Official List of Primes (Best Seasons)

[REACTION]

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[REACTION]

Text version:

Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem: 1976-77 (26.2/13.3/3.9/1.2/3.2 on 57.9% / - / 70.1%)
Aldridge, LaMarcus: 2011-12 (21.7/8.0/2.4/0.9/0.8 on 51.2% / 18.2% / 81.4%)
Allen, Ray: 2004-05 (23.9/4.4/3.7/1.1/0.1 on 42.8% / 37.6% / 88.3%)
Anthony, Carmelo: 2006-07 (28.9/6.0/3.8/1.2/0.4 on 47.6% / 26.8% / 80.8%)
Arenas, Gilbert: 2005-06 (29.3/3.5/6.1/2.0/0.3 on 44.7% / 36.9% / 82.0%)
Archibald, Nate: 1972-73 (34.0/2.8/11.4/-/- on 48.8% / - / 84.7%)
Arizin, Paul: 1951-52 (25.4/11.3/2.6/-/- on 44.8% / - / 81.8%)
Artest, Ron: 2003-04 (18.3/5.3/3.7/2.1/0.7 on 42.1% / 31.0% / 73.3%)
Barkley, Charles: 1990-91 (27.6/10.1/4.2/1.6/0.5 on 57.0% / 28.4% / 72.2%)
Barry, Rick: 1969-70 (27.7/7.0/3.4/-/- on 49.9% / 20.5% / 86.4%)
Baylor, Elgin: 1961-62 (38.3/18.6/4.6/-/- on 42.8% / - / 75.4%)
Bibby, Mike: 2003-04 (18.4/3.4/5.4/1.4/0.2 on 45.0% / 39.2% / 81.5%)
Billups, Chauncey: 2005-06 (18.5/3.1/8.6/0.9/0.1 on 41.8% / 43.3% / 89.4%)
Bird, Larry: 1985-86 (25.8/9.8/6.8/2.0/0.6 on 49.6% / 42.3% / 89.6%)
Bogut, Andrew:
Boozer, Carlos: 2006-07 (20.9/11.7/3.0/0.9/0.3 on 56.1% / 0.0% / 68.5%)
Bosh, Chris: 2009-10 (24.0/10.8/2.4/0.6/1.0 on 51.8% / 36.4% / 79.7%)
Brand, Elton: 2005-06 (24.7/10.0/2.6/1.0/2.5 on 52.7% / 33.3% / 77.5%)
Bryant, Kobe:2007-08[/B] (28.3/6.3/5.4/1.8/0.5 on 45.9% / 36.1% / 84.0%)
Bynum, Andrew: 2011-12 (18.7/11.8/1.4/0.5/1.9 on 55.8% / 20.0% / 69.2%)
Camby, Marcus: 2006-07 (11.2/11.7/3.2/1.2/3.3 on 47.3% / 0.0% / 72.9%)
Carter, Vince: 2000-01 (27.6/5.5/3.9/1.5/1.1 on 46.0% / 40.8% / 76.5%)
Cassell, Sam: 2003-04 (19.8/3.3/7.3/1.3/0.2 on 48.8% / 39.8% / 87.3%)
Chamberlain, Wilt: 1966-67 (24.1/24.2/7.8/-/- on 68.3% / - / 44.1%)
Chambers, Tom: 1989-90 (27.2/7.0/2.3/1.1/0.6 on 50.1% / 27.9% / 86.1%)
Chandler, Tyson:
Cooper, Michael: 1986-87 (10.5/3.1/4.5/1.0/0.5 on 43.8% / 38.5% / 85.1%)
Cousy, Bob: 1959-60 (19.4/4.7/9.5/-/- on 38.4% / - / 79.2%)
Cowens, Dave: 1975-76 (19.0/16.0/4.2/1.2/0.9 on 46.8% / - / 75.6%)
Davis, Baron: 2003-04 (22.9/4.3/7.5/2.4/0.4 on 39.5% / 32.1% / 67.3%)
Deng, Luol: 2006-07 (18.8/7.1/2.5/1.2/0.6 on 51.7% / 14.3% / 77.7%)
Diaw, Boris:
Drexler, Clyde: 1991-92 (25.0/6.6/6.7/1.8/0.9 on 47.0% / 33.7% / 79.4%)
Dumars, Joe: 1990-91 (20.4/2.3/5.5/1.1/0.1 on 48.1% / 31.1% / 89.0%)
Duncan, Tim: 2002-03 (23.3/12.9/3.9/0.7/2.9 on 51.3% / 27.3% / 71.0%)
Durant, Kevin: 2011-12 (28.0/8.0/3.5/1.3/1.2 on 49.6% / 38.7% / 86.0%)
Ellis, Monta:
Erving, Julius: 1979-80 (26.9/7.4/4.6/2.2/1.8 on 51.9% / 20.0% / 78.7%)
Ewing, Patrick: 1989-90 (28.6/10.9/2.2/1.0/4.0 on 55.1% / 25.0% / 77.5%)
Fisher, Derek: 2000-01 (11.5/3.0/4.4/2.0/0.1 on 41.2% / 39.7% / 80.6%)
Francis, Steve:
Frazier, Walt: 1971-72 (23.2/6.7/5.8/-/- on 51.2% / - / 80.8%)
Garnett, Kevin: 2003-04 (24.2/13.9/5.0/1.5/2.2 on 49.9% / 25.6% / 79.1%)
Gasol, Marc: 2011-12 (14.6/8.9/3.1/1.0/1.9 on 48.2% / 8.3% / 74.8%)
Gasol, Pau: 2009-10 (18.3/11.3/3.4/0.6/1.7 on 53.6% / 0.0% / 79.0%)
Gervin, George: 1979-80 (33.1/5.2/2.6/1.4/1.0 on 52.8% / 31.4% / 85.2%)
Ginobili, Manu: 2007-08 (19.5/4.8/4.5/1.5/0.4 on 46.0% / 40.1% / 86.0%)
Granger, Danny: 2008-09 (25.8/5.1/2.7/1.0/1.4 on 44.7% / 40.4% / 87.8%)
Griffin, Blake: 2010-11 (22.5/12.1/3.8/0.8/0.5 on 50.6% / 29.2% / 64.2%)
Hamilton, Rip: 2005-06 (20.1/3.2/3.4/0.7/0.2 on 49.1% / 45.8% / 84.5%)
Hardaway, Penny: 1995-96 (21.7/4.3/7.1/2.0/0.5 on 51.3% / 31.4% / 76.7%)
Hardaway, Tim: 1996-97 (20.3/3.4/8.6/1.9/0.1 on 41.5% / 34.4% / 79.9%)
Havlicek, John: 1973-74 (22.6/6.4/5.9/1.3/0.4 on 45.6% / - / 83.2%)
Hayes, Elvin: 1973-74 (21.4/18.1/2.0/1.1/3.0 on 42.3% / - / 72.1%)
Horford, Al: 2010-11 (15.3/9.3/3.5/0.8/1.0 on 55.7% / 50.0% / 79.8%)
Howard, Dwight: 2010-11 (22.9/14.1/1.4/1.4/2.4 on 59.3% / 0.0% / 59.6%)
Hill, Grant: 1996-97 (21.4/9.0/7.3/1.8/0.6 on 49.6% / 30.3% / 71.1%)
Iverson, Allen: 2000-01 (31.1/3.8/4.6/2.5/0.3 on 42.0% / 32.0% / 81.4%)
Ilgauskas, Zydrunas: 2002-03 (17.2/7.5/1.6/0.7/1.9 on 44.1% / 0.0% / 78.1%)
Jackson, Mark: 1988-89 (16.9/4.7/8.6/1.9/0.1 on 46.7% / 33.8% / 69.8%)
James, LeBron: 2011-12 (27.1/7.9/6.2/1.9/0.8 on 53.1% / 36.2% / 77.1%)
Jamison, Antawn: 2007-08 (21.4/10.2/1.5/1.3/0.4 on 43.6% / 33.9% / 76.0%)
Johnson, Kevin: 1989-90 (22.5/3.6/11.4/1.3/0.2 on 49.9% / 19.5% / 83.8%)
Johnson, Joe: 2005-06 (20.2/4.1/6.5/1.3/0.4 on 45.3% / 35.6% / 79.1%)
Johnson, Magic: 1986-87 (23.9/6.3/12.2/1.7/0.5 on 52.2% / 20.5% / 84.8%)
Jordan, Michael: 1990-91 (31.5/6.0/5.5/2.7/1.0 on 53.9% / 31.2% / 85.1%)
Kidd, Jason: 2002-03 (18.7/6.3/8.9/2.2/0.3 on 41.4% / 34.1% / 84.1%)
King, Bernard: 1983-84 (26.3/5.1/2.1/1.0/0.2 on 57.2% / 0.0% / 77.9%)
Malone, Karl : 1997-98 (27.0/10.3/3.9/1.2/0.9 on 53.0% / 33.3% / 76.1%)
Malone, Moses: 1982-83 (24.5/15.3/1.3/1.1/2.0 on 50.1% / 0.0% / 76.1%)
Maravich, Pete: 1976-77 (31.1/5.1/5.4/1.2/0.3 on 43.3% / - / 83.5%)
Marbury, Stephon: 2002-03 (22.3/3.2/8.1/1.3/0.2 on 43.9% / 30.1% / 80.3%)
McAdoo, Bob: 1974-75 (34.5/14.1/2.2/1.1/2.1 on 51.2% / - / 80.5%)
McGrady, Tracy: 2002-03 (32.1/6.5/5.5/1.7/0.8 on 45.7% / 38.6% / 79.3%)
McHale, Kevin: 1986-87 (26.1/9.9/2.6/0.5/2.2 on 60.4% / 0.0% / 83.6%)
Mikan, George: 1950-51 (28.4/14.1/3.1/-/- on 42.8% / - / 80.3%)
Miller, Andre: 2001-02 (16.5/4.7/10.9/1.6/0.4 on 45.4% / 25.3% / 81.7%)
Miller, Mike:
Miller, Reggie: 1989-90 (24.6/3.6/3.8/1.3/0.2 on 51.4% / 41.4% / 86.8%)
Ming, Yao: 2006-07 (25.0/9.4/2.0/0.4/2.0 on 51.6% / 0.0% / 86.2%)
Monroe, Earl: 1967-68 (24.3/5.7/4.3/-/- on 45.3% / - / 78.1%)
Mourning, Alonzo: 1999-00 (21.7/9.5/1.6/0.5/3.7 on 55.1% / 0.0% / 71.1%)
Mullin, Chris: 1988-89 (26.5/5.9/5.1/2.1/0.5 on 50.9% / 23.0% / 89.2%)
Mutombo, Dikembe: 1996-97 (13.3/11.6/1.4/0.6/3.3 on 52.7% / 0.0% / 70.5%)
Nash, Steve: 2005-06 (18.8/4.2/10.5/0.8/0.2 on 51.2% / 43.9% / 92.1%)
Nene,: 2008-09 (14.6/7.8/1.4/1.2/1.3 on 60.4% / 20.0% / 72.3%)
Noah, Joakim: 2010-11 (11.7/10.4/2.2/1.0/1.5 on 52.5% / 0.0% / 73.9%)
Nowitzki, Dirk: 2005-06 (26.6/9.0/2.8/0.7/1.0 on 48.0% / 40.6% / 90.1%)
Oakley, Charles: 1989-90 (14.6/11.9/2.4/1.0/0.3 on 52.4% / 0.0% / 76.1%)
Odom, Lamar: 2010-11 (14.4/8.7/3.0/0.6/0.7 on 53.0% / 38.2% / 67.5%)
Olajuwon, Hakeem: 1994-95 (27.8/10.8/3.5/1.8/3.4 on 51.7% / 18.8% / 75.6%)
O'Neal, Jermaine: 2002-03 (20.8/10.3/2.0/0.9/2.3 on 48.4% / 33.3% / 73.1%)
O'Neal, Shaquille: 1999-00 (29.7/13.6/3.8/0.5/3.0 on 57.4% / 0.0% / 52.4%)
Parish, Robert: 1981-82 (19.9/10.8/1.8/0.9/2.4 on 54.2% / 0.0% / 71.0%)
Parker, Tony: 2008-09 (22.0/3.1/6.9/0.9/0.1 on 50.6% / 29.2% / 78.2%)
Paul, Chris: 2007-08 (21.1/4.0/11.6/2.7/0.1 on 48.8% / 36.9% / 85.1%)
Payton, Gary: 1997-98 (19.2/4.6/8.3/2.3/0.2 on 45.3% / 33.8% / 74.4%)
Pettit, Bob:
Pierce, Paul: 2001-02 (26.1/6.9/3.2/1.9/1.0 on 44.2% / 40.4% / 80.9%)
Pippen, Scottie: 1993-94 (22.0/8.7/5.6/2.9/0.8 on 49.1% / 32.0% / 66.0%)
Randolph, Zach: 2010-11 (20.1/12.2/2.2/0.8/0.3 on 50.3% / 18.6% / 75.8%)
Reed, Willis: 1969-70 (21.7/13.9/2.0/-/- on 50.7% / - / 75.6%)
Richardson, Jason:
Richmond, Mitch: 1996-97 (25.9/3.9/4.2/1.5/0.3 on 45.4% / 42.8% / 86.1%)
Robertson, Oscar: 1963-64 (31.4/9.9/11.0/-/- on 48.3% / - / 85.3%)
Robinson, David: 1994-95 (27.6/10.8/2.9/1.7/3.2 on 53.0% / 30.0% / 77.4%)
Robinson, Nate:
Rodman, Dennis: 1991-92 (9.8/18.7/2.3/0.8/0.9 on 53.9% / 31.7% / 60.0%)
Rondo, Rajon: 2009-10 (13.7/4.4/9.8/2.3/0.1 on 50.8% / 21.3% / 62.1%)
Rose, Derrick: 2010-11 (25.0/4.1/7.7/1.0/0.6 on 44.5% / 33.2% / 85.8%)
Rose, Jalen: [B]
Roy, Brandon: 2008-09 (22.6/4.7/5.1/1.1/0.3 on 48.0% / 37.7% / 82.4%)
Russell, Bill: 1964-65 (14.1/24.1/5.3/-/- on 43.8% / - / 57.3%)
Simmons, Bobby:
Sprewell, Latrell:
Stockton, John: 1990-91 (17.2/2.9/14.2/2.9/0.2 on 50.7% / 34.5% / 83.6%)
Stojakovic, Peja: 2003-04 (24.2/6.3/2.1/1.3/0.2 on 48.0% / 43.3% / 92.7%)
Stoudemire, Amar'e: 2004-05 (26.0/8.9/1.6/1.0/1.6 on 55.9% / 18.8% / 73.3%)
Terry, Jason:
Thomas, Isiah: 1989-90 (18.4/3.8/9.4/1.7/0.2 on 43.8% / 30.9% / 77.5%)
Thurmond, Nate:
Turkoglu, Hedo:
Unseld, Wes:
Wade, Dwyane: 2008-09 (30.2/5.0/7.5/2.2/1.3 on 49.1% / 31.7% / 76.5%)
Wallace, Ben:
Wallace, Rasheed:
Walton, Bill: 1976-77 (18.6/14.4/3.8/1.0/3.2 on 52.8% / - / 69.7%)
Webber, Chris: 2000-01 (27.1/11.1/4.2/1.3/1.7 on 48.1% / 7.1% / 70.3%)
West, Jerry: 1969-70 (31.2/4.6/7.5/-/- on 49.7% / - / 82.4%)
Westbrook, Russell: 2010-11 (21.9/4.6/8.2/1.9/0.4 on 44.2% / 33.0% / 84.2%)
Wilkins, Dominique: 1992-93 (29.9/6.8/3.2/1.0/0.4 on 46.8% / 38.0% / 82.8%)
Williams, Deron:
Worthy, James:

I wanted to compile a pretty complete list of each player's best individual season. Taking into account everything overall, including the regular season and playoffs, stats, awards, etc.

