5. Larry Bird – Dirk Nowitzki

I know that Dirk is much taller than Bird. But they play pretty much alike. The outside shots. The help defense. The inside penetration. Those fancy passes. That high-arching fade-away jumper. The clutch baskets. The anchor of their teams. Both are MVPs. Bird has won four titles in the 80’s. Dirk still has none. But he has nine more years to win one. The Mavericks almost did. But they took a step backwards when they lost in five games to the Warriors. Now Dirk has to redeem himself.

4. Wilt Chamberlain – Shaquille O’Neal

Clearly, during their own eras, it has been their size that has made them virtually unstoppable. In Wilt’s time, there were only a few seven-footers hovering around. And if there were some, they were not as strong, as agile or half-as-good as Chamberlain was. With Shaq, a lot of seven-footers and even taller players in his modern time, but they were not as big, as agile, as talented, as versatile, as fast and as talented as Shaq. He was just toying with his defenders in his prime. Even Dikembe Mutombo and Alonzo Mourning, great defensive big men, could not stop him.

3. Magic Johnson – LeBron James

LBJ may be wearing #23, and we all know he loves Michael Jordan. But his development and the way he plays reminds me of another legend, and that legend ain’t MJ, but another MJ, Magic Johnson. He is unselfish as Magic was. He shoots like Magic did. And he involves his teammates more often than not, even in heart-pulsating situations. Remember how he was criticized for passing-up a probable game-winning shot in Game One of the NBA Finals.

Now the last two comparisons involve Michael Jordan, the greatest ball-player has ever played. Now you be the judge who plays similarly to Michael.

2. Michael Jordan – Kobe Bryant

Clearly, Kobe has the same path of development as Jordan had. They won the Slam Dunk Contest in their younger years, and developed into great outside shooters in their mid-years. There are differences. Jordan was a phenomenon right when he got in the NBA. He led the previously hapless Chicago Bulls back to the playoffs right on his rookie year. He got injured most of his second year, but went back to his dominant mode and scored 63 points in a playoff loss to the mighty Boston Celtics.

Kobe, on the other hand, averaged only 7.9 points in his rookie year. He joined a Laker team that was loaded with talent. The Lakers had Shaq, Eddie Jones, Nick Van Exel and Elden Campbelle. Bryant has won three titles with Shaq as the focal point of the offense.

Right now, he is chasing for a title not having a dominant center inside just like MJ never had any dominant big man to complement his game. But Bryant is vocal about his frustrations, and instead of facing the challenge, he has been whining about lacking the needed support he needs to have for a title.

1. Michael Jordan – Dwyane Wade

I should say Dwyane was Jordanesque in that Finals against the Dallas Mavericks. They were down big in that fourth quarter of Game Three, and Wade put on his Superman suit and went to work. He was virtually unstoppable! Mid-range jumpers, dribble penetration, the bank shots. He was amazing. Shades of Michael, I should say. I can’t wait to see him in the NBA’s biggest stage once again.

10. Kevin Johnson – Gilbert Arenas

They are All-Star point guards, but they love to score more than pass. Despite having great big men to go to, Charles Barkley for Kevin, and Antawn Jamison for Gilbert. They don’t shy away from contact, and would love to have the ball at crunch time.

9. David Robinson – Kevin Garnett

They are all-round big men. Robinson had achieved the quadruple-double twice in his career. Garnett scores and rebounds in double-figures, can pass, can steal, can swat shots and can lead fastbreaks. They are both total packages. They also are too unselfish, such that they refuse to take the crucial shots. Garnett has gone to the Conference Finals just once. And David would not have won a title without Tim Duncan.

8. Isiah Thomas – Allen Iverson
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Diminutive, but with a lot of heart. Both these guys play big, much bigger than their height. Injuries never slowed them down, and no one will. AI jus needs to develop a bigger heart and involve his teammates.

7. Julius Erving – Vince Carter

Dr. J is the original slam dunk master. He is the first to elevate the game to the air. But VC has perfected it. He is the best dunker ever, even better than Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Now Carter just has to win a title, coz Erving has one with Phila.

6. Bill Russell – Alonzo Mourning

Russell perhaps is the best defensive big man ever to play the game. He has revolutionize the game with his defense, and placed a stamp on the philosophy that goes, “Defense wins games.” Russell has won 11 titles in 13 years. Nobody has ever duplicated that feat. Russell is Alonzo’s idol. He emulates Bill’s play. And there is no better shot-blocker in this league than Zo. All-time! Hands down! His timing is just perfect, and they are clean blocks at that.

