By Andrew ‘Soda’ Wadden
Been a minute since I last wrote an NBA blog. Life has been running a 100 miles an hour over the last month, as it does for many of us over the holiday season. Now that the holidays are over I have a second to write something new. I thought it would be fun to give my opinion on whom should be on the NBA All-Decade team. Lots of talent came into the NBA over the last 10 years, making for some tough decisions. The starters were the easiest (outside of point guard), the bench however is where things got tough. Instead of picking a first, second and third team, I decided to fill out one proper roster for my team. Lots of names could have made this team but at the end of the day only 13 names could make my list. So without further ado ladies and gentlemen I give you my All-Decade team.
Starters
Center – Shaquille O’Neal
Tough to argue with what the Diesel did over the last decade. Four titles (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006), three finals MVP’s (2000-2002), one NBA MVP (2000), six consecutive First Team All-NBA (2000-2006), the list goes on. One of the most dominant players in NBA history, Shaq dominated the post for most of his career and at 37 he’s still relevant in today’s fast paced game.
Power Forward – Tim Duncan
Like Shaq, Duncan’s resume speaks for itself. In the decade alone Duncan won three titles (2003, 2005, 2007), won the finals MVP twice (2003, 2005), two NBA MVP’s (2002, 2003)-do I need to go on? When Duncan finally hangs them up he’ll go down as the best Power Forward in NBA history. Debatable but true.
Small Forward – LeBron James
Yes, King James has yet to win a ring, but has there ever been a player come into the league and dominate like LeBron has? Jordan changed the game, but James came to redraw the blueprint. 6′8, 260 pounds with moves as quick as a point guard, LeBron is unstoppable. Ask anyone who tries to guard him.
Shooting Guard – Kobe Bryant
Speaking of unstoppable take a look at this resume. Four titles (2000,2001,2002,2009), Finals MVP (2009), NBA MVP (2008). two-scoring titles (2006,2007), All-NBA First team…. your getting the point. The best part of Kobe’s game over the decade though has nothing to do with numbers and achievements. No, it’s how much Kobe has matured as a player. Bryant has always modeled his game after Michael Jordan, but there was always something missing in Kobe’s early years and that was his maturity level as a teammate and as his team’s leader. Jordan was as deadly as a knife in his days but so was his determination to be a leader and a winner. This is not even a question anymore with Bryant. Kobe is as clutch as anyone in the league and a true warrior in the playoffs. A no-brainer when it comes to making this team.
Point Guard – Steve Nash
Probably the most debatable position to fill on this team. Many great names could have been considered, however out of all the great point guards in the past ten years only two won an NBA MVP, Allen Iverson (2001) and Nash, who won it twice (2005,2006). Nash also was named to the All-NBA First Team three times (2005,2006,2007) and was a six time All-Star (2002,2003,2005,2006,2007,2008). Yes, Nash has never won a title or even made it to the a finals, but his game speaks for itself. Nash is the best point guard in the NBA over the past decade and at 35 -will be 36 in February- he just may still be the best heading into the new decade.
Bench (Second Unit)
Sixth man (Forward) – Dirk Nowitzki
First European to ever win an NBA MVP (2007), Disco Dirk is one of the most dynamic big-men to play the game. Dirk led his Mavericks squad to an NBA finals in 2006 and has helped Dallas reach the playoffs for 10 straight years.
Point Guard – Tony Parker
Three NBA titles (2003,2005,2007) and a Finals MVP in 2007. Nuff said.
Forward – Paul Pierce
After years of scrapping the barrel on a dismal Celtics squad, Pierce got his due when the Celts added All-Stars Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to the team. However, as much as KG and Ray-Ray helped the Celtics earn their 17th title, it was Pierce who got his number called when it came down to crunch time. Only Kobe Bryant has been as clutch as Pierce in the dieing minutes of a ball game over the last ten years.
Guard – Dwyane Wade
Scoring title (2009), check. NBA Championship (2006), check. Finals MVP (2006), check. Arguably the best player in the league, check. Wade is that good, and if not for a guy named Bryant, Wade would be starting on this team.
Center – Dwight Howard
Howard has the physique of an action figure. A physical specimen that punishes the post. At only 24, Dwight has a long career still ahead of him and making the finals last year will only fuel the fire in one of the NBA’s top young stars.
Bench (Reserves)
Kevin Garnett (Forward), Allen Iverson (Guard), Carmelo Anthony (Forward)
to promote including the Air Jordan 3, 4, 5, 6, and 20. (There is still some dispute whether the Jordan 9s are represented with the heel loop, but JB officially leaves this model off the list).
