Sports
Stephen A. Smith Named His 5 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time
Through his various work with ESPN, Stephen A. Smith has become one of the most recognisable faces on American television. A journalist who worked his way up to become a cornerstone of one of the USA’s biggest sports networks, Smith has enjoyed a successful and lucrative career in the business.
A television personality and analyst for ESPN’s NBA coverage, Smith has been around the league for a number of decades now, and whether it’s voicing controversial opinions on First Take, or getting into verbal sparring matches with his fellow pundits, the 58-year-old has become must-watch TV.
Given his breadth of knowledge and vast experience covering the NBA, Smith is often tasked with leading ESPN’s roundtable discussions, including debates surrounding who is the greatest basketball player of all-time.
Smith has notoriously been reluctant to name a definitive list of his top 10, despite suggesting that numerous players would get in. However, on a podcast back in September 2022, the ESPN pundit did finally put down his best five in NBA history, with additional quotes on the players he selected included below.
5
Magic Johnson
Widely regarded as the greatest point guard in NBA history, Magic Johnson’s tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers saw him pick up a number of championships and engage in a fascinating rivalry with Lary Bird and the Boston Celtics. A towering guard who could handle the ball exceptionally well and with the passing and vision skills to match, Johnson’s physique made him a unique specimen for his position, and he used his advantages to the absolute maximum. Even in a franchise with multiple Hall of Famers, Johnson stands out.
When talking about facilitators…talking about guys who set others up, who did that better than the ‘Magic Man’? Nobody.
It is a testament to Johnson’s IQ, that not only did he thrive as a point guard, but he also acquitted himself admirably when having to step in for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the de facto center for the Lakers too. Indeed, Magic’s ability and growing responsibility with the Lakers saw him go from being a star among other superstars, to being the main man and taking over the crown from Abdul-Jabbar.
|
Magic Johnson’s Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
19.5 |
|
Assists per game |
11.2 |
|
Rebounds per game |
7.2 |
|
Steals per game |
1.9 |
|
Blocks per game |
0.4 |
|
Career awards |
3x MVP, 3x Finals MVP, 12x All-Star, 9x All-NBA First Team, 1x All-NBA Second Team |
|
NBA titles |
5 |
4
Bill Russell
The most successful player in NBA history, Bill Russell’s work on the court saw him dominate the league with his monstrous rebounding and incredible defensive IQ. Having lifted the NBA trophy a whopping 11 times, Russell also earned the distinction of being named the league’s MVP on five separate occasions, including for three years in a row between 1961 and 1963. The NBA’s rebounding champ four times, Russell anchored the Boston Celtics defense and pulled in the boards left, right and centre.
Regardless of his dominance – at the end of the day Wilt Chamberlain’s No. 1 nemesis was Bill Russell. The great Bill Russell (had) eleven championships to Wilt’s two. End of discussion. You can’t have a nemesis and they out championship you by 11 to 2. That is why Wilt is left off.
Meanwhile, Russell’s work off the court and his socio-cultural impact should not be forgotten, and the fact he was able to perform at such a high level in the NBA despite facing significant adversity was a testament to his character and skill. While fans of the NBA brought up on watching Jordan and LeBron dominate the league might not be able to appreciate Russell’s greatness from so many years ago, there’s no questioning the Celtics legend – one of the greatest in franchise history – has left a lasting legacy on the game.
|
Bill Russell’s Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
15.1 |
|
Assists per game |
4.3 |
|
Rebounds per game |
22.5 |
|
Steals per game |
N/A |
|
Blocks per game |
N/A |
|
Career awards |
5x MVP, 12x All-Star, 3x All-NBA First Team, 8x All-NBA Second Team |
|
NBA titles |
11 |
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3
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Master of the sky-hook shot, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s longevity in the NBA is something that is rightly heralded even to this day. One of the bona-fide stars of the NBA before the likes of Michael Jordan and LeBron James emerged, Abdul-Jabbar’s success first with the Milwaukee Bucks, then with the Los Angeles Lakers, saw him win championship after championship, and MVP after MVP award.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 19-time All-Star, six-time champion, six-time league MVP, all-time leading scorer in NBA history, and the only individual in the history of the sport with one unstoppable move year after year after year spanning decades that no one can still figure out. That’s Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
It was only until James finally did it that Abdul-Jabbar lost his crown as the all-time leading scorer of the NBA, but that does not detract from the fact the center is one of the greatest to ever play his position. It is a testament to just how well he is viewed and respected by the wider basketball community and his peers, that even modern NBA greats like Shaquille O’Neal have repeatedly insisted Abdul-Jabbar sits above them in the GOAT list.
