Building a Team: Dwight or Alonzo Mourning?

[SilkkTheShocker]

Which big man would you rather build around in your prime? This debate is a lot closer than people think. Even for superstar, Dwight is very underrated.

[blacknapalm]

dwight's the better finisher and probably better overall in PNR. he's also the better rebounder.

i think mourning was more savvy around the hoop and at least near equal defensively. i also think he brings more intangibles to his team. he was more inspiring and vocal.

seriously tough call but i guess i'm going with dwight due to his ability to draw doubles, his efficiency and his overall defensive prowess. i just think he's a much more potent #2 option than mourning is in the same role.

i do think zo's '06 playoff run tends to get underrated, especially in the finals. dude was so active defensively, especially help side. he wasn't even worried on offense since miami decided he wasn't really much of an option outside of putbacks. his defense and leadership were huge and we're talking about a well past prime zo. he was arguably the 4th most impactful miami player.

[Xiao Yao You]

Give me the non-douche!

[bluechox2]

zo
he was a beast, polished offensive game and defensive beast

i would have picked dwight if he transitioned to a shaq type dominance by using his body alot more but hes still a baby in that regards.

[Apogee]

Grew up watching ZO so I'm going with him all day. Dude was a beast.

[niko]

Dwight is clearly a better player than Zo. Dwight is a franchise player, Zo was a very good player whose toughness and work ethic elevated him. Dwight is also bigger.

[necya]

Dwight is clearly a better player than Zo. Dwight is a franchise player, Zo was a very good player whose toughness and work ethic elevated him. Dwight is also bigger.

:oldlol: i guess Voshon Lneard was the franchise player of the Miami Heat...
i see anything Zo can't do that Dwight does. on the contrary, i see plenty of things that Howard can only dream about.

[inclinerator]

dwight lightning

[LBJDW305]

Give me Zo...

[PJR]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYmpPqJLX_Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player


36 year old, post kidney disease Zo handling a 20 year old Dwight.

Give me Prime Zo anyday of the week.

[scm5]

I don't like Dwight, I realize he's a Laker now but the way he handled everything from getting SVG fired to his trade request really rubbed me the wrong way.

That being said, I would still take him over Zo.

[magic chiongson]

easy pick. i like zo, but he got injured a lot during his prime..actually during his entire career. so i'm going with dwight.

[Mr Exlax]

Hilarious. Zo used to be my fave and now Dwight is. Being that I watched a ton of Zo's games and I've been watching Dwight, I'll have to go with Dwight. Zo in his prime is not better than Dwight and he still haven't hit his prime yet. I can see how the Dwightmare would scare a couple of you guys, but I've never heard a teammate criticize Dwight.

[niko]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYmpPqJLX_Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player


36 year old, post kidney disease Zo handling a 20 year old Dwight.

Give me Prime Zo anyday of the week.
Oakley would bitchslap Dwight and make him hide under a chair. What's your point? Is Oak better too?

[BoutPractice]

Zo used to be one of my favorite players, while I am mostly indifferent to Howard, but I would say Howard is in the tier just above him.

He's closer to a Pat Ewing than to Alonzo Mourning, and when it's all said and done might be regarded as the Moses of his era (not talking about style of play here, just tiers).
In addition to having led an average team to the NBA Finals at a young age, Dwight is a more dominant presence on the court: not only does he anchor your defense (and it's not just about accumulating blocked shots) but he commands double teams on offense. He's also a better rebounder.

Some will argue that Zo played against better competition (and it's true that so far Dwight has had no one in his conference and only Yao, Gasol and Bynum in the opposing conference), but let's not forget that his career coincided with Shaq who is often criticized for dominating inferior centers.
Even though he played in the same decade, he's not from the same generation as Hakeem, DRob and Ewing - several of his prime years occurred when those were old and washed up.

[PJR]

Oakley would bitchslap Dwight and make him hide under a chair. What's your point? Is Oak better too?

Oakley isn't close to being the caliber of player as either, so I don't know why you would even bring him in the discussion. And even if that's the case, that's not exactly a glaring endorsement for Dwight in this comparison.

[KrizMiz]

easily Zo

better mind, better person, better defender!

[Freedom Kid7]

Give me the non-douche!
Zo was a cool guy and someone that's generally a franchise guy. His intangibles are a hell of a lot better than Dwights, and at the moment I'll take Zo over Howard due to intangibles. Both don't have the best offensive game and they both have similar defensive games. Howard may be a wee bit better on the offense, but I don't think Zo would screw over a franchise in dramatic manner.

