NBA: 1980s All-Decade second team

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Feb 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; Former NBA Legends help celebrate Bill Russell’s 80 birthday during the 2014 NBA All Star Game Legends Brunch at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. From left to right are Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Clyde Drexler, Julius Erving, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Kenny Smith, TNT Broadcaster Ernie Johnson. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Until the 1980s, the NBA was little more than an interesting but misunderstood sporting experience. But once Magic Johnson and Larry Bird arrived, the league entered its golden era. The association also introduced the three-point line during the 1979-80 season, dealt with plenty of drug problems running rampant through the league and began to witness the greatest player in the history of the sport in Michael Jordan.

But who were the best players from a turnaround decade for a struggling league? We all know about Bird, Magic and MJ, but who else helped put the NBA on the map during the 80s? Since it’s September and a new NBA season is still a few weeks away, we’ll be taking a look back in time and passing out some All-Decade Team awards.

We’ve already done Third Team, Second Team and First Team honors for the 1990s, as well as the Third Team, Second Team and First Team for the 2000s, so now it’s time to retrace our steps back to the 80s. Since we’ve already done the Third Team and honorable mentions for the 80s, today we’ll continue with the Second Team before working our way up to the cream-of-the-crop First Team.

In case you’re unfamiliar with how All-NBA teams work, there are two spots for guards, two spots for forwards and one spot for a center. The First Team is the highest honor, Second Team is second highest and Third Team is third. Without further ado, here’s a look at the 1980s All-Decade Second Team honors.

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