun to watch because of his showtime passing and most of all his charisma.
John Dillon ...You don't have to be athletic to be a great player. Fundamental games win more beyond your imagination. Jordan also said that Earvin Johnson was the best point-guard ever. The former never played five positions in the NBA Finals. Furthermore, Magic was the ultimate floor General in Michigan State. After James Worthy left UNC, Jordan and the rest of the Tar Heels didn't win anything. The same results happened when Michael Jeffrey Jordan entered the NBA. From 1980 to 1991, Earvin "Magic" Johnson, Jr. was NBA's complete and ultimate floor General, PERIOD!!!
@@brucescott4261
Did I say anything wrong about him?
Stop writing crap.
Magic Johnson was also a very athletic man.
The only difference is that Jordan jumped higher than Magic.
@@capitanfuturo594Booo!
😁😃😁
@@johndillon2463
?
Magic is top 5 player ever. You just have to watch the games. Last night I watched randomly Lakers@Clippers 1988-12-06, Magic 25 points and 21 assists and deciding the game. Another day in the office. Sean David, there is no way Stockton comes close to Magic, he did not dominate the game as Magic did, did not make buzzer beaters shots, did not make his team-mates as good as Magic did (had he done so, someone like Jeff Malone would have been much better in Utah, just to provide with an example), did not change the game as Magic did and had no such incredible respect and admiration from his peers. Stockton was phenomenal, but he was not even better than Isiah Thomas.
Agreed. Magic, Isiah,Stockton.Paul.
I truly believe Magic was not only the greatest point guard but the greatest basketball player of all time, he made unknowns known and good players great.
He is not the greatest or best player ever but yes the greatest and best point belongs to him
No way he is greater than Jordan, or Lebron...or Bird imo. He had a better team than Bird. If the Celtics had not been so banged up the last time they played the Lakers in the finals, they would be 2-2 head to head, and they would both have 4 chips
But Magic and Kareem played together for a decade.
Arguably the best PG and the best C on the same team.
IMO that harms both their chances of being named the GOAT.
NB potential GOATs didn’t all play each other, so there can never be a GOAT.
Maybe several GOTEs - Greatest Of Their Eras.
@@PhoenixAscending Lebron is not better than Magic...only for milennials and people who needs to promote current NBA. By the way Kareem did not win anything with the Lakers til Magic arrived. Those 5 rings in L.A. came along with Magic. Anyhow, each person has its favorites, I understand. To me, Lebron could have been top 5 had he remained in Cleveland and make the Cavaliers a winning dynasty, instead he left when he realized he could not win a championship there and moved to Miami to assure his ring with an already championship team. This removes him automatically from any conversation about the greatest players ever. Some of us still have and keep idealism and certain romanticism about the game and winning. It is not only about winning, it is also very important how the winning happens. And Lebron doesn´t score high in this regard. Cheers.
I have a different opinion but i have respect for your view, too few people give Magic the nod as the greatest. I always laugh when people say Kobe is the greatest Laker.
GOAT. He could do everything.
For me, the holy trinity of the NBA are: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. I find them almost untouchable, for all that they have brought to the league, both in playing quality and mentally as leaders, through the prism of will and skill to win in the end.
ain't nothing Holy about dem 3 NBA players, get off Spiritual and stic 2 physical.
@TIL IS 4 who profane?
My Mt. Rushmore is Magic, Jordan, Bird, Kareem. Backside is Kobe, Wilt, Russell, Olajuwon or Duncan
isiah thomas beat all 3
@@personofinterest4048 He was too much of a punkass to win a gold medal though
Magic has been my favorite basketball player of all time since I was a kid.
magic is the NBA overall best leader in the NBA all time and today he is still promotes the NBA like no other even ahead of Great Jordan,
Thanks for the video! I think it's really tough to compare any player pre-Jordan in the GOAT conversation. Jordan pretty much defined the GOAT conversations that go on today.
