The updated Top 25
Training camps for the 2009-10 NBA season are about to begin. As we enter a new season, I would like to get the ball rolling with my Top 25 player prediction for this year. I computed last season’s accomplishments along with my thoughts on how they will perform this time. I already know a list like this one will have its disputes, but I assume that’s why we do lists. I must admit that LeBron and Kobe are apples and oranges, but in my opinion one of them is ahead by a millimeter. We have a couple of new players in the ranking and another player that fell out (Manu Ginobili). I did not rank Yao Ming because we don’t know if he will be playing this season, so with him I omitted a player that would be in the Top 10.
This will definitely be a competitive year and I expect this list to change come mid-season…
25. Ray Allen (24)
Ray had a very good year. He struggled at times in the playoffs, but in his defense he is better running off screens than spotting up. He had to stand a lot during the playoffs and he struggled at times because of it. Allen shot 4 percentage points above his career field-goal average last year. He averaged 18 points, shot 40 percent from behind the arc and nailed 92 percent of his free throws. Allen should flourish even more with Kevin Garnett back and the equally unselfish Rasheed Wallace on board.
24. Devin Harris
Speed kills and Harris has it. He jumps in at 24 and should be here to stay. Harris can get to the basket with the best of them and make his free throws at an 82 percent clip. Played only 69 games and shot a dismal 43 percent from the field, but I love his upside and I think he will flourish on a Nets team that will struggle all season. If Harris is not a Top 20 player this season, I will be disappointed.
23. Shaquille O’Neal (18)
Shaq had a great season last year in Phoenix although the Suns failed to advance to the playoffs. He was in tremendous shape and proved he can still flourish when in that condition. It will be interesting to see if he can duplicate it knowing the offense will not run through him like it did last year. I know he has his limitations on defense, but the Cavaliers have excellent perimeter defenders and his job will be much simpler than it was last year. LeBron will get him easy baskets, but the prevailing question is… Can he deal with getting out of King James’ way a majority of the time? That will be an issue on the court and in the locker room.
22. Danny Granger (23)
Granger has an old-school game in a new-school body. Takes what the defense gives him and makes you pay. 25 points per game and 87 from the line will give the Pacers a chance every night. Only played in 67 games last year and still put up crazy numbers. I would like to see his passing and defense improve before he moves into consistent All-Star category, but the Pacers have a player that will remind them of the scoring Reggie Miller left with.
21. Al Jefferson (25)
The best low-post ability in the game, when he is rolling he is virtually unguardable. The injury slowed him up, but it will not affect him because he plays below the rim. I believe he will become a better player because he will need to be more cerebral coming back from a season-ending injury. The Wolves unfortunately will still be bad for the next few years, but if Jefferson continues to grow as a player they will indeed have their cornerstone.
20. Kevin Durant
All I can say is, “League, watch out.” This young man can play and got better at a rapid pace with every game last year. George Gervin reincarnated with crazy range. At 20 years old, he poured in 25 points a game, shot 48 percent and grabbed almost 7 rebounds. He will be an All-Star the rest of his career and will flirt with the All-NBA team at season’s end. The one surprising aspect of his game that also has gotten much better is his defense. He should study film of ex NBA player Derrick McKey because he could become that type of defender before it’s over. The one area he needs to continue to grow in is leadership. He has a tendency to wander into his own world and forget about his teammates. He will move up on this list by mid-season and that’s a guarantee.
19. Steve Nash (22)
I have no idea why Nash has moved up three spots, but I suspect with the way the Suns will play again this year he will be higher come mid-season. For the third straight year he shot 50 percent from the field, 40 percent from three-point range and 90 percent from the free-throw line (a record). All due respect to Ray Allen, but Steve Nash is by far the best shooter in the game and has been for the last six years. Nash also still found time to average 9.7 assists a game. He is the consummate professional and a teammate’s dream because he has no prejudice when he steps on the court. If you get open, you get the ball.
18. Joe Johnson (16)
Johnson, a personal favorite of mine, has probably the best handle for his size next to LeBron and Kobe. I would definitely like to see him improve his low-post game because with his passing ability he would destroy opposing defenses with the shooters he has at his disposal. Numbers tend to go down in the playoffs, which has to concern both Joe and Mike Woodson. He averaged 5 fewer points in the playoffs and if the Hawks are to get to the semifinals again this year, he has to be dynamic in the second season. Six assists a game will go up with the addition of Jamal Crawford and Joe Smith.
17. Chauncey Billups (13)
The Denver Nuggets should have given him a huge bonus, because he made them a ton of extra money that they would not have seen had they stayed put. He automatically settled them down and made them think about Team instead of I. Billups is one of the best leaders in the game and definitely one of its best clutch players. He averaged 20 points in the postseason, but ended with a whimper against the Lakers – which probably had him working out extra hard this offseason. He needs to improve his shooting when they run him off the three-point line. He shot a dismal 41 percent from the field. I expect Billups numbers to continue to go down, thus allowing players like JR Smith to take more of the load along with Carmelo Anthony.
16. Paul Pierce (11)
They call him The Truth and he has proven up to the label for 11 seasons. Pierce is definitely the go-to scorer on the Celtics and one of the best clutch players in the league, especially in the playoffs. He has been the rock for this organization and I expect him to become one of the few players to start and finish his career with the same team. The one thing I would love to see is better conditioning. There is a part of me that always feels like Pierce has never been in the type of shape that could make him have a super season instead of the ho-hum normal 20 points per game. I guess that’s just a part of me that wants to see more because he is one of my favorite people and players in the league. Dropping him to 16th was more an age thing than production, but I expect him to explode again this season with the addition of Rasheed Wallace.
15. Brandon Roy (21)
Roy is a taller version Tony Parker. He has an uncanny ability to get to the basket despite defenses gearing up against him. He has very good all-around ability, but I cringe at how he squeezes the ball for much of the shot clock. It will be interesting to see if Andre Miller can keep the ball long enough to at least run the offense before Roy runs to it and goes one-on-one. I think that selfish part of his skills needs to change early in the game to allow teammates to gain a flow. He will find out that he would become much more potent, like Kobe has found out, when he plays more of a decoy early and becomes the assassin later. I anticipate Miller having a calming influence, allowing him to flow to a much better season. That’s why I moved him up six spots. He should improve on that 48 percent percentage and score in the 23-24 range, but be fresh in the fourth quarter.
14. Chris Bosh (10)
It’s time for Chris Bosh to show that he can put a team on his back or ask management to bring in a veteran star to help him along. Bosh averaged 22 points, but shot a disappointing 48 percent. He has to develop a better low-post game and help his team get better high-percentage shots. Every year he seems to be floating further and further away from the basket. He took 49 three-point shots last year and made 12. Bosh is more of a finesse player, but the idea of improving his three-point game is the wrong road to travel. Let’s hope he has beefed up somewhat and is willing to allow his teammates to take care of the outside game. His role is to be dominant in the paint. Most importantly, I want Bosh to make Shaq change the statement he made about him last year. He called Bosh the RuPaul of big men. Bosh did not deserve that description. Let’s see if he can make Shaq look like the old man of centers.
13. Deron Williams (19)
When healthy Williams, Chris Paul and Tony Parker are the best all-around point guards at this juncture. I expect Williams to move into the Top 10 after this season if he puts in a full healthy year. He is the strongest point guard in the league and one of the best at the pick-and-roll. He will never show his true offensive skills because the Jerry Sloan system will not allow it, but his all-around abilities will propel the Jazz towards another solid season. His numbers normally escalate during the playoffs, which tells us about the toughness and confidence he possesses.
12. Amare Stoudemire (17)
How can you go from 17 to 12 after missing the last 29 games with a dangerous eye injury? Two reasons come to mind… 1. When he came back from a micro fracture surgery, we wrote him off and he became All-NBA. 2. The Suns are going back to their 7 Seconds or Less offense and Amare will be playing center. Those two reasons along with the tremendous shape he has kept his body in will propel him back up the ladder. There is no player in the NBA at Amare’s size with the quickness and explosiveness that he possesses. I expect him to average 27 to 30 points a game and help Phoenix secure a bottom playoff position this season. Also remember this is his free agent year, so expect him to be highly motivated.
11. Carmelo Anthony (14)
Anthony is the most versatile offensive forward in the game. He is listed at 230 pounds, but don’t believe that number. Anthony is packing on 240-plus and still moves like a gazelle. He can score anywhere on the floor. I don’t like his shot selection and that is why he shot 44 percent last year, but don’t get it twisted because he is a matchup nightmare. He is the best offensive rebounder in the league playing small forward when he commits himself. His post-up ability brings double teams and when he is focused, he is a pretty good defender. The Nuggets just need more leadership from him and more consistency on the offensive end every night. He is their most talented player, but he is not their best player because of these inefficiencies. I am looking for Carmelo to put it all together this season and elevate his game all-around, which would mean the Nuggets could have a return engagement with the Lakers in the Western Conference finals.
10. Pau Gasol (15)
Ok, I was wrong! I was not a big fan of the player I called the Poodle during the Celtic-Lakers Finals last year. He moves up five spots because he is the best fundamentally sound seven-footer in the league next to Tim Duncan. Gasol’s footwork is textbook and he has a great left hand that makes him virtually impossible to guard one-on-one. He showed me everything he had to in last year’s playoffs. He showed toughness, savvy, leadership and offensive consistency even when he did not touch the ball for minutes at a time. Kobe won without Shaq, but he would not have sniffed the Finals without Gasol. So I will retire the Poodle nickname and name him The Machine. The Lakers team already had that nickname for a player, but Sasha Vujacic doesn’t deserve it.
9. Tony Parker (9)
How can you be ranked number 9 and still be underrated? Will someone show me a player that can keep Parker out of the paint? Can anyone show me who finishes in traffic over bigger players more consistently at his size? I simply marvel at how good he has become in the pick-and-roll offense. There was once a time when teams would go under and dare him to shoot, but he has become a 50 percent shooter with an improved mid-range game. That improved skill will allow him to score 22 ppg consistently against anyone. Parker never gets the credit he deserves because of the greatness of Duncan, but he is the toughest player on the Spurs pound for pound without a doubt. This season might become his best because it seems as if Duncan has taken a back seat to the offensive prowess of Parker and seems content to let him shine. And shine he will.
8. Kevin Garnett (6)
When I first met Kevin Garnett, he took off his hat and said, “It’s an honor to meet you.” When I saw Garnett last year, he repeated that. Garnett is one the best leaders in sports and surprisingly always has been. I have even been guilty of being critical of his unselfishness. We will never be able to change that and I am so glad we as fans were not successful in doing so. He has been pass-first since he came into the league. He has at times deferred to players who were simple role players and at the same time ignored our bantering to shoot more. We watched him last year sit next to sweaty players in a custom-made suit on the Boston bench while he was injured. He did not isolate himself at the end of the bench. He was in the game even though he could not play and I noticed and respected him immensely for that. Who would not want to play with a superstar like him? He made Glen Davis cry last year during a game, but people don’t get fooled on why Davis was crying? I bet he cried because he was dressed down by a player that he respects to the highest level and he did not want to disappoint him. Garnett will come back with a vengeance and I expect the Celtics to return to championship form playing with the Big Ticket.
7. Dirk Nowitzki (12)
I made a mistake last season and left him off my Top 25. I corrected it right away and I think I made another mistake putting Dirk at number 12. Which brings me to the present. I am wondering if he can eventually move into the top 5. There will never be another Larry Bird. But if he isn’t close, who will? Dirk can flat out play and he works on his game. People are quick to label him soft, but tell me who gets beat up more than him and he still lights you up. I have always stood by the simple fact that great individual defense will never stop great individual offense consistently. I think Dirk proved that last year against Denver when Kenyon Martin got toasted all series long trying to guard him. The one area he needs to improve in, and it has gotten better, is his leadership. He has the talent around him to win the West, but it’s going to take a more rounded effort from him this season. I think he can pull it off. Watch out for the improved Mavericks and the best jump-shooting seven-footer in NBA history.
6. Chris Paul (3)
I love Paul. He is one of my favorite players to watch and for one reason. His leadership is off the charts and I enjoy how he directs and takes over a game with a scowl that has much bigger players paying attention. When he retires, he will have a pick of any coaching job available because of his ability to communicate and keep players in line. It was just too bad he really could not keep a healthy team on the floor last year. Losing Janero Pargo to a Greek team did not help. Paul did not fare well in the Hornets playoff loss to Denver and was embarrassed and shut down in their last two losses. I expect him to come back with a vengeance and play like a potential MVP candidate this season. His numbers offensively will probably go up unless Peja Stojakovic and David West stay healthy and perform up to expectations. If they don’t, Paul might do a Nate Archibald offensive impersonation this season and score over 25 ppg.
5. Tim Duncan (5)
Duncan is the best leader in the game and its best power forward. I can’t say enough about what a consummate professional Timmy is. Have you ever seen him take a night off? Have you ever seen him take bad shots? Have you ever seen him not be excited for his teammates? I watched David Robinson’s induction the other night and when they put the camera on Duncan, it was obvious where he got the immediate knowledge and unselfish nature from. Robinson stepped aside for Duncan and Duncan has been allowing his teammates to succeed as well with his unselfish nature. I expect Duncan to bounce back from the nagging injuries he experienced last year and help San Antonio challenge the Lakers for the Western Conference crown this year. His all-around numbers will go up, but the one category that could get them back to the Finals will be in the assists column. He averaged 3.5 last year and with the offense flowing through him that will get better.
4. Dwyane Wade (7)
Wade moves up three spots and I am sure in some fan’s eyes it was not enough. I can’t argue with that complaint. Wade is a scoring marvel. When he came into the league, he was all about getting to the basket and flying over the rim. But now he can score from anywhere with regularity. He shot almost 50 percent last year while leading the league in scoring at 30 ppg. He also impressed me by playing in 79 games, which were about 12 games over his average. The obvious reason was that Wade came into the season in great shape and he parlayed it into a career year. The Heat would have won 25 games without him and that’s why he was considered highly for MVP. Leadership will be tested this year again with so many young players and no significant additions. But one thing is for sure: South Beach belongs to Flash!
3. Dwight Howard (4)
I have Howard above Dwyane Wade for one simple reason: He changes the way teams have to defend in the paint. The second chance factor in the NBA is huge. If you give teams second and third chances to score on a consistent basis, your team will lose. Especially if it is Orlando with its plethora of scorers. Howard is so good on the offensive glass that teams don’t expect the player that’s guarding him to garner many rebounds because he has to almost face guard him. Then you put him on the defensive end and he changes the game with blocked shots and an intimidating presence. His offense will get better with improved footwork and patience and his free-throw percentage needs to move up as well. He grabs this spot because he took his team to the Finals last year. If Vince Carter fits in like he should, they might make another appearance with Superman carrying them.
2. Kobe Bryant (2)
The Black Mamba has finally did what many thought he would not be able to do… And that is winning a championship without Shaquille. He is the best offensive player and on-the-ball defender in the league. If Kobe wanted to score 40 a game, he could. But Phil Jackson has finally convinced him to share the ball and save that bottomless energy for the playoffs. Kobe is the most dedicated and smartest player I have ever seen and I wish every aspiring young basketball player could spend a day with him.
1. LeBron James (1)
I expect LeBron to continue to ascend to levels only reserved for the greats of the game. He continues to flourish every year. His shooting percentages across the board continue to grow with his all-around game. He shot 50 percent and elevated his free-throw percentage to 78 percent last season. The 35 points per game he scored in last year’s playoffs are just a sign of things to come for King James. We need to sit back and enjoy the sick individual numbers he will continue to post as his career moves along. There is no doubt he will win a championship before his career is over. Will that happen with Shaq?
Rick T Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:26 am
Great list! I only wonder if Richard Hamilton and Rajon Rondo will rank higher than Ray Allen once the season is done. With the departure of Chauncey, ‘Sheed & A.I., Rip is the elder statesman and leader of the Pistons. He’ll be playing with fellow Huskies Gordon and Villanueva, I think his worth will be very apparent 6 weeks into the season.
Rondo is still the dominant ball handler for the Celts. He protects and distributes it well on a vet laden squad and he shines defensively at one of the toughest spots on the floor (guarding D. Rose, D. Harris, J. Nelson, Stuckey, Arenas). He is rugged and fearless and he can create his own shot. I can see him surpassing Allen in the Celtics hierarchy.
Vittorio De Zen Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:36 am
I think Chris Paul and Durant are way, way too low here. And Shaq and Joe Johnson way, way too high. But whatever, good list. Happy that LeBron is #1 ’cause that shouldn’t even be an argument anymore.
BRockin25 Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:42 am
Amare makes it but Gilbert Arenas does not? Both should make it, but Arenas shouldnt be left out for health reasons if Amare got on the list
dennis Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:56 am
great list, but i’m pretty sure brandon roy will rank in the top 5 by mid-season. this coming from a laker fan.
james Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:58 am
Cant argue with that list
killakadafi191 Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
KG should be higher than Dirk. You want proof just observe what KG does on the playoffs and look at Dirk. Also until proven other wise this is still black mamba’s league.
Nick Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Top 25 players? Why is bosh ranked so low? I would put him near Gasol–similar game. Carmelo should be #10…Cbosh at 11 and Gasol at 12.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:09 pm
BRockin25 Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:42 am
Amare makes it but Gilbert Arenas does not? Both should make it, but Arenas shouldnt be left out for health reasons if Amare got on the list
if Gilbert is healthy –he will not only make it on this list——he will knock it down on his way in. i love his game when healthy and i heard he was.
Kuppy Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:22 pm
This list is retarded. You made it based on what you expect, not where players actually are. Anyone who watched the playoffs last year could not seriously rationalize ranking LeBron ahead of Kobe right now. You’re ranking someone who has won NOTHING over one of the best players of all time, in his prime, who has won 4 rings. It’s idiotic.
Dick WaI Long Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
My wish this year is for Sun Yue of the LA Lakers to welcome this list, as China knows his basketball.
Yao has not entered your mind and for this i am sad because for many years he has lighted onto China.
If Sun cannot express himself this year I believe our son YI can become a champion.
Jamaal Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
in a few years…TDOT prodigy Demar Derozan will be up there….watch out
Douglas Copeland Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
I give no credibility to any of Eddie Johnson’s opinions he’s a phoenix guy and has never been objective when it comes to Kobe.The small rivalry Kobe had with the entire Phoenix Sun team before his ascending back to where he belonged an NBA champ has obviously scarred Eddie Johnson. Lebron will never number 1 as long as Kobe is in the L winning championships. I still don’t get the math here Kobe does nothing but get better, win rings,do everything people like you said he couldn’t do with Shaq and you still place him second to bron? even if you tried this doesn’t make sense. Eddie Johnson your on the same tier as Rick Kamla when comes to ranking player objectively you guys are both tools and your sheer hatred for certain players is constantly impaired your ability to think logically and view things unbias and objectively, this is evidenced in articles such as this. I’ve also heard your sportscasting for phoenix games and your even more bias than you are in your articles.
vass Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
roy number 15?
he is much better then carmelo, gasol, parker, amare.
roy is number 2 gaurd in the leauge.
lame list
Dale Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 12:44 pm
HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Joke right? No…reallly?
Howard over wade is the most absurd thing I have ever heard. Howard blocks shots and gets rebounds at an unbelievable rate…there I can agree. He does not possess anywhere close to the all around game of D-Wade though. Howard CAN NOT be a go to guy for a championship squad. That right there puts him behind wade. Was Howard even the best player on his own team last year? im not so sure the MVP of the Magic wasn’t Hedo. This is MAJOR strech…
Ford Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Good list. Although I’m not sure if Shaq should be on it. I prefer maybe Derrick Rose considering he’s going to carry the load more with Ben Gordon gone. Or maybe Vince Carter. He looks to be in great shape when he played the UNC alumni game.
AgentZero Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:09 pm
I happen to be surfin by when I came accross your article Eddie. I am glad you did not join the other haters who have forgotten about me. Yes, haters, as in ESPN and TNT analysts. In a matter of weeks, I will once again peel their eyes open and remind them that there is another Assassin in the game…and his first name does not begin with a K.
Save that # 9 spot for me. Or better yet, save 9 through 3.
Sincerely,
Agent 0
'Twan J. Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:12 pm
My teammate speaks the truth! By the way, he has every single game circled on his calendar (all you see is a bunch of red circles from a distance).
I’m out like I got tendenitis,
‘Twan
BisaTama Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
Lebron has the potential to becoming better than Kobe but not yet… Other than that, can’t argue much with the list. Kobe is the best player of the best team in a stronger conference, and NBA champ…
ek Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:26 pm
I think no one can every say you were not a great NBA player, but how can you fall for the hype, labron over kobe you have lost your mind. I read your notes and it strange to see any one put kobe down. Look at the play offs. Look at every time someone Ds up labron (la-baby) he crumbles. In the play off he laid a egg because they played defense and he had help, but dribbling the ball to much, shooting to much and the offense has to go through him(bad idea). The sad thing is the media wants lebron to be number one and in his career has shown his real side of being a bad sportsman, a so so jump shooter and a no show down the strech in the olympics. He got dunked on and whined, he lost and did not shake hands where is the respect, then later wanted to apoligize! He will bolt to NY for the money and people will say it’s Shaqs fault if he does not win a title! He is a great ball player but better than Kobe no way. Last point if you gave La baby the ball every time he still couldn’t get *81 but you could! And Kobe did…. Give Kobe his due, in the nba the best is the guy who plays the best not the one who is a lot of hype! What did he do agaisnt the spurs! The cavs had the worse record to be in the finals in the history of the nba. And he got shut down then and in the end people praised him for getting there! where are your glasses I know you can see, but can you speake the truth
Kev Jones Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
First off I’d like to say that I love your articles. It’s nice to get the perspective of a respected retired vet.
How is it that Kobe is the best offensive player and the best on-ball defender but Lebron is better. I think Lebron will possibly end up having an overall better career and will surely post better HOF numbers than Kobe but I think Kobe edges him slightly at the current moment. There’s no value you can assign to competitiveness and the sheer will to win at all costs. I remember MJ saying he plays the game in cerebral mode and I think Kobe has also reached that level. I think once Lebron is able to get to that plane then he’ll win championships.
Miguel Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:27 pm
Eddie
I loved watching you play and shoot the 3 ball but i have to disagree with you about Kobe Bryant. Kobe is the best in the league and one of the greatest but to compare him to MJ is ridiculous. He emulates MJ from his walk to his talk. He is not comparable to MJ sorry.
doyouwantmore Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
I’m sorry but Shaq, Steve Nash, Ray Allen and probably Devin Harris have no bidness on this list at all. Who would you build a team around? Devin Harris or Derrick Rose? Ray Allen or Josh Smith? Caron Butler,
Baron Davis, Ron Artest, Jameer Nelson…or old-a$$ Shaq?
—
On a side note, I had to type ‘upgraded muf’ to post this lol.
ab_40 Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
solid list… nice writeup although Amar’e is a lil bit to high but you’re a phoenix guy you’re a homer and you probably tihnki steve nash desverved those two mvp awards while he wasn”t ieven the best player on the team.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
doyouwantmore Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:34 pm
I’m sorry but Shaq, Steve Nash, Ray Allen and probably Devin Harris have no bidness on this list at all. Who would you build a team around? Devin Harris or Derrick Rose? Ray Allen or Josh Smith? Caron Butler,
Baron Davis, Ron Artest, Jameer Nelson…or old-a$$ Shaq?
—
On a side note, I had to type ‘upgraded muf’ to post this lol
on a side note —why are you changing the subject of my article. who said the players on this list are players to build around. seems to me you need to go write your own article on players to build around. lets see if you get past 7. the players you listed are worthy, but they are not on my list yet.
David Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
Brandon Roy at number 15? You are kidding me, right? You have D-Will ahead? How many ROY’s, All Star Games has he been to? Bosh? He won 30 games last year? Carmelo? Thats Chaunceys team now! Roy will be an MVP candidate this year!
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
ab_40 Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:44 pm
solid list… nice writeup although Amar’e is a lil bit to high but you’re a phoenix guy you’re a homer and you probably tihnki steve nash desverved those two mvp awards while he wasn”t ieven the best player on the team.
so you are telling me Amare is not one the top 12 players in the game? hmmm
Steve Nash did deserve those two awards and guess what? he got them so i assume i was not the only one voting.
David Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:49 pm
OMG, I just read your blurb on Brandon Roy? Have you ever watched him play? He does not hold/squeeze the ball every posession. If anything, here in the Pacific NW, we consider him to be too unselfish. He is unstoppable with the ball, but he facilitates most of the game. The times you do see him with the ball in ISO, is at the end of the game when Coach Nate draws up the final plays for Roy. He always comes through in the clutch. I cant believe you consider him selfish. And then you add….Andre Miller will have a calming influence on Roy? Have you seen his demeanor? Roy is the most calm, cool, collected player in the game!!! He is always under control. Damn Eddie, you lost a ton of respect with that comment. You spit non-sense. You have connections…..run your little blurb on Roy by Coach Nate McMillan, he’ll put you in your place!
Brad Scott Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:58 pm
Eddie,
This is absolutely the best analysis that you have ever wrote. Thanks for coming to your senses on Dirk. I officially don’t hate you anymore.
Tim Leahy Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:59 pm
Until Lebron wins a championship or puts up 80 pt.s he is #2 behind Kobe!
ballathrilla Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
Hm, I guess to be number one on your list is to score only 2 points in the 4th quarter in a very critical Game 5 of the Conference Finals. *Ahem* LeBron. But then again, people always have their say.
Marco Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
Number one should be Scalabrine
ddddd Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
I don’t quite agree with putting Amare over Chris Bosh.
