Which NBA champion from 2000-2011 is the best NBA team.

[Chuck Thou NBA]

In my mind its the 03-04 championship Pistons. If they battled every other NBA champion from 00-11 do you think they'd stand a chance?
What do you guys think?
Obviously I don't think they'd win every matchup but it'd be close?

[Myth]

2001 Lakers.

[twintowers]

2005 spurs

[EnoughSaid]

08 Celtics.

[Kurosawa0]

My favorite is the 2008 Celtics, but I doubt any of the other champions would beat the 2001 Lakers in a series.

[SourGrapes]

01 lakers and 08 celtics for me

[Chuck Thou NBA]

I say the Pistons because I think they were the most unselfish team. Who did the 01 Lakers beat? lt was AI correct or Nets I forget

[BoNafidde]

I say the Pistons because I think they were the most unselfish team. Who did the 01 Lakers beat? lt was AI correct or Nets I forget
Yes, it was AI

[SilkkTheShocker]

05 Spurs

[Kurosawa0]

I say the Pistons because I think they were the most unselfish team.

I just really don't see that team beating the 2001 Lakers, 2008 Celtics, or the 2005/2007 Spurs.

[Vienceslav]

01 Lakers.

[Chuck Thou NBA]

I just really don't see that team beating the 2001 Lakers, 2008 Celtics, or the 2005/2007 Spurs.

If AI single handedly beat them in Game 1, I think within time the Pistons could of caught on. I mean Shaq was unstopable, but with Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton and Billups I'm sure they could of somehow contained Kobe Bryant a little bit better than the 76ers. And who else did they have? Robert Horry Rick Fox and Derrick Fisher? these guys are all open jumpshooters and hardworkers you are telling me the Pistons can't match that?

The 08 Celtics is debatable though I will give you that.

[ihatetimthomas]

I say the Pistons because I think they were the most unselfish team. Who did the 01 Lakers beat? lt was AI correct or Nets I forget

Just because they had a more balanced starting 5 doesn't mean they were more unselfish than other teams. I wouldn't call other teams that had better superstars selfish just because the team was ran through them.

[greensborohill]

One of the Lakers teams.

The 2006 Heat are the worst!

[SilkkTheShocker]

Good chance the 04 Pistons don't even win it if Jason Kidd doesn't hurt his knee.

[DFish]

2001 Lakers, IMO.

[ihatetimthomas]

If AI single handedly beat them in Game 1, I think within time the Pistons could of caught on. I mean Shaq was unstopable, but with Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton and Billups I'm sure they could of somehow contained Kobe Bryant a little bit better than the 76ers. And who else did they have? Robert Horry Rick Fox and Derrick Fisher? these guys are all open jumpshooters and hardworkers you are telling me the Pistons can't match that?

The 08 Celtics is debatable though I will give you that.

Shaq was at the peak of his game at that time. He would have had an even bigger series than he did against the pistons in 04. And you cant really discredit what Fox, Horry and FIsh meant to the team. They were big time role players and played great D for them as well. You also had a savvy vet point guard in Ron Harper and you had depth with Horace Grant.

[AirTupac]

01 Lakers. :pimp:

[Rnbizzle]

I'll take the Celtics.

[Dragonyeuw]

I'd rank them as:

2001 Lakers ( Shaq at his most dominant, Kobe evolves into a dominant two-way force. Most incredible playoff run in history record-wise)

2008 Celtics ( The big 3 coming together at the end of their primes; amazing defensive squad)

2005 Spurs ( Duncan at his best, Ginobli and Parker legitimate stars)

2002 Lakers ( Less dominant version of 2001)

2004 Pistons ( Outstanding starting lineup; one of the best defensive teams in the modern era)

2009 Lakers ( Kobe at the end of his prime, Gasol at his best)

2000 Lakers ( Shaq at his peak, Kobe giving us a glimpse of things to come)

2007 Spurs ( Duncan nearing the end of his prime, Ginobli and Parker assuming bigger burden)

2006 Heat ( Shaq at the end of his dominance, Wade playing some of the best of his career, solid supporting cast with J-Williams, Walker, Payton, Mourning)

2011 Mavs ( Dirk comes of age at 32, steady veteran play from Kidd, Terry, Marion, Chandler providing the interior presence they've lacked for a decade)

2010 Lakers ( Kobe showing slight slippage at last, strong supporting cast with Gasol, Artest, Odom, Bynum)

2003 Spurs ( Duncan and a cast of role players, David Robinson ends HOF career on a high note)

[DFish]

I'd rank them as:

2001 Lakers ( Shaq at his most dominant, Kobe evolves into a dominant two-way force. Most incredible playoff run in history record-wise)

2008 Celtics ( The big 3 coming together at the end of their primes; amazing defensive squad)

2005 Spurs ( Duncan at his best, Ginobli and Parker legitimate stars)

2002 Lakers ( Less dominant version of 2001)

2004 Pistons ( Outstanding starting lineup; one of the best defensive teams in the modern era)

2009 Lakers ( Kobe at the end of his prime, Gasol at his best)

2000 Lakers ( Shaq at his peak, Kobe giving us a glimpse of things to come)

2011 Mavs ( Dirk comes of age at 32, steady veteran play from Kidd, Terry, Marion, Chandler providing the interior presence they've lacked for a decade)

2010 Lakers ( Kobe showing slight slippage at last, strong supporting cast with Gasol, Artest, Odom, Bynum)

2003 Spurs ( Duncan and a cast of role players, David Robinson ends HOF career on a high note)

Where would you put the 2006 Heat?

