Hubie Brown: His All Time Best NBA Players

Just listen to how Hubie Brown breaks down the all time players, spotlighting Tim Duncan, Elgin Baylor, Kobe Bryant, and Karl Malone.
SUBSCRIBE HERE FOR MORE: bit.ly/BBallSub
We're not a channel, we're a conversation. Join in via the comments below or on Twitter and Facebook!
TWITTER: bit.ly/BBallTweets
FACEBOOK: bit.ly/BBallFB
WEBSITE: bit.ly/BBallWeb
ABOUT BBALLBREAKDOWN
BBallBreakdown is devoted to deep-dive analysis of NBA basketball gameplay. Giving fans a taste of a pro coach's film session, host Coach Nick breaks down fundamentals, play calling, offense, defense, shooting form, officiating, and everything else basketball. In addition, see exclusive interviews with NBA players and coaches, from active super stars to retired legends.
Part of the SB Nation sports network.

[@TheRiggedBA]

Hubie Brown has consistently been one of the few television commentators who actually know what they're talking about.

[@filahohi]

More like the only one.

[@gregorysweer9951]

TheRiggedBA I remember him coaching the Carolina cougars of the old Aba won a championship 1974

[@stevek6518]

@@gregorysweer9951 no he coached Kentucky Colonels

[@brianross7914]

When it always comes to Jordan, kobe and Lebron... we always argue the same shit. Hubie just made it all make sense. Who played D..?

[@mxhughes]

Exactly I've always respected his basketball knowledge he don't say shit for viral trends

[@SamPendleton]

I would listen to Hubie Brown talk about basketball all day long.

[@anhell32]

+Haben-Alem Asghedom i was really quiet ..listening hubie and my wife came to the room talking ..i looked her and said the same jajaja !!!

[@tjmoreno1971]

Sam Pendleton WORD.

[@gregorysweer9951]

He is not going to come out and tell you what you want to hear ESPN Max Kellerman Stephen A Smith

[@SYEDSHAZEB46013]

Same

[@3fanAI]

Hubie Brown by far has the highest basketball IQ. Class is in session whenever he talks NBA.

[@spitnificent]

Hubie has forgotten more basketball than many of us will ever know.

[@TheTehrancarroll]

Walking Encyclopedia….What a treasure….

[@martyg2333]

Notice how he focuses most of his conversation towards defense. NOBODY talks about defense anymore because the league is all about offense, but the best players of all time could play BOTH ends of the court. This man clearly knows the game of basketball. He has seen it all and personally I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to get the perspective of someone with that much experience. He doesn't leave out the players of the 60's and past. Relish the opportunity to hear from someone that has seen decades and decades of basketball evolution, because it won't be around forever and people will soon forget and be unable to get this type of first hand perspective. Hubie is gold.

[@MrKAHutch]

This is awesome! More Hubie, please.

[@TheTaylorAzn]

Hubie is my all-time favourite commentator.

[@isaachaze1]

you always learn something about basketball listening to him. my favorite too

[@gregorysweer9951]

Taylor Hong mine's is Brent Musburger

[@718ufo]

This guy knows what he is talking about. Hubie is the man.

[@spleenunited]

The old man forgot about Bird when he ran over the SF position.

[@spleenunited]

I love Hubie btw.

[@bballbreakdown]

We had a long talk about Bird before that.. I'll probably release it at some point

[@How2BeANoob]

BBALLBREAKDOWN please do

[@ReCharredSigh]

although he did, I also kick myself and draw a blank at times when I try to name best small forwards not named bird, LeBron or kd. elgin was really really good. rick barry was larry bird before larry bird.

[@tubewatcher38]

Rasmus Bjerregaard Was wondering same thing. Thought he might've been thinking of Bird at PF ? or maybe 3.5 ? SF offensively, PF on defense.

[@BlueXalazi]

I could listen to Hubie Brown talk Basketball all day.

[@FactsOnlyPlease.]

I love Hubie Brown, but how long can he continue to do this. A living legend & lesson of perseverance!

