Who was better: Reggie Miller or Clyde Drexler?
Reggie Miller
We argue. You decide.
REGGIE MILLER (by Austin Burton)
For a long time, Reggie Miller was my favorite basketball player (even above hometown heroes Gary Payton and Shawn Kemp) for the same reason I admired Mike Tyson growing up: Because he wasn’t supposed to be where he was as a prime-time player, an underdog who rose to the top.
You might have forgotten since he’s filled out in his post-playing, TV-talking career, but Reggie was a beanpole. He weighed 185 in his prime, and didn’t make up for it with athleticism and grace like fellow skinny dudes T-Mac or George Gervin. His jumper looked funny, he wasn’t a great ball-handler, and the common joke was that his sister was a better ballplayer.
And yet there he was, for the better part of 15 years, secure in his spot among the elite players in the world and one of the best two-guards to play the game.
On paper, Reggie shouldn’t be in this discussion with Clyde. On one hand you’ve got one of the greatest college players ever, a thoroughbred athlete whose legs were thicker than Reggie’s torso, an original Dream Teamer with an NBA championship ring and a Hall of Fame ring on his hand. Drexler is one of the most physically gifted players the game has seen, certainly light-years ahead of some guy who really should’ve been little more than a Go-Stand-In-The-Corner shooting specialist, right?
Not quite. Although Miller is known as a long-range gunner – he ranks No. 1 all-time in threes made in the playoffs and overall – he was a more well-rounded offensive threat. Of his 17,499 field goal attempts, 37 percent (6,486) were threes. His ability to drive, get to the free throw line (88.7 percent, 9th all-time) and score inside the arc is overlooked. Miller was also better defender than he gets credit for, giving the top two-guards of his era problems with his sheer tenacity and by outworking them. (Reggie helped himself on defense by running his opponent ragged on the other end of the floor.)
While Drexler was more talented, Reggie ranks ahead of him in the facet of the game that separates the greats from the legends: in the clutch. His career is defined by clutch moments, whether it’s 25 points in the fourth quarter or eight points in nine seconds or whichever other highlight you want. Reggie ranks 19th all-time in playoff scoring, one spot ahead of Drexler. Reggie’s career 20.6 postseason scoring average is higher than Drexler’s, and his highlight reel of game-winners and clutch buckets is unrivaled by anyone outside of Michael Jordan.
When comparing Hall of Famers (Reggie is eligible in 2011), whatever fantasy game you put them in will inevitably go down to the wire; there’s just too much talent on the floor. In that respect, I lean towards the guy who consistently gets it done in those waning moments. And that’s when (almost) nobody was better than Reggie.
The Glide
CLYDE DREXLER (by Ben York)
Playing in an era that featured Jordan, Bird, and Magic, it’s easy to forget just how phenomenal of a player that Clyde the Glide really was.
Drexler was (and is still) somewhat of a forgotten man. And it’s a damn shame.
With career averages of 20.4 ppg, 6.1 rpb, 5.6 apg, and 2.0 spg over the course of his illustrious 17-year NBA tenure, he consistently was an integral part of creating a winning atmosphere in Portland and Houston. Perhaps more to his credit, he did so always with grace and dignity.
When comparing Clyde to Reggie Miller, however, it becomes clear that the only facets of basketball that Reggie stands out over Clyde are three-point shooting, and last-second heroics. That’s it. Thus, if I had to choose which player to build a team around, I’d take Drexler every single time.
Simply put, Clyde is a much better all-around player, and it’s not even remotely close.
Reggie Miller was, obviously, known as a shooter/scorer that was a capable defender. The same was known of Clyde, but it’s easy to forget some of the numbers that Drexler put up that were overshadowed by some of the more high-profile stars in bigger markets. To start, Drexler had over 22,000 career points in just over 1,000 games; Reggie, on the other hand, had about 25,000 but he also played in almost 400 more games. Drexler bested Miller in career scoring average, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots. Clyde also boasts a considerably better Player Efficiency Rating (21.4 to Reggie’s 18.4) and — surprisingly — Drexler actually had a better career shooting percentage than Miller (47.2% to Reggie’s 47.1%).