You argue that Chris wandered outside too much last season? Well he is on a team that forced him to essentially play center when he is really a pf. The raps screwed up with Bargani and are not willing to admit it. Then they signed him to a crazy contract that is virtually untradable for the next 4 years at least. If Bosh stays with the Raps as currently constructed, he will never win a championship. I will say though that the Hedo Turkoglu signing is nice for them…
Ray Allen should not be on the list. That spot should go to either Derrick Rose or his pg Rondo. Who else can nearly avg a triple double in the playoffs and not make the top 25 list!
Gotta love the lists that pay more homage to prior achievements than current state of the situation.
Alfredo Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 2:23 pm
Devin Harris.. Way to low.. should be in the top 15..but other then that agreed
Ianscot Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 2:34 pm
Durant might be on a top-25 talent list, sure. Right now, though, on the floor, his defensive problems are such a train wreck that he’d never be in a top-25 list of current players.
Al Jefferson has similar problems at his frontcourt position. Valuable, talented, but not yet an All Star, because he’s only an asset at one end of the floor.
P Lewis James Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 2:39 pm
Kobe is the top player right now with Lebron second. Shaq should not be on this list. To rate Chris Paul higher than Brandon Roy is questionable. The same with rating Dirk Nowitski above Keven Garnett. And lastly where is Ginobli, and Arenas ,based on what they have already done in this league!
Jonathan Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 2:48 pm
I never seem to understand How you rank James over Bryant. Kobe Bryant is hand downs 100% the best player in the NBA, You have a great basketball mind, but clearly you made a mistake when you were typing the article, because it makes 0 sense to rank James over Bryant.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
i can never please Laker Fan! did you read what i said about KOBE? awwwwww Laker Fan—you have the title, the weather, the stars, you even have Roscoes and fat burger—-come on please
ssb Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
I agree with much of the list and disagree with some of it. I also find it funny that folks are bickering over one or two spots. Please. I do want to comment on one of the prior posts:
“Who would you build a team around?”
–that wasn’t the question. The question is: who are the 25 best players in the NBA. For example, Tim Duncan, who is probably going to play only a couple of more years, is clearly a top NBA player. But it’s hard to argue that you’d build a team around him at this stage in his career.
In any event, who would I build a team around:
Devin Harris or Derrick Rose?
-very, very close. I’d probably take Rose, but, realistically, Rose’s upside isn’t much better than Harris was last season.
Ray Allen or Josh Smith?
-is that even a serious question? You can’t build a team around Josh Smith, who has no offensive game to speak of. Even though Ray Allen is 100 years old, I’d build a team around him over Josh Smith in a second. Also, as noted above, Ray is clearly better on the criterion for the column: who is a better player.
Caron Butler, Baron Davis, Ron Artest, Jameer Nelson…or old-a$$ Shaq?
-I wouldn’t build a team around any of those players. But, in order:
1. Baron; 2. Shaq; 3. Butler; 4. Artest; 5. Nelson. But, any team built around any of these guys, except a healthy Baron, would be awful. Anyway, going into this season, Shaq is the second best center in the L and deserves to be on the list.
Bhavik Patel Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 3:30 pm
Kobe should be number 1. He is still the best player in the league at this moment. James has the potential to be better, but kobe is the better player.
Earl Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
I thought the list was alright. You could include a lot of people but other than Ray Allen, no one on this list did not deserve to be off it. You could probably get players that are good and measure them up and put the better player over some of the player in 16 to 25 but all in all this was alright. I agree that Kobe should be number one but the thing is I understand why Lebron is number one mainly because as the Lakers team gets better and healthy Kobe will not have to do that much.
MATT Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
BROY BEHIND AMARE.. NOT SURE ABOUT THAT.. BUT CANT REALLY ARGUE.
ID ALSO PUT D-WADE AHEAD OF HOWARD.. HOWARD JUST HASNT DEVELPED A ROUND ENOUGH OF A POST GAME YET
Nicholas Jordan Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
I have never seen a player accomplish so much in his career and get so little respect… DYWYANE WADE is better an better all around player and has accomplished more than Dwight and Lebron but yet they are higher than wade on this list.
Nicholas Jordan Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 3:46 pm
Never has a player accomplished so much in his career and get so little respect… DYWANE WADE is a better all around player and has accomplished more than Dwight Howrd and Lebron James but yet both players are placed ahead of him… Another article that feeds into the hype of Lebron and now Dwight….
blake Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:07 pm
I would say that your arguement about Lebron being number 1 is weak. He has prove nothing and yet you place him in front of Kobe. I guess you just hate to see someone as successful as Kobe.
Sabonis Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:19 pm
brandon roy is the third best 2 gaurd in the league, only behind wade and quobie. he needs to be higher on this list.
G Dawg Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
I won’t belabour the piont, but where is Derrick Rose? He should be on this list. After this season, he will have surpassed virtually all the PGs on this list, except for maybe Paul.
Big Country Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:23 pm
kevin durant is over rated as of right now. no defense whatsoever, no leadership abilties, and no personality. he can fill it up, but thats about it as of right now.
Rick Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:26 pm
Lebrick is not the best until he could win a championship. Please never compare an apple with an orange.
Sabonis Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
you obviously have very little knowledge on brandon roy as your description of him is off the mark, if not totally wrong. he is the third best 2 gaurd in the game, only behind wade and quobie and that cannot be disputed. he needs to be higher on this list.
usukas Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Roy needs a calming influence?
Roy is quite possibly the most poised player in the entire league, you dolt.
micha Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:36 pm
stop hating nowitzki for god’s sake. not tough? not clutch? have you ever watched a mavericks playoff game in, say, the last 8 or 9 years? how the hell can anybody say he’s not tough? he had exactly one bad playoff series, the one against golden state following his mvp season. that’s one series in 10 years. it’s perfectly allright to put him ahead of garnett. yes, kg plays better defense, but dirk owns him in almost every other aspect of the game. just have a look at the numbers…
and, here it comes, i would even put him ahead of tim duncan at the current points of their respective careers. not talentwise, but as a matter of fact, due to injuries of course, duncan moves a lot slower that he used to
HotBoiAtl719 Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
Top 25 Player PREDICTIONS for this year!!! ?
I’m glad they are just predictions and you are not saying that’s how they rate now or through their careers. They are just predictions anyway, but Nowitski over KG, thats crazy, as long as KG suits up he will always be head and shoulders above Irk. Why? One reason Irk has (no D).
CP3 and Deron Williams need to be 7 and 6 or at least (6a) and (6b). What’s wrong with Deron? Why do you think CP3 so much better? Whenever they play against each other majority of the time Deron’s team wins, they have a better record and he kills CP3. I’m not understanding…
LeBron over KB!!? I’m not even going to ask about that because the NBA “as a league” seems to be pushing KB out the door to make room for The Witness, The next coming, The GOAT, or whatever his league name is this year. So mostly only Laker fans will rate KB higher and yes I’m a Laker Fan, but that’s not the only reason I would rate him higher.
4 rings, and the sick, crazy polished game he displays is the real reason…
Brian D. Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:42 pm
I second what Rick says, Kobe is still #1 in my book until Lebron can at least win a game in the NBA finals.
urani diot Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
48% FG for a guard is excellent! Kobe Bryant has never shot even 47% from the field in his 13 year career.
Man, this author sure is a fool.
Joe Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:47 pm
Dear Mr. Johnson
As a long time NBA fan, and a huge Lakers/Kobe fan, I will try to keep this comment objective and to the point.
I have this theory, that when Kobe entered the league during the Jordan era, he was much scrutinized by the masses of fickle and narrow minded NBA fans who believed that Jordan was the untouchable God, and that comparing anyone to the likes of His Airness was sacreligous. Therefore, there were many “Kobe haters” in the league, that denounced Mr. Bryant very early on in his career, and at the end of every brutally misguided accusations, would vehemently proclaim that he will never be like Jordan (when nobody was even comparing him to Jordan in the argument).
The same probably goes for the current “Lebron haters,” whether they’d like to admit it or not. They say that you can’t compare him to Kobe, who will go into the HOF as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, all around players there has ever been. Lebron through sheer muscular force, and with the body size and agility that he has at the SF/SG position dominates the game. However, there is some truth in that the comparison of Lebron to Kobe is somewhat illegitamate.
Lebron should be called “Mr. Stats” for his uncanny ability to rack up absurd numbers. “The Black Mamba” however, gets his nickname for a different reason. The skill level, including the strength, speed, and finesse that Kobe posesses, along with the ferocious tenacity and the will to win, separates him from all but a select few Hall of Famers throughout the years.
Their games are somewhat different. Their endowed physique is a principal reason why. Lebron is very built, at 6-8, 250lbs, has more than the average height and weight for a SG and more than the average speed, agility, and power than a SF. Because of this he is very easily capable of playing most positions. Kobe, however, at 6-6, 210lbs, has the average height and average weight of the typical NBA player. He excels not because of his physical features, but because of his awesome and extraordinary skills set, intelligence, and fierce competetiveness. This is evident, and not limited to, the fact that he is 30 and yet posted ridiculous numbers for the Lakers this past post-season and was the Kobe that we’ve grown accustomed to for years, and maybe more.
My point is that both Kobe and Lebron excel for similar reasons that separate them from ordinary players, or just good players, but still differ in the ways that they dominate the game. Kobe has to do more because of his average physical features, and he does do more, and does it better than anyone that is or was 6-6, 210lbs. Lebron can do just about the same, with less effort because of his seemingly superhuman characterstics. However, we should not hold that against Lebron.
In the end, their very physical featurs has determined their style of play. Kobe has more in his repertoire to make up for his mortal physique (at least for the average NBA player), and therefore has more weapons to fire, such as his ability to make threes, midrange shots, fade aways, post game, and take it to the rack, as well as hit clutch shots. No SG in this league that commands so much attention would shoot nearly as efficient as Kobe does from the field, or at least this past season. Lebron shot about 50% from the field, however, because he can more easily take it to the hoop. His midrange and outside game is subpar, for the time being.
So there is no clear cut victory for any one of these superstars for the “best player in the league.” Kobe does more with less- and if you take a hollistic view, I believe that Kobe is a better player. Lebron, however, puts up more stats and is more efficient, so in terms of sheer numbers he separates himself from all others.
Forget about their past accomplishments (or potential accomplishments), because both players, if they had the right supporting cast, would win innumerable NBA championships. Let’s talk objectively.
What are your thoughts?
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
David Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 1:49 pm
OMG, I just read your blurb on Brandon Roy? Have you ever watched him play? He does not hold/squeeze the ball every posession. If anything, here in the Pacific NW, we consider him to be too unselfish. He is unstoppable with the ball, but he facilitates most of the game. The times you do see him with the ball in ISO, is at the end of the game when Coach Nate draws up the final plays for Roy. He always comes through in the clutch. I cant believe you consider him selfish. And then you add….Andre Miller will have a calming influence on Roy? Have you seen his demeanor? Roy is the most calm, cool, collected player in the game!!! He is always under control. Damn Eddie, you lost a ton of respect with that comment. You spit non-sense. You have connections…..run your little blurb on Roy by Coach Nate McMillan, he’ll put you in your place!
—————————————————-
what place will he put me? there are two kinds of selfish and Roy is the good kind. but he still squeezes the ball too much and that is why Houston beat them last year. i meant calm within the offense by being patient without the ball. of course he is calm with the ball who wouldnt. so give me my respect back (-:
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:03 pm
usukas Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
Roy needs a calming influence?
Roy is quite possibly the most poised player in the entire league, you dolt.
———————————————
what does dolt mean? i hope it meant something good. again let me educate you on calm on the basketball court.
yes he is calm when he has the ball, but he is not when he does not have it. same thing with Jordan and Kobe. so my point again you dolt(since i assume its a good word) he needs to be more patient and let someone else make plays so defenses cant bottle him up. you understand now?
Dan Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
Uh, did you even watch the Blazers-Rockets series, Roy was the only reason they stayed in any of the games! The rest of the team aside from Aldridge sucked.
Derrick Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
Lamar Odom and Ron Artest could fit well in the top 25 instead of someone else: Shaq, Ray Allen and Devin Harris are not so much better
in my opinion, so, if health and chemistry are ok, Lakers are an unbelievable team, like Chicago with Jordan, Pippen, Rodman and Kukoc.
I cannot think the same for Cleveland and Boston is a little too old and injury proned.
I am not a Lakers fan or Kobe fan, but that’s reality.
Lebron is probably the best player but he has to learn that teammates will have to help him win games, he cannot do all by himself, and his coach doesn’t understand that at all, putting him in the wrong direction.
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
Roy needs to defer more early in the game? How often have you watched the Blazers to make that judgment? Did you happen to see how often the Blazers fell behind early in games by Roy NOT being selfish early? With nobody else stepping up.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:28 pm
Just think i plan on moving to LA next year. One thing we will always know on this blog is that Laker Fan is never happy. did you read what i said about Kobe? i Love his game better than Lebrons. If i had a choice i would rather spend the day with him then any player. Why because i think he is a brilliant basketball player and an interesting person.
i am honest about my thoughts.
stop bringing up Championships. i don’t measure players by a championship. teams win championships not one player. did Kobe put his hand in Fishers jersey and make that shot for him? did he direct Trevor Ariza in his defense on Turkoglu? no he did not. so if those two individuals dont step up guess what? Kobe and the Lakers almost get it done and we would be hearing the same old story.
No one played harder than John Stockton and Karl Malone—those two played in 98 percent of their career games. you think i would blast who i think is the best power forward of all-time in my mind just because they did not win a championship.
I would not belittle the Vice -President who didnt make President at the company and assume the president was just a better worker?
that junk is for lAKER FAN to argue a point. face facts Laker fan you have had the greatest players in the history of the game. Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Kareem, Wilt, Magic, Shaq and now Kobe. guess what those guys did not win without Worthy, Scott, Fox, Fisher, Horry big shots,Gasol, Ariza etc…..
the Cavaliers would not win 30 games without Lebron. Put Lebron on the Lakers with Gasol and Odom—how many titles would they win?
Lebron is number 1 because he is the most physically gifted and talented player in the league. Kobe is right there with him, but Lebron gets it with his ability to finish slightly better and his ability to run a offense and satisfy his teammates. thats it. i would never say 1a and 1b.
So laker fan get over it and stop being upset because i work in Phoenix. i wonder if Stu Lantz worked for the Suns would you hate him. you will probably boo Kurt Rambis now. lol Why am i moving to LA?
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
Dan Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
Uh, did you even watch the Blazers-Rockets series, Roy was the only reason they stayed in any of the games! The rest of the team aside from Aldridge sucked.
——————————————-
You just agreed with me without even knowing it. Roy got off because he had the ball, those other guys sucked because they had no rythmn. maybe now they will with Miller or an improved Jerryd Bayless on the floor. If i told you write an article with 10 keys missing on the keyboard would you suck? Aldridge can flat out play be happy you have him.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:15 pm
Roy needs to defer more early in the game? How often have you watched the Blazers to make that judgment? Did you happen to see how often the Blazers fell behind early in games by Roy NOT being selfish early? With nobody else stepping up.
i love all the Roy Fans. he should feel honored. thats why i made mention of Miller and obviously thats why Nate picked him up. because if you think Miller can spot up and play you Blazer fans are sadly mistaken.
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
What does that have to do with my comment? Roy always defers early in games. You commented on him as if he does not. That the selfish part of his game needs to change early in games. But that was Roy all last year. Again, how much of him did you see? Playoffs, and that’s all? Maybe one or two ESPN games? Clearly, not enough to make a sound judgment of him, instead, you stick to assumptions that are false.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:42 pm
I do believe Derrick Rose should be on this list. He’s better than Devin Harris. Look at what Derrick Rose did in the Playoffs, as a rookie, against the mighty Celtics. And, he’ll get better this year as the true leader of the Bulls.
I 100% agree with LeBron being #1 on the list - as you know.
I love Kobe, too, but like you said, you can’t have a 1a and a 1b.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:46 pm
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
What does that have to do with my comment? Roy always defers early in games. You commented on him as if he does not. That the selfish part of his game needs to change early in games. But that was Roy all last year. Again, how much of him did you see? Playoffs, and that’s all? Maybe one or two ESPN games? Clearly, not enough to make a sound judgment of him, instead, you stick to assumptions that are false.
———————————————————————————-
Charlieeeee i watch all the Blazer Games. I helped groom one of your players and i consider him like a son. Jerryd. guess what i only need to see three games to make an assumption, because i have a doctorate at this game.
no different when you go to the doctor—they can figure out what you might have by your symptoms. thats all i need.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
Michael Bennett Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:42 pm
I do believe Derrick Rose should be on this list. He’s better than Devin Harris. Look at what Derrick Rose did in the Playoffs, as a rookie, against the mighty Celtics. And, he’ll get better this year as the true leader of the Bulls.
I 100% agree with LeBron being #1 on the list - as you know.
I love Kobe, too, but like you said, you can’t have a 1a and a 1b.
———————————————————–
Rose will be on the list in due time, but consistency has to enter his game. He is not there yet, but i anticipate it will soon.
urani diot Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
wow. you’re not funny.
urani diot.
thanks for bringing an air of illegitimacy to hoopshype, Moron.
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:59 pm
You can’t be serious.
Then please explain to me how Roy, who generally defers the entire first quarter of games, needs to be less selfish early in games. I would like something to back up that statement, because it shows a complete lack of knowledge of his game.
A doctorate at this game? LOL. brilliant.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
What does that have to do with my comment? Roy always defers early in games. You commented on him as if he does not. That the selfish part of his game needs to change early in games. But that was Roy all last year. Again, how much of him did you see? Playoffs, and that’s all? Maybe one or two ESPN games? Clearly, not enough to make a sound judgment of him, instead, you stick to assumptions that are false.
——————————————————
Charlie, let me inform you about something else. the reason i can evaluate the superstar with the ball is because i was that guy who had to adjust my game around him. i watch body language and i watch responses during games. i rarely watch the ball—i watch off the ball. try it next time—you will learn alot. Roy is a very good player. he is still young and learning. Kobe and Mike did the same thing. they didnt realize they had some pretty good players until they started sharing the ball on a consistent basis and not every now and then. its a process over time. understand Nate knows its a problem because they first tried to get Turklglu and then Miller. both of those players run offenses and they are not spot up shooters. Roy will not last 10 years the way he plays. what made Jordan more dangerous in the end? the triangle offense, why? because defenses could not load up on him. same for Kobe. so although the blazers had a good year they will struggle come playoff time if Roy is at half court loading up and trying to create a shot and then kicking it to a teammate who has 3 seconds to get a shot off.
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:05 pm
I agree with that sentiment as a whole, but you specifically mentioned early in games. Late in games, I would LOVE to see Roy defer a bit more, and I love the acquisition of Miller, to get others involved more easily. But I would like to see evidence of Roy dominating the ball early in games, because it doesn’t happen, and that was what i was contesting about your article.
I watch off the ball all the time, because I do like to see what others are doing in the offense, and like to see what defenders do on their man. If you’re watching Roy off the ball early in games, can I ask how that leads to him needing to be less selfish early in games/ If he is already off the ball?
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
You can’t be serious.
Then please explain to me how Roy, who generally defers the entire first quarter of games, needs to be less selfish early in games. I would like something to back up that statement, because it shows a complete lack of knowledge of his game.
A doctorate at this game? LOL. brilliant.
———————————————————————-
Nice yapping with you charlie—-hope you learned something. if not i will remind you when the season starts.
urani diot Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
Owned.
Charlie- 1
idiot- 0
ZACH Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
You just agreed with me without even knowing it. Roy got off because he had the ball, those other guys sucked because they had no rythmn. maybe now they will with Miller or an improved Jerryd Bayless on the floor. If i told you write an article with 10 keys missing on the keyboard would you suck? Aldridge can flat out play be happy you have him.
____________________________
Most the people commenting about Brandon Roy aren’t nearly as concerned by his place on the list as they are your evident lack of any understanding of the game of basketball. Your comments about him make very little sense. You mention Kobe Bryant as more understanding of involving your team and not playing selfishly? Really?
If you are honestly citing Jerryd Bayless as a potentially better ball handler/distributor for the Blazers than Brandon Roy your understanding of basketball has got to be suspect. The Blazers woes aren’t ball movement and it isn’t offensive efficiency. If you really think Brandon Roy is responsible for their playoff loss perhaps try writing about tennis?
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:12 pm
urani diot Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
Owned.
Charlie- 1
idiot- 0
——————————————-
charlie make sure the guy who calls people morons—gives you your championship trophy. lets first see if he can make a comment about something tangible first?
Johnny Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
What about Andre Iguodala?
The man never gets any love from these lists despite being one of the BEST all around players in the league. Check the stats… very few players (Lebron, Kobe, Wade, Paul) contribute more overall game than he brings every night.
Points, assists, steals, rebounds, mpg all well above average for a starter in the league. Plus, this year he hit more clutch shots than Billups. And he is probably one of the best wing defenders in the league.
Give me a break! Give this man some love! Look at any advanced statistical analysis of players’ performance and he’s well within the top 25.
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
Don’t want a trophy. Especially not from that guy. Just having a discussion. not trying to “own” anyone, by any means.
Lance, Guam Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:19 pm
Wow, It shows how much Allen Iverson has declined. It also shows that what ever the media says about a person flies. Allen Iverson who averaged 27-7 in a full season(82 games) with the Nuggets still didnt get the credit that he deserved. Durability and consistency was displayed and 50+ games were won. I bet even if Iverson gets 30-10 he still won’t make the list due to the image that the media has portryaed upon him. I don’t understand how the media lables Ron Artest as a winner, when he hasn’t even done half of what Iverson has done in his career. Also Artest was never the #1 on his team. His teams hasn’t done much in Sacremnto and Indiana, his best run was last season with the Rockets. In the real series against theLakers he was a no show and tried do to too much…result…a Loss. and the people here @ hoopsyhype and other media outlets lable him as a winner? why? Iverson who has done all he can to win even when successful isn’t good enough. He is the size of an average man with the heart of steel. Charles BArkley said in 98′ if Iverson keeps playing this style of basketball he would be done in the league by the time he reaches 27. He still managed to avg. 30+ @ the age of 30+. I think you can sneak him in @ 25 arguably. I want to see who can handle him @ this age when he gets hott! I doubt Rondo or even Kobe can handle him..it’s proven already. It sounds like he wont even be in the top 50 this season. Respect the player and the game.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:20 pm
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:14 pm
Don’t want a trophy. Especially not from that guy. Just having a discussion. not trying to “own” anyone, by any means.
——————————————-
and great job of arguing your point i might add. thats what we do on my blog. we argue and argue and argue. never personal. the ones who get personal(urani diot) are the ones who cant argue a point. almost like the guy who takes his ball and goes home because he cant play and no one passes him the ball lol.
Charlie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:27 pm
No room for personal attacks. Just disagree on an assesment of a player is all. However, as I mentioned, I agree with your view of him overall. I would like to see mroe deferment later, but, as a Blazers fan, i’d like to see him sit out more 4th quarters because of blowouts, which also means your boy Jerryd will get some more PT.
Should be clear, I don’t WANT him to be more selfish in the beginning of games, I just don’t think he could be a lot less selfish than he already is. The addition of Miller will help get guys off early, and allow Roy to rest even more for 3 quarters, and take over in the 4th. The biggest problem was the inability of anyone else within the offense last season to create for themselves. Blake seemingly can’t dribble past the FT line. I love Batum, and his potential, but he was asked to sit in the corner and be out of the way on offense basically. Especially in the first quarters, are offense consisted a lot of give the ball to LMA, let him create an opportunity for himself or a kick out for a 3. He would get the first 4 or 5 possesions of each game, which helped to stifle the ability of other members of the team just as much as watching Roy go 1-1. Everyone else is standing around. No movement, no motion. It would be similar with dumping the ball into Oden. We’d try to run the PnR with Blake, but he’d get scared once he hit the top of the key, and have to retreat. Miller will add a new dynamic on the PnR (Penetration!! Imagine That!), as well as anew dynamic to the offense in general, with having another playmaker out on the court.
Anyways, I’m out. Have a good night. Thanks for the quick replies. Good chatting.
zainn Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:31 pm
Tony Parker and Chris Paul should switch in places with 6 and 9. Chris Paul was crap last playoffs and atleast parker scored over 30 ppg in the games against dallas without ginobili. Chris Paul is not that elite even though he may be the best passer in the league after jason kidd.
Brian Tung Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:39 pm
I’m a Kobe fan, through and through. Thrilled that the Lakers won a title this year with him leading the way.
But I gotta say, there’s no one more sensitive than Kobe Fan, unless it’s Kobe Hater. Fellas, he rated him NUMBER TWO. That’s no knock, especially when LeBron, a great player, is number one. Come on, you have to acknowledge, there are a few things that LeBron can do better than Kobe, strictly by virtue of his size and strength. So if you value those things, you’ll rank LeBron higher; if you don’t, you won’t. That’s all.
And it’s just a list. If I’m Kobe, and I have the choice between a title and a Finals MVP on one hand, and Eddie Johnson’s one-spot on the other…ehh, I might have to think about it a little, but I think I’ll take the ring.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 7:07 pm
ZACH Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 6:07 pm
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 5:32 pm
You just agreed with me without even knowing it. Roy got off because he had the ball, those other guys sucked because they had no rythmn. maybe now they will with Miller or an improved Jerryd Bayless on the floor. If i told you write an article with 10 keys missing on the keyboard would you suck? Aldridge can flat out play be happy you have him.
____________________________
Most the people commenting about Brandon Roy aren’t nearly as concerned by his place on the list as they are your evident lack of any understanding of the game of basketball. Your comments about him make very little sense. You mention Kobe Bryant as more understanding of involving your team and not playing selfishly? Really?
