All-Time NBA 1v1 Tournament - Round One

We’re back! After almost a year of hiatus, we’re excited to get writing again during this time of intense boredom. COVID-19 might throw a spanner in the works for sports, but it doesn’t stop our over-active sports brains from turning! They say you can’t compare players from different eras, it just doesn’t work right? We say otherwise. Respect where respect is due, some of these players have left their mark on the game in legendary fashion, others are still carving out their own legacies, and some are just getting started! We decided to create the ultimate basketball tournament, a one-on-one hoops-fest that will make even the most hardened basketball critic drool.

The Nitty-Gritty:

1. We took turns picking their top 32 players and seeded them 1-64 in a March-Madness style tournament bracket.

2. The players were picked as if they were the prime version of themselves.

3. We took no notice of seeding match-ups until after our draft.

Tournament Rules:

1. First to 11.

2. Two-pointers count as 1 point, three-pointers count as 2 points.

3. Highest seed starts with the ball.

4. Make it, take it.

5. No blood, no foul.

6. If we disagree on the result, we got 30 seconds to make a case to each other, if nobody swayed, NBA 2K20 was used to simulate the match-up.

We think you’ll agree this was a pretty awesome idea, without further ado, we present “Round One”.

Michael Jordan vs Joe Dumars

Chad: While this may seem clear cut based on name recognition and G.O.A.T. status, M.J. has said that Joe Dumars was his toughest match-up throughout his career. That said, Jordan obviously edges Dumars who might be a stickler on defense but would still be no match for Jordan’s offensive prowess.

Final Score: 11-5, Jordan wins.

Jake: Oh this couldn’t have been sweeter. What are the chances that Michael Jordan’s (by his own admission) toughest defender ends up guarding him in Game 1 of our epic tournament? Well if Chad had anything to do with it - high. Oh what I would give to be a fly on the wall during this trash talk filled “battle”, I can almost imagine the joy of seeing Mike crushing Dumar’s soul via basketball and verbal abuse. Unfortunately, as entertaining as this one would be, with our “make it, take it” rules considered - it’s all over for Joe Dumars.

Final Score: 11-4, Jordan wins in emphatic style with a dunk worthy of sticking on your bedroom wall.

Allen Iverson vs George Gervin

Chad: Two of the greatest as-long-as-I-score-I-don’t-care-if-we-win players of all-time. Add Melo into this matchup and you have one hell of a game of “21,” or “Kobe” as we’re now calling it. Also these are two of the smoothest players. Legend has it, Gervin was the father of the finger roll and ultimately, being able to use that smooth touch with an extra six inches on him, puts the Iceman over The Answer.

Final Score: 11-9, Gervin wins.

Jake: What do you get when you put the heart of a lion inside a 6 foot (with shoes on and a full held breath of air) pitbull? The Answer - see what I did there - is Mr Allen Ezail Iverson, ladies and gentlemen. In the black and grey corner, we have a man with probably one of the coolest nicknames in the history of the league, “Iceman” George Gervin. This match-up intrigues me more than most, I love the idea of two absolute bucket getters going head to head! While I think that Gervin’s size advantage would play into this game, I’ve got to go with AI here, he’s pesky enough as a defender and too much of a dog to get beaten, I’d be interested to know if anyone has ever actually beaten Iverson in a one on one before!

Final Score: 11-8, It’s a close one, but Iverson’s filthy crossovers and sneaky defense are too much for old George.

Edit: Jake was able to influence Chad to pick Allen Iverson to proceed.

Tracy McGrady vs Chris Paul

Chad: As the higher seed, T-Mac gets the ball first. Right after checking the rock, CP3 is up under the much larger McGrady like a baby pitbull biting at it’s owners ankles. That’s to say that it would be a bit annoying at first, making for some interesting opening possessions, but in the end would be to no avail. T-Mac by a landslide.

Final Score: 11-4, McGrady wins.

Jake: With all due respect to the Point God, there’s no real competition here. T-Mac might be one of the most underrated superstars in NBA history. The dude averaged 32 points for a season! If you’re like me, and your heart aches at the thought of “what could have been?” if McGrady, Carter and Bosh ended up on the same team, you’ll have no problem with this verdict. T-Mac kills CP3 with a barrage of midrange jumpers, post shimmies and three point bombs. Paul might get a couple buckets here and there, but ultimately it’s not enough.

