The Best Backcourt of the Last 20 Years: Round One
Joe Jeezy is a five-seed with NashAfter the first two play-in games of our Best Backcourt of the Last 20 years, in which you voted the 2000-01 Milwaukee Bucks’ duo of Mr. Shuttlesworth and Sam Cassell over the ’03-04 Bibby/Peja Kings’ duo by a margin of 32-16, and Mr. Chibbs/Drazen Petrovic on top of the ’03-04 super-charged version of Agent 0 and Larry Hughes by a mark of 28-21, the field of 16 is officially set.
Here’s a reminder of the rules as we play off to determine the best backcourt of this generation: We’re taking a snapshot of each backcourt, evaluating them based upon the player that they were that season. Though it’s not a two-on-two competition, it’s important to look at these duo’s as pairs. How good were both guys that year? Within the context of a team game, how dominant were they? Stats are definitely a huge way to prove that they put everyone who stepped in front of them in the blender – but a compelling argument weighs more than numbers.
We’ll tally your votes in the comments section…
Oscar Robertson Bracket
1. ’89-90 Detroit Pistons – Won Finals vs. Trailblazers
Isiah Thomas – 18.4 ppg, 1492 pts, 43.8% FG, 42 3PM, 30.9% 3FG, 3.8 rpg, 9.4 apg, 1.7 spg
Joe Dumars – 17.8 ppg, 1335 pts, 48.0% FG, 22 3PM, 40.0% 3FG, 2.8 rpg, 4.9 apg
vs.
8. ’00-01 Milwaukee Bucks – Lost Eastern Conference Finals vs. Philadelphia
Sam Cassell – 18.2 ppg, 1381 pts, 47.4% FG, 30 3PM, 30.6% 3FG, 3.8 rpg, 7.6 apg, 1.2 spg
Ray Allen – 22.0 ppg, 1806 pts, 48.0% FG, 202 3PM, 43.3% 3FG, 5.2 rpg, 4.6 apg, 1.5 spg
–
4. ’94-95 Utah Jazz – Lost Western Conference First Round vs. Houston Rockets
John Stockton – 14.7 ppg, 1206 pts, 54.2% FG, 103 3PM, 44.9% 3FG, 3.1 rpg, 12.3 apg, 2.4 spg
Jeff Hornacek – 16.5 ppg, 1337 pts, 51.4% FG, 89 3PM, 40.6% 3FG, 2.6 rpg, 4.3 apg, 1.6 spg
vs.
5. ’95-96 Indiana Pacers – Lost Eastern Conference First Round vs. Atlanta
Mark Jackson – 10.0 ppg, 806 pts, 47.3% FG, 64 3PM, 43.0% 3FG, 3.8 rpg, 7.8 apg, 1.2 spg
Reggie Miller – 21.1 ppg, 1606 pts, 47.3% FG, 168 3PM, 41.0% 3FG, 2.8 rpg, 3.3 apg
–
3. ’95-96 Orlando Magic – Lost Eastern Conference Finals vs. Bulls
Penny Hardaway – 21.7 ppg, 1780 pts, 51.3% FG, 89 3PM, 31.4% 3FG, 4.3 rpg, 7.1 apg, 2.0 spg
Dennis Scott – 17.5 ppg, 1431 pts, 44.0% FG, 267 3PM, 42.5% 3FG, 3.8 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.1 spg
vs.
6. ’04-05 San Antonio Spurs – Won Finals vs. Detroit
Tony Parker – 16.6 ppg, 1331 pts, 48.2% FG, 43 3PM, 27.6% 3FG, 3.7 rpg, 6.1 apg, 1.2 spg
Manu Ginobili – 16.0 ppg, 1186 pts, 47.1% FG, 97 3PM, 37.6% 3FG, 4.4 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.6 spg
–
2. ’92-93 Chicago Bulls Won Finals vs. Phoenix
B.J. Armstrong – 12.3 ppg, 1008 pts, 49.9% FG, 62 3PM, 44.6% 3FG, 1.8 rpg, 4.0 apg
Michael Jordan – 32.6 ppg, 2541 pts, 49.5% FG, 81 3PM, 35.2% 3FG, 6.7 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.8 spg
vs.
7. ’03-04 Detroit Pistons – Won Finals vs. Lakers
Chauncey Billups – 16.9 ppg, 1318 pts, 39.4% FG, 130 3PM, 38.8% 3FG, 3.5 rpg, 5.7 apg
Richard Hamilton – 17.6 ppg, 1375 pts, 45.5% FG, 18 3PM, 26.5% 3FG, 3.6 rpg, 4.0 apg, 1.3 spg
Bob Cousy Bracket
1. ’88-89 Los Angeles Lakers – Lost Finals vs. Detroit
Magic Johnson – 22.5 ppg, 1730 pts, 50.9% FG, 59 3PM, 31.4% 3FG, 7.9 rpg, 12.8 apg, 1.8 spg
Byron Scott – 19.6 ppg, 1448 pts, 49.1% FG, 77 3PM, 39.9% 3FG, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.5 spg
vs.
