I hate it when people say Lebron can pass like Magic, now I'm hearing that Ben Simmons is just as a good passer. I think people forget how good Magic was
Around 1986 Bird was being called the greatest and he said something pretty prophetic, "all I know is everyone forgets how great the older players were, the same thing will happen with me too" Lebron is not Magic but behind Bird, lebron I think is the best passing forward.
Based on what? Bird has made passes that I haven't seen before or since. I also think Bird's assist average is lower than reality, because there were so many no look touch passes he made to Mchale/Parish/Maxwell that the defense had no choice but to foul the receiver, They'd get 2 points but he wouldn't get the assist. Bird was incredibly ambidextrous, could make full court passes with either hand. I like Lebron and want him to continue to succeed, but as Chuck Daly said Bird isn't the best passing forward, he is the best passer period.
The best Passers I've ever seen, in my lifetime, are Rajon Rondo, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash. I never saw Bird and Magic live, but in just the highlights you can find on the internet it's quite obvious they were making passes nobody has ever seen before. But a textbook passer like Stockton averaging huge assists numbers and being the all time leader for his career. Idk what determines someone as the best passer, but I just watch the way Magic passes the ball and with such power and distance and accuracy. I'd have to say I think he's the best passer of all time.
Magic Johnson: "I discovered as a kid that the way to win was not to have a bunch of guys who could shoot 20-foot jump shots. What we’d do is get five average guys who could shoot layups. Then we’d pass-and win.”
So at 5:40 instead of hitting worthy, he decides Scott could use a basket. Like who does that. He passed the ball past an open teammate to a more open teammate. Magic Johnson was just on another level.
Magic Johnson was not only the greatest point guard ever, he was the greatest leader of any team sports. There is no team that he was ever on from high school to the dream team where it was not obvious that he was the leader. If you ask any laker that ever played with him, they sing his praises and would follow him gladly. People think that he was flashy, but his best attribute was that he was consistent. He made himself into a 90 percent ft shooter and a good outside shooter. He was consistent in everything he did, he was as consistent in making the routine plays as he was making the spectacular plays. He knew his own team's strengths and weaknesses as well as the oponents, and he knew exactly how to get the best out of each of his teammates.
there will never be another point guard with that combination of size and skill. if you ever saw magic play in person it was the most amazing thing seeing a guy that big with that kind of handle going full speed up and down the floor. lebron is the closest thing to magic but he does not have the flair and creativity magic had.
I'm thinking D'Angelo Russell will have exactly what you're saying he was the most skilled player in the draft and at 6'5 he's got the size too. Very creative with his passes as well the kid is going to be something great
Amahri Harper I agree with you. Russell is a great player. The Lakers made a good choice when they drafted Russell. Colby Bryant doesn't have that much longer to play in the NBA, so Russell was a good choice.
I'm a big basketball fan, as far back as I can remember I've been a Lakers fan, but I have to admit that watching this just now. Geez I can't think of a better pure passer than magic (obviously world class elite player with the triple doubles and the championships at every level), but WOW he just seemed to be playing chess when everyone else was playing checkers.
I laugh at the post on her that say's today's athletic players would feast on his passes.People have to think, if it was because of the "era" then why were the Lakers the only team the could do it? Teams tried to be a fast break team, but always failed.
Thanks for posting! Great footage of Magic and his creativity. His court vision and ball handling were simply amazing. Truly one of a very select few players that you didn't want to take your eyes off during a game for fear of missing a great play.
I loved to watch both Magic and Stockton play, it was a pleasure just to watch. The best? Why do I get to make that decision? It was art and I got to see it.
You are completely right. It's a sign of basketball knowledge to like passes more than dunk. Therefore I'm prefer basketball videos about Stockton, Magic, KJ and not the dunking shit of Blake Griffin. When I'm looking a (e.g.) Stockton video then my focus is on his defense and on his leading qualities.
Thanks for the upload-this is so much fun to watch. What a great player and creative passer. Such great court vision. Can you imagine trying to defend Magic at 6-9 pushing the ball up the court. People forget that Magic was a great dribbler and ball handler because of his passing skills. Magic and Bird truly brought passing to the NBA--where is it now? Oh yeah - on lockout.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Thanks for the video. My favorite basketball player of all time. I loved watching Magic's passes more than anyone hitting buckets or dunking balls.