Final Score: 11-5, Chris Paul is left dejected, looking for a referee somewhere to complain to.

Scottie Pippen vs Jason Kidd

Chad: This one is intriguing because Kidd was a large floor general point guard and often times Pippen was the same for the ‘90s Bulls. So while they share some offensive skills, Pippen’s ability to create his own shot, plus some added length and athleticism would be tough for Kidd to handle. Add that to his lockdown defense and Pippen edges Kidd in a competitive but ultimately not so close first round matchup.

Final Score: 11-5, Pippen wins.

Jake: I’m not even going to insult Pippen with this one. Jason Kidd is a great player and might have been one of the best system point guards in NBA history, but Scottie’s mixture of athleticism, length offensive repertoire and historic defense just straight shuts Kidd down.

Final Score: 11-2, Jason Kidd is left in a crumpled heap on the floor, wondering he should have knocked over another cup of water for a free timeout.  

David Robinson vs Vince Carter

Chad: If you’ve ever seen David Robinson you know the dude was straight jacked. A beast of a man. Unfortunately, Robinson is still just that, a man, and he’s matched up in the first round with Mr. Half Man Half Amazing. I would love to see this matchup. Carter attacking the rim with the intent to posterize—putting down at least one successfully, by the way—and Robinson looking to send everything Carter brought to the rim all the way back to the Air Canada Center. I think this may be one of the closest matchups so far and I have Carter hitting a jumper or two in the clutch to overcome Robinson’s size advantage.

Final Score: 11-9, Carter wins.

Jake: This might be one of the first match-ups where our opinion of the one-on-one game style and NBA game styles truly class. If the Admiral got mismatched onto Vince in a five-on-five game, we’re probably not having this conversation, he’s going to smash him in the mouth and get buckets, period. But this is a world where Robinson then has to check ball and guard Carter again, and again, and again. I think despite Robinson scoring the first few buckets in this match-up, Vince makes a crafty play and proceeds to make Robinson play ‘keep up’ around the entire floor.

Final Score: 11-8, Air Canada takes flight and completes the upset.

Hakeem Olajuwon vs Manu Ginobili

Chad: As much as I wanna choose GINOBILI! here, it’s the freaking Dream we’re talking about. Even if Manu can handle Dream’s shakes and ballet-esque footwork, he’s no match for when Hakeem pulls a slippery eel and rolls the ball into the basket right over Ginobili’s head.

Final Score: 11-4, Olajuwon wins.

Jake: Manu was born to play this style of ball. There’s a world where he doesn’t get drafted by the Spurs and ends up as the original “James Harden”. A 28-5-8 kinda guy who can’t quite take his team over the top. All respect to Hakeem, but how’s he supposed to step outside the key and respect Ginobili’s range, while also tackling that filthy eurostep? Sure, Hakeem is going to start with the ball, so he’s going to get an easy first few buckets, but I’d count on Manu to make at least one tough defensive play, and proceed to drop numbers. Chad’s going to hate me for this, but I’m taking the Frenchie.

Final Score: 11-6, Pop looks on approvingly as Manu shows everyone why he deserves some respect on his name.

Edit: Chad was able to talk sense into Jake. Hakeem goes through.

Elgin Baylor vs Klay Thompson

Chad: Two equally over-seeded players having the benefit of matching up against each other in the first round. I know that Baylor was an all-time great scorer for some legendary Lakers squads but Thompson was equally as great as a three point marksman and defender for some even more legendary Warriors teams. Not to mention that Baylor played the small forward position, and Thompson at shooting guard is still two centimeters taller. The first Splash Brother to take part in our tourney lights Baylor up from three, winning 11-4 with only one of those Thompson points coming from inside the arc.

Final Score: 11-4, Thompson wins.