[xoneatom]

I'd rank them as:

2001 Lakers ( Shaq at his most dominant, Kobe evolves into a dominant two-way force. Most incredible playoff run in history record-wise)

2008 Celtics ( The big 3 coming together at the end of their primes; amazing defensive squad)

2005 Spurs ( Duncan at his best, Ginobli and Parker legitimate stars)

this :bowdown:

[Dragonyeuw]

Where would you put the 2006 Heat?

Forgot the Heat lol..... check my list again, I edited them in.

[DMAVS41]

01 Lakers / 05 Spurs / 08 Celtics

I'd probably lean towards the 05 Spurs...but is really close.

[wally_world]

2005-2010 Suns, oh wait :cry:

[Chuck Thou NBA]

So what most of you guys are saying that the 2001 Lakers can go up against any other team through 2011 and win EVERY time? is that how dominant that team was?!

[SilkkTheShocker]

Not to hi-jack the OP's thread but who do you think would win in Finals series between the 05 Spurs and 08 Celtics?

[DFish]

So what most of you guys are saying that the 2001 Lakers can go up against any other team through 2011 and win EVERY time? is that how dominant that team was?!

It was a pretty, pretty, pretty dominant team.

[Dragonyeuw]

So what most of you guys are saying that the 2001 Lakers can go up against any other team through 2011 and win EVERY time? is that how dominant that team was?!

Yes, if you pitted any champion the past decade against the 2001 Lakers in a series, the Lakers would come out on top. A few teams would give them challenges no doubt, but Shaq was too dominant and Kobe's all-around combo of offense and defense was too much. Don't forgot the amazing clutch shooting of Fisher, and a decent veteran support cast. There are teams that from top to bottom were more talented, but 2001 Shaq and Kobe was simply too dominant a combo.

[ihatetimthomas]

So what most of you guys are saying that the 2001 Lakers can go up against any other team through 2011 and win EVERY time? is that how dominant that team was?!

This makes me feel like you didnt really watch that Lakers squad back in 00-01. That team was a well oiled machine. Shaq was the engine, Kobe was the throttle and all the other players were all the moving parts around them. Everyone knew their role. The Lakers role players back them often go overlooked because of the sheer dominance of Shaq and emerging Kobe, but they were a huge reason why they were so dominant. They knew exactly what was expected of them and they performed. It was a very cohesive team with top notch on court chemistry. For all the crap that Kobe and Shaq had off the court, they played very very well together on the court. This team was rolling on all cyclinders with one of the most dominant ever leading the way for them.

[HylianNightmare]

01 lakers and 08 celtics for me


this

[Deuce Bigalow]

1. 2001 Lakers
2. 2008 Celtics
3. 2004 Pistons

[DuMa]

2005 spurs beat the 2004 pistons in the 2005 finals.

and honestly i think the 2008 celtics and 2001 lakers would be the 2 best teams in the decade

[sbw19]

This makes me feel like you didnt really watch that Lakers squad back in 00-01. That team was a well oiled machine. Shaq was the engine, Kobe was the throttle and all the other players were all the moving parts around them. Everyone knew their role.

Their playoffs point differential avg of 12.5 was just ludicrous. In a repeat season. Best by far imo.

[rodman91]

01 Lakers. They were juggernaut.

Swept Kings.
Swept Blazers.
Swept Spurs.
They were almost sweeping Sixers as well.

[Out_In_Utah]

I'd rank them as:

2001 Lakers ( Shaq at his most dominant, Kobe evolves into a dominant two-way force. Most incredible playoff run in history record-wise)

2008 Celtics ( The big 3 coming together at the end of their primes; amazing defensive squad)

2005 Spurs ( Duncan at his best, Ginobli and Parker legitimate stars)

2002 Lakers ( Less dominant version of 2001)

2004 Pistons ( Outstanding starting lineup; one of the best defensive teams in the modern era)

2009 Lakers ( Kobe at the end of his prime, Gasol at his best)

2000 Lakers ( Shaq at his peak, Kobe giving us a glimpse of things to come)

2007 Spurs ( Duncan nearing the end of his prime, Ginobli and Parker assuming bigger burden)

2006 Heat ( Shaq at the end of his dominance, Wade playing some of the best of his career, solid supporting cast with J-Williams, Walker, Payton, Mourning)

