All-Time NBA Draft: Discussion

[SecretAgentMan]

Whether he was capable of playing SF isn't the question, however. Magic played mostly at the Point, and considering that a Point Forward position is characterized as a Forward whose characteristics differ from the norms of the Forward position, then Magic does not qualify.

you put it that way. But I thought hypothetically speaking. I think Magic could've been a more capable point forward had he played it full time(duh).

Did Magic really have a position though? He was listed as a PG, and had the skillset, but I see him just as a basketball player

[-Truth-]

you put it that way. But I thought hypothetically speaking. I think Magic could've been a more capable point forward had he played it full time(duh).

Did Magic really have a position though? He was listed as a PG, and had the skillset, but I see him just as a basketball player

 

Perhaps, but minus the last season, why would he be switch to being a Forward if he's an oustanding passer among PGs? Barring the year he returned from the illness when he played at PF, he played almost exclusively in the backcourt, beginning at SG and switching to PG. But he definitely favored the latter. The reason he went to Michigan State was because he was told that he'd see opportunities at the Point. He also was considering switching teams at the end of his career because he wanted to play PG. When we refer to Magic Johnson, we refer to him as being one of the greatest PGs ever. Therefore, we can't refer to him as Point Forward. Could he have played the SF position? I wouldn't question it. However, that's not what is being discussed.

[-Truth-]

Could I get some clarity on the question raised about the judging? It will have a significant impact on who my selection will be.

[Inqui]

Could I get some clarity on the question raised about the judging? It will have a significant impact on who my selection will be.

Sounds like their best stretch of years is the main factor, but I think their whole career will be inherently factored in for the most part (though that's more about the whole body of work than longevity or consistency, as I see it).

[Birdest]

Great pick with Barry. He was on the top of my list, but I would argue that Lebron and Pippen would both be considered Point Forwards.

 

Also you chose your picture wisely.

I meant the original point forward.

[Inqui]

Great pick with Barry. He was on the top of my list, but I would argue that Lebron and Pippen would both be considered Point Forwards.

 

Also you chose your picture wisely.

You're up.

[-Truth-]

The pick is in. Tracy McGrady wasn't the highest rated player on my board. To be frank, he likely wasn't the highest at his position. But I just couldn't ignore how phenomenal he was during his years in Orlando. He's one of the few players I recall who made scoring look easier than it was to his peers. Kobe Bryant calls McGrady arguably the toughest match up he's had, and when I watched the two face each other, it was evident why. During his earlier years, McGrady was a threat to score from all areas of the floor and he was also an above average defender. His health is a concern, though the depth of this Draft should help level it out. McGrady's career is often judged by what is could've been instead of what is was, and I can't knock that standpoint. This selection may be deemed a reach, but I will live with it.

Edited August 31, 2014 by -Truth-

[Inqui]

McGrady was one of the guys I thought could go ahead of Maravich - not a reach imo.

[-Truth-]

McGrady was one of the guys I thought could go ahead of Maravich - not a reach imo.

 

Thank you. Glad to hear that and great pick on your end in Pistol Pete.

Edited August 31, 2014 by -Truth-

[beanfigger]

Last few picks: I was halfway through typing Barry's name when I switched my pick to Pettit. I want to go small, but I didn't want to be ridiculous about it and not even have a center (though if we are discussing Magic's position, didn't he switch to center in the finals when Kareem got hurt and dominate?). The first point forward was appealing, but I went instead with the first MVP.

Tracy McGrady was a surprise, but not a bad pick by any stretch. He once scored 10 points in the last 35 seconds of a game with the Rockets to win a game, and that was the greatest thing I've seen in the last decade of NBA play.

Pistol Pete! Awesome player, and fantastic gif. So sad that he passed away so soon in his retirement. If I remember correctly, he was the only player named to the "Top 50" years ago during the league's 50th anniversary celebration that wasn't alive to come be recognized.

[CalvinSmoke]

Pistol Pete was monster. The AI of his era

[Birdest]

Last few picks: I was halfway through typing Barry's name when I switched my pick to Pettit. I want to go small, but I didn't want to be ridiculous about it and not even have a center (though if we are discussing Magic's position, didn't he switch to center in the finals when Kareem got hurt and dominate?). The first point forward was appealing, but I went instead with the first MVP.

