Hoops

Greatest players in their prime by position ever

Probably THE best basketball book ever written Hoopie

If you’re into this kind of discussion, read ‘The Book of Basketball’ by Bill Simmons. Excellent analysis of past players, their eras, their match-ups, etc.

I agree, Duncan was a centre. He was listed as PF because of Robinson in my opinion. This stretch four label? If I look back far enough, I think it might have been McAdoo, but he was also listed as Centre. There was another big around that time called Mel Daniels (ABA) who had a game that stretched out to about 20 feet. Killed the bigs in his time for this reason.

I think Duncan is probably truly a center, just that he always had some bigger, slower lug next to him in the starting line-up - Nesterovic, Nazr, Oberto, Tiago, Robinson. But those guys weren't playing crunchtime. They had Robert Horry for that, the original stretch 4 (probably, I don't know). But if it's not Duncan at PF, it's... Barkley? Malone? Rambis? I don't know...

Corey Suicide Williams

I appreciate your comments regarding Duncan. Its the reason I just couldn't define the PF position. You have pretty much nailed it with the centre argument. What is the defining variable. Can we truly be objective? Are there too many additional factors not being considered? Does Jordan three peat again without a Rodman. Would this place Lebron above him? Is it stats, teammates, the cultural environment in specific generations, motivation, predispositions? Can somebody offer a criteria for comparison that equalises everything?

I'm just surprised no one has said Scalabrine TBH.

Hopefully your online now. Lets get into this. I love this debate, as much as I think its pointless and cant be resolved which is kind of the point.

He is on the list? Second team forward?

PG - Magic.
SG - Jordan.
SF - probably LeBron at this point.
PF - Duncan (if the Spurs can get away with saying he isn't a center, than so can I)
C - too many to choose from really - for dominance over his competition, Chamberlain; for longevity, Jabbar; for all round game (and probably my pick), Dream.

Sorry, those last two posts were from me.

Yinka Dare
Yes, those centres were all exceptional and they were seriously considered, especially Robinson, who's ability has certainly been dismissed by history. In saying that I still stand by more opinion and respect yours. Would give anything to see it actually happen. I just cant goes past Chamberlain in particular. I just cant.
Thanks

Jon Snow
Yep, excellent choices. Cant really argue objectively about yours for the same reason that I cant argue objectively about mine.
Thanks

Captain Obvious
Excellent point


Overall, the argument I expected to see was athleticism. In my opinion, the most disrespected era's in this regard was the 60s and 70s. I've seen Oscar "Robertson", thanks again, a point guard, block a shot, and with his arm at full extension, his elbow was just below the top of the square. Chamberlain could touch the top of the backboard. Russel could start his layup 40 feet out. As for the 70s, avoiding the cocaine argument, and the transitional nature of this period, all I have to say is, David Thompson, Connie Hawkins, Doctor J, (IN THEIR PRIME), and countless others. Absolute freaks of nature. Listen to what Jordan has to say about David Thompson. This is MICHAEL JORDAN speaking, not me.

My teams, admittedly, are also heavily skewed towards offensive ability. I admit that, and should rightly be pulled up on that. Defense is the MOST important aspect of basketball, PERIOD. So let me put forward a name who I will proudly be mocked and humiliated for. Dennis Rodman. I'll add to that further. Anyone who knows or has played basketball (or any sport for that matter) at a high level, understands how the mental aspect affects performance. Rodman again. Confidence is key. Who had more confidence than Larry Bird. Exceptionally beautiful arrogance. Its this reason, more than any other "anonymous", that Lebron just cant be put above Bird, in my opinion. Crunch time is what stops Lebron from being the GOAT, and believe me, I wish it wasn't so.
Thanks everybody

Whiskers, if lebron played against those dudes in the 70's and 80's he would have torn them to shreds. He's 10 times the athlete Larry Bird was and better at literally everything except spot up shooting.

"I don't think LeBron ever averaged 38pts and 24rbs playing in canvas shoes and travelling in buses!"

...or got to play against guys playing in canvas shoes and travelling in buses

Excuse me "Robertson"

Perhaps consider the criteria and assumptions a little more closely anonymous. I don't think LeBron ever averaged 38pts and 24rbs playing in canvas shoes and travelling in buses!

Lebron is ahead of everyone you have listed as a forward.

LOL at Oscar “Robinson”. Is that David’s brother?

Despite a decent effort in just his second game, Aron Baynes has been assigned to D-League team the Austin Toros...

From Spurs to Toros for Baynes

Aron Baynes has discovered the reality of life as a Spurs rookie.

Two days after becoming the toast of San Antonio when he put in a solid performance against the Charlotte Bobcats Wednesday night at AT&T Center the forward-center from Australia was on his way to Bakersfield, Calif., with the Austin Toros, the NBA D-League team owned by Spurs Sports and Entertainment.