Not that it will make any difference, but I have a quarrel with media commentators and sports writers that can’t get further back than 20-25 years when referring to the all-time best performers (individuals, teams, etc.). Comparison’s are basically wasted motion because of the distance between performances, but being the best there is, whenever it is, rates consideration.

I realize of course, that many of the media weren’t even born yet, but to not even be able to acknowledge someone who was considered the best of their time is a serious lack of respect. Football experts would tell you that Red Grange (U. of Illinois) was too small (175 lbs, 5’10”) and too slow to play today.

Maybe so, maybe no. With today’s training methods he would be 195 lbs. and would still have the built in radar that had people miss tackles regularly. The truth is, like many other “oldies but goodies” he was special. Just like George Herman (Babe) Ruth would be hitting the ball out of the park with regularity.

Obviously, no one knows what would happen for sure. Even the computer comparisons are made from data loaded in by humans. So why do I even bring it up?

Honoring the past and those who contributed greatly is the foundation from which we build the future. It gives us a solid place to stand to create our hopes, dreams and what was unthinkable “back in the day.”

As a backup to what I have just said here is my 1960’s NBA All-star team which would be the best in any other era. Here are my ten:

C Bill Russell 6’8” Boston Celtics
C Wilt Chamberlain 7’2’ Philadelphia, San Francisco, Los Angeles
PF Bob Pettit 6’8” St. Louis Hawks
PF Maurice Stokes 6’8” Cincinnati Royals
SF Elgin Baylor 6’5” Los Angeles Lakers
SF Paul Arizin 6’6” Philadelphia Warriors
G John Havlicek 6’5” Boston Celtics
G Oscar Robertson 6’5” Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks
G Jerry West 6’3” Los Angeles Lakers
G Lenny Wilkens 6’0” St. Louis Hawks, Seattle Supersonics

This team would score, but even more impressive would be their rebounding. Baylor, Havlicek and West would murder the three-point line. Robertson too but only if he got tired of making 15’ jump shots. In a follow up to this I will give you why I think this is the best team. I hope you have some fun with this.