Larry Bird is the greatest forward in history; most experts agree with that assessment. I grew up watching Magic and Bird duel over the years, and while both are no doubt among the very top handful of players in history, Bird's numbers and stats overall are superior to Johnson's - averaging about 5 pts per game more over a career, and other stats as well which are superior. Realizing that comparing a guard to a forward is difficult in an overall rating, I still do not concur in placing Magic over Bird in a NBA All-Time greatest list, nor do I believe the stats show that either. For some reason(s); however, most such ratings do show Magic one or two postions higher than Larry. Perhaps it's because people often tack on total championship rings, etc. as an attribute, in this case 5 for Magic and 3 for Bird. I've never agreed with that analysis at all, as basketball is much a team sport, with many uncontrollable breaks - such as Len Bias's death in 86 who was the Celtic's new blood line. No doubt Boston would have complied at least 5 championships with Len along - is Dan Marino lesser for being with a medicore team for his career, and no ring? If Jordan had been with the Clippers for his entire career, and averaging 30 pts per game, he would have NO NBA rings - that is a fact. How about Ewing and the Nicks? Bottom line - Bird was a greater player overall than was Magic. One can only make a credible statistical case with Jordan, Wilt, Russell, and perhaps Oscar as greater overall players. AND - to rate Dr. J #2 on the all time list, just isn't credible considering stats. He's great no doubt, but Bird fed him his lunch on several occasion when Dr. J was in his prime, early 80s, in fact. My opinion, for what it's worth.