Birds the best passing forward imo as far as creatively and playmaking. I know Lebron gets alot but he's running the offense like a PG usually so he passes more. However, Magic is the best passer ever, on all levels. Creatively, instinctually and volume-wise. Crazy playmaker. He's still the best ever at running the break.
KB King I think one glaring difference going the other way is all of the great game-winners, clutch moments and playoff moments Bird and Magic had vs. Lebron. Sure, he's more athletic but that doesn't make him better. If the money is on the table, I'm taking Bird, Magic or Jordan WAAAYYYY over Lebron any day.
I respect that opinion, but going by game winners, LeBron has proven himself to be clutch. I would take LeBron, Bird, Jordan, then Magic for my game winners in that order. All great players though.
KB King I appreciate you being respectful, that is refreshing for once unlike the name-caller type trolls normally on here. However, I'd have to challenge you on the clutch and game-winners. If you go on here and watch Bird, Magic and Jordan clutch moments, you will see a lot of them from those guys. To me, more than Lebron. Especially in the playoffs. If the chips are on the table, I'm still taking (no order) Bird, Magic and Jordan. Lebron's the man, no doubt but he has shutdown a few too many times in the midst of his career. I don't expect him at 35 or 36 to be taking over games as much in the fourth but for now, he needs to be delivering.
Thanks for posting! Man it takes me back but this has to be the sickest passer ever to play the game! I had to watch it twice just to see where the ball went!
What's especially noteworthy and instructive about Magic Johnson's passes and you really notice it in this video, is that he puts the pass in a perfect location (between the waist and the neck area) so that the teammate catching the pass is in a great position to make a shot without having to waste precious time reaching down or back for the ball, but can just shoot it just after catching the ball almost in one motion. And a lot of these passes were in a fast break setting where pinpointing the pass is much harder than in the half court game because in the fast break, you're on the move rather than just standing still, in general.
fellow Americans, I am Brazilian and simply the assistance that Magic Johnson was in court was surreal. Never saw any player with many skills and tricks up his sleeve. Congratulations Magic Johnson
Most the time I can see the open man when I watch a game, I know where the pass is going. It is crazy that in watching these clips, I don't see the open man half the time, but Magic does. I am 40, grew up on Magic (favorite player ever) and his greatest quality was that when he had a good game, everyone else had a great game.
Thanks for the video. Very rare footage -- great finds! Thanks for not recycling the same Magic highlights that are floating around from NBA TV and others. There were some truly great ones in here, but I still haven't seen anyone upload the highlight where Magic made a 50-foot softball-styled pass (under handed) at the Forum. Its probably because it was only a "Prime Ticket" game -- a home game that only a few were able to watch in '87 or sometime around then.
till this day i have never seen a pass of magic johnson so i never thought he was that great even though people said he was. but wow this guy was really amazing
Three things to consider about Magic's passing ability, this coming from somebody who never missed a Laker game in the 80's: 1. These aren't just a collection of his best highlights: this stuff happened (nearly) every game. In fact, Magic probably threaded the needle more than anyone else to Jamaal Wilkes, who is the recipient in this video only twice. 2. Magic was crazy blessed with guys who could fill the lane: Worthy is probably the best of all time at being a wing on a fast break. The Lakers could have drafted Dominique Wilkins instead of Worthy -- and then would have been fun, too -- but the pairing of those two made both better. But also: Wilkes, Cooper, Scott, etc. Oh, if Jerry West had gotten his way and drafted Larry Nance instead of Mike McGee. 3. If you think about it, you see every aspect of today's game heightened from what it was 30 years ago, which makes sense: the evolution of the athlete and the sport. Dunking, shooting, rebounding, defense, everything. Even a lot of Michael Jordan's ability gets put on display by some of today's players (and Kobe). But you still never seen anyone who passes like Magic.
And one other thing: it's not like have of these passes were mirrored by as many fails by Magic. He did not make flashy passes and then make bad ones. I never once -- EVER -- some him botch a fast break when the Lakers had the advantage. That said, when Pippen & Jordan rose to power, they were phenoms on the defensive end. Guys like that didn't exist when Magic reigned.
Great video. The guy is an amazing passer. Have to give his teammates credit as well for having good hands and being able to catch some of those rockets.
Magic was so good not just from his vision of where his teammates were, but also when the opposition was looking for the pass. I noticed many of these passes were thrown the moment his teammates' defender looks away. GPGOAT!
Great job fatal. People forget the assists that didn't happen because a player didn't finish or great defense prevented a finish. Some of the best passes in this collection are the ones that didn't become assists. I also like the video quality because it matches what was and probably implies you worked hard on this. Great stuff man, appreciate it.