[wang4three]

They were both whiners, but I'd take Dwight over Zo. Better rebounder, as good of a shotblocker, and similar offensive skill set, if not better. Also Zo seemed to psych himself out of games and his temper was a liability as much as it was an asset.

[SilkkTheShocker]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYmpPqJLX_Y&feature=youtube_gdata_player


36 year old, post kidney disease Zo handling a 20 year old Dwight.

Give me Prime Zo anyday of the week.

To be fair, Zo did get outplayed by an old/injured Ewing in a game 7.

[Kblaze8855]

I dont think their offensive skillsets are that similar. Zo had a bit of a triple threat game when he was on the Hornets. He always had a jumper. He was as good as Dwight back to basket....meaning...not elite. But effective. But he could faceup and blow by you a bit better. And that jumper he had early was nice as well. He didnt just make 1 game winner in the playoffs. He could just straight up look you in the eye and shoot an 18 footer.

I got a lot of Hornets games around then. Zo wasnt like....some elite shooting bigman. He wasnt even Yao. But he could make shots on a regular basis that would have people making a big deal about it if Dwight did it.

[niko]

They were both whiners, but I'd take Dwight over Zo. Better rebounder, as good of a shotblocker, and similar offensive skill set, if not better. Also Zo seemed to psych himself out of games and his temper was a liability as much as it was an asset.

I was at a bar watching that game where he started throwing punches at LJ at the end of the game with the next game being the elimination game. I've never seen a crowd of people applaud a scrum like that because everyone knew that Miami was done. Was just ridiculous.

[StateOfMind12]

Dwight easily for building a franchise due to durability.

Peaks would be close though but even then I would go with Dwight.

[caliman]

Howard

[Myth]

Zo. Dwight only does so damn well because of the lack of competition at center these days. Zo would be amazing in the modern NBA.

[andgar923]

Which big man would you rather build around in your prime? This debate is a lot closer than people think. Even for superstar, Dwight is very underrated.

Can't compare the two cause they played in entirely different eras.

Put Dwight in the 90s and his efficiency, boards and ppg drop. Put Zo in today's era, and he's Defensive Player of the Year multiple times, amongst the top scorers and MVP candidate.

[senelcoolidge]

Zo easily. He had a good offensive game. Could score in the paint and had a jumper. Dwight is mechanical and looks awkward in the paint. Zo was as equally as good as Dwight on defense. Zo was a competitor. Dwight he smiles and laughs when his teams is losing.

[FatComputerNerd]

'Zo without hesitation.

Better on offense, and just as good if not better on Defense.

Also had that killer instinct and toughness that Howard hasn't always shown.

[Poetry]

I give the nod to Zo based on overall attitude and demeanor.

[Crown&Coke]

Zo

he played like he wanted to rip your head off and spit down your throat. Thats what I want from my center

[Smoke117]

Dwight. I don't agree that Zo was as dominant as Dwight defensively. Dwight Howard is probably underrated defensively by the fact that there is basically no other big men that are dominant like he is, but he is probably closer to the tier of Hakeem and Robinson (though of course not on that tier) while Mourning is closer to the tier of Ewing and Mutombo. Ben Wallace was extremely dominant but his dominance just didn't last that long.

As far as offense goes, neither really has that much of an advantage. Alonzo Mourning did have that little jumper, but he really wasn't all that much of a go to scorer down low himself and neither had any passing game. It's basically a wash offensively.

[FatComputerNerd]

Dwight. I don't agree that Zo was as dominant as Dwight defensively. Dwight Howard is probably underrated defensively by the fact that there is basically no other big men that are dominant like he is, but he is probably closer to the tier of Hakeem and Robinson (though of course not on that tier) while Mourning is closer to the tier of Ewing and Mutombo. Ben Wallace was extremely dominant but his dominance just didn't last that long.

As far as offense goes, neither really has that much of an advantage. Alonzo Mourning did have that little jumper, but he really wasn't all that much of a go to scorer down low himself and neither had any passing game. It's basically a wash offensively.


'Zo was better than Dwight defensively.

Prime 'Zo today would annihilate Dwight.

[CasterL]

Gotta go with Zo. He would be feasting on the hearts of today's c's. He was more versatile offensively, and i feel he would be more effective than Dwight in that respect. Dwight is a better rebounder for sure, and also gets the edge defensively, but its close. However Zo's defensive prowess would be exaggerated in today's game so I think its about even. As others have said Zo's intensity and leadership tip it in his favor for me.