Jake: I’ll be the first to admit, I might have drafted Elgin too high. He had some incredible years for sure, but when you look closer, too many red flags jump off the page - he was either shooting incredibly low FG percentages, taking almost 33 shots a night, or playing only half a season… There’s too many ‘what ifs’. As for defense, they weren’t even tracking steals and blocks in those years and at 6’5’ its probably fair to assume he didn’t get crazy amounts of either. Klay is an underrated at-rim finisher, he should’ve made more All-NBA teams already, he’s an All-NBA defender, and those jumpers? Wet. I see this being a closely fought game with some next level trash talking from Motormouth himself, but ultimately Splash Bro no.2 pulls through,

Final Score: 12-10, Klay hi-fives his dog Rocco after burying a midrange turnaround to pull through to the next round.

Larry Bird vs Grant Hill

Chad: By name recognition it’s another no-brainer. But we shouldn’t forget that before it was LeBron, it was Kobe. Before it was Kobe, it was Carter. And before it was Carter, the heir apparent to His Airness from UNC was the Dukie, Grant Hill. Had Hill not contracted an incurable case of the injury bug he would’ve easily gone down as a hall-of-famer, if not one of the all-time greats. But Larry’s nickname is “Legend” and that’s for very good reason. There aren’t many people that would strike fear in their opponents like this assassin. Bird would be fooling with dudes in these one-on-one matchups. Athleticism alone makes this close for Hill, but Bird comes out on top.

Final Score: 11-8, Bird wins.

Jake: A 21/7/9 split with 1.6 steals per game and almost 50% from the field? Even though these stats look LeBron-esque minus a little more scoring, they still don’t tell the whole story. Grant Hill will always be one of the NBA’s biggest ‘what ifs’, consistently plagued by injuries throughout his career, this battle might have been a little more compelling if his NBA story had been written differently and he was able to develop into the generational player he could’ve became. Unfortunately they didn’t, and just like his development, Hill’s appearance is cut short here by Larry Legend. Bird’s combination of pesky defense, an almost untouchable pull-up shot and deft handles is too much for Hill to take.

Final Score: 11-5, Bird finishes Hill off with a leaning right midrange jumper to seal to deal.

Shaquille O’Neal vs Jamal Crawford

Chad: Diesel.

Final Score: 11,000,000-1? O’Neal wins.

Jake:… Sorry Jamal…

Crawford draws the short straw here and lives to regret it. Jamal’s game is built for one-on-one tournaments, but it’s not built to play against a 7 foot 1, 325lb man-child. That man-child however, is one of the most dominant forces to ever step foot on the court. Crawford might pull out a couple of sexy behind the back, crossover into jumper combos, but only if he can actually get the ball. Make it, take it, is the real killer here.

Final Score: 11-1, Shaq dunks for the 1000000th time over a helpless Jamal Crawford to win it.

Steve Nash vs Paul Pierce

Chad: I used to watch Steve Nash workout videos as a teenager to help improve my game. But I’m gonna put my nostalgia to the side here and make the pretty clear decision, The Truth would simply be too big and too crafty of a scorer for the much smaller Nash. Especially considering, while Nash could score, he wasn’t actually a scorer, and that matters in a game of one-on-one. Pierce by 6.

Final Score: 11-5, Pierce wins.

Jake: Talk about two distinct styles clashing… Steve Nash is a run-and-gun floor general with a knack for making defenders look like human traffic cones. Paul Pierce is a methodical scorer, capable of breaking down even the most accomplished defenders and talking shit with the best of them. For this style of game though, I could picture Nash not having enough room to work against the longer and heavier Paul Pierce. Billy Hoy style ball, while incredibly pleasing to watch, can only get you so far against a player capable of knocking down jumpers all over the paint, while having enough pizazz to keep you on your toes and enough reach to contest almost all of your jumpers. While Steve Nash certainly had the better career, Paul Pierce wins on the blacktop.

Final Score: 11-9, Paul Pierce cans a fadeaway jumper over Nash while shouting “I call game!”.

Russell Westbrook vs Damian Lillard

Chad: Potentially the matchup of the tourney! I’d pay to see most of these matchups but I’d pay top dollar for this one. Just think about the animosity these two have held each other in past NBA regular season and playoff matchups. Lillard waving bye-bye to OKC and Russ in particular after nailing that dagger from 30-whatever feet in 2019.

