Terraholm
03-11-2008, 08:44 PM
Clyde is 6th, Jon Barry and David Thorpe had Clyde at #4
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-GreatestSGs
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Updated: March 11, 1:45 PM ET
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By
ESPN.com
1
Michael Jordan
Teams: Chicago Bulls (1984-93, 1995-98), Washington Wizards (2001-03)
Titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Honors: 14-time All-Star, 5-time MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998), 6-
time Finals MVP, Rookie of the Year (1985), Defensive Player of the
Year (1988)
The player: The standard by which all other players are measured.
Air Jordan was the most skilled, most athletic, toughest, meanest,
most inspirational and most competitive of all the shooting guards who
have ever played the game. He dominated both ends of the floor. He
also was the biggest winner and perhaps the greatest clutch player in
history.
The credentials -- and pictures -- speak for themselves: six
championship rings, five MVP awards, six Finals MVP awards, one
defensive POY award. And his career numbers were otherworldly, most
notably 32,292 points (third all time) and a 30.1 points per game
scoring average (first). Oh, and he averaged 20 points and six
rebounds as a 40-year-old! Only his last two seasons in Washington
kept him from shooting more than 50 percent for his career.
Jordan had no real weaknesses; he mastered every facet of the game. He
dominated a big man's game and was the leader of the only dynasty in
NBA history that did not feature a dominant center.
On top of all that, he helped make the NBA a global game. From his
trademark tongue wag to his game-winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals,
MJ was the most electrifying player to ever step on a court.
The greatest player of all time.
Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
2
Kobe Bryant
Team: Los Angeles Lakers ('96-present)
Titles: 3 (2000, 2001, 2002)
Honors: 10-time All-Star
The player: As close as it gets to MJ. Still just 29, his legacy is
yet to be written. But his credentials already are legit, starting
with the three rings he won while teamed with Shaq.
He was the fastest player to 20,000 points -- scoring 81 in a single
game -- and is one of the best two-way players at any position.
Like Jordan, Bryant does everything well. He can carry a team
offensively for long stretches, defend the other team's best player,
hit outside shots, create for others, slash to the rim, excel in
transition and win playoff games.
He is the prototypical shooting guard, with a killer instinct and
nearly unlimited range on his shot. And he's getting better.
Considered by many to be the best all-around player in the NBA today,
Bryant has at least a glimmer of hope of challenging Jordan for the
top spot before it's all said and done.
Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
3
Jerry West
Team: Los Angeles Lakers (1960-74)
Titles: 1 (1972)
Honors: 14-time All-Star, Finals MVP (1969), Hall of Fame
The player: One of the toughest and most competitive players ever,
there was nothing he couldn't do with the ball in his hands -- he
could drive, make plays and shoot with range.
He was a tremendous athlete and a defensive stopper, too.
And West was best when it mattered most, earning the nickname "Mr.
Clutch."
West led the Lakers to the Finals an astounding nine times but won
only one NBA title, as he had the misfortune of playing during the
Celtics' dynasty.
Still, he is the only player from the losing team to be named the
Finals MVP, and he retired as the all-time playoff leader in points
scored.
And who can forget his 60-foot buzzer-beater to send Game 3 of the
1970 Finals against the Knicks into overtime?
He's the Logo. That says it all.
Photo: Wen Roberts/NBAE/Getty Images
4
George Gervin
Teams: Virginia Squires (1972-74), San Antonio Spurs (1974-85),
Chicago Bulls (1985-86)
Titles: 0
Honors: 12-time All-Star (9 in NBA, 3 in ABA), Hall of Fame
The player: The Iceman could score on anyone from anywhere. The Iceman
could score blindfolded. The Iceman could score getting out of bed.
You get the point.
At 6-foot-8, Gervin revolutionized the position, won four scoring
titles (one in the ABA, three in the NBA) and scored an NBA-record 33
points in one quarter. His artistry with the ball made him one of the
most entertaining players ever. His line-drive jumper was a smooth
sight, and his creativity around the basket was second to none.
