All-Time NBA Draft: Discussion

[gabefergy]

And later Havlicek

All I'm saying is, Wilt had a massive advantage when he played that he wouldn't have going up against another team full of All-Time Greats. 

[-Truth-]

He wouldn't be putting up his career numbers going up against people just as talented as himself.

There were very few players in NBA history who were as talented as Chamberlain, so that's a moot point. I doubt anyone would expect him to average his early career numbers in the current times, but that's more of a testament to his dominance in that span. The numbers were inflated by his minutes, which were a byproduct of his unreal stamina and endurance during a time when the rules didn't punish physicality. I would gladly take his per 36 numbers, but fortunately, I wouldn't have to. Almost anyone who's played with or against him has proclaimed him to be one of the strongest players of all time. And that was coupled with his rare quickness and unmatched athleticism for his size. I don't see a reason for why he would be notably less effective around the rim in any era. It's hypocritical to knock Chamberlain for the level of competition without offering the same criticism towards Bill Russell when they played in the exact same span. Between Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain, any of the three could've been selected after the first selection and that selection would've been warranted.

Edited August 26, 2014 by -Truth-

[codizzle]

Gonna be following this closely.. Schedule is too busy to have participated but this wide range of possible selections is very intriguing

[beanfigger]

I'm showing my lack of computer skills and no knowledge of posting images and gifs. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. Anyway, Magic Johnson at 7?!?! No complaints here.

 

EDIT: fixed the gif

Edited August 26, 2014 by beanfigger

[beanfigger]

Between Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain, any of the three could've been selected after the first selection and that selection would've been warranted.

This whole post, which I cut down to save space, is great. There are so many positives for all these guys that arguing for your guy is so easy and very effective. Arguing AGAINST any of these guys is unnecessary and causes you to lack credibility. If you like Russel or Alcinder better, tell me why they're great. Don't make a fool of yourself by trying to act like Wilt or anyone else drafted in this thing is not.

Edited August 26, 2014 by beanfigger

[gabefergy]

There were very few players in NBA history who were as talented as Chamberlain, so that's a moot point. I doubt anyone would expect him to average his early career numbers in the current times, but that's more of a testament to his dominance in that span. The numbers were inflated by his minutes, which were a byproduct of his unreal stamina and endurance during a time when the rules didn't punish physicality. I would gladly take his per 36 numbers, but fortunately, I wouldn't have to. Almost anyone who's played with or against him has proclaimed him to be one of the strongest players of all time. And that was coupled with his rare quickness and unmatched athleticism for his size. I don't see a reason for why he would be notably less effective around the rim in any era. It's hypocritical to knock Chamberlain for the level of competition without offering the same criticism towards Bill Russell when they played in the exact same span. Between Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain, any of the three could've been selected after the first selection and that selection would've been warranted.

It's not a moot point because Wilt was physically far superior than the players he went against. However, that's not the case any longer. Is Wilt far more physically gifted than Shaq? Shaq would have dropped 50 points a night back then too, easily. Russell was never defined by his numbers like Wilt so it's very different. Russell was a winner and the ultimate team player, kind of the opposite of Wilt. And, I'm not criticizing your selection. Wilt is an All Time Great player, but you have to consider the era he played in when making statements about his production. Just by looking at per 36 numbers you see a significant difference.

Edited August 26, 2014 by gabefergy

[BALTIMOREFLACCO]

Magic Johnson falling to 7 is asburd

[beanfigger]

Magic Johnson falling to 7 is asburd

Much obliged.

[allblackraven]

Magic Johnson falling to 7 is asburd

Yeah, it does seem weird but if people prefer to build a team around the big guy it's hard to pass on any of the centers selected so far.

[beanfigger]

Yeah, it does seem weird but if people prefer to build a team around the big guy it's hard to pass on any of the centers selected so far.

Oh, the glory days when teams were built and championships won around big men. (Notice I said teamS, not team.)

Edited August 26, 2014 by beanfigger

[allblackraven]

Oh, the glory days when teams were built and championships won around big men. (Notice I said teamS, not team.)