It's obviously not complete yet. If anyone has corrections or new players to add, post 'em. I need help finishing the list, and I want it to be pretty comprehensive. I'd like to be able to just search for a player's name and find their best season played so far, according to general consensus.

[Beatlezz]

Los Tres Grandes

Morrison, Adam: 2006-07 :applause:
Scalabrine, Brian: 2004-05 :applause:
Walton, Luke: 2006-07 :applause:

[Kyle_korver]

05-06 was iversons prime to me 33 points n 7 assist??... in 01 he kinda taking alot of shots n was sometimes very inefficient but 05-06 he seemed very controlled

[REACTION]

05-06 was iversons prime to me 33 points n 7 assist??... in 01 he kinda taking alot of shots n was sometimes very inefficient but 05-06 he seemed very controlled

Yeah, I was considering 2005-06. But I felt like AI's MVP season was overall his best, even though not his best statistical year. He led his team to the finals that year and also made All-NBA First and won the scoring and steals title.

Thoughts from anyone else? Change AI's to 2005-06 or keep 2000-01?

[SilkkTheShocker]

Dirk was a beast in 06, but I would argue 2011 was a prime. The man was unguardable for everyone in the league. You couldn't cheat and put a small forward on him anymore to get under his skin. Kind of the same thing for Lebron. You could argue 2009 was his prime, but 2012 is the season he really put it all together (posts moves, confidence, etc.)

[SilkkTheShocker]

Amare's prime is 04-05 imo.

[REACTION]

Dirk was a beast in 06, but I would argue 2011 was a prime. The man was unguardable for everyone in the league. You couldn't cheat and put a small forward on him anymore to get under his skin.

Good points. Maybe I'll list a runner-up year for ones that are really close. He did go off in the 2011 post season.

[SilkkTheShocker]

Good points. Maybe I'll list a runner-up year for ones that are really close. He did go off in the 2011 post season.


Some of them are pretty tricky. Stats help, but some of these seasosn you really have to take into context. Like Big Z, I would say his prime was in 99. He was more mobile and efficient. His 02-03 season was just him and Ricky Davis putting up numbers on a bad team. And he shot 44%, which is pretty bad for a center.

[SilkkTheShocker]

Chris Webber - 01-02
Dennis Rodman - 91-92
Peja Stojakovic -03-04


And I would change Alonzo Mourning's prime to 99-2000. But both seasons are really close.

[DFish]

99-00 for Shaq.

[Odinn]

1976-77 for Kareem.

[DFish]

1976-77 for Kareem.

Incorrect.

[Boston C's]

I'd say rays best yr was 04-05 and not because it was statistically his best yr but the success he led the sonics too considering that pretty much every analyst said they would finish last or near last in the western conference along with the fact that he took the spurs to the limit in the second round without their second and third leading scorers (lewis and radmonovic)

also pierces best yr has to be 2002-2003 because even though 06 might have been a better yr statistically he led the celtics to the conference finals and was a straight beast

[KBryant24]

edit:
James, Lebron: 09-12
:D

[ncrizzle]

Zbo 2010/2011 20pts/12 boards a game

[jlauber]

Kareem... either 70-71 or 71-72. Given his mpg, and considering post-season play, his 70-71 season was probably his greatest.

Chamberlain...wow, this is almost an impossibility, but I am leaning towards 65-66 and 66-67. Of course, he was dominant his entire career. In his 65-66 season, he just MURDERED the best centers in the league (Thurmond, Bellamy, and Russell) in his H2H's. And that carried over from his 64-65 season in which he obliterated Willis Reed in their H2H's (as well as pounding Russell all season long.)

The OP has Wilt's 61-62 season...not a bad choice, of course. And, in that season, he averaged 37 ppg, and 28 rpg against Russell, including the playoffs; while averaging an incredible 52.7 ppg against Bellamy in their 10 H2H's.

[NumberSix]

#1. Shaq
#2. LeBron
#3. Wilt
#4. Jordan

Get ya mad on!

[Deuce Bigalow]

Shooting .389 FG% in the playoffs is your best season ('01 Iverson) ?

[Deuce Bigalow]

Kareem... either 70-71 or 71-72. Given his mpg, and considering post-season play, his 70-71 season was probably his greatest.

Chamberlain...wow, this is almost an impossibility, but I am leaning towards 65-66 and 66-67. Of course, he was dominant his entire career. In his 65-66 season, he just MURDERED the best centers in the league (Thurmond, Bellamy, and Russell) in his H2H's. And that carried over from his 64-65 season in which he obliterated Willis Reed in their H2H's (as well as pounding Russell all season long.)

The OP has Wilt's 61-62 season...not a bad choice, of course. And, in that season, he averaged 37 ppg, and 28 rpg against Russell, including the playoffs; while averaging an incredible 52.7 ppg against Bellamy in their 10 H2H's.
My God, did I forget to say My God?

[WockaVodka]

Incorrect.
That is actually right on target.

Michael Jordan's prime was 90-91 or 91-92.

[REACTION]

Shooting .389 FG% in the playoffs is your best season ('01 Iverson) ?

Is your vote for 2005-06 then?

[DFish]

That is actually right on target.

Michael Jordan's prime was 90-91 or 91-92.

Well, prime years don't always line up with "best season" and this list is for single best seasons. Right?

[Deuce Bigalow]

Is your vote for 2005-06 then?
Yes

[REACTION]

Not sure which season to put down for Kareem. 1970-71 or 1976-77?

[jlauber]

Not sure which season to put down for Kareem. 1970-71 or 1976-77?

ShaqAttack has Kareem in 76-77. I personally believe it was either his 70-71, or 71-72 seasons. He shot horribly in the '72 post-season, though, and most observers that saw them play in that post-season would claim that BOTH Thurmond and Wilt outplayed him.

[iamgine]

Yeah, I was considering 2005-06. But I felt like AI's MVP season was overall his best, even though not his best statistical year. He led his team to the finals that year and also made All-NBA First and won the scoring and steals title.

Thoughts from anyone else? Change AI's to 2005-06 or keep 2000-01?
He was better in 00-01. His 05-06 season seemed better due to rule change that favors perimeter players while in fact he was declining as a player at that point.

[fpliii]

for Russell I'd say any of 63-64, 64-65, 65-66 (66-67 would be on his list but he didn't win a ring, and it wasn't appreciably better); his physical prime was perhaps earlier but I think that three (four) year period definitely contains his playing peak

[jlauber]

for Russell I'd say any of 63-64, 64-65, 65-66 (66-67 would be on his list but he didn't win a ring, and it wasn't appreciably better); his physical prime was perhaps earlier but I think that three (four) year period definitely contains his playing peak

I believe most would agree with you. Still, in those years Chamberlain just had a HUGE edge over him, at least statistically (including efficiency) in their H2H's (as he did EVERY season.) And that includes their psost-season H2H's, when Wilt supposedly choked.

[fpliii]

I believe most would agree with you. Still, in those years Chamberlain just had a HUGE edge over him, at least statistically (including efficiency) in their H2H's (as he did EVERY season.)

perhaps; I have to remain objective until this h2h project is complete though, so I'm going to withhold an opinion for now

I'm going to post on APBR either tonight or tomorrow (I've had an account for years, haven't posted though), and see what they have to add

I'm also going to go through and create a bounty list (well, not literally since there is no reward, other than the satisfaction of helping out) listing the cells that need completion in order of precedence in tiers (I'll post it in the '1962...' thread)

[jlip]

for Russell I'd say any of 63-64, 64-65, 65-66 (66-67 would be on his list but he didn't win a ring, and it wasn't appreciably better); his physical prime was perhaps earlier but I think that three (four) year period definitely contains his playing peak

I honestly would have put '61-'62 as Russell's peak season. While I know that his primary greatness was seen on the defensive end, it appears that '62 was his best overall offensive season in both the regular season and playoffs.

[REACTION]

So 1999-00 for Shaq?

[jlip]

So 1999-00 for Shaq?

I think that is pretty much the consensus. From what I've seen and read many consider Shaq's '00 season do be one of the most dominant in NBA history.

[jlauber]

perhaps; I have to remain objective until this h2h project is complete though, so I'm going to withhold an opinion for now

I'm going to post on APBR either tonight or tomorrow (I've had an account for years, haven't posted though), and see what they have to add

I'm also going to go through and create a bounty list (well, not literally since there is no reward, other than the satisfaction of helping out) listing the cells that need completion in order of precedence in tiers (I'll post it in the '1962...' thread)

Statistically, Russell has no case over Wilt. Now, I will agree that he generally elevated the play of his teammates, though. Meanwhile, while I don't see a shred of evidence which shows that Wilt played considerably different from his regular season play, to his post-season play, his teammates routinely crumbled in their post-season play.

[jlip]

Statistically, Russell has no case over Wilt. Now, I will agree that he generally elevated the play of his teammates, though. Meanwhile, while I don't see a shred of evidence which shows that Wilt played considerably different from his regular season play, to his post-season play, his teammates routinely crumbled in their post-season play.

Respectfully, can we please leave the Russell vs. Chamberlain debate for another thread?

[fpliii]

Statistically, Russell has no case over Wilt. Now, I will agree that he generally elevated the play of his teammates, though. Meanwhile, while I don't see a shred of evidence which shows that Wilt played considerably different from his regular season play, to his post-season play, his teammates routinely crumbled in their post-season play.

that's very true, but I can't take a position until I'm no longer a part of the project...if I choose one side or the other that taints the data

WC statistically dominated BR, I'll admit that, but I can't say that one was the clear better/greater player at the moment

[REACTION]

Anyone disagree with putting 1961-62 for Russell?

[jlauber]

Respectfully, can we please leave the Russell vs. Chamberlain debate for another thread?

Well, the point is...Wilt, at his best, just dominated ALL of his peers, including Russell. You can find centers who dramatically reduced a prime Kareem, in his best seasons. But, a prime Wilt just pounded ALL of the best centers of his era. You would be hardpressed to find individual games in which his opposing centers outplayed him, but you will find many in which he just crushed them.

[jlauber]

that's very true, but I can't take a position until I'm no longer a part of the project...if I choose one side or the other that taints the data

WC statistically dominated BR, I'll admit that, but I can't say that one was the clear better/greater player at the moment

Agreed. (And that is also why I didn't want edit access to your spreadsheet.)

[jlauber]

Anyone disagree with putting 1961-62 for Russell?

I don't have a problem with it, but I believe Russell, himself, claimed that his 63-64 or 64-65 seasons, were his best. His 64-65 post-season, particularly his Finals, was among the best ever.

[jlip]

Well, the point is...Wilt, at his best, just dominated ALL of his peers, including Russell. You can find centers who dramatically reduced a prime Kareem, in his best seasons. But, a prime Wilt just pounded ALL of the best centers of his era. You would be hardpressed to find individual games in which his opposing centers outplayed him, but you will find many in which he just crushed them.

I agree, but I thought the primary purpose of this particular thread was simply to list the primes of the individual player not necessarily to determine whose prime was greater than the other.

[jlauber]

I agree, but I thought the primary purpose of this particular thread was simply to list the primes of the individual player not necessarily to determine whose prime was greater than the other.

Good point. I will say this, though, ...from my limited research, only a peak Shaq, peak Moses, and a peak Wilt thoroughly dominated most all of their best peers.

[ducktape]

scalabrine is still in his prime

[REACTION]

I agree, but I thought the primary purpose of this particular thread was simply to list the primes of the individual player not necessarily to determine whose prime was greater than the other.

Yeah. Debates about which season is a player's best are welcomed, but let's avoid player vs. player debates.