But you have to remember pre-Jordan / pre-expansion era, the winning teams were stacked to a select few: Sixers, Celtics, Lakers, then later Pistons. Even some of the playoff teams were really good like Milwaukee, Mavericks, Rockets with twin towers, etc. I remember NBC would try highlight a star matchup like "Bird vs Dr J" or "Magic vs Isiah" and it would be a non story as someone else on their team would end up with the hot hand.
In Jordan's era, the term "duo" and "supporting cast" started being floated around. If the stars didn't drop 30 or 40, there really wasn't someone else that can take over on a consistent basis. That's when you can focus on being the best player while winning and he was the first to do that.
But then you also had longevity issues with the pre-expansion players. Knee surgeries were primitive, physical therapy methods were ancient, and it was common to get fat during the offseason. Most don't know Magic had nagging knee issues and walked awkward placing the stress on his hips. Bird had back surgery. Isiah shot too much and tore his wrist.
When it comes to that above, that's where Jordan separates from the pack. He didn't lose a title due to injury like all above.
In the span of 4 years Magic Johnson was a high school state champ, an NCAA champ and an NBA finals champ and was MVP OF ALL THREE!
Dude this is definitely my favorite basketball channel. Congrats.
Magic is definitely the 🐐in my opinion.
High School & Middle School Champion, College Champion, Olympic Champion, 9 NBA Finals appearances in 12 years. This was during the toughest decade ever to win (1980’s) before the NBA expanded from 23 to 30 teams from 1989-2004, which reduced the strength and depths of teams.
Imagine if he never got HIV. He could’ve played another 6-8 years and would have been to a few more finals and gotten another 1-2 rings.
Smartest player and greatest team leader in NBA history.
My all time favorite player! Magic got me hooked on basketball!
Magic my all time favorite player! My Dad as well got me hooked on basketball.
I’m with you Sean on John Stockton. The guy is overlooked time and time again because he looks like he should be doing tax returns rather than controlling a basketball game. A bit like Tom Brady in the NFL, he bucks the trend for what a traditional flashy player at his position might be. Solid fundamentals, selfless and a clear head in those big moments
Facts!!!
Nice! BTM does it again! Thank you!
Best PG? No question it's Magic Johnson, and frankly, it's not close. In fact, I'm on the same page with John Salley and a few of the others. Magic was the greatest player of all time at any position. People get on him about not scoring enough, but that's only because the Lakers didn't need him to score, and when they DID need him to score, like in Game 6, he put up 42, at a non-natural position. You don't have to score 30 when you can score 20 and dish out 12 assists per game, and bring down close to 10 boards. Magic simply made everyone around him better in a way no other player ever has or likely ever will.
Magic has always been the greatest basketball player to ever play to me. I just wish fans could time travel and watch a game of his. These RUclips clips and highlights never do him justice. Everything seemed to always go right for him on the court.
He was reason why I start watching NBA,Showtime forever !
I love this channel so much. As a kid that was little and thought these guys were awesome (and I'm busting my little ass to shoot 100 shots over the summer after 2nd grade when I was 8 years old and wasn't strong enough at the start of it to shoot a 10 ft. hoop - which I did by the end of that summer damnit) I still remember the legacy of these guys and then watching the Bulls become what they did. Even though I was a Cavs fan and LOVED Mark Price I still couldn't help but watch the Bulls every year too. What a great time in basketball.
Magic was Great! But my favorite point guard is Isaiah Thomas aka Zeke. He went through Jordan, Bird, and Magic in their primes to win championships...... He is the only one who can say that. I'm not a Pistons fan.. But i am a big fan of the underdog. His 23 points in one quarter of a finals game on one good ankle will forever be my all time favorite moment in NBA history.
Even Earvin wanted to be Magic.
I always say I think larry bird was a better player than magic individually but magic had the better teams. They are both on the top for me.
This
Magic is the best most transformative basketball player I’ve ever seen.
