NaPoWriMo Day 24: Big O

What distinguishes the greatest players
from the many very good ones who
are merely the best at what they do?
I'll tell you: it's being the best at
several things and doing what needs to be done.

Oscar was the best passer (maybe ever)
and one of the best defenders; he led
the league in scoring, moved without the ball,
and could rebound with the best.
One year he averaged a triple-double!

Wilt was by far the best scorer,
maybe the best rebounder and defender
(when motivated), and he could dish out
assists at will, but not so consistent.

Michael, always motivated, had no peer
as a scorer or defender; he could pass
or rebound as needed, and
he willed his team to win.

Magic, more like Oscar, was pass first,
shoot second, run the floor, team defense,
rebound as needed, AND
he could play all five positions.

LeBron has to decide every night
whether to be the scorer, passer,
defender, or rebounder and how
to get his teammates involved.

I never saw Mikan play, but they say
he was unstoppable. I did see Cousy,
Russell, Jabbar, and Bird, possibly
the smartest players ever, if not the best.