[fpliii]

I honestly would have put '61-'62 as Russell's peak season. While I know that his primary greatness was seen on the defensive end, it appears that '62 was his best overall offensive season in both the regular season and playoffs.

here are the approximate defensive ratings of the Boston teams during BR's tenure:

57 - 85
58 - 84
59 - 86
60 - 86
61 - 85
62 - 86
63 - 88
64 - 84
65 - 85
66 - 89
67 - 92
68 - 93
69 - 90

(bolded are his best 5 defenses)

DRtg is largely useless for individual players, except when you're dealing with guys that anchored their defenses

63-64 and 64-65 were two of BR's best years...here are his approximate TRB% and AST%

57 - 22 / 8
58 - 21 / 11
59 - 19 / 10
60 - 19 / 10
61 - 19 / 9
62 - 19 / 12
63 - 19 / 12
64 - 21 / 13
65 - 21 / 15
66 - 21 / 14
67 - 21 / 17
68 - 20 / 15
69 - 19 / 14

(bolded are his best 5 seasons in both respects, 6 for rebounding due to ties)

some nitpicking since he was fairly consistent, but 1965 is his only season in which he was top 5 in all three of these categories; since it was the Celtics team during his run with the most wins (62), and it was his among his best playoff runs from a basic box score perspective (16.5/25.2/6.3 on 52.7% shooting in the playoffs (17.8/25.0 on 70.2% shooting in the Finals...I don't have all of his assist numbers but he had 6,10,4 in games 1,2,5 respectively, probably with solid blocks) I'm inclined to pick that season

so I'm taking 1964-65 as Russell's best season, but I'm more than happy to listen to other opinions

[jlauber]

here are the approximate defensive ratings of the Boston teams during BR's tenure:

57 - 85
58 - 84
59 - 86
60 - 86
61 - 85
62 - 86
63 - 88
64 - 84
65 - 85
66 - 89
67 - 92
68 - 93
69 - 90

(bolded are his best 5 defenses)

DRtg is largely useless for individual players, except when you're dealing with guys that anchored their defenses

63-64 and 64-65 were two of BR's best years...here are his approximate TRB% and AST%

57 - 22 / 8
58 - 21 / 11
59 - 19 / 10
60 - 19 / 10
61 - 19 / 9
62 - 19 / 12
63 - 19 / 12
64 - 21 / 13
65 - 21 / 15
66 - 21 / 14
67 - 21 / 17
68 - 20 / 15
69 - 19 / 14

(bolded are his best 5 seasons in both respects, 6 for rebounding due to ties)

some nitpicking since he was fairly consistent, but 1965 is his only season in which he was top 5 in all three of these categories; since it was the Celtics team during his run with the most wins (62), and it was his among his best playoff runs from a basic box score perspective (16.5/25.2/6.3 on 52.7% shooting in the playoffs (17.8/25.0 on 70.2% shooting in the Finals...I don't have all of his assist numbers but he had 6,10,4 in games 1,2,5 respectively, probably with solid blocks) I'm inclined to pick that season

so I'm taking 1964-65 as Russell's best season, but I'm more than happy to listen to other opinions

Excellent. I agree.

[Odinn]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 1976-77
Ray Allen: 2000-01 or 2004-05
Charles Barkley: 1992-93
Rick Barry: 1969-70
Elgin Baylor: 1960-61
Larry Bird: 1985-86
Kobe Bryant: 2005-06
Wilt Chamberlain: 1966-67
Clyde Drexler: 1991-92
Tim Duncan: 2002-03
Julius Erving: 1979-80
Patrick Ewing: 1989-90
Walt Frazier: 1971-72
Kevin Garnett: 2003-04
George Gervin: 1979-80
John Havlicek: 1973-74
Elvin Hayes: 1973-74
Allen Iverson: 2000-01
LeBron James: 2008-09 or 2011-12
Magic Johnson: 1986-87
Michael Jordan: 1990-91 or 1991-92
Jason Kidd: 2002-03
Karl Malone: 1991-92 or 1997-98 (it's too hard choose, he had amazing longevity with many chokejobs)
Moses Malone: 1982-83
Bob McAdoo: 1974-75
Kevin McHale: 1986-87 or 1987-88
Alonzo Mourning: 1999-00
Dikembe Mutombo: 1996-97
Steve Nash: 2005-06
Dirk Nowitzki: 2005-06
Shaquille O'Neal: 1999-00
Hakeem Olajuwon: 1994-95
Chris Paul: 2007-08
Paul Pierce: 2001-02 or 2005-06
Scottie Pippen: 1993-94
Willis Reed: 1969-70
Oscar Robertson: 1963-64
David Robinson: 1994-95
Bill Russell: 1964-65
John Stockton: 1990-91
Isiah Thomas: 1989-90
Dwyane Wade: 2005-06 or 2008-09
Bill Walton: 1976-77
Chris Webber: 2001-02
Jerry West: 1969-70
Dominique Wilkins: 1988-89

[jlauber]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 1976-77
Ray Allen: 2000-01 or 2004-05
Charles Barkley: 1992-93
Rick Barry: 1969-70
Elgin Baylor: 1960-61
Larry Bird: 1985-86
Kobe Bryant: 2005-06
Wilt Chamberlain: 1966-67
Clyde Drexler: 1991-92
Tim Duncan: 2002-03
Julius Erving: 1979-80
Patrick Ewing: 1989-90
Walt Frazier: 1971-72
Kevin Garnett: 2003-04
George Gervin: 1979-80
John Havlicek: 1973-74
Elvin Hayes: 1973-74
Allen Iverson: 2000-01
LeBron James: 2008-09 or 2011-12
Magic Johnson: 1986-87
Michael Jordan: 1990-91 or 1991-92
Jason Kidd: 2002-03
Karl Malone: 1991-92 or 1997-98 (it's too hard choose, he had amazing longevity with many chokejobs)
Moses Malone: 1982-83
Bob McAdoo: 1974-75
Kevin McHale: 1986-87 or 1987-88
Alonzo Mourning: 1999-00
Dikembe Mutombo: 1996-97
Steve Nash: 2005-06
Dirk Nowitzki: 2005-06
Shaquille O'Neal: 1999-00
Hakeem Olajuwon: 1994-95
Chris Paul: 2007-08
Paul Pierce: 2001-02 or 2005-06
Scottie Pippen: 1993-94
Willis Reed: 1969-70
Oscar Robertson: 1963-64
David Robinson: 1994-95
Bill Russell: 1964-65
John Stockton: 1990-91
Isiah Thomas: 1989-90
Dwyane Wade: 2005-06 or 2008-09
Bill Walton: 1976-77
Chris Webber: 2001-02
Jerry West: 1969-70
Dominique Wilkins: 1988-89

Pretty much agreed. Once again, and there are those that will disagree with me, but I personally believe Kareem's 70-71 season to be his greatest, especially if you factor in, one, post-season play; two, mpg; and three, and this is a big one...team defense. Kareem anchored four straight dominant defensive teams from '71 thru '74. Those teams were right near the top in ppg allowed, and were #1 in defensive FG% all four seasons (some by considerable margins.)

And, once again, the more I look at Wilt's 65-66 season, it may have been his most dominant. However, I would not argue with his 66-67 season, which, if you include his post-season domination, was probably his greatest all-around season. And while his scoring declined considerably from '66 to '67, his FG% went thru the roof, and, those that played against him, including Rick Barry himself, would agree that he could have led the league in scoring had he wanted to.

Moses greatest season could have been 78-79, or even 81-82, too.

And, McAdoo's 74-75 season was one of the greatest ever (especially when you consider that the NBA only averaged 102.6 ppg that season.) IMHO, he was very under-rated in his career.

Excellent list.

:applause:

[Tenchi Ryu]

MJ's prime should be changed to 91-92. Was at his absolute physical prime, and was just a monster.

And I don't think its smart to rank current players who are young like Durant, Rose etc, its too early.

Like Rose winning a MVP won't be as strong a year as winning a ring and FMVP if that happens.

[SuperPippen]

Many people would say '94, but I'm going with '93 for Hakeem.

West's peak was in '70.

I'd say Nash's peak was in '07 instead of '06.

MJ's peak was in '90.

Bird's was in '86.

Not sure about this one, but I'd say Baylor's was in '63.

[REACTION]

And I don't think its smart to rank current players who are young like Durant, Rose etc, its too early.

Like Rose winning a MVP won't be as strong a year as winning a ring and FMVP if that happens.

I'm not really ranking players. I'm just recording their best season up to present day. I plan on adjusting the list for active players after each season. And I want the list of players to be as complete as possible.

[REACTION]

I'd say Nash's peak was in '07 instead of '06.

Hmm. Does anyone else agree about Nash's best season being 2006-07 instead of 2005-06?

Any thoughts?

[REACTION]

Also, votes on Elgin Baylor? 60-61 or 62-63?

[fpliii]

Also, votes on Elgin Baylor? 60-61 or 62-63?

no clue, I haven't done enough research on him

ask CavaliersFTW

[jlip]

no clue, I haven't done enough research on him

ask CavaliersFTW

Either he, G.O.A.T., Gifted Mind, or ThaRegul8r would probably be the best sources for Baylor.

[The Real JW]

08/09 for Tony Parker.

[The Real JW]

Hmm. Does anyone else agree about Nash's best season being 2006-07 instead of 2005-06?

Any thoughts?

2005/06
Season: 18.8/4.2/10.5 on 51.2%/43.9%/92.1% (1 Triple-Double, 43 Double-Doubles)
Playoffs: 20.4/3.7/10.2 on 50.2%/36.8%/91.2% (12 Double-Doubles)
Won the MVP

2006/07
Season: 18.6/3.5/11.6 on 53.2%/45.5%/89.9% (53 Double-Doubles)
Playoffs: 18.9/3.2/13.3 on 46.3%/48.7%/89.1% (10 Double-Doubles)

I would say 2005/06 was his best year. Amar'e was out with a knee injury, and Nash led Phoenix to finish 54-28, win the division, return from being down 3-1 to beat the Lakers and then beat the Clippers to make it to the WCF.

[REACTION]

Gary Payton?

[StateOfMind12]

Gary Payton?
Gary Payton's peak was 1999-00 to me.

To add some more...

Jermaine O'Neal: 2002-2003
Brandon Roy: 2008-2009
Danny Granger: 2008-2009
Rajon Rondo: 2009-2010

[ShaqAttack3234]

Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem: 1976-77

Agreed 100%. Kareem has said so himself as well. Looked into this season, and luckily some playoff games are available, and it's scary how good he was.


Anthony, Carmelo: 2006-07

I think he was better in '10


Barkley, Charles: 1992-93

He did improve his outside shot and held the ball a bit less, imo, and got in better shape. But he may have been more dominant in '90 and '91, he was more athletic then, had done most of his maturing as a player, and the main differences were that he played more SF back then and his team wasn't as good.


Baylor, Elgin: 1960-61

I'd go with '62. He set the finals scoring record, which is still the playoff scoring record for a regulation game, and Bob Cousy called Baylor's finals the greatest series he's seen a player have at that time.


Bird, Larry: 1985-86

I gave this one a lot of thought a while back and came to this conclusion too. '88 was probably his best regular season, though.


Bryant, Kobe: 2005-06

I always go back and forth between this and '08 as Kobe's best. '06 was definitely Kobe's top individual feat, and really a remarkable season. He called it his best at the time, but later claimed '08 was. The difference in '08 is that he dropped 20 pounds and was fully recovered from the knee surgery prior to the '07 season leading to him regaining some quickness and athleticism. He was still near his scoring peak, but focused more on making his teammates better and taking over at will when he needed to. He also put more effort in defensively, and probably had his best defensive season since the 3peat. It's the smartest I've seen Kobe play, and his best in terms playmaking and game management.


Carter, Vince: 2007-08

Vince fell off in '08 and struggled with injuries. His best season including playoffs was '01, although he became a better, more complete player with the Nets. The best i've seen Vince play is in '05 after the trade to the Nets. But for a full season, his most well rounded ball was '07, but the disappointing series vs Cleveland makes it questionable.

Vince called '04 his best season at the time, but later claimed it was '07.


Erving, Julius: 1979-80

I'd say that's his best NBA season and arguably his best period. During halftime of a March '80 game between the Sixers and Spurs, Erving called it his best NBA season so far because he had more freedom than in previous years with Philly. he did put up the best numbers of his NBA career and led Philly to the finals.


Ewing, Patrick: 1989-90

Patrick got stronger this year, improved his shot, improved his passing and improved his rebounding(which had been a criticism). He also benefited from Stu Jackson taking over as coach because Rick Pitino preferred a more up-tempo offense because that team excelled at forcing turnovers with their full court press, and it was more of an equal opportunity offense. but Stu Jackson made the offense revolve around Ewing in the post, and the results speak for themselves. He shot less outside shots, though he could make them. His moves were roughly the same as when the Knicks made the finals 4 years later, but the extra mobility made him seem less predictable and allowed him to react to double teams better. The drop step, baseline turnaround and running move were all devastating at this time, and he ran the floor very well. Not to mention, his defense. Michael Jordan said he didn't see anyone better than Ewing, and Mychal Thompson said Ewing might be the best player in the league and that Pat and Magic were neck and neck for that title.


Howard, Dwight: 2010-11

His offense improved so much this season, while his defense and rebounding remained. He became much more fluid in the post with spins, left-handed and right-handed jump hooks, the occasional running hook with either hand, and he used the glass well, both on hooks and even some face up bank shots.


Hill, Grant: 1996-97

His best statistically and as far as team success without question. What an unbelievable rebounding season for a small forward, among the best ever. And he did a fantastic job as their point forward, creating everything for them with many screen/rolls while leading them in scoring. Maybe the best ball-handler his height. He improved his shooting in '00 and became a better scorer, though.


James, LeBron: 2011-12

he did improve certain parts of his game such as defense, moving without the ball, rebounding and his post game, as well as a short range game. But he also relied greatly on leaking out and cherry picking for easy transition baskets. I'd probably go with '09 for his peak.


Johnson, Kevin:

'90 was KJ's peak.


Johnson, Magic: 1986-87

He was pretty close in '89 and '90, but this seems to be the season everything came together. And Magic calls it his best so who am I to argue?


