I do not know if you saw the white Bronco chase in the middle of the finals, but I was jumping up and down screaming at the TV.
Even this hypothetical matchup is still too much of a fantasy matchup because it's only the starting 5, I think what really decides the series is the bench. So the depth of talents of the 90s vs the 00s are also very relevant. For example, 90s is not in shortage of great centers, can't say the same about the 00s and you can make an argument that there are more elite PGs now than the 90s.
Wait a second, you think a scoring point guard rather than a distribution point guard would be better for a superstar team? Especially one with players with such good off ball skills.... Stockton is the best half court pg of all time, is almost as good defensively, and is a much better shooter. If you played with today's rules, he's arguably be a better defender (Stockton had much better lane reading, whereas Payton was way more physical), and that Payton can't shoot for **** from outside would be exploitable for defensive spacing without illegal defense rules. Stockton is the best pg for any superstar team, even over Magic because he remains highly effective when his scoring impact is just the shoot the kick outs and open shots, allowing the better scorers to carry the load.
Beat me to it. Overall you lose little, if anything defensively going with Stockton. And you definitely gain on offense. The passing part is obvious, but Stockton was also certainly the best 3-point shooter of the three. Shooting is a lot more valuable than another shot-creator with the other guys who are already in the lineup.
Bout the defense, I totally agree with you. However I do believe as well a healthy dosage of shooting in the shape of Nash, Kobe, Tmac ,Dirk plus the size of Shaq/Yao are able to put points on the table. Everyone have their preference, and with different rules across the era. So what rules will we be following? Rodman will get foul out/thrown out of games in less than 10 minutes if he plays today. And, James + Durant vs Jordan + Dream? Are you saying 2 v 2 or 5 v 5? I'm still taking my chance with Durant and James regardless. Just for 2 reasons 1) Dream is never the 2nd fiddle to anyone 2) Jordan never played with a dominant big man. And yes, I do believe both James + Durant will one day be consider as top 5 GOAT if not the GOAT.
Here's the deal on the recent guys: You can't have Kobe on your team. Why? 1) He thinks he's the top dog and would dominate the ball at the expense of others. 2) He would let his emotion get the best of him going against Jordan and try to prove he's better, thus exacerbating #1. The strategy would be to let Kobe get the ball and let him go off. He may outscore Jordan, but it will take him 30 or more shots to do it. Meanwhile, 90's team is efficient on the offensive end while playing mind games with the other guys and sowing discord as Kobe takes jumper after jumper or drives between Jordan and Pippen into Dream.
Kobe definitely allows his competitive streak and desire to one-up Jordan get the best of him and I agree that Jordan and the team of the 90's would be all to happy to exploit that internal weakness, however, Jordan won't be out done. He IS the top dog and will have to prove to Kobe that the throne belongs to him and ONLY him. There would definitely be a game inside a game in that series. What happened with the first Dream Team when Jordan took the reigns from Magic and Bird was he won it over from them in practice and he would be the immediate Alpha on the team because he had already long established that role but I don't think Kobe gets that same level of respect because he is a recluse and not a team player. I agree that the internal strife would begin to set in due to Kobe's ego especially after they lose Games 1 and 2 due to it (which would undoubtedly happen in my view). After that, it's all down hill. 90's in 4.
Yep. Paul, James, and Kevin on the perimeter is a much tougher group as the latter two are longer than Jordan/Pippen/Drexler, or whoever you want to put there.
Question the difference between Hakeem and Howard in what way? In a hypothetical Finals series you're taking the Heat over any actual team, past or present, the '92 Dream Team, or what? Please clarify.
Just remember, the rules of today favor perimeter players and they have their way as much as possible with as little interference as possible. Jordan, Drexler, Pippen, etc. got the crap beat out of them when they played and had to be much more physical to create shots and get them off. Durant and James have it far easier today on the offensive end than the 90's era. Not saying they are not talented but take that into consideration when you think about their numbers or ability to get to the rim.
All good. I'm with you, any fantasy squad of players post-2000 probably get swept by the '90s elite. Especially if they don't have Kobe, as some have suggested.
I don't think it will be a sweep...i even think the recent players have a good chance of winning the first game because of the 3 ball especially if they go in. The good thing with 7 series is you can't just win it by 3 ball, the 90's team will adjust and it will become a grind....90's team 4-1 or 4-2.
I was just skimming this thread before I guess. How did I miss this post... First of all, you think Hakeem is up there as one of the most "skilled" players ever... I agree. Then you turn around and question "the difference between Dream & Howard." Err... how about Dream was insanely skilled, and Howard... isn't? Second... good god, I will never ever ever understand people who offer up Nash as even in the conversation for best PG ever. Magic/Stockton/Oscar >>> Nash.
