The NBA draft has been really weak in terms of producing dominant superstar players who you knew was on the court at all times. Since 2010, the best players drafted are Davis, Wall, Lillard, Cousins, Griffin, George, Kawhi, Green, Butler, Simmons, and Towns. Take a look at the drafts in the late 90s and you will see what I am talking about. The 96-98 NBA drafts produced superstar talents. The only comparable draft since is the 03 NBA draft with LeBron, Melo, Wade, and Bosh. Looking at the most recent NBA drafts I see role players.
Nope never will there be those type of guys playing the game again some will come close but there games where complete there are a lot of young players that have special games but not like those four.
Idk. Lebron is pretty dominate Surely he belongs on the all time great list and His career isn't over yet. And I don't even like lebron
Is it because you're comparing players who are only mid way through their careers Vs players retired with legacy? If what you're saying is true, is it because of improved overall players development and team focus in youth basketball today? You'd have to agree that the overall average player is far better than 20 years ago. Or is it because kids spend more time on tablet devices, phones etc rather than spending all day outside playing basketball and refining their skills?
I was thinking this might be the case and that the average player today is better than the average player yesterday. However, when you watch the all-time great's it reminds you that's not the case. Even when LeBron came into the league you knew he was never going to be as dominant a player on offense as the above mentioned players.
I think KAT will be on the list of players to watch who might be up there. If Embiid can get his sheet straight, he could be Hakeem-esque. Other than that, LeBron belongs on the list already.
Jordan, Kobe, Shaq... players like these will come around again. There will never be anyone like Dream ever again. If you want to find someone like him, start searching alternate universes. Just feel lucky you lived during his reign. All hail the great one Hakeem!
My simple answer - it'll happen when it happens. Its not like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem, Bill Russell, Magic, Larry Bird, Dr J, Oscar Robertson all happened in a 7 year cluster. Sometimes it was 10-15-20+ years to get from 1 generational talent to next. Though talent scouting today is too ridiculous scouting freaking 4th graders, we don't QUITE know yet which kid is gonna grow and blossom into the best phenom. Also- Team systems, increased opponent scouting, game planning on defense actually decreases variance in style of play where it can neutralize everyone into a more generic approach. (Mostly the traditional BIG MEN have been taken out the game). So that REALLY cuts down on chance at another special big. Then players going into good CIRCUMSTANCES plays into it. Having the right system, right players/teammates, right coaching, right front office, etc. Would Kobe win 5 rings in Charlotte? Would Shaq have won multiple rings staying in Orlando? Does MJ, Kobe OR Shaq have their great success WITHOUT Phil Jackson? Could you swap Kobe with Tracy McGrady and get the same results with Shaq and Phil?
Also, just to clear up the average NBA talent is better argument. You saw what Kobe did at 38 post-injuries after being pro for 20 years. Maybe it will take time, but if LeBron is who some of you guys want me to be in awe about I won't lie, I am disappointed. I consider Curry the greatest shooter ever, LeBron as a player who has one of the most complete games, Harden as one of the greatest scoring playmakers and Durant is up there as well, but none of them have the shot creating ability/dominance and defensive ability as some of the GOATS.