Jordan, Michael: 1990-91

Sometimes I lean towards '90. He was just as good, but his team wasn't as good as in '91, and the Detroit team they faced was much better in '90. MJ's approach was the same as '91, playing off the ball more and relying more on jumpers, while actually having a very good 3 point shooting season. The difference in '91 is that the coaching staff rested him more so MJ decided to look for his shot early in games as opposed to '90. I can understand going with the championship season, though. Sometimes '91 seems like the right season to call his peak.


Kidd, Jason: 2002-03

I thought this was obviously his best too. It's the best he's shot the ball prior to age and microfracture surgery taking away some of his quickness. He made the Nets a legit threat vs the Spurs too.


King, Bernard: 1984-85

I might go with '84. He was healthy, and dominated the playoffs. Plus his numbers after the all-star break in '84 are basically his '85 numbers before he played the best ball of his career in the Pistons and Celtics series.


Malone, Karl : 1991-92

I'd go with '98(which Karl also called his best), he improved his passing, shooting and post defense. He also relied on Stockton less in '98.


Mourning, Alonzo: 1999-00

Agreed, he was so much smarter, more mature, skilled and polished compared to early years in both the lockout year and this year.


Nash, Steve: 2005-06

Tough to choose from '05-'07, but I'm going with '07. Aside from his passing, has a guard, or a pure shooter ever had a better shooting season?


Odom, Lamar:

I'd go with '10-'11.


Olajuwon, Hakeem: 1994-95

That was his best playoff run, and best offensive season. But I'd go with '93 for his best defensive season, and perhaps '94 as the best combination of both.


O'Neal, Shaquille: 1999-00

Correct, Shaq also called it his best. Shaq's scoring had pretty much become as good as it ever would by '98, although he sharpened his turnaround 1 hand jumper and footwork a little. But for whatever improvement there was in scoring, there was much more improvement in other areas. He gave more effort on the boards, had his best defensive year, playing extremely well at that end and anchoring the league's top defense with the Lakers strategy being to funnel players towards Shaq in the paint. And his passing also improved while he adjusted remarkably quick to the triangle. Phil expected his scoring to go down, but the opposite happened. The Lakers really overachieved in the regular season as well all things considered and beat a stacked Blazer team.

Though Shaq was just as good of a player in the '01 season, he started a bit slower the first 2 months, but was equally productive in the second half and playoffs.


Parish, Robert:

'82, some considered him an MVP candidate, and several celtics were calling him the team's MVP, including Larry Bird himself.


Parker, Tony:

Many including Popovich said this past season was his best, but you could also argue '09.


Pierce, Paul: 2002-03

I'd go with '02.


Pippen, Scottie: 1993-94

Scottie really stepped up his all around game this year and it's remarkable that he made this team a contender. Expanded his range, became a little more versatile offensively and an even smarter defender who had to pick up some of the slack with MJ gone. Scottie called this his best season as well, and I'd agree. Although '96 probably would have been his best if not for injuries in the second half, he was right there in '95 as well and '92 is an extremely underrated season for him.


Russell, Bill: 1964-65

I've often thought '62 for the extra offense he provided and his great EDF and finals series, but Russell himself calls '64 his best.


Wade, Dwyane: 2008-09

Agreed 100%. Wade also called it his best. His mid-range game was much better, he mixed his game up more, played under control more, cut down on turnovers, showed 3 point range,


Webber, Chris: 2001-02

2000 was the best I've seen C-Webb play. He's never mixed athleticism, aggressiveness and skills better than that year. Phil Jackson called him a top 3 player that season.


Wilkins, Dominique: 1988-89

'93, no doubt in my mind. Despite defenses getting better, Nique scored 30 ppg and did so while shooting better than ever before. Not only did he shoot 3s extremely well, but he was more under control without many of the wild shots he attempted in the 80's.

Nique also called this his best.


Gary Payton's peak was 1999-00 to me.

Really? Why?

[StateOfMind12]

Really? Why?
It was quite easily his best individual season. I think I might be looking into stats/accomplishments too much but I would still have to say that was his best season and when he was at his best. I don't think he was any different in 95-96 than he was in 99-00 other than the fact that he played on a better team.

When do you think was his peak then?

[ShaqAttack3234]

It was quite easily his best individual season. I think I might be looking into stats/accomplishments too much but I would still have to say that was his best season and when he was at his best. I don't think he was any different in 95-96 than he was in 99-00 other than the fact that he played on a better team.

When do you think was his peak then?

I don't know what season I'd call his best. Sometime between '95 and '98. I might eliminate '95 because of the 1st round upset, although he did say that he was better defensively than he was in '96 when he was voted DPOY, and that he started looking to lead the league in steals a month or so into the '96 season.

A difference between '00 Payton and 90's Payton is that Payton's defense fell off by '00 and I don't think he deserved his all-defensive selection that year.

In addition to the habit he already had of sometimes being too ball-dominant to work for his own shot, he also had a habit of chucking by 2000.

He still did have a great ability to post up and score for a point guard. He was the best scoring point guard at the time rivaled by only Marbury. He was a good passer, but I wouldn't say that he was truly great at running team by elite PG standards. But the 6.5 rpg is phenomenal.

24/7/9 with just 2.7 TO on 45 FG% with 2.2 3s made per game is a phenomenal stat line, as impressive as we've seen from a PG in recent years considering the era, but I don't think he was as good that year as his stats suggest, while in previous years, Payton had been a better player than the stats suggested, imo.

In the 2000 Sonics/Jazz series, despite Seattle almost upsetting a superior Jazz team, I often remember thinking that a past his prime 38 year old John Stockton was the more impressive point guard on the floor.

So for Payton's peak, I'd say any year between '96-'98. The '97 team didn't win as much, but Kemp was a distraction all year for that team. For a while I said '98, now I'm unsure, and I'd say that '96 is usually regarded as Payton's peak.

[DFish]

Odom, Lamar:

I'd go with '11-'12.

A joke, I presume?

[Owl]

I wanted to compile a pretty complete list of each player's best individual season. Taking into account everything overall, including the regular season and playoffs, stats, awards, etc.

Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem: 1976-77
Aldridge, LaMarcus: 2011-12
Allen, Ray: 2004-05
Anthony, Carmelo: 2006-07
Arenas, Gilbert: 2005-06
Archibald, Nate: 72-73 surely
Arizin, Paul: 51-52. Certainly his most dominant year. His best shooting year in a lower shooting % league. Best rebounding year etc
Artest, Ron: 2003-04
Barkley, Charles: 1990-91
Barry, Rick: 1969-70
Baylor, Elgin: 1961-62
Bibby, Mike: Is he really worthy of being on this list? I'm guessing 03-04, you could go 04-05 very little real difference but the team was worse.
Billups, Chauncey: 2005-06
Bird, Larry: 1985-86
Boozer, Carlos: 2006-07
Bosh, Chris: 2009-10
Brand, Elton: 2005-06
Bryant, Kobe: 2005-06
Bynum, Andrew: 2011-12
Camby, Marcus: 2006-07
Carter, Vince: 2000-01
Cassell, Sam: 2003-04
Chamberlain, Wilt: 1966-67
Chambers, Tom: 89-90 clearly
Cooper, Michael: 1986-87
Cousy, Bob: 1959-60
Cowens, Dave: 75-76 probably
Davis, Baron: 2003-04
Deng, Luol: 2006-07
Diaw, Boris:
Drexler, Clyde: 1991-92
Dumars, Joe: 1990-91
Duncan, Tim: 2002-03
Durant, Kevin: 2011-12
Ellis, Monta:
Erving, Julius: 1979-80
Ewing, Patrick: 1989-90
Fisher, Derek: 2000-01
Francis, Steve:
Frazier, Walt: 1971-72
Garnett, Kevin: 2003-04
Gasol, Marc: 2011-12
Gasol, Pau: 2009-10
Gervin, George: 1979-80
Ginobili, Manu: 2007-08
Granger, Danny: 2008-09
Griffin, Blake: 2010-11
Hamilton, Rip: 2005-06
Hardaway, Penny: 1995-96
Hardaway, Tim: 1996-97
Havlicek, John: 1973-74
Hayes, Elvin: 1973-74
Horford, Al: 2010-11
Howard, Dwight: 2010-11
Hill, Grant: 1996-97
Iverson, Allen: 2000-01
Ilgauskas, Zydrunas: 2002-03
Jackson, Mark: 1988-89
James, LeBron: 2011-12
Jamison, Antawn: 2007-08
Johnson, Kevin: 1989-90
Johnson, Joe: 2005-06
Johnson, Magic: 1986-87
Jordan, Michael: 1990-91
Kidd, Jason: 2002-03
King, Bernard: 1983-84
Malone, Karl : 1997-98
Malone, Moses: 1982-83
Maravich, Pete: 1976-77
Marbury, Stephon: 2002-03
McAdoo, Bob: 1974-75
McGrady, Tracy: 2002-03
McHale, Kevin: 1986-87
Mikan, George: 1950-51
Miller, Andre: 2001-02
Miller, Mike:
Miller, Reggie: 1989-90
Ming, Yao: 2006-07
Monroe, Earl: 1967-68
Mourning, Alonzo: 1999-00
Mullin, Chris: 1988-89
Mutombo, Dikembe: 1996-97
Nash, Steve: 2005-06
Nene: 2008-09
Noah, Joakim: 2010-11
Nowitzki, Dirk: 2005-06
Oakley, Charles: 89-90 looks like his best season statistically, but he wasn't a stats type player so would have to look closer to confirm
Odom, Lamar: 2010-11. Instinctively thought this and the stats back it up.
Olajuwon, Hakeem: 1994-95
O'Neal, Jermaine: 2002-03
O'Neal, Shaquille: 1999-00
Parish, Robert: 1981-82
Parker, Tony: 2008-09
Paul, Chris: 2007-08
Payton, Gary: 1997-98
Pettit, Bob: Really depends what you want. His best regular season? The season he lucked out with Russell's injury but he won a title? His most dominant season (i.e. looks better than his peers, which is probably pre Wilt and Elgin)?
Pierce, Paul: 2001-02
Pippen, Scottie: 1993-94
Randolph, Zach: 2010-11
Reed, Willis: 1969-70
Richardson, Jason:
Richmond, Mitch: 96-97
Robertson, Oscar: 1963-64
Robinson, David: 1994-95
Robinson, Nate:
Rodman, Dennis: 1991-92
Rondo, Rajon: 2009-10
Rose, Derrick: 2010-11
Rose, Jalen:
Roy, Brandon: 2008-09
Russell, Bill: 1964-65
Simmons, Bobby:
Sprewell, Latrell:
Stockton, John: 1990-91
Stojakovic, Peja: 2003-04
Stoudemire, Amar'e: 2004-05
Thomas, Isiah: 1989-90
Thurmond, Nate:
Turkoglu, Hedo:
Unseld, Wes:
Wade, Dwyane: 2008-09
Wallace, Ben:
Wallace, Rasheed:
Walton, Bill: 1976-77
Webber, Chris: 2000-01
West, Jerry: 1969-70
Westbrook, Russell: 2010-11
Wilkins, Dominique: 1992-93
Williams, Deron:
Worthy, James:

It's obviously not complete yet. If anyone has corrections or new players to add, post 'em. I need help finishing the list, and I want it to be pretty comprehensive. I'd like to be able to just search for a player's name and find their best season played so far, according to general consensus.
I've had a go at the blanks, though most only those whom I considered significant players. Will edit when I have time to do the last few (if I remember).

[REACTION]

Thanks for all the input. Updated the list.

[caliman]

Personally, I always that Kobe was better in 2002-03 and 2007-08 than he was in 2005-06. Sure he scored more in 2006, but he was a better all around player in the other 2 season. If forced to pick I would go with 2007-08 because he kept up the absurd level of play through the playoffs.

[The Real JW]

For Kobe...

2005/06

Season: 35.4/5.3/4.5/1.8/0.4 on 45.0%/34.7%/85.0% (4 Double-Doubles)
Playoffs: 27.9/6.3/5.1 on 49.7%/40.0%/77.1% (1 Double-Double)
Scoring Champion, 4th place in MVP voting
81 point game against Toronto, 62 point game against Dallas
Lakers finished 45-37, disappointing post-season


2007/08

Season: 28.3/6.3/5.4/1.8/0.5 on 45.9%/36.1%/84.0% (20 Double-Doubles)
Playoffs: 30.1/5.7/5.6 on 47.9%/30.2%/80.9% (4 Double-Doubles)
Won the MVP
1st seed West finish with a 57-25 record
Made it to the finals


I'd say 05/06 was his best statistical season, but 07/08 was his best all-around season. Kobe was a scoring machine in 05/06, but his performances in the 2008 post-season push that year ahead for me.

I vote for 2007/08 for Kobe.

[Alan Ogg]

Nice list, but adding stats would make it sexier.

[REACTION]

Nice list, but adding stats would make it sexier.

On it!

[ShaqAttack3234]

A joke, I presume?

:oldlol: No, it was actually a mistake on my part. I meant to say '10-'11.

I wish I had thought of it as a joke, though, because it's a good one. Lamar's season with Dallas was an insult to basketball.


Personally, I always that Kobe was better in 2002-03 and 2007-08 than he was in 2005-06. Sure he scored more in 2006, but he was a better all around player in the other 2 season. If forced to pick I would go with 2007-08 because he kept up the absurd level of play through the playoffs.

'08 was his best from an all around standpoint, but I don't really consider '03 more of an all around season than '06.

He was in more of an all around role for the first half of the season, but this wasn't the successful period of the season for the Lakers, they were just 19-23, which was partially due to their 3-9 start without Shaq.

But the Lakers really got going after that when Phil stopped running the offense through Shaq and gave Kobe freedom essentially making him the 1st option and leading to the 13 straight 35+ games including 9 straight 40+. After that, the Lakers finished 31-9. And his numbers over the last 40 games were 33 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 4.6 apg, 3.3 TO, 2.2 spg, 45.7 FG%, 56.7 TS%

Similar to his full season numbers for '06 overall, which were 35.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 4.5 apg, 3.1 TO, 1.8 spg, 45 FG%, 55.9 TS%.