2011 Mavs ( Dirk comes of age at 32, steady veteran play from Kidd, Terry, Marion, Chandler providing the interior presence they've lacked for a decade)

2010 Lakers ( Kobe showing slight slippage at last, strong supporting cast with Gasol, Artest, Odom, Bynum)

2003 Spurs ( Duncan and a cast of role players, David Robinson ends HOF career on a high note)

Obviously arguments could be made here and there, but one of the ones I wouldn't hesitate to switch is 2006 Heat and 2011 Mavs. The 2011 Mavs were way better than the 2006 Mavs, yet the 2006 Heat were lucky to come back and beat the 2006 Mavs. Also, the 2006 Heat had to be carried by Wade (and help from the refs), while the 2011 Mavs were so well as a cohesive unit.

[Droid101]

It was a pretty, pretty, pretty dominant team.
Lakers killed the Spurs in the conference finals by the biggest point margin of victory over four games in any conference finals in history. It was a complete and utter domination.

Kobe and Shaq could not be contained.

It was fun to watch.

[Droid101]

1. 2001 Lakers
2. 2008 Celtics
3. 2004 Pistons
I don't get why everyone puts the Celts run so high. They were taken to seven games in two of their four series (including against the 8 seed Hawks and a weak-ass Crabolier team) and six games in the other two (Laker series could easily have gone seven if not for the Lakers getting pwned like crazy by the refs in that one game where Leon Powe took more free throws than the entire Laker team).

Anyway. Whatever.

[Dragonyeuw]

Obviously arguments could be made here and there, but one of the ones I wouldn't hesitate to switch is 2006 Heat and 2011 Mavs. The 2011 Mavs were way better than the 2006 Mavs, yet the 2006 Heat were lucky to come back and beat the 2006 Mavs. Also, the 2006 Heat had to be carried by Wade (and help from the refs), while the 2011 Mavs were so well as a cohesive unit.

I actually forgot about the Heat when I first made my list. Obviously such a list is totally subjective. I have no problem with anyone saying the 2011 Mavs deserve to be over the 06 Heat. I think everyone agrees the 01 lakers, 08 celtics, and 05 spurs were the cream of the decade, after that it becomes much harder ranking positions 4-11.

[ShaqAttack3234]

2001 Lakers would be hard to beat. Everything fell into place in the playoffs. Shaq and Kobe played very well together at that point and played like the 2 best players in the playoffs making the lack of a real 3rd option or that much depth or talent outside those 2 almost irrelevant due to the fact that all of the role players fit in their roles.

Having an inside/outside combination like that is impossible to deal with. Shaq was back in 2000 form and Kobe played some of the best all around basketball of his career. His defense was at or near it's peak, same with playmaking and he could score at will, but did so within the flow of the offense in the '01 playoffs and by hitting mid-range jumpers and attacking the basket at will. You had a 30/15/3 player and a 29/7/6 player scoring very efficiently and playing together. One on the inside and one on the outside. No duo has been as good as they were at that point, imo.

Fisher also played the best basketball of his career during that run. He was shooting the ball extremely well which complemented the duo, played solid defense back then and as a combo guard, that allowed Kobe to be the main playmaker/facilitator as well as the team to run a lot of the offense through Shaq in the post, which helped those 2 players be at their absolute best.

Horace Grant became very useful as a post defender, and that agve them a huge edge over the 2000 team. Fox was versatile, fit well in the offense and could defend. Horry also hit big shots and did the little things well(team defense, passing, stretching the floor).

With a duo putting up 60/23/9(with the potential for more if not for the blowouts), the cast suited that team perfectly.

If you want to factor in the first half problems, then that could lower them, but all of those problems were solved by the playoffs. Shaq and Kobe's feud was gone for the time being, Fisher gave them much needed 3 point shooting when he returned and Isaiah Rider's problems weren't a factor as he was left off the playoff roster.

[rmt]

I'd rank them as:

2001 Lakers ( Shaq at his most dominant, Kobe evolves into a dominant two-way force. Most incredible playoff run in history record-wise)

2008 Celtics ( The big 3 coming together at the end of their primes; amazing defensive squad)

2005 Spurs ( Duncan at his best, Ginobli and Parker legitimate stars)

2002 Lakers ( Less dominant version of 2001)

2004 Pistons ( Outstanding starting lineup; one of the best defensive teams in the modern era)

2009 Lakers ( Kobe at the end of his prime, Gasol at his best)

2000 Lakers ( Shaq at his peak, Kobe giving us a glimpse of things to come)

2007 Spurs ( Duncan nearing the end of his prime, Ginobli and Parker assuming bigger burden)

2006 Heat ( Shaq at the end of his dominance, Wade playing some of the best of his career, solid supporting cast with J-Williams, Walker, Payton, Mourning)

2011 Mavs ( Dirk comes of age at 32, steady veteran play from Kidd, Terry, Marion, Chandler providing the interior presence they've lacked for a decade)

