All players in their prime, which team is best?

[BUMP]

Shaq who is in more need of retirement than Phil Jackson

Wow, looks like you missed the entire point of this thread.

Congrats

[DPG21920]

but you're talking like each would be scoring 40 points a game on 80% FG shooting.

What's stopping Shaq and LeBron from dunking 25 times each in a game?

That is some awesome self ownage right there as well. I say players like Parker/Ginobili/RJ or Finley/McDyess all have offensive advantages over the Cavs. You say "you are acting like they would score 40 points a game on 80% shooting". When I never said anything close to that.

Then you say "whats stopping Shaq and Lebron from dunking 25 TIMES EACH IN A GAME"

So Shaq and Lebron would each average 50 PPG on 100% shooting? Listen to yourself and be real. Did either of them ever average anywhere close to that? Especially against a team with one of the best defensive anchor big men ever? Man.......

[DPG21920]

I think some people forget how dominant Shaq really was

[My Fault]

Well, I think this is where the vast majority of people are disagreeing. Normally this would be correct, but in this scenario, where everyone is in their primes, the talent does matter, because even though Shaq is probably the most dominant player ever, he is not the best player ever.

Prime front lines of Duncan/McDyess / Sheed / KG are close enough defensively all around to where the other guys would have to come into play imo.

Not to mention on the defensive end where Shaq would have to guard them.

Yet there's still Lebron... You can't focus your team purely to stop Shaq cause another unstoppable force in Lebron will make you pay. Those two would just be a nightmare for all other teams.

[DPG21920]

Yet there's still Lebron... You can't focus your team purely to stop Shaq cause another unstoppable force in Lebron will make you pay. Those two would just be a nightmare for all other teams.

I agree it would be a tough match up. But Lebron still has a shaky jump shot and an average at best low post game. His game is predicated on using size and speed to get to the rim and draw fouls while finishing. Shaq will occupy that same space.

Let me ask you this: Who is more well equipped to stop someone in these match ups in their primes?

Richard Jefferson trying to stop Lebron?

Mo Williams trying to stop Tony Parker?

Anthony Parker trying to stop Manu Ginobili?

Anderson Varejao trying to stop Antonio McDyess?


Also, rank them in tiers of who has the best advantage and why?

Also, in case you never have seen McDyess play in his prime:

[TheMACHINE]

I agree it would be a tough match up. But Lebron still has a shaky jump shot and an average at best low post game. He is game is predicated on using size and speed to get to the rim and draw fouls while finishing. Shaq will occupy that same space.

Let me ask you this: Who is more well equipped to stop someone in these match ups in their primes?

Richard Jefferson trying to stop Lebron?

Mo Williams trying to stop Tony Parker?

Anthony Parker trying to stop Manu Ginobili?

Anderson Varejao trying to stop Antonio McDyess?


Also, rank them in tiers of who has the best advantage and why?

Also, in case you never have seen McDyess play in his prime:

I agree...everyone but Shaq, even in thier prime really hasnt showed much compared to the other teams listed.

[BUMP]

Well let's narrow it down

The Mavs/Blazers/Magic aren't really in the discussion

The Lakers you could make a small case for because of Bryant, Gasol, Artest, Odom and the defense of Fisher, Bynum, and Artest

But it comes down to the Cavs/Spurs/Celtics ultimately as the last three standing.

I see the Spurs as the weakest of the three. A prime Michael Finley, and Parker starting would make for a strong backcourt but Mo Williams is no slouch in his prime either. LeBron and Jefferson is really no contest. It would be much harder for Jefferson to get in a rhythm when guarding a player of that calibre. Tim Duncan and Shaq pretty much wash each other out but Shaq will get anybody in foul trouble and when Tim isn't in there, nobody will even slow him down.

The best two teams IMO are the Cavs/Celtics.

With a prime Shaq and a prime Lebron, they resemble the early 00 Lakers. The only difference is defense. The Lakers played incredible defense, and had tall physical bodies to throw at people while the Cavs really don't.