The difference was he the 1st option for the entire '06 season, while they went back to Shaq as the focal point in March '03, which is why there's the disparity of 24.8 FGA in the last 40 games of the '03 season vs 27.2 FGA for the entire '06 season.

'03 was the season where we really saw most of the full prime Kobe skill set with the extended range beyond 25 feet, the footwork, the fakes and the streak scoring ability.

That's when his range extended making him a legitimate 3 point shooter. It was the first season he made a three per game at 1.5 per game and 38.3%. But during the last 40 games, he was making 1.9 threes per game and shooting 40.5%. More similar in volume to the '06 season when he was making 2.3 per game at 34.7%.

Kobe's rebounding, especially in the early part of the '03 season was really impressive, though, It was probably due to bulking up significantly in the offseason.

Kobe's team success with the whole season in mind was obviously more impressive relative to his roster in '06 than '03.

When Lamar Odom finally started playing consistently in the second half, the Lakers went 19-11, a 52 win pace, before that, they were at 26-26, which is very impressive considering Odom was his only teammate who was a legitimate NBA starter. And they were still actually at .500 through 68 games, but finished 11-3.

That shows what Kobe could do that year with even 1 teammate playing at a borderline all-star level.

From an all around standpoint, his '08 season was pretty amazing to watch. He was more motivated defensively than he had been in years and probably played his best defense since the 3peat, but it was also the best I've seen him in terms of playmaking, making his teammates better and game management. His teammates were really thriving off his approach that year and most of the role players had career seasons. He'd set them up early and take over late like clockwork. He also seemed to regain some athleticism after dropping 20 pounds, and was still very athletic at just 29 years old. His skills had really evolved though so he was near his peak scoring ability, and averaged 32 ppg through the first 3 rounds of the playoffs on 51% shooting.

The second best I've seen him as far as all around basketball was probably the 2001 playoffs when his playmaking, rebounding, defense and athleticism were near their peak, and he was attacking the basket as aggressively as I've ever seen him. His skills weren't as well rounded as later, but he was already probably the best perimeter scorer.


For Kobe...

2005/06

Season: 35.4/5.3/4.5/1.8/0.4 on 45.0%/34.7%/85.0% (4 Double-Doubles)
Playoffs: 27.9/6.3/5.1 on 49.7%/40.0%/77.1% (1 Double-Double)
Scoring Champion, 4th place in MVP voting
81 point game against Toronto, 62 point game against Dallas
Lakers finished 45-37, disappointing post-season


2007/08

Season: 28.3/6.3/5.4/1.8/0.5 on 45.9%/36.1%/84.0% (20 Double-Doubles)
Playoffs: 30.1/5.7/5.6 on 47.9%/30.2%/80.9% (4 Double-Doubles)
Won the MVP
1st seed West finish with a 57-25 record
Made it to the finals


I'd say 05/06 was his best statistical season, but 07/08 was his best all-around season. Kobe was a scoring machine in 05/06, but his performances in the 2008 post-season push that year ahead for me.

I vote for 2007/08 for Kobe.

Yeah, that's pretty much my opinion as well, except I'm still undecided on which is better. '08 was the right style for a team with championship aspirations, but he didn't have a championship team in '06 and he was told to carry his team by Phil until the younger players got used to the triangle, which takes a while. And he did it as well as you could hope for.

Kobe felt each season was his best at that time.


"It's the best season I've had,'' - 4/16/06 Sampson Independent


Bryant has said this was his best regular season and his most enjoyable

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/2008-05-06-1274955469_x.htm

[REACTION]

How about Thurmond, Unseld, Worthy?

[REACTION]

Are you guys sure about '95 for Hakeem and not '94?

He was MVP, FMVP, DPOY, All-NBA 1st and All-Defensive 1st in 1994. In 1985, he was only All-NBA 3rd and no MVP, DPOY or All-Defensive team.

[WockaVodka]

Are you guys sure about '95 for Hakeem and not '94?

He was MVP, FMVP, DPOY, All-NBA 1st and All-Defensive 1st in 1994. In 1985, he was only All-NBA 3rd and no MVP, DPOY or All-Defensive team.
He had a better post-season in 1995 but a better overall season in 1994. Plus, he was a better rebounder and defender in 94 as well.

[REACTION]

Yeah, I think I'll go with 1993-94 for Olajuwon.

[ShaqAttack3234]

I'm impressed by your effort and accuracy for this thread. One of my favorite threads in quite a while. :applause:


How about Thurmond

I'd go with '67 Definitely in terms of accolades and success since he finished 2nd in MVP voting behindonly peak Wilt and in front of Russell, then he led the Warriors to the finals, took the 68-13 Sixers to 6, and gave them a real scare, I remember that 1 or 2 of their losses came down to the final minutes, and they had a chance to steal game 1. He also limited Wilt far more than Russell did in that postseason after Wilt had dominated the Celtics.

The Warriors only went 6-10 that year without Thurmond despite having the league's leading scorer Rick Barry.

On November 14th, Thurmond had 20 points, 30 rebounds and 15 blocks in a win over Detroit.

Thurmond also had a 23 point, 37 rebound game in a 130-07 win over the Lakers on December 20th despite Rick Barry not playing. Pretty impressive to beat the West/Baylor Lakers like that.

An example of Thurmond's defensive dominance was on February 2nd when he blocked 8 of Wilt's shots, and finished with 16 points and 23 rebounds while holding Wilt to 16 points in a 137-120 win vs Philly.

In game 1 vs the Lakers in the playoffs, he had 14 points and 20 rebounds, but he followed it up with a more dominant game 2 when he had 22 points, 25 rebounds and 10 blocks with a cast on his hand. They ended up sweeping the Lakers, though Rick Barry seemed to be the star of game 3 with 37 points.

Thurmond seemed to be a key player in all of the wins vs the Hawks in the Western Division Finals, but game 5 stands out when Thurmond had 23 points and 27 rebounds in a 123-102 blowout and he had 21 rebounds in game 6 to help send the Warriors to the finals.


Worthy?

If you're not bothered by the Suns series, I'd go for '90. But you can also go with '89 or '88 if you want better playoff runs.


Are you guys sure about '95 for Hakeem and not '94?

He was MVP, FMVP, DPOY, All-NBA 1st and All-Defensive 1st in 1994. In 1985, he was only All-NBA 3rd and no MVP, DPOY or All-Defensive team.

As I said before, '94 was probably his most complete year. His best offensive ball and playoff run was '95, but I don't think he was a better player than '94 or '93 for that matter.

'93 is underrated because he didn't win a title, but he really was as good as ever.

It was the first year Rudy T implemented his 4 out/1 in system with everything going through Hakeem, either Dream scoring in the post, or drawing the double to find his teammates, most of whom became spot up shooters in the new offense, except Otis Thorpe who still wasn't in the paint as often for spacing purposes.

Because of the new system, the Rockets started out just 14-16, but finished an amazing 41-11 for a 55-27 record. Hakeem ended up averaging 26.1 ppg, 13 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3.2 TO, 4.2 bpg and 1.8 spg on 53% shooting. Hakeem led the league in blocks, finished 4th in scoring and rebounding and 13th in FG% and steals.

In addition to Houston finishing with the 6th best offense with everything going through Hakeem, he anchored a top 3 defense.

After leading the Rockets past the Clippers in the 1st round, Hakeem faced a Sonics team that was the most stacked, and arguably the most talented team in the league., They had Shawn Kemp, Derrick McKey, Sam Perkins, Gary Payton, Ricky Pierce, Nate McMillan, Eddie Johnson and Michael Cage. And as was their trademark, they led the league in forced turnovers giving them a top 2 defense overall, which also helped them to a top 4 offense overall. They led the league in point differential as well.

He took that Seattle team to overtime in game 7, and they were prevented from winning by bad calls that went against them. hakeem had an excellent all around performance with 23 points, 17 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 blocks and 2 steals.


Webber, Chris: 2000-01 (27.1/11.1/4.2/1.3/1.7 on 48.1% / 7.1% / 70.3%)

The best I've seen Webber play without question was 2000. He seemed more explosive, aggressive and athletic than 2001, while being as skilled as he ever was.

Webber also dominated the Lakers power forwards in the 2000 series which was a reason why the Kings took LA the maximum 5 games.

Webber struggled far more in the '01 playoffs. Even in the series the Kings won in '01 vs Phoenix, Webber shot just 35% from the floor and 62% from the line ending up with 15 more total FGA than points scored, while Peja held a 3 ppg scoring lead over Webber.

He also didn't play nearly as well vs the Lakers compared to the previous season. Although this did have a lot to do with the Lakers solving one of their big weaknesses from the previous season, which was defense at the PF position by acquiring Horace Grant.

So this doesn't necessarily prove Webber was better in 2000 than 2001, but I will always maintain that 2000 is the best I've seen Webber play.

here's a quote from Phil Jackson about Webber in 2000.


Chris Webber is an exceptional power forward, who on the basis of his season-long consistency, I'd rank as being one of the top three players in the league.

Just my 2 cents, I understand that '01 looks like his best on paper.


Bogut, Andrew:

Bogut's best season was easily 2010. He played like one of the best big men in the league that year, as well as one of the top defensive players, and probably a top 20 player in the entire league.

He's rarely been healthy outside of that year, which is a shame based on how much potential he's shown. The league would be a lot more interesting if we could see a healthy Andrew Bogut in addition to Howard and Bynum.


Barry, Rick: 1969-70 (27.7/7.0/3.4/-/- on 49.9% / 20.5% / 86.4%)

Wasn't he in the ABA that year? I'd definitely go with either 1975 when he led the Warriors to a championship over the favored Bullets, in fact, he swept them, iirc. Or 1967 when he helped lead the Warriors to the finals, while averaging almost 36 points per game, which nobody in the league approached that season, and he led the league in scoring by a huge margin(though scoring titles were given out by total points back then).


Chandler, Tyson:

I'd go with this past season with the Knicks when I can without question from watching almost every game that he was our most consistent player and helped transform the team to a good defensive team, while averaging 11/10 on a league-best 68% shooting while being voted DPOY. You could also make a case for '11 when he won a title as one of the Mavs 3 most important players, or even one of his first 2 years with the Hornets.


Diaw, Boris:

Without question '06 when he was voted the most improved player in the league and showed a lot of potential in both the regular season and playoffs.


Davis, Baron: 2003-04 (22.9/4.3/7.5/2.4/0.4 on 39.5% / 32.1% / 67.3%)

I'd probably go with '07 especially because of his playoff run.


Francis, Steve:

Definitely between '01 and '03, I'd probably side with '03.


Malone, Moses: 1982-83 (24.5/15.3/1.3/1.1/2.0 on 50.1% / 0.0% / 76.1%)

This one is tough because he led an all-time great team and had the monster playoff run, while in '82, he had the playoff disappointment, getting outplayed by Jack Sikma in the elimination game of the 1st round mini-series, but he did some incredible things in '82.

Here's a thread I made about Malone's '82 season. http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?t=272312


Rose, Jalen:

2000? He was voted the most improved player, and his 21 ppg playoff run helped the Pacers get to the finals. He was also their leading scorer in the regular season on a 56 win team. If not, then maybe '01 when he stepped up his scoring, and also handled the ball more because of the departure of Mark Jackson. '03 was one of his most impressive individually with a career high 22 ppg, 4 rpg and 5 apg on 41% shooting.

Personally, I'd go with 2000.


Sprewell, Latrell:

As someone who was a big fan of Spree when he was a Knick, I'd love to pick a Knicks season, but I'd have to go with '94 when he was selected to the all-nba 1st team.


Turkoglu, Hedo:

Without question 2008 when he was voted most improved.


Wallace, Ben:

Maybe '03 when he became the 4th player along with Kareem, Walton and Hakeem to lead the league in rebounds and blocks in the same season(Dwight has since done it twice), Big Ben also averaged over 15 rebounds, and was getting some MVP talk that season.

If not, maybe '04 when he was the best player on a championship team, and he anchored a defense that imo, was maybe the best ever after the Rasheed trade.


Wallace, Rasheed:

Best regular season was '01, but his team underachieved greatly, after starting the season 30-11, they went 20-21 the rest of the way, unacceptable for a team many considered to have the most depth and talent in the league.

I did really like Sheed's game in '00 and '01, he was very athletic back then, such a versatile defensive player, and he focused on going to work in the post with his unstoppable turnaround jumper, while sometimes shooting mid-range shots. He did shoot 3s more in '02, but not an excessive amount and he shot a very impressive 36%, so I don't have a problem. It was his second most impressive statistical season behind '01, and he didn't quite implode like '01 in the playoffs, so that's a good candidate.

FWIW, he did nearly win a title as the best player in '00, but that Blazer team won because they were the most stacked and talented in the league, and the favorites entering the season. Sheed was a part of it, but didn't carry them by any stretch.

[REACTION]

I'm impressed by your effort and accuracy for this thread. One of my favorite threads in quite a while. :applause:

Thanks. :cheers:

I'm keeping an excel file with more detailed info that's a lot easier to look at. But I'm not sure how I'll translate it to the original post in this thread.

http://i.imgur.com/dVVZ4.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/XR9Li.jpg)

(Click for larger view)

I guess I could just have one big ass image instead of trying to format it into text. :oldlol:

[DFish]

Elgin Baylor is the scoring leader :applause:

38.3 points, 18.6 rebounds

[TheFan]

I disagree... Kobe mvp season wasn't his best season... heck it wasn't even his second best season...

its either 02-03 or 05-06...

[REACTION]

Elgin Baylor is the scoring leader :applause:

38.3 points, 18.6 rebounds

Yep. Leaders for each category:

Points: Baylor (38.3 PPG)
Rebounds: Wilt (24.2 RPG)
Assists: Stockton (14.2 APG)
Steals: Barry/Pippen/Stockton (2.9 SPG)
Blocks: Ewing (4.0 BPG)


I disagree... Kobe mvp season wasn't his best season... heck it wasn't even his second best season...

its either 02-03 or 05-06...