8. ’92-93 New Jersey Nets– Lost Eastern Conference First Round vs. Cleveland
Kenny Anderson – 16.9 ppg, 927 pts, 43.5% FG, 7 3PM, 28% 3FG, 4.1 rpg, 8.2 apg
Drazen Petrovic – 22.3 ppg, 1564 pts, 51.8% FG, 75 3PM, 44.9% 3FG, 2.7 rpg, 3.5 apg
–
4. ’95-96 Seattle Supersonics – Lost Finals vs. Chicago
Gary Payton – 19.3 ppg, 1563 pts, 48.4% FG, 98 3PM, 32.8% 3FG, 4.2 rpg, 7.5 apg, 2.9 spg
Hersey Hawkins – 15.6 ppg, 1279 pts, 47.3% FG, 146 3PM, 38.4% 3FG, 3.6 rpg, 2.7 apg, 1.8 spg
vs.
5. ’04-05 Phoenix Suns– Lost Western Conference Finals vs. San Antonio
Steve Nash – 15.5 ppg, 1165 pts, 50.2% FG, 94 3PM, 43.1% 3FG, 3.3 rpg, 11.5 apg
Joe Johnson – 17.1 ppg, 1400 pts, 46.1% FG, 177 3PM, 47.8% 3FG, 5.1 rpg, 3.5 apg
–
3. ’88-89 Portland Trailbalzers – Lost Western Conf first round to LA
Terry Porter – 17.7 ppg, 1431 pts, 47.1% FG, 79 3PM, 36.1% 3FG, 4.5 rpg, 9.5 apg
Clyde Drexler – 27.2 ppg, 2123 pts, 49.6% FG, 27 3PM, 26% 3FG, 7.9 rpg, 5.8 apg
vs.
6. ’00-01 Philadelphia 76ers – Lost finals to Lakers
Eric Snow – 9.8 ppg, 491 pts, 41.8% FG, 5 3PM, 26.3% 3FG, 3.3 rpg, 7.4 apg, 1.5 spg
Allen Iverson – 31.1 ppg, 2207 pts, 42.0% FG, 98 3PM, 32.0% 3FG, 3.8 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.5 spg
–
2. ’90-91 Golden State Warriors – Lost Western Conference Semifinals vs. Los Angeles
Tim Hardaway – 22.9 ppg, 1881 pts, 47.6% FG, 97 3PM, 38.5% 3FG, 4.0 rpg, 9.7 apg, 2.6 spg
Mitch Richmond – 23.9 ppg, 1840 pts, 49.4% FG, 40 3PM, 34.8% 3FG, 5.9 rpg, 3.1 apg
vs.
7. ’06-07 New Jersey Nets – Lost Eastern Conference Semifinals to Cleveland
Jason Kidd – 13.0 ppg, 1041 pts, 40.6% FG, 124 3PM, 34.3% 3FG, 8.2 rpg, 9.2 apg, 1.6 spg
Vince Carter – 25.2 ppg, 2070 pts, 45.4% FG, 156 3PM, 35.7% 3FG, 6.0 rpg, 4.8 apg, 1.0 spg
-->
September 12th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
sith lord 24 says:
actually dennis scott was the small foward on that team.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Goonther says:
BREAKING NEWS …. cleveland resigned delonte west to a multi year deal ….
http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/delonte_west_080912.html
September 12th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
MSkittle says:
Good call. The 2 Guard was Nick Anderson
September 12th, 2008 at 3:48 pm
RENO says:
Good call lord. Nick Anderson was the 2 guard I believe.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Mike says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket.
1. Isaiah and Dumars win over 8. Ray Allen and Sam Cassell.
Unless we are talking about coaching, Isaiah is way better than Cassell. Ray Allen is a better shooter than Dumaars, but it doesn’t make up for the Isaiah/Cassell match-up.
–
5. Mark Jackson and Reggie Miller over 4. John Stockton and Jeff Hornacek
This is a coin-flip. I like Stockton over Mark Jackson by a little, but I like Miller over Hornacek by more. So, the edge goes to the Pacers.
–
6. Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili over 3. Penny and Dennis Scott
Parker and Ginobili might be the best backcourt in the game right now. Could you say that about Penny and Dennis Scott in the 90′s? I didn’t think so.
–
2. Jordan on his own beats Big Shot Chauncey and Rip.
Jordan isn’t going to lose any competition.
-
Bob Cousy Bracket
1. Magic and Byron Scott coast to an easy win over Kenny Anderson and Drazen Petrovic
Am I going to embarass myself by saying, “Drazen Petrovic who?”
–
4. Gary Payton and Hersey Hawkins win over 5. Steve Nash and Joe Johnson
The Glove would have shut Nash down. That would make it Gary Payton and Hersey Hawkins against Joe Johnson. Got to give it to the Sonics.
–
3. Terry Porter and Clyde Drexler win against 6. Eric Snow and Allen Iverson
If it weren’t for Eric Snow, the 76ers could have won this match-up.
–
2. Run TM (no C in the backcourt)beat 7. Jason Kidd and Vince Carter
This was a tough one, but I remembered how well Vince does when the pressure is on and the answer became apparent.