If you are honestly citing Jerryd Bayless as a potentially better ball handler/distributor for the Blazers than Brandon Roy your understanding of basketball has got to be suspect. The Blazers woes aren’t ball movement and it isn’t offensive efficiency. If you really think Brandon Roy is responsible for their playoff loss perhaps try writing about tennis?
i happen to like Tennis by the way! who said Bayless was a better ball handler? what the heck are you talking about? i started not to respond to you, but obviously you need some guidance.
listen. Brandon is on the list right? so i must think he is a heck of a player to move him up right? now if you are a relative then i have no chance of helping you? He needs to play some off the ball—-again he needs to play more off the ball. why? because defenses are loading up on him and he will get to the line yes, but he will also get hurt. —-that change is up to him. that means understanding the game will get easier for him. thats exactly how Kobe was until he figured it out. the Blazers have the best talent top to bottom in the league and Roy has to realize he cant dominate the ball.
Cooper Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 7:09 pm
It doesn’t look like you’ve seen Roy play outside of his highlights. He needs to defer to his team mates? Thats ALL he does before the 4th quarter. The teams gameplan is to go to Aldridge the most in the first quarter, then use guys like Outlaw and Rudy the most during the second and third quarter. Most of the time the team is down by this point, and Roy comes in and just dominates the game in the fourth quarter. You’ve just put him behind players like Bosh (who couldn’t get to the playoffs in the weak east) Amare (who is nothing withouth Nash) Carmelo (second most important player on his team) Pau (sucky first option, great second option) and Parker (even the French are getting annoyed with his selfish ways in the Euros right now). Roy is the COMPLETE opposite of pretty much everything you said about him. He just carried (CARRIED) an average and also very young team to a 54 win record, and the second best record in the west, improved every facet to his game, solidified himself as the third best shooting guard in the league, made the All-NBA second team, and filled up the boxscores both efficiently and effectively (none of that Zach Randolph empty stat ish) and he did it in one of the toughest divisions in the league. And he’s doing all this while only being in his third NBA season. And WTF was with saying he isn’t calm on the court? He’s always calm. When the team is down by 15 he’s calm, when he has the ball he’s calm, when he doesn’t have the ball he hangs back and waits calmly. It doesn’t look like you’ve watched ANY Blazer games all year. Especially if you think Jerryd (SG in a PG’s body) deserved more minutes.
georgej1291 Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
One question.
WHO WAS THE BEST PLAYER ON THE OLYMPIC TEAM?
georgej1291 Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 7:15 pm
The best player by far was DwAyne Wade
jmk Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 7:52 pm
“who can keep Tony Parker out of the paint?”
Ricky Rubio did it today in the Eurobasket game Spain-France. It was win for the semifinals or go home. Gasol was huge as expected, Ricky dried TP up, RR is much more than a great playmaker (he even scored a couple of 3-pointers, he’s learning to shoot the ball!!). Too bad we have to wait to see him in the NBA.
(A Spaniard in Houston)
ZACH Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 7:52 pm
listen. Brandon is on the list right? so i must think he is a heck of a player to move him up right? now if you are a relative then i have no chance of helping you? He needs to play some off the ball—-again he needs to play more off the ball. why? because defenses are loading up on him and he will get to the line yes, but he will also get hurt. —-that change is up to him. that means understanding the game will get easier for him. thats exactly how Kobe was until he figured it out. the Blazers have the best talent top to bottom in the league and Roy has to realize he cant dominate the ball.
———————————————-
Brandon Roy is on the list because a 2nd team All NBA player deserves to be, not because you’re doing him, me, or anyone else some favor. Kobe Bryant was putting up 35 ppg on a team where he was the number 1,2, and 3 option. Roy is putting up 22 ppg on the most efficient offense in the league. The obvious link of selfishness you’re finding seems to allude me, sorry.
The point I was making (and the other posters about Roy) isn’t that he should be higher or lower, simply that your criticisms are widely known as some of the biggest strengths in his game.
You think he should defer to his teammates more early in games? You won’t convince anyone you were actually watching the games by saying such things.
eddie Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
ZACH Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 7:52 pm
listen. Brandon is on the list right? so i must think he is a heck of a player to move him up right? now if you are a relative then i have no chance of helping you? He needs to play some off the ball—-again he needs to play more off the ball. why? because defenses are loading up on him and he will get to the line yes, but he will also get hurt. —-that change is up to him. that means understanding the game will get easier for him. thats exactly how Kobe was until he figured it out. the Blazers have the best talent top to bottom in the league and Roy has to realize he cant dominate the ball.
———————————————-
Brandon Roy is on the list because a 2nd team All NBA player deserves to be, not because you’re doing him, me, or anyone else some favor. Kobe Bryant was putting up 35 ppg on a team where he was the number 1,2, and 3 option. Roy is putting up 22 ppg on the most efficient offense in the league. The obvious link of selfishness you’re finding seems to allude me, sorry.
The point I was making (and the other posters about Roy) isn’t that he should be higher or lower, simply that your criticisms are widely known as some of the biggest strengths in his game.
You think he should defer to his teammates more early in games? You won’t convince anyone you were actually watching the games by saying such things.
i watched them get beat up on by Houston. your response will be the obvious. the other guys didnt step up. well great players help role guys step up. how? by giving it up. case closed.
NuBaller Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 8:09 pm
Eddie, we all know, how much you hate the lakers, and especially KOBE, but is all good, KOBE will walways be better than bron, Kobe doesn’t have to prove nothing to anyone anymore….. Lebron does still, ok…… we all like LEBRON, but to compare him with KOBE, thats just to much….., You’ve been arround long enoug, and even if you don’t like someone, you should still give him respect for what that person has done, and for what is still doing…….give lebron a couple more years, and we can talk about tha later…. for now KOBE # 1
chris Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 8:21 pm
great list I think you’re spot on.
Steven Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 8:25 pm
Good list. I’d have Boozer in there instead of Shaq. Big question marks will be Elton Brand and Tracy Mcgrady coming off of injuries. Vince Carter could be big with Orlando.
Youung Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 8:27 pm
Chris Paul should most def be in the top 5 not tim duncan. Tim is great and all but were talking bout cp3. the one single player who could make any team a soild play off conternder standing at 6′0 even! gotta respect that but beside that damn good. def lebron ova kobe.. But i like to see Al jefferson and kevin Durant a litte higher and Rose will be on there by the end of this season. Gotta believe that!
Milton Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 8:59 pm
If A.I. ISN’T ONE OF THE 25 BEST PLAYERS IN THE L, BY THE END OF THE YEAR, HE WILL BE. MARK MY WORDS.
trevor Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
eddie,
wow great list.
I love how you say all positive things about all of the players that are on the list, not an easy thing to do since comparing is hard to avoid. I think the list is quite fair in terms of where you have ranked them. I always look forward to your articles… of course the comments are the best part… you always let yourself get into things with the fans… your the goods for sure. keep up the good work
Call Me Carter Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:11 pm
Eddie Eddie Eddie You Know better than to put kobe number 2. How bitter can you be about the lakers pay your dues you know deep inside that kobe number 1 you just a hater lets see your predictions for the upcoming season lemme guess the lakers gone finish 2nd in the west behind the suns lmfao
Boi Boi Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:38 pm
8. DERON WILLIAMS
7.CHRIS PAUL
6.BRANDON ROY
5.DWIGHT HOWARD
4.CARMELO ANTHONY
3. DWYANE WADE
2.LEBRON JAMES
1.KOBE BRYANT
tony tone Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:42 pm
Interesting list. I see that many people argue over who is better kobe or lebron. Have they forgotten about Mr Duncan best big man in the game, best pf of all time. How does he fall less than 2 and he has been best or top 3 at the least the whole time he has played. Where is the love
Winkstrap Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
HEY EDDIE: GREAT LIST
however tim duncan is a center not power foward and by your statement you come off as very uneducated
David Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:59 pm
I think Dwyane Wade should be no 3 atleast,he is a much better player than Dwight Howard ,matter of fact i think howard should even go further up the list
Mario Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 10:11 pm
that junk is for lAKER FAN to argue a point. face facts Laker fan you have had the greatest players in the history of the game. Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Kareem, Wilt, Magic, Shaq and now Kobe. guess what those guys did not win without Worthy, Scott, Fox, Fisher, Horry big shots,Gasol, Ariza etc…..
the Cavaliers would not win 30 games without Lebron. Put Lebron on the Lakers with Gasol and Odom—how many titles would they win?
Brilliant!!! Those words say everything!
Zach Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 10:13 pm
K, so where is Yao?
Zach Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 10:14 pm
K, so where’s yao?
JesseG Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 10:15 pm
I agree with your list pretty much 100 %. People sure are writing off how good Amare is huh? I live in AZ and watch every Suns game and he is definitly top 12 in the NBA. Nobody would ever be able to convince me Chris Bosh is better than Amare. I look for Amare and the Suns to surprise people kinda like 2004-05. I just wish the Suns ownership/management will realize Amare is there best option for future success and sign him to an extention, if proven to be healthy. What do you think Eddie?
metone Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
eddie
I just have two question you with seconds left in the game and time for just one shot who do you want taking that shot kobe or lebron? why?
I would choose kobe he plays his best when the pressure is on and lebron has not reached that height yet.
markied Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 10:36 pm
not a great list but ok….B Roy should be top ten for sure, D Wade is def ahead of Howard and Deron Williams shoul dbe ahead of Tony Parker now…..And for the people that say Lebron cant be number one because he has no ring, i agree but your contradicting yourselves when you say he is better than Wade..wade has done more than both bron and howard so he should be second in my opinion
Tmoney Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:02 pm
Allen Iverson will pass ray allen before the seasons over, remember he did make the allstar team this past year, look for Ai to have a come back year,,,,
Douglas Copeland Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:03 pm
you guys eddie is the biggest laker and kobe hater you should hear him when he’s calling the games for phoenix he’s the biggest homer.It’s humanly impossible for him to put Kobe #1 because of what kobe use to do them even when they lost 2 years in a row to them in the playoffs and his frustration reached new heights when approximately 2 years after Nash robbed Kobe for his second MVP Kobe is dawning a 4th ring and Nash has disappeared into relative obscurity.Out of anybody, whoever told the truth?Time did!Kobe has done everything you said he can’t do and you still rank him #2?Jay-Z put it best “some people hate”…that’s just the reality,especially on this list.Lebron to this date says Kobe is the best player in the L and that Kobe is his idol, damn the nice guy stuff you’ll never hear Jordan or Kobe say this, you want to know why….because it just aint the truth. Take a hike eddie and stop doing these list when you have obvious bias, you’ll crown anybody before you crown Kobe because we own the pacific conference now and your SUNS basically imploded and are pretty much considered a rebuilding project. It’s funny when the Lakers were getting knocked out by the suns in the first round,eventhough, I hated them I always acknowledged the fact that the Suns were better than them at that time. But hear you have it Kobe is at the top of the mountain again,stats,titles,defensive first teams,nba first teams 11 plus years and you still find a way to disrespect him.
Douglas Copeland Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:05 pm
and i actually think d.wade is better than Lebron his game is more refined the championship is a throw in but D.Wade is a better player than Kobe.
Douglas Copeland Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
excuse I mean D.Wade is better than Lebron.D.Wade is more polished.
1.)Kobe
2.)D.Wade
3.)Lebron
Sure did Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:25 pm
For the most part its a good list. Durant needs to be top 12 at least. I would Rip ahead of allen. Kobe, Lebron is debatable Kobes desire to win could give him the edge. Howard needs to fall down 4 spots at least and melo needs to be 5th dude got game. Shaq needs to be off that list and thats all the problems I see.
Heezy Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:34 pm
Kobe and Lebron are both awesome talents and ball players. Kobe had a better overall year - I think Lebron would trade a Regular Season MVP for a Finals MVP and Championship Ring every single day of the week. Wouldn’t you?
Seems to me like you got the millimeter part right, but the wrong guy in front.
Ahmad Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
Kobe is Still #1. There’s no point in putting LBJ ahead of him. Look at the time when it mattered most in June, Kobe kept cool and won both physically and mentally, LBJ didn’t do it the way KB did it.
KOBE is one the best if not the best to ever play the game!
Ahmad Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:49 pm
5- Dwight Howard
4- Chris Paul
3- D-Wade
2- LBJ
1- KOBE
Orangekorn Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:23 am
Very nice list ! I agree with alot of your choices however I would have listed Brandon Roy and Kevin Durant much higher and I would also like to say I think Gilbert Arenas and also Derrick Rose could have made the list as I feel Rose’s sophmore year will be even better with tons of promise.
thanks - James (orangekorn)
Benjamin Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:28 am
I would have liked to see Starbosa on this list.
Max Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:32 am
some weird choices here… interesting list…
LeBron is #1. People bring up last year’s playoffs trying to discredit LBJ… did you even watch? LeBron had one of the best playoff runs of all time. Look at the Lakers during the playoffs… several guys stepped up in big moments, whether it’s Ariza completely carrying them through a quarter, Fisher hitting clutch shots, Gasol outplaying Dwight Howard, etc. LeBron didn’t get anything like that from his guys.
I can’t believe people are calling Eddie Johnson a Kobe hater after what he says here. He calls Kobe the best offensive player… that’s arguable, the guy is strictly a mid range jumpshooter these days. Best on ball defender is simply laughable. Wasn’t even the best on ball defender on his own team last season.
greg Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:37 am
caron butler! show the dude some love
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:02 am
Winkstrap Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
HEY EDDIE: GREAT LIST
however tim duncan is a center not power foward and by your statement you come off as very uneducated
—————————————————————–
Thanks for educating me. Now let me educate you Winky. Duncan has always been listed as a power forward. go do your homework since we are talking about education.
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:04 am
Douglas Copeland Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 11:05 pm
and i actually think d.wade is better than Lebron his game is more refined the championship is a throw in but D.Wade is a better player than Kobe.
——————————————————–
and i actually think you are a Laker Lover and you are wrong.
RocketsFan227 Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:15 am
Overall this is a great list. I would have to make a few adjustments. I can’t see leaving off Caron Butler, Jameer Nelson, Kevin Martin, or especially Derrick Rose. Rose is about to take the league over at the point position. Roy, Joe Johnson, and Wade should have been higher. It’s been years since the league has seen leader like CP3. Bosh should defintely be higher. You can also add Michael Redd to this list. I would also be looking at guys like Brook Lopez, Jason Thompson, and Blake Griffin. I am super excited to see where Roy and Durant end up at the end of this year. You could probably have 50 different people make a list and you would have 50 different lists.
So here’s the real question. Who is the real number 1? On the one hand you have Kobe who has the rings and the fire of MJ to keep killing other teams. Kobe has heart and has drastically matured in his game as he has gotten older. On the other hand you have undoubtedly the most complete package to possibly have ever entered the league. Kobe was nowhere near where Lebron was at Lebron’s current age. Lebron CANNOT be guarded. He can score like MJ, jump like Wilkins, and pass like Magic. Are you serious? That kind of talent is off the charts. So it is very hard to really compare the two. I think the most fair argument a person can make is to call them 1a and 1b.
Thanks Eddie for your insight. You always do a good job.
Larry Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:19 am
Eddie,
A list well done. It’s all subjective and you will never make everyone happy. As to the guy who says, for some Laker fans, that Nash robbed Kobe of an MVP. Nash didn’t rob anyone as he didn’t have a vote. I believe it was the writers and broadcasters who saw a ton of NBA games who voted. No one said Nash was the best player in the league, but the most valuable to his winning team those two years. Nash’s team won more games because of him than Kobe’s did.It’s not easy to lead the league in assists and shoot 50% from the field, 40% from 3 point range and 90% from the line three years in a row. The guy may not be the best player in the league but he’s no rag doll either while losing a step. Kobe would beat Nash in one on one games, but last I checked NBA games were 5 on 5. A lot of players on the list could be moved up 5 spots or down 5 spots, as again it is subjective. Kobe and Lebron could be flip-flopped as if you swapped Gasol for anyone on the Cavs, the Cavs win the title. You can’t make everyone happy. You did as good of a job as possible.
zach Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:30 am
Iverson not in the top 25? Is this supposed to be a serious list or are people judging him on the idiocy of Michael Curry? Right, Ray Allen is better than Iverson. Billups? Funny too. Even Carmelo. No one must have watched how bad this guy is in the clutch. It’s borderline pathetic. Shaq is not a top 30 player anymore, let alone 25. Nash and Harris don’t belong in there anymore. I’d put Wade above Howard as well. Iverson can win games by himself still more than most of these guys, which trumps any type of stats he may have had last year due to terrible coaching. I swear sometimes these lists are based on that idiotic PER rating and not just taking a step back and say who would you rather have on your team? Sorry, but the fact that Iverson is not on the top 25 list is a joke. If you’re going to give Shaq a top 25 spot on longevity, might as well give it to Iverson on merit. Let’s not forget Eddie, that Billups running the Nuggets was the 2nd seed by winning 4 more games with a healthy Nene/Martin and unhealthy Utah Jazz than Iverson did with an unhealthy front line. They were 50-32 that year and the 8th seed. The West wasn’t nearly as competitive. Sorry but Billups and Anthony may be the 2 most overrated players in the league, not to mention Ray Allen. It seems teams that the 3rd option on great teams get more attention than the 1st option on poor teams, ESPECIALLY in the NBA. I don’t get it.
Old Chinese Lady Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:39 am
Mr. Kobe is number 1. I am 70 years old from Hong Kong and I watch them both. Kobe is number 1. The end.
thanks.
yoon
JUMBOjoy Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 2:02 am
Eddie,
My man! I’ve been arguing for years now with anybody and everybody that Steve Nash (not Ray-ray,peja, kobe, whoever) is the best shooter in the game, the numbers prove it 40,50,90% reeeediculous…finally someone with credibility agrees with me!
basketboule Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:38 am
dear eddie,
lebron sure could be the best and sure is NOT. same story as with the foolish championship-article earlier this year, eddie, you are blinded by your homerism and you will once again eat your words. it’s still kobe all the way because there’s nothing lebron does better than him or has ever done better than him except for leaping ability. kobe once had all that hype and during those years even put up similar numbers as lebron at his age. give it to kobe, he has done it all 81, 4 chips, 35ppg/season, olympics, defense, everything. he’s not dethroned by leclown yet
Boi Boi Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:53 am
8. DERON WILLIAMS
7. CHRIS PAUL
6. BRANDON ROY
5. DWIGHT HOWARD
4. CARMELO ANTHONY
3. DWYANE WADE
2. LEBRON JAMES
1. KOBE BRYANT
Dutch Rob Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:03 am
IMO If you put it like who;s the best ever thats still playing it would be Kobe, but solely based on last/next season i think it’s between D-Wade and LBJ. You can say Kobe got the ring and the Finals MVP but if LBJ was on the lakers , LBJ would 100% have a ring right now. Same goes for D-Wade. I’m not a Kobe hater i think he’s one of the greatest players of all time but LBJ and D-Wade had the better season and prob. will have an even bigger year next season. Kobe played great in the playoffs but the key things that won them a championship were almost all done by Ariza , Fisher and Gasol. The Lakers simply have a better overall roster than the Heat and Cavs.
Pepe Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:57 am
Sorry Eddie, we’re all tired of your unobjective evaluations, especially regarding your endless disrespect for Kobe. All I can do is copy Kuppy’s statement, which I believe is THE BEST I’ve EVER seen regarding you & your silly lists: You’re ranking someone who has won NOTHING over one of the best players of all time, in his prime, who has won 4 rings.
You better stay away Eddie, after all those years most people don’t care about your opinions anymore anyway. I do comment it now just because I cannot believe somebody can be as stubborn as you are. We don’t need you to prove anything to us all over again, you’re the worst aspect of this site and you should’ve been kicked out a long time ago.
Big Boi Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 5:00 am
spot on. i think kobe has reached his ceiling in terms of creativity and improving his game while lebron is already giving him a run for his money (in terms of individual performances, not chips as all of the Kobe fanboys would quickly point out) while being 6 (or 5?) seasons to go before reaching 30. It is close, i admit, but i really think lebron brings more to the table while kobe brings almost the same stuff in a prettier, flashier package.
Peace out, no need to blast me for saying kobe is nearing his ceiling. its just what i see.
serpico Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 6:42 am
Keeping Tony Parker out of the paint? Just check Ricky Rubio yesterday, at the Eurobasket quarterfinals.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 7:01 am
I’m sorry - I gotta come to Eddie’s defense.
Pepe - How is:
“He is the best offensive player and on-the-ball defender in the league. If Kobe wanted to score 40 a game, he could.”
and
“Kobe is the most dedicated and smartest player I have ever seen and I wish every aspiring young basketball player could spend a day with him.”
…disrespectful to Kobe Bryant?
Do you know how to read AND comprehend?
I think fans should stop talking about sports writers, players, coaches, etc. losing their jobs or getting fired or being “kicked out.” That’s a pretty bold statement, talking about someone’s livelihood. My guess is that if someone followed a fan’s every move at their job, we’d come up with a couple of reasons to fire them. So, let it go.
Marc Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 7:06 am
Sorry, Eddie, but I just don’t buy your rational with Roy. As Charlie pointed out, he couldn’t be less selfish and be off the ball more early in games–that’s the major critism of him that Blazers fans who watch all the games like I do repeat incessently. I would like to see him move without the ball more, though, and I said so last year, but your example of Houston demonstrating this point is kind of off–who else would you have put the ball in while Roy was running off screens? You certainly couldn’t put it in Oden or Aldridge’s hands, as they are black holes. Batum, forget about it. That left Steve Blake, who while he doesn’t make mistakes pounds the ball into the ground more often than Roy does and is far better as a weapon spotting up for three. So yes, Roy should defer more this coming season, but how does that matter when you are ranking players now?
I’m sorry, I just don’t get it, and every defense you offer makes me get where you’re coming from even less.
Eric Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 7:12 am
Kobe is the best offenesive player and on the ball defender in the league and isn’t ranked #1? Are you kidding me?
mystics Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 8:01 am
I cannot believe that you do not have Caron Butler on this list, I not knockin on Kevin Durant, however, it is easy to put those numbers up when you are the go to guy. “Tough Juice” but up better or comparable numbers with two All-Stars on his team in Agent 0 and ‘Twan Jamison. During this upcoming season - lets see if you do a mid year top 25 and I assure that Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler will be on this list. As they should be now.
pj Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 8:47 am
Your description of kobe makes it sound like you think he is undoubtedly the best player in the league and lebrons doens’t say much, yet you rank him ahead. The topic of your list is the top 25 players in the nba NOW. kobe is the best now, eventually lebron will pass him, its inevitable, but for the time being kobe is #1
Winkstrap Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Winkstrap Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
HEY EDDIE: GREAT LIST
however tim duncan is a center not power foward and by your statement you come off as very uneducated
—————————————————————–
Thanks for educating me. Now let me educate you Winky. Duncan has always been listed as a power forward. go do your homework since we are talking about education.
i dont give a stuff what he is listed as, he plays center he matches up on shaq and yao dosent he ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
Paul Allen Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 8:59 am
Of course LeBrick is ranked ahead of Kobe…he shoots better than kobe, defends better than kobe, hits his free throws, never travels (unlike kobe), has won numerous championships, and is already considered to be greater than GOD.
Gerald Ian Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:05 am
Here’s my top fifteen:
15.Joe Johnson
14.Steve Nash
13.Chauncey Billups
12.Kevin Durant
11.Kevin Garnett
10.Dirk Nowitzki
9. Pau Gasol
8. Tim Duncan
7. Tony Parker
6. Chris Paul
5. Brandon Roy
4. Dwight Howard
3. Dwyane Wade
2. Lebron James
1. Kobe Bryant
there you go… what’s yours?
Paul Allen Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:14 am
i see that eddie responds to remarks, then I would pose a few questions to see if he can explain why LeBrick is better than kobe:
1. Why does LeBricks jump shot SUCK so much?? his shooting form is pathetic and the rotation off of his hand is sometimes non-existent??? his free throw shooting is mediocre (and terrible for a guy with his size and ability). I attribute that to dopes like you who have already proclaimed him the greatest bball player ever. why improve when eddie johnson says you’re the best.
2. why is LeBricks defense STILL mediocre?? i know i’m not the only one who feels this way…even the NBA coaches (who vote for all-defense teams) agree that kobe is a superior defender. His lateral foot movement is awful, and he’s prone to getting blown by way too much for someone who supposedly is the “best defender in the nba”. he’s great at chasing down and blocking from behind…but big deal.
Can LeBrick shoot/score like Kobe?? NO! Can LeBrick shut players down like Kobe?? NO! for all of LeBrick’s “passing prowess” he only averages a couple of assists more than kobe. even at 24 Kobe was a superior player to LeBrick…a far superior player. LeBrick only has the physical advantage. I would even be as bold to say that LeBrick right now doesn’t possess the skill level of Kobe at age 18 or 19. what say you…if you dare.
Todd Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:25 am
I bet if you ask LeBron who should be #1 he would say KB.
Daniel Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Eddy Johnson, we have so many youngsters who come here and read some of what is written. You should be cognizant of that and not write “The Black Mamba has finally did” It should have read has finally done it or the black mamba finally did it.
ISRW Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:28 am
Certain timeless qualities among NBA fans are in evidence here:
* The semantic debate about Tim Duncan’s position. How do people get so exercised about this point?
* The colossal, astonishing attitude of embattled entitlement that goes with being a Kobe Bryant fan is maybe half of why people dislike the guy. People: If it wasn’t for your fawning, sycophantic white noise, we’d *all* be able to see these players a lot more naturally, and everyone would have a better time including the players. Kobe Bryant is an interesting guy; whenever I see him give an interview in Italian I’m struck by how articulate he is. Even your positive takes on him are queasyingly worshipful, though, and this kind of paranoia is plain obnoxious. Like Kobe? How ’bout you let him be a person rather than propping up your own fake-storefront egos against the guy? This kind’ve stuff is what distorts these players, kids really, into funhouse mirror caricatures of themselves.