I don't agree about 2002-03 being much in the mix for Kobe's best season, but it did come down to 2005-06 and 2007-08 for me. I originally had his 2006 season listed, but decided to ultimately go with 2008. '06 was admittedly his scoring peak, but I feel like Kobe was a better defender in '08 while still being a major scoring threat. He also did much better in the '08 playoffs, getting to the finals and putting up 30/5.7/5.6 in 21 games. He was a more efficient scorer in 2008 too. Those reasons plus him making MVP led me to choose 2007-08 as his best season. But I don't disagree with anybody who chooses 2005-06.

[DFish]

http://i.imgur.com/dVVZ4.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/XR9Li.jpg)

An asterisk should truthfully be next to LeBron's though. It should read LeBron: 2011-12 MVP* FMVP*

[REACTION]

I added statistical leader columns.

http://i.imgur.com/KylqC.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/bhrOg.gif)

[Kobr]

Some more ones to add: Shawn Marion, Caron Butler, Shawn Kemp, Anthony Mason, Toni Kukoc, Horace Grant, Mark Eaton, Maurice Cheeks, Lenny Wilkens, Artis Gilmore, Maurice Stokes, Adrian Dantley, Gail Goodrich, Michael Finley, Rashard Lewis, Drew Gooden, Stephen Jackson, Gerald Wallace, Norm Nixon, Jamaal Wilkes, Kurt Rambis, Robert Horry, Eddie Jones.

[WockaVodka]

Hedo Turkoglu - 2007-08
Shawn Marion - 2005-06
Rashard Lewis - 2004-05
Gerald Wallace - 2009-10

[Kobr]

Also Iguodala.

[REACTION]

I haven't look into these yet, but does anyone disagree with any of them?

Bruce Bowen: 2004-05
Maurice Cheeks: 1985-86
Adrian Dantley: 1983-84
Dave DeBusschere: 1967-68
Mark Eaton: 1984-85
Artis Gilmore: 1978-79
Connie Hawkins: 1969-70
Dennis Johnson: 1981-82
Bobby Jones: 1982-83
Sam Jones: 1964-65
Shawn Kemp: 1995-96
Jerry Lucas: 1964-65
Shawn Marion: 2005-06
Sidney Moncrief: 1982-83
Terry Porter: 1991-92
Mark Price: 1988-89
Glen Rice: 1996-97
Alvin Robertson: 1985-86
Arvydas Sabonis: 1995-96
Ralph Sampson: 1985-86
David Thompson: 1977-78
Otis Thorpe: 1987-88
Wes Unseld: 1974-75

[REACTION]

or should these be:

Artis Gilmore: 1977-78 (23/13/3 with All-Defensive 2nd team)
Dennis Johnson: 1978-79 (FMVP)
Terry Porter: 1987-88 (10 APG and 51.9% FG)
Arvydas Sabonis: 1997-98 (16/10/3)
Ralph Sampson: 1984-85 (All-NBA 2nd team)
Wes Unseld: 1968-69 (MVP, ROTY and ALL-NBA 1st team)

?

[LikeABosh]

Lebron's best season was 08-09 IMO. Basketball is a team sports and thats why he won a ring in 12' he was better in 08-09

[StateOfMind12]

Lebron's best season was 08-09 IMO. Basketball is a team sports and thats why he won a ring in 12' he was better in 08-09
His prime was 11-12 to me. He was more flashy and exciting to watch in 09 and 10 though but it's hard to argue that he was more effective because most evidence indicates that his 2012 version is better and more effective.

I would also change Manu Ginobili's best season to '04-'05 instead of '07-'08. I say this mainly because Manu performed better in the 2005 post-season and he was also a starter. 6th men who shouldn't be 6th men like Manu can produce better stats in the regular season in this situation because they are going up against opponent's 2nd unit.

[REACTION]

Lebron's best season was 08-09 IMO. Basketball is a team sports and thats why he won a ring in 12' he was better in 08-09

True, that's why I'm not listing championships on this chart. But I do take Finals MVP into consideration. Comparing the two seasons:

2008-09
Regular Season: 28.4 / 7.6 / 7.2 / 1.7 / 1.1 on ( .489 / .344 / .780 ) winning MVP
Playoffs: 35.3 / 9.1 / 7.3 on ( .510 / .333 / .749 ) in 14 games

2011-12
Regular Season: 27.1 / 7.9 / 6.2 / 1.9 / 0.8 on ( .531 / .362 / .771 ) winning MVP
Playoffs: 30.3 / 9.7 / 5.6 on ( .500 / .259 / .739 ) in 23 games, winning Finals MVP

LeBron did have some really nice triple-double games in 2009, but I feel like his 2012 FMVP and playoff performance gives the nod to 2012. He also appeared to be a more efficient scorer (53.1% from the field on the season) and a bit more versatile.

I'm okay with leaving it open to a vote though. Anyone else vote for 2009 over 2012?

[jlauber]

True, that's why I'm not listing championships on this chart. But I do take Finals MVP into consideration. Comparing the two seasons:

2008-09
Regular Season: 28.4 / 7.6 / 7.2 / 1.7 / 1.1 on ( .489 / .344 / .780 ) winning MVP
Playoffs: 35.3 / 9.1 / 7.3 on ( .510 / .333 / .749 ) in 14 games

2011-12
Regular Season: 27.1 / 7.9 / 6.2 / 1.9 / 0.8 on ( .531 / .362 / .771 ) winning MVP
Playoffs: 30.3 / 9.7 / 5.6 on ( .500 / .259 / .739 ) in 23 games, winning Finals MVP

LeBron did have some really nice triple-double games in 2009, but I feel like his 2012 FMVP and playoff performance gives the nod to 2012. He also appeared to be a more efficient scorer (53.1% from the field on the season) and a bit more versatile.

I'm okay with leaving it open to a vote though. Anyone else vote for 2009 over 2012?

Using your "formulas", Kareem's prime came in '71. Which, I have long maintained was a PEAK Kareem.

[ShaqAttack3234]

Anthony Mason

'96-'97


Toni Kukoc

Tough one, maybe '98? They needed him more that year with Pippen out, and he easily had his best playoff run of that second 3peat. Not sure though.


Horace Grant

'93-'94.


Michael Finley

1999-2000, without question. He not only had his best statistical season, but he played the entire season with plantar fasciitis and not only did a good job carrying the scoring load due to his isolation ability and shooting, but he had to handle the ball a lot more because Nash hadn't established himself yet. He led a Dallas team that wasn't that good to a 40-42 record, but they went on a tear late in the season. Don Nelson had announced his retirement that year, but changed his mind, and I'm guessing that's because of the Mavs finishing so strong at 16-6, which had a lot to do with Finley's great play.


Gerald Wallace

Definitely 2009-2010.


Norm Nixon

It's between '80 and '82. I'd go with '82 because of the playoff run. Very underrated player, he split PG duties with Magic and did an excellent job. He wasn't as good as Magic, even back then, but he impressed me more as a scorer(not than '87-'91 Magic, but '80-'83 Magic) with his pull up mid-range jumper.


Robert Horry

I'd say '95, he played the best basketball of his career. His '96 regular season was better statistically, but I'd stick with '95. It's strange how much he declined at such a young age. People who only know him from his Laker and Spurs days would be shocked to see him when he was young.


Eddie Jones.

Definitely 2000. He went to Charlotte and was the man for the first time in his career and led that team to 49 wins while setting new career highs in points(20.1), assists(4.2) and steals(2.7), while leading the league in the latter category. Charlotte did seem to have a good amount of talent, but strangely went 2-8 without Eddie.

Aside from Kobe(who had his best defensive season), Eddie was probably the best two-way perimeter player player in 2000, and arguably the best defensive guard, definitely up there as far as all-star players, rivaled by probably only Kobe.



I don't agree about 2002-03 being much in the mix for Kobe's best season, but it did come down to 2005-06 and 2007-08 for me. I originally had his 2006 season listed, but decided to ultimately go with 2008. '06 was admittedly his scoring peak, but I feel like Kobe was a better defender in '08 while still being a major scoring threat. He also did much better in the '08 playoffs, getting to the finals and putting up 30/5.7/5.6 in 21 games. He was a more efficient scorer in 2008 too. Those reasons plus him making MVP led me to choose 2007-08 as his best season. But I don't disagree with anybody who chooses 2005-06.

I agree, I don't see what puts '03 over '06 or '08.


Bruce Bowen: 2004-05

He's difficult to judge, his defense was always there, and he was never much of an offensive player other than those corner 3s. I'm fine with '05, but I might go with '03 when he led the league in 3P% and had an excellent playoff run when he showed how good of a defender he was.


Adrian Dantley: 1983-84

I'd definitely go with this season.


Dave DeBusschere: 1967-68

One of the most underrated players, there were many factors in the Knicks becoming such a great team from '69-'74, but acquiring Dave was as big as any, they went 18-17 to start the '68-'69 season, but then went 36-11 after trading Walt Bellamy for DeBuscherre.

I haven't looked into Dave's career as much with Detroit, but I wouldn't go by numbers because he was in a position to put up better numbers than he was on such a balanced team like the Knicks.


Mark Eaton: 1984-85

I haven't seen many Jazz games from this season, but it seems like a logical choice.


Bobby Jones: 1982-83

Not sure about this one, I don't think he had really lost anything by this point, but he was in a reduced role compared to previous years. He had been an all-star in previous years.


Shawn Kemp: 1995-96

I definitely agree with this one.


Shawn Marion: 2005-06

This is definitely accurate as well.


Terry Porter: 1991-92

You could go with any season from '90-'92. '91 would be a good choice for regular season, but '90 is also interesting, he was more impressive than Drexler during the first 3 rounds of the playoffs and led the Blazers in scoring in 2 of their first 3 rounds. Porter is underrated, he was a big part of Portland's stacked teams. He seemed to take most of their big shots late in games.


Mark Price: 1988-89

It's definitely between '89 and '90. Can't argue with that '89.


Glen Rice: 1996-97

That definitely seems right, though he did benefit quite a bit from the shortened line.


Arvydas Sabonis: 1995-96

I'd go with '98. He easily set career highs in mpg(32) as well as ppg(16), rpg(10) and apg(3).


Ralph Sampson: 1985-86

I'm not sure, Sampson didn't seem like a player who improved greatly in his first 3 years. But I did notice his passing in '86 games, and sure enough, he averaged 3.6 apg. Such a unique player, it's a shame that injuries ruined his career after the finals appearance.



2008-09
He also appeared to be a more efficient scorer (53.1% from the field on the season) and a bit more versatile.

Well, this is primarily because he cut down on how many 3s he attempted dramatically each of his first 2 years in Miami, though I consider this to be an improvement in his game because as great as he was in Cleveland, I always thought he took too many 3s because while he was streaky and could make a lot, it paled in comparison to other parts of his games.

But another reason for the higher FG% is how many more transition opportunities Lebron got this year. Part of this was because Miami sarted specializing in forcing turnovers, which Lebron's defense contributed to, but he also leaked out and cherry picked more often for easy baskets.

He was more versatile in that he at least started posting up fairly regularly and looked decent in the post, unlike any other season, and hit that turnaround jumper pretty frequently. He also added a short range jumper from 10-15 feet which he never had in Cleveland, and moved better without the ball than before this year. He was definitely cutting to the basket for more easy lay ups.

Here's a link to some in-depth stats backing up these points about Lebron's post game and how much he scores in transition.

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2012/03/01/film-study-lebron-in-the-post/

As you can see, at the time this was posted(March 1st), Lebron was scoring 24.6% of his points in transition, up from 21.6% in '11, 20.4% in '10, 18.2% in '09 and 17.3% in '08. Though he led the league in fast break points every season.


I'm okay with leaving it open to a vote though. Anyone else vote for 2009 over 2012?

I take '09 over '12 as well. The historic regular season Lebron led that Cavs team to is unbelievable.

They had a top 10 record in NBA history at 66-16 and probably would have tied the '86 Celtics home record of 40-1 had they not rested their best players on the last game(a 1 point loss in OT). They also led the league in point differential at 8.9 ppg.

Pretty remarkable that he did this with Mo Williams, Zydrunas Ilgauska, Delonte West, Ben Wallace(past his prime), Daniel Gibson and Wally Szczerbiak(also past his prime).

It definitely wasn't a team of scrubs, and in fairness, the names of the cast don't account for that fact Cleveland was the second best 3 point shooting team at 39.3% and 3rd in made 3s. They were also a top 3 defensive team. But not a team you expect to win 60+ games. I remember expecting the Cavs to win 55 games after they acquired Mo, although I didn't know Lebron would improve like he did in '09.

If you remember, Lebron was sitting out a lot of 4th quarters because of all the blowouts, so his numbers were lowered and he still ended up averaging 28/8/7, 1.6 spg, 1.1 bpg, 49 FG%. He probably ends up averaging more like 30/8/8 without all of those blowouts.


Using your "formulas", Kareem's prime came in '71. Which, I have long maintained was a PEAK Kareem.

Or, if he wanted to pick a championship year, he could pick 1980. Kareem had a better playoff run than in '71, and he was also a more skilled complete player, imo. He already seemed to be a good passer in the '71 footage I've seen, but I believe he improved in that aspect as most players do. He was also physically stronger than he was in the early 70's, especially in '80 when he started lifting weights. And he had added more moves, rather than the sky hook every time(though that usually worked), he now had a left-handed hook and a turnaround jumper.

He had also lost remarkably little athleticism. But I'd say he was even better in '77. He's never been more dominant than the '77 playoffs, many were saying he was playing the best ball of his life, and noticed all the improvements I mentioned which is why I believe he became a much more reliable playoff performer from '74 on. He had almost no weaknesses for a big man, but the one thing I'd call a weakness early was his strength, which I believe could be exploited. He was actually pretty strong later, stronger than many would think. I've heard he had a lot of lower body strength from centers who played against him. Even his regular season was excellent in '77, his great play is why they overachieved in the regular season and got the best record.