September 12th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
RENO says:
So what now dime? Does Orlando stay as is, do they swap D. Scott for Anderson…. Wassup!?!
September 12th, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Dime Magazine says:
Fellas,
We officially checked and actually Dennis Scott was listed as the two guard. I thought it was Nick, but according to Basketball-reference.com, it’s 3D.
-AK
September 12th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
rob stewart says:
BJ Armstrong!!! My main man.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
DO says:
oscar robertson
1. Isiah and Joe
4. Stockton and jeff h
–
6. parker ginobli–
2. tough, but i’d take jordan and bj armstrong
Bob Cousy Bracket
1. Magic and Byron
–
4. Payton and hersey hawkins
–
3. Porter and drexler–
7. Jason kidd , vince carter… too much size for hardaway and richmond
September 12th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
RENO says:
Zeke & JD
Stockton & Hornececk
Eva Longoria & Manu
MJ & Baby Face
Magic & B. Scott
Da Glove & Da Hawk (they’d played better D)
T. Pain & Clyde (it was really just AI)
Hardaway & Richmond (more consistent)
September 12th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
MC3 says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
Isiah and Joe
Stockton and Hornacek
Tony Parker/Manu Ginobili
B.J. Armstrong/Michael Jordan
Bob Cousy Bracket
Magic Johnson/Byron Scott
Steve Nash/Joe Johnson
Terry Porter/Clyde Drexler
Tim Hardaway/Mitch Richmond
September 12th, 2008 at 4:09 pm
sans says:
Isiah i too good to lose to Sammy and Ray.
Reggie
Manu and TP
MJ and BJ–that’s fuct up to put Rip and Chaunce against them, I would place them higher than Dirty and Horny
Magic–and, yeah, it’s embarrassing if you don’t know who Drazen was. First greatr Euro player, died over the summer same year as Reggie Lewis.
Steve Nash and Joe Johnson–Hershey wasn’t a consistent All Star (once?) and the extra assists and 3 balls put the Suns up. Sorry Austin.
Terry and Glide–Kinda sad that the best person that AI has ever had next to him in the backcourt was Eric Snow.
Run TM–Kidd and Carter was supposed to be an electric squad, but never actually played that great together.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
JA says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
2-on-2, I actually give it to Sam and Ray. Sam would post up lil Isiah all day. Neither Thomas nor Dumars shoot the 3 or rebound all that well. In a team game, I would take the Pistons of course.
–
I don’t see the two gritty white boys losing in either 2-on-2, or in a team game. Gotta go with the Jazz, especially since they both shot over 51%.
–
Orlando … it’s close, but I hate the Spurs too much to vote for them here.
–
Bulls – B.J. Armstrong was one of my favorite players growing up
Bob Cousy Bracket
Lake Show easy.
–
Suns – this was before Nash’s back was giving him fits and he lost a step.
–
Blazers. Porter would do a decent job on AI. Glyde was just too f@ckin good.
–
Close one. Warriors take it.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Amar says:
Isiah and Joe D
Stockton and Hornacek
Misses Longoria and Manu (dennis scott’s stats are great, but rememeber, they were all on kick outs from shaq and crew, this is just the backcourt, not the backcourt in relation to the frontcourt)
as much as it pains me, living in detroit, but MJ and BJ
magic and scott
the glove and hawk
porter and clyde (sure, no one will be able to stop AI, but who’s going to stop clyde posting up a 6’7 on either AI or Snow (6’2)?)
Kidd and Carter.
September 12th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
raf says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
Isiah Thomas Joe Dumars
–
John Stockton Jeff Hornacek
–
Tony Parker Manu Ginobili
–
B.J. Armstrong Michael Jordan
-
Bob Cousy Bracket
Magic Johnson Byron Scott
–
Steve Nash Joe Johnson
–
Eric Snow Allen Iverson
–
Tim Hardaway Mitch Richmond
–
September 12th, 2008 at 4:22 pm
Prof. TX says:
Big ‘O’ Side:
Thomas/Dumars
Jackson/Miller
Parker/Ginobili
Billups/Hamilton
Cousy Side:
Johnson/Scott
Payton/Hawkins
Porter/Drexler
Hardaway/Richmond
September 12th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
P says:
Zeke and Louisiana Joe
Stockton and Horny
Parker and Manu
Chauncy and Rip (both of these players are much better then BJ, even with MJ)
Magic and Byron
GP and Hersey
Porter and The Glide by a long shot!
RUN TMC
September 12th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
loganlight says:
This could get complicated, so I’ll save the arguing for the later rounds… my votes:
Isiah/Dumars
Jackson/Miller
Parker/Ginobili (from a Spurs HATER)
Armstrong/Jordan
Magic/Byron
Nash/JJ
Porter/Drexler
Hardaway/Richmond
LL
September 12th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Ian says:
thomas and dumars
no contest for me
jackson and miller
although stock is the best player of the 4 but then again horny was awesome but both pacers are allstars
parker and manu
again a no contest now really whos scott gonna guard
hamilton and billups
barely wow a jordan team not making it over billups and hamilton the thing is this would be a 2 on 1
magic and scott
no contest although drazen would give scott buckets
nash and joe
another one kinda easy i know someone said payton would shut nash down sorry but those two would play to a draw and hell nash would out score the glove no one shuts down a great offensive player one on one, joe busts up hawkins
porter and drexler
this is the easiest one of all of them now comon whos eric snow? and drexler is better than iverson imo
kidd and vince
this is the one is close
September 12th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Ian says:
ima a suns hater but i cant talk out my ass and pick the seattle team
September 12th, 2008 at 4:42 pm
Jcarr says:
jordan wins
Dime, I still havent gotten my autographed D-Wade magazine from the summer contest!!! Is it going to arrive in my mail box any day soon????????