Thanks for posting. So much fun to watch Magic play. Even though some of the shots were missed, the passes shown were amazing! Magic just saw angles and passing lanes that others didn't. It must have been so much fun to play on is team!!
I love all the great passers!! I study these videos, simply so I can fool my friends as I am one of the taller guys in the group, but can give them round the back passes and no-lookers. Magic Johnson is GOAT. Let's also remember the king of HORSE Pistol Pete maravich!! He invented so many modern moves!! And it's encouraging to see such art in modern day, I love the style of Nash, and younger stars such as Rubio and Rondo!!
As time progresses we get BETTER at athletics. Humans have gotten bigger, faster, and stronger in sports such as American football and basketball. This is why I hate when people try to say things like "oh, the good old days of basketball were better. players in today's league wouldn't make it." That's simply not true. Most players pre-90's would get crushed in today's NBA. That being said, Magic is incredible! This guy was way ahead of his time and never ceases to be undervalued.
That's cool, but Magic is my #1, couple reasons, who was the better rookie?: We all know of Magic's rookie year winning the Finals with no Kareem, but, add to that the fact that everyone knew in high school & college that Magic was gonna be extraordinary! Whereas MJ was gonna be good, maybe great. But he didn't have those same early on school-day expectations like Magic did. As far as Magic needing other talent around him to win, so did MJ. Which is why it took MJ 7 years to get to the Finals! Magic made his teammates better. As far as who had better talent around them, let's remember, when MJ left for play baseball, the Bulls still made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Whereas, when Magic retired, the Lakers barely made the playoffs, and were eliminated in the first round. The Lakers needed Magic more than the Bulls needed MJ. Lastly, just like Kobe & Shaq, MJ needed Phil Jackson in order to start winning championships, or, to just make The Finals. Magic could get to The Finals, and, win rings no matter who was coaching him.
Brian Dawkins How was Magic "soft" and not consistent shooter? Magic had a career average of .520 shooting from the floor and was very close to that percentage until he hit his later years. Same with rebounds and Magic nearly averaged a Triple Double for the 81-82 season. MJ is a great scorer, but Magic could dominate a game while scoring just 9 pts. -- How many times has MJ put up 40 or 50+ pts. but not get the "W"? MJ took an average of 23 FGA's for his career (Magic just 13), so when you put the ball up 23 times a night, you're going to score a lot as MJ did but he also led the NBA in FGA's 9 times. Shoot a lot, score a lot. Same with Kobe Bryant. Magic also led his team to an NBA title in his rookie year at age 20 and played all 5 positions and put up 42 pts., 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in the deciding game 6 on the road against the 76ers when KAJ had a bad ankle and didn't play. MJ took something like 7 years before getting a ring and didn't do so until Magic, Bird and other NBA legends were out of the league. Just personal preference, but I take the best all-around player if I'm building a team over the best-scoring player. I think most people that don't rate Magic that highly didn't see him play, at least not in early in his career. When are we going to see a 20-year old do what Magic did? Also, MJ is 4th or 5th on the all-time scoring list, so it's a stretch to call him the greatest scorer ever.
dayyum them bullet pass and the one bounce was was really impressive and i thought steve nash was the only one with them skills but the size just takes them by aw. no wonder he's magic lol.
My mom isn't much of a basketball fan but she always would talk about the passes magic made to his other teammates. I'm now seeing all the gameplay as I was too young to even see or remember
Greatest. Player. Ever. Jordan may have been the best individual player, but since basketball is a team sport, I'd have to say Magic is the greatest and the first person I'd pick if I ever could build a team. He could shoot, pass, defend, block... he did it all. And he made everyone around him better and was the true focal point of the entire team. I was fortunate enough to see him play and his skill was simply mystifying.
These passes are awesome. Magic was the master at squeezing in passes into very tight spaces. I'm surprised we don't see more point guards using Magic's patented one handed rocket passes. If the guy has the arm strength, all it takes is the defender turning his head for a split second to do some real damage.
Even if the player receiving the ball misses, theres defence all over the guy! And you could also so, offensively, it's an absolute perfect execution of offense to get it to the open guy ready to just pop it in! Magic Johnson
+smacksome101 I've seen many of head shots from magic, that newer teammates would get from majic's no look passes. You always had to be ready with him.
Every finger on my right hand has been broken playing hoops by turning around and the ball is already there. It hits your fingertip and that's it. Caught many passes with my face the same way.
