Like him or not...

[TOGIE]

I think Kobe is top 5. It's awfully hard to rank players from generation to generation. And the whole ring thing is another discussion. Dan Marino never won a ring. mtmuley

can't disagree.

I did press this AI a littler further and asked it what it thought about some current players, like Jokic.

It just admits that the way the experts and community rank things, rings have huge sway. It mentions 3 of 5 rings Kobe has were alongside shaq and his thin MVP awards really hurt his ranking, but is undoubtedly arguably in the top 10. It says Jokic is a statistical anomaly of scoring, IQ, and passing vision the likes of which the world has probably never seen, and time will tell if he cracks the top 10. It mentions the NBA is operating with far more parity than, say Magic contended with, making his dominance all the more impressive. Further, considering he's never really had much in the way of consistent "elite" talent around him makes everything he's done more impressive, but for now, remains outside of the top 10.

Really, the point i'm taking away is how complicated it is and how much rings and MVP awards seem matter in the discussion.

Regardless, Lebron is something to behold and undoubtedly a top 5 all time IMO.

 

[belshawelk]

Google is your friend. mtmuley

I don’t use Google. Have no idea what your saying.

 

[mtmuley]

I don’t use Google. Have no idea what your saying.

I could guide you through all of the philanthropic places and foundations and other ways James has given. Look for yourself. mtmuley

 

[406dn]

I am not the LeBron fan that I was a decade ago. That said, he is surely on any very short list to ever play.

Regarding championships, the CBA more or less makes building a lasting dynasty nearly impossible. Once players come off their rookie contract, it is hard to hold a team together.

The level of play is better right now than it has ever been. One huge component is now the talent pool is literally the entire planet. Forty years ago, it was nearly all US talent. The game has evolved. Teams have fully realized the value of the three point shot. This makes the defense's job much more difficult, than when it was dominated by low post play. Take a look at some games from the 80's. The lack of movement in the half court is striking.

I think LeBron would have been very successful in any era. He is a more talented Karl Malone. Men that size and that strong have a physical advantage against anyone guarding them.

 

[Nick87]

The level of play is better right now than it has ever been

You really think so? Maybe I'm blind but I dont see it that way.

 

[noharleyyet]

If he didn't put butts in the bleachers & keep the media paywalls happy he wouldn't have the stroke he obviously deserves...simple front office math.

 

[406dn]

You really think so? Maybe I'm blind but I dont see it that way.

Absolutely, they have a larger talent pool and decades to study how best to play the game. I'll mention a center the Jazz had back in the day, Mark Eaton. He was very tall, heavy and SLOW. He had a niche, as a rim protector. He could not play in today's game. Defenders have to cover much more of the court today.Consider when teams have to account for Steph Curry.

No one stretched the court like him. Now every team stretches the court. The game is being played differently, because up tempo, with a good dose of three's produces more points, compared to slow play, and getting the ball into your low post player.

One thing that remains is the team with the most points, wins.

 

[mtmuley]

If he didn't put butts in the bleachers & keep the media paywalls happy he wouldn't have the stroke he obviously deserves...simple front office math.

Yep. But he can play basketball too. mtmuley

 

[Nick87]

Absolutely, they have a larger talent pool and decades to study how best to play the game. I'll mention a center the Jazz had back in the day, Mark Eaton. He was very tall, heavy and SLOW. He had a niche, as a rim protector. He could not play in today's game. Defenders have to cover much more of the court today.Consider when teams have to account for Steph Curry.

No one stretched the court like him. Now every team stretches the court. The game is being played differently, because up tempo, with a good dose of three's produces more points, compared to slow play, and getting the ball into your low post player.

One thing that remains is the team with the most points, wins.

They do but I just dont see them playing as hard as they used to. 90s early 2000"s basketball those guys went full send. Earleir eras I can't say because I didnt watch it in action. But 90's compared to now I can't even watch anymore. Personally its a total different game. Definitely talent but its a totally different game being played imo.

 

[mtmuley]

They do but I just dont see them playing as hard as they used to. 90s early 2000"s basketball those guys went full send. Earleir eras I can't say because I didnt watch it in action. But 90's compared to now I can't even watch anymore. Personally its a total different game. Definitely talent but its a totally different game being played imo.

Go watch some 70's or 80's football games. mtmuley

 

[mtmuley]

Go watch some 70's or 80's football games. mtmuley

Especially Larry Allen. mtmuley

 

[noharleyyet]

Yep. But he can play basketball too. mtmuley

Yes, covered under obviously deserves.