He scored with flair from the outside and in the midrange and showed a
delicate touch inside -- his finger roll is one of the great signature
shots in NBA history.
Simply put, he was one of the truly unique players in the history of
the game.
Photo: Malcolm Emmons/US PRESSWIRE
5
Allen Iverson
Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1996-2006), Denver Nuggets (2006-present)
Titles: 0
Honors: 9-time All-Star, MVP (2001), Rookie of the Year (1997)
The player: The Answer is pound for pound the toughest player ever. At
6 feet, 165 pounds dripping wet, his scoring ability is nothing short
of phenomenal. He has won four scoring titles and is third behind
Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain in career scoring average.
A true competitor, he never stops and often crashes to the basket with
little regard for his personal safety. He's a dazzling ballhandler and
an underrated passer who has no problem putting a team on his back.
A classic shooting guard? Not at all. But a one-of-a-kind little man?
A warrior who possesses legendary amounts of durability, consistency
and scoring talent? Without question.
6
Clyde Drexler
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (1983-95), Houston Rockets (1995-98)
Titles: 1 (1995)
Honors: 10-time All-Star, Hall of Fame
The player: A member of Phi Slamma Jamma, Clyde the Glide was one of
the fastest players ever off the dribble and one of the best finishers
ever. He was electrifying on the fast break.
He was an all-around player, too. He could score, rebound, defend and
make plays. With his athleticism and confidence, he could "throw the
ball in" despite not being a great shooter from deep.
While he was overshadowed by Jordan, he was a unique talent.
7
Reggie Miller
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
Team: Indiana Pacers (1987-2005)
Titles: 0
Honors: 5-time All-Star
The player: The most prolific 3-point shooter in league history,
Miller helped define the term "shooting guard." Nobody could catch and
shoot better than Reggie.
Despite being rail-thin, he was a very tough competitor who could take
a beating and would run defenders ragged off screens. He played with
an assassin's mentality and was one of the greatest clutch players of
all time. His 25-point, fourth-quarter performance against the Knicks
in 1994 is legendary.
He is the all-time leader in 3-pointers made and attempted. And he
scored more points than any 2-guard except Jordan. A title is the only
thing missing from his resume, although he did average more than 21
points per game in the playoffs for his career.
8
Pete Maravich
The Sporting News/Icon SMI
Teams: Atlanta Hawks (1970-74), New Orleans/Utah Jazz (1974-80),
Boston Celtics (1980)
Titles: 0
Honors: 5-time All-Star, Hall of Fame
The player: During his era, Pistol Pete was the greatest basketball
show on Earth. There was nothing he couldn't do with a ball. He was a
versatile scorer and passer from anywhere on the floor. He made the
deep jump shot a weapon long before the 3-point line, and he helped
bring playground moves into the mainstream.
If the Pistol had been on better teams during his NBA career, he might
have ended up much higher on this list. But there's no denying he was
an unparalleled showman who remains an NBA icon to this day.
9
Earl Monroe
Richard Pilling/NBAE/Getty Images
Teams: Baltimore Bullets (1967-71), New York Knicks (1971-80)
Titles: 1 (1973)
Honors: 4-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year (1968), Hall of Fame
The player: You will not find a more natural talent. Smooth as silk
and tough as nails, The Pearl revolutionized the game of basketball
with his trademark spin move, his feathery touch and his hang time.
His numbers are retired in Philadelphia playgrounds and two NBA
franchises, and his streetball style was emulated by young players all
over. That will earn you the name "Black Jesus."
10
Joe Dumars
Nathaniel S. Butler/ NBAE/ Getty Images
Team: Detroit Pistons (1985-99)
Titles: 2 (1989, 1990)
Honors: 6-time All-Star, Finals MVP (1989), Hall of Fame
The player: They don't call him Joe D for nothing. Dumars was a lock-
down defender and one of the most underrated players of his
generation.