You can take a look at some of Reggie’s individual seasons and it’s awe-inspiring how good he was in the regular season, as well as the post-season. However, when doing the same for Drexler, it becomes clear that he was one of the most consistent basketball players ever to play the game. For example, in the ‘85-86 season he averaged just under 20 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. From ‘86-87 to ‘93-94, Clyde posted 7 straight seasons averaging over 20 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. He did the exact same in the playoffs from ‘88 to ‘92. That type of reliability is ridiculous and comparable with some of the all-time greats.
Yes, Reggie was clutch when the Pacers needed him to be. But at the same time, he never averaged more than 24 points per game (Clyde averaged over 27 ppg twice), 4 assists per game (Clyde’s career high is 8.0 apg), 3.9 rpg (Drexler averaged over 7 rpg three times), or 1.5 steals per game (the Glide averaged over 2.0 spg 7 times).
No contest here, give me the consistency of Clyde the Glide every time.
Who do you think was better?
Follow Ben York on Twitter: @bjyork
Follow Austin Burton on Twitter: @AustinatDIMEmag
Follow DIME on Twitter: @DIMEMag
“Who’s better?” archives
9/2 — Chris Paul vs. Tony Parker
8/27 — Grant Hill vs. Trevor Ariza
8/25 — Baron Davis vs. Mike Bibby
8/21 — Shaquille O’Neal vs. Pau Gasol
8/19 — Andre Iguodala vs. Rudy Gay
8/14 — Ray Allen vs. Michael Redd
8/12 — Steve Nash vs. Jason Kidd
3/3 — David West vs. LaMarcus Aldridge
2/26 — Kevin Durant vs. Danny Granger
2/19 — Paul Millsap vs. David Lee
2/17 — Caron Butler vs. Tayshaun Prince
12/24 — Marcus Camby vs. Andrew Bynum
12/19 — Deron Williams vs. Chauncey Billups
12/17 — Manu Ginobili vs. Tracy McGrady
12/12 — Amare Stoudemire vs. Al Jefferson
12/10 — Dirk Nowitzki vs. Chris Bosh
12/9 — Derrick Rose vs. O.J. Mayo
12/8 — Rasheed Wallace vs. Elton Brand
12/5 — Kevin Martin vs. Vince Carter
12/4 — Brandon Roy vs. Joe Johnson
12/3 — Dwight Howard vs. Yao Ming
12/2 — Paul Pierce vs. Carmelo Anthony
September 15th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
ProphetGK says:
Yikes! Hardest one yet, I love Reggie and that smooth stroke, but imma have to go with “The Glide” this time…
September 15th, 2009 at 3:26 pm
JHUSTLE says:
Drexler was a better all around player but if it comes down to the last shot give me Reggie all day. I could watch Clydes portland dunk highlights all day tho
September 15th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
Mark says:
Glide was the overall better player but Reggie was the more well-known and publicized player. I’d always take Reggie in the clutch though…and I’m from Portland!
September 15th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
Ashlov says:
Clyde was the more complete player, more professional, and won a chip. Done.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:45 pm
sweetv0mit says:
reggie all the way! he’s the reason why i started playing ball, no offense to jordan and all of them but clutch time = miller time
September 15th, 2009 at 3:46 pm
BRUCE says:
Miller has ZERO chips AND during his career, never WON against the LAKERS in LA!
September 15th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
BRUCE says:
The Glide was supposed to guard Jordan……….Where were you when Jordan hit 3-Pointer #6? Where were you Glide?
Miller had the galls to fight Jordan.
Cheryl Miller is better than Reggie Miller!