Westbrook gets the rock first being the higher seed and for once, Lillard actually looks prepped to lock someone up. Unfortunately looks can be deceiving, so while Lillard does technically stay in front of Russ, Russ easily pushes Dame Dolla to the rack and finishes a ferocious lay-up right over his face. They walk back to the top of the key to check the ball, Westbrook barking at Lillard the whole way about how he can’t guard him. Being that it’s make-it-take-it, Westbrook blows right by Lillard on his second possession and throws down a thunderous slam. Thunderous. Did you get it? Because he plays for the…nevermind. 2-0. On Russ’ third offensive possession, Lillard gets his hand on a carelessly placed Westbrook dribble. Dame brings the ball out beyond the three point line and takes his first official dribble…backwards?!? He points at the exact spot he sent Westbrook home from in 2019 and heaves a bomb from deep which Westbrook is dumb enough to goal tend out of spite, making the score 2-2. On his next possession, Lillard doesn’t take a single dribble, jacking from the top of the key, SPLASH! 4-2. In perfect meme form, Westbrook’s eyes roll back into their sockets as he shakes his head all the way back to the top of the arc. He’s all hands but the ref is enjoying the action too much to even think about blowing the whistle. Westbrook ends up getting both hands on the ball and straight rips it out of Dame’s grasp, turns around and once again takes off for a ferocious dunk. This time Lillard chases him down and clobbers him from behind. The ref comes over to check Russ out and finds the slightest scratch across his neck. The whistle blows, foul. Westbrook checks the ball and drives right again, this time Lillard is ready for it though and stays in front of him, until Russ sends him into the baseline with a vicious elbow. 4-3. Lillard pulls out some And One mixtape disrespect by tossing the ball off Russ’ forehead before splashing in another would be triple - if we hadn’t adjusted the scoring system. 6-3. Westbrook goes right again, chucks Lillard to the ground, crosses back to his left and throws down a dunk like we haven’t seen since ‘90s Shaq. He walks off the court, rim in hand, shouting, “You can’t guard me!” But in typical fashion, Russ doesn’t understand time, score, shot choice, or much of anything else so Lillard is the defacto winner, 6-4 in our only first round matchup that doesn’t go the distance.

Final Score: 6-4…Lillard wins.

Jake: I would do ANYTHING, to watch this one. Their rivalry might be one of the most genuine in the league nowadays, and I genuinely believe these guys would put on a performance for the ages. Despite Lillard having more famous shots over Westbrook than just about anyone, I can’t see Russ letting him get the better of him in this setting. I feel like the lack of in-game distraction would have Westbrook sticking to Lillard like a glove, beasting him in the post and off the drive, and ultimately making Lillard feel like he’d done ten rounds in a boxing ring.

Final Score: 11-8, Westbrook gets payback on Lillard by swishing the midrange pullup over his outstretched arms.

Edit: Unable to decide this one between us, this one went the distance in NBA 2K20. Westbrook bullied Lillard into submission and ended his night with a filthy two handed jam to win 11-8

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs Luka Doncic

Chad: I so badly want to pick Luka here but he’s not even close to being athletic enough or quick enough with his release to do much of anything against The Greek Freek.

Final Score: 11-2, Antetokounmpo wins.

Jake: New school vs newer school! Unfortunately, I don’t think this contest is too close. Giannis is a multi-positional monster capable of shutting down just about any player. Luka’s stepbacks and shimmying style of play are crafty, add 4 other players around him and his next-level court vision make him one of the most incredible assets the league has to offer, but Giannis is too agile, too long and too strong to pull most of those tricks in a one-on-one setting.

Final Score: 11-7, Giannis kicks the Wonderboy out of our tourney with a ridiculous eurostep dunk.

Charles Barkley vs Clyde Drexler

Chad: I actually think this one could be interesting. Drexler is like a really poor man’s Jordan and Barkley is a wrecking ball. Drexler would out smooth Barkley into a couple easy baskets but as soon as Barkley decided it was over, it would be over. Drexler would be no match for prime Barkley’s physicality and without a lights out three point game it’s unlikely he could overcome the overweight and still agile Barkley. Sir Charles by 4.

Final Score: 11-7, Barkley wins.