Magic was the GOAT in my opinion because he was the best team player in a team game.
As a kid growing up in Detroit our local paper talked about this kid in Lansing. Even put a color full spread photo out that I hung on my bedroom wall. Then he went to Mi State with J Vincent, won a national championship and then to the Lakers. Only time I didn't want him to win was against the Pistons in their championship season. Which he didn't win.
They beat the pistons the first year though. I'm sure you pulled against him in that finals series as well. The pistons got hosed, though. They should have 3 in a row. The foul call on Kareem's shot was a joke. The league wanted the Lakers to win
@@PhoenixAscending I have selective memory. I don't remember so therefore it didn't happen. J K. As a hockey fan 1st I remember something more about the much longer playoff run of the Wings than the Pistons. And easily remember the Lions BIG playoff.......walk or trip or whatever us CRAZY Lions fans should call it.
@@sparkyguitar0058 Haha ok, I got ya. Yeah those red wings were tough back in the day. Even in the 90's they were probably the best organization in hockey
My first and only arguing point when it comes to the Magic-Michael debate is this::
Magic would've been a HOFer at all five positions. That also made him the G.O.A.T.
You can choose the GOAT looking at the individual statistics and I get it. But you cant't really put the true value of the player only by his statistics. To me Magic is the GOAT. Thank you for all the joy you brought.
Revolutionized the game, 6'9" point guard that played every position, no one else has ever done it. Greatest player of all time.
Enough said. Magic Johnson is the GOAT!
You gotta love his smile and his energy!!!!
🔥🔥🔥 keep grinding bro!
Magic is in my top 5, along with Jordan, Hakeem, Duncan, and Bird
I think magic is one of the nicest players,always smiling and positive attitude
Magic Johnson is the best of all time.
I still believe that if HIV didn't take him out early, he would have had a few more championships.
Well done once again Sean. Thank you!
Games back then had so much more flair and style. Today’s game in my opinion is slower and really lacking fluidity
Today's great young players like Luka Doncic, Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Josh Giddey kind of undermine your argument.
@@billmorrison9068 Who??
-the Troll
I'm glad, Sean, you mentioned John Stockton as being in the same exalted category with Magic as contender for best all-time point guard. Until now I've always felt alone in thinking the same thing.
People won't agree with me, but Magic was the best player of all time. He beat Bird twice, and until Bird injured his back Jordan could never reach the finals. The Magic that Jordan faced in the finals was not prime or peak Magic. That would be like claiming a player is greater than Jordan because the beat him when he was with the Wizards. No one could do everything like Magic, score, pass, rebound. Best court vision. Best facilitator. No one ever won the NCAA championship, and then won the NBA finals MVP as a rookie.
I agree that Magic's the best ever
Magic was Lebron before Lebron. He was a superstar at age 14. Game six vs Philly was probably the best game played by a professional basketball player. He was unstoppable. He was schooling everyone on the court-Dr J, Moses, Daryl Dawkins and there rest of the 76ers did not stand a chance against him!!-
And yes Every modern professional basketball player owes Larry Bird and Magic Johnson a little or a lot of their pay checks to them!!!
Lebron is nowhere near in the class of Magic Johnson.
Joe Gomez ...LeBron James wasn't born when Magic Johnson entered the NBA. Another LeBronite!
Magic was the complete NBA weapon on the hardwood in NBA history,he played all positions well with a very high basketball IQ,there has been great player's in the NBA,who are Hall of Famers or will be Hall of Famers,but there will never,ever be a 6 foot 9 do it all NBA basketball player like Earvin (Magic) Johnson in this lifetime .(Unless they unnaturally make something in a laboratory of artificial intelligence,Magic was a gifted, natural, extremely talented basketball playing human being with a big smile,he truly enjoyed playing basketball,he most definitely had the perfect personality for what to do with a basketball on the hardwood floors.