[@chorrellpique4057]

Listening to this man break down basketball is truly one of the reasons I fell in love with the game even more. I'll always favour listening to him, no matter what other exciting games might be on. What a basketball genius.

[@TheJellin23]

This man is THE BEST basketball analyst in the world. He's so knowledgable and smart about the game and just seems like the cool grandad you wish you had

[@scottchristopherdavis204]

I love the fact that Hubie calls Lebron "what's his name" Keep keepin it real Hubie

[@kcire-tv3wy]

Hubie is the man! Great basketball mind.

[@jeremyellismusic]

So many congrats on all your success! if anyone deserves to hang around and talk about the greats with Hubie, it's you. Love all the vids. Keep it up!

[@Pronzini1]

He just said that when making his decision he also looked at defense. Larry Bird could not guard his own man. He was very good off the ball, making reads and helping out, but when isolated, he was like Magic....too slow to stop his man one on one.

[@BD-uw1kq]

Larry Bird is on the Mt Rushmore of all time defensive players. He led the NBA in defensive win shares 4 times, the same as Hakeem, and only behind Russell as a team defender in NBA history. He wasn't supposed to lock down the opposing point guard, that wasn't his job.

[@newagain9964]

@@BD-uw1kq Defensive win shares. 😂. You must be an agent. lol

[@elgriego331]

Hubie Brown- "These are the all time best players" Me if I was there - "But Larry Bird would kick all they're azzes."

[@SumYum69]

His vast knowledge of the game as well as his hard hitting analysis when he's on commentary make him my favorite commentator.

[@Dswizzle96]

Hubie brown is amazing! I could listen do him talk basketball all day!

[@garyharris5982]

Hubie is the goat he literally knows everything about ball he has coached since 1955 he had coached Kareem Jordan etc

[@ThePinoyMamba]

1. Jordan 2. Oscar Robertson 3. Wilt Chamberlain 4. Larry Legend Bird 5. Kobe Bryant 6. Magic Johnson 7. Kareem Abdul Jabbar. 8. Tim Duncan 9. Bill Russell. 10. Shaquille Oneal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . LeBron James

[@jordanosborne4383]

Lmao Larry over Lebron lord ham mercy

[@LeBeautiful_RealOne]

Hubie Brown is the truth but people I am nervous for tonight's game. If Miami lose this game, the series is over.

[@hazeddon]

I think Miami is going to lose the series(Spurs in 6), but i'll be very surprised if they lose tonight. They haven't lost 2 straight in the playoffs since 2011, never mind 2 straight at home. I don't see it happening.

[@DavidMoreiraa]

3 straight wins comeback is possible, everything is possible!

[@Mezurashii5]

hazeddon Spurs are very flexible in term of playing on different courts, I don't think the home advantage is that much of a deciding factor.

[@hazeddon]

Mezurashii5 I have no doubt about that, but the Heat are a very good team, I just don't think the Spurs can pull off 2 straight on them in Miami. But I guess we will see.

[@CocoXLarge]

Mezurashii5 Especially since last game heat "fans" started leaving in the first quarter.

[@imPurEGreatness]

I'd love to see him on First Take.

[@SYEDSHAZEB46013]

On that Shit show? He deserves his own show

[@DavidMoreiraa]

Really enjoying this videos with Hubie Brown!

[@cheezlayer]

Hubie thank you for knowledge! 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@DarthVxderTV]

I would never leave out Wilt. He could play defense almost as good as Russell while being the most dominant player ever on offense.

[@bballbreakdown]

Wilt has gotten some disrespect lately, he doesn't deserve it

[@DarthVxderTV]

A lot of the people that do dont really know about his time. All the fake rumors have diminished his accomplishments and of the other players of back then.

[@DarthVxderTV]

***** Youre kidding right? The average height for players back then is the same as now. Wilt was a world class athlete, not just a basketball player.

[@DarthVxderTV]

***** Wilt shut down Kareem in his prime and Wilt was in his late 30s. Kareems ppg would go down by over 10 points into the low 20s and his rebounds went down aswell. Kareem dominated in the second half of his career against some of the best big men of all time and he couldnt do much against Wilt. BTW the 90s wasnt even the best era for Bigmen, the 80s were and none of them were better than Wilt. Only Kareem can compare but Wilt is much better on defense and rebounding.

