Toughest player to beat in 1 on 1?

[Milbuck]

I don't mean 1 on 1 as in individual scoring in a game or isolation players.

I'm talking one player against another player, game to 21.

Had a discussion with my friend, and he claimed that no one in NBA history could beat peak Shaq in 1 on 1.

Between MJ, Shaq, Hakeem, Bird, Kobe, Lebron, Wilt, Durant, Kareem and any other player, who in NBA history would be the absolute toughest player to defeat in 1 on 1?

[Random_Guy]

I don't mean 1 on 1 as in individual scoring in a game or isolation players.

I'm talking one player against another player, game to 21.

Had a discussion with my friend, and he claimed that no one in NBA history could beat peak Shaq in 1 on 1.

Between MJ, Shaq, Hakeem, Bird, Kobe, Lebron, Wilt, Durant, Kareem and any other player, who in NBA history would be the absolute toughest player to defeat in 1 on 1?
curry would destroy shaq 1 on 1

[fpliii]

If 3s are worth 2, any lengthy guy with range is super tough.

[IncarceratedBob]

kobe. had no flaws in his game.

[moe94]

Melo has to be up there. What can you really do against him 1 on 1? He'll do whatever he wants whenever he wants to whoever he wants.

[Rocketswin2013]

If Shaq gets ball first: LOL GOOD LUCK [Any NBA player or basketball player who ever breathed]

[ImKobe]

Kobe & KD are the toughest. Kobe because of his deadly post game, KD because of his size. Also MJ because even though he wasn't as polished as Kobe, his athleticism made up for it & he could get by anyone with his deadly first step.

I'd also put in Melo & prime T-Mac because of their strength.

[ImKobe]

If Shaq gets ball first: LOL GOOD LUCK [Any NBA player or basketball player who ever breathed]

Shaq wouldn't be able to create anything from the high post on a consistent basis. He might show a few flashy moves or two & he could definitely back down anyone, but all you have to do is hack him whenever he gets close to the basket.

[Dro]

We had this discussion a couple months ago. I believe Shaq was the consensus pick because he handle the ball well enough back his man down even from the 3 point line if he want to.

[Rocketswin2013]

Kobe & KD are the toughest. Kobe because of his deadly post game, KD because of his size. Also MJ because even though he wasn't as polished as Kobe, his athleticism made up for it & he could get by anyone with his deadly first step.

I'd also put in Melo & prime T-Mac because of their strength.
If Hakeem or Shaq gets ballfirst they are crushing everyone you listed and it won't be close.

[Milbuck]

If Shaq gets ball first: LOL GOOD LUCK [Any NBA player or basketball player who ever breathed]
My only problem with Shaq is that eventually, 3s (or 2s) would add up. He would probably score every time, but how would he guard someone like Curry?

[Milbuck]

curry would destroy shaq 1 on 1
Interesting, one of the first guys I mentioned when he brought up Shaq.

[riseagainst]

Kobe & KD are the toughest. Kobe because of his deadly post game, KD because of his size. Also MJ because even though he wasn't as polished as Kobe, his athleticism made up for it & he could get by anyone with his deadly first step.

I'd also put in Melo & prime T-Mac because of their strength.

lol this post will get a lot of flame.

[IncarceratedBob]

Rookie Shaq would shit on Curry, he was quick and had 3pt range

[K Xerxes]

Melo has to be up there. What can you really do against him 1 on 1? He'll do whatever he wants whenever he wants to whoever he wants.

Except make layups.

[inclinerator]

depends, hand checking allowed? if so durant wouldnt be as effective

[ImKobe]

lol this post will get a lot of flame.

:confusedshrug:

It's the truth. Kobe has the most moves out of anyone, MJ was the quickest player with his size & strength, T-Mac & Melo both overpowered their opponents with their stength.

[Rocketswin2013]

Milbuck made a good point about Shaq. But I think overall peak Kevin Garnett would be able to guard pretty much anybody and dribble anywhere. So versatile and athletic.

[Solefade]

uhm, shaq would literally back ANYONE under the basket and dunk it. every single ****ing time. you can't beat that lol

[Milbuck]

If we're talking Shaq, Where does Hakeem factor into all of this? I think his absurd post skill set makes him deserve a mention. And would he not have any chance of guarding Shaq?

And Kareem as well. Who's stopping the skyhook?

[Prometheus]

With no help defense and no shot clock, only a world champion sumo wrestler will stop Shaq from dunking the ball.

[scm5]

uhm, shaq would literally back ANYONE under the basket and dunk it. every single ****ing time. you can't beat that lol

I would go w/ Hakeem.

Even though for his size, Shaq was very mobile and quick, Hakeem is much better suited in defending smaller players.