He was excellent on both ends, with a silent but deadly style
combining defensive tenacity and a picture-perfect jump shot; if
needed, he could have averaged 20-plus points per game. He was a
tremendous clutch shooter and has a Finals MVP trophy to prove it.
The Vote
We asked 20 NBA experts for their lists of the top 10 shooting guards
in NBA history. Players received 10 points for a first-place vote,
nine points for second and so on down to one point for a 10th-place
vote.
Final results:
Player Voters
HA JA GA JB CB RB JHi JH MJ SJ TL CM CP CR JR JRo CS BS MS DT Total
Jordan 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 200
Bryant 9 8 8 9 9 8 9 8 9 8 8 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 9 8 170
West 8 9 9 8 8 9 8 9 8 9 9 8 7 8 8 9 7 9 8 9 167
Gervin -- 7 7 3 6 3 6 7 3 6 6 6 -- 6 4 7 5 6 6 6 100
Iverson 2 4 -- 4 4 -- 7 3 5 7 2 7 8 7 -- 3 3 7 5 4 82
Drexler 4 3 6 2 7 5 1 6 -- -- 5 5 3 5 3 6 1 2 4 7 75
Miller 6 6 5 6 1 -- 5 -- 7 2 4 4 1 2 -- 5 2 -- -- 5 61
Maravich -- -- -- -- -- -- 4 -- 4 5 7 3 5 1 -- 2 9 -- 7 -- 47
Monroe 1 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- 6 4 1 2 6 -- 7 4 -- -- -- -- 36
Dumars 7 -- -- 7 -- 6 -- -- 2 1 3 -- 4 4 -- -- -- -- -- -- 34
Others receiving votes (points): Sam Jones (31), Dwyane Wade (23), Hal
Greer (19), David Thompson (13), Bill Sharman (9), Dave Bing (6),
Tracy McGrady (5), Sidney Moncrief (5), Manu Ginobili (4), Ray Allen
(3), Paul Arizin (2), Vince Carter (2), Dennis Johnson (1), Gail
Goodrich (1), Drazen Petrovic (1), Mitch Richmond (1), Jimmy Walker
(1)
Voters:
* Henry Abbott, TrueHoop (HA)
* J.A. Adande, ESPN.com (JA)
* Greg Anthony, ESPN (GA)
* Jon Barry, ESPN (JB)
* Chris Broussard, ESPN The Magazine (CB)
* Ric Bucher, ESPN The Magazine (RB)
* Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 (JHi)
* John Hollinger, ESPN.com (JH)
* Mark Jackson, ESPN (MJ)
* Scoop Jackson, ESPN.com Page 2 (SJ)
* Tim Legler, ESPN (TL)
* Carlos Morales, ESPN Deportes (CM)
* Chris Palmer, ESPN The Magazine (CP)
* Chris Ramsay, ESPN.com (CR)
* Jack Ramsay, ESPN (JR)
* Jalen Rose, ESPN (JRo)
* Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com (CS)
* Bill Simmons, ESPN.com Page 2 (BS)
* Marc Stein, ESPN.com (MS)
* David Thorpe, Scouts Inc. (DT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Career Statistics
Years PPG RPG APG PER
Jordan 15 30.1 6.2 5.3 27.9
Bryant 12 24.9 5.3 4.6 23.6
West 14 27.0 5.8 6.7 22.9
Gervin 14 25.1 5.3 2.6 21.4
Iverson 12 27.8 3.8 6.3 21.5
Drexler 15 20.4 6.1 5.6 21.1
Miller 18 18.2 3.0 3.0 18.4
Maravich 10 24.2 4.2 5.4 18.4
Monroe 13 18.8 3.0 3.9 17.2
Dumars 14 16.1 2.2 4.5 15.3
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-GreatestSGs
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Updated: March 11, 1:45 PM ET
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By
ESPN.com
1
Michael Jordan
Teams: Chicago Bulls (1984-93, 1995-98), Washington Wizards (2001-03)
Titles: 6 (1991, 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 1998)
Honors: 14-time All-Star, 5-time MVP (1988, 1991, 1992, 1996, 1998), 6-
time Finals MVP, Rookie of the Year (1985), Defensive Player of the
Year (1988)
The player: The standard by which all other players are measured.