2010 Lakers ( Kobe showing slight slippage at last, strong supporting cast with Gasol, Artest, Odom, Bynum)

2003 Spurs ( Duncan and a cast of role players, David Robinson ends HOF career on a high note)

Agree with most of this, but I would switch the bottom section:

'11 Mavs/'10 Lakers
'06 Heat
'03 Spurs

[Boston C's]

I would love to see the 01 lakers and the 08 celtics go at it... I think that series would be epic and probably go to 7 games

[rmt]

I would love to see the 01 lakers and the 08 celtics go at it... I think that series would be epic and probably go to 7 games

Don't know if the '08 Celtics would have the front line to go up against a prime Shaq - KG (too light), Perkins (not very tall), Baby Davis (too short & young), PJ Brown (38 years old). I would prefer 05 Spurs' big men - Duncan, Rasho, Nazr, Horry - all in their prime except for Horry (who was great in the 05 Finals).

Kobe vs prime Bowen
Manu in his best playoff run

[DFish]

Don't know if the '08 Celtics would have the front line to go up against a prime Shaq - KG (too light), Perkins (not very tall), Baby Davis (too short & young), PJ Brown (38 years old). I would prefer 05 Spurs' big men - Duncan, Rasho, Nazr, Horry - all in their prime except for Horry (who was great in the 05 Finals).

Kobe vs prime Bowen
Manu in his best playoff run

Robert Horry vs. Robert Horry? :oldlol:

[rmt]

Robert Horry vs. Robert Horry? :oldlol:

That's true :oldlol: a 30 year old Horry vs a 34 year old Horry - still Horry was spectacular in game 5 05 Finals.

[Big#50]

05 Spurs

[hammer2010]

2001 Lakers! Shaq would Hulk Smash any other team's front court.

[Harison]

01 lakers and 08 celtics for me
+1

[Jacks3]

01 Lakers easily. 2 best players in the league+ excellent role players (Fish,Horry,Fox,Shaw). GOAT post-season team.

[Kobe 4 The Win]

2001 Lakers

They were super talented and playing at a high level. They had won it all on 2000 so that seasoned them a little bit too. There's no answer for Shaquille. Kobe's game took a big step forward that year. They had some quality role players that knew what it takes to win. There were some really good teams over that stretch but the 2001 Lakers were a great team.

[EricForman]

the best title team of the past decade? It's the 2002 Kings.

okay, that was a half joke (kinda). in all seriousness, i'd go with 2001 Lakers and 2008 Celtics over the 2004 Pistons.

[brisbaneman]

2010-2011 mavs were damn dominant and had probably the hardest run of any champion.

the lakers runs were overrated---outside of the one run where they just ran over the league they needed serious ref help over portland and sacramento in those wcfs.

[EricForman]

If AI single handedly beat them in Game 1, I think within time the Pistons could of caught on. I mean Shaq was unstopable, but with Tayshaun Prince, Rip Hamilton and Billups I'm sure they could of somehow contained Kobe Bryant a little bit better than the 76ers. And who else did they have? Robert Horry Rick Fox and Derrick Fisher? these guys are all open jumpshooters and hardworkers you are telling me the Pistons can't match that?



the 2001 team was deep, with Horace Grant, Ron Harper, Lindsay Hunter ( an absolute KILLER third string guard who wrecked havok with his press...ironically, i think he's on the 04 Pistons too), Rick Fox, etc.

Don't disrespect Fox and Horry, btw, those two were smart role players who knew their role, played tough (and dirty) and had a knack for big moments.

You know that game 7 vs the Kings in 02? Everyone knows Kobe and Shaq, but both horry and fox had double doubles that game. both guys were smart players any team would want as their 5th or 6th men.

[brisbaneman]

01 Lakers easily. 2 best players in the league+ excellent role players (Fish,Horry,Fox,Shaw). GOAT post-season team.

mavs 2010-2011 would have given them a hell of a series. chandler and haywood on shaq and dirk running apeshit on the frontline and marion, kidd, and stevenson guarding kobe better than anyone else.

[Dragonyeuw]

mavs 2010-2011 would have given them a hell of a series. chandler and haywood on shaq and dirk running apeshit on the frontline and marion, kidd, and stevenson guarding kobe better than anyone else.


Ummm 2001 Shaq was shitting on Duncan and Robinson, you think he's going to blink an eye at Chandler and Haywood?

[D-Wade316]

2001 Lakers and 2004 Pistons

[Droid101]

mavs 2010-2011 would have given them a hell of a series. chandler and haywood on shaq and dirk running apeshit on the frontline and marion, kidd, and stevenson guarding kobe better than anyone else.
:lol

2011 Mavs would have been swept like the rest of them.

[Nash-tastic]

mavs 2010-2011 would have given them a hell of a series. chandler and haywood on shaq and dirk running apeshit on the frontline and marion, kidd, and stevenson guarding kobe better than anyone else.
Chandler and Haywood? Prime Shaq would DESTROY them.