For some strange reason I always forget Magic in the discussion 🤷♂️
Maybe it's because I think of a point guard more as a silent worker, someone who leads without leading, someone who steps back, who orchestrates, who facilitates and let others do the spectacular stuff...
But obviously he was damn f*#€ing good.
Magic is the best player ever for me. Or the second best behind Jordan. I don't have it defined. But without a doubt Magic is better than Lebron and Kareem.
Thank you for saying what the young generation does not understand, its because of Magic and Bird that we now have the NBA popular all over the world
It breaks my heart to think of Ben Simmons. He could be be Magic Johnson with defensive player of the year defense on top of all of that and he just doesn't want to put in the work. All I ever wanted to be as a kid was the next Magic Johnson. 4 hours a day after school every day on the basketball court. 8 hours a day every day on the weekend. From 8th grade to senior year of high school this was my life. SMH I wish God would give talent and opportunity to the people who want to actually do something with it.
PG-Magic, SG-Jordan, SF-James, PF-Bird, C-Kareem. I think that teams pretty hard to argue against. There's 1 guy I'm not sold on, but, if I took him off I'd get crushed, so whatever.
John Stockton is def underated because he lacks the aura or charisma/flashy plays, outspoken leadership qualities of Magic plus the chips but stats wise #1 in assists all time and steals all times. Not a pushover for sure.
I'm with Worthy, the way he said it early in vid. If I'm building a team, Magic is first pick. I mean, my thoughts are - your aren't picking for a pickup game for just the best talent (Jordan would seem the pick then) but who can an entire pro team and organization be built around? I just don't think I'd be down for Jordan's STYLE of teammate/'leader' if you can call his style leadership. Magic is better leader, motivator, presence and - everyone around him would be a better payer because of the way he plays, too. I think Magic makes for a better building block and all the while, has all the skills; and gave up points to spread them around to his team cause he could have scored all he wanted. I just don't think he is brought up enough in GOAT talk. But to me, it's too hard to say 1,2,3 - rather, I think in tiers because of nuances and other things so I instead group into tiers if too close to say absolute 1,2,3 rank I instead say tier 1: Bird, Magic, Jordan....
I was a Laker fan since Jerry and Elgin played. When Magic Johnson came into the league the energy just changed. Over the course of his career many great players had many great years but in my eyes he was my choice for MVP every year. He made every teammate a better player, he made showtime ballet.
Magic Johnson was the Michael Jordan of all Magic Johnson’s
LOLLL
Mister T ...False! There weren't any Michael Jordan when Magic Johnson enter the NBA.
Magic is my 1st choice on any team!
"Always Showtime" is the best Magic docu
I don't think Magic gets enough love a winner on every level did every thing LeBron does and twice as clutch
I absolutely agree. You just have to watch the games and see Magic dominated the game in the 80´s as only Bird could. Jordan was behind these two in their prime. Unfortunately injuries in 1991 finals prevented from enjoying the real duel. To me Magic is top 5 ever with no doubt. Cheers.
Jordan loved Magic so much, he studied him and now he has a residency in Las Vegas with Chris Angel and David Coppered .
As always brother I love the content. Magic has to be one of the starting 5 of the entire NBA based solely on the fact that he could start and dominate at any position on the court, I don't care what era!
I will also comment that I know you respect Pippen, as do I, but Magic liked Pippen! I think that says something. Could you imagine past the dream team and Magic's shortened career, in a dream scenario they were on a team together from 88 to idk 98 to use an easy reference!
Lol dominate at any position 😂
Even if he's not the GOAT or greatest point guard of all time, he was the consummate performer and entertainer. He changed the game forever. A fair amount of the 100's of billions of dollars the NBA is worth this days can be attributed to the way he played the game....and that smile!
Magic [IS] THE BEST POINT GUARD TO EVER PLAY THE GAME!
Thanks for the video I love it
My favorite player ever! He loved to play. He was better than Bird, but Bird was greater.
