2017 NBA Season (incl Draft / Free Agency)

[scratchswinger]

Duncan didn’t chase rings. Is that enough validation? And of course I would pick Duncan over Magic. Duncan won in 3 different decade. Magic career was shortened and he’s always had Kareem to lean on.

 

Lebron will probably win again after he signs as a free agent with 2 other all stars. My sentiment is the same. Duncan was that good.

 

Wasn’t one of those chips to a shortened season after MJ retired? On the last one he was a role player.

 

Does it matter ? He didn’t jump around at his own convenience. He battled and won against the big Aristotle in his prime.

 

Went neck to neck with Steve Nash and dantonio run and gun. He would have won another one if baby Jesus didn’t throw up a Hail Mary or if pop didn’t take him out at the end of the fourth.

 

Outside of Robinson they all became hall of famers because of him. (Let’s not forget He won without manu and Parker).

 

And it is still early to say kL will become a hof.

 

The one thing that was constant was Duncan. You don’t have to agree with me. But his championships and 2 decade of work in the western conference is enough for me to put him ahead of lebron.

 

It only matters when you use stats that don’t tell the entire story to bolster one player but then use the same logic to dimenish another player. Duncan was “arguably” the best player in the league two years and was the best player on 2 of 5 championship teams.

 

LeBron has been undoubtedly the best player in the league the last 8 years and has never played with anyone better than him.

[jerebear21]

Duncan didn’t chase rings. Is that enough validation? And of course I would pick Duncan over Magic. Duncan won in 3 different decade. Magic career was shortened and he’s always had Kareem to lean on.

 

Lebron will probably win again after he signs as a free agent with 2 other all stars. My sentiment is the same. Duncan was that good.

 

Wasn’t one of those chips to a shortened season after MJ retired? On the last one he was a role player.

 

Does it matter ? He didn’t jump around at his own convenience. He battled and won against the big Aristotle in his prime.

 

Went neck to neck with Steve Nash and dantonio run and gun. He would have won another one if baby Jesus didn’t throw up a Hail Mary or if pop didn’t take him out at the end of the fourth.

 

Outside of Robinson they all became hall of famers because of him. (Let’s not forget He won without manu and Parker).

 

And it is still early to say kL will become a hof.

 

The one thing that was constant was Duncan. You don’t have to agree with me. But his championships and 2 decade of work in the western conference is enough for me to put him ahead of lebron.

 

It only matters when you use stats that don’t tell the entire story to bolster one player but then use the same logic to dimenish another player. Duncan was “arguably” the best player in the league two years and was the best player on 2 of 5 championship teams.

 

LeBron has been undoubtedly the best player in the league the last 8 years and has never played with anyone better than him.

 

You are correct. He has been the best player in the eastern conference in the last 8 years.

[MtlJeff]

Magic wasn't the best player on the Lakers either, everyone knows James Worthy was

 

Sorry are we just saying ridiculous things in this thread now?

[scratchswinger]

Magic wasn't the best player on the Lakers either, everyone knows James Worthy was

 

Sorry are we just saying ridiculous things in this thread now?

 

Worthy was the best player in the West. We all know Robert Parish was the best player in the league.

[jerebear21]

What’s ridiculous to say I choose Duncan over lebron ? A defensive pillar that owns the paint and has almost no weakness during that era of basketball.

 

Duncan has taken two to one on lebron. And baby Jesus bailed him out or else it would have been 3 - 0.

[scratchswinger]

What’s ridiculous to say I choose Duncan over lebron ? A defensive pillar that owns the paint and has almost no weakness during that era of basketball.

 

Duncan has taken two to one on lebron. And baby Jesus bailed him out or else it would have been 3 - 0.

 

Duncan was a great player. I just don’t think many would agree with you, probably not even Duncan.

[jerebear21]

I’m perfectly fine with my opinion. That’s why it’s called sports talk. And that still doesn’t hide the fact that the east has been super weak this decade.

[MtlJeff]

What's ridiculous to say I choose Duncan over lebron ? A defensive pillar that owns the paint and has almost no weakness during that era of basketball.

 

Duncan has taken two to one on lebron. And baby Jesus bailed him out or else it would have been 3 - 0.

 

No it's ridiculous to suggest Duncan was the best player on only 2 of his championship teams. I suspect the argument was not a serious one.

 

Arguing Kawhi was the best player on the final championship team is a legitimate argument as Duncan was on minutes restrictions and playing on a hurt leg then

[jerebear21]

Duncan has 3 finals mvp.