September 12th, 2008 at 4:59 pm
wong says:
what about when sprewell and hardaway was running it for the ‘dubs, before they tried to kill each other? they even had their own cover on Slam, Nice and Smooth, I think it was called….
September 12th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Smooth says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
1.
Isiah Thomas
Joe Dumars
–
5.
Mark Jackson
Reggie Miller
–
3.
Penny Hardaway
Dennis Scott
–
2.
B.J. Armstrong
Michael Jordan
Bob Cousy Bracket
1.
Magic Johnson
Byron Scott
–
4.
Gary Payton
Hersey Hawkins
–
3.
Terry Porter
Clyde Drexler
–
2.
Tim Hardaway
Mitch Richmond
September 12th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
Jim says:
OR
1,4,6,2
BC
1,5,3,2
September 12th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
Smooth says:
that was real messed up 2 have a great backcourt like billups & hamilton matched up with mj & bj , theres no way they gonna beat mj’s team, but i could see billups & hamilton takin most of the other backcourts just not this 1
September 12th, 2008 at 5:22 pm
it aint easy bein green says:
isiah joe
-
john jeff
-
eva manu
-
mj bj
-
glove hawk
-
glide porter
-
timmy mitch
@dime – good lookin out
September 12th, 2008 at 6:22 pm
J says:
dumars pistons, jazz, spurs bulls lakers suns blazers nets. what about a kidd and penny/kj backourt in phoenix? or gp nate in seattle
September 12th, 2008 at 6:33 pm
rangerjohn (R.I.P. EVAN TANNER) says:
i have to ask why the 04-05 parker manu, they where a better back court in 06-07 then they where 04-05.
this thing is rigged lmao
Oscar Robertson Bracket
Isiah Thomas Joe Dumars
John Stockton Jeff Hornacek
Tony Parker Manu Ginobili
B.J. Armstrong Michael Jordan
Bob Cousy Bracket
Magic Johnson Byron Scott
Steve Nash Joe Johnson
Eric Snow Allen Iverson
Tim Hardaway Mitch Richmond
September 12th, 2008 at 6:46 pm
S-SiN says:
1. Zeke + Joe D
2. Stockton + Hornacek
3. Parker + Ginobili
4. MJ + BJ
1. Magic + Scott
2. Payton + Hawkins
3. Clyde + Terry
4. Tim + Mitch
Some of these are hard as hell!
September 12th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
MoxWestCoastRep says:
Isiah and Joe D
-Too much quickness for ET too handle and Joe D puts Ray Ray on lock all night.
Reggie and MJ
-Tough one but it comes down to Reggie giving Hornacek too many buckets. Other than that its pretty even
Penny and Scott
-This is tough too but once again its Penny and DS just too much offense for the Spurs backcourt. Penny was near unstoppable that year and DS was a great shooter. I dont think the Spurs do enough to stop them
MJ and BJ
- Again, I think the stones end up double teaming mike and BJ can knock down open shots. Mike locks up RIP like fort knox
Magic and Byron
-This one aint even close
Glove and HH
-I dont think they get passed this round, but Nash wont be able to guard GP and wont be able to do much against him either. JJ gives Hersey the biz tho
-Snow and AI
Gonna go w the upset here. Purely cause AI goes nuts and theres no one to stop him. Got be one and done however.
Hardaway and Mitch
-This really isnt Kidds cup o tea. He cant shoot and Timmy will expose him
September 12th, 2008 at 6:52 pm
Nyeme says:
I’m going with
Sam & Ray – why? Zeke > Sam, Ray > Dumars but I’m a Jesus fan
Stockton & Hornecek
Penny & Dennis Scott (I always remembered Nick as the SG but whatever). Parker can’t guard Penny
Jordan……(does BJ even count as the PG?)
Run TM_
Magic
Glove & Hersey
Glide & Terry Porter
Run TM_
September 12th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Drink the Haterade (KB24 Chip 09) says:
Ok real quick I got go with Glide and Terry all the the way. I can’t see anyone really beating them.
September 12th, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Ian says:
ranger john
u know only austin has our backs in the dime office
they didnt pick the best manu and parker year
nyeme
is true parker cant guard penny but penny cant guard parker
and scott is getting destroyed in that matchup vs manu
September 12th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
rodnets says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
Isaiah – Gi Joe
–
Mark Jackson Reggie Miller
–
TP Manu
–
MJ BJ
Magic Byron
–
Nash Johnson
–
Porter Drexler
–
Kidd Carter
September 12th, 2008 at 7:48 pm
SayItAintSo says:
Only vote I’m given is to the Glove and Hawkins. R.I.P. my Sonic brethren, R.I.P.