If I'm building a team, I would pick Magic over LeBron, Jordan, Kobe or anyone else. Most that say they would take Jordan or LeBron didn't see Magic play. I've seen Magic dominate a game while taking just 8 or 9 shots from the floor. Who else goes "Coast to Coast" these days, or racks up "Triple Doubles" almost every night? Or has 20+ assists? Or has his vision and court smarts?
***** I would pick Hakeem over David in terms of a more complete player. Hakeem led his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks at one point in his career.
Not only the greatest passer ever, but I've never seen a better finisher or more effective post player. Greatest player ever not only as a winner but also for how he made everyone else on the court better and along with Bill Walton and Larry Bird changed how the game was played.
The amazing thing about Magic isn't the flair, but it's the way he reads where the defense is, what they're looking at, and if they're paying attention within a millisecond
Only one Magic Johnson,.........watching him run the floor is amazing and the passing ..sick .. had to rewind on a few to understand how he made the pass .. I can only imagine watching him real-time... no wonder they gave him the name " Magic"
Magic is my GOAT for this very reason. No one has lifted a team like him.
I hate it when people say Lebron can pass like Magic, now I'm hearing that Ben Simmons is just as a good passer. I think people forget how good Magic was
Lebron is more like Magic than he is Jordan but NO ONE can pass like Magic
Around 1986 Bird was being called the greatest and he said something pretty prophetic, "all I know is everyone forgets how great the older players were, the same thing will happen with me too" Lebron is not Magic but behind Bird, lebron I think is the best passing forward.
+Hussein Alhadi Sorry...Lebron is a better passer than Bird
Based on what? Bird has made passes that I haven't seen before or since. I also think Bird's assist average is lower than reality, because there were so many no look touch passes he made to Mchale/Parish/Maxwell that the defense had no choice but to foul the receiver, They'd get 2 points but he wouldn't get the assist. Bird was incredibly ambidextrous, could make full court passes with either hand. I like Lebron and want him to continue to succeed, but as Chuck Daly said Bird isn't the best passing forward, he is the best passer period.
The best Passers I've ever seen, in my lifetime, are Rajon Rondo, LeBron James, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash. I never saw Bird and Magic live, but in just the highlights you can find on the internet it's quite obvious they were making passes nobody has ever seen before. But a textbook passer like Stockton averaging huge assists numbers and being the all time leader for his career. Idk what determines someone as the best passer, but I just watch the way Magic passes the ball and with such power and distance and accuracy. I'd have to say I think he's the best passer of all time.
Magic was unbelievable, his court vision is unsurpassed, when's the next one?
Lebron ...
I don't care what anyone says. Magic would be the most fun teammate to play with. The guy is constantly looking for his open teammates. What a savant.
omieg89 you win games by yourself , you chapiinships as one unit
Magic Johnson: "I discovered as a kid that the way to win was not to have a bunch of guys who could shoot 20-foot jump shots. What we’d do is get five average guys who could shoot layups. Then we’d pass-and win.”
So at 5:40 instead of hitting worthy, he decides Scott could use a basket. Like who does that. He passed the ball past an open teammate to a more open teammate. Magic Johnson was just on another level.
My favorite player..greatest passer ever!!!!!!
There hasn't been a player after Magic that made me loose track of the ball. The best ever!
Greatest passer of the game. His awareness of the court and physical agility to perform such passing is unbeatable. And he had such charisma!
MAGIC, YOU ARE THE BEST,THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER
Magic Johnson was not only the greatest point guard ever, he was the greatest leader of any team sports. There is no team that he was ever on from high school to the dream team where it was not obvious that he was the leader. If you ask any laker that ever played with him, they sing his praises and would follow him gladly. People think that he was flashy, but his best attribute was that he was consistent. He made himself into a 90 percent ft shooter and a good outside shooter. He was consistent in everything he did, he was as consistent in making the routine plays as he was making the spectacular plays. He knew his own team's strengths and weaknesses as well as the oponents, and he knew exactly how to get the best out of each of his teammates.
there will never be another point guard with that combination of size and skill.
if you ever saw magic play in person it was the most amazing thing seeing a guy that
big with that kind of handle going full speed up and down the floor.
lebron is the closest thing to magic but he does not have the flair and creativity magic had.
duck dong really?? LeBron just has muscle and jumping ability thats all
duck dong Stephen Curry is a great passer too.
