Thursday, November 17th, 2011 at 10:37 am  |  118 responses

Giveaway: MDB Legends Tees

Your chance to win one of five dope old-school shirts.

Million Dollar Ballers, a new clothing brand from Portland, Oregon, is launching their  “Legends Collection” this week. The T-shirt collection pays tribute to basketball legends that laid the groundwork for today’s stars. Co-owner Greg Beers explains: “With the season in doubt, it felt like a good time to honor some of the game’s founding fathers.”

Fortunately for us—and, more importantly, for you—we were given the opportunity to give away five of the tees right here. So here’s how the contest will work. In the comment section, answer the question below, and you’ll be entered. We’ll choose our five favorite answers and contact the winners (be sure to leave a correct email address when you comment), and those selected will get a dope shirt. You have until next Monday morning, November 21, 2011. Easy enough, right?

Here it is:

Of these five legends: Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who is your favorite and why?

Good luck!

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  • http://nasteedunx.blogspot.com Nasteedunx

    Kareem, ’cause he’ll get pissed if I say anybody else.

  • Librapaj

    Dr. J. Was the first basketball player to play above the rim and do it with style and grace.

  • http://www.njnets101.com Frankie Anetzbegrer

    Julius Erving. If we are taking the aesthetic approach, he has one of the most recognizable head shots ever. Not to take away from the rest, but a retro shirt needs a true retro player. Dr. J still reeks of swag, even now.

  • Ryan

    Props on these Tees! I would give my left nut for that LB beauty! All the mojo comes from the stache anyways! #33 is a beaut for the ages!!!!!

  • http://www.nba.com/2011/news/features/steve_aschburner/10/27/lockout-q-and-a-kevin-murphy/index.html Allenp

    Oscar Robertson
    Not only was he considered the best all-around player of his generation, and the father of the triple double, but he stood for something vocally as a man.
    Kareem wasn’t a slouch as an activist, but he was more shy and retiring. Oscar was vocal and upfront, challenging the NCAA, the League and the world in general. He sued the NBA so players could have the right free agency even though he only had a few years left in his career and probably cost himself one last big payday.
    He seems like a man who understood his worth as a man and as a player. And, besides that, his game was outrageous. The original “bully” as far guards go, who intimidated and outsmarted countless players.
    I ride with Oscar.

  • Ryan

    Props on these Tees! I would give my left nut for that LB beauty! All the mojo comes from the stache anyways! #33 is a beaut for the ages!!!!!
    P.S. I’m rockin that exact stache of LB for Movember. If you’re going to do it, do it right!

  • Matt

    Tie between Bird & Magic (but Bird a little bit more cause I’m from Massachusetts. Both these guys brought their college rivalry to the NBA and changed the way the game was played. Both hated to lose especially to one another and it showed on the court each time they played.

  • http://www.theoriginalprofender.com Dave d

    Without question DOC! Not only an innovator but also a GAMESMAN! The Doc against Bird and Magicnwere truly EPIC… None of this games hype-up-the-junk nonsense… Truly EPIC, like that nasty up-and-under WITH the scoop reverse, a sweet kiss off the glass, from one side of the lane to the other. He had time to pick out his ‘fro so that makes him SWAG to the nth degree. DOC FOREVER!!!!!

  • http://twitter.com/austreezy Paul

    Magic because they’re arent too many 6’9″ point guards in the NBA and his game was so smooth

  • GoodluckTap

    The only man who’s ever averaged a triple-double in the NBA. It’s funny, because with today’s Youtube highlights and such, most people focus on the fancy side of the play with the fancy passes, the slamma-jammas, etc. The Big O got everything DONE.

  • Robert Haynes

    I know im only 15 and know more than enough bout basketball and my favorite out of all those great legends would be Oscar Because he made the way for players like Kobe and he had 44 point games for 77 games.