|
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
24.6 |
|
Assists per game |
3.6 |
|
Rebounds per game |
11.2 |
|
Steals per game |
0.9 |
|
Blocks per game |
2.6 |
|
Career awards |
6x MVP, 2x Finals MVP, 19x All-Star, 10x All-NBA First Team, 5x All-NBA Second Team |
|
NBA titles |
6 |
2
LeBron James
Despite his incredible longevity that has seen his NBA career span over two decades, LeBron James does not make the number one spot in Stephen A. Smith’s list of the five greatest basketball players of all-time. The now Los Angeles Lakers star has enjoyed a stellar career, winning rings with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers and his current team.
LeBron James Named His 4 Greatest NBA Players of All-Time
LeBron James might be considered one of the NBA’s best, but he left himself off in a list of the four greatest players of all-time.
Whether it is surpassing Abdul-Jabbar to become the league’s leading scorer, or being one of the most dominant players and scorers the game has ever seen, LeBron’s legacy is etched into folklore. One of the arguments perhaps against James and his case for being no.1, is that he ‘built’ a super-team in Miami after struggling to get over the line in his first spell as a Cavalier.
He is still playing into his 40s, and with the Lakers still in the mix from this year’s NBA Championship, James will surely be hoping for one last hurrah of a title before he signs off and rides off into the sunset.
|
LeBron James’ Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
26.8 |
|
Assists per game |
7.4 |
|
Rebounds per game |
7.5 |
|
Steals per game |
1.5 |
|
Blocks per game |
0.7 |
|
Career awards |
4x MVP, 4x NBA Finals MVP, 21x All-Star, 13x All-NBA First Team, 3x All-NBA Second Team, 4x All-NBA Third Team, 1x ROTY |
|
NBA titles |
4 |
1
Michael Jordan
The undisputed GOAT in many people’s eyes including that of Stephen A. Smith, Michael Jordan’s list of credentials and achievements are virtually unmatched in the NBA. His hold on the title of the league’s best player during the Chicago Bulls’ legendary run of success in the 1990s underlines his status as being the best of all-time, winning numerous MVPs, Finals MVPs and championships too.
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Basketball’s GOAT was one phone call away from joining one of the Chicago Bulls’ fiercest rivals.
Along with Scottie Pippen and Dennis Rodman, and coached by one of the best of all-time in Phil Jackson, Jordan had the league at his whim, and even despite going through a mini-retirement to venture into baseball, could return to the league as unquestionably the NBA’s best player. Whether it was sinking shots in the clutch, or coming up with defensive stops against some of the association’s best offensive talent, Jordan could do it all, and it is unsurprising that Smith, like many others, has him at the top of his list.
Don’t tell me that LeBron James at his best eclipsed Michael Jordan at his best — I’m not trying to hear it. I’m not trying to listen to it. I can’t imagine seeing anybody that I would say would eclipse Michael Jordan — not after what I saw with my own two eyes.
|
Michael Jordan’s Career Stats |
|
|---|---|
|
Stat |
Number |
|
Points per game |
30.1 |
|
Assists per game |
5.3 |
|
Rebounds per game |
6.2 |
|
Steals per game |
2.3 |
|
Blocks per game |
0.8 |
|
Career awards |
5x MVP, 6x Finals MVP, 14x All-Star, 10x All-NBA First Team, 1x All-NBA Second Team, 1x DPOY, 9x NBA All-Defensive First Team, 1x ROTY |
|
NBA titles |
6 |
Below is Smith’s exact verdict on his top five when speaking on the podcast, including detail on just why he opted to go for Russell over Chamberlain, and the two other NBA players who seemingly narrowly missed out on his ranking.