* The homerism is so silly. I’m a Minnesota fan, but it’s obvious to me that Al Jefferson’s defensive problems should qualify any ranking of his worth. Same with Kevin Durant, or Ben “always in a scoring duel with my own matchup” Gordon.
And so on.
My overall reaction, though, would be that the league’s fallen for a few reasons. I love Chris Paul, he’s a huge talent, but every time I see a point guard on this list my sense of his worth is nudged by defensive rules that seem out-of-balance right now. It’s like a video game in which the guards are always going off for 40 right now; NBALive had a few seasons like that. Above #20 or so on this list, too, are players I’d describe as “Larry Nance” level guys. Pretty good players. Not great ones. And yeah, they do crack the top 25 list for the league right now. Not a good sign.
It all makes me want to go watch that classic David Robinson - Michael Jordan youtube video from 1992 again.
Ban Johnson Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:35 am
excellent list — glad to see Dirk getting his props, especially about his toughness — 7 seems just about right for him.
Parker is an unstoppable scorer, but maybe a little too high, in my opinion. Manu deserves a spot on the list — give him Allen’s spot.
Raven Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:54 am
kobe’s still on top. based on the performance of the past playoff, its LBJ’s fault not playing for the ring.. he’s too selfish at that time. he dominates the ball too much. credit him for carrying his team in the season’s record up to the second round. but he has to be the one to blame, losing to the EC finals. it basically displayed his immaturity to play the game. the no. 2 spot is wide open for that huge mistake.
just like what you said, teams win the championship. and that said, both LBJ’s and kobe’s teams are arguably treated equal (or else, you must argue with the organization). leaders obviously take the lead. and LBJ leading his team commited a dreadful mistake. for now, as the result speaks for itself, kobe’s on top. let’s just watch out for the next season to start.
Friday Bolts – 9.18.09 | Daily Thunder.com Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:59 am
[...] Eddie Johnson of HoopsHype ranks the top 25 players and Kevin Durant checks in at No. 20. I’m not saying anything. [...]
rca Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:21 am
Kobe not being at No. 1 is absurd.
He has 4 championships. He can dismantle a team single-handedly. He can put up 80 points or lock down your opponent’s best player. He can set the tone for the game in the 1st, or sit back and exert his will on the game in the 4th. He can hit threes, he can elevate over your opponent’s big man. He comes through in the clutch (sometimes even twice in one game– see the phoenix playoff game a few years ago). He’s the most driven, most “professional” basketball player in the league. Kobe does what he does while functioning in an offense that doesn’t allow him to control the ball for a majority of the game. The same cannot be said for Lebron who has the ball in his hands every time down the floor. Kobe has won championships in a conference with better depth. He’s beaten better teams. Lebron coasts through the regular season playing the likes of Milwaukee and Charlotte. Lebron is good, but the league has a history of exciting players that just aren’t as good as the top guy. Kobe is the top guy. If it doesn’t look that way to you, it’s because he does what he does so naturally that it appears effortless. One last point: Kobe’s game is better suited to a long career. Lebron won’t be jumping over the young centers in the league when he’s 33-34. But Kobe will be hitting that fade away for years to come. He’s more fundamental, he’s more grounded, he has a better resume, and his game is built to last. Kobe Bryant is the best player in the league. He has been for some time.
TJ Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:29 am
I can’t see why Kobe wouldn’t be ranked first. He is the best on ball defender in the league and the best scorer. His will to win is unmatched. Lebron had an excellent year last year but still could not get his team wins when it mattered. To me, Kobe is still at the top of the league.
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:48 am
Pepe Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:57 am
Sorry Eddie, we’re all tired of your unobjective evaluations, especially regarding your endless disrespect for Kobe. All I can do is copy Kuppy’s statement, which I believe is THE BEST I’ve EVER seen regarding you & your silly lists: You’re ranking someone who has won NOTHING over one of the best players of all time, in his prime, who has won 4 rings.
You better stay away Eddie, after all those years most people don’t care about your opinions anymore anyway. I do comment it now just because I cannot believe somebody can be as stubborn as you are. We don’t need you to prove anything to us all over again, you’re the worst aspect of this site and you should’ve been kicked out a long time ago.
—————————————————————————–
awwwwwww you really hurt my feelings. why dont you form an argument next time you wastse all of those letters. argue your point next time and maybe you can get some respect from me. finally, you like me you will never stop reading my articles. oh. i love Kobe did you read my comments? if not please do.
MR. BASKETBALL Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:49 am
Lebron 1 how? he’s not better than d wade but kobe is and the is clear. people need to stop judging based on hype and their personal expectations for lebron. he is a great , great player but kobe is 10 ten of all time.
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:50 am
metone Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 10:19 pm
eddie
I just have two question you with seconds left in the game and time for just one shot who do you want taking that shot kobe or lebron? why?
I would choose kobe he plays his best when the pressure is on and lebron has not reached that height yet.
——————————————————————-
Kobe of course! but i want Lebron with the ball making the decision.
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:53 am
serpico Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 6:42 am
Keeping Tony Parker out of the paint? Just check Ricky Rubio yesterday, at the Eurobasket quarterfinals.
—————————————————————-
who is that? is that the guy who is scared to play in the league right now? just kidding —–but dont mention him in the same sentence with Tony Parker any more.
justin Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:58 am
Kobe wins championships right now. Lebron does not. For this season Kobe is still the best. He showed it on the biggest stage. I don’t care how good Lebron is going to be. WE ARE TALKING ABOUT NOW. How hard is that for people to understand? I guess really hard. Plus
Eddie is garbage. Please stop letting him write stuff. Stick to Twitter you Laker hating idiot.
BlahBlah Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:10 am
@Rick T
He can create his own shot when driving it to the basket. But he still can’t shoot a jump shot to save his life.
Brian Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:14 am
Paul Pierce is a top five player in this league. To have him listed at 16 is an insult. Name another player that has had his level of consistency and excellence over a 10-plus year career? When you start comparing people based on talent and not hype than it’s impossible to argue that Pierce isn’t a top five Hall of fame player. I find it irritating beyond the capacity to speak that he is chronically underrated by writers and fans. There isn’t a player in the league who can stop him. He has bested all of the players you consider to be better than him and one-on-one he has beaten LeBron James and Kobe Bryant on the highest stage. You talk of conditioning? Please, that’s a cop out. I expect more basketball savvy from an ex-player than this. I’ll take Pierce over any of the guys you have in the top five any day and so would any knowledgeable fan who has the pleasure of watching this man since he came in the league in 1998. For shame.
Guilman Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:16 am
Very I list this Edie Johnson, with all those of the 10 first ones had ring gained(earned) Kobe bryant, in Gasol’s site(place)?
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:21 am
I will continue to repeat this for you new guys that visit my blog. You can’t hurt my feelings. i tend to ignore the dumb remarks. argue you point like my man Charlie. He actually made a lot of sense and maybe i did not explain the word selfish attributed to Roy correctly. It was a good selfish not a bad one. I think Roy is a very good player and has the potential to be great down the line. I am comparing him to the way Michael and Kobe had to include and trust teammates to step out the box so defenses will not load up on him. rather you like it or not. he squeezes the ball too long and until he realizes that problem. he will have to work harder each year to get 22 points a game. i once scored 43 points in a half against the Clippers and actually had the ball in my hand 55 seconds. i know how potent you can be when you catch and go instead of loading up with the dribble. If my teammates complained that particular game i would have told them you had 47 minutes to go do your damage. why are you mad at me. lol
as for the Kobe-Lebron argument there are no winners. If i had said Kobe all the Lebron Lovers would be complaining. so in essence as i stated it is apples and oranges. i just think Lebron is number 1. but in all honesty if i had to pick my favorite player in the league to watch it would be Kobe hands down. I will say this once. Lebron James will go down as the greatest ever before he is done without an injury. He will become the all-time scoring leader and he will win a number of Championships. He is the most unstoppable basketball player in the game. Remember he carried a weak Cav team to the Finals. That to me was unreal for such a young player. i have never saw that feat done before with any young star.
Suede Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:21 am
Yet again Eddie “No Ring” Johnson has a bizarre top 25 list again. It is suspect I really don’t think Dwight is better the Dwade or Lebron better than Kobe, And to have BRandon Roy ranked so high at 15 he’s top ten easily. Shaq should be nowhere near this list.
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:31 am
Suede Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:21 am
Yet again Eddie “No Ring” Johnson has a bizarre top 25 list again. It is suspect I really don’t think Dwight is better the Dwade or Lebron better than Kobe, And to have BRandon Roy ranked so high at 15 he’s top ten easily. Shaq should be nowhere near this list.
—————————————————————————-
No ring correct, but at least i had 17 years to try and get one. Now what is your pedigree? lol——- to think you have a cool name like suede, change it to polyester
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:40 am
Winkstrap Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 8:50 am
Winkstrap Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
HEY EDDIE: GREAT LIST
however tim duncan is a center not power foward and by your statement you come off as very uneducated
—————————————————————–
Thanks for educating me. Now let me educate you Winky. Duncan has always been listed as a power forward. go do your homework since we are talking about education.
i dont give a stuff what he is listed as, he plays center he matches up on shaq and yao dosent he ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
—————————————————————-
yes he does, but Amare guards centers, Ben Wallace guards centers, Al Jefferson guards centers, Kevin Garnett guards centers, Karl Malone guarded Centers, Magic Johnson Played center in the Finals, Rasheed Wallace guards centers, should i go on????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? Duncan is a forward case closed winky!
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:47 am
Daniel Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 9:25 am
Eddy Johnson, we have so many youngsters who come here and read some of what is written. You should be cognizant of that and not write “The Black Mamba has finally did” It should have read has finally done it or the black mamba finally did it.
———————————————————————
Look who’s talking and you cant even do research and spell my name correctly. what does that say to the kids about researching? dont throw stones when your own game is warped Dan. lol this is a blog not school.
georgej Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:56 am
LeBron took the following team to the best record in the league with 66 wins: Z Ilgaulskas, Delonte West, A. Varejao, and Mo Williams… and he made Mo Williams an All-Star, for crying out loud. When Kobe had crappy teams he would only rack up numbers and not wins. If you put Le Bron on that Lakers team he might win 70.
Deliverer Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 11:58 am
LEBRON #1 KOBE#2???????????????????????
WTF???????????????
Seriously, why do people think Lebron is better than Kobe? If you watch kobe videos and compare them to Jordan videos, they look exactly the same. The swagger, the drives, etc. Kobe got it from Jordan and learned from him and Jordan is arguably considered the best of all time. Im not a kobe fan, nor a jordan or lebron, but you cant argue that Kobe is better than lebron. Sure lebron is explosive, but can he finish contest layups where he cant dunk it and has to shot or use some type of adjusted layup? The answer is a hardly ever. Lebron can’t make contest shots or even layups no where to the percentage kobe makes them. (Note, I said contested layups or shots, NOT BLOW-BY DUNKS)
If you dont believe me, go on youtube, search for kobe games and lebron games and watch for yourself. Dont watch the videos that show all their made shots, search videos with all their shots in a single game than tell me if lebron is better than kobe.
Side note, Jordan is the greatest of all time. Go check out how much more physical and harder to drive the game used to be back in the 80’s and mid 90’s compared to now. Especially considered there wasn’t 3 sec in the key (defensively until 2001) back than so Jordan almost always had a bigman waiting for him at the net. Go watch the videos yourself if you don’t believe me.
Courtney Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
WHERE IS MO WILLIAMS AND JOAKIM NOAH
David Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Say what you want about Eddie, but there are a lot better “writers” on this site — yet none of them will get more than 40 or 50 responses at best.
Eddie continues to provoke and prod with insight an moxy. That’s why people pay attention. When he is wrong, he is the first (ok maybe the second or third) to admit it (like leaving Dirk off the last list, or not giving the “too old” Spurs props in 2007…) And even though the “grammar” might be lacking at times…who cares? Like fine linen at a basketball game…not really necessary.
Keep it up, Eddie. A lot of the haters won’t admit it, but they look forward to your blogs.
basketboule Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
eddie, i really don’t think anybody would complain had you put kobe #1. that’s because he clearly is better than lebron (you couldn’t even name those aspects of the game leclown is supposed to be better in). but you will always go on with your controversy-stirring ways and i honestly wish you wouldn’t because i seriously don’t like posting under your articles because so many idiots come posting here. but it’s just so annoying to read that BS all the time and i’m complaining here as a customer about getting the feeling not to be taken seriously by the author of this column. controversy generates interest i understand that, but quality is what this page should try to compete with. other websites are way better. wanna read a good article? check out realgm’s article on 5 year windows for example. that’s serious journalism.
hands down i have to agree with pepe.
RocketsFan227 Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
Eddie I have to step up and help you a little. So many people on here want to hate on Eddie for opinions. For those that say he is a homer during home games can be quiet. Of course he has. He gets paid to call Suns games. I listen to Bill Worrell and Matt Bullard/Clyde Drexler and it’s pretty much the same thing. What good would it do to pay a guy to call a team’s home games and expect him to bash them? Also, his list is not set in stone. He said it himself that it will probably change mid-season. He took an opinion, posted it, and now he gets blasted. I am Rocket fan for life and I don’t hate him for Tracy McLazy not being in the 25, nor hate on him or not putting Yao in due to injury. The man was a former player and knows what he is talking about. Is he right all of the time? No….no one does. Does he get it right most of time? Yeah he does. Also, in one of his last post he said that Kobe is his favorite player to watch right now, hands down. You guys are missing the point in his rankings. He isn’t saying Lebron is totally better than Kobe, nor is he discounting Kobe’s body of work. The point Eddie is making, which I agree with, is that Lebron is further along in his skill level at 24 years old than Kobe was at this age. Kobe has had to mature, grow as a player, and learn how to play within a team. Lebron already knows how to do that. Do you realize that Lebron almost had a triple double in his first game as a professional? That kind of stuff doesn’t happen. When it is all said a done, Kobe will be a top 10 player of all time. Lebron, however, will be ranked among the top 5 of all time. As I said in a recent post. He scores like MJ, jumps like Wilkins, and passes like Magic. That’s crazyness. Not to mention he’s as stout as Karl Malone was and runs like a gazelle. Kobe might have more hardware and has done more, but Lebron is something like the league hasn’t ever seen. So as I said earlier, you might as well call them 1a and 1b because it’s almost too hard to really separate the two. Eddie, I will continue to read what you say, and when I think you’re wrong, I will make a case and call you on it. Until then, keep up the good work.
ELove Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
Here’s MY Pre-season ranking Eddie (which I did back in June) …
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVTyoZFxWjg
Peep the knowledge (I’ve always checked Yours…)
Keep it real Home-Boi
Steve Kerr Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:23 pm
Eddie, you have no idea what you are talking about. Just like how you said that the Magic will win the championships, I am going to write down your “for sure” picks and we will see. Your a joke.
RJ Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:29 pm
Wade is THE best player in the game today. No doubt about it.
No way is Parker a better PG than Deron Williams.
georgej Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
Just one quick side note. Not to you Eddie, but to all the Kobe and LeBron lovers.
Stop comparing Kobe or LeBron to MJ!
MJ is the only guard to win a championship without a dominant big man except for the Piston Bad Boys team and even they had Bill Laimbeer who was a 10k & 10K guy when it was all said and done. The best MJ had was Bill Cartwright when he was 32, played half the games and avergaed 5&5, I think. No team has done it since and frankly I don’t think ever will. If LeBron or Kobe can do it, then we can talk about being the greatest ever. If MJ had Shaq, Pau or even Big Z from the get go he would’ve won every year he was in the league and had 13-14 titles or more had he not retired a couple of times.
So, stop that nonsense please.
Tim Leahy Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:48 pm
Eddie you need to find some shade, dude, the sun is getting to your head! First Lebron, now DWade is better than Kobe? You must be a real Laker hater. One question based on your criteria, who do you want to take the last shot? Who has made more clutch shots in the finals where it really counts? KOBE!
frank_head420 Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
I bet that list was tough to come up with. Come on.
Deliverer Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 1:54 pm
I have no clue how to quote but this is my attempt.
RocketsFan227 Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:41 pm
When it is all said a done, Kobe will be a top 10 player of all time. Lebron, however, will be ranked among the top 5 of all time. As I said in a recent post. He scores like MJ, jumps like Wilkins, and passes like Magic. That’s crazyness. Not to mention he’s as stout as Karl Malone was and runs like a gazelle. Kobe might have more hardware and has done more, but Lebron is something like the league hasn’t ever seen.
Me
Scores like MJ? Are you kidding me? The guy doesn’t even compare to scoring as good as MJ. He can’t shoot, he can’t make contested shots nor layups, not as good defender as Jordan in my opinion, nor is clutch all constantly. Please don’t compare Lebron to MJ or Kobe, they arn’t even in the same category. His something this league hasn’t seen? ROFL at that too. This is whats wrong with the NBA now. The majority of fans just want to see these big, quick, and strong players like Dwight or Lebron just blowing by people and demolishing the rims and not actual skilled players like your Kobe’s or your Iverson’s.(Kind of sad the game of basketball is being dominated by these big strong people with little skill to score like Dwight having like 0 postup moves and no jumper at all, atleast Shaq had post moves) Kobe top ten by the end of his carrier and lebron top 5? ROFL even more at that. Kobe is probably top 3 of all time and lebron isnt even in the top 5 bud. I do agree with you, he matured alot earlier than kobe and lebron is probably a better passer too, maybe. And please, whatever you say, Lebron doesn’t know how to play as a team. Yes, there was points in the season it seemed like it, but did you even watch the East final’s? These were the Cavs plays; Dribble up the court, give it to lebron, let him drive and score or shoot and we all know what the results were from that. Go re-watch the east finals than make your comments.
The saddest part of it all is that lebron is continuing to work on his explosive ability and his strength more rather than on his shooting. How arrogant can you be jeez. ( I’ve seen some of his workouts and read some reports on it)
ronh Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Eddie it is Wade 3 LeBron 2 than Kobe 1. How could you put lebron ahead of kobe the man has four rings. Lebron is not clutch or the defender that kobe is. Wade is a better defender than LeBron.
Mark Norman Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
Derrick Rose showed enough flashes last year that I think he could be a top twenty five this year. He’s in a unique situation because he’s playing alongside a legit starting point guard in Hinrich. If he freed himself up from some of the predictable double teams he sees at the point by playing at the two, he’d definitely help his scoring game which can be explosive. Defensively he’d switch covering the point while HInrich plays the other team’s two. I hope the Bulls at least try this given they have a unique opportunity. Rose would still play the majority of his minutes at the point. If Rose being freed up does lead to some explosive scoring games it’ll be interesting to see if that zone will help him when it comes to hitting game winning shots. Last year he didn’t have much luck.
Charlie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
Sweet, just popped back in, and see I got an independant mention not in response! You just moved up a notch in my book, Eddie. You should head up to Portland for a game this year, I’ll earmark one of my tickets for you.
markied Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 2:45 pm
1. Dwyane Wade
2. Kobe Bryant
3. Lebron James
4. Dwight Howard
5. Chris Paul
6. Carmelo Anthony
7. Brandon Roy
8. Tim Duncan
9. Kevin Garnett
10. Kevin Durant
11. Deron Williams
12. Dirk Nowitzki
13. Steve Nash
14. Pau Gasol
15. Chauncey Billups
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 2:53 pm
basketboule Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
eddie, i really don’t think anybody would complain had you put kobe #1. that’s because he clearly is better than lebron (you couldn’t even name those aspects of the game leclown is supposed to be better in). but you will always go on with your controversy-stirring ways and i honestly wish you wouldn’t because i seriously don’t like posting under your articles because so many idiots come posting here. but it’s just so annoying to read that BS all the time and i’m complaining here as a customer about getting the feeling not to be taken seriously by the author of this column. controversy generates interest i understand that, but quality is what this page should try to compete with. other websites are way better. wanna read a good article? check out realgm’s article on 5 year windows for example. that’s serious journalism.
hands down i have to agree with pepe
——————————————————————-
really? I am getting the feeling that you Kobe -Laker lovers are trying to get me to change my mind? are you kidding me or what? Let me repeat it loud and clear. 1. Lebron James 2. Kobe Bryant —-case closed until the first 20 games.
I don’t know about you, but i could care less if you take me serious or not. maybe you should learn to speak your mind and you might have a chance to write articles. You will always get the truth from me in terms of my thoughts. So you have a choice—–don’t read my blog or keep complaining. Its all good because i loveeeee to dispute.
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
You Laker Fans might really get mad at me when i pick my winner for the Western Conference stay tuned!
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:03 pm
ronh Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
Eddie it is Wade 3 LeBron 2 than Kobe 1. How could you put lebron ahead of kobe the man has four rings. Lebron is not clutch or the defender that kobe is. Wade is a better defender than LeBron
————————————————————
Since we are polling rankings on rings.
1.Robert Horry
2.Kobe Bryant
That looks good!
let me repeat the ring argument again. Teams win rings not Individual players. i am ranking players not teams. stop getting it twisted.
i assume Robert Horry was better than Charles Barkley and Karl Malone?
Derek Fisher, Pau Gasol and Trevor Ariza was on that team i presume. Put Kobe on Cleveland and Put Lebron on the Lakers. That would be interesting wouldnt it?
Kobe would jump off a building if he had to go to war with Cleveland over the Lakers.
Stop it!
David Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:06 pm
Eddie, don’t tell me you’re picking my Spurs for the West??
sweetestbaby Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Your list goes to show how underrated Kevin Garnett and Carmelo Anthony are and Shaq is far too down on your list which makes me wonder how much you’re going on stats. I give Kobe more credit than LeBron because LeBron is a multiple stat threat but he didn’t show he wanted the championship enough and I remain confident that Shaq won’t get him over the hump. He would be wise to leave Cleveland.
justin Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
Once again Eddie (baby Eddie). I am going to call you Ed because you’re an adult. Aren’t you? Go ahead and pick whoever you want. You were wrong about almost everything you said in the playoffs. Please pick someone besides the Lakers to win the west. I understand this reverse crap you’re playing. You want people to keep reading your blogs. Well sometimes it works.
So winning championships isn’t important. Really? Big Saturday Night Live REALLY? You really (there’s that word again) don’t think Kobe would demand more of the Cleveland team than Lebron did.
YOU STOP IT- PLEASE - I’m begging HoopsHype to get rid of this fake a__ motivational speaker. If I saw you speaking at my school I would throw a burrito at your face and say it makes you look better.
Porky Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
Paul Pierce outplays Kobe and LeBron when the Celts won and he has not gotten any worse. So, in your ignorance you drop him 5 places? Makes no sense
georgej Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
David, I hope he picks Dallas to come out of the west. Just watch.
Unfortunately your Spurs relied too much on their defense and since they lost the best pick-and-roll defender in the league, they have been very vulnerable and teams will pick them apart. That said, if they can stay healthy and McDyess fulfills his promise at 35 that he couldn’t do at 25, they have a very good chance to surprise. Obviously RJ was a great pick up… but wait… RJ is a Wildcat… I can see now how Eddie would pick the Spurs out West…
Eddie, thank you for telling people that teams win championships and not individuals and therefore number of rings should not participate in individual comparison discussions. (Please tell that to your colleague who wrote the article last week about Russell vs MJ). I remember once they asked Horry if he would rather have Barkley’s career, one of the greatest players and instantly recognizable on the street but no rings, or have his career with the seven rings (at the time he had “only” 6, I think). Horry said he’d rather have Barkley’s. Evey time Kobe won a ring he had a very good team around him. When he had crappy teams he got nowhere. Lebron, on the other hand took a crappy team to the finals in 2007 and the only other such feat was Iverson in 2001.
kingblade Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:58 pm
ddddd Said,
September 17, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
I don’t quite agree with putting Amare over Chris Bosh.
You argue that Chris wandered outside too much last season? Well he is on a team that forced him to essentially play center when he is really a pf. The raps screwed up with Bargani and are not willing to admit it. Then they signed him to a crazy contract that is virtually untradable for the next 4 years at least. If Bosh stays with the Raps as currently constructed, he will never win a championship. I will say though that the Hedo Turkoglu signing is nice for them…
1. Amare was forced to play center during his best years as well. What is your point?
2. Bargnani is again looking like a good prospect. His second year was essentially wasted, but he is back to tracking very well. I would expect a major step forward from him in the next year or two.
On a general note. I love how many of you think you know more than Eddie, of all people, on how to play without the ball. With the possible exceptions of Ray Allen and Reggie Miller you would be hard pressed to find anyone who knows more about playing without the ball than Eddie.
Waaaay too many people miss the importance of playing off the ball, but it is more often than not the a key difference between winning and losing. Funny enough it applies in nearly every team sport, and none of the greats become great until they get it.
Hockey, Football, Baseball, Basketball, even volleyball or doubles tennis. Playing the right way without the ball is beyond important, and is usually a primary factor when athletes thought to be great fail to reach their potential.
