Quote:
Originally Posted by ninjacookies
The issue I think he faces even against a guy like Shaq is the all-encompassing legacy. Humans aren't computers. We don't always rank solely based off binary statistics. Shaq anchored a Lakers dynasty and was/is a cultural phenom for the greater part of 2 decades.
If sports were only about numbers we wouldn't hold guys like Ali and MJ to near-mythical standards.
I do think Yoker has the capability of surprassing a guy like Hakeem in due time, but again...it's such a difficult 1 to 1 correlation. Hakeem was a top 5 defensive big of all time while mating it to one smoothest offensive games ever seen at the position.
You teleport a dude like Nikola to the 80's and 90's, and I don't even know if coaches would even begin to entertain the notion of rolling him out as a ball-dominant offensive facilitator. Completely different eras.
The bigger part of J's point is that all the guys in the top 10 already have the cumulative numbers but also teamed it with dynasty rings.
So it's absolutely fair to say he needs at least 2 more rings to even begin to spark any kind of legitimate discussion, because his counting stats are nowhere close to some of the others he'll be pitted against.
He's young enough to get there, but not everything is a guarantee, especially with bigs entering their 30's.
FWIW Shaq had 3 fmvp's. So it's very easy to make the argument he was the best and truly indispensable component on LA during their run.
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Sir...this is a Wendys - there is way too much logic in this post for a card forum