ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, February 10, 1997 TAG: 9702110027
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-4 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CLEVELAND
SOURCE: Associated Press
Bill Russell helped George Mikan to the podium, the great Minneapolis Lakers center steadying himself on a ledge of legends, to conclude perhaps the greatest assembly of athletes in history Sunday night at halftime of the NBA All-Star Game.
There was Russell and Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar; Oscar Robertson and Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Julius Erving. Wearing leather jackets emblazoned with their team logos, basketball's greatest living players assembled on one court for the first time.
And it wouldn't have been complete without perhaps the greatest, Michael Jordan. Still sweaty from an electrifying close to the first half of the All-Star Game, Jordan was the first player called; Mikan the last.
The NBA's 50 greatest players were selected in October. All are alive except Pete Maravich. ``Pistol'' Pete's two sons, Jaecen and Joshua, joined the line of greats in honor of their dad.
Jerry West and Shaquille O'Neal were the only living players absent. Both names were announced, with Shaq's drawing loud boos.
An NBA spokesman said West couldn't fly because of health reasons, while O'Neal, whose selection to the team was among the most controversial, reportedly was unable to travel while he underwent treatment for an injured knee.
O'Neal was one of five All-Stars unable to play because of injuries, but three of those players, Patrick Ewing, Clyde Drexler and Charles Barkley, participated in the halftime activities.
Mikan, 79, was introduced after Chamberlain and Russell. The greats waved to a standing, roaring crowd, fireworks popping above them, then filed off the court.
LENGTH: Short : 42 linesby CNB