Tracy McGrady was a surprise, but not a bad pick by any stretch. He once scored 10 points in the last 35 seconds of a game with the Rockets to win a game, and that was the greatest thing I've seen in the last decade of NBA play.

Pistol Pete! Awesome player, and fantastic gif. So sad that he passed away so soon in his retirement. If I remember correctly, he was the only player named to the "Top 50" years ago during the league's 50th anniversary celebration that wasn't alive to come be recognized.

I was originally thinking about getting a power forward in this pick and I was leaning towards picking Pettit or Mchale since they were both picked. Pettit only played 11 years in the NBA but those 11 years displayed dominance.

[MoveThoseChains]

I think a combination of career and best stretch is a good way of looking at this. This is all fun and games, so I'm not going to judge it too extreme. When I select players, I definitely look at stats so I obviously include their best seasons (prime) as a factor.

[codizzle]

Pete taken... finally!!!

[gabefergy]

I meant the original point forward.

Oh ok, yeah you're right about that.

[-Truth-]

Solid pick in Paul.

[-Truth-]

Got my defensive anchor, floor general, and top scorer 

 

You are on the clock.

[-Truth-]

Tracy McGrady was a surprise, but not a bad pick by any stretch. He once scored 10 points in the last 35 seconds of a game with the Rockets to win a game, and that was the greatest thing I've seen in the last decade of NBA play.

Happy to hear that it wasn't a stretch. Yes, sir. The 13 in 35 is still one of my all time favorite moments.

[Birdest]

Darn it, I really wanted Paul to be my PG

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Surprised to see Mcgrady and Paul this early 

[-Truth-]

Surprised to see Mcgrady and Paul this early 

 

I don't blame you for being surprised about McGrady. But since we're judging mostly by the best stretch of the players respective careers, I feel like a case could be made given his years in Orlando and the first few in Houston. Despite the flak he caught for his team's lack of success in the postseason, of the 6 postseason appearances as a starter, he did put up 30 per game in the last 5. At his best, he was an outstanding all-around player, and that factored heavily into my selection. There was a slight bias involved as McGrady was one of my favorites and I had players higher on my board. Good pick in Miller, by the way. He was on my list.

[-Truth-]

Pistol Pete was monster. The AI of his era

 

You are on the clock.

[allblackraven]

Love Chris Paul pick. He was never going to drop to my next but if he did, he'd be my backup PG.

[-Truth-]

Great pick in Mourning. He was on my short list.

[allblackraven]

Pretty big surprise with King. Alonzo is a great pick.

[Inqui]

Surprised to see Mcgrady and Paul this early 

Texas sucks and you're up.

[beanfigger]

Pretty big surprise with King. Alonzo is a great pick.

I also definitely liked Mourning. I was looking at him hard for my next choice. As far as King, if we are doing the best stretch of their career, his 1982-85 stretch was pretty solid.

Edited August 31, 2014 by beanfigger

[Inqui]

I know my next guy's going to be (99% sure he won't be snapped up in the next two picks) - deciding on a pic is tough though. How hard my life is.

Edited August 31, 2014 by Inqui

[gabefergy]

Surprised to see Mcgrady and Paul this early 

Paul is still fairly young, but if he continues to play close to his level for the next 5+ years he could go down as the 2nd best PG of all time. I would already put him in the top 5 personally. If he wins a couple of titles he could push Magic for best ever.

Edited September 1, 2014 by gabefergy

[beanfigger]

Paul is still fairly young, but if he continues to play close to his level for the next 5+ years he could go down as the 2nd best PG of all time. I would already put him in the top 5 personally. If he wins a couple of titles he could push Magic for best ever.

 

If you consider Oscar Robertson a point guard, then it will take more than a couple titles to move into the top two. I've always liked Paul, so he has a chance to finish top three or four in my eyes for sure. Magic, Oscar, Kidd, Thomas, Stockton, a couple that haven't been drafted yet... Paul is getting into that conversation. If we're talking pure skills, then he's already near the top, but it takes more than that.

Edited September 1, 2014 by beanfigger