***** I know but I just wanted to mention that Stephen is a great passer too.
I'm thinking D'Angelo Russell will have exactly what you're saying he was the most skilled player in the draft and at 6'5 he's got the size too. Very creative with his passes as well the kid is going to be something great
Amahri Harper I agree with you. Russell is a great player. The Lakers made a good choice when they drafted Russell. Colby Bryant doesn't have that much longer to play in the NBA, so Russell was a good choice.
wow no one will be passing as good as this ever...1st Magic 2nd. Bird 3rd. Stockton
not only did he have the sickest vision, he excecuted so well, all those passes go straight to the chest!! wow.
I'm a big basketball fan, as far back as I can remember I've been a Lakers fan, but I have to admit that watching this just now. Geez I can't think of a better pure passer than magic (obviously world class elite player with the triple doubles and the championships at every level), but WOW he just seemed to be playing chess when everyone else was playing checkers.
This is magic . Pure magic look how he throws the ball like a pitcher and doing it while running full speed . Unbeliveable
I laugh at the post on her that say's today's athletic players would feast on his passes.People have to think, if it was because of the "era" then why were the Lakers the only team the could do it? Teams tried to be a fast break team, but always failed.
Thanks for posting! Great footage of Magic and his creativity. His court vision and ball handling were simply amazing. Truly one of a very select few players that you didn't want to take your eyes off during a game for fear of missing a great play.
MAGIC JOHNSON, THE SMARTEST BASKETBALL PLAYER,PERIOD.THE NAME SAYS IT ALL."MAGIC "
Best passer ever, he can do everything. What an athlete.
Magic Johnson made my childhood be much better!
Thx Johnson!
that pass at 3:17 has got to be top 3 for me all-time. To have that kind of balance and awareness the man played the PG position to perfection.
I loved to watch both Magic and Stockton play, it was a pleasure just to watch. The best? Why do I get to make that decision? It was art and I got to see it.
This is a ridiculously well made video. Hats off to you. I am very happy to find this.
If you ask me, Magic and Bird were more entertaining to watch than Jordan. Those amazing passes were just so much more exciting to watch than dunks.
You are completely right. It's a sign of basketball knowledge to like passes more than dunk. Therefore I'm prefer basketball videos about Stockton, Magic, KJ and not the dunking shit of Blake Griffin. When I'm looking a (e.g.) Stockton video then my focus is on his defense and on his leading qualities.
Totally agree with you i prefer Larry Legend and Magic Johnson than MJ.
***** Ok ***** calm down, he didn't say that Jordan only could dunk he just said EJ passes > MJ's dunks. I agree with him but whatever.
Thanks for the upload-this is so much fun to watch. What a great player and creative passer. Such great court vision. Can you imagine trying to defend Magic at 6-9 pushing the ball up the court. People forget that Magic was a great dribbler and ball handler because of his passing skills. Magic and Bird truly brought passing to the NBA--where is it now? Oh yeah - on lockout.
Thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Thanks for the video. My favorite basketball player of all time. I loved watching Magic's passes more than anyone hitting buckets or dunking balls.
OMG This was so AMAZING!
Birds the best passing forward imo as far as creatively and playmaking. I know Lebron gets alot but he's running the offense like a PG usually so he passes more. However, Magic is the best passer ever, on all levels. Creatively, instinctually and volume-wise. Crazy playmaker. He's still the best ever at running the break.
LeBron actually played PG in the NBA both extremely well rounded players with only one GLARING difference (athleticism)
KB King I think one glaring difference going the other way is all of the great game-winners, clutch moments and playoff moments Bird and Magic had vs. Lebron. Sure, he's more athletic but that doesn't make him better. If the money is on the table, I'm taking Bird, Magic or Jordan WAAAYYYY over Lebron any day.
I respect that opinion, but going by game winners, LeBron has proven himself to be clutch. I would take LeBron, Bird, Jordan, then Magic for my game winners in that order. All great players though.
KB King I appreciate you being respectful, that is refreshing for once unlike the name-caller type trolls normally on here. However, I'd have to challenge you on the clutch and game-winners. If you go on here and watch Bird, Magic and Jordan clutch moments, you will see a lot of them from those guys. To me, more than Lebron. Especially in the playoffs. If the chips are on the table, I'm still taking (no order) Bird, Magic and Jordan. Lebron's the man, no doubt but he has shutdown a few too many times in the midst of his career. I don't expect him at 35 or 36 to be taking over games as much in the fourth but for now, he needs to be delivering.