From my workplace website: The Seattle Sonics hold the distinction of playing the first and only NBA game that ever rained out (January 1986 at Seattle Center Coliseum).
September 12th, 2008 at 7:51 pm
Meica says:
Oscar the Great Bracket:
—1. Isiah an Dumars handedly. Does it get any better?
—5. Mark Jackson and Reggie Miller. While Stockton and co. have better numbers, there is no way they could ever beat Jackson and Miller.
—6. Parker and Ginobili. It would be a damn good game though. Close and exciting.
—2. Armstrong and Jordan. Oh how I love you, BJ—oh, man, that sounded dirty. Billups/Hamilton are both so overrated. They only win big games when the other team loses. Their strength is their defense, and sorry, but it’s not good enough to stop Jordan.
Bob’s Bracket:
—Johnson and Scott. Mr. Johnson could probably win this competition all by himself.
—Nash and Johnson, but only after spending too much time deliberating. I totally forgot that Hersey Hawkins was on that Supersonics team!
—Porter and Drexler all the way baby!
—Hardaway and Richmond. What a great team that was. Too bad they never won squat.
September 12th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
dwade3 says:
magic and scott easily win their matchup. but petrovic was no scrub. reggie miller even claims that the only player he believes was a better shooter than him, was petrovic! great player (shooter), but unfortunately died in a car accident early on in his career
.
September 12th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
Pistons Lover says:
I know for a fact that Joey D. and Zeke was the greatest of all-time duos. I don’t no one of this era could stop them if they were the same age and playing in the league as of today. The Detroit Pistons would get lots of respect than what they receive now.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:00 pm
OperationWayne says:
Where is last year’s Golden State Warriors backcourt? That duo of Baron Davis and Monta Ellis are the only reason that team won 49 games last year. You can’t sleep on that one.
September 12th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
Bone says:
Oscar:
Detroit
Utah
San Antonio
Chicago
Cousey:
Lakers
Sonics
Sixers
Warriors
September 12th, 2008 at 9:24 pm
Tim says:
yeah its not right having the Best backcourt in today’s game matched up with Jordan and BJ…I dont remember much of BJ, but did he ever touch the ball except to pass back to Jordan or make a 3 here or there?
September 12th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
ugly_fish says:
only ones i care to vote…
ray ray and sam i am
Kidd and Carter (did u seee VC???)
September 12th, 2008 at 10:04 pm
USA < International all stars says:
Some duos that got left out. . . Majerle/KJ, bobby phills/terell brandon/ augman /blaylock
September 12th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
death says:
1. Isiah and Joe; 2 HOF vs 1 HOF
4. Stockton and Horn Dog
6. Parker and Ginobli; Stick Parker on no skillz Scott and let Ginobli harrass Penny
2. Jordan and BJ; BJ would dominate
1. Magic and Scott; and the winner is….
4. Payton and Hawkins
3. Porter and Glide; does Snow even count?
2. Hardaway and Richmond; this isn’t a dunk contest right?
September 12th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
ITZMR2U says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
Pistons
Jazz
Spurs
Bulls
Bob Cousy Bracket
Lakers
Sonics
Blazers
Nets
September 12th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
solomon says:
isaiah
joe
- coz sam’s ugly, and isaiah would punk out ray allen to death. yeah, isaiah would run circles around sam. joe d will lock down ray ray
mark
reggie
- close one, but gotta give it to thw mr. clutch ’90′s… action jack can eat stock on the post, stock can sneak hit jack every minute… miller over horny all day
tony
manu
- the closest penny and scott got to a larry o’bie is watching the dream shake in full motion… manu over scott 24/7 (except in eating contests)… if penny wasn’t that injury prone, i wouldve went with their team…
bj
mj
- coZ its mj, period
magic
byron
- not even close, the most lopsided matchup
nash
jj
- coz nash is dimes personified, though gary will thrash talk him to submission… jj is sooo better than hersey
terry
clyde
- coz AI’s mate is snow… mckie would made this a tougher match-up, but terry can defend, and glide’s gonna lay shit all over snow
kidd
carter
- im going with my j-less man, ason…
and, yeah… majerle / kj would’ve given a fight…
some that just came outta my mind:
- wade / white choc (they won a ring)
- arenas / stevenclown (they won internet fans)
September 13th, 2008 at 12:57 am
USA < International all stars says:
ummm kj/majerle is easily better than atleast 5 that are up there. thanks tho.
September 13th, 2008 at 2:08 am
benji says:
allen iverson and snow wins against terry porter and co..
September 13th, 2008 at 2:26 am
the mamba says:
What about the van axel/ eddie jones / young kobe combo?
I think all three were all stars, even kobe started for the allstar team and not even the lakers
September 13th, 2008 at 2:35 am
solomon says:
was actually gonna write about that van x / eddie / mamba combo right there, actually eddie & kobe…
September 13th, 2008 at 4:53 am
Wake says:
Jordan and anybody wins.