Shaq would probably beat Hakeem in 1v1, but I think Hakeem wins more against other players, particularly perimeter players than Shaq would.

[buddha]

Yao Ming would destroy Shaq 1v1

[K Xerxes]

Oh and MJ or Hakeem would be the best.

[Solefade]

I would go w/ Hakeem.

Even though for his size, Shaq was very mobile and quick, Hakeem is much better suited in defending smaller players.

Shaq would probably beat Hakeem in 1v1, but I think Hakeem wins more against other players, particularly perimeter players than Shaq would.


going up to 21 pts though? hakeem is great but he'd probably get tired a lot quicker than shaq especially if he's going to try to push shaq back in the post. size trumps all in 1v1 especially when you're as big as shaq (2000 shaq).

[Dro]

See, the thing about 1 vs. 1 is if you can score EVERY time, you will win. Shaq can score EVERY time because he can get a dunk or a layup EVERYTIME. Everyone else you guys are talking about cannot do that. Shag vs. Curry. He could let Curry shoot wide open every time and he's going to miss at LEAST once and averages say he will miss more than that. Now add in Shaq losely contesting his shot and Curry will not make them all. So the way I see it, Shaq would beat everyone unless there was someone who could stop him from backing down. Hakeem can't, none of the guards can. So honestly, a guy like Tim Duncan could win this because he could also probably score everytime by backing his man down or at least with his post moves and then he's big enough to at least prevent Shaq from backing him under the basket EVERY TIME. Thats the way I see it.

[red1]

cant go wrong with mj

[red1]

See, the thing about 1 vs. 1 is if you can score EVERY time, you will win. Shaq can score EVERY time because he can get a dunk or a layup EVERYTIME. Everyone else you guys are talking about cannot do that. Shag vs. Curry. He could let Curry shoot wide open every time and he's going to miss at LEAST once and averages say he will miss more than that. Now add in Shaq losely contesting his shot and Curry will not make them all. So the way I see it, Shaq would beat everyone unless there was someone who could stop him from backing down. Hakeem can't, none of the guards can. So honestly, a guy like Tim Duncan could win this because he could also probably score everytime by backing his man down or at least with his post moves and then he's big enough to at least prevent Shaq from backing him under the basket EVERY TIME. Thats the way I see it.
Shaq cant guard curry though. Curry can easily make 7 in a row even on just jumpshots

[SHAQisGOAT]

curry would destroy shaq 1 on 1

:oldlol:

Don't forget he'd have to guard him as well, and you might miss some outside shots.

[Dro]

cant go wrong with mj
MJ is not stopping Shaq whatsoever. MJ falls under the same rules as the example I just described with Curry. Shaq backs off MJ and hopefully MJ will at least miss once or twice and Shaq can also losely contest the shot. Nobody is getting any offense rebounds against Shaq unless the ball bounces back to them. We're talking prime Shaq who is mobile himself and can chase down balls and even dribblers if they get past him. He was good enough to recover and block the shot...

[Dro]

Shaq cant guard curry though. Curry can easily make 7 in a row even on just jumpshots
Who has the better chance of scoring? A guy getting 7 dunks in a row or a guy shooting 7 long 2's or 3's, some of them contested? This is a no brainer to me.:confusedshrug:

[Milbuck]

See, the thing about 1 vs. 1 is if you can score EVERY time, you will win. Shaq can score EVERY time because he can get a dunk or a layup EVERYTIME. Everyone else you guys are talking about cannot do that. Shag vs. Curry. He could let Curry shoot wide open every time and he's going to miss at LEAST once and averages say he will miss more than that. Now add in Shaq losely contesting his shot and Curry will not make them all. So the way I see it, Shaq would beat everyone unless there was someone who could stop him from backing down. Hakeem can't, none of the guards can. So honestly, a guy like Tim Duncan could win this because he could also probably score everytime by backing his man down or at least with his post moves and then he's big enough to at least prevent Shaq from backing him under the basket EVERY TIME. Thats the way I see it.
I hate to start this debate...but Wilt?

[scm5]

going up to 21 pts though? hakeem is great but he'd probably get tired a lot quicker than shaq especially if he's going to try to push shaq back in the post. size trumps all in 1v1 especially when you're as big as shaq (2000 shaq).

Yeah, I'm saying Shaq would probably beat Hakeem 1on1 but Hakeem would see more success against other players, especially perimeter players in a game of 1on1 simply because he's more mobile and it's easier for him to defend perimeter players than Shaq.

[Dro]

:oldlol:

Don't forget he'd have to guard him as well, and you might miss some outside shots.
Yeah, this is what I'm trying to say...