  • Bryce Henderson

    Definately got to go with Magic. He not only revolutionized the game at the point guard position, but he is the most inspirational player to ever grace the league. His amazingly brave battle with HIV has opened doors for so many people showing them there is light at the end of the channel. His on court game speaks for itself as he is without a shadow of a doubt one of the top 5 players in League history. Scoring, Passing, Vision, Rebounding, Steals, and Flare…he had it ALL! Most complete point guard of all time and there will never be anyone else like him (Sorry LeBron).

  • Garrett

    Magic! What made Magic special is that he could do it all. He came in producing from day one and did whatever was asked of him. He was a PG that dominated playing out of position at center in the NBA finals. Nobody does that but Magic. He even coached and played on the same team. I think he is the last to ever do that. Now he is creating jobs all over the United States. Plus he had a great personality on top of it. The ladies loved him. Everybody loved him. In the world of BBall you have your Kareem haters. Bird Haters. Wilt Haters. Jordan Haters, etc. But, has anyone ever said anything bad about Magic.

  • LA Huey

    Kareem. He and Nick Van Exel and the only Lakers I ever liked. And that’s saying a lot.

  • http://www.twitter.com/jefforee jeff

    Gotta go with the “Cap”. I was too young to watch him play in his prime but I’m amazed at just how smooth he was in the paint. Wish the big men of today could have anywhere near the skill level Kareem had. The “Cap” needs to get his statue outside of staple and I need one of these crazy cool shirts!

  • http://twitter.com/yo_mister Jesse

    Of the five players listed my favorite is definitely Magic Johnson. While Magic was orchestrating the Showtime Lakers they were a thing of beauty, and in my eyes the most entertaining basketball team to ever grace the hardwood.
    Many players have consistently put up eye catching numbers throughout their whole career in the NBA, but ask yourself if anybody has ever done it with a combination of skill, finesse, and most importantly pure unadulterated love for the game. That ever present smile of Magic’s could warm the heart of even the most jaded critic of NBA basketball, and it did do just that helping to elevate the NBA to a level of success and popularity it had until that point never experienced.
    In fact even if Magic never played basketball he would still be my favorite of these five for all the work he has done to draw awareness to the HIV epidemic. Having lost an uncle to the AIDs virus I am especially thankfully to Magic for all he has done to help not only the people suffering but also their families.
    From his time as a HS baller when he lead his team to a 27-1 record and a state title up until the present day Magic Johnson has been a winner in every sense of the word, and that is why he is my favorite.

  • ron G

    julius, because of his steezy fro and his smooth game

  • http://www.raptorsrepublic.com Mr.Goode

    ▪
    The answer of who my favourite almost seems to be irrelevant when it comes to choosing the GREATEST of these legends. The clear-cut, number 1 draft pick, comparing him to anyone else is like comparing a Maybach with a Chrysler 300. He was formally known as Lew Alcindor, and continued his glory through the name change to none other than KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR. His statistics speak for themselves, but if I must…he’s the NBA’s all-time leading scorer (enough said). Did i need to mention that if it wasn’t for KAREEM ABDUL-JABAR…two of these other t-shirts might not even have been included in this post. How would the Big-O be able to accumulate his averages without the big man in the middle with the Sky Hook? How would Magic Johnson have stepped into the void left by KAREEM ABDUL-JABAR to establish his legacy in the NBA Finals using none other than the “baby hook” to win the finals? THINK ABOUT IT! Furthermore, Kareem is an activist, an author, he smokes a little green and he’s from New York..what’s really not to love about the guy? Not to mention he got the dunk banned in the NCAA for a number of years…so when you think about who’s placed in the dominant focus of these shirts, he’s placed there for a reason. Kareem ABDUL-JABBAR is a Million Dollar Baller.

