Magic Johnson graced the NBA hardwood for about twelve seasons before his first retirement in 1991. During that 12-year span, Johnson was an extremely valuable asset for the Los Angeles Lakers. Apart from winning five Championships, the superstar established himself as the greatest Point Guard to ever play. At 6ft 9”, Johnson would’ve been an oversized Guard who would dominate his competition with size. While not having three-point range would be the only thing that would hurt him, Isiah Thomas doesn’t believe that Magic would thrive playing PG. Instead, in today’s league, he was convinced that Earvin would be revolutionary as a Center.
Advertisement
Stephen Curry ignited several debates after regarding himself as the greatest Point Guard ever. The entire basketball world was split, taking their sides between the two generational players – Steph and Magic. Michael Jordan, who often keeps himself out of such debates, also felt the need to voice his opinions. Texting Stephen A Smith in the early hours of the morning, the Chicago Bulls icon backed the Los Angeles Lakers legend. However, Smith revealed that Jordan tipped his hat to Curry, claiming that the Golden State Warriors’ leader wasn’t trailing far behind.
Isiah Thomas reveals Magic Johnson would’ve been a better Center than Point Guard?
Running the point, Magic Johnson gathered the highest laurels possible. Apart from leading the Purple & Gold to five titles, the Michigan State alum also won three Most Valuable Player awards, three Finals MVPs, and claimed the assist title four times.
Johnson would’ve likely benefitted from the faster-paced era today. While he would struggle shooting from long-range, it’s hard to doubt that he would’ve been among the best in the league.
Isiah Thomas, Johnson’s long-time rival, believes that the Lakers icon would’ve asserted his dominance in today’s league. However, while a majority of us would naturally assume that the Hall-Of-Famer would continue playing PG, Thomas is of the opinion that Johnson playing at the five would make much more sense. As seen in the @_clutchtime reel, IT isn’t convinced that Magic would’ve been able to defend the swift Guards.
“In this era, I think we will be talking about Magic Johnson, probably, one of the greatest Centers to ever play the game. No way he would be able to guard (PGs).
But would he be able to play high screen and roll? I would think in this game, today the way it’s coached and the way the Centers are at 6’8”, 6’9”, Magic Johnson now will revolutionize the Center position and be something totally different that we’ve never seen before other than the Point Guard position that he revolutionized. At the Point Guard position he was the standard and I think in this era he would be the standard at the Center position,” Thomas said.
Magic Johnson did suit up as a Center over the course of his illustrious career. In one of his more famous appearances as a Center, Johnson dropped 42 points, 15 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 6 of the 1980 NBA Finals.
Isiah Thomas consoled Johnson after the Lakers’ 1984 Finals loss against the Boston Celtics
Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas were close friends during the early days of their careers. The two sensational Point Guards would often praise each other for their on-court as well as off-court activities. However, this relationship didn’t last long to many people’s surprise. According to many sources, IT’s controversial statements directed towards Larry Bird were not appreciated by Magic. Since Zeke’s comments in 1987, the two haven’t been able to resolve their issues.
Long before their relationship went downhill, The Baby-Faced Assassin perfectly played the role of a best friend. After the Los Angeles Lakers suffered the 1984 Finals loss to the Boston Celtics, Thomas consoled Magic, who constantly cried while lying down on a bed.