[Rooster]

the 2001 team was deep, with Horace Grant, Ron Harper, Lindsay Hunter ( an absolute KILLER third string guard who wrecked havok with his press...ironically, i think he's on the 04 Pistons too), Rick Fox, etc.

Don't disrespect Fox and Horry, btw, those two were smart role players who knew their role, played tough (and dirty) and had a knack for big moments.

You know that game 7 vs the Kings in 02? Everyone knows Kobe and Shaq, but both horry and fox had double doubles that game. both guys were smart players any team would want as their 5th or 6th men.

The 2001 were like a super powered well oiled locomotive running with no breaks. Just like what Horry says.
2 great players with bunch of great role players. They have the greatest playoff run.
I think the 1989 Lakers playoff run was comparable until Kareem got injured.

[RRR3]

mavs 2010-2011 would have given them a hell of a series. chandler and haywood on shaq and dirk running apeshit on the frontline and marion, kidd, and stevenson guarding kobe better than anyone else.
You idiot the shaq/Kobe duo would rape dirk. Lol @ Chandler Haywood guarding prime shaq.

[SilkkTheShocker]

I did some thinking about this last night, and I really think the 08 Celtics are being a little overrated. They were a PJ Brown jumpshot away from possibly losing to a Cavs team that had Delonte West as it's 2nd best player.

[StacksOnDeck]

2001 Lakers duh

[Bigsmoke]

01 Lakers


08 Celtics disappointed me in the playoffs a bit.


man...If only Rasheed didnt leave Horry open in game 5....

2nd best is the 02 Lakers i guess.

[Dragonyeuw]

I did some thinking about this last night, and I really think the 08 Celtics are being a little overrated. They were a PJ Brown jumpshot away from possibly losing to a Cavs team that had Delonte West as it's 2nd best player.

Any team with a singular force like Lebron in 2008 is going to be a tough out, that just speaks to the kind of impact one player like that can have. I'd take a few points away from that Celtics squad for not playing up to the level they displayed in the regular season( 66 wins), but all in all I think that team could, at their best, beat any 00's team besides the 01 Lakers. It's between them and the 2005 Spurs for that second spot, with the 2004 Pistons right behind.

[scm5]

mavs 2010-2011 would have given them a hell of a series. chandler and haywood on shaq and dirk running apeshit on the frontline and marion, kidd, and stevenson guarding kobe better than anyone else.

Kidd contained Kobe last postseason, yes. Kidd containing Kobe in 01? A Kobe that is 10 YEARS younger than he is now?! No chance.

Bowen couldn't contain him, Kidd even in his prime wouldn't be able to contain him.

Let's not even pretend Chandler and Haywood have a better shot at containing Shaq than TD.

[ShaqAttack3234]

Any team with a singular force like Lebron in 2008 is going to be a tough out, that just speaks to the kind of impact one player like that can have. I'd take a few points away from that Celtics squad for not playing up to the level they displayed in the regular season( 66 wins), but all in all I think that team could, at their best, beat any 00's team besides the 01 Lakers. It's between them and the 2005 Spurs for that second spot, with the 2004 Pistons right behind.

Actually, Lebron had a poor series, especially prior to game 7 when he was great, but with Lebron playing as poorly as he did for most of the series, it's amazing that that series went 7 games.

Though that version of Lebron was also easier to shut down due to his shooting.

[Jacks3]

mavs 2010-2011 would have given them a hell of a series. chandler and haywood on shaq and dirk running apeshit on the frontline and marion, kidd, and stevenson guarding kobe better than anyone else.
:roll: :roll: :roll:

Prime SHAQ would DESTROY Haywood/Chandler. Prime KOBE would SHIT ALL OVER Marion/Kidd/Stevenson.

Are you kidding me? :roll:

[Inception28]

2001 Lakers.
This.

[EricForman]

2nd best is the 02 Lakers i guess.


02 Lakers 2nd best ALL DECADE? More like, 2nd best THAT YEAR IN 2002.

[brisbaneman]

Kidd contained Kobe last postseason, yes. Kidd containing Kobe in 01? A Kobe that is 10 YEARS younger than he is now?! No chance.

Bowen couldn't contain him, Kidd even in his prime wouldn't be able to contain him.

Let's not even pretend Chandler and Haywood have a better shot at containing Shaq than TD.

Marion in his prime would be a hell of a matchup for Kobe. same with stevenson.

shaq would score a lot but chandler would make him work a bit. also dirk would go apeshit on the lakers.

[brisbaneman]

:roll: :roll: :roll:

Prime SHAQ would DESTROY Haywood/Chandler. Prime KOBE would SHIT ALL OVER Marion/Kidd/Stevenson.

Are you kidding me? :roll:

yeah, just like they shit on the blazers/kings without the refs, right?

eat a dick.