If the NBA had a proper farm system like the NHL or MLB you would see it populated heavily with potentially good players who just cannot grasp how to play without the ball. Just like the NBA itself has a large numbers of good players who could have been great, and greats who could be all-timers.
georgej Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
Justin, LeBron made Mo Williams an all-star, my friend. Think about it, Mo Williams an all-star. Kobe can’t make even Lamar Odom an all-star and Odom would be an All-star on 20 other teams. Mind you, LeBron is doing that and still improving his stats, because he has a crappy team with even crappier bench and even the crappy bench was injured half the season and even with the crappy team and crappy half injured bench they won 66 games. When Kobe had a half decent team, he barely made the play-offs. Also in the play-offs while I’ve seen Kobe make clutch shots, I have not really seen him take over games like LeBron did/does. In fact to be in the consideration as the best player, you should exhude such confidence that your team shoudl think they are already up by a game just by having you on the roster. MJ was that way, and a few years back when the Lakers went up 3:1 t the Suns, I tought that was the time when Kobe will make history and claim the number one spot because hwen you are up 3:1 and you have the best player, he should be able to win one for you just by himself. We know what happened. So, as far as I am concerned unless he does it sometime in the future he will always be number two on my list despite 81 points and all.
kingblade Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:01 pm
That’s right. Justin and I are the founders of the “Robert Horry is the greatest player of his era” foundation.
doyouwantmore Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:11 pm
Eddie, you said I was changing the subject of your article by saying that Josh Smith, Jameer Nelson, Ron Artest, and a couple other players were guys that anyone would build a team around before Ray Allen, and old-a$$ Shaq. How is that changing the subject of your article at all? I’ll put it clearer terms: They are better players for what they can do today than the guys you put in there for sentimental reasons.
David Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:12 pm
Georgej, still can’t count out the Spurs, esp with Manu and Timmy hopefully healthy. Mavs did make some great moves — we’ll see if it’s enough.
Love the rivalry.
Shickered Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:30 pm
I don’t care where you rank Brandon Roy but to say he does not act as a foil early in games tells me you do not watch nearly enough Blazer games. It is a rare occurance that Roy scores more points in the first half than he does in the second and he tended only to score big last season when the team could not find other ways to score.
I would rather him taking over than Travis Outlaw.
He will be top 10 this year no doubt.
Utah Jazz Blog Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:52 pm
Not a bad list. You’ll never get total agreement on something like this, but here are the flaws I see:
1. Amare and Gasol are too high
2. Deron Williams is too low
3. Shaq and Ray Allen are no longer top-25 players
B Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 5:20 pm
killakadafi191,
Dirk is ranked about right. Look at what KG did in playoffs BEFORE he got to the Celtics. He only made it to the WCF once (it was more sam cassell than KG), knocked out in 1st round every single time.
It’s easy to play w/ pierce and ray allen. KG’s skill just complemented well w/ those players.
malik Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 5:48 pm
you call kobe the best offensive and on ball defender kobes wins a title THIS year and you still say james is better??? enough is enough with this lebron crap! he’s not even better then wade! come on man and to say he will go down as the best ever is insane come on really Im not on here to call you any names or bash ur opinion but this is really biast Wade and Kobe are both better O and waaaay better D then him - but it seems like the nba really wants to mold his career because lebron coming in at 2 in the voting for defensive player of the year was the biggest joke in nba history good article but God wont strike anybody down for saying the truth that Kobe is way better then bron and wade too
Sarunas Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 6:57 pm
I believe that Kobe is the best player in the league.
As a fan of the Pacers, I saw last year the game that the Pacers beat the Cavs. Lebron gets a pair of free throws in the dying seconds of the game and he makes them. But O”Brien makes the same play for Granger, defended by Lebron and in the last second of the game Lebron fauls Grangers and the Pacers win the game.
That showed me, that moment showed me that there are serious flaws in Lebron’s game. When it count most, Lebron cannot deliver enough.
To determine the best player in the league. It is just simple. Which player would you let make the last shot of the game, when the game is on the line?
my answer is Bryant. He always finds a way to score.
sidenote I read somewhere that Artest never was on a good team before Houston, but the Pacers where pretty good when he was on the team, before the brawl and his stupid trade wish. Losing in the conference final to Detroit and in the year of the brawl losing in the semi-finals. Oh and they had one time the best regular season score. I believe that Pacers team was better than last years Houston team!
Brandon Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
Nice list! I’d put Roy about five spots higher, but that’s just me. Hollinger made a case for Roy as the 7th best player in the league, but I think that’s too high.
Come to Portland and give Martell Webster some of your 6th man of the year mojo, alright? Give your boy Bayless some love too - I like his game and I hope the Blazers are patient with him - he just turned 21 after all…
Jaredallas Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 8:19 pm
I’d honestly say that 4-7 could be flip-flopped without any clear right or wrong, but I’m glad to see Dirk getting a little love. I leave KG out of there because he really does fall just a step behind the others (CP, Duncan, Dirk, D-Wade). Eddie made a hell of a list here. hard to argue
martinez flex Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
yah all talking b.s we all know this list is f*cked up wheres iverson ? seriously theres alot of players that could never do what he has done
marcus Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 8:39 pm
Kobe is the best player in the league. He dominated an Orlando team that was one late heave away from sweeping LeBron’s team. Kobe can do whatever it takes to control the game on both ends of the floor while LeBron only has 3 moves and doesn’t yet understand how to finish a team. Also, much of LeBron is based on “he will be”, while Kobe gets docked for being “on the way down”. LeBron is the same player he was two years ago while Kobe continues to add to his game every year.
Scoreboard.
Larry Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
Eddie went to the University of Illinois and probably could care less about the U of A Wildcats who are located in Tucson not PHX. Also the guy who was jumping all over Eddie “Steve Kerr said,” hopefully is wearing a Steve Kerr mask for Holloween and is walking around in PHX. He will probably wind up in a dumpster. The last guy I would admit to being in PHX is Steve Kerr right now.
Most of you don’t know Eddie lost his chance at a ring thanks to the referee trio of Dick Bavetta, Mike Mathis, and Ed Rush in 1993 game 7 of the Western Confeence finals. The fine threesome put the PHX Suns at the line 64 timers in game seven against his Seattle Super Sonics, the Suns making 57 of them in a 123-110 win. Eddie had 34 points in 26 minutes and along with Shawn Kemp, Nate McMillen and Ricky Pierce fouled out. Now Eddie will admit he was not a good defender. How a guy who doesn’t guard anyone gets 6 fouls so quickly with no contact is beyond me. I watched the game from the 8th row and I never saw so many phntom fouls in my life. If any game in NBA history should be examined for a “fix” it’s that game which allowed for a match-up between superman Jordan and MVP Barkley.
I’m not saying the Sonics would have beat the outstanding Bulls team, but that’s why they play the games. You can hate Eddie all you want but unless someone proves otherwise on this Blog, he’s the only guy to play with and against some of the greatest players who have ever played in the NBA, and now talks to these kind of guys before and after every game.
eddie Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 10:41 pm
justin Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
Once again Eddie (baby Eddie). I am going to call you Ed because you’re an adult. Aren’t you? Go ahead and pick whoever you want. You were wrong about almost everything you said in the playoffs. Please pick someone besides the Lakers to win the west. I understand this reverse crap you’re playing. You want people to keep reading your blogs. Well sometimes it works.
So winning championships isn’t important. Really? Big Saturday Night Live REALLY? You really (there’s that word again) don’t think Kobe would demand more of the Cleveland team than Lebron did.
YOU STOP IT- PLEASE - I’m begging HoopsHype to get rid of this fake a__ motivational speaker. If I saw you speaking at my school I would throw a burrito at your face and say it makes you look better.
———————————————————————————
If you threw a burrito at me, you would not be able to speak! lol
georgej Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 2:47 am
Sarunas, Melo, Brandon Roy and Vince Carter have all made more game winning shots than Kobe. By your definition, they are better than Kobe. Especially given that their skill set is not too shabby compared to Kobe’s. If the game was on the line, I’d probably pick Brandon Roy.
basketboule Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 5:16 am
dude I’m still not a lakers-fan, not at all. still I’m capable of admittance and i have to admit that kobe’s basketball skillset and capability is the purest and most beautiful I have ever seen on any basketball player. I don’t even like the guy and his behavior, still I’m capable of putting that aside and seeing the damn unbelievably great basketball player that he is, as there’s nothing he can’t do and you couldn’t even say that of jordan.
that being said, I also feel like I can’t call anybody who shoots worse, has worse handles, worse defense, worse decision making, worse leadership skills, worse shot selection, worse attitude, less drive and very very little balls to go with all that, a better player than mr. bryant. if there’s anything constructive for you to add to this, go ahead, otherwise feel free to change your mind man, it’s obvious.
on a side note, I’m a basketball nerd just like many around here and i surf hoopshype for rumours and entertainment between reading and ******** essay writing, but this doesn’t really entertan me, it somehow bothers me and i truly don’t like it. i honestly would prefer quality assessment over provocation.
cheers
eddie Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 8:10 am
basketboule Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 5:16 am
dude I’m still not a lakers-fan, not at all. still I’m capable of admittance and i have to admit that kobe’s basketball skillset and capability is the purest and most beautiful I have ever seen on any basketball player. I don’t even like the guy and his behavior, still I’m capable of putting that aside and seeing the damn unbelievably great basketball player that he is, as there’s nothing he can’t do and you couldn’t even say that of jordan.
that being said, I also feel like I can’t call anybody who shoots worse, has worse handles, worse defense, worse decision making, worse leadership skills, worse shot selection, worse attitude, less drive and very very little balls to go with all that, a better player than mr. bryant. if there’s anything constructive for you to add to this, go ahead, otherwise feel free to change your mind man, it’s obvious.
on a side note, I’m a basketball nerd just like many around here and i surf hoopshype for rumours and entertainment between reading and ******** essay writing, but this doesn’t really entertan me, it somehow bothers me and i truly don’t like it. i honestly would prefer quality assessment over provocation.
cheers
—————————————————————————–
Great so change your mind because this ranking is here to stay until first quarter of season.
simmsimma Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 9:43 am
Dwight Howard is ranked to high. I understand what you mean about defense and offensive glass, but until he can prove that he has more then one post move and can hit free throws consistently, he shouldn’t be in the top 5. He belongs in the Top 10, but not the Top 3. I would move him back to #6 or so and have Wade and #3 and Chris Paul at #4.
HoopsHype Top 25 Players - OzCardTrader.com.au Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 9:49 am
[...] Top 25 Players HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Eddie Johnson The updated Top 25 My thoughts: * What he thinking putting Duncan where he is!? From reading his comments this list [...]
Vcaines Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 10:06 am
I disagree with Eddie’s last four on the list, but I can understand why he put them in that order. If we are talking pure physical ability then LBJ at #1 is correct, he is a beast and at 24 he will continue to be a beast, Kobe at 30 yo is no slouch followed by D Howard (Another physical specimen), followed by DWade.
But in my opinion if you factor in Basketball IQ and all the intangibles, then Kobe is #1, followed by LBJ, followed by DWade, then DHoward. Say for argument sake you did swap Kobe and LBJ on their respective teams, with the current mindset of each players etc, I do think the Cavs would have fared better than 30 wins with Kobe, and I am not so sure that the Lakers would have won a championship.
I think Kobe (like Mike) demands so much of his teammates and leads by example, and this type of seasoning comes with maturity and the desire to win at all cost. LBJ is still caught up with being liked and the frivolity of the League (The pre-game antics, couple that with the petulant behaviour from a loss), he has yet to mature to lead a ‘non-perfect’ team to the promise land. Remember the Lakers are the exact same team that loss to the Celtics a year before, and everyone was questioning “where is Kobe’s help coming from?’
As far as DWade is concerned, he is my favourite player in the L right now, he is such a complete player and I believe had the least to work with out of all the top four on this list. And in my opinion, he made to most of his situation, he was surrounded by mainly 1st and 2nd year players and still made it to the 2nd round, could LBJ have done the same?
It all leads up to an exciting year nonetheless…
Today’s Celtics Links 9/19 | Boston Sports Nation Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 10:14 am
[...] Cleveland Cavaliers, as season approaches, picked as best in the East by ESPN Hoopshype The updated Top 25 Ball Don’t Lie Utah Flash owner to Marbury: Come play in the D-League! Sporting [...]
Brian Boitono Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
Dick Wal Long, I can tell from your writing that English is not your first language. I just wanted to let you know How awesome your name is. I think you should Drop Wal and just go with Dick Long. This would be great because I assume with your request for sun Yue and Yao to be on this list that your from china. Are you familiar with the term oxymoron??
o yea eddie nice list
aldkjaksfajf Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
eddie, there are a few rankings that I will have to disagree with you (not the LeBron vs Kobe part), however I know everyone’s entitled to his own opinion. One thing I really like is how you rank Deron Williams higher than Chauncey. Chauncey is good, but I felt people gave him way too much credit for last year’s success.
annonymous Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 2:05 pm
#
georgej Said,
September 18, 2009 @ 4:00 pm
Justin, LeBron made Mo Williams an all-star, my friend. Think about it, Mo Williams an all-star. Kobe can’t make even Lamar Odom an all-star and Odom would be an All-star on 20 other teams. Mind you, LeBron is doing that and still improving his stats, because he has a crappy team with even crappier bench and even the crappy bench was injured half the season and even with the crappy team and crappy half injured bench they won 66 games. When Kobe had a half decent team, he barely made the play-offs. Also in the play-offs while I’ve seen Kobe make clutch shots, I have not really seen him take over games like LeBron did/does. In fact to be in the consideration as the best player, you should exhude such confidence that your team shoudl think they are already up by a game just by having you on the roster. MJ was that way, and a few years back when the Lakers went up 3:1 t the Suns, I tought that was the time when Kobe will make history and claim the number one spot because hwen you are up 3:1 and you have the best player, he should be able to win one for you just by himself. We know what happened. So, as far as I am concerned unless he does it sometime in the future he will always be number two on my list despite 81 points and all.
—————–
george your truly an idiot.
LBJ made Moe and all-star is that why Moe’s stats with exception of 3 pt. shooting, FT’s and scoring (which he improved from a measley 17.2 to 17.8 really LBJ made him 0.6 better scoring wise) got WORSE playing next to LBJ, the only reason why Moe made the all-star team is because of the playing with LBJ and making his teammates better excuse.
and Lamar Odom is a all-star is that why he went to 0 all-star games in 10 years, and he is constantly on the trade block, and by far the most bi-polar player in the league, you get triple double one night and nothing the next.
and when has LBJ taken over a game, oh wait I know what your gonna bring up, game 5 against the Pistons even though Daniel Gibson played great in that series, how about against the Celtics he did such a great job the first 4 games shooting 30 percent from the field and 19 percent from the 3 pt. line, and of course in game 7 he scored 40 but allowed Paul Pierce to score 40 as well.
and on top of that when the jump ball occurred in the end of Game 7, PAUL PIERCE OUT HUSTLED LBJ for the BALL, oh yeah nice job showing FIRE THERE LBJ.
and are you on DRUGS OR JUST PLAIN STUPID when you say KOBE HAD HALF DECENT TEAM ON 2005-2006.
he carried a STARTING LINEUP OF Smush Parker, Kwame Brown, Brian Cook, and a bi-polar Lamar Odom to 45 wins and the playoffs for crying out loud.
Smush Parker isn’t even in the league he plays in China, Brian Cook can’t even get playing time on the Rockets, and Kwame is sooo bad that they had to bring back an almost retired Ben Wallace to start instead of Kwame.
and let’s look at LBJ’s TEAMS that went in PLAYOFFS.
he had a solid big in Drew Gooden, an all-star in Big Z, a good player in Larry Hughes who the Cavs never figured out how to use, a solid shooter in Wally, a 4 time defensive player of the year winner in Ben Wallace, a 17 PPG and 6 APG in Moe Williams, and 2 highly underrated players in Gibson and West.
what did Kobe have before mid-way through 2007-08. bi-polar Odom, a okay Caron Butler who didn’t become an ALL-STAR until he went to the WIZARDS, bunch of scurbs, and of course a kid in Bynum who didn’t give any effort until Kobe lighted fire under his ***. Fisher was nice but over the hill he was only brought back as calming influence and that’s it.
Kobe didn’t have any great TEAMMATES until the Gasol trade.
and here’s the great LBJ in Games 4 and 6 (where DANIEL GIBSON stepped up, the only game LBJ made an impact was 5 and that’s it.)
http://www.nba.com/games/20070529/DETCLE/boxscore.html
http://www.nba.com/games/20070602/DETCLE/boxscore.html
LBJ IS SOOO GREAT that it almost took a fluke 3 pt. to make sure he didn’t get SWEPT in the playoffs against ORLANDO, just like he did against the Spurs who got completely dominated by.
Ehis Murphy Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 2:49 pm
WOW! Funny how the media can give you a bad reputation. Iverson is not on your top 10, something is wrong with your list. Ask hall of fame coach Larry Brown to make his list, he knows alot more than you know. I used to respect you, but after this article I lost all the respect that I had for you. Chauncey billips, carmelo, paul pierce before AI. That is unbelievable and stupid
Ehis Murphy Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
I am sick to my stomach looking at this list without the Answer (Allen Iverson)
josh Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Move Dirk up, move Howard and Duncan down. Dirk is clearly better than Duncan at this point, and impacts the game better than does Howard.
I would put dirk at 3-5.
marc Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
Eddie Johnson? You played in the nba? who are you? I’ve been following basketball for 45v years and I have never heard your name…..i guess you haven’t had a very interesting career…and now you are a blogger for hoopshype?? what a job for a former nba player…blogger for a no name website…
Pepe Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 6:16 pm
Here’s what we all should do: let’s stop commenting Eddie’s articles. He openly admitted here he loves the dispute and it’s clear he’s posting all his articles just to provoke people, because he knows he ain’t got enough insight required to be a quality journalist. Most of us disagree with him yet we keep supporting his BS. Let’s just ignore him, support quality writers instead and as soon as he realises people really don’t care about him, he’ll finally leave by himself. Otherwise, he’s gonna be here for good…
ddddd Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
kingblade-
The raps have not had a decent center since… ummmm…. what…. Either Camby or Olajuwon??? The suns had Shaq last year. Now granted… I am a personal Shaq hater and feel sorry for Lebron… but Shaq is one hell of a better center than any center that Bosh has ever played with… Amare proved in my eyes last year that in today’s league he is a center due to the fact that he couldn’t figure out the pf position. Amare also weighs about 30 lbs more than Bosh does.
I am not quite sure where you are loving Bargnani’s game so much… A guy with his contract should be putting up 20 and 10 without even barely breaking a sweat or have some defining characteristic that makes him closer to All-NBA than All-time-bust. Either way the pieces don’t fit as constructed. Bargnani could be a good player and is slowly shaking the bust label… but for a former number 1 pick with his contract… ITS SLOW!!!!
Hey Eddie- I know nobody is going to agree with you when you do this list, but next time when you do the explanations, please put more emphasis on how the player’s game fits into the respective team and helps them produce wins.
A good example would be Baron Davis. When he was with the warriors and Don Nelson he was a terror and put up numbers for his team to win. However now that hes with the Clippers, Dunleavy’s system has stiffled him and given Dunleavy’s system I wouldn’t even put him as top 50 anymore (close but no cigar)….
Point being, even though this list is subjective… Look more at the big picture than at histories and flash..
Dave Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 7:51 pm
This is a pretty good list.
The top three I think anyone would agree on.
Yes Kobe was better then LeBron in last year’s playoffs (although LeBron was still phenomenal) but Kobe has peaked and LeBron hasn’t. LeBron will just continue to get better, and with Shaq behind him, Cleveland is clearly the best team in the East. My prediction is the Lakers face the Cavs in next years playoffs, which the NBA would love because it not only pits Kobe and LeBron against each other but Kobe and Shaq.
Howard has to be in the top three.
If Lamar Odom can get 30MPG on the Lakers he will make the top 25 and be an All-Star….He will get more minutes at the perimeter….The Lakers have so many weapons that everyones scoring percentage will go up a few points.
My prediction is that THE ENTIRE LAKER STARTING FIVE will be in the top 25 AND IN THE ALL-STAR GAME. Bynum will be a top 3 or top 4 center, Gasol will be #22 maybe…and Artest, being able to focus on defense and get plenty of open shots in the perimeter will be a top-2 candidate for Defensive MVP.
TOP PLAYERS In 2008-2009
#2 KOBE
#10 GASOL
#20 BYNUM
#22 ODOM
#24 ARTEST
Kobe I think will win MVP, Artest DEF MVP, Bynum Most Improve Player, Kobe will be on All-NBA First Team, Gasol All-NBA 2nd Team.
Kobe and Artest will be in the all defensive first team.
Jedi Ones Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
I’d knock off:
Devin Harris, Shaq and Ray Allen. Probably AL Jeff and Billups as well. In their place:
Derrick Rose, Boozer, Butler, Turkoglu, Iguodala.
Brandon Roy is like Tony Parker?
Except Roy actually plays defense and is a fantastic leader.
I had Roy 2nd for MVP last season.
eddie Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
Hey Eddie- I know nobody is going to agree with you when you do this list, but next time when you do the explanations, please put more emphasis on how the player’s game fits into the respective team and helps them produce wins.
A good example would be Baron Davis. When he was with the warriors and Don Nelson he was a terror and put up numbers for his team to win. However now that hes with the Clippers, Dunleavy’s system has stiffled him and given Dunleavy’s system I wouldn’t even put him as top 50 anymore (close but no cigar)….
Point being, even though this list is subjective… Look more at the big picture than at histories and flash..
——————————————–
great point! Barons problem has always been staying in top shape. he would be on this list every time if he did.
Hakeem Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
There’s nothing wrong with this list, Kobe fans deep down you know that Lebron is better than him. I don’t mind if you support ur guy but….if you could trade Kobe for Lebron just for the upcoming season Im 100% sure you would…..and other way around Im not so sure if Cavs fans would do that.
I watch all the games and If I could choose a player to take the last shot Kobe would be the 4th option…..Wade, Roy, and Hedo.
Eddie I love your blogs…you have been there as a player and know what it takes. If you dont like his blogs go to those other guys who in my opinion copy each other.
Greg Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
Lets see:
Kobe Scoring > Lebron
Kobe On ball D > Lebron
Kobe work ethic > Lebron
Kobe competitiveness > Lebron
Kobe basketball IQ > Lebron
Lebron half court shots > Kobe
Whats left to justify Lebron ranking higher? Is that the new mandate from David Stern? It is crap like this that makes me hate wasting my time reading stuff on the NBA.
Just wait a few more years when Lebron’s knees or back or whatever starts to give way and he can no longer drive head first toward the basket on every play. If he hasn’t fixed that broken looking J by then, he won’t be top three on this list.
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 12:24 am
Jedi Ones Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 8:10 pm
I’d knock off:
Devin Harris, Shaq and Ray Allen. Probably AL Jeff and Billups as well. In their place:
Derrick Rose, Boozer, Butler, Turkoglu, Iguodala.
Brandon Roy is like Tony Parker?
Except Roy actually plays defense and is a fantastic leader.
I had Roy 2nd for MVP last season.
——————————————————————-
Thats right Parker is chopped liver –i forgot.
Salaner Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 12:51 am
“I was wrong about Gasol”. “I was wrong about Nowitzki”. Eddie Johnson not only carries that overwhelming Laker chip on his shoulder, which renders his judgments invariably biased and often embarrassing (this is the guy who picked the Magic to win the 2009 Finals in six - I mean, what’s his real knowledge of the game?), but he tends to be “wrong” about European players of a certain complexion. About whom will he admit to having been wrong, next time around?
Prejudice is not a useful asset for someone purporting to be a basketball analyst.
EJ also says now, in vastly overrating (9th) another European guard of a different complexion: “Will someone show me a player that can keep Parker out of the paint?” Oh, but I will, Mr. Johnson. If you were really the basketball nerd you claim to be, you would have been watching the European Championship for the past two weeks, and you would have seen the mean trashing (86-66) Spain inflicted on then-unbeaten France and its five NBA players in the quarter finals. An 18 year-old who American pundits have been saying isn’t ready to play NBA defense, Ricky Rubio, held Tony Parker to six points on 1-for-8 shooting. I will admit this: the one basket he got was the only time Rubio let him drive into the paint…
KappaKidToo Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 1:35 am
marc Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
“Eddie Johnson? You played in the nba? who are you? I’ve been following basketball for 45v years and I have never heard your name…..i guess you haven’t had a very interesting career…and now you are a blogger for hoopshype?? what a job for a former nba player…blogger for a no name website.”
Wow….That’s was a bit harsh!! Marc must not be a real fan of the game or he would KNOW beyond a shadow of doubt who Eddie Johnson was.
Good list Eddie. I just wish that some consideration would have given to Agent Zero, as he himself mentioned. Can’t wait for the WizKids (A.Z, ‘Twan J, Tough Juice et al) to remind people that last year was a fluke. Hope he uses your blog along with others to keep the fire stoked!!
Arturo Molvízar Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:41 am
Finally Pau Gasol is convincing everyone withhis game and effort, I’m pretty happy for him. You should enjoy his game cause in 2 or 3 years time he’ll be back to spain.
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 8:25 am
“I was wrong about Gasol”. “I was wrong about Nowitzki”. Eddie Johnson not only carries that overwhelming Laker chip on his shoulder, which renders his judgments invariably biased and often embarrassing (this is the guy who picked the Magic to win the 2009 Finals in six - I mean, what’s his real knowledge of the game?), but he tends to be “wrong” about European players of a certain complexion. About whom will he admit to having been wrong, next time around?
Prejudice is not a useful asset for someone purporting to be a basketball analyst.