I can agree with that CLewey44
Thanks for posting! Man it takes me back but this has to be the sickest passer ever to play the game! I had to watch it twice just to see where the ball went!
since the day i was born .. I really, certainly, absolutely enjoy watching magic , bird , kareem , wow wow wow >> Tariq from yemen .
What's especially noteworthy and instructive about Magic Johnson's passes and you really notice it in this video, is that he puts the pass in a perfect location (between the waist and the neck area) so that the teammate catching the pass is in a great position to make a shot without having to waste precious time reaching down or back for the ball, but can just shoot it just after catching the ball almost in one motion. And a lot of these passes were in a fast break setting where pinpointing the pass is much harder than in the half court game because in the fast break, you're on the move rather than just standing still, in general.
fellow Americans, I am Brazilian and simply the assistance that Magic Johnson was in court was surreal. Never saw any player with many skills and tricks up his sleeve. Congratulations Magic Johnson
Incredible magic Johnson was incredible love watching him play showtime was alot of fun to watch so great to be young back in those days
Man!!! Showtime!! Magic is one of a kind!! I love that type of basketball.
Magic really put some force into those passes, pure brilliant too.
best passer ever, not even a debate. one probably most exciting player to watch, what a fastbreak it was, magic to worthy in fashion
Most the time I can see the open man when I watch a game, I know where the pass is going. It is crazy that in watching these clips, I don't see the open man half the time, but Magic does. I am 40, grew up on Magic (favorite player ever) and his greatest quality was that when he had a good game, everyone else had a great game.
@krove I, too, get "tears of joy" from watching Magic! I'm GLAD I grew up during the '80s!
that one-handed whip pass is definitely my favorite pass of all time, I use it all the time on fast breaks. thanks to Magic
The best EVER!!! no one can surpass the MAGIC MAN!
Dude has ridiculous passing skill
dude is best passer in nba history mate
I almost read your comment wrong
Magic and Jason Williams are my fav passers ENTERTAINING-wise.
@ 2:51 You gotta be effin' kidding me!!! There will never, ever be another Magic Johnson, remarkable player.
Thanks for the video. Very rare footage -- great finds! Thanks for not recycling the same Magic highlights that are floating around from NBA TV and others.
There were some truly great ones in here, but I still haven't seen anyone upload the highlight where Magic made a 50-foot softball-styled pass (under handed) at the Forum.
Its probably because it was only a "Prime Ticket" game -- a home game that only a few were able to watch in '87 or sometime around then.
Still blows my mind watching these
till this day i have never seen a pass of magic johnson so i never thought he was that great even though people said he was. but wow this guy was really amazing
Even as a kid, I would get all jazzed up hearing Chick say "It's showtime!". Man I miss those days.
Great passer and such a brilliant player
I guess you can say "power passer?" He just hurls the ball light years away to where it needs to be. Right on time, right on target. Astounding!
He could thread a needle like a seamstress.
Phillip Fitchew Go troll else where
Three things to consider about Magic's passing ability, this coming from somebody who never missed a Laker game in the 80's:
1. These aren't just a collection of his best highlights: this stuff happened (nearly) every game. In fact, Magic probably threaded the needle more than anyone else to Jamaal Wilkes, who is the recipient in this video only twice.
2. Magic was crazy blessed with guys who could fill the lane: Worthy is probably the best of all time at being a wing on a fast break. The Lakers could have drafted Dominique Wilkins instead of Worthy -- and then would have been fun, too -- but the pairing of those two made both better. But also: Wilkes, Cooper, Scott, etc. Oh, if Jerry West had gotten his way and drafted Larry Nance instead of Mike McGee.
3. If you think about it, you see every aspect of today's game heightened from what it was 30 years ago, which makes sense: the evolution of the athlete and the sport. Dunking, shooting, rebounding, defense, everything. Even a lot of Michael Jordan's ability gets put on display by some of today's players (and Kobe). But you still never seen anyone who passes like Magic.
And one other thing: it's not like have of these passes were mirrored by as many fails by Magic. He did not make flashy passes and then make bad ones. I never once -- EVER -- some him botch a fast break when the Lakers had the advantage. That said, when Pippen & Jordan rose to power, they were phenoms on the defensive end. Guys like that didn't exist when Magic reigned.
Great video. The guy is an amazing passer. Have to give his teammates credit as well for having good hands and being able to catch some of those rockets.
