NBA Monarchy of Greatness: All-Time Greats (Part II)

As we continue our story, the Motor City Barbarians rumble through the NBA's courtside for two straight years, annihilating anyone who opposed them. However, no matter how many times they would knock down this next Great figure, he would still come back, stronger, wiser and more resolved. Finally, things would change in 1991...

VIII- 1988-93 & 1996: His Royal Airness Lord Michael of Chicago (Chicago Skywalker)
Challengers: Magic Johnson, Hakeem Olajuwon, Clyde Drexler, Charles Barkley, Patrick Ewing

Soaring above his Kingdom like no other King before or since, this young Skywalker defied the traditional way to rule the Basketball Universe with his variety of Aerial Attacks against all comers. His Airness' first reign was a March through the NBA that showed no mercy. First, His Airness along with Elder Philip and Pippen the Versatile conquered the Motor City Barbarians and sent them home like dogs with tails between their legs. On his Path to the Promise, Lord Michael dethroned Earvin the Great Magician once and for all to take his rightful place in the Basketball Castle. Lord Michael would also torch the likes of Sir Clyde of Portland and Sir Charles of Phoenix while capturing numerous MVP and Scoring Crowns to add to his illustrious Trophy Case of Greatness. Lord Michael of Chicago dominated with Jedi like athleticism and efficiency, something that amazed the Basketball Kingdom. His Army was Bullish as the Windy City Kingdom ran roughshod across the Basketball Countryside, conquering villages big and small. It would seem like the Windy City Reign would last forever, but suddenly His Airness abruptly relinquished his Crown in 1993 to explore the far away lands of Major League Baseball. The throne was vacant until...

IX- 1994-96: Prince Hakeem of Houston "The Dream King"

Challengers: Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, Karl Malone

At just the age of 23, young Prince Hakeem (Akeem at the time) would show that he was destined for greatness right away. The silent assassin would lead his Rocket Army into battle against the Celts Emerald Kingdom, but Larry the Legendary and his knights were at the peak of their powers as they obliterated the young Nigerian Warrior and his troops. As Prince Hakeem recharged in the lowlands of Texas, he witnessed his contemporary Lord Michael Jeffrey of Chicago supplant him as the heir apparent to Magic and Bird. However, the Chicago Skywalker would explore new lands after conquering the Land of Basketball for the third straight year. Without making a sound, Prince Hakeem would seize the Basketball Throne as his Dream became a reality. Prince Hakeem the Dream King conquered International rival St. Patrick Ewing of Jamaica as the Rockets of Houston defeated the Knicks of Yorkshire. This was Hakeem's revenge for their encounter in the Land of the NCAA in 1984. Along the way, the Dream King would capture the NBA MVP and second straight Defensive Player of the Year while winning his first Finals MVP Award. The Dream King finally brought the Basketball Crown to the Land of Houston, Texas. The Rockets of Houston would refuel after a slow start by reuniting Prince Hakeem with his fellow College soldier Clyde the Glide Drexler from their Phi Slamma Jamma days. The Dream King would conquer the likes of Sir Charles of Phoenix, Sir Karl Malone and Sir John Stockton of Utah and MVP David the Admiral of San Antonio on his way to another Battle in the Finals. In the Finals, Prince Hakeem would conquer Shaquilla The Hun of Orlando as the Rocket Army would conquer the Magic Army of Orlando. The Dream King would rule with his mighty sword over the Basketball World for two full Seasons...

1996-'98: Return of the Ruler

The Dream King would descend just as fast as he had risen, because the Ruler returned to reclaim his Throne. Michael rejoined Zenmaster Phillip and Pippen the Versatile en route to winning another three straight Championships, becoming the first King since Emperor William of Boston to win in his final battle. 

X- 1999-2005: Shaquilla The Hun "His Royal Dominance"

Challengers: Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, Karl Malone

Rising from the Mongol Swamps of Louisiana, this great 7'1" force could move many mountains (including Mt. Mutombo and others) along with backboards. Shaquilla The Hun traveled from the Magic Land of Orlando to the Western City of Angels known as Los Angeles to revive the Great Western Dynasty. With a power that could not be matched, Shaquilla was both the Irresistable Force and the Immovable Object. This was a King of Epic Proportions, the kind that the Basketball Universe had not seen since the likes of King Wilt and Kareem the Wise. With his young Warrior sidekick Prince Kobe by his side, Shaquilla the Hun would lead the Lakers of Los Angeles to three straight Championships. His dominance in battle was reminiscent of Lord Michael Jeffrey of Chicago during his early reign from 1991-1993. Although Shaquilla's reign was magnificent, it was cut short. Perhaps due to injuries and the inner conflict between him and his successor. Their in-fighting led to a fracture in the Western Dynasty as Shaquilla The Hun would relinquish his throne as the Southwestern Dynasty was born...