[REACTION]

K, I'll go with 2009 for LeBron.

[StateOfMind12]

I take '09 over '12 as well. The historic regular season Lebron led that Cavs team to is unbelievable.

I would go with '12 LeBron but it's not a big deal if someone believes '09 Lebron or '10 Lebron was better but I personally believe Lebron was better than ever last season.

I think Lebron plays more like a forward these days whereas in Cleveland he pretty much played like an oversized guard with unparallel athleticism.

This was why everybody questioned how long LeBron could play at a high level due to his reliant on athleticism and how much his play was going to be impacted with age.

I think with the way Miami Lebron plays, he will be fine with age because he doesn't depend on his athleticism as much anymore. He uses everything to his advantage these days, his versatility to defend 1-4 positions and play 1-4 positions, his strength and size in the post-up game, etc.

His jump shot for the most part is essentially the same as it was in '09 and '10 except that in 2012 he is much better in the mid-range specifically the high to low post area.

His passing is pretty much the same although he isn't used as much of a playmaker in Miami anymore due to the fact that he plays in the post more often but he does pass out of the post very well these days.

His defense has improved magnificently. While Lebron was an elite and a great defender in his last two seasons in Cleveland he was never really worthy or close to the DPOY award like he is currently and the way he was in 2012. I also don't think that LBJ in Cleveland was capable of guarding 1-4 positions either. I think he might have been able to guard 1-3 but I just think Lebron could guard the 4s and 5s in Miami now probably due to being a smarter defender and being a bit stronger and bulkier.

His rebounding has improved as well. He boxes out more for rebounds, he goes after the rebounds more, and he also scores more off of tip-ins and put-backs. I like the fact that he increased his activity/hustle level and used it as an advantage.

I think the only thing '09 and '10 LeBron did better than '12 LeBron is isolation. He was just a little more quicker and explosive back then and could create his own shot a little better but he can still create his own shot just fine. I don't think it's enough to put over '12 LeBron's improvement in defense, post-game, rebounding, etc. though.

I think that Miami LeBron is like a hybrid between Pippen and Karl Malone whereas Cleveland LeBron was like a hybrid between Pippen and Dwyane Wade. Pippen has always been Lebron's main prototype.

[StateOfMind12]

Also ShaqAttack, check out this stat

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/13436/the-catalyst-to-lebron-james-mvp-push

http://i.imgur.com/CJnkN.jpg

I think a lot of the fact that he doesn't attack and slash to the basket as much as he use to has to do with the fact that he less space to work with Wade out there. I always see LeBron playing like vintage '09 and '10 LeBron offensively and putting up '09 and '10 LeBron numbers when Wade is on the bench out or not playing at all.

It is why I think the Heat should trade Wade but that deal would never be done.

Like I said, Lebron may be slightly less athletic but he is pretty much better at every aspect now than he was in 2009 and 2010. There is no question Lebron was more important to those Cavs team than he was to those Heat teams but this has a lot do with the fact that he had no help in Cleveland whereas he does have help in Miami. It has nothing to do with Lebron being better or worse.

I would rank LeBron's like this

2011-12 Lebron
2009-10 Lebron
2008-09 Lebron

[RoundMoundOfReb]

Also ShaqAttack, check out this stat

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/13436/the-catalyst-to-lebron-james-mvp-push

http://i.imgur.com/CJnkN.jpg

I think a lot of the fact that he doesn't attack and slash to the basket as much as he use to has to do with the fact that he less space to work with Wade out there. I always see LeBron playing like vintage '09 and '10 LeBron offensively and putting up '09 and '10 LeBron numbers when Wade is on the bench out or not playing at all.

It is why I think the Heat should trade Wade but that deal would never be done.

Like I said, Lebron may be slightly less athletic but he is pretty much better at every aspect now than he was in 2009 and 2010. There is no question Lebron was more important to those Cavs team than he was to those Heat teams but this has a lot do with the fact that he had no help in Cleveland whereas he does have help in Miami. It has nothing to do with Lebron being better or worse.

I would rank LeBron's like this

2011-12 Lebron
2009-10 Lebron
2008-09 Lebron


Wow that's an interesting stat.:eek:

[StateOfMind12]

As I had posted in the last page....




I would also change Manu Ginobili's best season to '04-'05 instead of '07-'08. I say this mainly because Manu performed better in the 2005 post-season and he was also a starter. 6th men who shouldn't be 6th men like Manu can produce better stats in the regular season in this situation because they are going up against opponent's 2nd unit.

And to add more to the players you had already listed but hadn't filled out a year yet.

Al Jefferson - 2008-09
Andrei Kirilenko - 2003-04
Larry Hughes - 2004-05
Rashard Lewis - 2004-05

[REACTION]

Any other votes on Ginobili?

2004-05 or 2007-08?

[DFish]

I'm okay with leaving it open to a vote though. Anyone else vote for 2009 over 2012?

Either put 2009 or 2012* with an asterisk.

[StateOfMind12]

Any other votes on Ginobili?

2004-05 or 2007-08?
To add to what I say about '05 Manu vs. '08 Manu, you could also argue that Manu should have been the one that got the finals MVP in that 2005 Finals. '08 Manu didn't perform so well in the post-season whereas '05 Manu was extremely important and productive in that post-season.


Using your "formulas", Kareem's prime came in '71. Which, I have long maintained was a PEAK Kareem.
Why is '71 Kareem better than '77 Kareem? I've usually seen people say he was better in '77.

[Kobr]

Any other votes on Ginobili?

2004-05 or 2007-08?

I'd probably go with 2005.

[ShaqAttack3234]

I would go with '12 LeBron but it's not a big deal if someone believes '09 Lebron or '10 Lebron was better but I personally believe Lebron was better than ever last season.

I think Lebron plays more like a forward these days whereas in Cleveland he pretty much played like an oversized guard with unparallel athleticism.

This was why everybody questioned how long LeBron could play at a high level due to his reliant on athleticism and how much his play was going to be impacted with age.

I think with the way Miami Lebron plays, he will be fine with age because he doesn't depend on his athleticism as much anymore. He uses everything to his advantage these days, his versatility to defend 1-4 positions and play 1-4 positions, his strength and size in the post-up game, etc.

His jump shot for the most part is essentially the same as it was in '09 and '10 except that in 2012 he is much better in the mid-range specifically the high to low post area.

His passing is pretty much the same although he isn't used as much of a playmaker in Miami anymore due to the fact that he plays in the post more often but he does pass out of the post very well these days.

His defense has improved magnificently. While Lebron was an elite and a great defender in his last two seasons in Cleveland he was never really worthy or close to the DPOY award like he is currently and the way he was in 2012. I also don't think that LBJ in Cleveland was capable of guarding 1-4 positions either. I think he might have been able to guard 1-3 but I just think Lebron could guard the 4s and 5s in Miami now probably due to being a smarter defender and being a bit stronger and bulkier.

His rebounding has improved as well. He boxes out more for rebounds, he goes after the rebounds more, and he also scores more off of tip-ins and put-backs. I like the fact that he increased his activity/hustle level and used it as an advantage.

I think the only thing '09 and '10 LeBron did better than '12 LeBron is isolation. He was just a little more quicker and explosive back then and could create his own shot a little better but he can still create his own shot just fine. I don't think it's enough to put over '12 LeBron's improvement in defense, post-game, rebounding, etc. though.

I think that Miami LeBron is like a hybrid between Pippen and Karl Malone whereas Cleveland LeBron was like a hybrid between Pippen and Dwyane Wade. Pippen has always been Lebron's main prototype.

I don't disagree with that much in this post, except I don't really see Lebron as a guy who can guard 5s, maybe he can get away with it for a short stretch vs a guy who is a non-factor offensively or on a switch, but not regularly. I also think his ability to guard 4s is a bit overstated.

Lebron had the same size/bulk those last 2 years in Cleveland, although I will agree that he's played his best defense in Miami.

I like Lebron's versatility in Miami more, that alone makes it tempting for me to take '12 Lebron, but I think the added quickness made him a more dominant scorer, and a better playmaker as well, plus, his shooting was not a problem by that point and he was already a good defender.

Not a big difference, but he was a more impressive scorer and playmaker to me in '09 and '10, and just a bit more dominant overall, imo. Close enough that I'll reserve the right to change my mind.


Also ShaqAttack, check out this stat

Interesting, though not that surprising. It was obvious that part of the reason his numbers took a hit was playing with Wade. Though he does shoot 55% with Wade vs 51% without Wade, though that could have more to do with the difference in volume of shot attempts.

By the way, I looked up Bosh's stats in games without Wade last season a while ago and he was at 24/8 on 58 FG% in 13 games(12-1 record), not sure what his complete on/off numbers are, though.


Any other votes on Ginobili?

2004-05 or 2007-08?

I'll go with '08. He did make the all-star game and then have a phenomenal playoff run in '05, but he produced more over an entire season in '08.

He averaged about 20/5/5 on 46/40/86 shooting and 2.1 3PM(61 TS%, 54 eFG%) in 31 mpg. Led the Spurs in scoring and made the all-nba 3rd team.

In 23 games as a starter, Manu averaged 22/5/6 on 49/40/89 shooting and 2.4 3PM in 35.5 mpg. So I don't think his numbers were inflated at all by playing against second units, and he did always play quite a bit against starters anyway.

He didn't play nearly as well in the playoffs, but he was injured. Most notably an ankle injury that bothered him in the Laker series.


Manu Ginobili, who was hobbled all series by a jammed ankle, produced just 9 points Thursday and admitted that the injury had been an issue.

"They really took advantage, the way I was feeling," Ginobili said. "They played really hard on me."

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/30/sports/basketball/30lakers.html


than Ginobili, who also is dealing with a sore left ankle and a finger injury.
Ginobili took two shots in the fourth quarter and missed them both, including a potential go-ahead three-pointer with nine seconds remaining. Overall, he finished with 10 points (on 3-for-13 shooting) and committed four turnovers. His jumpers were short. His explosive first step wasn't there. He made Lakers guard Sasha Vujacic look like Ron Artest.
"I have a couple issues," Ginobili said, "but nothing that bad that can justify the way I played. I'm upset, but it's over, and now you've got to try to play better next game."
With only one day off between each game in the series, Ginobili won't have much time to get rejuvenated. The ankle injury, which dates back to Game 1 of the Spurs' first-round series against the Suns, is particularly troublesome. But if the Spurs want to salvage a split on the road after blowing a 20-point third-quarter deficit in Game 1, they need to find a way to reignite their spark plug.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/chris_mannix/05/23/ginobili.spurs/

His playoff run was remarkable in '05. 21/6/4 on 51/44/80 shooting while not playing that many minutes is impressive. But in this case, given the disparity in the regular seasons, I'll go with '08. Good enough for top 15 in both seasons, imo.

[StateOfMind12]

I don't disagree with that much in this post, except I don't really see Lebron as a guy who can guard 5s, maybe he can get away with it for a short stretch vs a guy who is a non-factor offensively or on a switch, but not regularly. I also think his ability to guard 4s is a bit overstated.
I use to think this as well but after watching him guard Gasol and other 4s I believe he is more than capable of guarding 4s. I do agree with you though that he can only guard post up 4s and 5s for stretches and not an entire game but he is still valuable defensively anyways.

It makes him valuable defensively because this means that Lebron can pretty much switch on any player which is exactly why the Heat's pick and roll defense is so tough to deal with and it is because of LeBron's versatility and rotational defense.


I like Lebron's versatility in Miami more, that alone makes it tempting for me to take '12 Lebron, but I think the added quickness made him a more dominant scorer, and a better playmaker as well, plus, his shooting was not a problem by that point and he was already a good defender.
Well, I agree with you that he had a little more quickness and explosiveness which made him more dangerous and better in isolation situations but even with the slight loss in Miami, he was still deadly in those situations.

Lebron made a bunch of clutch and huge shots in the 2012 playoffs such as the deep 3 in Game 7 of the ECF over Brandon Bass, the 3 over Thabo when he was suffering cramps, bank shot over Thabo in Game 2, etc.

I actually believe he is even more reliable as a scoring since he now has a legitimate and reliable post-game.

It's pretty unheard of to find teams that have never won a title without a post-scorer. Lebron was the Heat's post-scorer in 2012 and he was huge in the post especially in the Finals. Lebron was scoring at will in the post in the Finals and when the Thunder eventually decided to double him in Game 5, he made pin-point passes that led to easy and open 3s for his teammates.

I value the added post-game because it is more reliable for a player to score with and it also gives the player more options and space to work with.

If you look at the all-time perimeter greats that won a title, Bird, Jordan, Magic, Kobe, etc. they all had post games and reliable ones at that and now Lebron has been added to the list.


Not a big difference, but he was a more impressive scorer and playmaker to me in '09 and '10, and just a bit more dominant overall, imo. Close enough that I'll reserve the right to change my mind.
The comparison is really like this...

Slight quickness and explosiveness which is better for isolation vs. Added reliable post-game, improved defense, improved rebounding, and also better mentality.

I forgot to mention the mentality difference between '09 and '10 LeBron and '12 LeBron.

'12 Lebron was relentless at attacking the rim especially when his jump shot went missing and you can check out the 2012 Finals for example. His jump shot really was ice cold in that series so because of that he decided to just put his head down and attack to the rim at will. Lebron scored a lot of points and got to the line a ton because of that.

'10, '09, and any Cleveland LeBron really would often times settle for jump shots and even continue settling for jump shots even if it was cold. He would end up playing like a shell of himself and bailing out his opponents with his cold jump shot.


He didn't play nearly as well in the playoffs, but he was injured. Most notably an ankle injury that bothered him in the Laker series.

I was thinking '05 because '08 Manu was hampered by injuries and such. I don't believe '08 Manu played at a different level than '05 Manu did when he was healthy unlike the difference between '07 Yao and like '09 Yao. I think '05 and '08 were about the same with the slight edge to '08 Manu but due to the fact that Manu played much better in the post-season in '05 and was also a starter, I would say '05 was better.