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The “Reign Man” Shawn Kemp ruled the 90’s and his Seattle Supersonics went to the NBA Finals, only to bow down against the 72-10 Chicago Bulls. He dunks with impunity off passes from Gary Payton, and he can shoot from the perimeter. Much like Amare is with the Suns. Steve Nash dishes off to him for the slams and easy buckets. After a microfracture surgery, he has developed a reliable outside shot. Although Amare still has to go to the Finals, I believe he will have his time especially with Nash on his side.

14. John Stockton – Steve Nash

Stockton is the All-time assist leader. Nash has led the NBA in assists for the past three years ever since his move from Dallas to Phoenix. Both reliable outside shooters and both have the heart of the champion. John had Karl Malone to feed, Steve has Amare and Shawn Marion. Nash just has the MVP.

13. Bob Cousy – Steve Nash

Methodical, yet impulsive. Unselfish, yet can deliver when needed. Defensive liability, yet battles through picks each night. Leaders, yet they adhere to instructions. The dependable court generals ever.

12. Karl Malone – Carlos Boozer

That Boozer jumper always remind me of Karl. They love the outside when they should thrive in the inside. Both has worn the Utah Jazz uniform, and have been molded by the same great coach, Jerry Sloan. No wonder they have similar games.

11. Allan Houston – Jamal Crawford

Slowly but surely, Jamal has become the primary contributor from the outside. He is a dead shot from the perimeter. Stephon just needs to get him the ball. And in no time, he’ll be the new Allan Houston for the current Knicks.

Both guys are hardworking but Webber was the more athletic one during his younger years. McHale is the more sacrificial cager. He gets his hands dirty all the time, grabbing lose balls and making put-backs. But both guys can be trusted from the perimeter. With Webber now with the Detroit Pistons, he is looking more like McHale was for the Celtics.

19. Willis Reed – Elton Brand

The undersized Reed (for a center) has been a league-MVP leading his New York Knicks to a coveted title against a might Laker team led by Jerry West. Though Brand has very liable outside shot that Reed did not have, Reed has the more complete package with his defense and hustle plays. Brand still needs to get his first title. Anyway, both these guys are the heart-and-soul undersized big men of their teams.

18. Dennis Rodman – Ben Wallace

If Paul Millsap is still a work-in-progress and a probably-future-Rodman, Ben Wallace definitely has a case for the current Rodman. Dennis and Big Ben both defended Shaquille O’Neal with ease, and they have led the league in rebounds more than a couple of times they are 6-9 and less.

17. Patrick Ewing – Jermaine O’Neal

The sure shot from 18-feet below. The ever-dependable post-up. The avoidance of contact. The dunked-on guys. The underachievement. And still without a title, though devastating at the post. These are a few traits that both superstar centers share.

16. Daryl Dawkins – Dwight Howard

“Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins and Howard dunk with impunity. But that’s all they could do. Dawkins has shattered the glass twice. But with technological development, Howard has not broken any. Dwight still needs to develop a pet move at the post to be a serious threat. He just could not dunk his way all the time. He still has a lot of room for development.

25. Robert Parish – Dikembe Mutombo

The Chief may have played against Mount Mutombo, but it was during a time when Parish’s career is on a decline, and Mutombo was still on the rise. Parish was a member of the 1995-96 Bulls Championship team, while Mutombo has just moved to the Hawks from the Nuggets. Both players are long and lean, and play good defense. Although Parish is the better offensive player, Dikembe can score some points in the paint as well.

24. Mugsy Bogues – Earl Boykins

Both diminutive, but they play with high spirits. Bogues at 5 ft 3, while Boykins is a 5-5 shooting guard. Boykins is the better shooter, but Mugsy is the better defender. Earl has torched opponent scoring above 20 points in some games. Mugsy can best be remembered for his huge block on Patrick Ewing en route to a lay-up. It’s a play for the ages.

23. Steve Kerr – Jason Kapono

Both clutch shooters. Both have the same roles on the floor, they are expected to shoot those crucial jumpers whenever they are in the game. Both played important shooting roles for Championship teams. Kerr with Chicago and San Antonio, and Kapono with Miami. Kerr has proven himself as the perfect shooter in important minutes, especially with the Spurs against the Mavericks.

22. Dennis Rodman – Paul Millsap

Millsap is still miles away from Rodman’s game, but the kid has potential. He is as fearless on the boards as Rodman was. He is still far from Dennis in playing defense though. But Millsap is still young, and he has a long way to go. He will still improve a lot especially under Jerry Sloan.

21. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Yao Ming

Both long and lean. Both are great shot blockers. Both are great offensive players. Kareem has mastered the sky hook. Yao is a great shooter for a big guy. Abdul-Jabbar holds a lot of records, and Yao will have his chance in duplicating them, but he has to avoid injuries.

