Though we're in the beginning of the long awaited NFL season that has gotten off to a great start, as a true fan of multiple sports I patiently await the end off this ugly lock-out that plagues the NBA.  It was bad enough that we had to go through a lock-out in the NFL, and you would figure other profesional sports would try to avoid it at all costs, but in a sports would where owners need saving from themselves, and players unworthy signing max deals with no production lock-outs are inevitable.  The NFL has gone through it this year and managed to come out without sacrificing any of the season and as a fan of basketball I hope for, and expect the same for the NBA.

All though we are in the midst of this present NBA lock-out to make a lot of the business side of basketball blow over I like to ponder, mix and match, and just plain out put teams together.  Sort of play a "what if" game with players past and present in my head.  It doesn't replace the season or lift this lock-out but it makes for good sports play. 

Just think, and I'm sure we've all done this, but if you could pick any starting 5 form any era or mix and match players with teams we would all pretty much come up with different outcomes that we think would be a more dominant team.  It's like playing fantasy basketball with no limitations.  Its fun and its harmless to the NBA season but it also gets competitive when friends and fans get involved.  Try it and put your team up against your friend's team.

Here's my starting 5:

C:  Hakeem Olajuwon
1989-90  24.3ppg  4.6bpg  14.0rpg
 
PF:  Tim Duncan*
2001-02  25.5ppg  2.5bpg  12.7rpg

SF:  Tracy McGrady*
2002-03  32.1ppg  5.5apg  6.5rpg

SG:  Michael Jordan
1988-89  32.5ppg  8.0apg  8.0rpg

PG:  Chris Paul*
2007-08  21.1ppg  11.6apg  4.0rpg

The way that I pick this team is basically picking players of which I think would play as a cohesive unit and dominate on both ends of the court.  These players that I've picked I think that based on their skills and abilities, and the way that they played at a certain point in their careers (asterisk on all active players) would do just that.

The stats that are posted are from basketball-reference.com, which will go more in depth with these players on the chosen years.  Try this some time with your friends or just for fun and see what teams you can come up with and even go head to head.