September 15th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
Ross says:
I wasn’t exactly an active NBA watcher in their days, but I’d have to go with Clyde.
September 15th, 2009 at 3:55 pm
The REAL Tyrone says:
Ain’t no doubt y’all that Reggie Miller be hoopin it up better than Clyde y’all. Clyde be a baller for sho but he ain’t got no range like Miller and he ain’t got them clutch shootin ability. Miller be a dope dime disher and Clyde ain’t like that.
True thugs NEVER lie.
The REAL Tyrone
September 15th, 2009 at 3:59 pm
sweetv0mit says:
@The REAL Tyrone
you from the south hicks brotha? saying y’all a shit ton lol
September 15th, 2009 at 4:11 pm
JA says:
The Glide.
He was one of the smoothest to ever play the game.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
flavur says:
Clyde the Glide would dominate reggie cus he’s a better all around player than reggie plus he has a ring he’s in the HOF and he’s one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:39 pm
George W Kush Sr says:
You can ask Reggie because he admitted he wouldn’t have made it on the Dream Team 1 roster.
I’m a Knicks fan so there is no denying that punk ass Reggie Miller is one of the best ever in the clutch, but I’m picking Clyde all day everyday.
When I think Miller, I think shooter. Clyde was the complete packate. Of if we’re playing 21 I’ll take Miller, but since we’re talking basketball it’s Clyde
September 15th, 2009 at 4:45 pm
j-dub says:
“Clyde also boasts a considerably better Player Efficiency Rating (21.4 to Reggie’s 18.4) and — surprisingly — Drexler actually had a better career shooting percentage than Miller (47.2% to Reggie’s 47.1%).”
It’s not THAT surprising when you consider how many three-point shots Miller attempted.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
keepin it real tyrone says:
@tyrone
Bet it takes you longer to think of how to type your sentences then it does for you to come up with your analysis.
drop the act tyrone. even thugs have to grow up someday.
September 15th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
DickV says:
There is always a lot of talk that a ring makes you better. Clyde had Hakeem Olajuwon and Reggie didn’t. That said… this is the toughest matchup to compare. I think Clyde had the edge on talent and Reggie had the edge on desire and killer instict. I’m going with Reggie!!!
September 15th, 2009 at 5:01 pm
Yowiz says:
It’s really no contest, The Glide remains one of the more complete player of all time, he didn’t need the team to revolve around him i.e a complete system of screens to free him to get his points, that’s why he was able to create and make his teammates better and win more. So Drexler is my choice.
September 15th, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Shrink This says:
Clyde, no contest.
If you didn’t get a chance to see him play in his prime, you owe it to yourself to find some footage.
September 15th, 2009 at 5:15 pm
jzsmoove says:
One on one Drexler will win it versus Miller. If I had to win a game and then I will choose Miller to win me the game. Clutch.
September 15th, 2009 at 5:17 pm
Mellmeister says:
Clyde The Glide No doubt… But I’d pick reggie to give me a win in a close game… he puts the word “clutch” in a different level.
MIIILLLLEEEERRRRRRR TTTTTTIIIIMMMMMMMEEEEE!!!!!!!
September 15th, 2009 at 5:19 pm
rean pogi says:
it’s got to be clyde ‘the bald’ drexler. heads down, i mean hands down.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:05 pm
SWAT says:
cmon PHI SLAMMA JAMMA! i see the argument about hakeem tho but the glyde was killin it in portland w/o the dream. sorry…maybe home town bias but gotta go with clyde
September 15th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
Ian says:
Close one both crack top 50 but barely in the late 40s. Drexler was jordanlite but ill go with reggie funny how many people that mention the ring are some of the guys that bash second best players. Damn pick a side people. I remember jordan shitting on portland and reggie taking the bulls to seven the only time in their six champ runs the bulls went seven I think. That hadoken and three reggie hit vs jordan sealed this debate for me.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:08 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Shit you know Clyde got his ring first off and WAS indeed a better all around player..