[Dro]

I hate to start this debate...but Wilt?
I thought about Wilt. He's a good candidate. I was just choosing the best player. Wilt could be the best or #2 and him vs. Shaq or even Kareem would be good.

[red1]

MJ is not stopping Shaq whatsoever. MJ falls under the same rules as the example I just described with Curry. Shaq backs off MJ and hopefully MJ will at least miss once or twice and Shaq can also losely contest the shot. Nobody is getting any offense rebounds against Shaq unless the ball bounces back to them. We're talking prime Shaq who is mobile himself and can chase down balls and even dribblers if they get past him. He was good enough to recover and block the shot...
This is why the nba needs to create some type of 1-on-1 shit for allstar weekend. Too bad the players would be too p*ssy to do it. Curry would score on shaq just as easily as shaq would score on him.

[Dro]

Yeah, I'm saying Shaq would probably beat Hakeem 1on1 but Hakeem would see more success against other players, especially perimeter players in a game of 1on1 simply because he's more mobile and it's easier for him to defend perimeter players than Shaq.
Shaq would be anyone pretty easily unless they make all of their shots. And thats factoring in the fatigue from trying to stop Shaq from backing down.

[Rocketswin2013]

Yao Ming is the only player with a legit shot against Shaq on both ends. Wilt is not strong enough.

[Dro]

This is why the nba needs to create some type of 1-on-1 shit for allstar weekend. Too bad the players would be too p*ssy to do it. Curry would score on shaq just as easily as shaq would score on him.
This would be great. I wonder what players would participate?

[Random_Guy]

oh wait what rules are we playing by?
I thought you switch possessions everytime you score and 3s are 2 points?

If scorer gets ball than obviously shaq 10/10.

[Milbuck]

Yao Ming is the only player with a legit shot against Shaq on both ends. Wilt is not strong enough.
Wilt was one of the strongest athletes in sports history, and he was, for a big chunk of his career, 300+ pounds of muscle. I know he's from a different era, but he didn't play in the 1800s.

[Random_Guy]

This would be great. I wonder what players would participate?
probably some random guys that have nothing to lose lol. superstars would never do it imo.

[Dro]

Yao Ming is the only player with a legit shot against Shaq on both ends. Wilt is not strong enough.
I can see this. I wasn't sure if Wilt was strong enough. I know Wilt was very strong and much stronger than he looks. Also, Lew Alcindor may have a shot. If he can make every sky hook, then he possibly could win because I'm not sure if Shaq could just back him down every single time. Shaq can get tired too. Same with Wilt.

[Dro]

oh wait what rules are we playing by?
I thought you switch possessions everytime you score and 3s are 2 points?

If scorer gets ball than obviously shaq 10/10.
Any format, Shaq is winning probably. I mean, the other guy better score on every possession because Shaq will. I am assuming he can literally get a dunk 10/10 times against anybody not named Wilt, Kareem, or maybe a Moses Malone.

[Rocketswin2013]

Wilt was one of the strongest athletes in sports history, and he was, for a big chunk of his career, 300+ pounds of muscle. I know he's from a different era, but he didn't play in the 1800s.
He was 275, at the end of his career. Lol Yao himself was 310, no way he was that big at 7'0 or 1'

[Dro]

probably some random guys that have nothing to lose lol. superstars would never do it imo.
I can see guys like Jr Smith, Jamal Crawford, even Melo. Guys that love going 1 vs. 1 and probably hate the fact that help defense is going to rotate every time they beat their man, lol.

[Milbuck]

He was 275, at the end of his career. Lol Yao himself was 310, no way he was that big at 7'0 or 1'
Lakers Wilt was 300+. And he was 7'1" without shoes, probably around 7'2" with shoes.

[sd3035]

Curry would obliterate Shaq

[red1]

This would be great. I wonder what players would participate?
I would love to see paul george vs hibbert

[Black and White]

Kobe and Melo, they have so many offensive tools, they can score on you in so many different ways.

[InfiniteBaskets]

Any format, Shaq is winning probably. I mean, the other guy better score on every possession because Shaq will. I am assuming he can literally get a dunk 10/10 times against anybody not named Wilt, Kareem, or maybe a Moses Malone.

What about the format where a guy has unlimited fouls and a player doesn't get foul shots when he's hacked?

You can have a quicker SF/SG try to pull the chair, poke the ball away starting at the 3 point line. If Shaq beats his man, which he should 90% of the time, he still has to take 2 dribbles to the basket. At which point someone like Kobe or LeBron can wildly swing at Shaq's wrists in the attempt to knock the ball out. Even if the ball doesn't come out it could prevent Shaq from scoring on like 90% of the possessions.

What about a format where, after a certain number of fouls, the offensive player gets one free throw (1s and 2s to 21). If the foul shot is missed, it's a live ball.