Jake: Clyde the Glide gets no love here. Barkley is a beast, the man was built to dominate in a half court setting, his incredible first step, array of post and midrange moves and ability to dominate defensively is going to shut Drexler down easily. Not only does Charles breeze through this round, he also has some ammunition to throw back at Shaq in the studio.

Final Score: 11-5, Barkley drops in the up-and-under bucket to send Drexler home.

Kawhi Leonard vs Kyrie Irving

Chad: The Klaw versus The-Guy-Who-Was-Too-Arrogant-To-Stay-With-LeBron-And-Has-Proven-He-Is-Nothing-Without-Him. I think you know where this one is going.

Final Score: 11-2, Leonard wins.

 Jake: One on one, half court with school yard rules? This is the stuff of Kyrie Irving’s dreams. Unfortunately, this dream has turned into a nightmare. This is going to be a pretty close contest, but Kawhi’s defensive acumen combined with his smash mouth offense are too much for Kyrie’s mediocre at best defense.

Final Score: 11-8, The Klaw follows up a mean chasedown block with a dagger from midrange to finish off Uncle Drew.

John Stockton vs Ray Allen

Chad: Stockton is admittedly over-seeded here which is my fault considering I’m the one who drafted him this high. Allen is a better scorer and shooter than Stockton, so while Stockton would end the matchup with three points and two steals, not having someone to pass the ball to kind of defeats the point of being John Stockton.

Final Score: 11-3, Allen wins.

Jake: John Stockton is nice. I mean that. But he’s the kind of guy you want on your TEAM. The kind of guy you want to pair up with an all-time big guy, well done Utah. But Jesus Shuttleworth takes this one, Ray Ray in his heyday was the whole package - his combo of outside shooting, pull up jumpers and stingy defense is going to ruin Stockton’s night.

Final Score: 12-10, Allen blows by Stockton for the game winning up and under layup.

Tim Duncan vs Kevin McHale

Chad: A very interesting matchup. If you ask Charles Barkley, these are the two greatest power forwards of all-time and yet one is a #2 seed and the other is a #15. McHale would fight his ass off, quite literally throwing elbows and shoving Duncan in the back on at least one dunk. He’d play dirty because he’d have to. Duncan struggles at first without his teammates and Pop, but eventually gets his feet under him for a handful of bank shots. Both bigs are elite in the skill department, but Duncan takes the cake with his edge in physique and athleticism. In a near upset, McHale falls 11-9.

Final Score: 11-9, Duncan wins.

Jake: I’ll keep this one short and sweet. Tim Duncan is one of the top five greatest players of all time, his incredible fundamental skills that he’s built his career around will transfer perfectly against a fellow big man. McHale might drop a couple of buckets, but Timmy D is going to dominate him in every aspect of this game.

Final Score: 11-4, Duncan drops in the leaning bank shot, calls it a night and heads to the bar with Manu.

LeBron James vs Derrick Rose

Chad: I’d enjoy this one for nostalgia’s sake being a Bulls fan who so desperately wanted to see my squad, led by D.Rose, defeat LeBron in the playoffs. But unfortunately I remember all too clearly the exact moment we all realized LeBron could actually lockdown a ball handler if he chooses - and that moment was against D.Rose on the right hand side of the floor, near halfcourt, in the Eastern Conference Playoffs. Wince.

Final Score: 11-6, James wins.

Jake: I wish Derrick Rose had drawn a different match-up in this tournament. Prime D-Rose and his unique blend of athleticism and scoring tools would fly through some of these games. But, alas, The King is here, and he’s not playing around. LeBron’s post-up game is going to be a problem for Rose, he’s quick enough to stay in front of him and agile enough to recover for chase down blocks/contests. Rose might get a few buckets against LeBron, but ultimately it’s The King’s world and we’re just living in it.

Final Score: 11-7, LeBron slams home the tomahawk flush while Derrick Rose looks on in awe.

Isiah Thomas vs Julius Erving

Chad: Two of the most overrated players of all-time. Put Isiah on a team where the boys aren’t bad and he has zero ‘ships. And the eye test says Erving wasn’t elite except as an athlete. That said, I have seen Isiah scrap for a win and I think that’s what he does here to edge Dr. J.