[L8k3r5]

mavs 2010-2011 would have given them a hell of a series. chandler and haywood on shaq and dirk running apeshit on the frontline and marion, kidd, and stevenson guarding kobe better than anyone else.
You know what Shaq would have done to that front line? He would've took a shit in a plastic bag and slap Chandler and Haywood across the face with it. They would stand no chance against the 2001 Lakers

[brisbaneman]

You know what Shaq would have done to that front line? He would've took a shit in a plastic bag and slap Chandler and Haywood across the face with it. They would stand no chance against the 2001 Lakers

"prime shaq" is unquestionably the greatest myth on ISH. thank you.

[L8k3r5]

"prime shaq" is unquestionably the greatest myth on ISH. thank you.
:no:

[Inception28]

1. 01 Lakers
2. 08 Celtics
3. 05 or 07 Spurs - whichever was better, probably 07.

[Odinn]

1. 2001 Lakers
2. 2005 Spurs
3. 2004 Pistons
4. 2008 Celtics (due to 16-10, 2 seven-game series against the weakest teams they met.)
5. 2002 Lakers
6. 2009 Lakers
7. 2007 Spurs (could have been higher if they did agains harder competition)
8. 2011 Mavs
9. 2010 Lakers
10. 2000 Lakers
11. 2003 Spurs
12. 2006 Heat

[SourGrapes]

"prime shaq" is unquestionably the greatest myth on ISH. thank you.

no he is not. he literally changed the way the game was played and challenged how it was officiated

you sound too young to have watched him. the funny thing is you think you might convince people who actually saw him play

[brisbaneman]

no he is not. he literally changed the way the game was played and challenged how it was officiated

you sound too young to have watched him. the funny thing is you think you might convince people who actually saw him play

Yeah he was so great that despite playing with the best perimeter player of the era he needed massive ref help to win the WCF twice...got swept in his first Finals.

If he had Dirk's teammates he'd have zero rings. His self promotion and playing in LA has contributed to the myth of "prime shaq" as some sort of unbeatable force. It's a falsehood.

And I'm 30

[SourGrapes]

Yeah he was so great that despite playing with the best perimeter player of the era he needed massive ref help to win the WCF twice...got swept in his first Finals.

If he had Dirk's teammates he'd have zero rings. His self promotion and playing in LA has contributed to the myth of "prime shaq" as some sort of unbeatable force. It's a falsehood.

And I'm 30

the mystery deepens. are you also retarded?

[brisbaneman]

the mystery deepens. are you also retarded?

I am certain that I am objectively more intelligent than you.

Give me an argument to my assertion. Outside of throwing out ad hominems. I want to know if you think "PRIME SHAQ" would win with a second option of Jason terry/josh howard.

[SourGrapes]

I am certain that I am objectively more intelligent than you.

Give me an argument to my assertion. Outside of throwing out ad hominems. I want to know if you think "PRIME SHAQ" would win with a second option of Jason terry/josh howard.

that would be a function of how the rest of the team is constructed. it's absolutely not out of the question

edit: lol

[brisbaneman]

that would be a function of how the rest of the team is constructed. it's absolutely not out of the question

But after all he's "PRIME SHAQ", a godlike figure who puts up 50/20/20 every game...surely he could make do with two 3rd/4th options as his second banana as opposed to being blessed to play with the two greatest 2 guards of the 2000s...right?

[SourGrapes]

But after all he's "PRIME SHAQ", a godlike figure who puts up 50/20/20 every game...surely he could make do with two 3rd/4th options as his second banana as opposed to being blessed to play with the two greatest 2 guards of the 2000s...right?

incorrect

as for everything else, probably

[brisbaneman]

incorrect

as for everything else, probably


well in his one Finals appearance in which he had a similar team to Dirk's in 2006 (although hardaway was far better than terry or howard), he got humiliated and played far worse than did Dirk. And then in the West he got crushed three straight years prior to 2000.

So I don't see what makes him much better, if at all, than Dirk outside of his trolling fans and the fact he's black (and thus has cred with fake fans and teenage asians and whites) and a self promoter and played in LA.

[SourGrapes]

well in his one Finals appearance in which he had a similar team to Dirk's in 2006 (although hardaway was far better than terry or howard), he got humiliated and played far worse than did Dirk. And then in the West he got crushed three straight years prior to 2000.

So I don't see what makes him much better, if at all, than Dirk outside of his trolling fans and the fact he's black (and thus has cred with fake fans and teenage asians and whites) and a self promoter and played in LA.

whoops

he had different teammates than did dirk, and to say they were better obscures the fact that they were different, and thus any comparison necessarily falls short. similarly, he played against different opponents, who also can't be compared to dirk's.

you'll remember that for all the times shaquille lost, dirk has lost as well.

your assertions that shaquille had a better team are based on comparing individual players (much like a video game rating) and not comparing how those players fit together as a team. i don't expect you to have an honest discussion... you seem to be deeply invested in your ideas

[The_Yearning]

2008 Celtics squad is pretty overrated on these boards... without homecourt advantage they would have not won it all in 2008... they didn't win a single road game until the semis...