[jerebear21]

My gawd this rockets 3rd quarter is bad

[scratchswinger]

What's ridiculous to say I choose Duncan over lebron ? A defensive pillar that owns the paint and has almost no weakness during that era of basketball.

 

Duncan has taken two to one on lebron. And baby Jesus bailed him out or else it would have been 3 - 0.

 

No it's ridiculous to suggest Duncan was the best player on only 2 of his championship teams. I suspect the argument was not a serious one.

 

Arguing Kawhi was the best player on the final championship team is a legitimate argument as Duncan was on minutes restrictions and playing on a hurt leg then

 

Point taken, he was the best player on 3 of the teams. Fact of the matter is this conversation comes up every year because LeBron is in the Finals and LeBron is igniting the conversation. A majority of writers and ex players don’t have Duncan in the top 3, certainly he isn’t better than LeBron.

[cdnglf]

What's ridiculous to say I choose Duncan over lebron ? A defensive pillar that owns the paint and has almost no weakness during that era of basketball.

 

Because it's like saying you'd rather than make an eagle than an albatross.

[tocino]

I’d grab Duncan over lebron as well if I started my franchise today.

 

I know he won’t leave chasing greener pastures. Can’t say the same about queen James. He did it twice.

 

If your playing by today’s rules you almost have to pick lebron over duncan. TD would get killed on pick’n’roll switches by guards and quicker wings. I remember him being a defensive force but only from the paint/restricted areas

[xxio]

TD never had to leave because from day1 his teams were always good/in contention. Pop is a spectacular coach. The ring chasing was there on his team

 

Game has changed. I loved the post up NBA era. I actually think LBJ would have thrived as well in that style of play with his size and strength. He would have ended up playing more of Larry's style instead of this modern Magic mode.

 

I hope Lebron gets the Cavs 2 wins and no games are bigger than 10pt wins. He will need a lot of help from the refs to get that done. Otherwise GSW in 5 by a 14pt ave.

 

 

[jerebear21]

Don’t forget. Spurs wanted to fire pop. No one knew pop would become the coach that he became. There was no ring chasing in the spurs era. Free agents didn’t flock there. They lost Robinson due to injuries and gained the first over all pick which became Duncan.

 

Y’all entitled to love queen James. I get it. He’s soon to be not 1, not 2, not 3, not 4, not 5 but 6 losses in the nba final.

 

His legacy has been sealed.

 

And Duncan is an albatross for me.

[jerebear21]

What's ridiculous to say I choose Duncan over lebron ? A defensive pillar that owns the paint and has almost no weakness during that era of basketball.

 

Duncan has taken two to one on lebron. And baby Jesus bailed him out or else it would have been 3 - 0.

 

No it's ridiculous to suggest Duncan was the best player on only 2 of his championship teams. I suspect the argument was not a serious one.

 

Arguing Kawhi was the best player on the final championship team is a legitimate argument as Duncan was on minutes restrictions and playing on a hurt leg then

 

Point taken, he was the best player on 3 of the teams. Fact of the matter is this conversation comes up every year because LeBron is in the Finals and LeBron is igniting the conversation. A majority of writers and ex players don’t have Duncan in the top 3, certainly he isn’t better than LeBron.

 

Yes. These same sports writer suggesting this years is his greatest achievement. Lebron be rolling through the east against who again ? Went 7 Games with a pacer team lead by an ex orlando magic reject.

 

But of course don’t let the facts get in the way of how weak the east has been this decade. He couldn’t get it unless he joined forces with two studs. He knew the formula so he did it again.

[MtlJeff]

I've written this before but the supporting cast argument with Duncan is another commonly used argument that just isn't true.

 

Go look at 2003. He had 37 year old David Robinson, zombie Kevin Willis, barely mobile Steve Smith, malik rose, early Bruce Bowen, Tony Parker was 21. Stephen Jackson, speedy Claxton and Manu.

 

Even 2005 and 2007 Manu and Parker were way better but I mean they were giving Brent Barry big minutes.

 

The spurs were good but they were not the 80's Celtics or Lakers

 

I agree completely that LeBron is better. Not arguing that. I just think you can argue Bird, magic , Duncan are all same level.

 

 

[jerebear21]

We can all agree Jordan is the goat. 6x final mvp. BOOM

[MtlJeff]

Ron Harper was their best player in both '97 and '98.