[@casualfandestroyer2503]

@@DarthVxderTV wilt often choked in big games

[@Justlistenflows]

Would love to see more of this footage if you have any. I'm a big Hubie Brown fan

[@jonq8714]

I'd love to get a cup of coffee with Hubie and just talk shop for a few hours... that'd be amazing.

[@gamebasher93]

I LOVE Hubie Brown!!!

[@criticalmass613]

I could listen to Hubie Brown talk bball all day.

[@Nosam09]

You got one of my all time favs. Love me some Hubie Brown on commentary. Lifetime fan now. Keep up the good work and yes I'm in.

[@bagbroch9339]

Hubie Brown is every positive word ever come up with in every language. Just amazing.

[@donkeykong3037]

One of greatest basketball minds ever.

[@donkeykong3037]

May I remind everyone Wilt scored 100 points in a game.Its retarded...

[@vincedidiana5781]

Hubie used to be the basketball expert on The Score 670 in Chicago. His segments usually lasted 15-20 minutes. The hosts asked one question. Lol. He’s great.

[@ericrivera1391]

Hubie brown and Larry brown are a great listen they know how to break it down two of the best

[@bphilbac]

Hubie knows basketball from being an NBA coach and now analysis, has seen all the greats and coach some of them, I take his word over most.

[@gregtdmorrison]

Hubie is the GOAT but LeBron's defence was less than stellar this year, there's no way he was worthy of 1st team all defence, he shouldn't have even been on the all defensive 2nd team.

[@DeCurtaRican]

Players that continually get dissed: Reggie Miller, Bernard King, Dominique Wilkins, Dennis Johnson, Alex English, Sidney Moncrief, Andrew Toney, Jack Sikma, Freddie Brown, and Allan Houston.

[@lamontsanford6330]

I can listen 2 Hubie talk basketball All day

[@Thooorin]

This is a master at work

[@hayesc0]

The goat commentator and a great coach.

[@BeachPleased]

My all-time Fantasy team Gary Payton Michael Jordan Scottie Pippen Tim Duncan Hakeem Olajuwon Defense is my consideration

[@ConcaCon]

If this was an all-time defensive team, sure. I would not argue, I would likely pick the same players every time if prompted. Offensively though... noone in that 5 could shoot consistently beyond 18 feet. You always need shooters.

[@BeachPleased]

ConcaCon when i played NBA 2k14, i focused on attacking from low post and mid range jumper... i run Triangle offense for this team

[@armelleboss1139]

My all- time favorite team Michael Jordan Magic Johnson Hakeem Olajuwon Scottie Pippen James Worthy

[@BrianKiddDevDesign]

For entertainment purposes, I got Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, "Pistol" Pete Maravich, Dr. J, Kareem Abdul Jabbar (although I might switch Dr. J for LeBron James.).

[@DeCurtaRican]

BamB HSF : Great team, and those dudes can score with the best of them, too.

[@BrianKiddDevDesign]

My all-time favorite team taking into account basketball entertainment: Magic Johnson/PG "Pistol" Pete Maravich/SG/SF Michael Jordan/SG/SF LeBron James/PF Kareem Abdul Jabbar/C Also, one thing to keep in mind is that at one time, Dr. Julius Erving and "Pistol" Pete Maravich almost played on the same team in Atlanta. In fact, in 1970 they played a preseason together there, but Dr. J had some contractual agreements that sent him back to the ABA team the Virginia Squires. Those who witnessed those preseason games stated that if the Pistol and the Doctor had played together on that Atlanta team, it is without question that they would have won one if not several championships together. And I believe Pistol's NBA career would have been even more notable.

[@JesterJoker89]

I love how he breaks this down by position and not just overall. It's giving respect to more players that deserve it. P.S. as I Kobe fan, I can't argue with him being the second best SG. Right where he belongs.

