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I think Parker should be higher. He is easily a top 5 point guard right now.
By Mike Kahn
NBCSports.com contributor
Updated: 11:46 p.m. ET March 4, 2005
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7094510/
It's always difficult to distinguish between Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan as the game's top player. But considering how Shaq has slimmed down, and helped transform the Miami Heat into one of the teams to beat, he's da man when it comes to singling out the NBA's top 50 players.
Every team had at least one representative except the Memphis Grizzlies, who would have obviously had Pau Gasol on the list, but he didn't make the criterion of having played at least 75 percent of the games.
The defending champion Detroit Pistons have four on the list, while the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns each have three.
So without further ado, our top 50 players this season:
1. Shaquille O'Neal, Miami Heat
The indomitable one impacts the flow of the game more than anyone, and has made this team le contenders.
2. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
The most fundamentally sound big man since Bill Walton. He could meet Shaq in the Finals.
3. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Astonishingly, he has proven to be even better than anticipated. At 19, he'll only get better.
4. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves
A sore knee and bad team chemistry are killing him, but for an unprecedented sixth straight year ... 20-10-5.
5. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
This 7-footer never ceases to be amazing as he hits the boards, handles the ball, runs and shoots from anywhere. Really amazing.
6. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
An ankle sprain disrupted his season, but more importantly he still hasn't made his teammates better despite his vast talent.
7. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers
Fearless Fly continues to lead the league in scoring, is pushing for another steals le and has raised his assist total.
8. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
He has a shot at winning the Most Valuable Player award the way he transformed this team into a contender.
9. Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers
It's been a tough year for J-O and the Pacers, and figures to get even tougher during the stretch run.
10. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets
It required three months, but finally Tracy McGrady has meshed with Jeff Van Gundy's system and Yao Ming.
23. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
One of the game’s rising stars, he's an impact player in all phases of the game, although occasionally out of control.
38. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
He's still so young, he got off to rocky start with self-imposed pressure, but he's now taking over and improving daily.
I think Parker should be higher. He is easily a top 5 point guard right now.
"Fearless Fly"?7. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers
Fearless Fly continues to lead the league in scoring, is pushing for another steals le and has raised his assist total.I like that.
Ths year AI >> Kobe, > Dirk, and KG.
23. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
One of the game’s rising stars, he's an impact player in all phases of the game, although occasionally out of control.
Get it right, Kahn. The correct phrasing is "dude is out of control".
Hey, is Kahn no longer with sportsline.cbs.com?
Parker should be right in front of Ginobili. No offense, but he has more of an effect on games than Ginobili.
I tend to agree. The Spurs usually win when Parker has a good game--but they usually lose when he has an off game, even if Manu can play well without Parker.
Conversely, if Manu has an off game, the Spurs can still win--if Parker has a good game.
Dirk > Kobe
I respectively disagree that Shaq is better than Duncan.
Duncan = better rebounder, better shot blocker and general defender, better free throw shooter (lesser of two evils) etc.
Moreover, Shaq defers more in the 4th to Wade, while Duncan has stepped up big lately.
That is because Tony is the point guard but does not necessarily mean he is better than Manu. He has been playing more consistent as of late. Manu still has a better all around game and the Spurs look to go to him in crunch time, even over Duncan at times.
It's always hard to compare players playing at different positions...
Manu is outstanding but for me a great PG could benefit more to a team than any other position... well if the other guys cant convert a single shot that doesn't really help you'll say... Agree but if you have good offensive schemes and a PG who knows how to share the ball and has a great offensive awareness it's easier for all his mates...
Duncan > Shaq
Parker > Ginobili
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