BUT..
Reggie had swag.. And you cant teach that or work on it.. You just got it.. Reggie would talk shit all day and back it up so just for the principles of being Kanye-ish out on the court im a go with Miller-Time..
September 15th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
Ian says:
Best clutch player evah. Btw cherryl was better than 95% the nba players so that isn’t an insult sayin she was better than reggie.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
LakeShow84 says:
@ Bruce
Cheryl Miller was better than a lot of NBA players..
September 15th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
sans says:
Kinda killed yerself Gerald…Reggie shot 47% from the floor for his career while almost 40% of his shots were 3s–that’s nuts. Gimme Reggie. Just to watch Spike Lee cry. And Clyde never called out a team for choking like Reggie…never (too classy, but whatever). Reggie was vicious.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:17 pm
LakeShow84 says:
Lol Ian
Great minds think alike..
Aye gimme ur LIVE tag one more time.. Im up again..
September 15th, 2009 at 6:24 pm
Yucca Man says:
Glide was my favorite player back in the day. His athleticism was off the charts — I say most athletic I’ve ever seen. With his power, speed, and aerial grace I swear the dude was an F-16 in shorts.
I know Reggie has some clutch shots. I’ve never forgotten the 8 points in 8 seconds miracle.
But I’d take the Glide because he brought so much more to the table than a few dramatic shots: especially the rebounding and passing. And besides, he’s got the only in-game dunk I’ve ever seen that compares with Dr. J’s against the Lakers (YouTube his best dunks, baby. Holy crud they were something to behold).
September 15th, 2009 at 6:40 pm
dapro says:
Damn this is a tough one, two contrasting styles
I’ll go with the Glyde even though Reggie was one of the best two gaurds as well
September 15th, 2009 at 6:42 pm
Ian says:
Lakeshow u r right hehehe
Dark plizken
Add me so I can piledrive your fireball spammin sagat.
September 15th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
Sanssasin says:
ring or no ring, i’m taking clyde “the glide” drexler.
he made looking at the ball while you dribbled cool.
also his patented lift both legs dunks were awesome.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:00 pm
K Dizzle says:
” On one hand you’ve got one of the greatest college players ever, a thoroughbred athlete whose legs were thicker than Reggie’s torso, an original Dream Teamer with an NBA championship ring and a Hall of Fame ring on his hand. ”
shooooooot
Austin’s point sealed it. Clyde all day. Don’t even need to rip on Reggie to build Clyde. Maybe a better comparison for Reggie woulda been Mitch “Rock” Richmond. Clyde did it as the man and as a compliment. No shame in losin to Magic, Mike and Isaiah. Both dudes left on top tho cuz they still had juice. This is close, but Clyde’s allaround game puts him ahead for me, ring or no ring
September 15th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
BiG ShoT BoB says:
“Yo Reggie I’m really happy for you, your one of the best 3 point shooters of alltime and I’m gonna let you finish but Clyde Drexler was one of the best players of alltime…of all time”
September 15th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
NewYorkDaredevil says:
Clyde the Glide was in the same conversation for MVP with Jordan… When did Reggie achieve anything like that? Clyde all the way
September 15th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
ctkennedy says:
is one of the most overrated players of the past 25yrs he plays hard and all that he like rip they run everything for him in the offense he wasnt scorin and he wont worth nothin u would of been better off comparin drexler vs sprewell on the most underrated shootin guards the last 25 in their prime i would take him over ray allen michael redd reggie miller and others
September 15th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
the cynic says:
Clutchness >>> every other skill
Sure Drexler was the more skilled and productive player, and did win a ring; but if i was a gm, id want Miller. As far a im concerned the best players are the ones that play there best when it matters most
September 15th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
TJ says:
Clyde by far.