XI- 2003-2008: Kaiser Duncan The Fundamental

Challengers: Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki, Tracy McGrady

Known by many as Timmy the Fundamental, this quiet and selfless King's attitude and devotion to Country led to his army's machine like annihilation of what seemed to be more high powered adversaries. Kaiser Duncan's Greatest and Most reliable weapon was his deadly bank shot, which helped him conquer even the greatest of foes. While showing undying loyalty to the land of San Antonio, many still believe the Southwestern Reign in San Antonio to be greatest of them all. Kaiser Duncan and his soldiers fought with precision, defense and fundamentals as they functioned like a well-oiled machine ready to destroy. Though his reign lacked the pomp and circumstance of his predecessors, few since Kareem the Wise could match King Duncan's discipline and ability to see the greater picture. The Spurs of San Antonio would become one of the most respected Dynasties in the Land of Basketball. 

XII- 2006-2011: Caesar Kobe

Challengers: LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Dwight Howard

As Shaquilla The Hun led the Great Western Dynasty in the early 2000's, there was an ambitious young prince that battled by his side. This prince was known as Caesar Kobe of Los Angeles. Young Kobe was a prince that had a ruthless approach to winning, while also dividing other troops. Caesar Kobe pulled the ultimate betrayal among warriors in 2004 when he orchestrated a coup to have Shaquilla The Hun removed from his throne in the Great Western Dynasty. After a year of Exile from the land of the Playoffs (The Year of the Eagle), Caesar Kobe reemerged as the Black Mamba and sunk his teeth into his true greatness for the next five seasons restoring power to the Great Western Dynasty in 2009 and 2010. During this Era, there was a younger King that fought for Caesar Kobe's throne as the Land of Basketball would never be the same...

XIII- 2006-Present: King James The Chose One "The Decider"

Challengers: Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Durant, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry

The Current King is unlike many others. His talents are never to be denied, but his motives have often left others wondering. King James made his arrival in 2003, as he would take the Basketball Land by storm. He was a force to be reckoned with, shades of Lord Michael of Chicago, Larry the Legendary and Earvin the Magician. During his initial reign in Cleveland, King James led his army to battle against the Great Southwestern Dynasty, where they would fall to the machine led by Kaiser Duncan, along with Sir Ginobili of Spain and Sir Parker of France. Young LeBron would also win back to back MVP Crowns. After carrying his army as far as he could for seven grueling seasons, King James left his Homeland of Cleveland for the South Beach Kingdom with a Decision that rocked the Basketball World to its very core. Many viewed him as a vagabond with no desire to take over the throne or have any stability. After being humbled in defeat by the Maverick Army of Dallas, King James reasserted himself to claim his rightful place on the Basketball Throne with two successful reigns in the Land of South Beach. When the South Beach Kingdom began to crumble, King James returned to his Homeland of Cleveland to lead the lowly Cavalier Army to the Mountaintop as they conquered the Golden Armored Warriors to claim their first Crown. King James led the Land of Cleveland to the Promise Land as he cemented his place among the Greatest Kings in the History of Basketball Land. 

NBA Monarchy of Greatness: All-Time Greats (Part I)

Today, I would like to take the time to explore NBA History and analyze each decade to see who was the Greatest Player of each time frame. I will break down the time period that each player was at their most dominant. Players are seen by their fans all across the world as Emperors and Kings when they dominate. It will be like a "Game of Thrones" kind of approach so to speak. So please join me if you will on this journey through time.


I- 1946-54: King George of Minneapolis
Challengers: Bob Cousy, Dolph Schayes

During the Genesis of the NBA Monarchy, King George of Minneapolis ruled the Basketball Kingdom with sheer force as he laid waste to his competition. Mikan was the first Emperor of Basketball as he lead his Lakers of Minneapolis to 5 NBA Championships. King George may not have looked intimidating, but he struck fear into the hearts of those that would stand in his way.