1. 05 Spurs
2. 3 peat Lakers (take your pick)
3. 04 Pistons
4. 08 Celtics
5. 09 Lakers
6. 11 Mavericks
7. 10 Lakers
8. 06 Miami (Should be 06 Mavs)

[brisbaneman]

whoops

he had different teammates than did dirk, and to say they were better obscures the fact that they were different, and thus any comparison necessarily falls short. similarly, he played against different opponents, who also can't be compared to dirk's.

you'll remember that for all the times shaquille lost, dirk has lost as well.

your assertions that shaquille had a better team are based on comparing individual players (much like a video game rating) and not comparing how those players fit together as a team. i don't expect you to have an honest discussion... you seem to be deeply invested in your ideas

Do you not think their respective races play a role in their perception in the public? That would just be foolish...I very strongly doubt the average fan would have insulted Dirk so much as a "choker" and "soft" despite numbers pointing to the clear contrary if he were darker skinned. Do you think if Shaq had won the ring this season outplaying everyone, that ESPN would dare rank him #5?

For the record, I'll say, yes, Shaq had the better career but the gap isn't as large as people want to make it out to be, and his prime was no better than Dirk's.

[SourGrapes]

Do you not think their respective races play a role in their perception in the public? That would just be foolish...I very strongly doubt the average fan would have insulted Dirk so much as a "choker" and "soft" despite numbers pointing to the clear contrary if he were darker skinned. Do you think if Shaq had won the ring this season outplaying everyone, that ESPN would dare rank him #5?

For the record, I'll say, yes, Shaq had the better career but the gap isn't as large as people want to make it out to be, and his prime was no better than Dirk's.

i agree dirk's race probably has influenced his label as a choker. and i agree he is an all time great player.

that doesn't have anything to do with how good shaquille was in his day

[joe]

well in his one Finals appearance in which he had a similar team to Dirk's in 2006 (although hardaway was far better than terry or howard), he got humiliated and played far worse than did Dirk. And then in the West he got crushed three straight years prior to 2000.

So I don't see what makes him much better, if at all, than Dirk outside of his trolling fans and the fact he's black (and thus has cred with fake fans and teenage asians and whites) and a self promoter and played in LA.

Come on dude, you're comparing prime Shaq to Dirk? I love Dirk, but that is bogus. Shaq was a dominating force like no other.

Shaq played with great second bananas.. but what's the critical word in that sentence? "Second bananas." Kobe was second to Shaq. Wade was second to Shaq. That should tell you something.

And before you talk about how Wade carried Shaq in the 2006 finals... the Mavs were double teaming Shaq in that series. Wade took advantage of that to the fullest, but it doesn't change the facts.

[brisbaneman]

Come on dude, you're comparing prime Shaq to Dirk? I love Dirk, but that is bogus. Shaq was a dominating force like no other.

Shaq played with great second bananas.. but what's the critical word in that sentence? "Second bananas." Kobe was second to Shaq. Wade was second to Shaq. That should tell you something.

And before you talk about how Wade carried Shaq in the 2006 finals... the Mavs were double teaming Shaq in that series. Wade took advantage of that to the fullest, but it doesn't change the facts.

what the hell? mavs absolutely did not double shaq. if anything he was a liability and the heat played far better with alonzo in the game.

also i agreed that shaq was better but the difference isn't as large as people think it is---let's call this postseason dirk's "prime"--well he lost an average of 1.3 games a series. thats a pretty dominant postseason.

[Jacks3]

yeah, just like they shit on the blazers/kings without the refs, right?

eat a dick.
No, just like how they swept the Blazers, Kings, and Spurs while winning by a average margin of 12+ PPG and went 15-1 overall.

Fukking phaggett.

[Jacks3]

Shaq played with great second bananas.. but what's the critical word in that sentence? "Second bananas." Kobe was second to Shaq. Wade was second to Shaq. That should tell you something.

.
Wrong. Wade was by far the best player on the 06 Heat. And Kobe was no 2nd banana in 2001,2002,2003 or 2004.



fukkking phaggett!

[catch24]

For the record, I'll say, yes, Shaq had the better career but the gap isn't as large as people want to make it out to be, and his prime was no better than Dirk's.

Are you high dude? The gap between peak Shaq and Dirk is actually pretty large. From the 2000-2002 playoffs, the guy averaged roughly ~30/14/3 on 55% shooting. His domination in the Finals are nothing short of legendary and are generally regarded as some of the greatest performances ever - in any sport. Just recently, Shaq's 2000 Finals were ranked top 10 all-time by ESPN--Dirk is nowhere to be found on that list. Furthermore, opposing teams made a HABIT in double and triple teaming Shaquille - has Dirk ever acquired that type of defensive attention?