Trouble with that concept is that really dominant ones you can build around show up every 10 years or so

[beanfigger]

Trouble with that concept is that really dominant ones you can build around show up every 10 years or so

Nowadays, sure, but that certainly wasn't the case historically. As recently as the 90s you could have made the argument that half of the top ten players in the league were centers. That was the norm up until this century. Once there was an entire generation of players raised with a three point line, things were bound to change. The floor spacing and jump shooting emphasis make it too hard for bigs to take over anymore.

Edited August 26, 2014 by beanfigger

[codizzle]

Nowadays, sure, but that certainly wasn't the case historically. As recently as the 90s you could have made the argument that half of the top ten players in the league were centers. That was the norm up until this century. Once there was an entire generation of players raised with a three point line, things were bound to change. The floor spacing and jump shooting emphasis make it too hard for bigs to take over anymore.

Also the fact that there isn't a shaq in the league... Or anything close to a shaq

[beanfigger]

Also the fact that there isn't a shaq in the league... Or anything close to a shaq

They aren't developed anymore at the lower levels, so it trickles up.

[MoveThoseChains]

Sorry for the delay, just got home from work. Took Olajuwon. All time leader in blocks, and arguably the greatest center of all time. Love all the selections made prior to mine.

[CalvinSmoke]

I feel like there is an under appreciation of the older generation of players. Bill Russel and Wilt Chamberlain would give our big men hell. You kidding yourself if you think other wise. Sure our players now are better athletes, but they knew how to play basketball back then. Tim Duncan is a prime example of a big time player knowing how to play the game without having killer athleticism. 

[beanfigger]

Sorry for the delay, just got home from work. Took Olajuwon. All time leader in blocks, and arguably the greatest center of all time. Love all the selections made prior to mine.

Very solid. Certainly would been my pick if Magic was off the board.

[beanfigger]

I feel like there is an under appreciation of the older generation of players. Bill Russel and Wilt Chamberlain would give our big men hell. You kidding yourself if you think other wise. Sure our players now are better athletes, but they knew how to play basketball back then. Tim Duncan is a prime example of a big time player knowing how to play the game without having killer athleticism.

Shhhh. Party foul mentioning players who haven't been drafted, yet. All kidding aside, you make a great point. The thing is that bigs aren't developed today the way they used to. People are looking for speed and three point shooting and people who can spread the floor and push the tempo. It's almost like people get blindsided when a big comes along and dominates these days. Look at what's happening right now in New Orleans. There might be a player down there right now who would be drafted in one of these things 15 years from now.

[Inqui]

Don't hate the LeBron pick - when his career's over he'll probably in this kind of area.

 

Fwiw it was down the Magic or Bird for me. Good value at 7.

[SecretAgentMan]

Fundamentals aren't flashy, but neither was Tim Duncan. Duncan in his prime did almost everything well. Perfect guy for me to build around. 

[Gordo52]

I respect it, sam

[beanfigger]

All my guys just went like dominoes after my pick. The last four picks were my short list when I saw I was at 7. Obviously, I never thought Magic would drop to me. Good round overall, as I'm sure most will be.

[SecretAgentMan]

I'll take Kobe with Duncan any day of the week haha

[Inqui]

I'll take Kobe with Duncan any day of the week haha

Somewhere the First Take studio just exploded.

[SecretAgentMan]

Somewhere the First Take studio just exploded.

At least no Lebron haa

[Inqui]

At least no Lebron haa

I wonder where Tim Tebow would go in th... never mind.

[Inqui]

Word.

 

I disagree on any position plateauing. There are tons of capable of swing-men and you can build a bigger or smaller line-up if you want to. 

You're up again.

[Gordo52]

Taking Scalabrine here would be insane value

[beanfigger]

I have to say that the run before my first pick was kind of expected, but the picks that have happened since are killing my board. I'm already down to two left on my short list for my second pick, and there are still two picks to go before me. Solid choices being made all around. Where are the lousy reachers?

[beanfigger]

I'll take Kobe with Duncan any day of the week haha

 

Only 13 of the last 16 Western Conference championships between them, with 10 total rings during that time span. A couple of bums.