Magic was so good not just from his vision of where his teammates were, but also when the opposition was looking for the pass. I noticed many of these passes were thrown the moment his teammates' defender looks away. GPGOAT!
Great job fatal. People forget the assists that didn't happen because a player didn't finish or great defense prevented a finish. Some of the best passes in this collection are the ones that didn't become assists. I also like the video quality because it matches what was and probably implies you worked hard on this. Great stuff man, appreciate it.
For me Magic is the best player of all time!! nobody does those magic moves like he did...
Magic was sooo good. Loved the Lakers fast breaks..
you really make great videos! this one and the one with john stockton keep it up!
smh,i truly don't think people really comprehend just how amazeing magic really was
Magic made passing an art form. he made it cool to do long bounce passes.
It's kinda cool that many of these plays are on the road and the road crowd oohs and aaahs. Ah, EVERYBODY loved Showtime.
Thanks for posting. So much fun to watch Magic play. Even though some of the shots were missed, the passes shown were amazing! Magic just saw angles and passing lanes that others didn't. It must have been so much fun to play on is team!!
amazing player man.. i've never seen passing like that in todays game
It's been 3 days. I see you're still thinking about me. I'm touched.
great vid.
MAGIC Johnson.
These are the kind of passes that are fun to watch
I love all the great passers!! I study these videos, simply so I can fool my friends as I am one of the taller guys in the group, but can give them round the back passes and no-lookers. Magic Johnson is GOAT. Let's also remember the king of HORSE Pistol Pete maravich!! He invented so many modern moves!! And it's encouraging to see such art in modern day, I love the style of Nash, and younger stars such as Rubio and Rondo!!
As time progresses we get BETTER at athletics. Humans have gotten bigger, faster, and stronger in sports such as American football and basketball. This is why I hate when people try to say things like "oh, the good old days of basketball were better. players in today's league wouldn't make it." That's simply not true. Most players pre-90's would get crushed in today's NBA.
That being said, Magic is incredible! This guy was way ahead of his time and never ceases to be undervalued.
Great video. This is why I'll always take magic first on a fantasy squad. You can put Magic with scrubs, I bet you they'll run you.
beautiful to watch!
To be a forward and play with Magic. Just run the floor and instant points for u. Must have been so great playing with him.
God I miss this kind of basketball in the NBA. The 80's- early 90's was the apex of the sport.
Unbelievably gifted player. I put him right behind MJ at #2 all time
No way man, it's close, but all around, Magic was better than MJ
TiltBrook Magic was soft and not a consistent shooter, MJ's a 5 time MVP and the greatest scorer ever. Come on 2 is perfect for Magic
Exactly I put him as my number 2 behind jordan He is top 5 at the least
That's cool, but Magic is my #1, couple reasons, who was the better rookie?: We all know of Magic's rookie year winning the Finals with no Kareem, but, add to that the fact that everyone knew in high school & college that Magic was gonna be extraordinary! Whereas MJ was gonna be good, maybe great. But he didn't have those same early on school-day expectations like Magic did.
As far as Magic needing other talent around him to win, so did MJ. Which is why it took MJ 7 years to get to the Finals! Magic made his teammates better. As far as who had better talent around them, let's remember, when MJ left for play baseball, the Bulls still made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. Whereas, when Magic retired, the Lakers barely made the playoffs, and were eliminated in the first round. The Lakers needed Magic more than the Bulls needed MJ. Lastly, just like Kobe & Shaq, MJ needed Phil Jackson in order to start winning championships, or, to just make The Finals. Magic could get to The Finals, and, win rings no matter who was coaching him.
Brian Dawkins
How was Magic "soft" and not consistent shooter?
Magic had a career average of .520 shooting from the floor and was very close to that percentage until he hit his later years.
Same with rebounds and Magic nearly averaged a Triple Double for the 81-82 season.
MJ is a great scorer, but Magic could dominate a game while scoring just 9 pts. -- How many times has MJ put up 40 or 50+ pts. but not get the "W"?
MJ took an average of 23 FGA's for his career (Magic just 13), so when you put the ball up 23 times a night, you're going to score a lot as MJ did but he also led the NBA in FGA's 9 times. Shoot a lot, score a lot.
Same with Kobe Bryant.
Magic also led his team to an NBA title in his rookie year at age 20 and played all 5 positions and put up 42 pts., 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in the deciding game 6 on the road against the 76ers when KAJ had a bad ankle and didn't play.