September 13th, 2008 at 5:54 am
Amar says:
the surprising thing is that Stockton was a good post defender as a PG. he’s super competitive and used to play one-on-one against Malone all the time, and if he used to practice defending malone in the paint, he would be okay against mark jackson. how good was stock in the paint on defense? he had quick hands and used to play against those gonzaga guys over the summer every year when he retired. turiaf (6’9) couldn’t score on stockton in the paint unless it was a hook shot. if Stock can put the clamps on turiaf when he posts up, I would feel like he would be pretty okay against mark jackson.
miller had great stats, but in a two on two game how is he going to get open? it’s not like he’ll have antonio davis and dale davis to set screens for him in this tournament . . . horny was an allstar in the west before as well, and when he was in philly had a 21 ppg, 7 apg, 2 spg season (post barkley trade). he was no slouch, and deadly accurate.
it’s not the sexy pick, but I actually think those white guys take indiana’s duo.
September 13th, 2008 at 6:14 am
SparkyJay23 says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
Isiah Thomas Joe Dumars
John Stockton Jeff Hornacek
Penny and d Scott
B.J. Armstrong Michael Jordan
Magic Johnson Byron Scott
Steve Nash Joe Johnson
Eric Snow Allen Iverson
Tim Hardaway Mitch Richmond
September 13th, 2008 at 6:28 am
karan says:
isaiah and joe
stockton and hornacek
penny and dennis
BJ and MJ
magic and scott
GP and hawkins
snow and iverson
kidd and carter
September 13th, 2008 at 7:02 am
Brown says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket:
Thomas & Dumars
Stockton & Hornacek
Hardaway & Nick Anderson (minus the choke job)
Armstrong & Jordan
Bob Cousy Bracket:
Johnson & Scott
Nash & Johnson
Porter & Drexler
Hardaway & Richmond (even though Hardaway & Sprewell will always be my favourite Warriors backcourt)
September 13th, 2008 at 9:45 am
OC says:
OR:
Pistons
Jazz
Spurs
Bulls
BC:
Lakers
Suns
Blazers
Warriors
September 13th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Kanobi says:
I take:
Isaiah and Joe
Stockton and Hornacek
Penny and 3D, Penny was unstoppable that year
BJ and MJ
Magic and Byron
Nash and J.J.
The Glyde and TP
Run TMC
September 13th, 2008 at 11:25 am
Phil T. Rich says:
Jordan and Armstrong? What about Jordan and Ron Harper?
September 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Sith Lord 24 says:
i dont know what place dime checked but anderson was the 2 guard. i remember it like it was yesterday bc i used to rock with them hard on nba live back in the day. i guess it would be too hard to switch everything up now. so they found 1 website that says they was right….
September 13th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Yowiz says:
Isiah – Dumars
Stockton – Hornacek
Parker – Ginobili
Armstrong – Jordan
Magic – Scott
Nash – Johnson
Porter – Drexler
Kidd – Carter
September 13th, 2008 at 12:07 pm
Kingsley says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
8. ’00-01 Milwaukee Bucks
Sam Cassell – 18.2 ppg, 1381 pts, 47.4% FG, 30 3PM, 30.6% 3FG, 3.8 rpg, 7.6 apg, 1.2 spg
Ray Allen – 22.0 ppg, 1806 pts, 48.0% FG, 202 3PM, 43.3% 3FG, 5.2 rpg, 4.6 apg, 1.5 spg
5. ’95-96 Indiana Pacers
Mark Jackson – 10.0 ppg, 806 pts, 47.3% FG, 64 3PM, 43.0% 3FG, 3.8 rpg, 7.8 apg, 1.2 spg
Reggie Miller – 21.1 ppg, 1606 pts, 47.3% FG, 168 3PM, 41.0% 3FG, 2.8 rpg, 3.3 apg
6. ’04-05 San Antonio Spurs – Won Finals vs. Detroit
Tony Parker – 16.6 ppg, 1331 pts, 48.2% FG, 43 3PM, 27.6% 3FG, 3.7 rpg, 6.1 apg, 1.2 spg
Manu Ginobili – 16.0 ppg, 1186 pts, 47.1% FG, 97 3PM, 37.6% 3FG, 4.4 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.6 spg
2. ’92-93 Chicago Bulls
B.J. Armstrong – 12.3 ppg, 1008 pts, 49.9% FG, 62 3PM, 44.6% 3FG, 1.8 rpg, 4.0 apg
Michael Jordan – 32.6 ppg, 2541 pts, 49.5% FG, 81 3PM, 35.2% 3FG, 6.7 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.8 spg
Bob Cousy Bracket
1. ’88-89 Los Angeles Lakers
Magic Johnson – 22.5 ppg, 1730 pts, 50.9% FG, 59 3PM, 31.4% 3FG, 7.9 rpg, 12.8 apg, 1.8 spg
Byron Scott – 19.6 ppg, 1448 pts, 49.1% FG, 77 3PM, 39.9% 3FG, 4.1 rpg, 3.1 apg, 1.5 spg
5. ’04-05 Phoenix Suns– Lost Western Conference Finals vs. San Antonio
Steve Nash – 15.5 ppg, 1165 pts, 50.2% FG, 94 3PM, 43.1% 3FG, 3.3 rpg, 11.5 apg
Joe Johnson – 17.1 ppg, 1400 pts, 46.1% FG, 177 3PM, 47.8% 3FG, 5.1 rpg, 3.5 apg
3. ’88-89 Portland Trailbalzers
Terry Porter – 17.7 ppg, 1431 pts, 47.1% FG, 79 3PM, 36.1% 3FG, 4.5 rpg, 9.5 apg
Clyde Drexler – 27.2 ppg, 2123 pts, 49.6% FG, 27 3PM, 26% 3FG, 7.9 rpg, 5.8 apg
2. ’90-91 Golden State Warriors – Lost Western Conference Semifinals vs. Los Angeles
Tim Hardaway – 22.9 ppg, 1881 pts, 47.6% FG, 97 3PM, 38.5% 3FG, 4.0 rpg, 9.7 apg, 2.6 spg
Mitch Richmond – 23.9 ppg, 1840 pts, 49.4% FG, 40 3PM, 34.8% 3FG, 5.9 rpg, 3.1 apg
September 13th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Jon says:
Oscar Robertson Division:
1. Thomas/Dumars
–their toughness alone would knock Allen & Cassell into the ground.
