FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Bigalke said 06/07, 11:55 PM
1. Oscar Robertson - 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.5 APG

Robertson is the top of the list. The 1964 NBA MVP averaged a triple-double not just in 1961-62, but cumulative over the first five seasons of his career. He was a true leader for the Royals and Bucks and a 12-time All-Star...

2. Magic Johnson - 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG

Johnson might have been THE most versatile player in NBA history. His poise right from his rookie season onward established Magic, a 12-time All-Star and 3-time MVP, as a do-it-all teammate for the Lakers...

3. Bob Cousy - 18.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.5 APG

The 1957 NBA MVP is the only PG to win six NBA titles as the general of the dynastic '50s Celtics. Cousy was a sublime ballhandler and passer, always keeping everyone active on that loaded Boston roster...

4. Walt Frazier - 18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1 APG

Possibly the greatest defender @ PG in history, Frazier was a two-time NBA champion who could take over a game or defer to his teammates, always playing the correct role...

5. Isiah Thomas - 19.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG

Thomas thrived on the pressure of the playoffs. The 1990 Finals MVP, he played with an assassin's heart in willing the Pistons to two championships...

Bigalke said 06/08, 08:54 AM
This becomes Frazier v. Stockton at #4...

(per game)
Frazier: 37.5 MPG, 7.4-15.2 FG-A (.490), 18.9 P, 5.9 R, 6.1 A, 1.9 S
Stockton: 31.8 MPG, 4.7-9.1 FG-A (.515), 13.1 P, 2.7 R, 10.5 A, 2.1 S


Stockton & Frazier were each All-Star MVPs (Stockton in 1993, Frazier in 1975); yet Stockton has only 2 All-NBA First Team selections in 19 years where Frazier accumulated 4 in only 12 years...

And, as I mentioned before, Frazier was the ultimate defensive PG. Stockton never won a single All-Defensive Team selection... while Walt was a stalwart for the nomination (7 straight All-Defense 1st Team selections from 1969-75). We must judge a PG -- actually ANY player in any sport -- on more than mere stats. Stockton is the all-time assist & steals leader, but this can be explained by playing nearly 20 years.

Stockton had 10 All-Star selections in 19 years (.526)...
Frazier had 7 All-Star selections in 12 years (.583)...


In the end, Frazier's ability to lead the Knicks to two titles is indicative to me of a stronger leadership presence -- Walt could defer, or he could take over the game. One of the first to perfect the art of stealing the ball, Frazier simply did more for his team...

Bigalke said 06/08, 03:20 PM
Okay, crude statistical analysis is all good and well... but look at it this way, everyone:

Who would you rather have if you needed a point guard to lead your team to one victory?

Who turns greater when the pressure mounts?


Let's look @ playoff stats, so far neglected...

(per game)
Frazier: 42.5 MP, 20.7 P (.511), 7.2 R, 6.4 A
Stockton: 35.2 MP, 13.4 P (,473), 3.3 R, 10.1 A

Even with the assists disparity, Frazier simply turned his game up a notch when the pressure got heaviest. Stockton, on the other hand, scores and rebounds @ the same pace and assists slightly LESS in the playoffs.

Remember when Willis Reed went down in 1970? He came on to score those memorable baskets, but it was Frazier that took over the game 7 to win it for the Knicks: 36 points, 19 assists and five steals...

Where is Stockton's moment of playoff dominance? Winning titles DOES depend on teammates, certainly... but at a certain point the best take it upon themselves to lead their teams to victory. Frazier can do this; Stockton, for all his talents, never had that same take-charge intensity which put the Jazz over the top...

Frazier BELONGS at #4 on the list of greatest point guards...