[rhowen4]

in this sort of game it'd definitely be Shaq. people who need to shoot jumpers are more likely to miss than a point blank layup or dunk, which shaq would get against most people. that's deadly for winner's outs.

next best thing would be a mobile PF like KG. for perimeter players i'd go with KD.

[rhowen4]

You can have a quicker SF/SG try to pull the chair,
do you think kobe/lebron are strong enough to make pulling the chair do something to shaq? i really doubt it

[InfiniteBaskets]

do you think kobe/lebron are strong enough to make pulling the chair do something to shaq? i really doubt it

Do you think Kobe or LeBron are quick enough and have enough length to knock the ball out of Shaq's dribble without Shaq putting some body on them? Especially if Kobe/LeBron won't even have to worry about fouling out?

[Dro]

Curry would obliterate Shaq
I assume this is sarcasm....

[Dro]

What about the format where a guy has unlimited fouls and a player doesn't get foul shots when he's hacked?

You can have a quicker SF/SG try to pull the chair, poke the ball away starting at the 3 point line. If Shaq beats his man, which he should 90% of the time, he still has to take 2 dribbles to the basket. At which point someone like Kobe or LeBron can wildly swing at Shaq's wrists in the attempt to knock the ball out. Even if the ball doesn't come out it could prevent Shaq from scoring on like 90% of the possessions.

What about a format where, after a certain number of fouls, the offensive player gets one free throw (1s and 2s to 21). If the foul shot is missed, it's a live ball.
I agree but I doubt they would really play like that, even if they were allowed to.

[OhNoTimNoSho]

You guys aren't taking in account mental discipline... sure Shaq can back anyone down 21 times in a row... but is he going to actually do it? I doubt it, hes going to take some turn around jumphook at one point or another and probably miss. Plus fatigue... Shaq isn't going to back down another center 21 times in a row... that would be extremely tiring.


You guys need to think about how first possession would be awarded... are they shooting for it or what? Shaq isn't going to ever make it while Curry or Jordan will make it almost everytime

[Dro]

I would love to see paul george vs hibbert
This would be interesting. I think PG would win because I'm not sure if Hibbert can even score in PG with ease. On the other hand, PG would have to make a lot of jump shots because he wouldn't get much at the rim.

[Milbuck]

I would love to see paul george vs hibbert
PG is what, 6'10" 230? That's not huge, but he could definitely put a body on Hibbert. And Hibbert is nowhere near good enough to complete every bucket the way Shaq would.

But there is no way Hibbert could guard PG out in the perimeter. With wide open 3s/2s adding up, PG would win.

[Dro]

You guys aren't taking in account mental discipline... sure Shaq can back anyone down 21 times in a row... but is he going to actually do it? I doubt it, hes going to take some turn around jumphook at one point or another and probably miss. Plus fatigue... Shaq isn't going to back down another center 21 times in a row... that would be extremely tiring.


You guys need to think about how first possession would be awarded... are they shooting for it or what? Shaq isn't going to ever make it while Curry or Jordan will make it almost everytime
Of course Shaq will back them down every time for a dunk. This isn't the NBA where he's trying to show that he has multiple moves or he's playing against set defenses and they're bringing help. Shaq is going for the dunk 10/10 times. He's not a typical bigman who's ashamed of his height. Thats why he rags on Howard because he feels he should be more dominant. In an NBA game, Shaq has to focus on other things so fatigue is a factor. In a 1 vs. 1, he doesn't have to worry about help defense, sprinting from end to end, setting picks, boxing out for rebounds, facing double teams, none of that so fatigue isn't really a factor.

As far as the first possession, ok say Shaq loses the first possession. Ok, the other guy still has to score every time, he can't miss because Shaq is probably getting a dunk.

[Milbuck]

Of course Shaq will back them down every time for a dunk. This isn't the NBA where he's trying to show that he has multiple moves or he's playing against set defenses and they're bringing help. Shaq is going for the dunk 10/10 times. He's not a typical bigman who's ashamed of his height. Thats why he rags on Howard because he feels he should be more dominant. In an NBA game, Shaq has to focus on other things so fatigue is a factor. In a 1 vs. 1, he doesn't have to worry about help defense, sprinting from end to end, setting picks, boxing out for rebounds, facing double teams, none of that so fatigue isn't really a factor.

As far as the first possession, ok say Shaq loses the first possession. Ok, the other guy still has to score every time, he can't miss because Shaq is probably getting a dunk.
He also gets pretty much no down time. No timeouts, no free throws, no waiting in the post on defense or on offense. It's constant action, 100% of the time. He's either bodying up someone, or getting bodied up if he's playing someone like Kareem, Hakeem, Wilt, etc. There's basically no rest. And doing that at the very least 21 times will definitely wear on him. If he's playing a tiny shooter, then you got me there.