  • Jay

    Wow that’s tough, but I’m going with Bird. The stories about his shooting ability and swagger are crazy. Bird was the guy you went to for the big shot and he would hit it more often than not. His trash talking on the court is something many don’t know about, but he was able to get in his opponents head. He would let you know he’s going to shoot it and that you couldn’t stop him and that’s exactly what happened. Just take a look at his 3-Point contest win, he’s walking off the court with 1 finger pointing up before the ball even goes in the basket. That’s just incredible confidence for someone to have. He also couldn’t jump and still found a way to average 10 Rebounds Per Game. He would even make the key defensive play when needed despite not being that great of an athlete. His floor game was special too and he made passes most could only dream about attempting. He also played through a bunch of injuries that ended his career short, but he still performed on the court even when he wasn’t close to 100%. Bird just got it done on the court and someone who made the most of his abilities. I have a ton of respect for him because of that.

  • Saku 39

    Larry Bird because he won a three-point contest without taking off his warm-up jacket. So cold!

  • semy

    Definitely magic, i mean the dude basically won the championship for his team AS A ROOKIE filling in at center when his natural position was point guard. Also he changed the world with his HIV announcement ensuring others would get help. He’s a humble and funny dude and, in my opinion, the best point guard of all time.

  • perhan

    Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the simple fact that big men are never appreciated as much as they should be. The all-time leading scorer in NBA history did his thing from the post and not from the wing like some of the more flashier scorers but he is one of the few players ever that has a signature move (the hook shoot) tied to synonymously to his name…and not to mention the trendsetting goggles.

  • http://www.mdballers.com Nealeio

    Larry Bird, because the guy could win anyone’s Big Mac with a no look, off the floor, over the back board, around the bench, off the light, one bounce shot.

  • Christopher Landis

    Larry Bird, because of his fight and hard work towards the way he lives inspired many people not just on the court but off the court. What NBa player past or present paved his mothers driveway? LARRY BIRD! he gives all the unathletic people in the world hope to play in the nba.

  • http://slamonline.com tealish

    Larry.
    Never watched him live. Wasn’t alive. But when I heard folks comparing the Dirkster to Larry, it made me go back to watch some footage. And while I love me some Dirk, but he ain’t no Larry Bird.
    And that ‘stache? Forgetaboutit. Larry all day!

  • Itai

    The BIG O, Oscar Robinson!
    My favorite out of these guys because although he doesn’t have the hype of Magic/Bird, the athleticism of Dr. J or the numbers of Kareem, he set the agenda for big little men, using his body to have the infamous triple double season(!!!) and nearly had a second one of those too. For some one not named Lebron James, who probably has more than a few inches and quite a few pounds on the Big O, to average a triple double for a season is ludicrous, and yet he did it with ease. He also ushered Kareem Abdul Jabbar into the league, and is the epitome of humble. He is my favorite out of these legends because, sadly, he is the least recognized for his genius!

  • Samco

    Doc, the prototype for MJ.

  • Samco

    ^In some ways.

  • http://www.pioneeringdesign.net JJ Walker

    Oh man… this is a no-brainer. Larry Bird is my favorite of all time!! Being a white kid in the 80′s growing up in a rural Oregon town where basketball was huge, he was the ultimate hero. Growing up I would watch “Superstars 1″ daily even though I hated the song “Small Town”!! Then when “Larry Bird – A Basketball Legend” came out we would gather at my house and watch that before all of our Basketball games. We would even try to duplicate his silly shots like we were emulating dunks. He was the ultimate gamer. If you are a fan of the art of Basketball he is the perfect player. As well rounded a player as this planet has ever seen!! I could go on for days about something I am this passionate about. The shirt is perfect by the way :) – JJW

  • Josh

    Erving didn’t even have to go to medical school to be called ‘Dr. J.’

