JJ Redick Ranks Larry Bird Above Wilt Chamberlain and Magic Johnson

JJ Redick Ranks Larry Bird Above Wilt Chamberlain and Magic Johnson

Former NBA sharpshooter and current analyst JJ Redick has once again stirred up basketball debates after being asked to rank three of the greatest players in NBA history: Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, and Magic Johnson. In a surprising but well-reasoned take, Redick placed Larry Bird at the top of his list, followed by Wilt Chamberlain, with Magic Johnson coming in third.

During a recent podcast appearance, Redick was pressed to make a choice between the three legendary players, each of whom left an indelible mark on the game. Without hesitation, Redick chose Bird as his top pick, citing the Boston Celtics icon’s all-around impact on the game.

“Larry Bird revolutionized the game in ways that people often overlook,” Redick explained. “His skill set, competitiveness, and ability to dominate in all facets—from scoring and playmaking to rebounding and defense—set him apart.”

Redick then placed Wilt Chamberlain second, acknowledging his sheer dominance and statistical records that remain untouchable to this day. “Wilt was an absolute force of nature, and his numbers speak for themselves. No one in NBA history has put up the kind of stats he did,” Redick said. However, he noted that Chamberlain’s era and style of play sometimes make it difficult to compare directly with Bird.

Finally, Redick ranked Magic Johnson third, though he emphasized that his choice was not a slight to the Lakers legend. “Magic was a one-of-a-kind talent. His passing, leadership, and ability to control the game were second to none. But when you look at individual skill sets and overall impact, I have to give the slight edge to Bird and Wilt.”

As expected, Redick’s ranking has sparked conversations across the basketball world, with fans and analysts weighing in on the debate. While all three players are regarded as legends of the game, Redick’s decision to put Bird at the top continues to fuel discussions about where the Celtics legend stands in the pantheon of basketball greatness.