As for the bolded, not necessarily. If the guy in discussion is an elite, quick shooter. Let's take Durant for example. 5/10 2s for him is the equivalent of 10/10 dunks for Shaq. And I'm willing to bet that there is no way Shaq can keep up with Durant's quickness out on the perimeter. And who knows what Durant can do with wide open 2s? If he hits 7-8 out of 10, it doesn't matter if Shaq dunks it every time. And let's say Shaq does try to keep up with him on the perimeter - Durant would just cross him up or blow by him for an easy close-range bucket of his own. I'm not saying Durant would win. I would definitely pick Shaq. But when you have elite, quick shooters like Curry or Durant, it's not that clear-cut. If they got hot, they definitely have a chance to win.

[OhNoTimNoSho]

Of course Shaq will back them down every time for a dunk. This isn't the NBA where he's trying to show that he has multiple moves or he's playing against set defenses and they're bringing help. Shaq is going for the dunk 10/10 times. He's not a typical bigman who's ashamed of his height. Thats why he rags on Howard because he feels he should be more dominant. In an NBA game, Shaq has to focus on other things so fatigue is a factor. In a 1 vs. 1, he doesn't have to worry about help defense, sprinting from end to end, setting picks, boxing out for rebounds, facing double teams, none of that so fatigue isn't really a factor.

As far as the first possession, ok say Shaq loses the first possession. Ok, the other guy still has to score every time, he can't miss because Shaq is probably getting a dunk.
Maybe if Shaq had Jordan's focus he would, Shaq is a very undisciplined player. I dont think you understood what i meant

[Dro]

He also gets pretty much no down time. No timeouts, no free throws, no waiting in the post on defense or on offense. It's constant action, 100% of the time. He's either bodying up someone, or getting bodied up if he's playing someone like Kareem, Hakeem, Wilt, etc. There's basically no rest. And doing that at the very least 21 times will definitely wear on him. If he's playing a tiny shooter, then you got me there.

As for the bolded, not necessarily. If the guy in discussion is an elite, quick shooter. Let's take Durant for example. 5/10 2s for him is the equivalent of 10/10 dunks for Shaq. And I'm willing to bet that there is no way Shaq can keep up with Durant's quickness out on the perimeter. And who knows what Durant can do with wide open 2s? If he hits 7-8 out of 10, it doesn't matter if Shaq dunks it every time. And let's say Shaq does try to keep up with him on the perimeter - Durant would just cross him up or blow by him for an easy close-range bucket of his own. I'm not saying Durant would win. I would definitely pick Shaq. But when you have elite, quick shooters like Curry or Durant, it's not that clear-cut. If they got hot, they definitely have a chance to win.
Very good point. I really don't have a counter-argument. Durant would be a great matchup they way you put it.

[Dro]

Maybe if Shaq had Jordan's focus he would, Shaq is a very undisciplined player. I dont think you understood what i meant
Oh ok, my bad..

[Rocketswin2013]

He also gets pretty much no down time. No timeouts, no free throws, no waiting in the post on defense or on offense. It's constant action, 100% of the time. He's either bodying up someone, or getting bodied up if he's playing someone like Kareem, Hakeem, Wilt, etc. There's basically no rest. And doing that at the very least 21 times will definitely wear on him. If he's playing a tiny shooter, then you got me there.

As for the bolded, not necessarily. If the guy in discussion is an elite, quick shooter. Let's take Durant for example. 5/10 2s for him is the equivalent of 10/10 dunks for Shaq. And I'm willing to bet that there is no way Shaq can keep up with Durant's quickness out on the perimeter. And who knows what Durant can do with wide open 2s? If he hits 7-8 out of 10, it doesn't matter if Shaq dunks it every time. And let's say Shaq does try to keep up with him on the perimeter - Durant would just cross him up or blow by him for an easy close-range bucket of his own. I'm not saying Durant would win. I would definitely pick Shaq. But when you have elite, quick shooters like Curry or Durant, it's not that clear-cut. If they got hot, they definitely have a chance to win.
Well, for one peak Shaq was a 7'1 330 pound manbeast grabbing 14 rebounds and scoring 29 PPG, while playing a ridiculous 40 MPG. Fatigue will not be a factor, this is a world-class athlete. Secondly, I don't see how Durant would even get the ball. He's not winning the tip, and once that happens Shaq is doing the unstoppable, backing him down and getting layups. Curry is the same scenario, but just even worse. And big guys are at a bigger disadvantage, most of the great ones were finesse compared to Shaq. The only ones with a shot are Yao and Wilt.