I’ve always thought that Reggie was way overrated. He’s a great shooter, no doubt, but he didn’t do anything else. To be a truly great player, you need to dominate the whole game like MJ, Bird, Kobe, or Lebron. The best players of any era are the ones who score, dish, and board with the best of them.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:32 pm
sh!tfaced says:
This is a tough one. But I’m not gonna give any ring edge here, Clyde had Hakeem and Reggie had Rik Smits.
If Reggie had teamed up with at least another all-star besides Smits, he prolly would’ve won one. He would have won a ring too had he joined the Celtics 2 years ago.
I’d pick Glide for the regular season and Reggie for the playoffs.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:41 pm
money says:
Finally, reggie gets a great player to be matched up against in these debates. Clyde is awesome, for sure. A better rebounder, definitely. But Reggie was an underrated defender, had true heart, and was a winner. He never won a championship, but he could shoot the lights out of anyone, jordan included. Reggie was never even the focal point of the offense, he never demanded the ball in jordan-esque style (much love to jordan, there def. is an i in win). At the end of the day, I’d rather have Miller on my team any day. I’d just be more confident that we could win, though you really can’t go wrong with either.
September 15th, 2009 at 8:52 pm
heartbreaker85 says:
the top 3 killers in the last 20 years?
1 mj
- the only person i trust with my life in the 4th quarter
2 miller
- you KNOW its going in, and not just the 8 in 8 in MSG, but the one he did versus the kidd-martin-kittles Nets where he was already up there in age but pushed the game in TWO OVERTIMES, ONE WITH A THREE, ONE WITH A DUNK? Damn.
3 kobe
- his shots are crazy, but the killer instinct is there.
end of discussion.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:42 pm
king says:
The Glide. He could kill you off the dribble, better than reggie could, and later in his career his jumper got real good.
He was just overall a better player. I think Reggie’s clutch ness is overrated.
September 15th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
king says:
and He was on the 50 GOAT list and a ‘Chip this one wasn’t as close now that i think about it
September 15th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
Brad says:
No comparison. PhiSlamaJama member and hall of famer: Clyde.
September 15th, 2009 at 11:36 pm
Colton says:
i guess im a little biased seeing as how i didnt see a whole lot of clyde as a young boy, but a few nasty highlights.
anyways. clyde … the stats dont lie. dude is nice and apparently all around had a better career and is an amazing player.
reggie, (and i hate the word swagger due to its now overusage) has swagger! not to mention was one of the best and most clutch shooters in nba HISTORY! He wasnt better on a purely basketball stage than clyde but is a workhorse that will surely hold his fuckin weight. and playoffs. reggie is the man.
but i think reggie takes it based on this fact. … if you were pickin teams for a pickup game 5 on 5 … i would take reggie based on the grit and mean streak. i would want him on my team rather than against me. thats for sure.
one more thing.
MILLER TIME!
September 15th, 2009 at 11:37 pm
Bruce says:
Say Jordan did not retire for 2 years? Who is better, The Glide or Miller?
September 16th, 2009 at 12:00 am
KneeJerkNBA says:
Reggie was better at shooting. Drexler was better at everything else. No contest. Although you’re right about one thing: if I had both players on the same team w the clock running down, I’d give the ball to Reggie.
September 16th, 2009 at 1:01 am
Buffalo Brave says:
ROFL @ #34 POST!!!!
Clyde was more ATHLETIC than reggie, thus him getting more rebounds and driving to get more assists, but reggie was more skilled and better at what mattered.
Production when you HAD to have it.
Not only was he a consistent thorn in jordan’s side but he took the Shaq/Kobe lakers to 6 at the end of his career.
He never played with guys on the level of Pippen, Rodman, Olajuwon or even Terry Porter. Mark Jackson was at the end of his career by the time they had their shot.
I’ll take reggie.