[FatComputerNerd]

Anyone voting for Dwight should watch this 'Zo tribute video and will then most likely change their mind.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMwuMPmtH3w

[AlonzoGOAT]

WTF NIKKA I know why you have red bars now biatch. This is a disgrace of a comparison and you're only underrated the great Zo. **** YOU F@GGOT NEGGED


http://www.abload.de/img/gutk48il.gif

[Smoke117]

Why are people talking about Zo's leadership? What Alonzo Mourning was known for, for much of his career was losing his temper and blowing a gasket. I don't call that leadership.

[AlonzoGOAT]

Why are people talking about Zo's leadership? What Alonzo Mourning was known for, for much of his career was losing his temper and blowing a gasket. I don't call that leadership.
You're a ****ing retard so basically he was at MJ level leadership? How is that not a good thing?

[wang4three]

I dont think their offensive skillsets are that similar. Zo had a bit of a triple threat game when he was on the Hornets. He always had a jumper. He was as good as Dwight back to basket....meaning...not elite. But effective. But he could faceup and blow by you a bit better. And that jumper he had early was nice as well. He didnt just make 1 game winner in the playoffs. He could just straight up look you in the eye and shoot an 18 footer.

I got a lot of Hornets games around then. Zo wasnt like....some elite shooting bigman. He wasnt even Yao. But he could make shots on a regular basis that would have people making a big deal about it if Dwight did it.

I forget that Zo had a somewhat solid jump shot. I guess by similar I refer to how mechanical the two looked on offense. Nothing ever looked real natural or graceful.

I still like what Dwight can do more though.

[FatComputerNerd]

I guess by similar I refer to how mechanical the two looked on offense. Nothing ever looked real natural or graceful.

I still like what Dwight can do more though.

Wrong.

Zo was not mechanical at all. He was graceful with good footwork, and MUCH more athletic than Dwight is.

[AlonzoGOAT]

Wrong.

Zo was not mechanical at all. He was graceful with good footwork, and MUCH more athletic than Dwight is.
It seems because people assume that Dwight is a bigger he is more athletic then Zo for not logical reason. Zo was more athletic for his Size and It's not close and you have to be when you're a undersized Center. And I don't mean to actually think Joel Anthony is even close to the God power level of Zo but that's what Joel Anthony has going for him in center, he's pretty athletic as well

[Overdrive]

Prime Zo would be the best center in the L and a MVP candidate.

Zo had a jumper that you couldn't ignore. He was no D-Rob or Ewing, but it was good enough that he could drag you out of the zone and then use the triple-threat situation, since he wasn't immobile either.

His D was at worst on Howards level. Howard got an edge in rebounding, that's it.

[Smoke117]

You're a ****ing retard so basically he was at MJ level leadership? How is that not a good thing?

When Michael Jordan got angry he wasn't taken out of games. When you got Alonzo Mourning angry you could completely take him out of games like the Bulls did.

[wang4three]

Wrong.

Zo was not mechanical at all. He was graceful with good footwork, and MUCH more athletic than Dwight is.

Yeah he was mechanical. And no, "MUCH more" athletic? Are you kidding me? You either don't think that Dwight's athletic or think that Alonzo is the most athletic player to ever play the game.

Give me a break. A bunch of youtube videos doesn't teach you about a player.

[Carbine]

Classic example of prior players getting overrated when compared to current players.

Dwight will get the respect eventually. He'll get his fair due being on a national and global team like the Lakers.

[JohnnySic]

'Zo was a tougher competitor, and he had the Perkins scowl going. So I go with 'Zo.

[necya]

can't believe all those teenagers :facepalm
Howard never played with a PF, that's why his rebounds numbers are high.When Shaq played without Grant, he used to average more rebounds, as well as Robinson who saw his rebounding average down when he played with Rodman and up when he left.
Like Ewing who played his entire career with very good PF, Mourning played alongside nice rebounders who where LJ and then Brown.
don't stay focus on numbers please...we will see how Howard will play with Gasol and the Lakers if he can maintain his scoring and go for 14 rebound per game...
People really need to watch mid 90's basketball before dropping bullshit. as Kblaze said, Mourning came into the league with a good jumpshot and very nice move facing the basket. plus, he wasn't as lucky as Dwight meeting the legendary centers of the last 6 years.

[franchiez]

Dwight but Zo is the better person.