[Clyde]

Rookie Shaq would shit on Curry, he was quick and had 3pt range

whaaaaaat?

[aburre21]

Idk how you guys play 1 on 1 but where i'm from it's first to 15. Every basket counts as 1 point, there are no 2's and 3's, Make it take it(if you score you get the ball back), and you can call win by 2...







if that's the case, I'm choosing MJ or Bron

[sd3035]

Lots of idiots who have never played basketball in this thread. If big guys could take the ball up the court so easily, every team would have 5 centres.

Shaq dribbling the ball into his range from half court, or even outside of the 3 point line, is going to commit a turnover at least half the time against any quick NBA player who is a good defender

[Dro]

]Lots of idiots who have never played basketball in this thread.[/B] If big guys could take the ball up the court so easily, every team would have 5 centres.

Shaq dribbling the ball into his range from half court, or even outside of the 3 point line, is going to commit a turnover at least half the time against any quick NBA player who is a good defender
Nice way to turn a civil conversation into ignorance but looking at your recent posts, I guess thats just your style..

Anyway, Shaq is good enough to turn and dribble if someone is reaching around him to try to steal it. Are you serious? Who's going to reach all the way around his big ass to steal it before he turns and dribbles by them? Have you ever backed down a small child in the driveway or on a full court. Yeah, thats what it would be like.

Also, its obvious you don't know the difference between a 5 vs 5 where up to 5 defenders can take the ball from you. Against a 1 vs 1 where only 1 guy can take it from you. But like I said, you turned the thread ignorant with your first sentence and on top of that, you can't do basic math.

Edit - Also Shaq has taken the ball coast to coast many times in an NBA game...Why didn't any of those small guards just take the ball from him?

[OhNoTimNoSho]

Lots of idiots who have never played basketball in this thread. If big guys could take the ball up the court so easily, every team would have 5 centres.

Shaq dribbling the ball into his range from half court, or even outside of the 3 point line, is going to commit a turnover at least half the time against any quick NBA player who is a good defender
You're the one who sounds like hes never played basketball. NBA centers know how to dribble. They aren't point guards because they are slow and would easily get trapped. 1 on 1 they aren't going to turn over the ball unless they are doing fancy dribbles.

[smoovegittar]

I've heard a lot of players say that KG was unstoppable 1 on 1 in his prime.

[Warfan]

Some names I can think of -

KG
Shaq
Kareem
Hakeem
Mj
Kobe
Durant
Melo
LBJ

Id probably go with KG

[RIP CITY]

I was hoping this was a thread about who was the toughest defender to beat in one on one coverage. Oh well. Jordan and Shaq. Jordan because he's ungaurdable and a great defender. Shaq because he's just bigger/stronger than everyone else, wasn't overly skilled but it's just too hard to stop someone that's bigger than even the biggest of NBA bigs.

[zoom17]

Hakeem and Kareem

[RoseCity07]

Peak Sabonis would take a massive shit on prime Shaq. Sabonis with 0 mobility guarded Shaq better than any center in Shaq's career.

[SwayDizzle]

What is all this talk?

Kobe could beat Shaq.

[kshutts1]

What are the rules of this game?

Big men, 3p specialists, and players like TMac and AI would do significantly better in MI, TI style.

Players like Lebron, Jordan, Kobe, etc, would excel (in any format, obviously) in a switch-possessions game because of their offensive and defensive versatility.

But in a one-on-one tourney, if I had to pick one person, I'd probably go Kobe. He's slightly worse than Jordan in pretty much every facet... except the very important long range shooting. I think that added touch would put Kobe over the top.

[Rocketswin2013]

Peak Kevin Garnett would smash Kobe tbh. And make him wish he never tried to compete. He'd probably do that to 1-4 , he'd have a much harder time with 5's though.

[Boarder Patrol]

Durant. Can't guard 1-on-1, and can defend man on pretty damn well too.

[inclinerator]

Durant. Can't guard 1-on-1, and can defend man on pretty damn well too.
not really, no freethrows in 1 on 1

[SillyRabbit]

KAJ not getting enough love.

[Milbuck]

KAJ not getting enough love.
I was thinking this as well. People are acting like Shaq could just push him out of the way and dunk it every single time, when that's clearly not the case. Kareem wasn't the biggest guy weight-wise, but to suggest Shaq would just throw him around and dunk on him is absurd. While Kareem legitimately could score close to 100% of the time backing Shaq down and giving him a skyhook. No overpowering or anything, just too much length and too much skill.

Defensively, it's the same with Hakeem and any other legendary center. They're not just going to bend over and let Shaq move them around like rag dolls. These aren't high schoolers we're talking about.