I also admit im a huge reggie fan, used to scream his name when i shot jumpers as a kid lol
September 16th, 2009 at 1:37 am
gregory says:
Drexler by a good margin. He wasn’t just a better passer or rebounder than Miller, he was miles better. Drexler averaged 5.6 assists for his career, with a high of 8. Miller averaged 3 and his highest was 4, the only time he was at 4 or above. Drexler’s rebounding averaged doubled Miller’s. Offensively, he was much more versatile, able to get it done in the post, off the dribble and driving to the basket. Miller was one of the greatest shooters of all time and a clutch one at that but he was a one trick pony. Drexler was so much more skilled and was elite in several categories.
September 16th, 2009 at 2:24 am
nick says:
dickv summed it up perfectly for me. reggie all day.
There is always a lot of talk that a ring makes you better. Clyde had Hakeem Olajuwon and Reggie didn’t. That said… this is the toughest matchup to compare. I think Clyde had the edge on talent and Reggie had the edge on desire and killer instict. I’m going with Reggie!!!
September 16th, 2009 at 2:44 am
Blazermark says:
The Glide. Not even close. All Miller did was bust threes.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:51 am
doc says:
Clyde the Glide and this shit aint a discussion.
September 16th, 2009 at 8:52 am
doc says:
Reggie had the edge in killer instinct?Is that why Clyde went to 2 chips and then came back and won 1.
September 16th, 2009 at 9:23 am
mookie says:
How is this even a conversation? The Glide destroys any talk of Reggie’s three-point shooting antics.
I had to reply properly to this one — it’s all about filling out a pinstripe uniform adequately:
http://www.asternwarning.com/20090916293/articles/nba/drexler-v-miller-who-looked-better-in-pinstripes.html
September 16th, 2009 at 9:30 am
Jayo says:
“Drexler bested Miller in career scoring average, assists, rebounds, steals, and blocked shots. Clyde also boasts a considerably better Player Efficiency Rating (21.4 to Reggie’s 18.4) and — surprisingly — Drexler actually had a better career shooting percentage than Miller (47.2% to Reggie’s 47.1%)”.
Doesn’t that sum up who’s the better player. Its not like Clyde wasn’t clutch. He just happened to play in Portland in the 80s & early 90s when nobody was paying attention to the West Coast except in LA. Clyde is a top-5 shooting guard of all-time. Reggie is not.
September 16th, 2009 at 10:16 am
Prof. TX says:
From the Phi Slamma Jamma to the Dream Team to his championship ring, I’ll take Drexler over Miller anytime.
September 16th, 2009 at 10:33 am
QQ says:
@tyrone
You R retarded my man. Lay off da crack. Please. You R NOT Thuggy. You R NOT GANGSTA. You’re a fucking tool trying to fuck up these boards. That’s it.
Clyde all day.
QQ be da BOSS! Axx somebody!
September 16th, 2009 at 10:48 am
Ian says:
Bruce
Sorry but if jordan doesn’t retire drexler still gets a ring hakeem maybe only gets one.
Some jordan fans are crazy with the what ifs. How about we go the other way what if jordan came in the league in the late 70s and spent his prime tryin to beat the lakers , boston or celts?? How many rings then ?? Most say he won when he matured I say he won because the 3 teams I mentioned got old but wait bruce guess what jordan did play in 95 and don’t give me the excuse that it doesn’t count cuz if he woulda won u would count that ring as number 4.
Greatest sg ever sure
Arguably the greatest sure
But unless u have a crystall ball don’t say he wins 8 straight cuz longley would have one awesome time playin the dream. how did he do vs birds celts? Not good right but ull prob say he didn’t have good talent around him and bash other players for not winning when they carry scrubs all year. How did he do vs isiahs pistons??? Not good right 3-1.
Again bruce jordan was in the league when drexler won his ring.
September 16th, 2009 at 12:16 pm
Heckler...formerly 'Yallallreadyknow' says:
Easy.
Clyde Drexler homie.
played in the NBA Finals 3 (THREE) times! Reggie, just once. that should be an indicator in itself.
no disrespect to reggie miller, but clyde drexler is the better ball player.