Okay, top 5 players all time. Michael Jordan number one. LeBron James number two. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar number three. Guys, I don’t wanna leave out Bill Russell. 11-time champion, what he had to go through in Boston to be on the court to win back-to-back championships as a player-coach, in Boston the mental matters.
Even though Wilt was dominant, I can’t give it to Wilt when the man that he was going up against primarily got nine more titles than you. I just can’t do that. So I gotta put Bill Russell up in there at four. Damn, I think about Kobe, I think about Magic Johnson. Steph Curry’s up in there too. I’m gonna go with Earvin Magic Johnson.
Sports
Man City Star Savinho Wants to Join Tottenham to Play Under Roberto De Zerbi
Tottenham Hotspur are hopeful of sealing a deal to sign Manchester City star Savinho this summer, and he wants to join to play under Roberto De Zerbi, according to Football Insider.
Spurs avoided relegation from the Premier League on the final day of the season thanks to a 1-0 win over Everton, and the club have already agreed two deals to strengthen the squad this summer, with Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi expected to join on a free transfer from Liverpool and Bournemouth, respectively.
But the club are also keen to bolster their forward options heading into the new season to ensure they’re not facing the same predicament again, and the Brazilian has emerged as a target.
Savinho Wants to Sign for Tottenham
Savinho, who has been described as ‘extraordinary’, has struggled to make himself a regular in the Man City team since arriving from Troyes in 2024, and is now understood to be ready to move away in order to play more regularly.
Spurs were keen to sign the 22-year-old last summer, but City pushed to keep him as part of Pep Guardiola’s squad, and convinced him to sign a new long-term contract once the transfer window closed. However, he still managed just 821 minutes of Premier League action this season, and a move away now looks likely.
It’s understood that Savinho is very open to a move to Tottenham this summer, and the prospect of playing under De Zerbi is believed to be a big factor in his thinking.
Enzo Maresca is set to take over at Man City this summer, and it remains to be seen if he views the Brazil international as part of his plans. But with Guardiola gone, it’s believed that one of the biggest hurdles for the deal last year has now been removed.
Savinho is ready to push on his end to make a deal happen as he looks to play more regularly, and Spurs are ready to do what they can to add him to their squad.
Savinho Could Be Ideal De Zerbi Winger
This season, De Zerbi had to make do with limited attacking options due to injuries and stylistic clashes, but he managed to avoid the drop. Now, he will be fully backed in the window, and forwards are likely to be a priority.
Richarlison looks likely to be on the move, while Xavi Simons will be sidelined until 2027 after rupturing his ACL last month. There are also question marks over the long-term fitness of Dejan Kulusevski, and the future of Mathys Tel.
So bringing in a forward like Savinho, who loves to run at opponents and has a lethal left foot, could be the perfect addition for Spurs as they look to get back to being one of the top clubs in the division.
De Zerbi Wants Tottenham to Sign ‘Incredible’ Star After Andy Robertson
Roberto De Zerbi is targeting a player from his former club Brighton and Hove Albion this summer
Sports
Barcelona Making the Most Out of Little-Known 1:1 La Liga Rule
Not long ago, Barcelona were struggling to register their own signings. Last summer, Marcus Rashford had to wait before he could officially become a Barcelona player, held up by La Liga’s strict salary limits at a club that, despite being arguably the biggest in the world, had spent years wrestling with a financial crisis of their own making.
The contrast with what’s happening now couldn’t be more different.
Before the summer transfer window has even officially opened, Barcelona have agreed a deal in principle to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £70 million, plus bonuses. The England winger arrived in Barcelona today to undergo a medical ahead of jetting off to represent his country at the World Cup, with his wages set to double to around £300,000 per week.
Every FC Barcelona Player’s Wage [2026]
The La Liga side are paying some of their players very handsomely
It’s also emerged that Barca are preparing a straight cash bid in the region of €100 million for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez. The former Manchester City striker is being lined up as a replacement for the departing Robert Lewandowski.
That’s over £150 million committed before a ball has been kicked in the new season. So how does something like this happen so soon? How has a club that could barely register players 12 months ago suddenly found itself operating with this level of financial freedom?