[jerebear21]

Ron Harper was their best player in both '97 and '98.

 

I agree. Jordan was old and over the hill and was a role player.

[devinh821]

Who is this Jordan guy?

[NelsonJohnson]

Ron Harper was their best player in both '97 and '98.

 

The truth has been spoken. ;)

[HoosierHacker89]

I am glad to see this thread has come to life recently. It was a good season, but Im glad it is over. To the off season we go!

[scratchswinger]

Ron Harper was their best player in both '97 and '98.

 

I know you are just trolling but arguing that he was the best player on all 5 of those championships would be like me arguing Kobe was the best player on his 5. 1998-99 honestly should not even count, the played 50 games in the regular season.

[B_of_H]

Jordan was the best of his era, wilt was the best of his. Lebron is the most complete player of all time in terms of his ability to do everything the game requires at a very high level and effectively play 4 positions (and that isn't really arguable). Its fun to watch greatness, just enjoy it.

[MtlJeff]

Ron Harper was their best player in both '97 and '98.

 

I know you are just trolling but arguing that he was the best player on all 5 of those championships would be like me arguing Kobe was the best player on his 5. 1998-99 honestly should not even count, the played 50 games in the regular season.

 

I'm just having fun, you shouldn't begrudge trolling you do it all the time!

 

But seriously other than the last title which other year was he not the best player?

 

And even the Kawhi year, Duncan was still pretty damn good.

 

Kobe was so good in some of those playoffs (he averaged 29ppg one of the postseasons) that I think you actually can give him equal credit in a historical sense, FWIW.

[jerebear21]

Ron Harper was their best player in both '97 and '98.

 

I know you are just trolling but arguing that he was the best player on all 5 of those championships would be like me arguing Kobe was the best player on his 5. 1998-99 honestly should not even count, the played 50 games in the regular season.

 

Lmao. 98-99 shouldn’t count? Coulda shoulda woulda

 

Lebron no2 shouldn’t count if it wasn’t for baby Jesus heroics 3 pointer in game 6. Anyone can play the game of shoulda coulda woulda. Here’s a fact for you.

 

Eastern conference Was dramatically weaken after lebron joined forces. Instead of watching wade vs bron in their primes we had hall of famers joined force to give us an 8 straight final conference appearance. Someone put an asterisk on that stat please.

[scratchswinger]

Ron Harper was their best player in both '97 and '98.

 

I know you are just trolling but arguing that he was the best player on all 5 of those championships would be like me arguing Kobe was the best player on his 5. 1998-99 honestly should not even count, the played 50 games in the regular season.

 

I'm just having fun, you shouldn't begrudge trolling you do it all the time!

 

But seriously other than the last title which other year was he not the best player?

 

And even the Kawhi year, Duncan was still pretty damn good.

 

Kobe was so good in some of those playoffs (he averaged 29ppg one of the postseasons) that I think you actually can give him equal credit in a historical sense, FWIW.

 

I have no problem with it. Duncan was a great player no doubt and their is no way they win those titles without him but to even consider taking him over LeBron just shows the hatred some people have for LeBron.

[jerebear21]

I take Jordan over LeBron. Does that still mean I hate lebron. That's a flawed logic.

 

During his era, he went up against the Big Aristotle, the D'antonio Run and Gun Steve Nash, and LeBron himself. Some folks like the theatrics. I like the consistency. There's no hatred for LeBron. He's 4th on my list above many other NBA greats. Does that mean I hate them all? No way.

 

Duncan created Pop's career. And parker and manu wouldn't have blossomed without Duncan. LeBron didn't have to create anyone's career. He just decided cop out. Had he stayed in cleveland and won 1 times without joining forces, I'd give him more props. Him and durant are Charmin Soft.

 

I'll give him his dues if he pulls this one off. He wins this series, he moves up to no.3 on my list.

[MtlJeff]

Cleveland was really a wretched mess though when LeBron left. People didn't like him leaving but the Cavs literally were the worst team in the league the following season, the only difference being LeBron not there. They were a really bad team.

 

In retrospect the Heat look better after what Cupcake did. There were genuine concerns even in year one that they did not have enough depth. They were playing guys like birdman who had been out of the league. The Heat really were three stars and mostly chumps or 35 year old talented guys past their prime. Though in the middle they got guys like Battier and Allen. But the heat were never overwhelming favorites, favorites yes.

 

LeBron should probably thank Durant to be honest. In retrospect his title chasing looks much more tame if we're playing the narrative game