[REACTION]

How about

Caron Butler
Gail Goodrich

?

[Purch]

bump

[Round Mound]

I Think The Best All Around Season for Sir Charles was The 1986-87 Season. The Best Was 1989-90 Season In Terms of Play but Not All Around Wise.

He Had Not Yet Developed the Onstoppable Post Game in 86-87 But It Was Still Good and All Around Wise, He Dominated the League Like No Other Forward.

23.0 PPG on 59.4% FG (22.1 PPG on 64.34% Two-Point FG * Lead the League on Just 12.25 Two-Point FGAs Taken)
14.6 RPG * Lead The League
4.9 APG * Lead All Powerforwards
1.8 SPG * Lead All Powerforwards
1.5 BPG * Amazing for a 6`4 3/4 ft Powerforward

He Was Literely Everywhere On The Court Causing Havoc.

[REACTION]

Andrea Bargnani, Speedy Claxton?

[fpliii]

Not that anyone cares, but I've changed my position on Russell. I presently feel that while his 61-61 and 64-65 seasons were nearly as excellent, 63-64 was his best year. To be honest, each of his seasons from 61-62 through 65-66 was outstanding (he was also extremely effective in 56-57, though for a couple of reasons that I'll expand upon another day I'm excluding that from his prime).

[jlip]

Not that anyone cares, but I've changed my position on Russell. I presently feel that while his 61-61 and 64-65 seasons were nearly as excellent, 63-64 was his best year. To be honest, each of his seasons from 61-62 through 65-66 was outstanding (he was also extremely effective in 56-57, though for a couple of reasons that I'll expand upon another day I'm excluding that from his prime).

I've changed from the '62 season myself, and because of research and hearing arguments from other more knowledgeable posters, I agree with the '64 season as Russell's best also.

[MisterAmazing]

Baylor with 38 ppg and Gervin with 34 ppg in their best seasons :applause:

id have to say shaq's prime has to be 99-00

[Odinn]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 1976-77
Ray Allen: 2000-01
Charles Barkley: 1992-93
Rick Barry: 1969-70
Elgin Baylor: 1960-61
Larry Bird: 1985-86
Kobe Bryant: 2005-06
Wilt Chamberlain: 1966-67
Clyde Drexler: 1991-92
Tim Duncan: 2002-03
Julius Erving: 1979-80
Patrick Ewing: 1989-90
Walt Frazier: 1971-72
Kevin Garnett: 2003-04
George Gervin: 1979-80
John Havlicek: 1973-74
Elvin Hayes: 1973-74
Allen Iverson: 2000-01
LeBron James: 2011-12
Magic Johnson: 1986-87 or 1988-89
Michael Jordan: 1990-91
Jason Kidd: 2002-03
Karl Malone: 1991-92 or 1997-98 (it's too hard choose, he had amazing longevity with many chokejobs)
Moses Malone: 1981-82 or 1982-83
Bob McAdoo: 1974-75
Kevin McHale: 1986-87
Alonzo Mourning: 1999-00
Dikembe Mutombo: 1996-97
Steve Nash: 2005-06
Dirk Nowitzki: 2005-06
Shaquille O'Neal: 1999-00
Hakeem Olajuwon: 1992-93 or 1993-94
Chris Paul: 2007-08
Paul Pierce: 2005-06
Scottie Pippen: 1993-94
Willis Reed: 1969-70
Oscar Robertson: 1963-64
David Robinson: 1994-95
Bill Russell: 1961-62
John Stockton: 1990-91
Isiah Thomas: 1989-90
Dwyane Wade: 2008-09
Bill Walton: 1976-77
Chris Webber: 2001-02
Jerry West: 1969-70
Dominique Wilkins: 1988-89
I've updated my list. Here you go.

[fpliii]

Barkley is another guy I'm reconsidering. I like 89-90 more nowadays. 92-93 will get more nods, but I don't think the loss to the Bulls in 89-90 was on him (not that it was in 92-93 either per se). The MVP is a nonissue as well, since he won both seasons in the Sporting News Player of the Year voting (conducted by his peers). He was riding a high from Team USA, but I think both are arguable on the basis of his performance.

Just my $0.02, though.

[Odinn]

Barkley is another guy I'm reconsidering. I like 89-90 more nowadays. 92-93 will get more nods, but I don't think the loss to the Bulls in 89-90 was on him (not that it was in 92-93 either per se). The MVP is a nonissue as well, since he won both seasons in the Sporting News Player of the Year voting (conducted by his peers). He was riding a high from Team USA, but I think both are arguable on the basis of his performance.

Just my $0.02, though.
The main differences, in 1989-90 season he scored on a better efficiency and 1992-93 season he put some serious effort defensively.

Still I find his performance in '93 playoffs more valuable.

[fpliii]

The main differences, in 1989-90 season he scored on a better efficiency and 1992-93 season he put some serious effort defensively.

Still I find his performance in '93 playoffs more valuable.

I agree with this assessment, I think he was more timely in 93. I think the efficiency edge makes it close though.

Hakeem is also extremely tough. I'm torn between those two seasons (and possibly 94-95).

[havoc33]

Shooting .389 FG% in the playoffs is your best season ('01 Iverson) ?
This is why looking at stat sheets NEVER tell the full story. If you watched basketball back then you would know that Iverson's missed shots were often an assist, as they Sixers gameplan were depending on offensive rebounds and putbacks to get their scoring. They had a very limited offensive team, so Iverson had the green light to put anything up there in order for them to pound the boards.

Seriously, people's obsession over FG% is so misguided. Basketball is about a hell of a lot more than a high shooting percentage, something kids of today do not seem to understand. Although not that surprising, seeing that Lebron, Durant and Wade all admit to be stat padding to get as high a shooting percentage as possible (refusing to take end of quarter shots for example), which leads people to think a high fg% is the holy grail of basketball. Ignorance all around.

[Dro]

Miller, Reggie: 1989-90 (24.6/3.6/3.8/1.3/0.2 on 51.4% / 41.4% / 86.8%)
:applause:

[ShaqAttack3234]

Not that anyone cares, but I've changed my position on Russell. I presently feel that while his 61-61 and 64-65 seasons were nearly as excellent, 63-64 was his best year. To be honest, each of his seasons from 61-62 through 65-66 was outstanding (he was also extremely effective in 56-57, though for a couple of reasons that I'll expand upon another day I'm excluding that from his prime).

I'm interested to hear your reasoning for '64. I'm not disagreeing either, I'm undecided between '62, '64 and '65, so I'm always interested to hear if an argument is compelling enough to influence my stance.


I've updated my list. Here you go.

Seasons I currently have definitively listed as peaks, imo are the following(not necessarily in order either)

2000 Shaq
1967 Wilt
1986 Bird
2013 Lebron
1977 Kareem
1987 Magic
2003 Duncan
1964 Oscar
2004 KG
1977 Walton
1990 Ewing
1962 Baylor
2009 Wade
2003 T-Mac
1993 Nique
2000 Zo
2001 Iverson
2008 CP3
2011 Dwight
1994 Pippen
1987 McHale
2000 C-Webb
2006 Brand
2003 Kidd
2007 Nash
1984 King
1982 Parish
2010 Bosh

There are others I'm on the fence about, or leaning towards one year, but these ones, I'm pretty certain about.

[fpliii]

I'm interested to hear your reasoning for '64. I'm not disagreeing either, I'm undecided between '62, '64 and '65, so I'm always interested to hear if an argument is compelling enough to influence my stance.

He said as much himself in one of his books (Second Wind I believe), but their team defense was better in 64 (the GOAT in terms of estimated DRtg, and percent difference from league average). Had his best TRB% that season too. The 65 defense isn't far off (2nd best ever), but the playoff run was better offensively (record FG% in the Finals). I'd go with either, but I'll give 64 the tiebreaker due to his word. The 62 defense is also top 5 ever, but he didn't have the same responsibility on offense that season with Cousy still around (with the Jones boys starting at guard, Russ seems to have orchestrated the offense from the high post a lot more). Still, G7 in the Finals is one of the three GOAT performances in my book (Magic G6 in 80 and Dr. J in G6 of the ABA Finals are my other two) on the biggest stage.

[Odinn]

I'm interested to hear your reasoning for '64. I'm not disagreeing either, I'm undecided between '62, '64 and '65, so I'm always interested to hear if an argument is compelling enough to influence my stance.



Seasons I currently have definitively listed as peaks, imo are the following(not necessarily in order either)

2000 Shaq
1967 Wilt
1986 Bird
2013 Lebron
1977 Kareem
1987 Magic
2003 Duncan
1964 Oscar
2004 KG
1977 Walton
1990 Ewing
1962 Baylor
2009 Wade
2003 T-Mac
1993 Nique
2000 Zo
2001 Iverson
2008 CP3
2011 Dwight
1994 Pippen
1987 McHale
2000 C-Webb
2006 Brand
2003 Kidd
2007 Nash
1984 King
1982 Parish
2010 Bosh

There are others I'm on the fence about, or leaning towards one year, but these ones, I'm pretty certain about.
I wonder how would you rate Hakeem's 1992-93 season.

Generally 1993-94 and 1994-95 are considered to be his bests. But I think his 1992-93 season has a case over 1994-95 season.

Although his scoring was better in 94-95, he was a better rebounder and defender in 92-93 with a considerable margin. His ppg is higher because he tried much more.

It's like '90 Barkley vs. '93 Barkley. But in Barkley's case, he was almost on the same level as a player and his '93 playoff run is more valuable. In Hakeem's case, I believe he was a better player in 92-93 season and his '95 playoff run is more valuable.

PS; Hakeem could (or even should) have won the 1993 MVP award.

[ShaqAttack3234]

He said as much himself in one of his books (Second Wind I believe), but their team defense was better in 64 (the GOAT in terms of estimated DRtg, and percent difference from league average). Had his best TRB% that season too. The 65 defense isn't far off (2nd best ever), but the playoff run was better offensively (record FG% in the Finals). I'd go with either, but I'll give 64 the tiebreaker due to his word. The 62 defense is also top 5 ever, but he didn't have the same responsibility on offense that season with Cousy still around (with the Jones boys starting at guard, Russ seems to have orchestrated the offense from the high post a lot more). Still, G7 in the Finals is one of the three GOAT performances in my book (Magic G6 in 80 and Dr. J in G6 of the ABA Finals are my other two) on the biggest stage.

Good post, I had previously had '62 as his peak due to the 60-16 record with Russell, his great playoff series vs Philly and huge finals and the fact that he led his team in scoring during the playoffs and was 2nd during the regular season.

But I had started to change my opinion with Russell's quote in addition to the fact that Boston seemed to rely more on their defense with Cousy's requirement, and as you mentioned, that increased Russell's role as a playmaker.

I'm still not sure myself, some days I lean towards '64 lately, but it's difficult to disregard his great postseason in '62 after a regular season that's one of his best.

By the way, what was his TRB% in '64?


I wonder how would you rate Hakeem's 1992-93 season.

Generally 1993-94 and 1994-95 are considered to be his bests. But I think his 1992-93 season has a case over 1994-95 season.

Although his scoring was better in 94-95, he was a better rebounder and defender in 92-93 with a considerable margin. His ppg is higher because he tried much more.

It's like '90 Barkley vs. '93 Barkley. But in Barkley's case, he was almost on the same level as a player and his '93 playoff run is more valuable. In Hakeem's case, I believe he was a better player in 92-93 season and his '95 playoff run is more valuable.

PS; Hakeem could (or even should) have won the 1993 MVP award.

I'm undecided at the moment between Dream's '93, '94 and '95.

First, I'll start off by saying that '95 was probably Dream's absolute peak offensively, and his playoff run was probably his greatest stretch of basketball.

But as a player, I believe he was a better defender and rebounder in '93 and '94, and as far as season-long consistency between regular season and playoffs, '94 edges out '95 out of the 2 title runs.

His level of play was probably very similar in '93 and '94, although my perception can be skewed towards '94 due to increased coverage of the Rockets in addition to the championship. With that said, I don't think Hakeem won in '94 as opposed to '93 because he was better in any way.

First of all, Houston's regular season record was very similar both years, and Houston finished the '93 season extremely strong at 27-6. The '94 team was also slightly improved with Horry entering his second year, the additions of Mario Elie and Sam Cassell and the momentum of the '93 season in addition to avoiding Seattle(who they arguably should have beaten in '93) due to the Denver upset.

[Odinn]

I'm undecided at the moment between Dream's '93, '94 and '95.

First, I'll start off by saying that '95 was probably Dream's absolute peak offensively, and his playoff run was probably his greatest stretch of basketball.

But as a player, I believe he was a better defender and rebounder in '93 and '94, and as far as season-long consistency between regular season and playoffs, '94 edges out '95 out of the 2 title runs.

His level of play was probably very similar in '93 and '94, although my perception can be skewed towards '94 due to increased coverage of the Rockets in addition to the championship. With that said, I don't think Hakeem won in '94 as opposed to '93 because he was better in any way.

First of all, Houston's regular season record was very similar both years, and Houston finished the '93 season extremely strong at 27-6. The '94 team was also slightly improved with Horry entering his second year, the additions of Mario Elie and Sam Cassell and the momentum of the '93 season in addition to avoiding Seattle(who they arguably should have beaten in '93) due to the Denver upset.
Hakeem's 1993-94 and 1994-95 season are similar to Shaq's 1999-00 and 2000-01 seasons in a way.

Shaq was much more consistent throughout in 1999-00 season and didn't suffer from an injury, compared to 2000-01 season.
And Hakeem's title years are similar to this I think.

That leaves us 1993-94 season as his best title season, like you've already said.
But comparing 1992-93 to 1994-95...
Also comparing 1992-93 to 1993-94...

All in all, 1993-94 is the safest answer for Hakeem when you think about all the factors. I'm pretty convinced from what I saw, 1992-93 can be ranked over 1994-95 with pretty good reasons.