[FatComputerNerd]

Yeah he was mechanical. And no, "MUCH more" athletic? Are you kidding me? You either don't think that Dwight's athletic or think that Alonzo is the most athletic player to ever play the game.

Give me a break. A bunch of youtube videos doesn't teach you about a player.

You are probably too young to have seen 'Zo in his prime, or you didn't watch the vid of him I posted.

He was damn near as graceful as a ballerina, and was able to handle the ball and take people off the dribble.

Dwight is simply catch and dunk. He has far fewer post moves and far inferior athleticism or quickness than prime 'Zo did.

This is not debatable, and I expect any pro' bball analyst would agree with me.

[Carbine]

You are probably too young to have seen 'Zo in his prime, or you didn't watch the vid of him I posted.

He was damn near as graceful as a ballerina, and was able to handle the ball and take people off the dribble.

Dwight is simply catch and dunk. He has far fewer post moves and far inferior athleticism or quickness than prime 'Zo did, and this is not debatable.

I don't think you have seen Dwight for the past 3 years.

[FatComputerNerd]

Never mind the fact that 'Zo could also shoot the rock from the perimeter, and was also a better defender.

[FatComputerNerd]

I don't think you have seen Dwight for the past 3 years.

Dwight doesn't take people off the dribble or nail 18 footers with regularity.

[franchiez]

Never mind the fact that 'Zo could also shoot the rock from the perimeter, and was also a better defender.
Zo can shoot 3s?

[FatComputerNerd]

Zo can shoot 3s?

NBA Three-Point field goal arc radius: 23 feet 9 inches. I said 18 feet. My mistake on using the word perimeter.

But yea, he actually could here and there.

He would hit 15-18 footers w/ regularity though...often after taking his defender off the dribble.

[franchiez]

NBA Three-Point field goal arc radius: 23 feet 9 inches. I said 18 feet. My mistake on using the word perimeter.

But yea, he actually could here and there.

He would hit 15-18 footers w/ regularity though...often after taking his defender off the dribble.
Haha, ok :cheers:

[FatComputerNerd]

I don't think you have seen Dwight for the past 3 years.

I know he has improved his post game, but 'Zo had far better footwork, and higher IQ, which is a factor.

'Zo was like a mini Hakeem in the post, and with his strength and athleticism there was no stopping him.

Howard on the other hand can be stopped.

[abuC]

Classic example of prior players getting overrated when compared to current players.

Dwight will get the respect eventually. He'll get his fair due being on a national and global team like the Lakers.


No, centers from the 90s are clearly better than the ones today, I don't see how it's overrating Zo to say he's better than Dwight. Their numbers are comparable even though Zo played against much better centers on a more consistent basis.

Who is the best center Dwight has played against, Yao?

[eliteballer]

You make it seem like Zo was playin Hakeem every night. There were just as many bums in the league then as there are now, the exception being that there were 4 or 5 superstar C's.

[blacknapalm]

I know he has improved his post game, but 'Zo had far better footwork, and higher IQ, which is a factor.

'Zo was like a mini Hakeem in the post, and with his strength and athleticism there was no stopping him.

Howard on the other hand can be stopped.

a mini hakeem? zo struggled immensely with double teams in his hornets days. his footwork and post game is nowhere near dream's. it just wasn't that refined. i also don't think many are going to argue that zo was more athletic than dwight.

he wasn't even the clear cut #1 option on that team with larry johnson around and that team failed to make it deep into the playoffs or have a top 5 defense.

in miami, hardaway was the #1 option until about 99-00. this is around the time that zo was getting more comfortable in the post and dealing with doubles much better. unfortunately, not long after is when his kidney issues arose

[abuC]

You make it seem like Zo was playin Hakeem every night. There were just as many bums in the league then as there are now, the exception being that there were 4 or 5 superstar C's.

Shaq/Hakeem/Robinson/Ewing



Then you had -

Rony Seikaly, Dino Radja, Elden Campbell, Vlade Divac, Brad Daughtery, Kevin Duckworth, Dikembe Mutumbo, Rik Smits and Kevin Willis.

He saw more 15-20ppg centers in one season than Dwight has seen in his career.