The Celtics have a bunch of guys they could throw at Shaq. Perkins, Garnett, Wallace, Davis. The talent on Boston would be just too much. A prime Sheed would eat up Varejao inside, while Garnett could take Shaq outside. LeBron would still get his, but the Celtics have bigger defenders that would make him work a little more than SA would

[DPG21920]

But McDyess would not eat up Varejao Bump? Also, while Mo Williams in his prime is a good offensive player, TP is an above average defender, while Mo is not.

Anthony Parker is a good 3 point shooter, but not much else and Ginobili is an above average defender when not having to guard someone that is good down low and dedicated to the low block.

Richard Jefferson can be a number one option on offense and his prime defense was better than his offense. He would make Lebron work just about harder than anyone could.

All 5 players on the Spurs could be #1 offensive options or close 2nds.

[TheMACHINE]

Well let's narrow it down

The Mavs/Blazers/Magic aren't really in the discussion

The Lakers you could make a small case for because of Bryant, Gasol, Artest, Odom and the defense of Fisher, Bynum, and Artest

But it comes down to the Cavs/Spurs/Celtics ultimately as the last three standing.

I see the Spurs as the weakest of the three. A prime Michael Finley, and Parker starting would make for a strong backcourt but Mo Williams is no slouch in his prime either. LeBron and Jefferson is really no contest. It would be much harder for Jefferson to get in a rhythm when guarding a player of that calibre. Tim Duncan and Shaq pretty much wash each other out but Shaq will get anybody in foul trouble and when Tim isn't in there, nobody will even slow him down.

The best two teams IMO are the Cavs/Celtics.

With a prime Shaq and a prime Lebron, they resemble the early 00 Lakers. The only difference is defense. The Lakers played incredible defense, and had tall physical bodies to throw at people while the Cavs really don't.

The Celtics have a bunch of guys they could throw at Shaq. Perkins, Garnett, Wallace, Davis. The talent on Boston would be just too much. A prime Sheed would eat up Varejao inside, while Garnett could take Shaq outside. LeBron would still get his, but the Celtics have bigger defenders that would make him work a little more than SA would

Its the Celtics..2 prime palyers in Lebron and Shaq cant DOMINATE teams with 4-5 awesome PRIME players.

[Muser]

Celtics
Cavs
Spurs
Lakers
The rest

[BUMP]

Its the Celtics..2 prime palyers in Lebron and Shaq cant DOMINATE teams with 4-5 awesome PRIME players.

Thats what i said....did you stop reading or something?

[BUMP]

But McDyess would not eat up Varejao Bump? Also, while Mo Williams in his prime is a good offensive player, TP is an above average defender, while Mo is not.

Anthony Parker is a good 3 point shooter, but not much else and Ginobili is an above average defender when not having to guard someone that is good down low and dedicated to the low block.

Richard Jefferson can be a number one option on offense and his prime defense was better than his offense. He would make Lebron work just about harder than anyone could.

All 5 players on the Spurs could be #1 offensive options or close 2nds.

Honestly, I wouldn't really think so.

He would have the advantage, but when you have prime Jefferson, Duncan, Parker, Ginobli, and Finley on the court at the same time as you, your not gonna get many touches

[timtonymanurich]

Wow, looks like you missed the entire point of this thread.

Congrats

Way to notice my side-comment about the old and aged Shaq.

It is noted that this thread is entirely about the starting lineups in their prime. So way to try and make yourself sound important.

Now I see why you're a Mavs fan.

[TheMACHINE]

Thats what i said....did you stop reading or something?

im agreeing with u

[A_Duke]

Well let's narrow it down

The Mavs/Blazers/Magic aren't really in the discussion

The Lakers you could make a small case for because of Bryant, Gasol, Artest, Odom and the defense of Fisher, Bynum, and Artest

But it comes down to the Cavs/Spurs/Celtics ultimately as the last three standing.

I see the Spurs as the weakest of the three. A prime Michael Finley, and Parker starting would make for a strong backcourt but Mo Williams is no slouch in his prime either. LeBron and Jefferson is really no contest. It would be much harder for Jefferson to get in a rhythm when guarding a player of that calibre. Tim Duncan and Shaq pretty much wash each other out but Shaq will get anybody in foul trouble and when Tim isn't in there, nobody will even slow him down.

The best two teams IMO are the Cavs/Celtics.

