Kidd or Payton?

[Azim da Dream]

Gary "The Glove" Payton and Jason "Why do I not have an awesome nickname yet?" Kidd are arguably the two best PGs in the world in any given order. Sure, Marbury can match them point for point, and Jason Williams makes the highlight reels more often, but these two greats are so freaking well-rounded, that they can literally toy with the others.

But my question is, who is better between the two. I ask this partly because I'm curious to hear out your respected opinions on this matter, and partly - ok mainly - because I'm just flat out bored. Anyways, Jason is surrounded by better players at the moment, but injuries have depleted the Suns and he has kept them afloat almost single-handedly. While GP has had some limited help ever since Kemp bolted town.

Anywayz, here's my breakdown of the two superstars, with a rating out of ten for each player (yeah, I'm THAT bored)

Defense
Payton - 9.9
Kidd - 9.0

Passing
Payton - 9.0
Kidd - 9.5

Speed
Payton - 8.5
Kidd - 9.0

3-Pointers
Payton - 9.5
Kidd - 8.5

Jump Shots
Payton - 9.5
Kidd - 9.5

Penetration
Payton - 8.75
Kidd - 9.25

Post-ups
Payton - 9.0
Kidd - 9.0

Leadership
Payton - 8.0
Kidd - 9.0

Killer Instinct
Payton - 9.9
Kidd - 8.0

Overall
Payton - 9.5
Kidd - 9.5

I think this as close a match-up between two premier players in the game as any other.
If you still don't know who you'd rather have, just ask yourself, "who would you rather build your team around?"
http://nba.com/playerfile/jason_kidd.html http://nba.com/playerfile/gary_payton.html

Azim da Dream

[This message has been edited by Azim da Dream (edited January 06, 2000).]

[4chuckie]

Azim-
I agree with you they are very comparable players. Personally i would give up some defense (Payton) to have a great PG (Kidd) who gets everyone involved.
Neither one of these guys have proved that they can lead a team to the championship, and in fact both at times have had bad press (kidd in dallas with all the 3-J's problems) and Payton seems to be a very polar player because he talks so much on the court.
I don't think you could go wrong with either but I would pick Kidd, just because he, IMO, is a true PG who gets everyone involved.

[JuanValdez]

I as well would have to vote for Kidd to build a team around. They are pretty comparable players, as has been said, but I think Kidd's personality is more conducive to a championship than Payton's. In a few years, though, the question will be moot as Francis towers over the PG position and makes everyone else look like pretenders.

[Pole]

Kidd will probably always be my favorite non-Rocket. He is the comsummate point guard.

[AntiSonic]

I have to go with Payton. The guy can just flat out DOMINATE games.

[Pole]

I'm a little peeved with him right now, but he's still my favorite non-Rocket.

only now, I can actually spell "consummate."

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stop posting my damn signature

[RocksMillenium]

I have to go with "The Glove". He is a better defender then Kidd, and he is a big money player. Not saying Kidd can't take over a game, he did lat night. But those are few and far between for Kidd. He is good at getting others involved in the game. Payton can get people involved AND take over a game. He, along with Kemp, took the Sonics on their back and carried them to the Finals. Have to go with Gary Payton.

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Meow!

[JuanValdez]

Why are you dredging up these old posts?

It was funny on this one though because I was reading my own post and then glanced over and saw my own handle. I have absolutely no recollection of writing this. For an instant, I thought there was an imposter until I saw the date. Even funnier is that when I was reading the first post I was thinking Payton is better and then I find myself arguing for Kidd!

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[vj23k]

Jump Shots Payton - 9.5 Kidd - 9.5 Penetration Payton - 8.75 Kidd - 9.25 Post-ups Payton - 9.0 Kidd - 9.0 Leadership Payton - 8.0 Kidd - 9.0 Killer Instinct Payton - 9.9 Kidd - 8.0 Overall Payton - 9.5 Kidd - 9.5

Have to disagree with some of these.

GP is a better shooter

And in my opinion also penetrates and posts up better.

Here is my overall ranking:

Payton:9.5
Kidd:9.4

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Never Underestimate the Heart of a Champion

[ZRB]

After seeing him up close a few times, I'd have to vote for Payton. Kidd can't score consistently. Last night was the biggest fluke of all time. Although, I have to give Kidd the edge in overall leadership.

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Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon is the greatest player in the history of basketball. If you disagree, you are not a Rocket fan.

[Mr.Scary]

I have to go with GP. Because of his defensive intensity.

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"Stop your grinnin' and
drop your linen"
-Hudson