[eliteballer]

First off, those guys all NEVER simultaneously averaged "15-20 ppg" in the same season, so you're full of it on that one. Second:



Lets take a random look, guys who were worth a damn strictly off the stat sheet

95

Shaq
Hakeem
Drob
Ewing
Zo
Mutombo
Seikaly
Divac
Willis
Bradley
Polynice
Smits
Benjamin( )
Muresan
Montross( )
O Miller( )

2012

Dwight
Horford
Monroe
Lopez
Gortat
A Jefferson
Nene
M Gasol
Noah
Kaman
Bynum
Pekovic
McGee
D Jordan
Duncan
Hibbert
Chandler
Bogut
Cousins

Thats just about all of the guys who are mostly playing center who are worth a damn on the stat sheet. You take out the top 5 guys, and there is not a hell of a lot of difference, let alone night and day between depth and quality. You just got stiffs left on both ends. There's always been stiffs manning the majority of the center(starting and backup) spots in the league.


I mean you want to talk about 93

Atlanta - Willis legit
Philly - laughable
Boston - parish legit
New Jersey - laughable
Cleveland - Daugherty - star
Detroit - laughable
Clips - laughable
Seattle - laughable
NY - Ewing star
Chicago - laughable
Orlando - Star
San antonio - star
Minnesota - laughable
Milwaukee - laughable
Washington - legit for 49 games
Portland - laughable
Utah - Laughable
Phoenix - laughable
Indiana - Smits, 14/5. between laughable and legit
Denver - legit
Charlotte - star
Dallas - between legit and laughable
Sac - laughable
Houston - Star
Lakers - Divac, legit
Miami - Siekaly - legit
Golden State -laughable

So in a league of 27 teams, you've got half the league that is laughable.

[necya]

Zo can shoot 3s?

don't remember his 3 3pts shots in the 4th QT of G1 of 1995 first round against the Bulls ?

[Carbine]

An argument could be made that Dwight's lack of comp at the center position actually hurts his game. He doesn't have to be focused night in and night out to know he's going to likely dominate his opposition for that night.

Look at Dwight's stats vs. Duncan & Shaq back when Dwight was still a baby and Duncan was just exiting his prime and Shaq as well. He did work playing against those guys....and they're two of the top 10 players ever.

Plus the rules and pace of the game back then would've really helped out Dwight. Keep that in mind when comparing numbers cross era.

[abuC]

First off, those guys all NEVER simultaneously averaged "15-20 ppg" in the same season, so you're full of it on that one. Second:


:biggums:


So, you have to cherry pick years in order to come up with a halfway decent argument? And yeah, those guys did average 15-20ppg in the same season, unless you want to magically just forget the top 4 guys he had to play against in Shaq/Hakeem/Ewing/Drob.

A "bum" like Dino Radja averaged 19.7ppg 9.8rpg in 95-96, Rik Smits that same year put up 18.5ppg, how many centers this year put up those numbers. These guys would be getting max contracts today :roll:

[Micku]

Why are people talking about Zo's leadership? What Alonzo Mourning was known for, for much of his career was losing his temper and blowing a gasket. I don't call that leadership.

Zo and Shaq were the vocal leaders of the Miami Heat team that won in 06. It was in a documentary when they won the championship and Wade talks about it.

To main topic:

Zo is more polish to start off with. I believe he is also better defensively. He could go inside and out. He could make jumpers, but he wasn't like Ewing good.

Howard hasn't reached his peak yet, and he could get better. He already improved on his offensive game. He is a better finisher.

Both are not outstanding offensively though, I think that Mourning do bring intangibles, good as well as bad ones. You can't go wrong with either one.

[wang4three]

You are probably too young to have seen 'Zo in his prime, or you didn't watch the vid of him I posted.

He was damn near as graceful as a ballerina, and was able to handle the ball and take people off the dribble.

Dwight is simply catch and dunk. He has far fewer post moves and far inferior athleticism or quickness than prime 'Zo did.

This is not debatable, and I expect any pro' bball analyst would agree with me.

I don't sit around judging talent off of youtube highlights. I watched actual games. When they happened. I was plenty around when Zo was in his prime. You are highly overrating him to an unnerving degree.

[Cali Syndicate]

I would take Zo but mainly because he is a more balanced player.

Zo is obviously the better offensive player. There is no ifs or buts about it.

Defensively, Zo was a beast but had a tendency to get into foul trouble too often. Dwight gets into foul trouble as well but I feel like refs have some vendetta out against him. Zo was just eager to swat everything in sight, which he was very good at as he had exceptional timing, but it got him in trouble. The defensive anchor needs to be in the game to be effective. IMO Dwight is the more disciplined defender. His superior athleticism also allows him to be more mobile around the paint.

But the discrepancy between the two on defense isn't nearly as wide as it is on offense which is why I'd take Zo.

