NBA All-Time Greatest: Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird Included! No Bill Russell! Tim Duncan Only Active Player; Bill Russell Snubbed!

The latest list of the NBA's All-Time best players at every position was released and as always, arguments will ensue. Perhaps the most notable omission is Bill Russell, the most successful athlete in American professional sports.

Bill Russell played 13 seasons in the NBA and won the championship in 11 of those years. No other athlete in the NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball or the NHL had that much success. (data from nba.com)

At the center position, the list which was produced by Wall St. Cheat Sheet, listed Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain was an individual behemoth. According to their description:

"Wilt Chamberlain's video-game-like dominance over the NBA was completely comical. In 1973, the Big Dipper completed his 14-year career with an unreal 30-point/22-rebound/4-assist per game average. As an offensive force, the 7-foot-1 Chamberlain led the league in scoring during his first seven NBA seasons. Chamberlain's multiple scoring crowns included his signature 100-point game."

However, he was still criticized for being 'individualistic' as opposed to Bill Russell, his nemesis for a decade. The contention, though is that Russell played in superior teams-the Celtics dynasty under Red Auerbach. All-time greats Bob Cousy, John Havlicek and Sam Jones among others were part of his success. When Chamberlain teamed up with Jerry West, he did win a title and the longest winning streak in American pro sports in 1971-72.

Tim Duncan is the only active player in the list at power forward. Not much contention there as he has definitely exceeded Karl Malone. Duncan's five titles with San Antonio as opposed to Malone's title-less career is just too glaring a disparity.

Larry Bird is at small forward-a position that may someday be taken by LeBron James. Larry Bird redefined the small forward position. The statement: "As a shooter, the Hick from French Lick was automatic from nearly all points within his side of the half-court line."

Michael Jordan predictably takes the shooting guard spot while Magic Johnson takes the point guard spot.