La Liga’s 1:1 Rule and Why it Works in Barcelona’s Favour
The answer lies in La Liga’s 1:1 financial framework, which dictates that every euro a club generates through player sales or wage reductions can be reinvested into new signings. For several years, Barcelona were firmly on the wrong side of this rule. Now, they’ve finally tipped back into positive territory.
A major factor is the departure of Lewandowski, which is reported to have freed up around €40 million from the wage structure alone. Add to that the revenue streams that come with the club’s return to the Spotify Camp Nou, and the board appear confident that their financial difficulties are firmly in the past, and they’re ready to spend as freely as they wish.
Four Targets, One Ambitious Summer for Barcelona
Gordon and Alvarez are just the beginning. Barcelona are reportedly planning four major moves this summer, with ambitions that recall the £316 million spent in the 2017/18 window, four years before their financial issues led to the departure of Lionel Messi, when Philippe Coutinho and Ousmane Dembele were signed.
Rashford, despite Gordon’s arrival, is expected to remain at the club, with discussions over a permanent deal set to continue in the summer. Portuguese defender Joao Cancelo, who was on loan at the Camp Nou last season, is also expected to sign permanently. And a deal for his fellow countryman Bernardo Silva, who leaves Man City as a free agent this summer, is believed to be 90% done, meaning three former City players could line up for Barcelona next season.
Finally, a new centre-back is understood to be high on the agenda, though the identity of that target may depend on whether Jules Kounde departs over the summer. If he does, attention could switch to a new full-back instead, with Denzel Dumfries reportedly among the options being considered, who has reportedly been offered to clubs for just £21 million.
Sports
Crystal Palace Want to Hire Frank Lampard if Andoni Iraola Says No
Crystal Palace are keen to hire Coventry City manager Frank Lampard should Andoni Iraola reject their offer, although they also have other managers on their shortlist, according to BBC journalist Sami Mokbel.
Crystal Palace and Coventry City both enjoyed outstanding seasons for different reasons, with both ending on a high for the two clubs.
Oliver Glasner would have been disappointed to lead the Eagles to a 15th-placed finish in his final season in charge at Selhurst Park before leaving on the expiry of his contract, but he secured Europa League football for the club as they won the Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night.
The south Londoners beat the Spanish side 1-0 in the final in Leipzig, to finish his reign with another major trophy and participation in a higher-quality European competition next term.
The trophy adds to the FA Cup and Community Shield the Eagles have already won under the Austrian in the last 12 months, but now they must secure his replacement as they look to prepare for a big 2026-27 campaign.
Meanwhile, Coventry stormed to the Championship title and will return to the Premier League for the first time since they were relegated in 2001.
Crystal Palace Waiting on Andoni Iraola Answer
According to BBC Sport, Crystal Palace have identified Iraola as the man they want to replace the outgoing Glasner.
The Spaniard has just left Bournemouth in similar circumstances to the Austrian, having chosen to leave at the expiry of his contract after leading the club to Europa League football.
Palace have made an offer to the 43-year-old that includes significant influence over the club’s recruitment operation, and they are said to want an answer from him by the end of the weekend.
The Eagles believe they have done all they can to convince Iraola to join them ahead of the likes of AC Milan, who have also held talks with the Spaniard, with his approval the final step needed.
Crystal Palace Identify Frank Lampard as Plan B Option
Should Iraola say no to Palace, then club chiefs are ready to turn to Lampard instead.
The former Chelsea boss has admirers in the boardroom at Selhurst Park, with his stock rising even more after a dominant Championship campaign with Coventry.
There is optimism in the corridors at Palace that the ‘outstanding’ LMA Manager of the Year would be open to joining them before next season despite just winning promotion to the Premier League with the Sky Blues, although taking him away from his contract at Coventry could prove to be difficult.
Palace have other names on their shortlist too, including another newly-promoted manager in Kieran McKenna of Ipswich Town, who has continually been linked with Premier League jobs after his previous spell in the top flight with the Tractor Boys.
Among the other names they have discussed are Sean Dyche, Thomas Frank and Pierre Sage, with the former two currently without a job and Sage having led Lens to a second-place finish in Ligue 1 last term.
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