[SilkkTheShocker]

I don't sit around judging talent off of youtube highlights. I watched actual games. When they happened. I was plenty around when Zo was in his prime. You are highly overrating him to an unnerving degree.
This.

[Duncan21formvp]

Which big man would you rather build around in your prime? This debate is a lot closer than people think. Even for superstar, Dwight is very underrated.
Give me Zo. He came into the league averaging 21 ppg , 10 rpg and 3.5 bpg as a rookie.

[Bigsmoke]

Give me Zo. He came into the league averaging 21 ppg , 10 rpg and 3.5 bpg as a rookie.

I'm guessing Derrick Coleman > Kevin Garnett since we are only comparing each player's rookie seasons.

Dwight is better and only Dwight haters or people blinded by nostalgia disagree

[Duncan21formvp]

I'm guessing Derrick Coleman > Kevin Garnett since we are only comparing each player's rookie seasons.

Dwight is better and only Dwight haters or people blinded by nostalgia disagree
We aren't talking about Derrick Coleman or KG here.

[andgar923]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYmpPqJLX_Y&feature=related

Dwight would get murdered by prime Zo.

[swi7ch]

Zo

At least he wasn't dumber than a rock like Dwight.

[Horatio33]

Pretty similar players. I'd take Dwight for longevity. Well, um, until he hurt his back and might be out until Christmas.

[Ne 1]

Zo used to be one of my favorite players, while I am mostly indifferent to Howard, but I would say Howard is in the tier just above him.

He's closer to a Pat Ewing than to Alonzo Mourning, and when it's all said and done might be regarded as the Moses of his era (not talking about style of play here, just tiers).
In addition to having led an average team to the NBA Finals at a young age, Dwight is a more dominant presence on the court: not only does he anchor your defense (and it's not just about accumulating blocked shots) but he commands double teams on offense. He's also a better rebounder.

Some will argue that Zo played against better competition (and it's true that so far Dwight has had no one in his conference and only Yao, Gasol and Bynum in the opposing conference), but let's not forget that his career coincided with Shaq who is often criticized for dominating inferior centers.
Even though he played in the same decade, he's not from the same generation as Hakeem, DRob and Ewing - several of his prime years occurred when those were old and washed up.

Great post.

Also the "better centers" argument completely ignores that that the majority of games weren't played vs a star center and that Zo really struggled in some series that the opposing team had a role player at center. Or that star centers often aren't always guarding other star centers and when they do, often receive help so they can avoid foul trouble often not making it tougher to score against a guy who also has to average 20+ ppg than it vs a guy whose primary job is to stop the opposing center.

[Ne 1]

btw people romanticizing the state of 90s big men need to take of their rose colored nostalgia glasses. There was about a 3-4 year period where you can say big men were ruling the league, 1992-93 till 1994-1995 and maybe you can even add 1995-1996 but before/after was kind of bleak. Still better than today's league, but not quite the same because it was never deep. Top heavy, but not deep and the center talent declined greatly post-'95 actually.

[kNicKz]

ZO

[andgar923]

btw people romanticizing the state of 90s big men need to take of their rose colored nostalgia glasses. There was about a 3-4 year period where you can say big men were ruling the league, 1992-93 till 1994-1995 and maybe you can even add 1995-1996 but before/after was kind of bleak. Still better than today's league, but not quite the same because it was never deep. Top heavy, but not deep and the center talent declined greatly post-'95 actually.

Are you serious?

That's what made that era challenging for big men. Sure not all of the big men from that era were great, but they didn't have to be. Playing against another big body was a challenge on to itself. Another thing was at least they played as true big men. Most of today's big men try to play like guards and the rules make the game today softer. Also by big men, most of us aren't just referring to centers (6'10-7 feet) but also true power forwards that will rotate on the big men and be physical.

Players like Greg Ostertag are far from being great and will probably never be remembered. But they still provided a challenge for players on both ends due to their big bodies, you don't even have that today. So even if star players didn't have to face other elite big men every night, the other big men didn't make things easy for them. Who does Dwight even face now? how many 7 footers does the league even have? do they even play deep in the post like true big men? and do the rules even allow them to be physical?

if Dwight played in past era, he wouldn't be considered the hall of fame player with multiple all star appearances and incredible stats. He's just not that good and too soft for that era.

[MasterDurant24]

I think a team could win more games and go further with Dwight as it's best player than Zo, simple as that.

[L.Kizzle]

:confusedshrug: