The LIST - The Definitive Best Players in the NBA

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Good thread though Larry.

I don't even know why ya'll are debating.

This is the DEFINITIVE list. There is no need to debate. I just gave ya'll boys the answers.

[Kuzzy Powers]

While Dwight Howard, and Serbe Ibaka are both tremendous help defenders, they've both become painfully overrated for their ability to put up monster block numbers and then these guys end up being consideration the top defensive centers in the league. Marc Gasol plays man defense, plays help defense, blocks/alters shots, doesnt miss assignments, and is the catalyst of a very good defensive team (while playing beside a very inefficient defender in Z-Bo). Im not even necessarily saying hes a better than Dwight (altho he clearly has been during Dwight's baby garbage), its just that hes so far superior in other facets of the game. Offensively its not close, Gasol is a great passer, Gasol shoots FTs like a guard (a MASSIVE advantage over Howard, a star you cant even have in the game late because he cant hit a FT), and the difference in defense if you do consider Howard superior is no where near enough to elevate him above Marc.

Howard continues to be painfully overrated, I get that the dunks and big blocks are cool, and being able to grab 15 rebounds a game is fun, but this guy has progressed so little offensive over the years its sad. Hes so awkwardly bad offensively, has made a career of offensive rebounds and dunks, and still cannot hit a FT for his life. Wheres the progression? Dude has been severely overrated since his first dunk contest.

[KNUBB]

I think Rose has been gone for so long everyone forgot how special a player he was when he was healthy. Paul is great too.. but I give the small edge to D-Rose.

I can dig it but since Kuzzy brought it up lets look at MVP seasons

Rose: 25PPG 7.7ASS 4.1RBD 1STL 3.43TO

Paul: 22.8PPG 11.0ASS 5.5RBD 2.8STL 2.96TO

Rose had more than 300 more attempts than Paul had in 07-08.

[ralaw]

Better passer - okay
Better shooter - okay
Better teammate - okay
Less injury concerns - Prior to this season Howard really never missed a game. This season in LA was a disaster.
Debatable better defender - Gasol can't touch Howard defensively (I'm sure Fedex will post some metrics to support Gasol)

And he isn't an unfunny asshole.

As I said Gasol is the better offensive player....and? Before the Orlando situation Howard was by far considered one of the better players in the league. I sort of relate this to what happened with LeBron James..............Howard needs to go and win again and all of you will jump back on the wagon as with what happened with James.

[Kuzzy Powers]

Kobe sniped it if we don't remember

David Stern gifted it to him, but that was before he made the Pelicans his baby

Id rather have Chris Paul than a man who prefers his street clothes too, just felt like busting out that wonderful smiley.

[Kuzzy Powers]

Before the Orlando situation Howard was by far considered one of the better players in the league. I sort of relate this to what happened with LeBron James..............Howard needs to go and win again and all of you will jump back on the wagon as with what happened with James.

I personally have always felt this way about Howard, his bullshit attitude and baby nonsense have only added to it. Atleast he seemed like a likeable overrated player before.

[JimLeavy59]

But Dwight sucks and is overrated right.

http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/forum/showthread.php?123089-Dwight-Howard-traded-to-the-Lakers

[Kuzzy Powers]

I can dig it but since Kuzzy brought it up lets look at MVP seasons

Rose: 25PPG 7.7ASS 4.1RBD 1STL 3.43TO

Paul: 22.8PPG 11.0ASS 5.5RBD 2.8STL 2.96TO

Rose had more than 300 more attempts than Paul had in 07-08.

True, Paul was spectacular that year. He deserved the award. It was a situation where Kobe just hadnt got his yet, he had been snubbed a couple times himself, and now it was his turn to give the snub.

[Kuzzy Powers]

But Dwight sucks and is overrated right.

http://www.virtualsportsnetwork.com/...-to-the-Lakers

I was pretty adamant that Bynum was the better player, or atleast a better fit in LA. .

A healthy/motivated Bynum is real nice, but he may be a bigger bitch than Howard himself.

[JimLeavy59]

And why is Kobe being given a pass for his lackluster season?

[ralaw]

I personally have always felt this way about Howard, his bullshit attitude and baby nonsense have only added to it. Atleast he seemed like a likeable overrated player before.

TBH I am not a fan of Howard either, but I have become concerned that people have become too enamored with Gasol's offensive game. For me this is less about Howard and more about believing that Gasol has become overrated. If everyone is healthy I see him as being the 3rd best (Howard/Bynum) center in the league at best.

[KNUBB]

And why is Kobe being given a pass for his lackluster season?

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

And why is Kobe being given a pass for his lackluster season?

He's not. I've usually had Kobe 2 or 3. He took a hit, but I don't totally disregard previous performance. Same with Wade. Wade took a hit, but I'm not going to knock him down to 15 or whatever.

[Hasselbeck]

And why is Kobe being given a pass for his lackluster season?

Are you referring to this past season?

Kobe shot at a better percentage this year than he did in 9 of the last 10 years (only his 2008 season was better) and had the most assists per game in his career.. all this while playing a ton of minutes on a horribly coached team with a whole lot of problems.

I'd say given the situation and the fact he's 34, it was a pretty impressive season actually. And I'm not stevsta.

[LiquidLarry2GhostWF]

Are you referring to this past season?

Kobe shot at a better percentage this year than he did in 9 of the last 10 years (only his 2008 season was better) and had the most assists per game in his career.. all this while playing a ton of minutes on a horribly coached team with a whole lot of problems.

I'd say given the situation and the fact he's 34, it was a pretty impressive season actually. And I'm not stevsta.

I think Kobe learned his lesson.

No moar passingz.