The selection of the USA's Olympic Basketball Teams (better known as the "Dream Teams") entices much inevitable debate:  who should have made it but didn't, and who made it but perhaps didn't deserve the honour?  As an advocate of basketball bickering, it occurred to me that an all-time Dream Team might bring about even more arguments. After all, if pro basketball has seen in its history a far greater volume of athletes than that of today's basketball world, then there would be many more 'should've beens' and 'shouldn't have beens'. Thus, I selected the greatest hypothetical team in the history of pro basketball, plus the best team using the players of today.
 

All Time Dream Team

The starters: The best starting line up of all time.

Center: Wilt Chamberlain-History's greatest big man.  Chamberlain had the total package-except free throw shooting.  

Forward: Karl Malone-Best power forward of all time

Forward: Larry Bird-Team's heart and soul.

Guard: Michael Jordan-No explanation necessary.

Guard: Oscar Robertson-Big point guard and fantastic playmaker with all around game.  With Robertson's size and ability to pass over people, he may be able to run the pick and role with Malone even better than Stockton does.

Rounding out the rotation: These guys get meaningful minutes off the bench, providing versatility as well as filling specialist roles such as scorers or stoppers.

Magic Johnson-Versatility off bench is key in 7-8 man rotation and Magic brings point guard skills in a 6-9 frame.

Bill Russell-Greatest defender and winner of all time.

Jerry West-Instant offence, anyone?

The best of the rest: Only called upon occasionally, these players can fill in when matchups favour their particular skills or when the top eight struggle or get into foul trouble.

Moses Malone-One of the great scorers and rebounders of all time

Elgin Baylor-We can't have West without Baylor, can we?

Isiah Thomas-As no one else on the team is under 6-5, Thomas's quickness on defence and with the ball becomes vital.

Arvydas Sabonis-No, this is not a misprint.  Rumour has it that Sabas, in his prime was the world's best player, which would make him better than Jordan and earn him a spot on history's greatest team.  Look at it this way-if he was as good as some people say he was, he presses the top eight for minutes.  If not, he provides a massive body for Wilt to bang with in practice.
 

Today's Dream Team

The starters:

Center: Shaquille O'Neal-You were expecting who? Chris Dudley?

Forward: Tim Duncan-Power forward is NBA's new glamour position and the silky smooth Duncan is the best of an impressive class.  Plus, he has a ring.

Forward: Vince Carter-Possibly the NBA's most exciting player, Carter is an explosive scorer with the athleticism and work ethic to develop into a first rate defender.

Guard: Kobe Bryant-Aside from Duncan, Kobe may be the league's most complete player, even though he's probably five to ten years away from his prime.  

Guard: Jason Kidd-Arguably the league's top point guard.  While some may still prefer Gary Payton, Kidd is a purer playmaker and a better fit on a team packed with scorers.

Rounding out the rotation:

Kevin Garnett-NBA's most athletic big man gives minutes off the bench at all three front court positions.  Put him at the three for a big and athletic line up or play him down low alongside Duncan for a quick and skilled team when Shaq rests.

Tracy McGrady-Another versatile athlete.  Incredible quickness in a 6-8 frame makes him ideal for "stopper" role.

Allen Iverson-Lack of size puts MVP up against too many tough matchups to start on world's greatest team.  Still, is there anyone on earth who can better fill the instant offence role?

The best of the rest:

Gary Payton-Glove still may be the leagues best PG.  Can provide backup minutes at the point and maybe play alongside Kidd at times.  Brings great defence and, if necessary, a spark off the bench.

Alonzo Mourning-In short spurts, 'Zo might play with even more intensity than usual.  An intimidating and very talented backup center.

Chris Webber-I'm not sure that he's a winner, but C-Webb is too talented to leave off the team.

Michael Jordan-I don't care if he's coming back or not, there's always a spot for MJ on my team.