EJ also says now, in vastly overrating (9th) another European guard of a different complexion: “Will someone show me a player that can keep Parker out of the paint?” Oh, but I will, Mr. Johnson. If you were really the basketball nerd you claim to be, you would have been watching the European Championship for the past two weeks, and you would have seen the mean trashing (86-66) Spain inflicted on then-unbeaten France and its five NBA players in the quarter finals. An 18 year-old who American pundits have been saying isn’t ready to play NBA defense, Ricky Rubio, held Tony Parker to six points on 1-for-8 shooting. I will admit this: the one basket he got was the only time Rubio let him drive into the paint…
—————————————————————–
Please stop talking about a player who will not be in the NBA and do you think Mr Parker is taking this tournament as serious as his real job? give me a break. FINALLY, have you ever been wrong? you make me laugh real hard with that statement. Tony Parker will eat Ricky Rubio up for lunch and then some. Tell him to ccome play in the league first. i had some guy d me up in the rec league last night lol
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 8:27 am
marc Said,
September 19, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
Eddie Johnson? You played in the nba? who are you? I’ve been following basketball for 45v years and I have never heard your name…..i guess you haven’t had a very interesting career…and now you are a blogger for hoopshype?? what a job for a former nba player…blogger for a no name website…
———————————————————————–
where were you following it in a tunnel with no lights. lol
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 8:32 am
I love this blog. you guys are fortunate i respond unlike most writers. you can only hurt me by proving me wrong. thats it. the other stuff i get a good laugh about. what should i write next. hmmmmmm. i cant wait to give my prognosis of the coming year. especially in the West.
Riva Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 9:08 am
Gasol is actually the best PowerFoward in the leage.
Howard sucks in the final
jerry Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 10:01 am
The only point guard who is never on a top 25 list but came in at half a season to carry a team not just to the playoffs but to the NBA finals was Rafer Alston.Truth be told his shooting percentage isn’t the best but which one of the point guards on that list had the season he had.He stepped in and made every one around him better and allowed them to play their own position you couldn’t ask for more.The Magic wouldn’t have gotten all the way to the NBA finals not the playoffs ,the NBA finals without him.
knock knock Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 10:36 am
The number one player on the number one team last year failed to make it to the finals. Even then, why is he still number 1?? LOL thats hilarious.
josh Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 10:40 am
I have to argue against your positioning of Roy. First question: How can you have Deron Williams ranked better? Roy was picked by the coaches over Williams for the All star game… Are you claiming that you know better?
I was also reading through some of the comments, and noticed remarks indicating that Roy not trusting his teammates was in part some of the reason for their unfortunate first round exit. There were a number of things that caused the playoff exit, and it would be a stretch to include Roy as part of the problem. The main problem vs. the Rockets was Yao even if it was not directly him causing the damage. The Blazers chose to let Luis Scola beat them by doubling Yao and leaving scola open for mid range jumpers. That was the story of the series. Also, quick point guards absolutely kill portland. There was not anyone on the team that could stay with Aaron Brooks (besides Bayles, but thats debatable and arguably would have caused other issues) and he ripped the blazers apart.
Brandon Roy plays with ball in his hands when the game is tight. I would have a hard time calling him selfish though (even in your newly explained version of selfish). The Blazers had a deficiency of players that could create for not only themselves but other players on the floor. The Blazers team is full of shooters and not a lot of players that can create offense. Roy is almost always very quiet early in games, and plays off the ball almost the entire first half of every game. Lamarcus is usually the go to guy in the beginning of games, and then Outlaw when he comes off the bench. The big problem with portlands offense was mainly the lack of a true point guard that could get the players the ball where they needed it to score. I disagree with the notion that Roy is selfish because of point guard deficiencies. Also, if you watched many games, and you claim that you have (I’m not doubting you), there is seldom instances where Roy forces his shots. It is often said by many annalists that Roy lets the game come to him, and doesn’t force anything, and that was one his strongest qualities along with his poise and bbiq.
Realistically Brandon is a top 10 player; I would probably rank him around 8 or 9, but i guess this is all just my bias opinion. I did, however,watch every singe blazer game this last season, and would like to think that I have a pretty good understanding of the basketball in general.
23uknowthe1 Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 11:45 am
Wade is # 1 that first off,gasol should be at 14-15,monta ellis should be in this group,same time next year westbrook will be here !
Jacob Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
The Trail Blazers don’t have very good movement off the ball, so this isn’t something to blame on Brandon Roy. He is reading the play, not squeezing the ball.
By virtue of the All-NBA second team, Roy is in the top 10. You are an idiot Eddie and there is a reason you never won a ring.
chanman Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 2:43 pm
GEORGEJ……are u dumb or just doesnt watch the games?? how are u gonna bash kobe when he’s in the west whereas lebron is in the east?? the east might be more competitive this season cuz teams got better and more big bodies like shaq and sheed are on contending teams….but referring back to your 1st comment, PHX had 3 all stars on that team!!! Nash, amare, marion…the lakers should have finished them off but kobe tried to get his teammates involved like EVERY ONE ELSE wanted him to and thats why they lost that series. You say he can only take his team to the bottom of the playoffs, well guess what i bet lebron can’t take his team to the playoffs IN THE WEST with guys like kwame brown, smush parker, brian cook, mihm…where are these guys now??
Your definition of making a player better is making them all stars…Mo williams should not have became an allstar!!! he got in because mike brown and king james begged david stern to let him in!!! how do u call someone an all star player when mo williams was no where to be found in the East finals last season? if lamar was a starter last season he would’ve been an allstar, and u left out that Pau Gasol was an all star so idk how u consider lebron making mo williams better when kobe got pau to the all star game.
If u give kobe the physique of lebron james he would be UNSTOPPABLE!!! where as if u give lebron the physique of kobe he’ll just be another mediocre player, he doesnt have the 3, midrange J, and the foot work that kobe has which makes kobe the best in the NBA STILL!!!
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 4:40 pm
Jacob Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
The Trail Blazers don’t have very good movement off the ball, so this isn’t something to blame on Brandon Roy. He is reading the play, not squeezing the ball.
By virtue of the All-NBA second team, Roy is in the top 10. You are an idiot Eddie and there is a reason you never won a ring.
——————————————————————————–
hmmmmm ok i will respond even though you call me an idiot. i ssume you have never played basketball. so i will go slow. you just answered your own question for me. The reason players dont move is because they stand and watch because the player in question squeezing the ball. what play is he reading? oh you mean the one where he drives left and attacks the rim and when its not there –kick it out to a teammate who has 3 seconds to shoot? oh ok thanks for answering the question for the idiot.
i hope you are not a school teacher,because you probably give your students the answers to the test without knowing you did and you wonder why everyone gets a 100. your insults make you seem like the individual you called me. ok now off to watch my Bears.
Salaner Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
Here’s Eddie Johnson at his best: “Please stop talking about a player who will not be in the NBA and do you think Mr Parker is taking this tournament as serious as his real job? give me a break. FINALLY, have you ever been wrong? you make me laugh real hard with that statement. Tony Parker will eat Ricky Rubio up for lunch and then some. Tell him to ccome play in the league first. i had some guy d me up in the rec league last night lol.”
Eddie Johnson, of course, hasn’t seen Parker vs Rubio or Spain vs France, and he’s decided that Parker isn’t “taking this tournament as serious as his real job”. That’s par for the course in Johnson’s case: he states his prejudices, his assumptions, his guesses as if they were facts. (For instance: his distaste for the Lakers…) He has no idea of the importance Tony Parker gives to playing (even injured) for France. Don’t ask me: watch the game, watch Tony’s infinitely aggrieved, embarrassed post-game interviews, read what the French media had to say. Well, all that is asking too much from Eddie Johnson, obviously. He probably believes European basketball resembles what he knew in Athens 15 years ago. And if it isn’t, who cares - right?
kingblade Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 5:49 pm
ddddd Said,
“The raps have not had a decent center since… ummmm…. what…. Either Camby or Olajuwon??? ”
I have no idea what this has to do with ANYTHING I said.
ddddd Said,
“The suns had Shaq last year. Now granted… I am a personal Shaq hater and feel sorry for Lebron… but Shaq is one hell of a better center than any center that Bosh has ever played with… Amare proved in my eyes last year that in today’s league he is a center due to the fact that he couldn’t figure out the pf position. Amare also weighs about 30 lbs more than Bosh does.”
In other words you think he is a center because he had better seasons as a center? It seems funny that you try to disprove my previous argument by essentially agreeing with it. One point though - was the problem Amare not figuring out the position or was the problem not figuring out how to share the paint with Shaq?
ddddd Said,
“I am not quite sure where you are loving Bargnani’s game so much… ”
Wat to attack that straw man. Tell me when I said such a thing? What I said is that if you take out the 2nd year, which was wasted, he is tracking very nicely.
ddddd Said,
“A guy with his contract should be putting up 20 and 10 without even barely breaking a sweat or have some defining characteristic that makes him closer to All-NBA than All-time-bust.”
This year he makes 6.5 million. The next 5 years average 10 million as they go 8-9-10-11-12. Can yo name a single player with his contract that gets 20 points 10 rebounds?
Lets look at last year. Know how many guys did it last year? 3.
Howard - 20.6-13.8.
Makes around 17 million and will get raise to max when his deal is up.
Al Jefferson - 23.1-11.0
Makes 13.5/year but signed his deal when he was nowhere near a 20-10 guy and is easily the steal on this list contractually.
Zach Randolf - 20.8-10.1
Makes approximately 16.5 per year and is a huge pain in the ass.
That’s it. How you expect Bargnani to do it in his entry level contract is beyond me.
Let’s look at some guys who came close to that 20-10 mark:
Duncan - 19,3-10.7 Makes around 20 million/year.
Yao - 19.7 - 9.9 Makes around 16/year but is in line for a max deal if he recovers.
Nowitzki - 25.9-8.4. Not really that close but I put him on here. Makes around 20 million/year.
Gasol - 18.9-9.6 Makes around 17 million/year.
Do I really need to go on? Your suggestion that he should get 20-10 is borderline retarded.
He put up 15.4 points and 5.3 rebounds last year while still in his entry level contract. If you remove the wasted sophomore year he is tracking very very nicely. Even if you don’t ignore that year he is still tracking very much in the right direction, and 7 foot guys with his skills are very hard to come by. His contract is not out of line with is numbers and progression.
ddddd Said,
“Either way the pieces don’t fit as constructed. Bargnani could be a good player and is slowly shaking the bust label… but for a former number 1 pick with his contract… ITS SLOW!!!!”
It isn’t that slow. Everyone knew he was a project when he was drafted.
I can’t believe I just wrote such a long response defending a player I don’t even really care about, but I cannot tolerate such ignorance.
jemel Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:11 pm
D. Wade is better than LBj.. he’s more clutch than him gets more steals more blocks avg. More points last year. Better on ball deffender. Oh. Won a ring. Better free throws. Shal I keep going. Kobe may very well be #1 but wade is not far behind at all. I’m tired of the overhype of Lebron and he’s done nothing. Wade should’ve won mvp last year and got robbed
Steve Watkins Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
Eddie,
I am not a Celtics fan but I don’t know how you can have Pierce two slots behind Chris Bosh and say that it is time for Bosh to show leadership while also saying that Pierce has been the rock behind the Celtic organization. I saw Pierce carry the Celtics in the playoffs without KG and took Orlando to seven games - which is one game better than the Lebron - led Cavs did. Bosh may be more talented but he doesn’t help his team like Pierce does. Pierce’s scoring average also dropped whn the Celtics got better players. A few years ago he was averaging 25 ppg - which to me is a sign that he is an unselfish team player. He is the best I have seen at getting to the line.
Also I don’t see how KG is rated behind Nowitzki and Howard. In terms of talent, KG is much better defensively than Nowitzki and offensively he is better than Howard. Also, his leadership surpasses either player.
Why doesn’t leadership carry more weight in terms of how a player is valued?
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
Salaner Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
Here’s Eddie Johnson at his best: “Please stop talking about a player who will not be in the NBA and do you think Mr Parker is taking this tournament as serious as his real job? give me a break. FINALLY, have you ever been wrong? you make me laugh real hard with that statement. Tony Parker will eat Ricky Rubio up for lunch and then some. Tell him to ccome play in the league first. i had some guy d me up in the rec league last night lol.”
Eddie Johnson, of course, hasn’t seen Parker vs Rubio or Spain vs France, and he’s decided that Parker isn’t “taking this tournament as serious as his real job”. That’s par for the course in Johnson’s case: he states his prejudices, his assumptions, his guesses as if they were facts. (For instance: his distaste for the Lakers…) He has no idea of the importance Tony Parker gives to playing (even injured) for France. Don’t ask me: watch the game, watch Tony’s infinitely aggrieved, embarrassed post-game interviews, read what the French media had to say. Well, all that is asking too much from Eddie Johnson, obviously. He probably believes European basketball resembles what he knew in Athens 15 years ago. And if it isn’t, who cares - right?
———————————————————————
I will tell you once and i will tell you again. i could care less what Ricky Rubio did guarding Tony Parker outside the NBA. Let him come do it in the best league in the world. read my lips—i don’t care.
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
Steve Watkins Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
Eddie,
I am not a Celtics fan but I don’t know how you can have Pierce two slots behind Chris Bosh and say that it is time for Bosh to show leadership while also saying that Pierce has been the rock behind the Celtic organization. I saw Pierce carry the Celtics in the playoffs without KG and took Orlando to seven games - which is one game better than the Lebron - led Cavs did. Bosh may be more talented but he doesn’t help his team like Pierce does. Pierce’s scoring average also dropped whn the Celtics got better players. A few years ago he was averaging 25 ppg - which to me is a sign that he is an unselfish team player. He is the best I have seen at getting to the line.
Also I don’t see how KG is rated behind Nowitzki and Howard. In terms of talent, KG is much better defensively than Nowitzki and offensively he is better than Howard. Also, his leadership surpasses either player.
Why doesn’t leadership carry more weight in terms of how a player is valued?
——————————————————————-
Steve you have a great argument and i must admit as i said in my article That Pierce is one of my favorite people and players. Bosh does not grab my attention much. I expect Pierce to up and i expect a healthy Gilbert Arenas and rejunvenated Allen Iverson to make the list after 20 games. Garnett is there because he missed the end of the season and Dirk played great. great argument.
kingblade Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
#
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:59 pm
Steve you have a great argument and i must admit as i said in my article That Pierce is one of my favorite people and players. Bosh does not grab my attention much. I expect Pierce to up and i expect a healthy Gilbert Arenas and rejunvenated Allen Iverson to make the list after 20 games. Garnett is there because he missed the end of the season and Dirk played great. great argument.
——————————————————————————–
I definitely agree on Bosh. The interesting thing about him is that when they win he looks like a tremendous leader, the problem is when they lose. At best he disappears, and at his worst he pouts and brings the team down. If ever develops a more level disposition he could become a strong leader for a team. I still prefer him as a team #2 guy if possible. He could be stellar in that role.
As for Iverson, I have given up on him. He is not what he used to be but refuses to recognize the difference. He could be one of the most dominant 6th men in NBA history, but he will never give up his belief that he is the man.
@Steve:
Good call on Pierce. If anyone in the league deserves to be called an “assassin” it would be Pierce. The bigger the stage the better he gets.
david Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
Dirk is definitely the best power forward in the game right now.
Garnett is a 3rd option while Dirk carries a team full of third options on his back every night.
If Dirk were white he would get so much more respect.
temanuel1 Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
come on lets be real kobe should be number 1 he plays better on the ball d better in the clutch and has more heart its time to give kobe his do !!
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 9:23 pm
temanuel1 Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
come on lets be real kobe should be number 1 he plays better on the ball d better in the clutch and has more heart its time to give kobe his do !!
————————————————————————–
I really love the fact that Kobe is so beloved. that tells me he has done a marvelous job of getting peoples perceptions of him to change. i have said from day one he is the best example in basketball. the problem with some of you guys is you turn a blind eye to my comments about him and say i am a Kobe hater which is downright stupid. I have never said a negative thing about Kobe. I questioned his leadership once, but that has changed. That said. I believe Lebron James is number 1. I just think he is the most dominant force in the game as a player. I am not equating Titles, because titles are won by teams not individuals. If you guys want me to measure the top players by titles. then we would have a list of 5.
david Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
I mean if Dirk were not white.
and by the way, LeBron (LeFraud) is massively overrated.
Salaner Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
I will tell you once and i will tell you again. i could care less what Ricky Rubio did guarding Tony Parker outside the NBA. Let him come do it in the best league in the world. read my lips—i don’t care.
——————
Yes - the rest of the world doesn’t count. We could win the Olympics with a bunch of college kids. I don’t even know why we have to have all those pale-faced foreigners on NBA rosters. European championship, Schmeuropean championship. Let’s ban NBA players from those MIckey Mouse tournaments, they’re just an occasion for injuries.
You’re such a dunce, Johnson. It’s sad to see someone reach the ripe age of 50 with the mentality and the judgment of a 12 year-old.
doyouwantmore Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 10:48 pm
Wow. I can’t believe how rude some of y’all are to Eddie. I think Eddie even debated with me about some stuff I wrote, but going back and reading some of the posts here makes me pretty mad. I’m blown away there’s a blog by someone who actually played in the L and the guy doesn’t get at least some kind of professional respect. Eddie I disagree with you about some things, but I think it’s very cool that you respond to people. I hope you keep it up and can ignore the bitter and immature punks here who couldn’t play pro ball using your blog to rip into someone who actually did.
josh Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 11:35 pm
Do you have a response for my earlier comment? My big question was why you thought that Roy should be behind Williams, when the coaches in the league for the last 2 seasons have picked Roy as an all star instead of williams. obviously the coaches think differently than you, and i was just wondering what your explanation was….
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:33 am
Salaner Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 9:39 pm
eddie Said,
September 20, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
I will tell you once and i will tell you again. i could care less what Ricky Rubio did guarding Tony Parker outside the NBA. Let him come do it in the best league in the world. read my lips—i don’t care.
——————
Yes - the rest of the world doesn’t count. We could win the Olympics with a bunch of college kids. I don’t even know why we have to have all those pale-faced foreigners on NBA rosters. European championship, Schmeuropean championship. Let’s ban NBA players from those MIckey Mouse tournaments, they’re just an occasion for injuries.
You’re such a dunce, Johnson. It’s sad to see someone reach the ripe age of 50 with the mentality and the judgment of a 12 year-old.
—————————————————————————-
Argue your point without the consistent name calling or a dunce will bounce you from the blog.
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:36 am
Do you have a response for my earlier comment? My big question was why you thought that Roy should be behind Williams, when the coaches in the league for the last 2 seasons have picked Roy as an all star instead of williams. obviously the coaches think differently than you, and i was just wondering what your explanation was….
—————————————————————————–
Deron Williams would be higher if he didnt play in Utahs System. Not that its a bad thing, but i think he is a 20-10 player deluxe.
Conspirator5 Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:57 am
Eddie,
OMG what a dogpile on you in the comments. Not fair pplz! Disagree with a man’s opinion, or his logic, by all means. No reason at all to get personal. That’s just 2-bit internet hating, which should be left to children and the criminally insane.
That being said, I would join the list of folks who think your criticisms of B-Roy are off the mark. Judging from what I’ve read, it sounds like a lot of your feeling of his style was gleaned from the Blazers vs. Rockets series this past year. I don’t blame you for that one bit. It’s HARD for people living in the East to watch West coast teams play. Obviously the Lakers are an exception to this because they’re an enormous media market with a large non-LA fan base, so people have better access to their games whether they’re live or delayed or whatever.
So I totally understand where your opinion comes from. B-Roy is the 1st scoring option on a team that played a slow-paced, half-court oriented game last season. When our PGs got into the lane they weren’t very good at finishing, LMA’s more of a face-up PF, and Greg’s offensive game is still best suited for NCAA-level competition. So who ELSE but B-Roy is going to take it to the rim night after night? Sometimes we get a bad case of Cavalier-itis and the team stands around waiting for Brandon to do something.
If you have the time and interest, I would encourage you to look back at the box scores for Blazer games from the last season, and pick out the games where B-Roy’s stat line does NOT dominate. There should be a number of examples where LMA broke 20 and Fernandez/Outlaw/Blake all had substantial contributions. If you can, go watch some of those games. I think you will get a better sense of why a lot of folks freaked out at using the word “selfish” in relation to B-Roy, more so than just ranking him @ 15.
Aside from that, thanks for being one of the few people willing to stick their neck out, rather than one of the many people wandering around with a hatchet.
P.S. Props to the laker fans who gave B-Roy some love. Tonight I will not put any pins into my Phil Jackson voodoo doll.
Conspirator5 Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:13 am
Oh yeah Eddie,
I didn’t realize you were working for the Suns when I posted that. So I’m obligated to reel in some of the “east coast” slack I was feeding you.
I will replace that slack with the slack you earned having to watch B-Roy put 50 down on the Suns. Highest single game point total of his NBA career. I can see how that would color your opinion too.
Salaner Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:19 am
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:33 am
Argue your point without the consistent name calling or a dunce will bounce you from the blog.
———-
I have abundantly argued my point about Parker’s supposed invincibility and your incomprehensible decision to rank him as the NBA’s ninth best player, ahead of Pau Gasol. You, on the other hand, can only feebly retort that as long as Rubio hasn’t donned an NBA uniform the pain he inflicts on Parker can be ignored. And you even go as far as surmising what Parker’s attitude is when playing with France.
Duh. No need to call you names. Your words define you and your thought processes.
Keep ignoring the outside world. Next occasion for an interesting surprise: the 2010 World Championship. With Tony Parker, Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio.
BIG BOUT IT Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 6:31 am
If you have # 2 and # 10 on the same team. Isn’t the best duo… Did he really win without Shaq?? You have the 2nd best center in the league, when you had the best? Did you really start sharing the ball or do you have 3 legit big men…. Just wondering?!?! A healthy 8, 16 & 25 would get the job done. Looking forward to this year….
Michael Bennett Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 8:05 am
An interesting thought…
Last year, for the Lakers to win, Kobe had to get his teammates more involved. Pretty much everyone agrees on that - his coach (Phil), his teammates, the experts/analysts, the smart fans. And, Kobe did that, while still racking up very impressive individual numbers (30, 5 and 5) and the Lakers won a championship.
For LeBron to win a championship, he has to play like a god. He already gets his teammates involved as much as the best player in the game can. But, his teammates aren’t as good as you need to be a championship team. They might be with Shaq…
But, I think we can all agree that Kobe’s teammates are great - one post said that five guys from the Lakers could be All-Stars this season. LeBron has good role players, but not great.
With that part of the equation agreed upon, you can break down each of their games to see who’s a better player. And, except for FT%, 3P% and actual shooting touch/form/mid-range (NOT FG% mind you), LeBron is better or equal in every category.
SCORING - LeBron has more PPG in his career and last year - LeBron is the most consistent scorer in the game (and 3rd on the all-time PPG list).
DUNKING - LeBron is the best wing dunker in the game.
AROUND THE RIM - LeBron finished better than any man in the game.
REBOUNDING (O&D) - Obvious
TRANSITION - LeBron is the toughest man to guard on the break
PASSING/ASSISTS - LeBron is compared to Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson, people.
PASSING LANES/STEALS - LeBron has better stats and performs better in this category.
BLOCKING SHOTS - Have you seen those run downs?
MAN DEFENSE - Kobe is arguably the best perimeter defender in the game (LeBron is improving and is one of the top covers), but LeBron can cover positions 1-4. Kobe can guard 1-3.
Kobe is amazing - he’s the second best SG of all-time (Kobe will never top MJ). But, LeBron James is a better player.
knock knock Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 10:24 am
Lebron has to play like “god” to win a championship??? LOL YOu do know that lebron had the only team that had five former all stars. In fact, in the weak east where you dont even need to be over .500 to make it, there are only a few good teams. Lebron has a stacked team that was the number one team in the nba that year, the number 1. In fact, they lost to the number 3 team in the East. That’s pathetic.
Eddie is just writing his opinion no matter how biased it is. Throughout last years playoffs, he predicted the cavs to win the championship. Then the Magic. I would take what he says with a grain of salt.
jabez Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 10:25 am
After painstaking comprehensive research, the definitive top 15 NBA is as follows:
1. Devin Harris – too fast for most to properly evaluate, but I have really good vision.
2. Brook Lopez – Mikanesque. There. You thought it, but I said it.
3. Courtney Lee – missed the layup in the finals because he felt sorry for whiny chucker Kobe
4. Yi Jianlian – did you see him in the Asian games—they came in second! SECOND!!!!
5. Jarvis Hayes – turn his jersey inside out and it says LeBron. Accident? I think not.
6. Terrence Williams – Wade can only wish he had a Barbie backpack and Sponge Bob socks.
7. Keyon Dooling – the single most dominant bench player since Bubbles Hawkins
8. Chris Douglas-Roberts – never lost a game of one on one. Ever. Well, until he faced his Net teammates, of course.
9. Rafer Alston – greatest street baller ever only makes #9??!! I know, I know….
10. Tony Battie – doesn’t even need Robin to make the top ten.
11. Bobby Simmons – turned down Most Improved Player award because it failed to recognize his consistent high level of performance, a mistake not made here.
12. Josh Boone – will move up as soon as he hits a free throw.
13. Eduardo Najera – without him, Mexico couldn’t win a game this summer—‘nuff said.
14. Trenton Hassell – made his name synonymous with pressure D.
15. Sean Williams – runs like a gazelle, jumps like a kangaroo, throws computer monitors like Ivan Putski.
You may have noticed a trend in these selections. True, none of these players has won a championship yet. But now that they have all been assembled on what is clearly the greatest team in the history of all mankind, how can they be stopped? 82-0 is a foregone conclusion, so giving the Nets a bye to the finals is the only way to salvage the rest of the league’s self-esteem. It’s for the good of the game, people! Sheesh….
kingblade Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:52 am
Michael Bennett Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 8:05 am
PASSING/ASSISTS - LeBron is compared to Magic Johnson. Magic Johnson, people.
_________________________________________________________
I can buy most of your post, but this part is pure crap and you know it.