Bottom line, Shaq is/was more well-rounded and impacted the game a legion of ways. Dirk may be the better shooter...and perhaps, from a scoring perspective, the better crunch-time player, but that's literally it. He's got nothing on peak Shaq, who was the better rebounder, defender, playmaker, and consistent/trembling scorer.

[catch24]

Shaq 2000 Finals: Gm 1 vs Indiana Pacers, 43 points (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjETgzSbg9k)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 2 vs. Pacers, 40/24/4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOcRucPSB8U&feature=channel_video_title)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 3 vs. Pacers, 33 pts & 13 rebs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBMy_eb2MjM&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 4 vs. Pacers, 36 pts & 21 rebs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WFKeF0zUbY&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 5 vs. Pacers, 35 pts & 11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74mSPzhKww&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 6 vs. Pacers, 41/12/4blks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjyelpOQ0Z8&feature=relmfu)

Again, not even close.

[Droid101]

1. 05 Spurs
2. 3 peat Lakers (take your pick)
3. 04 Pistons
4. 08 Celtics
5. 09 Lakers
6. 11 Mavericks
7. 10 Lakers
8. 06 Miami (Should be 06 Mavs)
You're a joke.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

Shaq 2000 Finals: Gm 1 vs Indiana Pacers, 43 points (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjETgzSbg9k)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 2 vs. Pacers, 40/24/4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOcRucPSB8U&feature=channel_video_title)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 3 vs. Pacers, 33 pts & 13 rebs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBMy_eb2MjM&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 4 vs. Pacers, 36 pts & 21 rebs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WFKeF0zUbY&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 5 vs. Pacers, 35 pts & 11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74mSPzhKww&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 6 vs. Pacers, 41/12/4blks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjyelpOQ0Z8&feature=relmfu)

Again, not even close.

That n!gga was ridiculous

[rmt]

Do you not think their respective races play a role in their perception in the public? That would just be foolish...I very strongly doubt the average fan would have insulted Dirk so much as a "choker" and "soft" despite numbers pointing to the clear contrary if he were darker skinned. Do you think if Shaq had won the ring this season outplaying everyone, that ESPN would dare rank him #5?

For the record, I'll say, yes, Shaq had the better career but the gap isn't as large as people want to make it out to be, and his prime was no better than Dirk's.

Total delusion.

[Legends66NBA7]

Shaq 2000 Finals: Gm 1 vs Indiana Pacers, 43 points (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjETgzSbg9k)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 2 vs. Pacers, 40/24/4 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOcRucPSB8U&feature=channel_video_title)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 3 vs. Pacers, 33 pts & 13 rebs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBMy_eb2MjM&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 4 vs. Pacers, 36 pts & 21 rebs (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7WFKeF0zUbY&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 5 vs. Pacers, 35 pts & 11 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M74mSPzhKww&feature=relmfu)
Shaquille O'Neal 2000 Finals: Gm 6 vs. Pacers, 41/12/4blks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjyelpOQ0Z8&feature=relmfu)

Again, not even close.

That's just not fair.

Plus, add these performances:

Shaquille O'Neal 2001 Finals: Gm 1 vs. 76ers, 44/20/5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymhEWrLDXYA)
Shaquille O'Neal 2001 Finals: Gm 2 vs. 76ers, 28/20/9/8 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L82_EchHzr4)
Shaquille O'Neal 2001 Finals: Gm 3 @ 76ers, 30/12/4blks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7dLNpLa5Do)
Shaquille O'Neal 2001 Finals: Gm 4 @ 76ers, 34/14/5 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCEzBtxuKLA)
Shaquille O'Neal 2001 Finals: G5 @ 76ers, 29/13/5blks (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kziv0TFEZnY)


Shaquille O'Neal 2002 Finals, G2: 40/12/8 vs. New Jersey Nets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnStXw5baEo)
Shaquille O'Neal 2002 Finals, G3: 35/11/4blks at New Jersey Nets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XwIWoe2L2DQ)
Shaquille O'Neal 2002 Finals, G4: 34/10/4 at New Jersey Nets (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1olhePhxyc&feature=related)


And you have the most unreal peak run in 3 straight finals. Only wish I could Find Game 1 of 2002 Finals...

[Bigsmoke]

1. 2001 Lakers
2. 2005 Spurs
3. 2004 Pistons
4. 2008 Celtics (due to 16-10, 2 seven-game series against the weakest teams they met.)
5. 2002 Lakers
6. 2009 Lakers
7. 2007 Spurs (could have been higher if they did agains harder competition)
8. 2011 Mavs
9. 2010 Lakers
10. 2000 Lakers
11. 2003 Spurs
12. 2006 Heat


meh.

The 02 Lakers would beat the 04 Pistons.

but it dont know. I do think the Pistons would take out the Kings in 6 when it takes the Lakers 7+ overtime but Shaq is Shaq.

[rodman91]

"prime shaq" is unquestionably the greatest myth on ISH. thank you.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v177/tortillini/shaq_1.jpg