Brian Jalas' Sports Editorial:

The 1995-96 Chicago Bulls.

1970-71 Milwaukee Bucks vs. 1995-96 Chicago Bulls

In favor of the Bulls:

Bulls Bio:

Players who have won Playoff MVP award: 1 (Jordan)
Players on "50 Greatest" list: 2 (Jordan, Pippen)
Players who have made All Star Team during their career: 3 (Jordan, Pippen, Rodman)

This is a team that the Bulls could effectively move Pippen to the backcourt to slow down Robertson. Off this situation the Bulls can either go to a bigger line up with Kucoc at small forward or move Jordan down there to guard Dandridge. If the Bulls can slow the tempo of the game it will be a tremendous help to their great half court perimeter defense.

In Favor of the Bucks:

Bucks Bio:

Players who have won Playoff MVP award: 1 (Abdul-Jabbar)
Players on "50 Greatest" list: 2 (Abdul-Jabbar, Robertson)
Players who have made All Star Team during their career: 5 (Abdul-Jabbar, Robertson, McGlocklin, Dandridge, Allen)

Kareem Abdul Jabbar can shoot the sky hook at will over anyone he has ever faced (31ppg, .576 FG% in 1970-71). In the backcourt the Bucks are directed by Oscar Robertson: One of the most fundamentally sound point guards to ever play the game. The Bucks also have a better supporting cast with all stars John Mcglocklin & Bob Dandridge as well as power forward Greg Smith & backup guard Lucius Allen. The Bucks also were one of the quickest teams in history. The Bucks main inside banger is Bob Boozer, who comes off the bench to give them some muscle.

SYNOPSIS

The Bucks have enough weapons to run the Bulls ragged on defense. Kareem was unstoppable in the post, so ether Jordan, Pippen, & Harper stay with their men who all average 15+ ppg (Robertson, Dandridge & Mcglocklin(.525 FG%)) & they try to have Jordan out duel Jabbar (who scored more points per game than Jordan and grabbed more rebounds per game than Rodman) or they double team the post & leave open shots to the Bucks other three stars. The Bucks possess lots of quickness, which will allow them to keep their hands in the face of Jordan & Pippen, who can be kept out of the middle by Abdul-Jabbar. Jabbar becomes a roaming defender since he does not have to guard Longley. Not to mention the Bucks possess a bench with speedy role players like Lucius Allen who can get past Kucoc & Kerr to get to the basket. On the other side it is important for the Bucks that Greg Smith (who is quite capable) matches the scrappy play of Rodman or this one will be quite close.