[@keithramoran]

thats because theyre stats would depend on where they are positioned on the court. lets say, pf and centers. they already have the advantage on rebounding and block stats compared to the guards who are naturally positioned far from the basket. also SFs who are tasked to provide some help to their bigs and guards. theyre usually placed at the corner so they could easily help on those things even if you play them as point, theyd still eventually go to their spot no matter what. so its better to compare those players based on how well they played their position and how big their performance are to their team and not on stats.

[@JesterJoker89]

***** exactly

[@AnimefreakHQ]

Aren't you forgetting Oscar Robertson?

[@boomboominroom]

The only commentator on TV I can stand. Love this guy.

[@veerchasm1]

Hubie is a frickin’ NBA encyclopedia

[@ltlifecash5879]

Legend !!!!!!!!!

[@elreiec1]

i could listen to hubie brown talk basketball all day.

[@ernieestrada193]

👍

[@squre98]

OMG it was freaking hilarious when he goes like "uhh uh, what's his name?" "LeBron James." Lmaoo 😂

[@ManofGold24]

this man is a genius

[@NTomlin575]

RIP Black Mamba

[@bulls2397]

In my opinion Wilt is the most dominant/ best player ever

[@Thechannel8286]

***** Back when players voted for MVP horrible idea some of those legends deserved those awards.

[@madinsomaniac]

Nah I would say Shaq is the most dominant player ever, but Wilt is however much better than Shaq. Also, for me Wilt is better than Russell, even though he might not have had the champion's heart the guy outplayed basically everyone during his time and even makes big men these days jokes and can even match up to guards. Player-wise Wilt has to be superior to Russell but Russell was a special standout in his own right and how he plays should be how people actually play but those are just ideals. The Big Diesel has to be considered the most dominant player ever since first STATS + Considering the old and the new, and then there's the framework and engine to support that massive framework of a body. Not much people could ever hope to defend, out-defend, out-rebound and at the same time do the three while outscoring Shaq. Wilt very well could out-pace Shaq but the Shaq attack can match-up on any big man of any size and humiliate him.

[@ReCharredSigh]

(long rant warning) sorry, but i don't buy wilt being a top 5 player of all time, or at least not better than russell. and it's not because he played against unathletic centers back then, or because russell's team kept beating him in the playoffs. it's because he absolutely cared more about stats and himself more than the team and winning. you know how some superstars give their all in a playoff series, and still come up short, but you can't criticize them, and would love to go to bat with them (like jerry west)? you don't feel that way with wilt. if wilt played in today's everything-becomes-news-instantly sports era, people would hate him even more than lebron. for instance, he cared more about preserving his streak of never fouling out in a game than anything else. ANYTHING. and centers got into a lot of foul trouble back then, which meant this guy was not going to protect the rim for you if he was on your team late in a close game. also, he hated the hack-a-wilt, and so wouldn't want coaches to call plays for him in a close game. but he loved to blame his teammates whenever he lost; he also was a coach's nightmare; he went through 9 coaches in 14 years! i could go on and on; it's just amazing how many people defend this player.

[@YZANBA]

ReCharredSigh thanks for the warning

[@heikiu96z]

Russell have a team where half of the team was HOF players. Wilt was great but he often chok in the 4th quarter after scoring like 50 points in the first 3 quarter. Which is why i think Kareem is the GOAT in fact, he have the most MVP in the history of the NBA.

[@MrPresidentialSwaggr]

no mention of hakeem... best defensive big man of all time in my opinion

[@yusefanderson448]

MrPresidentialSwaggr yes sir....

[@Kinksayshi]

Hubie is just the best.

[@robertcalkins4979]

How'd he not mention bird at the SF position!?

[@TheMimetolithman]

HUBIE IS SENILE'

[@michaelsimmons2745]

Robert Calkins because he not the best

[@thsu8]

Maybe the same reason he thought Jerry West was a point guard.

[@casualfandestroyer2503]

@@thsu8 he was

[@jordanosborne4383]

Can’t tie Lebron shoes that’s why

[@johnw8984]

What about Pete Maravich???

