was Jordan capable of playing

[AirBonner]

All 5 positions at an elite level? I don't think so.

[nightprowler10]

All 5 positions at an elite level? I don't think so.

Who is?

[AirBonner]

Who is?

Lebron James

[andgar923]

Lebron James

KG might be the only one.

Oh... and this guy named Earvin 'Magic' Johnson actually did just that, AS A ROOKIE.

And others will argue that Bird could do the same.

Just to name a few.

Shyiiiittt how could I forget Lamar Odom? in his prime he was basically doing that. Running the Clippers as a point, forward and center on any given night, and doing it at an all star level at that. He was so good Pat Riley compared him to Magic and couldn't wait to sign him.

[Mr Feeny]

KG might be the only one.

Oh... and this guy named Earvin 'Magic' Johnson actually did just that, AS A ROOKIE.

And others will argue that Bird could do the same.

Just to name a few.

Shyiiiittt how could I forget Lamar Odom? in his prime he was basically doing that. Running the Clippers as a point, forward and center on any given night, and doing it at an all star level at that. He was so good Pat Riley compared him to Magic and couldn't wait to sign him.

Magic most definitely did not, despite the media myth. He spent no more than 10 of the 48 minutes at center. He CAN'T play inside.
More importantly, he can't guard big guys like LeBron can and has for years.

To truly play all 5 positions, you need to be able to play the 5 positions offensively and defensively. The only guy capable of doing that is Lebron James.
Magic could barely guard 2 guards. He was a defensive liability, as per pat Riley's own admission. He most certainly wouldn't have been thrown in against centers defensively. The guy couldn't guard a lamp post

[AirBonner]

Also this thread is pertaining to Jordan not lebron.

[scuzzy]

Lebron James

Hold this W

AirBonner = Lebron Fam Agenda Executioner

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Magic could not even play pg on defense. Especially not today.

LeBron could get away with playing the 5 today against pretty much every team except maybe Sacramento.

[AirBonner]

Hold this W

AirBonner = Lebron Fam Agenda Executioner

Fresh off the ban and still winning. What a time

[andgar923]

Magic most definitely did not, despite the media myth. He spent no more than 10 of the 48 minutes at center. He CAN'T play inside.
More importantly, he can't guard big guys like LeBron can and has for years.

To truly play all 5 positions, you need to be able to play the 5 positions offensively and defensively. The only guy capable of doing that is Lebron James.
Magic could barely guard 2 guards. He was a defensive liability, as per pat Riley's own admission. He most certainly wouldn't have been thrown in against centers defensively. The guy couldn't guard a lamp post

You mean the player that had one of the sweetest hook shots, interior spin moves, and could read the defense like no other could not play inside?

Yet the one being stopped by Barea and CP3 can?

[j3lademaster]

Lebron James

Against small-ball, sure he can slot some time in at the 5. Not doing that in MJ's era, David Robinson, Shaq, Hakeem etc will eat him alive in the post.

[Mr Feeny]

You mean the player that had one of the sweetest hook shots, interior spin moves, and could read the defense like no other could not play inside?

Yet the one being stopped by Barea and CP3 can?

That's exactly what I'm saying, because basketball is played on both ends of the court. As everyone in this thread has tried to tell you, Magic couldn't even guard his opposing pg. He definitely wasn't capable of guarding bigs like LeBron.

[smoovegittar]

OP states LBJ plays all 5 positions at an "elite" level.

Only in this 'effin place. Torrential stupidity.

[Naero]

Lebron James

Defensively speaking? Maybe

[j3lademaster]

You mean the player that had one of the sweetest hook shots, interior spin moves, and could read the defense like no other could not play inside?

Yet the one being stopped by Barea and CP3 can?

The op is asking all positions at an elite level. Magic doesn't have the defense to be considered an elite center. Honestly no player in NBA history can be truly "elite" at all positions.

And honestly, who cares? It's like Jalen Rose said: positions are just made so novices can follow the game.