most well rounded player?

[noah1212]

Who would you guys say the most well rounded player in the history of the league is? I was wondering because despite hating lebron james, im slowly starting to believe he may be the most well rounded player of all time. The only players I can really think of that may hold a candle that can shoot the 3, pass , defend , rebound, perform layups and dunks, shoot midrange, and are athletic all on a high level are larry bird, magic johnson, oscar robertson, and scottie pippen.

Im sure im missing some, but do you guys think that lebron is there yet? Obviously you can make an a case for all the guys I listed, but im interested to hear what you guys have to say.

[Nathan_OS]

Its undoubtedly Lebron.

[noah1212]

Quote: Originally Posted by Nathan_OS

Its undoubtedly Lebron.

like I said, Im starting to believe it too, but guys like oscar robertson make it a contest.
ppg apg rpg for jams
27.6 6.9 7.2


Oscar robertson
ppg apg rpg
25.7 9.5 7.5

[24]

Magic Johnson, with Lebron as a close second.

[noah1212]

Quote: Originally Posted by 24

Magic Johnson, with Lebron as a close second.

yeah, I think the one thing magic had going for him that lebron doesnt is post game. I think magic had a better post game, granted he often had a decent size advantage.

[ojandpizza]

LeBron then Jordan..

Pippen IMO isn't anywhere close.

And Magic Johnson benefitted from being in the perfect offensive situation for him, and wasn't the defender LeBron or Jordan were. Also Magic offensive game was somewhat limited compared to LeBron, and wasn't a great shooter.

Oscar could play one way basically. Back his man down. While his stats were impressive across the board I don't consider you well rounded when your offensive game is a one way street. Great rebound and assist numbers, but those largely are reflected by the average of about 30-40 more shots per game in his era.


I'd also make a strong case for Larry Bird. Could score inside, outside, with the ball, without the ball, hitting 3's, on the break.. Any way you want it.. One of the best passing forwards ever. And he was an excellent rebounder.

So LeBron, Bird, and Jordan for me.. Not really a particular order.. Not trying to knock Magic it's just hard for me to give it to him when these 3 IMO are better offensively and defensively.. Magic has an edge in passing, which just isn't quite enough for me.

[noah1212]

Quote: Originally Posted by ojandpizza

LeBron then Jordan.. Pippen IMO isn't anywhere close. And Magic Johnson benefitted from being in the perfect offensive situation for him, and wasn't the defender LeBron or Jordan were. Also Magic offensive game was somewhat limited compared to LeBron, and wasn't a great shooter. Oscar could play one way basically. Back his man down. While his stats were impressive across the board I don't consider you well rounded when your offensive game is a one way street. Great rebound and assist numbers, but those largely are reflected by the average of about 30-40 more shots per game in his era. I'd also make a strong case for Larry Bird. Could score inside, outside, with the ball, without the ball, hitting 3's, on the break.. Any way you want it.. One of the best passing forwards ever. And he was an excellent rebounder. So LeBron, Bird, and Jordan for me.. Not really a particular order.. Not trying to knock Magic it's just hard for me to give it to him when these 3 IMO are better offensively and defensively.. Magic has an edge in passing, which just isn't quite enough for me.

magic rebounded better then jordan, got more assists. Those are arguably 2 of the most important stat categories when talking about well rounded. Jordan may have been the best player to ever live, but he wasn't well rounded as much as quite a few players. statistically, magic averaged 2 more rebounds a game and close to 6 assists per game. jordans 5 apg and 6 rpg really hurt him in this discussion.

also, i cant comment on your oscar robertson statement as ive never seen him play. But he is by far the all time leader in triple doubles, so not including him in this discussion would be foolish.

[ojandpizza]

Quote: Originally Posted by noah1212

magic rebounded better then jordan, got more assists. Those are arguably 2 of the most important stat categories when talking about well rounded. Jordan may have been the best player to ever live, but he wasn't well rounded as much as quite a few players. statistically, magic averaged 2 more rebounds a game and close to 6 assists per game. jordans 5 apg and 6 rpg really hurt him in this discussion. also, i cant comment on your oscar robertson statement as ive never seen him play. But he is by far the all time leader in triple doubles, so not including him in this discussion would be foolish.

I didn't not include Oscar, I simply didn't put Oscar ahead of the 3 I listed..

There is LOTS more to take into account that career stat averages here. You can throw out any numbers you want to. The fact is Jordan was so far ahead of Magic on offense and defense that the amount of assists Magic averaged matter very little to me and my opinion.