Both international players have a thousand moves inside the paint. And they shoot that perimeter shot with ease. These franchise players have the ability to take over a game. Olajuwon won two titles for the Rockets in the mid-90’s. But Gasol’s game has deteriorated as of late, maybe due to the uncertainty of the future of the Grizzlies franchise. But nonetheless, they are two of the best centers of the game, and they make use of the pivot so well.

29. John Havlicek – Jason Kidd

When Bill Russell and the Boston Celtics won 9 titles in 11 years in the 50’s and early 60’s, they had a maestro on the floor. Havlicek was the director. He knows where to pass and when, and who could forget that big steal, then dribbled away the game for an NBA title. Kidd is much like him. This guy has eyes on his back. No wonder the Nets franchise went to the NBA Finals for two straight years. It was due to Kidd’s play!

28. Charles Barkley – Rasheed Wallace

Passionate, very very passionate. This word much sums up both All-Stars Charles Barkley and Rasheed Wallace. They have so much desire to win games, that at times, they have been misconstrued as offensive and over-complaining. They are huge inside the paint, and both have that reliable outside shot in the clutch. But Wallace accomplished what Sir Charles failed to, win a title. Both joined powerhouse teams, and Wallace was just so lucky to pull it off.

27. Larry Johnson – Chris Bosh

A lot of heart. That was what “Grandma” LJ had. His undersized frame was no hindrance to him becoming an NBA All-Star. At a young age, he carried the load for the Charlotte Hornets. Much like Bosh, who has now emerged as one of the young surprising stars in the league. Toronto may go to the playoffs after so long, and the first time in the post-Carter era.

26. Walt Frazier – Gary Payton

Those long tentacles and that swagger, that best describe both Frazier and Payton. They are not that athletic, but effective on both ends. They use their wit in outplaying their guards. Both don’t have great looking jump shots, but they hit them well. And they have the ability to snatch the ball away four times a night!

Both these guys have two things in common – heart and leadership. Though each expresses their leadership in different ways. Duncan is a leader by example. Day-in-and-out, he does what is necessary for the team. Walton, on the other hand, is the vocal type. But both big men are franchise guys who can lift their team by sheer hard work and determination.

34. Horace Grant – Udonis Haslem

They are undersized big men who can shoot that perimeter shot with consistency. They are underrated players who defend well and get tons of rebounds for you, especially on the offensive end. The 90’s Chicago Bulls and the 2006 Miami Heat would have had hard time winning those titles without them.

33. John Paxson – Jason Williams

In Williams’ early years with the Sacramento Kings, he has been compared to Pete Maravich. It was his fanciness, the passing ability and the show time skills that made him the next Maravich. But with the Miami Heat and under Pat Riley, Jason has defined his role, and altogether abandoned his fancy plays. He hits big time jumpers for Miami, under pressure, just as Paxson did for the Bulls.

32. Pete Maravich – Manu Ginobili

Manu is more of a Maravich than Williams. Ginobili executes those fancy passes, and makes those improbable dunks. This guy is extremely athletic, and he is doing it under a disciplinarian in Greg Popovich. The Spurs are known for their slow-down half-court game, precision passes and no-fancy plays. San Antonio is home to “boring” basketball. Then came the second round pick from Argentina, and the Spurs have become fun to watch. As Pop aptly said, “That’s just the way Manu plays, seemingly out-of-control.” But Manu knows what he is doing, and we fans will be continuously delighted by his daredevil drives and acts.

31. Joe Dumars – Chauncey Billups

The great leaders of the Detroit Piston team they are. They play tough defense, and hit clutch jumpers. If Isiah Thomas and Rip Hamilton are the heart of Pistons then and now, Dumars and Billups are definitely the soul!

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Coach Avery Johnson has inculcated into the mind of Jerry Stackhouse what his role is in the much-talented Dallas team. He has emerged as a great supporting player for Dirk Nowitzki and Josh Howard. And he has readily embraced it, becoming a spark off the bench for the Mavericks’ championship hopes. James Worthy did just that for Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and the 80’s Los Angeles Lakers. Both are good scoring options when their stars are being checked.

39. Reggie Miller – Richard Hamilton

They both know how to run through screen after screen. They are tireless in making themselves open, and their team wants them to be. Why not? They are great perimeter shooters. The only difference is Miller has the farther range. But Rip is slowly learning how to shoot that three consistently.

38. Dominique Wilkins – Shawn Marion

Although Wilkins has proven to be a worthier franchise player than Marion, single-handedly leading his Hawks to the playoffs, Marion is a definite All-Star, and will eventually be a franchise player to reckon with in the future. Both jump so high, and they dunk with impunity.

37. Dominique Wilkins – Andre Iguodala

I still think AI2 will become more of Dominique in the future. This emerging young star has taken upon himself to carry the scoring role for the Philadelphia 76ers with the departure of Allen Iverson. And they are winning. The open floor is his playground, and expect a rim-rattling dunk each time.