4. Stockton/Hornacek
–the stats don’t do these two guys justice. You had to watch them to see how good they were. Especially Hornacek’s crazy running flip shots where he jumped off the wrong foot. And the only guys Stockton had a hard time guarding were really quick PG’s. Jackson at this point, well wasn’t very quick.
6. Parker/Ginobli
–Ginobli. I’d actually rather have the 06-07 or 07-08 version of this backcourt (when I’d take Ginobli over any other 2 in the leaue–even over Kobe), but even this version’s good enough to move on.
2. MJ and whoever
–I don’t even know what to say. MJ seemed to be able to destroy everyone, even with Tweedle-dee as his backcourt mate.
Cousy division
1. Magic/Scott
–It’ll be interesting to think about these guys in later rounds when you just think about skill alone. But if this was a fun to watch competition, they’d be the champs, no question. Either way, it’s not even close this round.
4. Payton/Hawkins
–Payton would drive Nash into fits with his aggressive, in-your-face D.
3. Drexler/Porter
–Worst mismatch of the opening round. I don’t even want to think about how many terrible shots AI would end up chucking up against Porter, and Drexler vs. Snow – uh, not even close.
2. Hardaway/Richmond
–Kidd had a bit of a problem with quick PG’s by this point. Hardaway, in his prime, was quicker than anyone I’ve ever seen. And as for VC, well we can just all mourn and wonder what could have been if he had the toughness to match the talent.
September 13th, 2008 at 1:54 pm
Celts Fan says:
Oscar Robertson Bracket
1. ’89-90 Detroit Pistons –
5. ’95-96 Indiana Pacers
3. ’95-96 Orlando Magic
2. ’92-93 Chicago Bulls
Bob Cousy Bracket
1. ’88-89 Los Angeles Lakers
4. ’95-96 Seattle Supersonics
3. ’88-89 Portland Trailbalzers
2. ’90-91 Golden State Warriors
September 13th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
George W Kush Sr says:
Come on fellas, BJ Armstrong?
Jordan had Pippen, he had Harper, he had Paxson too, but you team him up with BJ?
How come you guys match Bibby and Penny with small forwards but you wont give Pippen to Jordan?
And by the way, when Shaq left and Nick Anderson somehow got his confidence back up, him and Penny were a sick backcourt together, that nigga was lights out for that season.
Best backcourt of the last 20 years was Jordan and Pippen
September 13th, 2008 at 4:18 pm
Red says:
Payton all by himself vs. Nash/JJ- Nash would be able to score 5pts on THE GLOVE in his prime, do you forget thats the year he went to the finals. Did nash ever get close even with a better cast around him. Ain’t da glove one of the top 60 nba players of all time? Glove was way too physical of a post player for nash and JJ da man is too fragile. GP would broke him down emotionally wit all da trash talk.
September 13th, 2008 at 8:07 pm
yo says:
pistons
jazz
spurs
bulls
lakers
suns
blazers
warriors
September 13th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
Ian says:
red
yeah payton might be a top 60 but nash i ahead of him in an alltime list and def ahead of the glove for hof
back to back mvp remember
and nash can score on anyone hes a better offensive player than the glove
September 14th, 2008 at 8:48 am
Smooth says:
George W Kush Sr got a point about tha magic backcourt you should have made it penny hardaway & nick anderson
September 14th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
D-NICE says:
Isiah and Dumars
Jackson and Miller
Penny and Scott
B.J. and MJ
Magic and Byron
Nash and Joe Johnson(wish they had more time together)
Porter and Glide(Damn this match up ain’t even fair)
Timbug and The Rock Richmond
September 15th, 2008 at 2:29 am
K Dizzle says:
Magic and Byron…….next
September 15th, 2008 at 4:33 am
Red says:
Ian…
Payton Best NBA season 6.5 RPG 8.9 AST 24.2 PTS
Nash Best NBA Season 4.2 RPG 10.5 AST 18.8 PTS
Jordan had his career playoff pts lows against payton. Nash never avg. over 20pts, i’m sure he could handle nash.
