It was a debate on sportsradio today about Shaq being upset at being overlooked for the award. It spiraled into a conversation of "Shaqs good because Kobe is there for him" vs "Shaq could win with anyone". Would Kobe/Duncan be the beast of the West? Or is it Shaq that powers the Lakers? They thought sans Shaq the Lakers are the TWolves... And...if Garnett were on the Mavs and Nowitski on the Wolves (another argument) would the teams fare any better? This was a Nowitski's already better than KG argument...
Without Shaq, the Lakers are suck. Without Kobe, the Lakers could still potentially win a title. Would they be dominant, no, but they could win a title. Tim Duncan + Kobe would be awesome, but I just don't think there's another Shaq in this world.
During the last Lakers/Blazers series, there was a graphic displaying the Lakers' record with Shaq but w/o Kobe, with them both, and with Kobe only. The best record is with Shaq only. That said, I think there is too much of a talent difference between Kobe and Parker so I give the Duncan/Kobe combo a slight edge.
Kobe Bryant is miles ahead of Tony Parker, so I definitely think the Spurs would benefit more. As for swapping Dirk for KG, I think the Mav's would benefit more.
"And thus I layeth out to you the 11th Commandment... THOU SHALT NOT TRADE THY SON TO JACK NICHOLSON'S FAVORITE TEAM! THAT GUY DRIVES ME NUTS!" signed God.
No way, Dirk is a far superior offensive player. I think that the Mavs offense is tailor made for Dirk, and KG just does not have the skillset that Dirk has. KG is great, but would not fit on the Mavs. DaDakota
Yes, and with Finley, Nash, Lafrentz, Van Exel, Zhi Zhi, Griffin, and Najera, the Mav's could use so much more offense. Personally, I don't think Dirk is "a far superior offensive player" to Garnett, but anyway what the Mav's could use is some interior scoring and defense. Garnett would excel with at least three very capable three-point shooters around him at all times. KG is also a pretty decent outside shooter as well. But, you have your opinions, and I have mine. If you care to see more of mine, see the Garnett vs. Nowitzki thread.
You could say the same for Shaq. Phil Jackson did a great job of getting his two stars to realize they need their teammates to win.