1954-56: Transitional Period

As King Mikan would relinquish the throne in 1954, the Basketball Kingdom would go through a transitional phase. The likes of Bob Pettit, Bob Cousy, Dolph Schayes and others would have moments where it seemed like they would be the successor. However,

II- 1956-67: Emperor William of Boston
Challengers: Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Pettit, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson

In the Summer of 1956, Emperor William the Conqueror entered the Basketball world and revolutionized Defense in a way that was never seen before or seen since as his Emerald Kingdom of Boston known as the Celtics would build a Wall of Defense around the NBA Crown for the Entire Decade of the 1960's. The Celtic Kingdom led by Elder Council Arnold the Red, Russell would elevate a race of people that were once seen as unfit to rule the Basketball world. King William would break many barriers during his reign by winning 11 Championships with 8 straight in between. He would also make history as the first Player/Coach. Russell would also win 5 MVP Awards while conquering fellow Giant Wilt The Warrior. William is the only King/General to never fall in a 7-game do or die battle.

III- 1964-72: King Wilt The Warrior
Challengers: Bill Russell, Willis Reed, Jerry West, Lew Alcindor, Oscar Robertson

As Emperor Russell ruled the NBA with an Iron Fist, there was another Giant that had his own throne as he pillaged opponents with Brute Strength and Force. King Wilt the Warrior was unlike anything that Russell and others had ever seen. Wilt broke ground as the first dominant 7-foot Giant with monster like athleticism and power. They knew that he was coming, but could not stop him. From the moment young Wilt arrived on the landscape in 1959-60, he dominated and destroyed his adversaries by winning both the MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. King Wilt would continue to leave a trail of bodies in his wake when he averaged 50.4 PPG, along with an unprecedented 100 point game as his Warriors would defeat the Yorkshires of New York on the 2nd of March of 1962. However, King Wilt's only weakness was that he lacked a consistent army that he could assemble to capture the Basketball Crown. For the first 7 Seasons, King Wilt was seen as the best Individual Player, but it wasn't until 1967 where he put the Basketball Kingdom on notice by showing that he can win with the best team around him. That season, King Wilt would win the first of 3 consecutive MVP Awards as his army of 76ers carried the Spirit of '76 to victory by winning his first NBA Championship. On his road to victory, King Wilt finally defeated his arch-nemesis Emperor William Russell as the Sixers eviscerated the Celts and their Emerald Kingdom.

1969-70: Second Transition
By this time, the NBA Kingdom was going through another transitional period. Emperor William Russell relinquished his throne after winning his final war against the Lakers of Los Angeles led by King Wilt and Jerry of the West. In between this time, there would come another Giant that would reign across the Basketball World, Alcindor the Wise (later known as Kareem). Young Lew would dominate in his first season as he would win Rookie of the Year, nearly shades of King Wilt a decade earlier. However, neither of them could claim the throne as King Wilt battled injuries and Alcindor faced inexperience. At this time, the Yorkshires of New York would claim supremacy as Willis the Unbreakable would defeat the Lakers of Los Angeles in seven games. The Celts would also be taken over by Sir John Havlicek.

IV-1970-81: Alcindor/Kareem The Wise King.
Challengers: Willis Reed & Walt Frazier, John Havlicek & Dave Cowens, Julius Erving, Wes Unseld and Elvin Hayes, Bill Walton

In an Era of a new Basketball Renaissance, the Basketball Universe witnessed a new exploration as players would explore more colorful worlds. Meanwhile, in the NBA Kingdom, the stoic discipline of Alcindor the wise would win out. In 1970-71, Alcindor would gain a new ally in legendary soldier Oscar the Great as he would lead the Bucks of the Native Milwaukee to an NBA Championship while winning Finals MVP. That season, he would also win his first Scoring Crown and first of a remarkable 6 MVP Awards. Shortly afterwards, Alcindor would change his name to Kareem after converting to the Muslim Religion. Even with a new name, Kareem was still the same Captain that would overthrow opponents one Sky Hook at a time. During his reign of dominance in Milwaukee, Kareem would win another Scoring Title along with two more MVP Crowns. Soon, things would begin to crumble in the Land of Milwaukee. Oscar the Great would retire, and Kareem the Wise would soon need to migrate for cultural reasons. As things in Milwaukee would decline, Kareem the Wise would move to the Western Town of Los Angeles where he would continue his dominance despite a struggling army around him.

V- 1971-77: Julius The Doctor
Challengers: George Gervin, George McGinnis, Artis Gilmore, Dan Issel, Moses Malone, Mel Daniels, Connie Hawkins, David Thompson

As Kareem the Wise dominated with Discipline, there was a completely different world in the Basketball Universe that was discovered. This world was filled by many colors, mainly Red, White and Blue. This animated world was ruled by Julius the Doctor, King of the far away colorful land of the ABA. Julius ruled this world with his royal Scepter and his Red, White and Blue robe. This was a land of creativity, freedom and expression as Julius became an innovator within the Basketball Universe. Even as Kareem struggled Julius The Doctor prospered in the Land of the ABA, as he lead the Nets of Yorkshire to two ABA Crowns. King Julius would then take his talents to the Holy Land of Basketball known as Philadelphia as he would join the Sixers of 76. However, Julius the Doctor would show signs of vulnerability as his army would fall to the likes of the Blazers of Portland.

