Hoopshype had a question up which I thought was interesting. They had 5 years from the sports history and created a starting 5 from that season and asked simply which was the best?
These are the 5 years and teams
1962 - Oscar, West, Baylor, Pettit, Wilt
1988 - Magic, Michael, Larry, Barkley, Hakeem
1998 - Payton, Michael, Malone, Duncan, Shaq
2003 - Kobe, McGrady, Garnett, Duncan Shaq
2013 - Paul, Kobe, Lebron, Durant, Duncan
Obviously they fudged a bit on positions, so I'd probably modify it to be more in line with actual positions, though I'm not sure there are a better two than 62 or 88
I feel like they should a team with Kareem and would like to see Bill as well (though it is hard to pick Bill over Wilt).
So what year would you pick of those and what is the best year that isn't depicted there.
I think the best Kareem year may be 1973 (not his best year, though close, but just in general)
1973 - Tiny, Maravich (or West), Hondo, Haywood (or Hayes), Kareem
Team isn't as good as 62 or 88, but could certainly give most of the other years fits.
I also don't think that is the best Lebron team. I'd probably take a slightly earlier one when I could have Dwight at center, Duncan or Dirk at PF, Lebron, Kobe, and Nash or Paul. Perhaps 2010. That seems like a more complete and better balanced team than the one with Durant in 2013.
I think if you want Durant, then you should do a team with Curry and Giannis and just go modern. Maybe 2019 - Curry, Harden, Durant, Giannis, Jokic. They'd be so hard to guard especially for the older teams not used to the 3 point line. Still not sure they'd be 62 or 88, but they may have the best chance given the offensive firepower.