  • Heals

    Bird, Larry Bird. I can relate with him more than the others and being white has nothing to do with it (or maybe it has everything to do with it?). He personifies the uniqueness of subtlety, the illusion of invincibility, the desperation of an undying commitment and ultimately the fragility of the youthfulness. In a sport that is becoming more entertainment than competition, in a media centric world that celebrates individuality over selfless cohesion and a fanbase that respects alley-oops more than a meticulously modeled jump-shot; Bird represents the antithesis. His reluctance to embrace achievement, his discomfort with the spotlight, his disdain for failure, his unease with the success of contemporaries and of course his obsessive-like dedication to do “it” better than anybody else all helped create one of the most “human” legends the game of basketball will ever see…

  • Ronnie

    Magic because my dad felt it was necessary to drive 5 hours when I was two years old to Orlando just so i could say that i saw Magic Johnson’s last game. As I’ve grown up I’ve watched documentaries and footage on him and then last year at the Nets-Lakers game I met him in the will call line and we just kind of chatted. He was really nice and you could tell that smile you see all the time isn’t just for the cameras, he really loves the game and his fans. He was a once in a generation player and in this generation he serves as a model to professional and recreational athletes alike. Btw I still have the tickets from that All Star Game framed in my room.

  • Brock

    Julius becuase of his relentless attack to the basket.

  • http://bedotwater.bandcamp.com The Black Skip Bayless

    Magic Johnson. Growing up as an LA cat, all I know is Purple and Gold baby. Since then, Bean has supplanted magic as my favorite laker, but only because I’ve grown up with Bean, whereas Magic was my Dads guy. Either way, I play the way i play now because of Earvin. I dont remember the last fast break I ran without throwing a no-look pass. Watching Magic play was a thing of beauty. No Look passes, one hand full court bounce passes… He made passes that only he could make, even to this day. Magic is the greatest PG EVER!

  • L-Dub20

    Magic! No discredit to the other legends on this list, but magic created SHOWTIME! The smile, the swag, the love for the game and being an ultimate teammate!!! Who can really beat that? Magic was way ahead of his time. Almost like Tupac and Biggie of their time. He set the standard, back then, for point guards today. A True leader. Over came so much adversity on and off the court. Nothing more frightening than having a 6’8 man coming running down the center of the lane w/ the ability to shake you out of your shoes with hesitation dribbles and no look passes. Magic is the man!!!

  • kevin smith

    Larry Bird. I’ll let the words of Mr. Bird tell you why…”It doesn’t matter who scores the points, it’s who can get the ball to the scorer.”

  • d

    Without a doubt Oscar Robertson. The only guard to average more than 10 rebounds a game i a season doing it three times! The Big O had 41 triple-doubles in a single season! There was nothing Robertson couldn’t do.

  • http://jamesmeierotto.com james

    Magic Johnson. Not only did he change the way the game is played. He has brought that same hard work, dedication and generosity to his life as a businessman and philanthropist. He is a true inspiration!

  • rob stewart

    I love the Big O. I literally just got off the city bus while reading his latest book! I love how he stood up for equal rights and often voiced his opinions without apology concerning race issues. He stayed in Cincinnati for his senior year instead of opting for a payday with the Harlem Globetrotters because he valued his education. And you can’t forget his connection with Ice Cube!!! For an entire season he could have sang Cube’s song “Today was a good day” because he “messed around and got a triple double” for the entire season on average.

  • Damon Charles

    Larry, the hick from french lick. His game may not have looked pretty like a Magic or Dr. J but he got the job done. Reminds me of myself.

  • duch

    Kareem is my fav. Why ……….that mean skyhook!

  • Shaun Word

    For me I would have to say Magic Johnson. He is the greatest player I have ever seen play the game. I grew up in Gardena Ca. My father a life long Laker fan so I of coarse was destined to be one as well. The things that man did with a basketball inspired me as a kid. at the same time I think hearing his announcement of contracting HIV hurt me worse then my parents divorce. I would wear the shirt proudly.