1981-84: Third Transition/Dawn of the Golden Age
After a long and prosperous reign, Kareem the Wise while not yet ready to relinquish power under too great of an attack to hold the keys to the Kingdom of his own. Meanwhile, two young princes would come across the horizon to take the Basketball Universe by storm with their arrival in 1979. One prince was Earvin the Magician and the other was Larry the Legendary. Young Prince Earvin would travel from the land of Spartans to join Great King Kareem with the Lakers in the City of Angels to rejuvenate a once proud Kingdom. Larry the Legendary traveled from the farmlands to join the Celts of the Emerald Kingdom of Boston to continue his rivalry with Earvin, the one they called "Magic". There was also a Man-child of promise named Moses deep in the heart of Texas that would dominate the Basketball Landscape before joining the Basketball Holy Land of Philadelphia (known as the City of Brotherly Love). Moses would help Julius The Doctor lead the Sixers of Philadelphia to the Promise Land of Hoopdom.

VI- 1981-87: Larry the Legendary
Challengers: Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Julius Erving, Moses Malone

Upon his arrival in 1979-80, Larry the Legendary would make his presence known in the Emerald Kingdom as he took the doormant Celts from an abysmal 29 wins to 61 wins, earning Rookie of the Year Honors. The young Warrior would give an encore the next season as he would lead the Celts of Boston to another NBA Championship in 1981 as they would defeat the Rockets of Houston led by Moses the Man-Child. In 1984, Larry the Legendary would cement himself as the Supreme Ruler of the Basketball Kingdom by winning his first of three straight MVP Awards. He would close that campaign by conquering arch nemesis Earvin the Magician and the Lakers of Los Angeles. The Celts of Boston would rule the East with a variety of long and short range attacks as Larry's star continued to grow brighter. No matter the challenger, the Mighty Ruler of the Emerald Kingdom would lead his troops to victory. His greatest soldiers were Sir Kevin and Robert The Chief.


VII- 1982-91: Earvin The Magician
Challengers: Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Isiah Thomas, Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon

As Larry the Legendary ruled the East, Prince Earvin the Magician ruled the Western World with the Lakers of Los Angeles with Kareem the Wise King. Young Earvin used a variety of attacks and tricks that would captivate the fans and terrify the opponents. As Kareem fell to injury in the 1980 Finals, Prince Earvin would lead the troops to victory over Julius the Doctor and the 76ers. In the 1982 rematch, the Lakers of Los Angeles would cement their place on the Western Throne as Earvin the Magician would conquer the 76ers of Philadelphia once again in the Finals. The Sixers would gain their revenge with the addition of Moses the Man Child in 1983. Prince Earvin was truly a Wizard with the Basketball, with his genius and creativity on the Hardwood. His battles with Larry the Legendary were Epic as they dethroned the Emerald Kingdom of the Celts twice, in 1985 and finally in 1987. After vanquishing Larry the Legend once and for all, Earvin the Magician was the Undisputed King of Hoopdom. Hiding behind the charismatic smile was a competitive fire that would destroy you if you gave him the chance. When the sun set on the Golden Decade of the 80's, the Lakers were the Great Western Dynasty and the Celts were the Emerald Kingdom once again. During this reign, other young future princes would arrive onto the Basketball Kingdom in 1984. One of them was a Prince from Nigeria with a Dream, and another would shake up the World of Hoopdom with his gift of Flight.

1989-91: Fourth Transition/Barbaric Attack

With the Sun setting on the reign of the great Princes of the East and West, an Army of Barbaric Invaders would arrive from deep in the Mid Western Land called the Motor City. This army was more cruel and ruthless than anyone that has come before or since. A vicious, blood thirsty group with savage names like Zeke, Lamb, Spider, Worm, Microwave and Joe (not all names were evil). These Motor City Barbarians would destroy the Emerald Kingdom of Boston while destroying the Lakers Great Western Dynasty en route to planting their Red, White and Blue flag on top of the Basketball Mountain. The Motor City Barbarians would rule the throne at they would hold up the inevitable on coming Air Assault from a futuristic Jedi like Warrior that no one could have ever seen come. Make sure to look out for Part II of our journey through history.