Final Score: 12-10, Thomas wins.

Jake: Erving is a high flying, do it all, wizard of a player. But Isiah has got that dog in him. Thomas is built different than most players, how many people do you know who’ve played a full game on a broken ankle? That’s what I thought.

Final Score: 11-8, Isiah sneaks past Erving for the reverse layup to send him home early.

Stephen Curry vs Chris Bosh

Chad: SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH! SPLASH!

Final Score: 12-0, Curry wins.

Jake: As a Miami Heat fan and a Chris Bosh enthusiast who was devastated that he didn’t get the chance to change the narrative of his career once LeBron left, this one hurts. Steph Curry is just too damn good, especially in this setting. We’re not just talking about a simple mid-game mismatch here - Bosh is going to have to deal with Curry’s perimeter antics - All. Night. Long. Chris Bosh is a brilliant player, his inside-out game and versatility as a player was undervalued during his time in Miami - but the ‘Chef’ is gonna cook.

Final Score: 12-6, Steph hits his fourth three-pointer of the night as I sit crying in the bleachers.

Magic Johnson vs Jerry West

Chad: Too big and too skilled, this is a cake walk for Magic even without Kareem to throw the rock to.

Final Score: 11-4, Johnson wins.

Jake: This is a battle of legends that I’d love to see, it might not be the punchiest match-up we’ve got, but it’s certainly got the flavour of a Hollywood match-up. I could see Jerry’s feisty defense becoming a little pesky for Magic here, but ultimately Johnson’s size and well-oiled offensive game are enough to make short work of The Logo.

Final Score: 11-5, Magic flies through the lane for the finger roll to win it.

Dwyane Wade vs Pete Maravich

Chad:

Highlight Reel: Maravich 11-3 Wade

Point Total: Wade 11-7 Maravich

Winner: Wade. I’m sorry Pete, but winning matters.

Final Score: 11-7, Wade wins.

Jake: Sorry, but Pistol is out of his league here. I’m not even going to entertain a close game. Wade’s combination of speed, strength, finesse and lethal scoring skills are going to make Pete wish he’d stayed sipping Bud Lite on the bleachers.

Final Score: 11-3, Wade finesses Maravich with the filthy up and under to send him packing.

Wilt Chamberlain vs Amar’e Stoudamire

Chad: I think Stoudemire benefited tremendously from having Steve Nash as his (literal) running mate. Wilt on the other hand was a one man show. A walking bucket. 100 buckets in one game to be exact.

Final Score: 57-4, Chamberlain wins.

Jake: I wish that this match-up could be as fun as it sounds on paper, but honestly I think Wilt would have a field day against Amar’e. Stoudamire was a hell of a player in his prime, and the perfect running mate for Steve Nash - but I’m just not sure he’s quick footed enough to stay with Wilt. This is definitely a case of being too small, he gives up 30lbs to The Big Dipper and a solid 3-4 inches in height - he’s just going to get suffocated in the post.

Final Score: 11-5, Wilt drop steps for the filthy dunk over an outstretched Amar’e for the win.

James Harden vs Gary Payton

Chad :This is another I’d pay big bucks to see! The Glove getting the chance to put the locks on The Beard. As we established earlier in the Westbrook/Lillard matchup, no blood, no foul. So Harden’s bullsh*t doesn’t work here. He has to actually play basketball for a change, which will take some getting used to, giving Payton the early edge, 5-4. But Harden bounces back with two triples to recover the lead, 8-6. Payton, being the elite trash talker and defensive bulldog that he is, eventually scratches Harden’s arm while reaching for the ball which sends Harden into an emotional meltdown. His eyes start welling up. But there is blood so the referee has to blow the whistle. With a chance to extend his lead, Harden stands at the free throw line, but it’s mighty difficult to shoot with accuracy when you’re looking at the rim through tears. So he chokes like he normally does during tourney time. Payton grabs the rebound and proceeds to blow by Harden for layup after layup. Payton wins 11-9 and calls Harden a, “baby back bitch,” as he’s exiting the floor.

Final Score: 11-9, Payton wins.

