Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird: Who Were the Best NBA Players of the 1980's?

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Publish date:

May 18, 2020

Video Rating:

TV-PG

Video Duration:

1:25

While it's clear Michael Jordan dominated the NBA during his time in the 1990's, which players were considered the best in the league during the 1980's? SI's Michael Shapiro highlights the hall of fame careers of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird and their impact on the NBA.

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Robin Lundberg: The Last Dance has certainly ignited some debate about the best player of the 90s and beyond. But what about the era right before Michael Jordan? For more, I'm joined by our Michael Shapiro, who ranked every year of the 1980's the best player. Michael, that decade especially started with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Do you think he's been slept on when you're talking to the goat conversation?

kareem-abdul-jabbar-lakers-bulls — Manny Millan/Sports Illustrated

Michael Shapiro: You know, perhaps to a degree, and I certainly think Kareem belongs in the top five all time. He wasn't really at his peak in 1979-1980 You know, he really was the best player throughout the 70s, but he was still certainly very effective in Magic Johnson's first title in 79-80 and really still held the mantle as the best player of the first year ace.

Robin Lundberg: And then when you think of the 80s you think of Magic Johnson and you think of Larry Bird who was actually the better player between the two in your mind.

larry-bird-magic-johnson-lakers-celtics — Andy Hayt/Sports Illustrated

Michael Shapiro: You know, frankly, I spent a couple hours debating this in my head throughout the team is imagining Bird kind of traded the mantle of best player alive throughout the 1980s. I think Magic's longevity gives him a real edge. But Bird's efficiency through the mid 80s, having 50, 40, 90 seasons is something that can not be overlooked.

Robin Lundberg: Yeah, they certainly, you know, revived the NBA in the 1980s and before LeBron versus Jordan. There was Larry versus Magic and they played at the same time. Michael, I appreciate your time.

Michael Shapiro: Thanks.