Sampson Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:55 am
Eddie, I will say that I do appreciate that fact that you will answer back to many of the comments left on this blog. This at least shows a sign that you are willing to listen to others opinions. Some of your stuff is a bit one sided by if it wasn’t you would just be appeasing to the masses, and that would make for a boring and unread blog. Keep up the good work and I think I know who you are picking to win the west! Go Blazers!
Salaner Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
knock knock Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 10:24 am
Eddie is just writing his opinion no matter how biased it is. Throughout last years playoffs, he predicted the cavs to win the championship. Then the Magic. I would take what he says with a grain of salt.
————
Several grains.
kingblade Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
Salaner Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:04 pm
Several grains.
________________________________________________________
His opinion may be slightly biased but yours is laughable.
Double Dee Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:39 pm
The absence of Ricky Rubio from your list instantly disqualifies your work from being credible.
frank b Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
Eddie,
Getting into the fray a little late here. Eddie, nice article. You do the best job of anybody online in getting people emotional and I wonder if you don’t take some positions just to get the web traffic.
Overall, I think you have Dwight Howard way too high up and Kevin Garnett too low. I can see now why you thought Orlando had better talent than the Lakers, because you must really like Dwight’s game. Until he develops an offensive game outside of dunking I don’t see him being better than Garnett who is truly a team leader on both sides of the floor. And this comes from a Celtic’s hater.
Between Kobe and Lebron, with all due respect to Lebron, how can you possibly rate Lebron higher except to create some controversy and attention to your blog?
Is Lebron more physically talented? I think most observers would say yes. His combination of size, strength, speed, and agility is incomparable.
Who is more skilled? Sorry Lebron lovers, but the answer is Kobe. Kobe has a better handle, better range on his shot, is faster than Lebron, and has better body control. Lebron is very, very skilled as well, but Kobe has the edge.
Lebron is getting better on defense, but he is a few notches down from Kobe on that side of the ball as well.
Furthermore, who is tougher to beat? Who has the killer instinct? Who has 4 rings to 0? Who would you give the ball to if your life depended on making the last shot? Who plays every moment as if their very reason for existing is to defeat the players in front of him?
Kobe Bean Bryant. Love him, hate him, but respect him.
Jordan had 6 championships. Kobe is super competitive, and you know that number is on his radar screen. The present Lakers could run off two or three championships in a row, especially with the addition of Ron Artest.
Cleveland made a good move getting Shaq. They are going to be a lot of fun to watch. However, I hope that someday Lebron gets the benefit of having an outstanding coach work with him, instead of having Mike Brown hero worship his game into good statistics.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
kingblade Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:52 am
I can buy most of your post, but this part is pure crap and you know it.
—————————————–
I can see the comparisons, kingsblade - I think they’re valid. I didn’t start the comparisons, NBA analysts and experts have made the LeBron/Magic comparisons. It’s out there. I’m not making it up. In fact, one of the guys who makes the LeBron/Magic comparison is… wait for it… MAGIC JOHNSON.
What do you want me to say? People compare LeBron’s passing ability (and game) to Magic’s. It’s that simple.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:18 pm
frank b Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
Who is more skilled? Sorry Lebron lovers, but the answer is Kobe. Kobe has a better handle, better range on his shot, is faster than Lebron, and has better body control. Lebron is very, very skilled as well, but Kobe has the edge.
Lebron is getting better on defense, but he is a few notches down from Kobe on that side of the ball as well.
Furthermore, who is tougher to beat? Who has the killer instinct? Who has 4 rings to 0? Who would you give the ball to if your life depended on making the last shot? Who plays every moment as if their very reason for existing is to defeat the players in front of him?
————————-
More skilled? Like I said, Kobe still has the edge in shooting skill over LeBron. But, players aren’t judged on shooting skill alone - if they were, Eddie Johnson would be a top 25 player ever.
You talked about Kobe’s handle - better than LeBron?! No chance. That’s obvious. And, you said Kobe “is faster than Lebron”? Are you kidding? LeBron James in transition is the toughest stop in the game… because of his speed.
Would everyone stop talking about killer instinct, please? It’s getting out of hand. I think it’s safe to say that Kobe has killer instinct… and so does LeBron James, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, Dwyane Wade and so many other NBAers. They wouldn’t be on that level if they didn’t. The killer instinct argument is a lame one.
And let me remind you: Kobe has 4 championships. But, he only has one Finals MVP trophy. For three (that’s 3/4 of the titles), he wasn’t the best player on his own team. Michael Jordan has six rings and six Finals MVPs. Until Kobe has six Finals MVPs and five regular season MVPs (Kobe has one, LeBron has one), than please don’t compare his career achievements to MJ’s.
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:51 pm
Conspirator5
Eddie,
OMG what a dogpile on you in the comments. Not fair pplz! Disagree with a man’s opinion, or his logic, by all means. No reason at all to get personal. That’s just 2-bit internet hating, which should be left to children and the criminally insane.
That being said, I would join the list of folks who think your criticisms of B-Roy are off the mark. Judging from what I’ve read, it sounds like a lot of your feeling of his style was gleaned from the Blazers vs. Rockets series this past year. I don’t blame you for that one bit. It’s HARD for people living in the East to watch West coast teams play. Obviously the Lakers are an exception to this because they’re an enormous media market with a large non-LA fan base, so people have better access to their games whether they’re live or delayed or whatever.
So I totally understand where your opinion comes from. B-Roy is the 1st scoring option on a team that played a slow-paced, half-court oriented game last season. When our PGs got into the lane they weren’t very good at finishing, LMA’s more of a face-up PF, and Greg’s offensive game is still best suited for NCAA-level competition. So who ELSE but B-Roy is going to take it to the rim night after night? Sometimes we get a bad case of Cavalier-itis and the team stands around waiting for Brandon to do something.
If you have the time and interest, I would encourage you to look back at the box scores for Blazer games from the last season, and pick out the games where B-Roy’s stat line does NOT dominate. There should be a number of examples where LMA broke 20 and Fernandez/Outlaw/Blake all had substantial contributions. If you can, go watch some of those games. I think you will get a better sense of why a lot of folks freaked out at using the word “selfish” in relation to B-Roy, more so than just ranking him @ 15.
Aside from that, thanks for being one of the few people willing to stick their neck out, rather than one of the many people wandering around with a hatchet.
P.S. Props to the laker fans who gave B-Roy some love. Tonight I will not put any pins into my Phil Jackson voodoo doll.
———————————————————————————-
Conspirator5
Good Post.
Listen, the box score will not prove what i am saying. Roy does not take a ton of shots i agree. What i am saying is that his style of game is to score first and pass second. Compared to Lebron who is a pass first score second player. Now understand this is not a bad thing concerning Roy. It just creates a problem when the scorer has the ball to start the offense. Although Roy would prefer his teammates not stand and watch, they can’t help but do it because all his teammates understand that he is their scorer. so they freeze.
Kobe and Michael went through the same thing and Roy will have to change and play more off the ball with movement. This will make him a great offensive player instead of just a good offensive player. the one thing i know about this game is offense. No player in the history of this league scored more points than me off the bench. i have played with superstars who held the ball and froze teammates and i have played with superstars who played without the ball.
That is why Andre Miller will make them better because when he has the ball those players will not freeze. they will understand when they get open the ball will get to them, but most importantly Roy will find out he will not face a defense leaning to shut him down. Why? because they will not have him in their sights consistently. Why? because defenses target the ball and the ball will not be stuck in his hands all the time.
i hope that made sense.
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Salaner Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:19 am
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 12:33 am
Argue your point without the consistent name calling or a dunce will bounce you from the blog.
———-
I have abundantly argued my point about Parker’s supposed invincibility and your incomprehensible decision to rank him as the NBA’s ninth best player, ahead of Pau Gasol. You, on the other hand, can only feebly retort that as long as Rubio hasn’t donned an NBA uniform the pain he inflicts on Parker can be ignored. And you even go as far as surmising what Parker’s attitude is when playing with France.
Duh. No need to call you names. Your words define you and your thought processes.
Keep ignoring the outside world. Next occasion for an interesting surprise: the 2010 World Championship. With Tony Parker, Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio.
—————————————————————
I respect basketball around the world, but again i will remind you.The NBA is the greatest league in the world. Tony Parker has played basketball consistently year round for years. He has won championships and he was a finals MVP.
Ricky Rubio is a young player that is trying to make it in basketball. He is not at the level of Mr Parker, but maybe one day he can prove it in the best league in the world.
We don’t annoint players that have one good game against another player. Every dog has it’s day, but can he do it every game? Well Tony Parker has proven it every year he has been in the league. that is why i have a problem with you trying to tell us what a player who refused to play this year did in one game. Save it–it’s worthless. Parker has had a better career than Pau Gasol to date and he has proven he can carry a team by himself as he did last year because Duncan and Ginobili where hurting. Gasol had a chance in Memphis and sooner or later he will get his chance in LA. Until then it is what it is!
kingblade Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
“Roy will have to change and play more off the ball with movement. This will make him a great offensive player instead of just a good offensive player.”
_________________________________________________________
Ding Ding Ding Ding Ding
kingblade Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
#
Michael Bennett Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
kingblade Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:52 am
I can buy most of your post, but this part is pure crap and you know it.
—————————————–
I can see the comparisons, kingsblade - I think they’re valid. I didn’t start the comparisons, NBA analysts and experts have made the LeBron/Magic comparisons. It’s out there. I’m not making it up. In fact, one of the guys who makes the LeBron/Magic comparison is… wait for it… MAGIC JOHNSON.
What do you want me to say? People compare LeBron’s passing ability (and game) to Magic’s. It’s that simple.
—————————————————————–
Right. So you mean he is compared to Magic by the very people who resort to hyperbole at every possible opportunity?
Essentially what I am hearing from you is that you have decided, for the first time I can recall, to fall in line with ridiculous comparisons simply because this time you want it to be true.
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
Lebron has to play like “god” to win a championship??? LOL YOu do know that lebron had the only team that had five former all stars. In fact, in the weak east where you dont even need to be over .500 to make it, there are only a few good teams. Lebron has a stacked team that was the number one team in the nba that year, the number 1. In fact, they lost to the number 3 team in the East. That’s pathetic.
Eddie is just writing his opinion no matter how biased it is. Throughout last years playoffs, he predicted the cavs to win the championship. Then the Magic. I would take what he says with a grain of salt.
————————————————–
knock knock
who did you pick? you guys are so silly at times. where you wrong last year when Boston beat LA. ummmmm guess who was right? Did you like that salt.
How many games did Cleveland win last year? so thats a bad choice?
How many games did Orlando give back in the finals?
Stop talking junk after the fact and reviewing what someone else said. Why don’t you make a prediction? i did not hear a peep out of you Laker Lovers when Boston spanked you. not one peep. (-:
Cleveland would have been a 7th or 8th seed without Lebron. The Lakers would be a 4 or 5 in the West without Kobe. Kobe gets them over the top.
Lebron got Cleveland the best record.
A few years ago–you Laker lovers were saying Kobe had nothing to play with, but now you don’t want to give Lebron the same love.
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
frank b Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 1:04 pm
Eddie,
Getting into the fray a little late here. Eddie, nice article. You do the best job of anybody online in getting people emotional and I wonder if you don’t take some positions just to get the web traffic.
Overall, I think you have Dwight Howard way too high up and Kevin Garnett too low. I can see now why you thought Orlando had better talent than the Lakers, because you must really like Dwight’s game. Until he develops an offensive game outside of dunking I don’t see him being better than Garnett who is truly a team leader on both sides of the floor. And this comes from a Celtic’s hater.
Between Kobe and Lebron, with all due respect to Lebron, how can you possibly rate Lebron higher except to create some controversy and attention to your blog?
Is Lebron more physically talented? I think most observers would say yes. His combination of size, strength, speed, and agility is incomparable.
Who is more skilled? Sorry Lebron lovers, but the answer is Kobe. Kobe has a better handle, better range on his shot, is faster than Lebron, and has better body control. Lebron is very, very skilled as well, but Kobe has the edge.
Lebron is getting better on defense, but he is a few notches down from Kobe on that side of the ball as well.
Furthermore, who is tougher to beat? Who has the killer instinct? Who has 4 rings to 0? Who would you give the ball to if your life depended on making the last shot? Who plays every moment as if their very reason for existing is to defeat the players in front of him?
Kobe Bean Bryant. Love him, hate him, but respect him.
Jordan had 6 championships. Kobe is super competitive, and you know that number is on his radar screen. The present Lakers could run off two or three championships in a row, especially with the addition of Ron Artest.
Cleveland made a good move getting Shaq. They are going to be a lot of fun to watch. However, I hope that someday Lebron gets the benefit of having an outstanding coach work with him, instead of having Mike Brown hero worship his game into good statistics
——————————————————————————
Frank
Good response.
Name me a more dominant player in the game that changes the game in the most high percentage area? That is why Orlando made it to the finals. They honestly might be as soft as any team i have seen make it that far. Howard changed it all. Garnett is incredible, but also remember throughout his career he had a tough time carrying a team deep in the playoffs. In Minnesota he had Cassell and Sprewell and now in Boston he had Pierce and Allen. That is why i have Howard at 4. i think he can carry a team without being its big time scorer just like Bill Russell did for Boston.
Kobe and Lebron are apples and oranges, but you said one thing i disagree on without hesistation. Lebron is faster end to end and i would love to see those two in a race. (-:
Michael Bennett Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
What I’m saying, kingsblade, is that LeBron is a better passer than Kobe. Do you have any objections to that?
Chanman24 Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 3:00 pm
Michael Bennett u make some good points. but the only reason lebron is unstoppable is cuz he’s 6′8 - 6′9 250lbs…WHO CAN STOP HIM?? combine that with his speed he would be dunking on Shaq in his prime!! the arguement between kobe and lebron will never stop until kobe retires. we all know who has all the god given talent and i dont think alot of ppl know how hard kobe bryant had to work to get to where he is today.
u say lebron’s consistent with his scoring thats because he’s the number one guy the day he got drafted!! kobe bryant did not emerge as a premier guard until 2000. steals and passing lanes i think its a tie because kobe read the pass very well, and being the better on ball defender like u also agreed he was def. had something to do with it. passing i think is also even, just because kobe doesnt do it with more flare and flashiness doesnt mean the guy doesnt have court vision.
the 2 of them dont even play the same position and i think this arguement is pointless because MJ is still gonna be the greatest thats ever played the game. like i said before if kobe had the physique of lebron then we can make an arguement and kobe would def. better because of his footwork, shooting, and he COULD rebound. his job is not to rebound he is the facilitator to the lakers offense, there is so much attention on him on all parts of the floor that his teammates play better because of that. the same can be said for lebron and until he can have a consistent pull up and 3 pt shot, kobe bryant is still better in my mind.
frank b Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Lebron is fast. I suspect Kobe is faster but I could be wrong. A lot of guys are way faster than both. Kobe is definitely quicker than Lebron, especially with the ball. Lebron jumps higher and once he gets his momentum going, watch out, because no basketball player on earth wants to get in the way of that physique.
A lot of guys in the NBA are faster than both. Did you see Aaron Brooks zipping around in the playoffs? On your list of top 25 guys clearly Devin Harris, Chris Paul, Tony Parker, and Dwyane Wade are faster and quicker than both Lebron and Kobe.
Lebron is a better passer than Kobe. Even Kobe says that. Kobe calls Lebron more of a facilator while Kobe views himself as a better pure scorer.
Personally, I think the reason that Cleveland has not broken through with Lebron is not necessarily the lack of talent. Instead of switching Lebron and Kobe, I would like to imagine Phil Jackson coaching Cleveland and Mike Brown coaching the Lakers. Don’t you think Phil would have won at least a championship or two with Cleveland?
I think Dwight Howard is very good on defense, but he has a long way to go be Bill Russell, especially when it comes to the intangibles. Even though Garnett had a tough time getting past the Lakers, Phoenix, Utah, and San Antonio in the Western Conference, he did manage to win an MVP award that was fully deserved. To me, Dwight does not have an MVP type of impact yet….maybe he will grow into it.
Anyway, thanks for the responses. I can’t wait for the season to start!
Eddie Johnson: Top 25 NBA players Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 7:13 pm
[...] 14. Chris Bosh (10) It
Eball Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 7:22 pm
I’m very pleased with the fact Pau Gasol has at last gotten a deserved amount of credit for his play from the expert. I think he’s a terrific player who was mistakenly abused by some fans while in Memphis on the ground of not being the team’s leader and go-to-guy. Well, he’ll never be such player because European game doesn’t produce and feature them as opposed to North American sports, that’s why; he’s an ultimate team player who just happens to be great in many aspects of the game - once people realise and accept that truths they’ll get a better and fairer view of Pau. Obviously the Lakers have understood it, he doesn’t have to carry the burden (Kobe does and well) and it has done wonders for him and the team. Good evaluation on this one, Mr. Johnson.
Holla Bolla Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 7:49 pm
MAMBA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seems like you can only enjoy a championship for two days. Before you can blink, back to work we go.
82 Games, at least 23 more playoff games….for my money, the most grueling championship to win in sports. Season is just too d@mn long.
Congrats Kob. One hell of a journey.
PS–Thanks Sasha…not.
Marques Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 9:57 pm
Aside from Kobe being #1 and not LBJ (I hate them both, especially Kobe), the list is somewhat solid. However, I too agree that Dirk shouldn’t be higher than KG. The only things Dirk has over the Big Ticket are 3-point shooting & FT shooting. Kevin has him beat by a mile in man-to-man & team D, being a better leader, a stronger rebounder, facilitates the offense better, low-post moves, & Dirk may have a better midrange J, but KG can light it up for a big guy around 18 feet in. Dirk hasn’t done nothin since being raped by the Heat in the 2006 NBA Finals. Yes he won league MVP that next year, but to celebrate, he ends up gettin eliminated by the 8th seeded Warriors (mostly cuz of Don Nelson’s knowledge of Nowitzki)? Sorry to say this, but if Dallas wants to win it all, they can’t have Dirk as their franchise player as he doesn’t have the mental toughness to be a leader for the organization. He’s a great individual talent, but his game’s soft, he breaks down when teams learn to challenge his outside shot, doesn’t rebound enough for a player his size, & gets pushed around too much.
Finally, not to be a homer (the Denver Nuggets are my favorite team), but after Melo’s performance come postseason time, he should be a Top 10 player. He’s obviously a better player than Gasol (who did nothin until he came to LA) & TP (until this year, he has been behind Timmy D his whole career). He’s the best post-up SF & the best offensive rebounder at his position, is only behind Kobe for having the best midrange game in the league, can attack the rim with ease, has vastly improved his 3-point shot (the attribute most NBA purists knocked on him for), & has become a better leader throughout each season. Look for him to have a breakout season as D-Wade & Lebron already had theirs.
Salaner Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 10:01 pm
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Ricky Rubio is a young player that is trying to make it in basketball. He is not at the level of Mr Parker, but maybe one day he can prove it in the best league in the world.
We don’t annoint players that have one good game against another player.
…
Parker has had a better career than Pau Gasol to date and he has proven he can carry a team by himself as he did last year because Duncan and Ginobili where hurting. Gasol had a chance in Memphis and sooner or later he will get his chance in LA. Until then it is what it is!
———-
Point A, on Rubio: Of course I’m not anointing him. I’m not so dumb. I’ve been watching the NBA since 1963. I was scouting for the ABA Nets when you were an 11 year-old. I’m not trying to make Rubio into what he isn’t yet. Here I was simply responding to your rhetorical question, “Will someone show me a player that can keep Parker out of the paint?” So an 18 year-old just kept him entirely out of the paint a few days ago – and to me, that’s proof enough that Parker is not as superhumanly unstoppable as you infer. That has been the whole point, which you doggedly refuse to accept.
That was just one game? Well, that depends on whether you keep your NBA-supremacist blinders on. It was a crucial game for France, one that Parker very badly wanted to win, and it turned out to be their only defeat of the European Championship as they finished 7-1 but in fifth place - that lone quarter-final loss prevented them from winning a medal, and possibly the title, in a championship France has never won since its inception in 1935, and where it last won a medal – a bronze – FIFTY years ago. The Spain game was the whole reason why Parker was playing for France this summer, and he was taken out of it by an inexperienced teenager.
Point B, on Gasol. We’re not judging careers here, but the top 25 in 2009 – right? Find me a single NBA GM who would take Parker over Gasol right now. Parker has played on a championship-caliber team since he landed in the NBA. Gasol played six and a half seasons for the Grizzlies. That’s basically the difference in careers. And even with Duncan and Ginobili hurting, the 2008-09 Spurs were far, far better than any team Gasol was ever on in Memphis – Parker didn’t carry the team by himself last season: what about Duncan’s 19.3 PPG and 10.7 RPG, not really peanuts from a man who indeed was hurting? I would rank Gasol’s feat in leading the miserable Grizzlies to a 49-33 record in 2006 as high, considering the respective team strengths, as any feat by Parker. Your problem here is that you have consistently underrated and misjudged Gasol, “the poodle”, and you have great difficulty recognizing that right now he is the NBA’s top center/power forward combo player ahead of Duncan and Nowitzki (Garnett remains a question mark for now).
brian... Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
Yes you are correct.. You should never forget Dirk.. But you should never foget Allen Iverson.. That’s all thank you! Also, there are many desreving players than Danny Granger..
Joey Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:05 pm
You know I think this a good list. Very well done for the most part.
I cannot believe how many people get so bent out of shape about lists.
DON’T TAKE IT SO PERSONALLY! ITS JUST HIS PERSONAL OPINION PEOPLE!
Kobe and Lebron? That will always be a discussion. Both are freaks of nature talent-wise and athletically. There is nothing you can take away from either of them!
Keep up the good work!
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:08 pm
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:02 pm
Ricky Rubio is a young player that is trying to make it in basketball. He is not at the level of Mr Parker, but maybe one day he can prove it in the best league in the world.
We don’t annoint players that have one good game against another player.
…
Parker has had a better career than Pau Gasol to date and he has proven he can carry a team by himself as he did last year because Duncan and Ginobili where hurting. Gasol had a chance in Memphis and sooner or later he will get his chance in LA. Until then it is what it is!
———-
Point A, on Rubio: Of course I’m not anointing him. I’m not so dumb. I’ve been watching the NBA since 1963. I was scouting for the ABA Nets when you were an 11 year-old. I’m not trying to make Rubio into what he isn’t yet. Here I was simply responding to your rhetorical question, “Will someone show me a player that can keep Parker out of the paint?” So an 18 year-old just kept him entirely out of the paint a few days ago – and to me, that’s proof enough that Parker is not as superhumanly unstoppable as you infer. That has been the whole point, which you doggedly refuse to accept.
That was just one game? Well, that depends on whether you keep your NBA-supremacist blinders on. It was a crucial game for France, one that Parker very badly wanted to win, and it turned out to be their only defeat of the European Championship as they finished 7-1 but in fifth place - that lone quarter-final loss prevented them from winning a medal, and possibly the title, in a championship France has never won since its inception in 1935, and where it last won a medal – a bronze – FIFTY years ago. The Spain game was the whole reason why Parker was playing for France this summer, and he was taken out of it by an inexperienced teenager.
Point B, on Gasol. We’re not judging careers here, but the top 25 in 2009 – right? Find me a single NBA GM who would take Parker over Gasol right now. Parker has played on a championship-caliber team since he landed in the NBA. Gasol played six and a half seasons for the Grizzlies. That’s basically the difference in careers. And even with Duncan and Ginobili hurting, the 2008-09 Spurs were far, far better than any team Gasol was ever on in Memphis – Parker didn’t carry the team by himself last season: what about Duncan’s 19.3 PPG and 10.7 RPG, not really peanuts from a man who indeed was hurting? I would rank Gasol’s feat in leading the miserable Grizzlies to a 49-33 record in 2006 as high, considering the respective team strengths, as any feat by Parker. Your problem here is that you have consistently underrated and misjudged Gasol, “the poodle”, and you have great difficulty recognizing that right now he is the NBA’s top center/power forward combo player ahead of Duncan and Nowitzki (Garnett remains a question mark for now).
———————————————————————–
You fail to hear me so i will repeat it again. Don’t tell me what someone did in one game. We play 4 out of 7 over here. Why should i give you respect for being a scout when you give me none for actually playing the game for 18 years at the highest level.
Pau Gasol has not proven he can lead a team. He failed in Memphis. i am not ready to say he can become a dominant player yet. yes he has improved, but not to the point of elevating him just yet.
Most teams would take a Center before a point guard so that was a silly statement. Now ask me would Orlando take Parker or Gasol on their existing team?
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
I totally ignored your statement that Gasol is better than Tim Duncan. wow! i really had to laugh about that one. OK. So you are saying that teams would take Gasol over Duncan?
Look you love European basketball and i am happy for you, but stop thinking like that my man. The NBA is the proving grounds. I played in Europe and took my team to the European Finals and we won the Greek championship. I understand everthing about it, but it will never be the NBA. So again stop telling me about performances in the off season after NBA players have played 8 preseason games 82 regular season games and playoff games. Tony Parker has gone that route for 8 grueling years. So yes although the tournament meant alot to him. He will nver be challenged to concentrate and perform as much as NBA. Thats his paycheck and you should no better if you scouted the ABA. If i was 11 when you scouted –how old were you? because i can’t believe someone your age would revert to the name calling you have done in here!
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:21 pm
This Blog is nearing an end and i am tired so excuse the grammar—-lol
Rashidi Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 3:33 am
Joe Johnson: 18th
Ray Allen: 25th
Vince Carter: N/A
LOL
Rashidi Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 4:00 am
Eddie is always quick to point to his playing career in an effort to validate his opinions over others. Nevermind that there are plenty of former players that are less than credible.
The stars of the 80s haven’t exactly dominated retirement like they did on the court.