Jake: Ah… this could be controversial. F**k James Harden. The Glove is going to play lockdown defense and James Harden isn’t going to be able to do anything about it. I truly believe that if there’s one player who could step up to the plate and guard almost all of Harden’s moves, it’s Gary Payton. I could see Harden maybe scoring a couple of quick ones on GP while he’s still got some energy, but he’s getting nothing else. There’s no referees here to help The Beard, he hasn’t got a high enough motor (check his last three playoff appearances and tell me I’m wrong) and he can’t hang with somebody quick and wily on offense.

Final Score: 11-8, Payton strips Harden of the ball, takes it outside the D and then breaks him down with a left-to-right pull-up.

Kevin Durant vs Tony Parker

Chad: Come on, now. Durant 11-1. And that one is just me being nice because I like Tony Parker’s game and he had a floater that he could at least drop in once over the lanky Durant.

Final Score: 11-1, Durant wins.

Jake: Nah… Just nah.

Final Score: 11-2, Parker secures the wi- Just kidding… KD drills the umpteenth midrange pull up for the W.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar vs Dennis Rodman

Chad: Another I’d pay to see, not for the quality of basketball but instead for the spectacle of watching Rodman annoy the sh*t out of Kareem. But alas, we have the NBA’s all-time leading scorer vs. a 7 points per game career scorer who only averaged double figures (11.6) once in his career. Not to mention Rodman would be looking up a while five inches the entire game. Add an extra foot or so for Kareem’s skyhook and well, yeah.

Final Score: 11-1, Abdul-Jabbar wins.

Jake: Now, remember this is a “no blood, no foul” contest… I hate to disrespect the legends, but I genuinely think that if there’s one guy who could get under Kareems skin enough to throw him off his game, compete with him for boards and take it straight at his chest for inside scores, it’s Dennis Rodman. I can almost picture Chad’s cringe as he reads this. Load up 2k bro, let them play…

Final Score: 12-10, The Worm shakes off Kareem with an elbow and sticks the bank shot to pull off the biggest upset of this competition so far!

Edit: Chad made a sound argument and Jake agreed to drop The Worm.

Moses Malone vs Anthony Davis

Chad: Every time I watch Anthony Davis he looks like he’s one wrong bump or fall away from breaking to pieces. Moses was a monster. Skill won’t help A.D. here.

Final Score: 11-9, Malone wins.

Jake: Battle of the bigs! Honestly I think this one comes down to offensive repertoire. Who can score buckets from different spots on the floor, defend from just about any position in the half-court, drill threes to pull the defender outside, explode off the dribble to take advantage of the respectful defender and have the weight to throw down inside? If the name Anthony Davis didn’t come to mind, you’re tripping.

Final Score: 11-6, AD crosses Malone further than his namesake parted the Red Sea and finger rolls the finish.

Edit: Jake was able to convince Chad that Anthony Davis owned a spine. AD is through.

Kevin Garnett vs Yao Ming

Chad: The Big Ticket is the thing you buy to see The Great Wall of China. Garnett is a more prolific scorer but not so much more athletic laterally that he’ll be able to take full advantage. Ming is a hell of a lot taller and almost equally as skilled if in different ways. The Big Ticket ain’t big enough to see over this wall. His unobstructed scoring opportunities will be too few and far between to overcome a first round upset. Ming wins 11-9 in the longest game in duration of the tournament so far and The Big Ticket will be buying a regular sized ticket to see Round 2.

Final Score: 11-9, Ming wins.

Jake: Honestly, I’m not sure if I would have even drafted Yao into this tournament, his impact in the international world of basketball is unprecedented and the league has made a fortune from the Chinese market. But he’s not hanging with the Big Ticket - who I think could go far in this competition, he’s got the inside-outside game on point combined with a ridiculous chip on his shoulder… he’s a scary match-up for any of these dudes, I don’t care who they are.

Final Score: 12-4, Garnett pulls up from deep to send Yao back across the Pacific.

Edit: We couldn’t swing each other’s opinions on this one. NBA2K20 was set up and Yao made easy work of Kevin Garnett, using his size and length to bully a helpless Big Ticket. 11-5.

