Knicks · Kinda OT: Most Talented NBA Generation Ever? (page 1)

There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

I don't think it is the most talented. I think the Lakers/Celtics 80s years take the cake on that IMO. Showtime when you could still be the Bad Boy Pistons? The new players benefit from the rule changes. THAT SAID, this is definitely the most versatile generation ever. There are no Huber Davis type of specialists. Everyone can contribute to every statistical category (at least on teams other than the Knicks). Look at guys like Giannis and Doncic. I do love that you're never going to see Jamaal Magloire make an all star team

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

For all the shots that are being jacked up the efficiency of these guys have still kept up. Almost all these guys have TS 57%+. And with respect to the defense, I don't think defense has got worse I just think we have a new influx of talented players, almost all PnR ball handlers who can score at every level and defenses haven't really kept up how to defend them.

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

its a good subject and debatable. We in an era where there are no dominant bigs.
Yet there was Jerry Lucas back in the day who at 6-8 was one of the better rebounders in his era and had great range on his unorthodox release.
If the 3pt shot existed he would be a household name.
Back in the day they played 4 years of college, so he started in NBA at age 23. Fist 7 seasons he avg 19 rebs, 19 pts per game!!!!!! Two seasons over 20 rebs a game avg!
He played for Cincinatti. This was the era of Celtic dominance.
By the time he go to NY he was on the back end of his career.

I think each era had the players but the expectations defined them. Jerry would be a stretch 4 today a lot like in Prime Kevin Love.
Every generation has bigger and faster athletes. When Magic came on the scene a 6-9 PG was laughable. Jordan in his career could play 4 positions if he wanted. Lebron can play 5 given his size.
Guys like KP would never have made it he would been planted in the low post given his size. They ruined Ralph Sampson by trying that.

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

To be fair, Shaq and Hakeem came in the league after two years in NCAA. ALonzo, Kareem, and Patrick after 4.
Robinson would be in School still in his junior year and not see the court until he had an offensive game.
There would be no conversation as he would never be the NBA until age 22-23, and still might not get off the bench.
But lets see where he is in 5 years when he is all of age 26!!!

At the same time those iconic guys might not have been able to play at this current pace. Jabbar given his build and longevity. The others might have had shorter careers.
Hakeem was very unpolished when he got into the league.

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

Really? Giannis? Anthony Davis? Arent the two best teams in the league build around 2 bigs?

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

Big men centric teams aint winning because there aint many traditional big men around....Put a 21 year old Shaq on a franchise right now and he would change the league and have teams searching for the next Shaq.

Uptown wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

Big men centric teams aint winning because there aint many traditional big men around....Put a 21 year old Shaq on a franchise right now and he would change the league and have teams searching for the next Shaq.

Isn't it funny how we single out a certain position or player and say they can never carry a team to title. A euro will never lead you to a title, you can't do it with a small PG etc. Would you be surprised if Jokic or Embiid led a title team? The bottom line is talented players lead talented teams to titles. I think Ewing, Hakeem, Robinson would definitely work on three point games and still be relevant. David Robinson and Hakeem would still be one of the best run/jump athletes in the league. Shaq and Ewing probably don't feel need the need to put on as much weight if they played today. Zo probably increases his range. He shot the college three without hesitation. Partner probably becomes more relevant.

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

It’s like comparing apples to oranges the game is so different now... the game used to be way more physical and bruising ... now you can get a flagrant just for contesting a 3 to close lol .

Until they bring back hand checking and stop letting teams implement moving screens it’s just going to be a chuck fest .. so of course there’s going to be a lot of high scorers

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

Really? Giannis? Anthony Davis? Arent the two best teams in the league build around 2 bigs?

I wouldn't call Giannis a big or the Lakers built around Lebron

fitzfarm wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

It’s like comparing apples to oranges the game is so different now... the game used to be way more physical and bruising ... now you can get a flagrant just for contesting a 3 to close lol .

Until they bring back hand checking and stop letting teams implement moving screens it’s just going to be a chuck fest .. so of course there’s going to be a lot of high scorers

This isn't even about comparing eras. Traditionally since the 70s there have been usually 1-3 players averaging 27+ ppg but there has been a spike in the past couple of years of in the number of efficient scorers doing so.

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

Really? Giannis? Anthony Davis? Arent the two best teams in the league build around 2 bigs?

I wouldn't call Giannis a big or the Lakers built around Lebron

Freak is 6'11, can't hit threes or free throws, and grabs 13 boards a game. He is a big.

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Marcus Camby

CrushAlot wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

Really? Giannis? Anthony Davis? Arent the two best teams in the league build around 2 bigs?

I wouldn't call Giannis a big or the Lakers built around Lebron

Freak is 6'11, can't hit threes or free throws, and grabs 13 boards a game. He is a big.

this.. what was Laker's record before AD and after AD? Seems like going big-centric has them with the leagues top record ish

fishmike wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

Really? Giannis? Anthony Davis? Arent the two best teams in the league build around 2 bigs?

I wouldn't call Giannis a big or the Lakers built around Lebron

Freak is 6'11, can't hit threes or free throws, and grabs 13 boards a game. He is a big.

this.. what was Laker's record before AD and after AD? Seems like going big-centric has them with the leagues top record ish

I'm not saying that bigs can't help you win but bigs alone won't which I realize is vague and can be applied to any player so fair. Also worth noting that AD and Giannis have a very versatile skill set that are unlike traditional bigs.

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

CrushAlot wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

fishmike wrote:

TPercy wrote:

knicks1248 wrote:

smackeddog wrote:

TPercy wrote:There are 8 players averaging 27+ ppg this season which I'm pretty sure has never been done in history. Closest one I think was the 1984-85 season with 6 but the trend for a while has always been 1-3. Guys like Beal, Booker, Ingram, Westbrook, Lavine, and maybe even Derozan could start on almost any all star roster in past years. Crazy right?

The scoring numbers are grossly over-inflated due to the number of 3 pointers jacked up and the outlawing of defense, leading to more made 3 pointers and more FT's taken

100% agree, pace is much faster too.

Imaging Mitch having to deal with Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem, alonzo type centers..He would have went un-drafted

He would foul out every game

Imagine them trying to win in todays game. Simply not happening.

??? You saying Shaq, Kareem, Ewing, Hakeem and Zo would struggle in today's game? Thats madness

Struggling no, winning titles? yes. Big Men centric teams arn't winning.

Really? Giannis? Anthony Davis? Arent the two best teams in the league build around 2 bigs?

I wouldn't call Giannis a big or the Lakers built around Lebron

Freak is 6'11, can't hit threes or free throws, and grabs 13 boards a game. He is a big.

this.. what was Laker's record before AD and after AD? Seems like going big-centric has them with the leagues top record ish

I'm not saying that bigs can't help you win but bigs alone won't which I realize is vague and can be applied to any player so fair. Also worth noting that AD and Giannis have a very versatile skill set that are unlike traditional bigs.

but the bigs you listed are not traditional. They were stars and would win no matter what. Also EVERYONE needs help, bigs or otherwise. KG was one of the best in the league but couldnt get out of the first round for a like 10 years. His first year with Pierce and Ray and he won a chip. Jordan/Pippen won 6 without a post player, but they surely had great defense in the paint (and everywhere else).

The big change is you cant carry 5-6 guys who can shoot. Maybe 2-3 and only 1-2 are in the rotation. Gotta spread the floor but if you can play you can play