[Andrei89]

The Boshtrick!!

:bowdown: :bowdown:

[Round Mound]

ALL Time Onstoppable Team

C: Shaq
PF: Kevin McHale
PF-SF: Charles Barkley
SG: Michael Jordan
PG-SG: Allen Iverson

[Black Mamba's B]

Jordan, Kobe, Melo, Shaq, Dirk, Durant, the master of the sky hook

[KOBE143]

Kobe

I dont see anyone who could beat Kobe 1 on 1 in his prime.. Even Mj admitted, Kobe is the only player who could beat him and that was a past his prime Kobe.. Imagine Kobe in his prime.. Dude would rape anyone..

[JohnFreeman]

Kobe

I dont see anyone who could beat Kobe 1 on 1 in his prime.. Even Mj admitted, Kobe is the only player who could beat him and that was a past his prime Kobe.. Imagine Kobe in his prime.. Dude would rape anyone..
No he didn't..

[moe94]

Kobe

I dont see anyone who could beat Kobe 1 on 1 in his prime.. Even Mj admitted, Kobe is the only player who could beat him and that was a past his prime Kobe.. Imagine Kobe in his prime.. Dude would rape anyone..

I have no doubt he'd rape anyone but this is about the game of basketball.

[Cold soul]

No he didn't..

Lol MJ did say Kobe the only player that could beat him because he stole all his moves.

[JohnFreeman]

Lol MJ did say Kobe the only player that could beat him because he stole all his moves.
He was obviously saying it sarcastically

[Cold soul]

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=f2ynrb4VbQ0 Exposed. MJ was being serious but it was backhanded compliment.

[Milbuck]

Let's be honest, God could descend from the heavens in human form, and MJ would still believe he could take a game of 1 on 1.

[JohnFreeman]

Let's be honest, God could descend from the heavens in human form, and MJ would still believe he could take a game of 1 on 1.
These people think Jordan said someone would beat him...

[Cold soul]

These people think Jordan said someone would beat him...

School up and watch the video for yourself. MJ says Kobe could. Exposed.

[tgan3]

I will say Curry, since 3 points are worth 2 and 2 points 1.

Dont forget shaq has to dribble down from the 3 point line where he starts the ball..He doesn't have enough handling skills and will lose the ball often with defensive pressure.

1 on 1, I will say someone like Iverson will be devastating too....

[JohnFreeman]

School up watch the video for yourself. MJ says Kobe could.
It was a backhanded compliment.

[Cold soul]

It was a backhanded compliment.

Still says it that's all that matters.

[JohnFreeman]

Still says it that's all that matters.
Whatever. Jordan would never admit to someone beating him.

[Milbuck]

Will he suddenly teleport under the basket? I don't care how big he is, no way he's pinning someone from the 3point line and backing them down to the basket without getting stripped. Even if he manages to do it a few plays, no way he can keep it up. Ball protection against "little" guys isn't as easy as you think.
I don't know how Shaq would just back down dunk the ball every time against guys like Hakeem, Kareem, and Wilt. I just don't see it. On the other hand, those guys have far superior skills to help them out offensively - at least Hakeem and Kareem do. The way some people have talked about Shaq, you would think he's a 9' 450 pound monster playing against fourth graders..

[Cold soul]

Whatever. Jordan would never admit to someone beating him.

Yes, he would if that person is Kobe. Kobe game is more 1 on 1 iso based I think he beats MJ more times than not in one on one game. Heck even Jerry Stackhouse beat MJ in a game of 1 on 1. I think people need to stop acting like MJ is some type of god. It's so damn ridiculous...

[JohnFreeman]

Yes, he would if that person is Kobe. Kobe game is more 1 on 1 iso based I think he beats MJ more times than not in one on one game. Heck even Jerry Stackhouse beat MJ in a game of 1 on 1. I think people need to stop acting like MJ is some type of god.
I didn't say Kobe couldn't beat him. Jordan did not say Kobe could do it.

[BoNafidde]

If Shaq has the ball first. He will leave everyone on 0

[Cold soul]

I didn't say Kobe couldn't beat him. Jordan did not say Kobe could do it.

Yes, he did. Because he stole all his moves funny but true.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Still says it that's all that matters.
He's basically saying since Kobe is such a similar version of himself he'd have the best chance to win games against him. And he's right.

It's a back handed compliment to Kobe, propping him up, but really acknowledging he's still better.

LeBron doesn't have the jumper, or tenacity
Melo doesn't have the defense
KD too weak
Iverson too small
Wade doesn't have the jumper

Kobe stands the best chance. Similar skills, similar tenacity, similar man defense abilities.

MJ is better though because same skill set, superior athleticism, even more tenacious, even better man defense abilities. He's just the best, end of debate.

