NBA’s 1 v 1 Champion?

[Neurotic Guy]

Back in the 70's didn't the NBA have a 1 v 1 tournament that they showed at half time of national game of the week?  I think they may have done it for a season or two.

One thing I know - do it now with current players, allow people to bet on it and you would have one heck of an audience for it. It might even work as a pay per view.

Yes!! 

I was about to write about it before I saw your post.  I loved it actually. They kept everything secret (imagine that) in terms of who advanced. The tournament was all done in off-season and as you said shown at game of the week halftimes throughout the season.

All I remember is that JoJo White did great.  Not sure if he made it to the final 4, final 2?, but he was a tough out.

Not sure how the big men did or who participated.  I believe it was for money which mattered to the players though it was probably nothing by today’s standards. 

[nickagneta]

The brackets would make a huge difference. Who matches up with who?

No....Who matches up with Somebody in the CS side of the bracket.

[Ed Monix]

An example of young Wilt’s vertical leap.



Wilt is 85 inches tall and the bar height is 80–82 inches. Chamberlain looks to have jumped over half his own height.

[dannyboy35]

Just a poll of curiosity.

If all NBA legends were dropped on a basketball court (in their prime) for the claim all-time greatest 1 v 1 player…who comes out on top?

Obviously this would be a NCAA Tournament like bracket, where the winner moves on, and yes there would be a 3 point line.

*please let me know if I’ve left out anyone of consequence, I am more then happy to add them to the poll.

   Great post. I think arguments could be made gor so many guys. They’re all so good at what they do I feel it could be many different guys.  I wish the nba all star weekend involved a 1on 1 and a 3 on 3 contest. I understand injury risk likely makes this impossible, though. Even if they agreed guys would he taking it easy.

[Redz]

I was thinking someone with the speed, shooting and dribbling ability of the origonal Isiaah Thomas would be impossible to stop in a one on one, but I'm not sure how he would defend a 7 footer who could essentially not even have to dribble.  I'd say someone like Jordan or Dominique who also had some size, would be the best bet.

[dannyboy35]

  When IT was with us snd had his most tremendous year I thought how cool would it be if they matched IT up with a giant like Giannis. It doesn’t even matter if Giannis backed  him down and dunked on him every play. IT would laugh snd take it in stride. But winner’s take and IT gets going it would have been a blast for the crowd.
  Guys like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams could have maybe been in it and walk away saying “ I’m the best 1 on 1 player in the world!”
  Get rid of the silly skills challenge.

[Celtic Fan Forever]

Give me Giannis, I think he has the perfect amount of size and speed and overall versatility to handle anyone.

[tazzmaniac]

Back in the 70's didn't the NBA have a 1 v 1 tournament that they showed at half time of national game of the week?  I think they may have done it for a season or two.

One thing I know - do it now with current players, allow people to bet on it and you would have one heck of an audience for it. It might even work as a pay per view.

Yes!! 

I was about to write about it before I saw your post.  I loved it actually. They kept everything secret (imagine that) in terms of who advanced. The tournament was all done in off-season and as you said shown at game of the week halftimes throughout the season.

All I remember is that JoJo White did great.  Not sure if he made it to the final 4, final 2?, but he was a tough out.

Not sure how the big men did or who participated.  I believe it was for money which mattered to the players though it was probably nothing by today’s standards.

Before my time but JoJo finished 2nd to Lanier. 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zk9WhHFhLus 

I do recall the 1v1 horse matches.  Maravich vs Gervin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dCk7SjkSE4c

[tazzmaniac]

Give me Giannis, I think he has the perfect amount of size and speed and overall versatility to handle anyone.

He doesn't have the shooting though.  I'll go off the list and take Embiid. 

[Donoghus]

ESPN Classic (does that even exist anymore?) used to show those old 70s CBS H-O-R-S-E matchups.    Good stuff.

[liam]

Give me Giannis, I think he has the perfect amount of size and speed and overall versatility to handle anyone.

He doesn't have the shooting though.  I'll go off the list and take Embiid.

Is it a flopping contest? I'll take Embiid in that too.

[gouki88]

I think Wilt has the physical ability to reasonably defend anyone (relatively), and I don't think anyone has the athleticism to stop him.

[Moranis]

I think Wilt has the physical ability to reasonably defend anyone (relatively), and I don't think anyone has the athleticism to stop him.

so then how is he not the g.o.a.t.

[gouki88]

I think Wilt has the physical ability to reasonably defend anyone (relatively), and I don't think anyone has the athleticism to stop him.

so then how is he not the g.o.a.t.

Because basketball is a team sport.

[Moranis]

I think Wilt has the physical ability to reasonably defend anyone (relatively), and I don't think anyone has the athleticism to stop him.

so then how is he not the g.o.a.t.

Because basketball is a team sport.

then Russell is the g.o.a.t.?