  • http://slamonline.com nbk

    Larry Bird. Because Bird would beat you, and tell you how he was going to beat you. Like when he looked Xavier McDaniel and said, “I’m going to get the ball right here and I am going to shoot it in your face.” McDaniel Said “I Know, I’ll be waiting” Bird catches the ball, hits the shot from just about the exact spot and says “damn, I didn’t mean to leave 2 seconds on the clock.” And my favorite Larry Bird’s 60 against the Hawks in 85, Larry was so good that night, the Hawks were giving each other high fives
    Bird was on such a hot streak, he was calling his shots. And not just from spots on the floor, but on one play, he called, “three-pointer, trainer’s lap.” And he did it, hitting a three, while falling out of bounds, and landing in the Hawks’ trainer’s lap. That is why Larry Bird is my favorite of the greatest of all time.

  • fanfromfinland

    Julius Erving absolutely. Even when im from finland i do know who he was and what he did. He was an great athlete and basketball player. Also true highflyer what comes to dunking. So it would be like a blessing to wear that shirt hear in finland and represent great nba legend face on that shirt. Also very cool shirt. You might think i dont know every stat he made on his career because im from finland and europe but he was my favourite player of all these legends.

  • jacob longstaff

    Personality makes the man, and personality is what Magic Johnson great. He was the ultimate definition of a true PG. He could pass, shoot dribble, and lead. The best part about it is that he did it all with a smile. You couldn’t hate magic even if you were a Celtics fan because you respected the way he played the game. He could play any position on the floor and was willing to do so for the greater good of the team. When he came back from his retirement and played with the HIV virus opened the eyes of the public about the facts of HIV. people were no longer scared of people who were infected with HIV. He was a great basketball and more importantly a great man, that’s why he’s my favorite.

  • Tommy Peterson

    The hick from french lick Larry Bird. He revolutionized the game and gave boston fans the perfect player to cheer for, he dove for every lose ball, threw elbows, and wasn’t afraid of any match (like choking Dr.J at half court). Most of all he talked smack, but he could actually back it up: like that one time he told Person he was going to hit a free right infront of the pacers bench on xmas day, and when he hit it…. “marry f****** christmas. Finally he played through tremendous pain his last couple years.

  • kevin

    Earvin “Magic” Johnson. When was the last time a rookie made an impact like Magic in the Finals. Not the regular season, not the first round of the playoffs, but the FINALS! With Kareem sidelined with a bum ankle in Game 6 of the 1980 Finals, Magic not only stepped up, but stepped into that number 5 position to replace Kareem and have arguably, one of the finest games in Finals history. He faced Dr. J’s Sixers, Bird’s Celtics, Isiah’s Pistons, and Jordan’s Bulls in the Finals (9 times) and came out ahead more times than not. With Kareem at center, and Worthy on the wing, the Showtime Lakers dominated an epic era of basketball.

  • yjr

    Oscar Robertson. Averaged a triple double in his 2nd year in the league. 2nd! game over.

  • Hydra81

    Julius Erving, because the moustache is more crazy than the hairstyle

  • TaranvirSandhu

    I would say that my favourite Legend out of all these players, is Larry Bird. The reason for this is because when I was younger, I would love to shoot three pointers and teenagers older than me would tell me about Larry Bird. Larry Bird became an idol for me, along with Steve Nash, and I always wanted to be a great shooter like him. After reading When the Game was Ours, my respect and love for Larry Bird increased immensely. I learned about his struggles as a child, financially and physically. His father was an alcoholic who suffered from depression, and later committed suicide. He overcame this adversity, and continued to play basketball. Growing up, his mother was a great influence on him, along with his brothers. Unlike many other basketball players, Larry Bird actually stayed to finish his degree. His story got better, as he went on to become one of the best players in the NBA, and is recognized as being one of the best white players in what was seen as a predominantly black game. The way he played the game, and handled his life are the points that are really impressive about Larry Bird. He always was and will continue to be regarded as the best, atleast in my eyes. Ahaha, I feel like reading the book again now and to admire Larry Bird’s autograph :)

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