Air Jordan was the most skilled, most athletic, toughest, meanest,
most inspirational and most competitive of all the shooting guards who
have ever played the game. He dominated both ends of the floor. He
also was the biggest winner and perhaps the greatest clutch player in
history.
The credentials -- and pictures -- speak for themselves: six
championship rings, five MVP awards, six Finals MVP awards, one
defensive POY award. And his career numbers were otherworldly, most
notably 32,292 points (third all time) and a 30.1 points per game
scoring average (first). Oh, and he averaged 20 points and six
rebounds as a 40-year-old! Only his last two seasons in Washington
kept him from shooting more than 50 percent for his career.
Jordan had no real weaknesses; he mastered every facet of the game. He
dominated a big man's game and was the leader of the only dynasty in
NBA history that did not feature a dominant center.
On top of all that, he helped make the NBA a global game. From his
trademark tongue wag to his game-winning shot in the 1998 NBA Finals,
MJ was the most electrifying player to ever step on a court.
The greatest player of all time.
Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
2
Kobe Bryant
Team: Los Angeles Lakers ('96-present)
Titles: 3 (2000, 2001, 2002)
Honors: 10-time All-Star
The player: As close as it gets to MJ. Still just 29, his legacy is
yet to be written. But his credentials already are legit, starting
with the three rings he won while teamed with Shaq.
He was the fastest player to 20,000 points -- scoring 81 in a single
game -- and is one of the best two-way players at any position.
Like Jordan, Bryant does everything well. He can carry a team
offensively for long stretches, defend the other team's best player,
hit outside shots, create for others, slash to the rim, excel in
transition and win playoff games.
He is the prototypical shooting guard, with a killer instinct and
nearly unlimited range on his shot. And he's getting better.
Considered by many to be the best all-around player in the NBA today,
Bryant has at least a glimmer of hope of challenging Jordan for the
top spot before it's all said and done.
Photo: Nathaniel S. Butler/Getty Images
3
Jerry West
Team: Los Angeles Lakers (1960-74)
Titles: 1 (1972)
Honors: 14-time All-Star, Finals MVP (1969), Hall of Fame
The player: One of the toughest and most competitive players ever,
there was nothing he couldn't do with the ball in his hands -- he
could drive, make plays and shoot with range.
He was a tremendous athlete and a defensive stopper, too.
And West was best when it mattered most, earning the nickname "Mr.
Clutch."
West led the Lakers to the Finals an astounding nine times but won
only one NBA title, as he had the misfortune of playing during the
Celtics' dynasty.
Still, he is the only player from the losing team to be named the
Finals MVP, and he retired as the all-time playoff leader in points
scored.
And who can forget his 60-foot buzzer-beater to send Game 3 of the
1970 Finals against the Knicks into overtime?
He's the Logo. That says it all.
Photo: Wen Roberts/NBAE/Getty Images
4
George Gervin
Teams: Virginia Squires (1972-74), San Antonio Spurs (1974-85),
Chicago Bulls (1985-86)
Titles: 0
Honors: 12-time All-Star (9 in NBA, 3 in ABA), Hall of Fame
The player: The Iceman could score on anyone from anywhere. The Iceman
could score blindfolded. The Iceman could score getting out of bed.
You get the point.
At 6-foot-8, Gervin revolutionized the position, won four scoring
titles (one in the ABA, three in the NBA) and scored an NBA-record 33
points in one quarter. His artistry with the ball made him one of the
most entertaining players ever. His line-drive jumper was a smooth
sight, and his creativity around the basket was second to none.