With a prime Shaq and a prime Lebron, they resemble the early 00 Lakers. The only difference is defense. The Lakers played incredible defense, and had tall physical bodies to throw at people while the Cavs really don't.

The Celtics have a bunch of guys they could throw at Shaq. Perkins, Garnett, Wallace, Davis. The talent on Boston would be just too much. A prime Sheed would eat up Varejao inside, while Garnett could take Shaq outside. LeBron would still get his, but the Celtics have bigger defenders that would make him work a little more than SA would

You don't even take Ginobli into account, and underestimate how good of a player pre-injury Mcdyess was. Prime Dyess > Prime Sheed.

Btw Mo Williams who happens to be in his prime right now is a slouch when compared to Parker(also in his prime), Ginobli, or Finley in their primes.

but yeah i take back my earlier statement of Spurs taking this easily and say it is a toss up between the Celts and Spurs.

[BUMP]

im agreeing with u

[ffadicted]

Spurs by far

[TheMACHINE]

except for putting Cavs at #2....Spurs got # 2...i even think the Mavs would beat the Cavs.

[23LeBronJames23]

except for putting Cavs at #2....Spurs got # 2...i even think the Mavs would beat the Cavs.

not gonna happen

[Mark Jackson]

When you look at all these teams, how can you not say its the Boston Celtics?

Paul Pierce, Ray Allen, Kevin Gawnett, Rasheed Wallace, Rajon Rondo are you kidding me?

Turn out the lights, game over, Not on my watch!

[DPG21920]

Mark Jackson FTW

[My Fault]

Well let's narrow it down

The Mavs/Blazers/Magic aren't really in the discussion

The Lakers you could make a small case for because of Bryant, Gasol, Artest, Odom and the defense of Fisher, Bynum, and Artest

But it comes down to the Cavs/Spurs/Celtics ultimately as the last three standing.

I see the Spurs as the weakest of the three. A prime Michael Finley, and Parker starting would make for a strong backcourt but Mo Williams is no slouch in his prime either. LeBron and Jefferson is really no contest. It would be much harder for Jefferson to get in a rhythm when guarding a player of that calibre. Tim Duncan and Shaq pretty much wash each other out but Shaq will get anybody in foul trouble and when Tim isn't in there, nobody will even slow him down.

The best two teams IMO are the Cavs/Celtics.

With a prime Shaq and a prime Lebron, they resemble the early 00 Lakers. The only difference is defense. The Lakers played incredible defense, and had tall physical bodies to throw at people while the Cavs really don't.

The Celtics have a bunch of guys they could throw at Shaq. Perkins, Garnett, Wallace, Davis. The talent on Boston would be just too much. A prime Sheed would eat up Varejao inside, while Garnett could take Shaq outside. LeBron would still get his, but the Celtics have bigger defenders that would make him work a little more than SA would

I agree with most of this except Spurs being the weakest cause it seem as you forgot about Ginobili who in his prime could take over a game and once caught fire nobody could stop him.

[mfanatic]

Ok simple break down:

IN THEIR PRIMES:

Parker > Rondo
Manu > Allen
RJ + Finely off the bench > Paul Pierce + Tony Allen?
Duncan > KG
Big Mike < Sheed

bench, PRIME Theo Ratliff + Finely + BOWEN (If resigns) + Mason + Hill >
Prime Perkins, House, and Davis.

Spurs > Celtics easily.

Parker > Williams
Manu > Parker
RJ < Lebron
Duncan > AV
Ratliff + Big Mike off the bench > Shaq

Cavs have no bench at all anyway.

You guys aren't giving any credit to how good a PRIME Duncan, Manu 2-3 years ago, Parker NOW, and Big Mike/Ratliff in their PRIME would be.

[Muser]

Ratliff + Big Mike off the bench > Shaq

Cavs have no bench at all anyway.

You guys aren't giving any credit to how good a PRIME Duncan, Manu 2-3 years ago, Parker NOW, and Big Mike/Ratliff in their PRIME would be.

Pot/Kettle/Black

You're not giving shaq any credit.

[JamStone]

Ratliff + Big Mike off the bench > Shaq

Lol what???