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36. Byron Scott – Richard Jefferson

They can both score when needed, extremely athletic and defend well. RJ has been given the task to guard the likes of Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and even Dirk Nowitzki. Although, with the eventual departure of Jason Kidd and Vince Carter, Jefferson may surpass Scott’s role and become the future of the Nets franchise.

David, Oh David! You are the future. You have the potential to be better than Ben Wallace, a better hustle guy with a lot more of heart. You will be the next blue-collared star! For now though, your game reminds me a lot of a Bulls enforcer, Randy Levingston. Levingston was an energizer for the Bulls’ first three-peat run. He comes off the bench and provides the much needed hustle and undying energy. Whether Lee starts for Isiah or comes off the bench, he provides the bonus points and the much-needed rebounds. Keep it up David!

44. Scottie Pippen – Josh Howard

Josh Howard is now the best supporting player for Dirk Nowitzki just as Scottie was for Jordan. Howard is another do-it-all guy. He provides the hustle, points, rebounds from the three-spot, steals and blocks. He just needs to develop his ball-handling skills to truly become the next Pippen.

43. Scottie Pippen – Lamar Odom

Phil Jackson has given the “Scottie” role to Lamar in this “Bullalike” Laker team. Odom was playing beautiful basketball till injury struck him. He has the potential to be a better “Pippen” for Kobe Bryant. He is taller and longer. He has the ball-handling skills that go with it. He contributes not only in scoring, but also in almost all categories – assists, rebounds, blocks and steals. But he has to improve on his defense to catch up on Scottie’s all-around talent.

42. Sean Elliott – Robert Horry

Horry is the only remaining active player who’s got six championship rings. And perhaps the best clutch shooter who has titles with all three of his teams. He joined the Houston Rockets and won two, the Los Angeles Lakers and had three, and the San Antonio Spurs for a lone ring. Just like Elliot, Big-Shot Rob has hit clutch baskets and game winners that paved the way for those titles. And who can ever forget the corner three that Elliot canned-in that gave San Antonio their first ever franchise NBA Championship.

41. Spud Webb – Nate Robinson

Two little guys who can dunk the ball with impunity. Both are slam-dunk championships, and the right to be so. And d’ya recall who Nate dunked-over for his dunk title, which he won against AI2 Andre Iguodala? Yep, t’was Mr. Webb himself. Poetic, huh?

50. Chris Mullin – Joe Johnson

The Golden State Warriors last went to the playoffs when one of NBA’s 50 Greatest Chris Mullin let them there. Johnson is on the verge of bringing Atlanta back to the postseason wars, in two or three years. Both guys are pure shooters, and they create scoring opportunities for their young teammates. Mullin had then-young Tim Hardaway, Latrell Sprewell and one-time first over-all pick Joe Smith as his support. Right now, Joe-cool’s got athletic and young teammates in the Joshes (Childress and Smith), the Williams (Marvin and Shelden), Zaza Pachulia and Salim Stoudamire. These young guns will only become better with Johnson. Watch out for the Hawks in the coming years. Meanwhile, revel on the similarities of these two Olympic and NBA stars – Chris and Joe.

49. Jerry West – Mike Miller

One thing connects these two. West is the GM of the team Miller is playing for, the Memphis Grizzlies. Miller has come to his own lately, shooting clutch baskets as of late. As West was easily the best clutch-shooter of his day. Miller will become the clutch in due time.

48. Clyde Drexler – Ray Allen

Just take a look at the athleticism, the finesse and the hang glide. Although Drexler rarely shoots that three, but both these guys do well in creating shots for themselves. Expect Allen to blossom more if he has more guns at his side. Rashard Lewis and Chris Wilcox aren’t enough to compliment Ray-Ray. And the hang glide he’s got when he goes for rim-rattling slams, he’s more of a Clyde to me than a Reggie.

47. Clyde Drexler – Tracy McGrady

Clearly, both guys have played for the Houston Rockets franchise. They both play the wing, shoot that perimeter jumper with ease, and can stay afloat for seconds. Drexler had Hakeem Olajuwon when he won that 1995 NBA title. Expect Yao Ming and T-Mac to be the dynamic duo to reckon with in two years. They are even hard to stop now.

46. Reggie Miller – Tracy McGrady

This is a late addition. It got me thinking just earlier when Doug Collins compared these two in the Denver-Houston game, where Houston easily won, even without Yao. I hate to admit but T-Mac shoots more jumpers than Clyde, and Reggie has his share of lotsa-shots. Reggie and T-Mac are both good in battling through screens and shooting that jumper, and in the clutch. The big difference is Reggie has a quicker release, while McGrady uses his athleticism and length to shoot over opponents. I guess it is safer to say T-Mac is a combination of the talents of Miller and Drexer. Ya think?