He scored with flair from the outside and in the midrange and showed a
delicate touch inside -- his finger roll is one of the great signature
shots in NBA history.
Simply put, he was one of the truly unique players in the history of
the game.
Photo: Malcolm Emmons/US PRESSWIRE
5
Allen Iverson
Stan Honda/AFP/Getty Images
Teams: Philadelphia 76ers (1996-2006), Denver Nuggets (2006-present)
Titles: 0
Honors: 9-time All-Star, MVP (2001), Rookie of the Year (1997)
The player: The Answer is pound for pound the toughest player ever. At
6 feet, 165 pounds dripping wet, his scoring ability is nothing short
of phenomenal. He has won four scoring titles and is third behind
Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain in career scoring average.
A true competitor, he never stops and often crashes to the basket with
little regard for his personal safety. He's a dazzling ballhandler and
an underrated passer who has no problem putting a team on his back.
A classic shooting guard? Not at all. But a one-of-a-kind little man?
A warrior who possesses legendary amounts of durability, consistency
and scoring talent? Without question.
6
Clyde Drexler
Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images
Teams: Portland Trail Blazers (1983-95), Houston Rockets (1995-98)
Titles: 1 (1995)
Honors: 10-time All-Star, Hall of Fame
The player: A member of Phi Slamma Jamma, Clyde the Glide was one of
the fastest players ever off the dribble and one of the best finishers
ever. He was electrifying on the fast break.
He was an all-around player, too. He could score, rebound, defend and
make plays. With his athleticism and confidence, he could "throw the
ball in" despite not being a great shooter from deep.
While he was overshadowed by Jordan, he was a unique talent.
7
Reggie Miller
Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE/Getty Images
Team: Indiana Pacers (1987-2005)
Titles: 0
Honors: 5-time All-Star
The player: The most prolific 3-point shooter in league history,
Miller helped define the term "shooting guard." Nobody could catch and
shoot better than Reggie.
Despite being rail-thin, he was a very tough competitor who could take
a beating and would run defenders ragged off screens. He played with
an assassin's mentality and was one of the greatest clutch players of
all time. His 25-point, fourth-quarter performance against the Knicks
in 1994 is legendary.
He is the all-time leader in 3-pointers made and attempted. And he
scored more points than any 2-guard except Jordan. A title is the only
thing missing from his resume, although he did average more than 21
points per game in the playoffs for his career.
8
Pete Maravich
The Sporting News/Icon SMI
Teams: Atlanta Hawks (1970-74), New Orleans/Utah Jazz (1974-80),
Boston Celtics (1980)
Titles: 0
Honors: 5-time All-Star, Hall of Fame
The player: During his era, Pistol Pete was the greatest basketball
show on Earth. There was nothing he couldn't do with a ball. He was a
versatile scorer and passer from anywhere on the floor. He made the
deep jump shot a weapon long before the 3-point line, and he helped
bring playground moves into the mainstream.
If the Pistol had been on better teams during his NBA career, he might
have ended up much higher on this list. But there's no denying he was
an unparalleled showman who remains an NBA icon to this day.
9
Earl Monroe
Richard Pilling/NBAE/Getty Images
Teams: Baltimore Bullets (1967-71), New York Knicks (1971-80)
Titles: 1 (1973)
Honors: 4-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year (1968), Hall of Fame
The player: You will not find a more natural talent. Smooth as silk
and tough as nails, The Pearl revolutionized the game of basketball
with his trademark spin move, his feathery touch and his hang time.
His numbers are retired in Philadelphia playgrounds and two NBA
franchises, and his streetball style was emulated by young players all
over. That will earn you the name "Black Jesus."
10
Joe Dumars
Nathaniel S. Butler/ NBAE/ Getty Images
Team: Detroit Pistons (1985-99)
Titles: 2 (1989, 1990)
Honors: 6-time All-Star, Finals MVP (1989), Hall of Fame
The player: They don't call him Joe D for nothing. Dumars was a lock-
down defender and one of the most underrated players of his
generation.