MJ took something like 7 years before getting a ring and didn't do so until Magic, Bird and other NBA legends were out of the league.
Just personal preference, but I take the best all-around player if I'm building a team over the best-scoring player.
I think most people that don't rate Magic that highly didn't see him play, at least not in early in his career. When are we going to see a 20-year old do what Magic did?
Also, MJ is 4th or 5th on the all-time scoring list, so it's a stretch to call him the greatest scorer ever.
I badly need a replay.
This was way too short. I was just getting into it when it ended. Awesome.
dayyum them bullet pass and the one bounce was was really impressive and i thought steve nash was the only one with them skills but the size just takes them by aw. no wonder he's magic lol.
Lot of good footage here man nice video!
My mom isn't much of a basketball fan but she always would talk about the passes magic made to his other teammates. I'm now seeing all the gameplay as I was too young to even see or remember
Greatest. Player. Ever. Jordan may have been the best individual player, but since basketball is a team sport, I'd have to say Magic is the greatest and the first person I'd pick if I ever could build a team. He could shoot, pass, defend, block... he did it all. And he made everyone around him better and was the true focal point of the entire team. I was fortunate enough to see him play and his skill was simply mystifying.
These passes are awesome. Magic was the master at squeezing in passes into very tight spaces. I'm surprised we don't see more point guards using Magic's patented one handed rocket passes. If the guy has the arm strength, all it takes is the defender turning his head for a split second to do some real damage.
Even if the player receiving the ball misses, theres defence all over the guy! And you could also so, offensively, it's an absolute perfect execution of offense to get it to the open guy ready to just pop it in! Magic Johnson
Very entertaining to watch!
He puts heat on those passes im surprised they caught them. Shit looks like it can break your fingers
+smacksome101 Worthy and Wilkes had some great hands.
+smacksome101 I've seen many of head shots from magic, that newer teammates would get from majic's no look passes. You always had to be ready with him.
Every finger on my right hand has been broken playing hoops by turning around and the ball is already there. It hits your fingertip and that's it.
Caught many passes with my face the same way.
+phpeters87 Do you have big hands? I have 10 inch hands, never really had a problem catching the ball that's thrown full speed.
You learn eventually to expect the ball at all times haha
Amazing!
man this was fun to watch
3:20 that was one of my favorite Magic Johnson passes of all time.
If I'm building a team, I would pick Magic over LeBron, Jordan, Kobe or anyone else.
Most that say they would take Jordan or LeBron didn't see Magic play.
I've seen Magic dominate a game while taking just 8 or 9 shots from the floor.
Who else goes "Coast to Coast" these days, or racks up "Triple Doubles" almost every night? Or has 20+ assists? Or has his vision and court smarts?
***** I would pick Hakeem over David in terms of a more complete player. Hakeem led his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks at one point in his career.
***** i didnt realize that they were so close in terms of stats. Thats really weird
+phpeters87 I've seen Lebron score 45 while only taking 16 shots plus had 15 rebounds and 7 assists lol
+Ashok Hegde PER is absolutely a fair rating. Jordan and Lebron are both way better than Magic
its a made up stat, like WAR. it's meaningless
magic to worthy is sweet!
Not only the greatest passer ever, but I've never seen a better finisher or more effective post player. Greatest player ever not only as a winner but also for how he made everyone else on the court better and along with Bill Walton and Larry Bird changed how the game was played.
The amazing thing about Magic isn't the flair, but it's the way he reads where the defense is, what they're looking at, and if they're paying attention within a millisecond
fantastic
great insight....
Magic was the man. The guy could have scored 40 every night if he wanted, but he knew winning and running the show was most important. Amazing player.
I think magic is an understatement to describe Ervin Johnson's passing skills
I know that. Magic, Bird, MJ, Shaq, and Kobe are my all-time favorite players.
Does anyone else want to be able to pass like that. I love his running bounce pass.
Only one Magic Johnson,.........watching him run the floor is amazing and the passing ..sick .. had to rewind on a few to understand how he made the pass .. I can only imagine watching him real-time... no wonder they gave him the name " Magic"
Magic Johnson would've been the best QB the NFL would've ever seen. I'm convinced his entire head was a cleverly disguised eye w/ perfect vision.
No doubt the greatest passer of all-time... And IMO Magic has a case for being the GOAT.
insane. every young player should watch his skills and teamwork. the best.
WOW he is so good!!!!!
So rare and refreshing to see a basketball highlight video on RUclips that doesn't have some stupid hip-hop song in the background.