September 16th, 2009 at 1:33 pm
desmon says:
If Clyde played with Hakeem all those years he did so well. Why are you giving him all the respect when people say kobe didn’t do anything. It’s hilarious what people will think when someone is already retired. Most of these losers havnt even seen Clyde play, going on stats. Losers.
September 16th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
ab_40 says:
no court play.. clyde, on court antics wins reggie miller and reggie was the better shooter and a better clutch player but you can’t compete with that consitency of clyde drexler. plus he’s the best one leg jumper the leauge has ever seen, more powerfull then MJ yes. best two legged is vince carter.
September 16th, 2009 at 5:12 pm
zakko says:
Anyone that says they’d choose reggie over clyde in a pick-up game would get chumped. Seriously. Youtube clyde and learn about your foley. We’re talking about a player that was thought of as being the second best player in the league when jordan was IN HIS PRIME. This isn’t even a discussion.
September 17th, 2009 at 12:52 am
clajdzik says:
reggie is good but clyde is the best sg
September 17th, 2009 at 1:25 am
Seven Duece says:
No offense, but when people say Reggie is clutch they’re talking what 4 maybe 5 years. Admittedly, no small feat, but Clyde did it ALL (not just shots off screens and no foul called steals) to take Portland to multiple conference finals and the NBA Finals twice. Not to mention that ‘chip in Houston.
September 17th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
t says:
C’mon man! This is almost as bad as this online poll I saw one time about “Who is the better dunker: Clyde or Carmelo”.
Reggie Miller is the best pure shooter of his era.
Clyde is one of the best 20 players of all time.
Clyde. And it’s not even close.
And no disrepsect is intended to Reggie Miller with that statement — he was probably a Hall of Fame Worthy player in his own right.
It’s just that the very question being asked here is disrespectful to Clyde…
September 18th, 2009 at 3:54 pm
Chicagorilla says:
Clyde and it’s not even close. Clyde is top 50 all-time, reggie is great for his era, but may not be able to do what he did in the 80’s with how the rules were. Clyde did it in both the 80’s and 90’s.
September 18th, 2009 at 8:15 pm
Sammy da Bull says:
Clyde……Easily!
September 21st, 2009 at 5:41 am
O-man says:
I loved watching Reggie curling and getting his man caught up in screens. Beautiful!
But anybody who saw the old Portland team with Porter, Kersey, Buck and the Duck knows. Drexler was a superstar, but in a small media market and without Nike building him up to legend status.
The Jordan vs. Drexler match-up was to me as equal and amazing as Magic and Bird in the mid-eighties.
Drexler, no contest. And that doesn’t even take anything away from Reggie.
September 22nd, 2009 at 10:16 pm
rickster says:
two different style of players reggie more of a off the dribble spot up shooter where clydes game was mor rounded a much more versitle athlete who can do it all when the game was on the line drex by far.
September 26th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Steve says:
Asking who is better out of Drexler and Miller is like asking who is better out of Jordan and Drexler. Completely different levels, can’t believe this is even being debated!
October 22nd, 2009 at 6:18 pm
Frederick says:
This is a comical comparison.
“When comparing Hall of Famers (Reggie is eligible in 2011), whatever fantasy game you put them in will inevitably go down to the wire…”
Follow through on this sentence and you’ll see there’s no contest. Clyde was classier, looked better, and the numbers back it up. I don’t know what kind of fantasy game you play, but Clyde contributed in every way and beats Reggie in category but the lame-ass shooting %. Reggie averaged less than 3 rebs and 3 assists per game over his career.
Compare them in a real fantasy setting (”per minute” scoring) and the difference is even more drastic.
Highlight reels do not make the man because they’re scoring focused. Put together a Greatest Fast Breaks or Greatest Assists compilation and Clyde will be on it. Reggie won’t.