The Greatest Backcourt?

[dunkman]

Still go with Thomas and Dumars

Thomas ranks high on the all-time PG's list, Dumars was one of the best perimeter defensive players ever, he was also a very capable offensive player. Parker and Manu reduced the difference, but they aren't still there.

[Obstructed_View]

Actually, now that I think about it, if the Spurs can manage six wins in a row from here on out, the conversation should change a bit.

[DAF86]

Player efficiency rating

Manu - 21.77
Parker - 18.77
Thomas - 18.11
Dumars - 15.3

I don't remember much of Thomas and Dumars and I know PER isn't the indicative of anything, just throwing it out there.

[Obstructed_View]

Player efficiency rating

Manu - 21.77
Parker - 18.77
Thomas - 18.11
Dumars - 15.3

I don't remember much of Thomas and Dumars and I know PER isn't the indicative of anything, just throwing it out there.

All in all, Manu and Parker are probably better, but Isiah did some things I've never seen a human do in the playoffs, and that really stands out for me.

[coyotes_geek]

Actually, now that I think about it, if the Spurs can manage six wins in a row from here on out, the conversation should change a bit.

I'd think so. Winning a le with Tim Duncan, really good player would certainly bolster the 3 rings they already won with Tim Duncan, perennial MVP candidate.

[spursfan1000]

Billups and Hamilton was a pretty nice back court

[DAF86]

Billups and Hamilton was a pretty nice back court

Those I saw. Give me Manu and Parker anyday.

[ShoogarBear]

I'd disagree. I'm not sure I'd put it ahead of Parker/Manu as is, but definitely wouldn't when you consider that the Clyde/Monroe best seasons only overlapped for 3-4 years. Frazier had his best (at least statistically speaking) seasons prior to Monroe's arrival, and Monroe's best individual years were in Baltimore.

Maybe that's enough, but I'd say naye for "gold standard" status.

Of course their stats were going to be better individually than when they played together. Thomas/Dumars and Parker/Ginobili have the advantage of a longer legacy, but Frazier/Monroe have the argument that each was a proven First-Team All-NBA player.

As far as just raw statistics go, they certainly have a stronger claim than Parker/Ginobili:

71-72 (made NBA Finals)
Frazier 23.2/6.7/5.8
Monroe 11.4/1.5/2.2 (in 20.6 mpg)

72-73 (won NBA le)
Frazier 21.1/7.3/5.9
Monroe 15.5/3.3/3.8

73-74
Frazier 20.5/6.7/6.9
Monroe 14.0/3.0/2.7 (only 41 games)

74-75
Frazier 21.5/6.0/6.1
Monroe 20.9/4.2/3.5

75-76
Frazier 19.1/5.4/6.8
Monroe 20.7/3.0/3.6

76-77
Frazier 17.4/3.9/5.3
Monroe 19.9/2.9/4.8

On reconsideration, though, I would have to say that a much better case can be made for Thomas/Dumars as best backcourt ever. People forget that Isiah Thomas was probably the best offensive point guard in history his first six years in the league, before Chuck Daly slowed up the offense.