PAYTON
NBA Champion: 2006 (3 Finals Appearances)
9-time NBA All-Star
9-time All-Defensive First Team (shares record for selections with Michael Jordan)
9-time All-NBA Team Selection
95-96 NBA Defensive Player of The Year (only point guard ever to win the award, and only guard to win the award in the 1990s)
Led NBA in Assists: 1999-2000
Led NBA in Steals: 1995-96
Led NBA in Three-Pointers Made 1999-2000
2 Olympic Gold Medals with USA
NASH
2-time MVP
6-time All Star
6-time All-NBA Team Selection
3-time NBA Assist leader
NBA regular season leader for free-throw percentage
Lou Marsh Trophy (Canadian athlete of the year)
J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (NBA award for outstanding citizenship and community service)
AND loves Futball (soccer)
AND Remember its the BASKETBALL Hall Of Fame. Not NBA Hall Of Fame. Payton no doubt.
September 15th, 2008 at 9:57 am
aj says:
Isiah/Joe
John/Jeff
Tony/Manu
BJ/Mike
Magic/Byron
Gary/Hersey
Terry/Clyde
Tim/Mitch
September 15th, 2008 at 11:20 am
Mrbball says:
I don’t care how many references you check. I followed the Magic during that time and Nick Anderson was the two guard and 3D was SF. Plus Nick Anderson played at Illinois so I was always a fan. 3D could light up the tre-ball. Doesn’t matter though the don’t make it past the 1st or 2nd round. Run TM are strong but they Lost, Magic and Byron are strong but they lost that year. So I gotta look at the numbers between Jordan/BJ & Zeke/JoeD. Tough call. I gotta put them in a two on two, & the answer is oh I forgot I already answered this last week.
Chuch.
September 15th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Ian says:
red
u can post all u want
back to back mvp
jum do u need the list of elite company nash just joined
payton coulda been better for longer but that run that nash had in the suns leap frogged payton as who is more of a shoe in for the hof. how many mvps arent in the hof????? none
and no defensive player ever stops a great offensive player one on one
how can u post me a avgs when payton needs more shots than nash to get 20points u can use defense all u want but offensively is nash easy
and paytons chip is a joke he didnt do shit
is nash takes the 20 shots gary took to avg 24 (that is sad btw) he would avg 30
nash has been on more 1st teams all nba than payton
and im not sayin whos better im stating the fact that if only one of them would be choosen nash goes in ahead cuz of the back to back
and if they played they both get their points nash can score easily from anywhere
September 15th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Ian says:
list
Johnson, Jordan, Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, and Tim Duncan thats the list nash joined those are all top 20 players ever (nash isnt but u get my point)
September 15th, 2008 at 8:42 pm
alex walker says:
By far the biggest mismatch in this tournament is Drexler/Porter vs. Iverson/Snow. AI is a fantastic and fearless player. And he would get horribly abused trying to guard Drexler. Eric Snow would tear an ACL watching Drexler in the layup line.
To think this would even be close is to admit you just really don’t follow much basketball.
September 16th, 2008 at 11:27 am
Detroit Dave says:
The Knicks backcourt of Steph and Francis vs Agent Zero and Larry Hughes… Rucker Park. Make it Take up to 15. 1′s and 2′s.. Who wins?
September 16th, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Clike says:
Thomas/Dumars — I actually could argue for the upset here: Allen’s shooting is so far and above Dumars’s, and Cassell’s season compares to Isiah’s if you just look at numbers. But the Pistons duo played so much better defense. Cassell was a fine individual defender that season, but Thomas and Dumars were both excellent man defenders and superb on team defense.
Jackson/Miller on a Reggie three at the buzzer.
Penny/Scott — This is a tough call. Parker/Ginobili are near-impossible to defend. But if Tim Duncan plays only half a season in 04-05, like Shaq did in 95-96, where do the Spurs end up? Penny was a dominant player in 95-96, before he got injured the next year.
MJ/BJ — You could put MJ with Charles Barkley’s grandmama and it would be a better backcourt than many of those listed here, including Billups/Hamilton.
Ditto for Magic/B.Scott
Nash/Johnson — This is the toughest call on the board. Such different styles. Payton and Hawkins with the tough defense; Nash and Johnson with the sweet playmaking and sweeter shots. 2-on-2, Payton and Hawkins probably win. But if you put Nash/Johnson with Schrempf/Sam Perkins/Shawn Kemp (pre-blubber version), they probably outperform the actual 95-96 Seattle team. Opposite is not true if you put Payton/Hawkins with Stoudemire/Marion/Quentin Richardson.
Drexler/Porter — The Glide can play with The Answer. What you give up in points you get back many times over in rebounds/assists. Snow is not in the same league with Terry Porter in any category other than deferring to superstars.
Kidd/Carter — Both pairs on average teams; neither a big-game winner. But Kidd averaging a near-triple-double, while Carter is simultaneously putting up 25-6-5? Quite a season. Hardaway/Richmond stats are somewhat bloated by pace.