My man! Great video, as always. I've been waiting for this one. Thank you. But my dude, John Stockton!!!? Come on now. First, I will say that I am in no way, shape or form detracting from Stockton's skillset of Hall of Fame pedigree. I've watched ALOT of Johnny Stockton over the years. I grew up in the 80's in LA and am a die hard Lakers fan. Magic is 100% my boy. So yeah, bias. But there's truly 3 reasons why John Stockton will NEVER be in Magic's echelon. 1.) Stockton needed Malone to be great. As many people said in the video you posted, you can plug and play Magic with ANY roster and that team will immediately be better. You can't say that for Stockton. But if you need something more tangible and stats related, peep this: 2.) Magic is the all time assists leader in the NBA playoffs with a total of 2,346 assists in 190 playoff games, including Finals. Stockton is third with 1,839 assists in 182 playoff games, including Finals. That means that Stockton would have to average (AVERAGE!!!) 63 assists per game to catch Magic. Dude. That stat alone blows Stockton right out of the conversation for best PG ever. And finally: 3.) Rings, baby. At the end of the day, you have to beat the best to be the best and Johnny Stockton never could get over the hump. So these are the reasons that John Stockton will never be in the same category as Magic. Mag is the greatest PG ever. Hands down.
Magic is my greatest point guard ever. I have zeke second, and probably Stockton third. I have hard time ranking steph as a point guard, even though he is one of the best offensive guards ever. A score first point guard is a contradiction in terms to me.
I don't know why, Magic is NOT in "The Greatest Player" conversation.
The NBA was Dead before, "Magic". He changed the way we pass. Up and Until this day players make, "Magic Passes" and don't know where they it hails.
Magic could have had 60 pnts every game. The thing is, he didn't need too.
Worthy... Karim... Scott...Green... there were so, many weapons on LA at the time.
My goat magic.
NBA+#32Magic=G.🐐A.T.
So glad you gave props to John Stockton as well. Well Done.
Agreed, it's Magic and the Stockton as best 2 team leaders
Magic and Bird made the NBA more popular in the US...Jordan took it global
Question can Michael Jordan play all five positions and play them well…magic did it in the finals and dropped 42 as the center.. knew how to play the game from day one it took Michael years to figure it out
When MJ filled in as point guard he did very well. Also, MJ developed a killer mid range post game later in his career and I think if he had been a few inches taller, then yeah absolutely MJ could have played all five…that said…I truly believe that Magics style of leadership was more effective for team morale and making his teammates better as a far superior passer.
@@ckyung1312 ...Jordan could not play five different positions.
Noone could play 1-5 like Magic could. Except maybe Jokic.
I'm from the same city as Magic, and went to the same high school as him (23 years after him). Magic will always be # 1.
Magic made EVERYONE on your team better. And installed a positive winning attitude. And made your franchise more marketable by a giant step for being so likeable. Definite GOAT candidate
Magic as his fan giving name tell us there is no second none
Magic was a true point guard and true leader. God has amazing plans for him and his family.
Magic is my #1 of all time. You have Magic at the one, you can fill in two through five and they will win.
I've never heard that story about the 1980s finals that Pat Riley shared, wow. he is the greatest.
Magic is the greatest of all time.
GOAT💡
Magic Johnson, hes a top 10 GOAT, #1 pg, and #1 MSU spartan baller of all time
Magic , Jordan,Bird,Duncan, Chamberlain.Magic goat point guard.
Magic Johnson said don't watch HBO special, he said they lie and he didn't approve of it.
it's full of made up crap...but still worth watching.
Magic is and will always be #1. He proved that by stepping in for Kareem and taking the Lakers to a 'chip.
Magic wanted to be Oscar
MJ wanted to be Magic
Kobe wanted to be MJ
LeBron broke the continuum because he believed the hype when he was young.
love magic johnson true legend
Magic-> #GOAT💪🏾