[@GivenQuality4Life]

Coach Brown Telling it how it really is not from an ESPN biased view like Simmons!

[@bballstrategy]

Hubie's generally a great mind, but he's clearly not watched LeBron play enough games if he still thinks LeBron is First-Team All Defensive. You can't just give the award by reputation alone every year. 

[@adamgottlieb5818]

I'd have to go with: PG: Johnson SG: Jordan SF: James PF: Duncan C: Russell I can't go wrong with that starting 5. They have tons of awards and playoff records. Johnson has the most assists, Duncan has the most blocks, Russell has the most rebounds, Jordan has the most points. Pippen has the most steals to Jordan by 9, but I like to cheat and add every stolen base Jordan had in the minors to his steals total. James is on pace to break Jordan's points record, and I don't know which baseball stat I'd use to cheat that record. Besides stats, Russell is the finals MVP, has 5 regular season MVP's and the existence of the ABA didn't really handicap his career like it did for Kareem and Dr. J (although Dr. J's ABA days are often overlooked anyway). Jordan won 6 Finals MVP's and 5 regular season MVP's. Johnson won 3 Finals MVP's and 3 regular season MVP's. Duncan won 2 MVP's and so far has 3 Finals MVP's. Duncan could still theoretically win one more this year, and as we all know, the Spurs don't go back to back, they go every other. James currently has 2 Finals MVP's and 4 regular season MVP's. James has quite a bit more time left in his career, but we have a good idea of where he stands and I'd say he's surpassing Bird.

[@macgawain3645]

He didn't mention Larry Bird for the sf position. 🤷‍♂️

[@abc-bu7nr]

I guess winning mvp 3 straight years means nothing

[@movie3450]

Coach you should do a video on defend in the 90s vs now

[@v1etnammer]

this guy would be perfect for podcasts. make it happen espn!

[@lakerfan3118]

Hubie the gawd

[@PoliticusRex632]

Lefty Driesell and Hubie Brown in a room and just let the tape run.

[@PhilV205]

Smush Parker, Delonte West, Anthony Parker, and Maurice Ager

[@smokez5931]

Legendary geezer.

[@lakerfan3118]

National treasure.

[@menacemc]

when Hubie talks..he talks so fluently...u can tell he knows what hes talking about

[@watchmanonthewall14]

Hubie's a basketball genius.

[@jedipudu]

In my opinion you can't compare eras. The game is different. The culture is different. The way men are, and were raised is different. All this stuff comes in to play. Just let the players be what they are/were. Great players in their time.

[@aaronjohnson6622]

Great point. Comparing eras is never ending non productive discussion.

[@jeremykilgore1444]

A basketball genius!!!

[@movie3450]

Coach you should do vs on defend in the 90s vs now

[@throwdini23]

I like Hubie but Doug Collins is my favorite when it comes to talking basketball.

[@MrMathsimon]

No Larry Bird? I find this insulting.

[@michaelsimmons2745]

Math Simon lol how?

[@BCBlue]

I agree, friend. Hubie has a memory problem.

[@AntonioVazquez33]

Me too...

[@coreysmorgan8488]

I love Bird but his defense wasnt up to parr

[@watchout361]

BIRD CAN PLAY ANYWHERE!!!

[@jbug1979]

wondering when Hubie is planning to retire.. checked his Wikipedia page. Hubie responded *"I will stay involved in some capacity until the day Verne Lundquist dies."* anyone understand why this was his answer?? i couldn't find any information about the relationship between the two of these guys..

[@scottemelock583]

Hubie Brown has a PhD in basketball.What I didn’t know about basketball I learned from Hubie.

[@tonigasoul7716]

Hubie has a very good basketball mind

[@daviddufresne343]

Magic at the point (good shooter, great assist man, doesn't need a ton of shots), Jordan at shooting guard, Lebron at small forward, Tim Duncan at power forward, Wilt Chamberlain at center (taking him over Olajuwon in case my all time team faces Shaq). You could argue some of the players, but this team has a good balance of defense, passing and scoring.