He was excellent on both ends, with a silent but deadly style
combining defensive tenacity and a picture-perfect jump shot; if
needed, he could have averaged 20-plus points per game. He was a
tremendous clutch shooter and has a Finals MVP trophy to prove it.
The Vote
We asked 20 NBA experts for their lists of the top 10 shooting guards
in NBA history. Players received 10 points for a first-place vote,
nine points for second and so on down to one point for a 10th-place
vote.
Final results:
Player Voters
HA JA GA JB CB RB JHi JH MJ SJ TL CM CP CR JR JRo CS BS MS DT Total
Jordan 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 200
Bryant 9 8 8 9 9 8 9 8 9 8 8 9 9 9 9 8 8 8 9 8 170
West 8 9 9 8 8 9 8 9 8 9 9 8 7 8 8 9 7 9 8 9 167
Gervin -- 7 7 3 6 3 6 7 3 6 6 6 -- 6 4 7 5 6 6 6 100
Iverson 2 4 -- 4 4 -- 7 3 5 7 2 7 8 7 -- 3 3 7 5 4 82
Drexler 4 3 6 2 7 5 1 6 -- -- 5 5 3 5 3 6 1 2 4 7 75
Miller 6 6 5 6 1 -- 5 -- 7 2 4 4 1 2 -- 5 2 -- -- 5 61
Maravich -- -- -- -- -- -- 4 -- 4 5 7 3 5 1 -- 2 9 -- 7 -- 47
Monroe 1 5 -- -- -- -- -- -- 6 4 1 2 6 -- 7 4 -- -- -- -- 36
Dumars 7 -- -- 7 -- 6 -- -- 2 1 3 -- 4 4 -- -- -- -- -- -- 34
Others receiving votes (points): Sam Jones (31), Dwyane Wade (23), Hal
Greer (19), David Thompson (13), Bill Sharman (9), Dave Bing (6),
Tracy McGrady (5), Sidney Moncrief (5), Manu Ginobili (4), Ray Allen
(3), Paul Arizin (2), Vince Carter (2), Dennis Johnson (1), Gail
Goodrich (1), Drazen Petrovic (1), Mitch Richmond (1), Jimmy Walker
(1)
Voters:
* Henry Abbott, TrueHoop (HA)
* J.A. Adande, ESPN.com (JA)
* Greg Anthony, ESPN (GA)
* Jon Barry, ESPN (JB)
* Chris Broussard, ESPN The Magazine (CB)
* Ric Bucher, ESPN The Magazine (RB)
* Jemele Hill, ESPN.com Page 2 (JHi)
* John Hollinger, ESPN.com (JH)
* Mark Jackson, ESPN (MJ)
* Scoop Jackson, ESPN.com Page 2 (SJ)
* Tim Legler, ESPN (TL)
* Carlos Morales, ESPN Deportes (CM)
* Chris Palmer, ESPN The Magazine (CP)
* Chris Ramsay, ESPN.com (CR)
* Jack Ramsay, ESPN (JR)
* Jalen Rose, ESPN (JRo)
* Chris Sheridan, ESPN.com (CS)
* Bill Simmons, ESPN.com Page 2 (BS)
* Marc Stein, ESPN.com (MS)
* David Thorpe, Scouts Inc. (DT)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Career Statistics
Years PPG RPG APG PER
Jordan 15 30.1 6.2 5.3 27.9
Bryant 12 24.9 5.3 4.6 23.6
West 14 27.0 5.8 6.7 22.9
Gervin 14 25.1 5.3 2.6 21.4
Iverson 12 27.8 3.8 6.3 21.5
Drexler 15 20.4 6.1 5.6 21.1
Miller 18 18.2 3.0 3.0 18.4
Maravich 10 24.2 4.2 5.4 18.4
Monroe 13 18.8 3.0 3.9 17.2
Dumars 14 16.1 2.2 4.5 15.3