Bill Russell vs Zion Williamson

Chad:How fun would it be to watch the defensive master go up against a young bull who’d try to literally put him through the rim? Considering neither player can shoot all that well this one comes down to who gets more stops around the rim and thats the 11x champ.

Final Score: 11-10, Russell wins.

Jake: Truth be told, I like this match-up for Bill. I honestly thought I’d pick Zion, but now I’m writing this I’m really talking myself out of the pick. I think Russell in his prime had the kind of physical dominance that the league only really sees once every decade - think Wilt, Shaq, LeBron and maybe, just maybe once he’s played more than 20 games, Zion… For now though, I think Russell is a nightmare match-up for Zion, he’s going to be able to go chest-to-chest with him inside the paint and force him to pull up for shots he’s not yet earned the respect of being guarded for. On the offensive end, Bill’s going to look to punish Zion physically, throw him off with fakes and pumps, before sinking fundamental inside shots like bankers, hooks and reverses.

Final Score: 11-9, Russell ends a hard fought battle with a towering right hook off the glass to send the leagues new prodigy home early.

Oscar Robertson vs Reggie Miller

Chad: Not even close. Oscar is only ranked this high because of his name recognition and stature in the game’s history. Reggie would run big O’s around The Big O.

Final Score: 11-6, Miller wins.

Jake: The Triple-Double King vs The Knick Killer. What’s not to like? This would be a heated battle full of a variety of scoring arsenals. Crossover pull-ups. Mid-range fadeaways. Leaning bankshots. It’s going to go the distance and I could see these guys both being able to put buckets on one another. Ultimately it’s going to come down to who can make the final three point shot to put themselves two points clear and win the game. Do you really feel safe if you ‘re in that situation and Uncle Reg is on the other team? Nah, didn’t think so. Miller for the win.

Final Score: 17-15, Miller sinks the falling three-point shot, daps up Robertson and they head to the nearest bar for a drink.

Karl Malone vs David Thompson

Chad: Too big and too beefy, Malone takes this one. Thompson would have some nice highlights with smooth finishes over and around The Mailman but even without Stockton dishing him the ball, the much smaller Thompson would have no chance at preventing the mail from being delivered.

Final Score: 11-6, Malone wins.

Jake: The Mailman is going to deliver. That’s all I’ll say. Fight me.

Final Score: 11-5, Karl Malone, with Thompson hanging off his biceps, sinks the money ball from the elbow to end him.

Dirk Nowitzki vs Paul George

Chad: Considering Dirk gets the ball first I think that’s his biggest strength being a sharp shooter who essentially can’t be blocked. Dirk misses once and isn’t fast enough to get the rebound which allows PG13 to get in a few layups and a dunk, but ultimately Dirk comes out on top 11-5.

Final Score: 11-5, Nowitzki wins.

Jake: This one intrigues me… I almost want Chad to pick the opposite way so we can watch it play out on NBA 2K. Dirk had one of the most unstoppable moves in the league - you could probably put his fadeaway jumper, Jordan’s pull-up midrange shot, Harden’s step-back three and Tim Duncan’s bank shot in a league of their own. Paul George on the other hand is super versatile, capable of locking up your best player and then getting his on the offensive end. In the case being that Dirk starts with the ball, I’m going to lean towards his ridiculous arsenal of shots being too much for PG to keep up with.

Final Score: 11-9, Dirk seals the game with a classic fadeaway shot from the wing, Paul George’s outstretched arm is exactly 10 meters below the apex of the ball.

Kobe Bryant vs Rajon Rondo

Chad: Another fun one because of their history in the NBA Finals with Kobe pointing a finger in Rondo’s face but I mean, come on. Mamba 24, Rondo 8, Gigi from heaven with a 2 point bomb.

Final Score: 24-8, Bryant and Gigi win.

Jake: *Drops the mic and walks away laughing*

Final Score: 11-0, Kobe puts the scouting report for the next round between his teeth and pulls up for three-pointer to send Rondo into retirement.

Stay tuned for Round Two of our tournament! Here's a sneak peak at what to look forward to:

- A curious case of 'Chinese Chicken'.

- Uncle Dennis and the 'Load Management Scandal 2020'.

- SPLASH!