In a recent appearance on the “Million Dollaz Worth Of Game” podcast, Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young made waves with his unconventional picks for his all-time NBA team. While many expected the usual suspects in the starting lineup, Young’s choices sparked a lively debate, especially his decision to place Michael Jordan, widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, as the sixth man.
Young’s starting lineup features a blend of modern-day legends and personal idols. He selected himself as the point guard, a move that reflects his confidence and self-belief. At shooting guard, he chose Kobe Bryant, explaining that Bryant was his “Mike,” the player he grew up idolizing. This choice over Jordan was particularly surprising, but Young stood by his decision, citing Bryant’s influence on his generation.
For the forward positions, Young picked Kevin Durant and LeBron James. Durant, who played for Young’s hometown team, the Oklahoma City Thunder, holds a special place in his heart. LeBron James, with his unparalleled versatility and dominance, was an obvious choice for the power forward spot. Rounding out the starting five, Young selected Shaquille O’Neal as the center, acknowledging Shaq’s sheer dominance in the paint.
Michael Jordan, despite his legendary status, was designated as the sixth man. Young explained that if he weren’t starting himself, Jordan would take his place at point guard. However, with Young in the lineup, Jordan had to come off the bench. Joining Jordan on the bench were Reggie Miller, Tim Duncan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Young also mentioned that he considers Duncan to be the sixth greatest player of all time, further highlighting the depth of his bench.
Young’s selections reflect a mix of personal admiration and respect for the game’s history. His choice of Bryant over Jordan underscores the impact of generational influences. Many of today’s players grew up watching Kobe and never saw Jordan in his prime. For them, Bryant embodies the same qualities that Jordan did for previous generations.
Young’s lineup also showcases his appreciation for versatility and dominance across different eras. By including players like Durant and James, who can play multiple positions, and O’Neal, who dominated the center position, Young’s team is built to excel in any era of basketball.