Michael Jordan: Greatest player ever is one of the worst GMs ever.
Magic Johnson: The greatest PG ever had a forgettable coaching stint and provides boring studio analysis whenever called upon.
Chris Mullin: Forgettable run as GM in Golden State.
Isiah Thomas: Do I really need to?
Rashidi Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 4:11 am
Almost forgot another “gem” - Kevin McHale.
Boi Boi Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 4:39 am
8.DERON WILLIAMS
7.CHRIS PAUL
6.DWIGHT HOWARD
5.BRANDON ROY
4.CARMELO ANTHONY
3.DWYANE WADE
2.LEBRON JAMES
1.KOBE BRYANT
HANDS DOWN!
Michael Bennett Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 7:57 am
frank b Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Lebron is fast. I suspect Kobe is faster but I could be wrong. A lot of guys are way faster than both. Kobe is definitely quicker than Lebron, especially with the ball.
———-
No, frank b. This isn’t true. You’re wrong. LeBron is just faster. Most NBA minds thought that LeBron, Monta Ellis (before injury) and Devin Harris were the top speed guys - coast to coast with the ball.
But, LeBron stick out because of those run down blocks, which no one has ever really done before. And, because of his transition game, which is the single most unstoppable thing in the NBA.
With or without the ball, LeBron is tops in the league. ANOTHER way to measure his greatness in the game of basketball.
Cordell Taylor Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 9:00 am
Usually u and I see eye to eye Eddie, when Herb told me that you had Lebron No 1, I nearly fainted. I love Lebron, he is the most athletic and most talented player in the NBA bar none. However, he is not the King. The King of the NBA has to be the player that is a NBA champion and is the most skilled player in the league, someone that brings the intangibles as a leader, intimidator, the guy that everyone else fears everytime he touches the ball and the last guy you want to see with the ball in the final seconds of a game. That man is the Black Mamba, Kobe Bean Bryant. I am sorry Lebron, when you adopt the killer attitude and win a title, you can be annointed…not yet. As MJ had to wait for his reign before Magic, Larry and Isiah, Lebron has to wait for his turn.
kingblade Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 11:11 am
Michael Bennett Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
What I’m saying, kingsblade, is that LeBron is a better passer than Kobe. Do you have any objections to that?
_____________________________________________________
Yes and no. On your overall point I agree. I would have LeBron at #1 as well because I think he is a better overall player than Kobe.
As for passing specifically I’m not so certain, but I would say that LeBron is a better passer than Kobe CHOOSES to be. I believe Kobe sees the floor better and has better reaction times, but he is much more likely to choose not to make the pass. Meaning that LeBron makes batter passes but Kobe could probably be the better passer if he decided to do so.
Though once again I repeat that I do agree with putting LeBron at 1 over Kobe.
eddie Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 11:40 am
Eddie is always quick to point to his playing career in an effort to validate his opinions over others. Nevermind that there are plenty of former players that are less than credible.
The stars of the 80s haven’t exactly dominated retirement like they did on the court.
Michael Jordan: Greatest player ever is one of the worst GMs ever.
Magic Johnson: The greatest PG ever had a forgettable coaching stint and provides boring studio analysis whenever called upon.
Chris Mullin: Forgettable run as GM in Golden State.
Isiah Thomas: Do I really need to?
—————————————————————–
one flaw as usual with you. You failed to name any of the players that did well in their post retirement. Thats why i don’t respect anything you say. you are one negative dude and have no credible assets yourself.
eddie Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 11:46 am
ordell Taylor Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 9:00 am
Usually u and I see eye to eye Eddie, when Herb told me that you had Lebron No 1, I nearly fainted. I love Lebron, he is the most athletic and most talented player in the NBA bar none. However, he is not the King. The King of the NBA has to be the player that is a NBA champion and is the most skilled player in the league, someone that brings the intangibles as a leader, intimidator, the guy that everyone else fears everytime he touches the ball and the last guy you want to see with the ball in the final seconds of a game. That man is the Black Mamba, Kobe Bean Bryant. I am sorry Lebron, when you adopt the killer attitude and win a title, you can be annointed…not yet. As MJ had to wait for his reign before Magic, Larry and Isiah, Lebron has to wait for his turn.
————————————————————————
Cordell
Teams wins championships not players. So i am to assume those years when Michael lost that he was not the best player right? Kobe won when like MJ he allowed his teammates to shine. Fisher, Ariza and Gasol were the difference. Lebron does not have the combination of experience and talent on Cleveland. I went with pure ability and he is in my mind the most dominant basketball player in the game. that does not mean Kobe isnt right there. I just have Lebron a inch in front based on his ability to enhance his teammates personally with his unselfishness. The triangle offense forces Kobe to be unselfish.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
kingblade Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 11:11 am
As for passing specifically I’m not so certain, but I would say that LeBron is a better passer than Kobe CHOOSES to be. I believe Kobe sees the floor better and has better reaction times, but he is much more likely to choose not to make the pass. Meaning that LeBron makes batter passes but Kobe could probably be the better passer if he decided to do so.
——————–
Care to recant this statement? It just makes you look unknowledgeable, especially with the “Meaning that LeBron makes batter passes but Kobe could probably be the better passer if he decided to do so” line.
Because LeBron makes better passes, it makes him a better passer. Pretty simple concept.
You’re talking about what Kobe chooses NOT to do but potentially COULD do. Keep that argument up while I stay in reality and look at facts.
Uncontested Shots: The Latest on LeBron, Robinson and Lee, the Nets Going Russian | Sir Charles In Charge | An NBA Blog Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 1:37 pm
[...] the second year in a row, Suns broadcaster Eddie Johnson has used his blog on HoopsHype to comprise his list of the NBA’s top-25 [...]
Raf Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Lebron is not better than Kobe.
eddie Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Raf Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Lebron is not better than Kobe.
————————————————————
Deep response. that one really moved me.
Marc Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 9:43 pm
Hey Eddie,
Great list. After reading some people bashing you, I just wanted to say thanks fro ignoring the asses and still taking the time to reply.
Rashidi Said,
September 23, 2009 @ 1:43 am
“one flaw as usual with you. You failed to name any of the players that did well in their post retirement. Thats why i don’t respect anything you say. you are one negative dude and have no credible assets yourself.”
Larry Bird
Joe Dumars
Doc Rivers
It’s a short list.
The point is, being able to put the ball in a hoop does not automatically make one a good evaluator of talent. Danny Ferry is a vastly better evaluator than Michael Jordan, nuff said.
The game is so drastically different than it was 20 years ago. The three point explosion, zone defense, no hand checking, three FTA awarded on 3pt fouls, player salaries, rookie contracts, only two rounds of draft, restricted free agency, high school draftees, age limits, Shaquille O’Neal, Dirk Nowitzki, elite centers phased out in favor of elite PFs, the D-League, the Dream Team, European teams stealing young talent rather than retreads…
(don’t worry, that’s not intended to be a shot at you)
What about your playing days makes your opinons so much more valid than ours? You didn’t play in this NBA, just like Oscar Robertson and Wilt Chamberlain didn’t play in your NBA.
Rashidi Said,
September 23, 2009 @ 1:51 am
One more for the good list: Danny Ainge
Thomas Walder Said,
September 23, 2009 @ 7:18 am
Bosh a perimeter player? Obviously the author hasn’t watched Bosh play much. Players who are fourth in the NBA in free throw attempts don’t just hang out in the perimeter.
He isn’t your traditional back to the basket 6 ft 10 player. He faces up and blows by any big who tries to cover him up close. That’s where he gets ffouled so often.
Bosh was only one of two players in the NBA to average over 20 ppg with 10rpg. Perimeter my eye.
22.7ppg plus 10 rpg puts him in thetop 10 amongst NBA ballers…Pau Gasol, Melo, Parker ahead of CB4? No way. He is now a better player than KG and TD as well.
My top 10 in order are:
Lebron
Wade
Kobe
Howard
Paul
Nowitzki
Bosh
D Williams
KG
Duncan
Knocking on top 10’s door when KH and TD stumble:
Granger
Roy
Durant
kingsblade Said,
September 23, 2009 @ 3:23 pm
Michael Bennett Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 12:48 pm
kingblade Said,
September 22, 2009 @ 11:11 am
As for passing specifically I’m not so certain, but I would say that LeBron is a better passer than Kobe CHOOSES to be. I believe Kobe sees the floor better and has better reaction times, but he is much more likely to choose not to make the pass. Meaning that LeBron makes batter passes but Kobe could probably be the better passer if he decided to do so.
——————–
Care to recant this statement? It just makes you look unknowledgeable, especially with the “Meaning that LeBron makes batter passes but Kobe could probably be the better passer if he decided to do so” line.
Because LeBron makes better passes, it makes him a better passer. Pretty simple concept.
You’re talking about what Kobe chooses NOT to do but potentially COULD do. Keep that argument up while I stay in reality and look at facts.
——————————————————————————
I already admitted LeBron is making better passes. You always have to turn everything into an argument when there is nothing to argue about.
I just said that I believe Kobe could be better if he didn’t choose to keep the ball as often as he does. This is evidenced by the beautiful passes he does make when he feels like it. What about that is there to recant?
Why can’t you ever just discuss something without picking some small insignificant point of conflict to bitch about? Why don’t you read my statements for what they actually say rather than what you want to argue about.
So infantile I can hardly believe it. You’re like a verbose version of a Kobe fan.
BiggRick216 Said,
September 23, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
I’ll give it 2 U that Kobe is a heck of a player, but LeBron James is the league MVP and thr best all around player in the world. Kobe does have 4 rings and also a whole lot of talent around him. You’ll all see how LeBron responds to that upset against Orlando. You thought he was a beast last year, He going to DOMINATE.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 24, 2009 @ 8:23 am
The pouting… my goodness. You lost the argument and now you’re pouting…
Suck it up, kingsblade.
Brian Said,
September 24, 2009 @ 10:56 am
I think you could not have a better top 10. Every single spot makes the most sense!
For people who are comparing Kobe with Michael: first of all Michael was a better player than Kobe right now, Kobe might improve. Secondly I believe Lebron will be better than Michael, I just cannot ignore his unusual comibnation of stregth and speed.
Arguement over the fact that Tim duncan is a center is very old! I do not recall many centers who do 12-15 feet bank shots consistently or shoot the ball as well as Timmy does, of course he has amazing low post moves also!
for Wade fans, on a one on one game I actually believe he could out play Kobe but D Wade is not at his prime yet I think he will improve, then start the comparisons.
I do have one problem with this list though, I believe a player like Manu Ginobili should be in this list, since it’a a prediction for next year. After Kobe and D Wade I have Ginobili as the 3rd SG in the league, he is a better 3-point shooter than both Kobe and D Wade and you saw how important he was to the Spurs, him not even being in top 25 players of the league is a bit odd.
Thanks for this amazing list again!
eddie Said,
September 24, 2009 @ 1:28 pm
this is like a reunion—my two favorite bloggers fighting again. (-:
Michael Bennett Said,
September 24, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
And it’s only September…
kingsblade Said,
September 25, 2009 @ 1:11 am
Michael Bennett Said,
September 24, 2009 @ 8:23 am
The pouting… my goodness. You lost the argument and now you’re pouting…
Suck it up, kingsblade.
What argument? I said that LeBron is a better passer than Kobe but Kobe could be better if he chose.
You then “argued” against this saying that LeBron makes better passes. Really? Brilliant. This is exactly in line with my statement. Way to go genius. You really shot me down this time.
It is perfectly acceptable, and common practice even, to extrapolate that a player could be a great passer if he wanted to be based on his other attributes. When you try to act incredulous over it you just lose credibility.
Now once again, TRY READING WHAT PEOPLE ACTUALLY SAY RATHER THAN WHAT YOU WANT THEM TO HAVE SAID.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 25, 2009 @ 8:47 am
You said “Kobe could be better if he chose.” Great, kingsblade - you’ve come up with a statement that’s inarguable and 100% hypothetical.
Well done. Keep up the conjecture and I’ll discuss and argue facts.
And, the facts are LeBron is a better passer than Kobe. LeBron is a better player than Kobe, partially because he’s a better passer.
THAT’s the original statement. THAT’s what we’re focusing on here, kingsblade.
Do you really need me to hold your hand through this?
kingsblade Said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
Clearly then you really don’t have a clear grasp of what an argument is.
Facts cannot be debated. That is the essential element in something becoming a fact. I agreed that LeBron makes great passes more often. I have never denied that fact. So if all you want to discuss is facts then we clearly agree and I have no idea why you keep going on.
I then added that I was of the opinion that since I believe Kobe has better court vision and better reaction times he could be a better passer if he chose to do so. This is obviously up to debate because it is my opinion, and not fact.
Now if you only wish to discuss facts than you should probably shut the hell up because this is now a matter of opinion. If you wish to discuss the rationale behind my opinion, or offer something of merit I am all ears, but repeating ad nauseum a fact that I have already repeatedly agreed with does not refute my opinion in the least.
My favorite part is how you licked items out of my posts to dispute and then when I respond directly to your statements you suddenly jump back to “lets focus on the original statement,” since if you had done that to begin with we wouldn’t be arguing right now.
Salaner Said,
September 25, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
eddie Said,
September 21, 2009 @ 11:18 pm
I totally ignored your statement that Gasol is better than Tim Duncan. wow! i really had to laugh about that one. OK. So you are saying that teams would take Gasol over Duncan?
Look you love European basketball and i am happy for you, but stop thinking like that my man. The NBA is the proving grounds. I played in Europe and took my team to the European Finals and we won the Greek championship. I understand everthing about it, but it will never be the NBA. So again stop telling me about performances in the off season after NBA players have played 8 preseason games 82 regular season games and playoff games. Tony Parker has gone that route for 8 grueling years. So yes although the tournament meant alot to him. He will nver be challenged to concentrate and perform as much as NBA. Thats his paycheck and you should no better if you scouted the ABA. If i was 11 when you scouted –how old were you? because i can’t believe someone your age would revert to the name calling you have done in here!
——-
How do you manage writing without being able to read, Eddie? It’s an admirable ability (taught at Illinois?). See, there’s no “statement that Gasol is better than Tim Duncan” by me anywhere here. I just wrote about Gasol that “RIGHT NOW he is the NBA’s top center/power forward combo player ahead of Duncan and Nowitzki (Garnett remains a question mark for now)” because he’s at the top of his game when the other three are having problems that have cut down on their previous efficiency or have sent them to the dry dock. And, yes, I do believe that right now Gasol’s level of performance surpasses Duncan’s and that the 2009-10 season will confirm this.
On Europe - don’t make me laugh, Eddie. You played there 15 years ago, when Gasol was 14 years old, Rubio was 4, and the Dream Team was beating everyone by 50 points or so. The world has changed, and basketball too. You have obviously watched practically no European basketball since then, and it’s an entirely different story, despite so many of the top Europeans now plying their trade in the NBA, not in the Euroleague. Despite the obvious tactical differences (isolation offense and one-on-one much more prevalent in the NBA, ball circulation and inside-out game in the Euroleague), the overall quality difference between the world’s top two tournaments has been shrinking yearly.
Have Brandon Jennings or Josh Childress been stars in Europe? No. They’ve been good club-level players, no more. Wouldn’t players of their ability have been European megastars 15 years ago? I think they would have.
Think about it a little. And do what we do in Europe: we love the game and we keep abreast of it anywhere in the world, following a PSAL high school final in New York or a China-Iran final in the Asian qualifying tournament with equal interest. Being open to the world has kept us progressing. Despising the “Mickey Mouse game” in the rest of the world and being satisfied with the ever-diminishing level in fundamentals shown by mo0st of its top NBA stars, the US has wound up losing titles more often than winning them since the late 1990s in the top two world tournaments.
And now go ahead and have the last word. It’s obvious that you cherish doing that. Youngsters always do.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 25, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
I get it, kingsblade.
You think that in your made-up fantasyland which is nonexistent and will never happen, Kobe Bryant could be a better passer because you think he has better court vision than LeBron James and he sees the floor better.
But, in reality, which according to you is irrelevant, LeBron James makes better passes because he has better court vision and sees the floor better.
Hmm. So…
Your opinion is on the side of something that is purely fictitious.
Great - It’s all cleared up. Thanks for that, kingsblade.
kingsblade Said,
September 26, 2009 @ 1:07 pm
Whatever. Conversations with you become so tiresome because you never actually argue. You just repeat that your opinion is right, and mix in the odd insult. If you cannot argue constructively there is really no point.
Denying your opponents statement without reason is not an argument. Saying things like “Your opinion is on the side of something that is purely fictitious” is not arguing. Saying “in your made-up fantasyland which is nonexistent and will never happen” is not arguing. It’s stupid.
Let me summarize the last couple of posts for you:
Me: Kobe has better court vision and reaction times.
You: You’re an idiot, LeBron does.
Well played. Brilliant. Soon you’ll come out with “I know you are but what am I.” I’ll never understand how you create such brilliant commentary on the fly.
By the way, I thought you should know that, “has better court vision” and “sees the floor better,” are the same thing. You didn’t seem to quite have that concept down in your last post.
The most amusing part of all this to me is the fact that I happily agreed LeBron is the better player and even the better passer, but you just can’t let this one point go.
I’m going to compare this to Jordan and Drexler. Do you remember when Jordan said that Drexler is a better 3 point shooter than he chose to be? According to you Jordan was living in a fantasy world because based on real results Drexler was a better 3 point shooter.
Is this an accurate depiction of your opinion on the matter? It is if you believe your own “argument.”
Michael Bennett Said,
September 26, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
Jordan’s HOF speech should have given you some clue as to why he’d say something like that about Drexler. Jordan would make up reasons to be more competitive. He would create scenarios that gave him extra motivation. So, YES, he was making things up to believe so he could perform better and win.
Way to walk into that one.
As for the LeBron/Kobe passing argument - you can’t say that LeBron is a better passer AND Kobe is better if he chose to be.
Either LeBron is a better passer or he isn’t.
You said “Kobe has better court vision and reaction times.” Where’s your proof?
My proof that LeBron is a better passer is because he makes better passes.
Right now, you’re saying that Kobe has better court vision and reaction times based on what? Nothing. But, if he chose to…
THAT’s why I call you dumb. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
You never do.
But, congratulations, you’re a last word freak. Let’s see what you have next…
kingsblade Said,
September 26, 2009 @ 6:17 pm
“Jordan’s HOF speech should have given you some clue as to why he’d say something like that about Drexler. Jordan would make up reasons to be more competitive. He would create scenarios that gave him extra motivation. So, YES, he was making things up to believe so he could perform better and win.
Way to walk into that one.”
Walk into it? It is still a perfect analogy. It is the same thing. It doesn’t matter what his motivation was. What matters is the simple fact that Drexler was a better 3-point shooter at that point in their careers. He wasn’t making things up, because Drexler WAS a better 3-point shooter.
As you would say, the only proof otherwise was Jordan’s say so that he could be better, and an analysis of their other attributes as players. The situation is identical except for who is making the statement and why the statement is being made.
Unless you are somehow arguing that a persons motivation for making such a statement is the deciding factor here, you are trying to play both sides. You can’t have it both ways.
“Right now, you’re saying that Kobe has better court vision and reaction times based on what? Nothing. But, if he chose to…”
Based on the easily observable fact that he reacts much more quickly to pressure. The fact that he reacts more readily to weak side help. The fact that when he is having his little tantrums trying to prove that he needs to score he makes stellar passes all game. LeBron is FAR too dependent on athleticism and uses that to bail himself out rather than quick reactions and great vision.
Do you also feel that high profile prospects in other sports are not as good as other minor league players who put up better numbers because they haven’t demonstrated it yet? You are essentially arguing that potential does not exist because it isn’t easily quantifiable.
“THAT’s why I call you dumb. You don’t know what you’re talking about.
You never do.”
Always so constructive. Wonderful argument there. I’m dumb because I have an opinion? Fine, I’m dumb and you’re a broken record.
Repeat statement - Insult - repeat statement - insult - repeat statement - insult
Now go ahead, repeat yourself and call me something. It really weakens my argument.
I remember now why I hadn’t been responding to your posts for some time, you seem to resort to exactly this kind of thing every time. It is pointless, ridiculous, and infantile.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 27, 2009 @ 12:06 am
I’ve been consistent - LeBron is a better player and passer than Kobe.
You’re all over the place - LeBron’s a better passer, but Kobe has better court vision. Kobe is a better passer if he chooses to be. Michael Jordan and Clyde Drexler shoot threes. Doy!
Then, you can’t take the heat, so you whine about my posts. You’re on the verge of crying in every message.
It’s not even challenging with you - It’s just time consuming. But, the mediocre need to be told they are just that.
kingsblade Said,
September 28, 2009 @ 2:27 am
Repeat the same statement? - check.
pointless personal comment? - check.
You’re really on top of your game this time, except you only repeated yourself once.
All over the place? Of course. Silly of me really to think that an argument requires more than just repeating myself. If I follow your technique who needs supporting statements? I can just turn on the record and repeat.
My favorite part this time was when you seem to actually believe that you have some sort of effect on me. You are a way to pass the time. Why would I whine or cry? Pointing out the lack of any useful purpose in many of your comments hardly qualifies.
You seem to have given up the topic in favor of a purely personal post this time is see. Could your style be (d)evolving before our eyes?
Michael Bennett Said,
September 28, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Way to just repeat me - I said “It’s not even challenging with you - It’s just time consuming.” Then, you rebutted with “You are a way to pass the time.”
Do you have an original thought in your head?
And, I’m still not reading reasons why Kobe is better than LeBron at passing.
Oh yeah - If Kobe chose to be…
Any proof? Don’t you lawyers (yeah, right) ever involve proof? Facts? Reality? Stuff that actually occurred? Or, do you just go into the courtroom and say:
“Your honor, I think the defendant might be guilty. I can’t tell you why. I just think it. Can you please lock him up?”
Really nice, kingsblade. Good going. You’re really showing off now. Haha!
Kingsblade Said,
September 28, 2009 @ 11:57 am
Michael Bennett Said,
September 28, 2009 @ 10:54 am
Way to just repeat me - I said “It’s not even challenging with you - It’s just time consuming.” Then, you rebutted with “You are a way to pass the time.”
Do you have an original thought in your head?
==============================================================
I hope you realize that the two statements mean very different things with essentially opposite implications.
Kingsblade Said,
September 28, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
I have explained myself once, and you can go back and read it again if you didn’t get it the first time. If you are really ignorant enough to demand physical evidence for an empirical observation then I cannot help you.
Michael Bennett Said,
September 28, 2009 @ 12:12 pm
A double post is proof of frustration and general annoyance.
And, “passing time” and “consuming time” are synonyms. Do you have a thesaurus handy? Look it up for proof. You know, facts… Wait. You don’t know. You base everything on uneducated hypothesis.
You’re really hitting rock bottom, kingsblade.
Wow. But, my guess is you’ll keep on going because of pride. Let’s see…
kingsblade Said,
September 29, 2009 @ 1:29 am
“And, “passing time” and “consuming time” are synonyms. Do you have a thesaurus handy? Look it up for proof. You know, facts… Wait. You don’t know. You base everything on uneducated hypothesis.”
Right. Obviously context and implication have no meaning in your world.
I also love how in your world empirical = uneducated. Brilliant. Now you can call anyone who makes any observations at all uneducated. Does this mean you will never again post to grace us with your superior observations?
“Wow. But, my guess is you’ll keep on going because of pride. Let’s see…”
Oh dear. I walked into your trick by continuing. Why…now I’ve practically admitted to having pride. Woe is me.
My guess is you’ll keep going too because you’re an undereducated douche bag who was raised on a steady diet of insults and tainted breast milk until the age of 12, and so you can continue to attempt to prove your own worth through a steady stream of ad hominem and straw man arguments against your betters while avoiding the topic of debate completely. Let’s see…
Are you finally happy now that you’ve managed to drag the conversation away from basketball altogether?
Rashidi Said,
September 29, 2009 @ 2:51 am
The thing I never understand is why people allow themselves to be trolled by Michael Bennett.
Then again, I never understood why a blogger would encourage trolling on his own blog. *shrugs*
Ny"the great" Said,
September 29, 2009 @ 9:13 am
Ray Allen and no Hedo Turkalo ,,, not right at all!
kingsblade Said,
September 29, 2009 @ 10:46 am
@Rashidi
I’ve been bored lately.
Just let him have his fun, it gives meaning to his life.
Steve Watkins Said,
September 29, 2009 @ 11:08 am
Eddie,
Thank you for your response last week.
This is actually an honor for me because I remember watching you play for Phoenix. I remember one particular playoff series shaking my head in disbelief on my way into the kitchen to get a snack -because you had just gotten in and the other team needed a timeout. I play a lot of pickup games and for me, it takes several trips down the court before I can get my arms and legs working together to the point where I can fire up jump shots. This is a mental thing because I loosen up before the game better than anyone but when the game starts, it’s a whole different world mentally. I know of no other way to get rid of the butterflies. Few players can come right into the game and catch fire like that and I have heard Doug Collins rail about players coming right into the game and firing up a jump shot.
How did you deal with this is as a player? Did you have some sort of routine? Also, I watched your shooting video and it helped my game.
Steve Watkins Said,
September 29, 2009 @ 6:26 pm
Lebron may be faster than Kobe but Lebron’s speed can hurt him at times. I think he can get going too fast and it is difficult for him to stop and shoot on balance, especially carrying so much weight. Kobe has softer feet and better agility, which is more important.
ray Said,
October 6, 2009 @ 5:41 pm
Out today, 10/6/09, 61% of GM’s favor LeBron to win his 2nd straight MVP. And 79%(!) say if they were building a team from scratch, LeBron would be their first choice.