[@Bunar1993]

1. Jordan 2. Wilt 3. Magic 4. Bird 5. Dream

[@jordanosborne4383]

🤡

[@user-yy7cw7fl8p]

This might be the best one

[@jordanosborne4383]

@@user-yy7cw7fl8p 🤡

[@jamesfernandez3627]

Today's NBA compared to the 80's is like a welterweight fighting a heavyweight (the 80's of course). My criteria includes: the era, 3pt% over 3pt attempts, how a player could perform in a balance scoring team like the Spurs, and how a player could perform with less ball dominating (considerations for real pointguards of course). My top 10 (ballers on their prime), not in order: MJ BIrd Magic Olajuwon Jabbar Wilt Duncan Dr.J (NBA/ABA) Shaq Bill Russell

[@LJE3]

Can we get more time with HUbie at some point.

[@1031E]

Bird is the best small forward of all time. He might be the best player at any position of all time.

[@MeMe-td1ye]

Racist

[@zekaierkal9432]

No way

[@zekaierkal9432]

Not even top 3

[@jordanosborne4383]

Stop it

[@1031E]

@@zekaierkal9432 Well the guy everyone keeps saying is the goat couldn't even win one playoff game against him. He was 0-6 against Bird. Kareem said he was the best player he ever played against. I think I will go with his opinion over a random you tube poster.

[@dravendfr]

Great! Anyone at the center position...?

[@christopherkettler8727]

I love hubie brown

[@michaelares4240]

You should add Frazier and Monroe to all time backcourts

[@Master-Wanderer]

Greatness is Greatness.. Eras are Eras.. Opinions are Opinions and... basketball is a TEAM sport.

[@willsamson9161]

You forgot about the man on the NBA logo: Jerry West.

[@Amick44]

He mentioned West

[@abc-bu7nr]

He had him backing up Magic

[@tjzytkowski3322]

This guy has seen the birth of basketball as we know it starting in the 1950s

[@Handiicapped]

It really is hard making a top ten because there are so many good players that you don't want to leave out. Mine would be 1. jordan 2. Magic 3. Kareem 4. WIlt 5. Bird 6. Russel 7. Hakeem 8. Kobe 9. Tim Duncan !0. Oscar 11. Lebron

[@jordanosborne4383]

Bird and Kobe over Lebron stop it

[@jgooch7]

Hubie Brown is the truth

[@henryhill8676]

This is why hubie is the best

[@MyNameIsDaneee]

raymond felton in the background taking notes

[@cowtowntx.6740]

keep that guy alive!!!!!!

[@DaMonstaMasta]

My top 3 at every position would be: PG 1. Magic Johnson 2. Oscar Robertson 3. Allen Iverson (i guess) SG 1. Michael Jordan 2. Kobe Bryant 3. Dwyane Wade SF 1. LeBron James 2. Larry Bird 3. Scottie Pippen (My boy!) PF 1/2. Tim Duncan 1/2. Hakeem Olajuwon ( Yup counting him as a PF) 3. Charles Barkley C 1/2.Bill Russel 1/2. Kareem Abduljabbar 2. Wilt Chamberlain 3. Shaquille Oneal (Gonna cheat and add The BIG ONE) What is anybodies opinion of my list? Also my Starting 5 would be Magic Jordan James Duncan Olajuwon

[@DaMonstaMasta]

Shoulda put Stockton for PG also

[@your_royal_highness]

Don’t forget Hakeem. I’d be happy building around that guy. There are so many great players at each position…..

[@jeremyobeso9874]

I hate the discussion of MVPs when it comes to Kobe simply because he was robbed of four of them and that is irrefutable

[@chrismayor5147]

Kobe goes past Michael, but over a longer time. Then we have to look at hand checking versus non hand check, which was easier to score against? All defence, but under what rules? Still love what he has to say though. I understand he knows miles more than I do or will ever do

[@RayOnRoundball]

I know at one point Hubie Brown said Bird was the best passer in the league. I don't think people need to call his opinion of Birds into question.

[@6bDorotea]

*Where is dirk nowitzki? Did he say anything about him from any interview that day?*