[PHILA]

curry would destroy shaq 1 on 1

:no:

Every possession would look like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O3kE95tBZU

[TheMilkyBarKid]

Still says it that's all that matters.
90% of verbal communication is not in the content of what is said. You are quite dumb.

[JimmyMcAdocious]

:no:

Every possession would look like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O3kE95tBZU

Shuffled his feet on the second dunk.

Who is the interviewer?

[PHILA]

There was someone earlier who said Wilt "wasn't strong enough" to hang with Shaq. How do you think Wilt would do 1 on 1?


Any of the great centers could win it all. Wilt can more than hold his own physically with anyone.



Who is the interviewer?

Tom Seaver

[Cold soul]

90% of verbal communication is not in the content of what is said. You are quite dumb.

Lol some delusional idiot.

[tgan3]

:no:

Every possession would look like this.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5O3kE95tBZU

lol wilt vs some 5'9 reporter who isn't even trying to defend. But in muggy bogues and he will also make a fool of that guy

[TheMilkyBarKid]

Lol some delusional idiot.
Unjustified bullshit statement by cold soul again - Check
Is cold soul still a moron? You bet your ass he is.

[Cold soul]

Unjustified bullshit statement by cold soul again - Check
Is cold soul still a moron? You bet your ass he is.

Says the keyboard warrior who talks a big game but backs nothing up. Point blank you're an idiot and a dumbass. GTFO troll.

[pauk]

Rodman (Pistons Rodman) would be overall the best defender (versatility/toughness/size/athleticism) the most prepared for all players.... but he wont be able to score on anybody so much, he wont win that battle at all..

Shaq would have the easiest job scoring i think.... but he would be a horrible defender against those faster guys to the point where it kindof cancels his advantage out...

So, what you need is a big/strong guy enough to hold his own against any frontcourt player and who is also fast/quick enough to hold his own against any guards WHILE also being able to score very well..... and the closest guy to that would be Lebron James or at least Scottie Pippen...

[k0kakw0rld]

kobe. had no flaws in his game.
http://img15.hostingpics.net/pics/725787please.gif (http://www.hostingpics.net/viewer.php?id=725787please.gif)

[JohnFreeman]

kobe. had no flaws in his game.
http://www.gurl.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/tumblr_inline_mgv01qbWPt1r5c8sb.gif

[Milbuck]

Out of all of these great perimeter guys, I honestly think Durant has the best shot against Jordan. Over Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Bird, all of them. I've never seen anyone with the physical profile and skill set combination of Durant.

[Black Mamba's B]

Yes, he would if that person is Kobe. Kobe game is more 1 on 1 iso based I think he beats MJ more times than not in one on one game. Heck even Jerry Stackhouse beat MJ in a game of 1 on 1. I think people need to stop acting like MJ is some type of god. It's so damn ridiculous...
:applause:
And Jordan did say of anyone could beat him it would be Kobe.

[pauk]

Out of all of these great perimeter guys, I honestly think Durant has the best shot against Jordan. Over Kobe, Lebron, Wade, Bird, all of them. I've never seen anyone with the physical profile and skill set combination of Durant.

Nah, MJ would be able to defend Durant much better Durant could defend him.

Defensively its Shaq who Jordan would struggle the most against.

Offensively Jordan would be able to score on anybody.

[JohnFreeman]

Nah, MJ would be able to defend Durant much better Durant could defend him.

Defensively its Shaq who Jordan would struggle the most against.

Offensively Jordan would be able to score on anybody.
Yeah Durant would be calling for a foul everytime

[Cold soul]

:applause:
And Jordan did say of anyone could beat him it would be Kobe.

Exactly.

[pauk]

MJ would have the most "problem" scoring on somebody like Pippen i think (well, at least he would be able to do a better job than anybody else) and a scorer who has as much size/strength (and perhaps even speed) advantage over him as possible....

A Pippen on steroids...

...again we get back to a certain #6 in Miami....

[Milbuck]

MJ would have the most problem against somebody like Pippen defensively and a scorer who has as much size/strength (and perhaps even speed) advantage over him as possible....

A Pippen on steroids...

...again we get back to a certain #6 in Miami....
That would be a fair point if Lebron was on Pippen's level defensively.

And Lebron is big and strong. But let's not act like he's peak Shaq or something. If Gary Payton can guard MJ, MJ can guard Lebron.

[Dro]

Will he suddenly teleport under the basket? I don't care how big he is, no way he's pinning someone from the 3point line and backing them down to the basket without getting stripped. Even if he manages to do it a few plays, no way he can keep it up. Ball protection against "little" guys isn't as easy as you think.

A good 1on1 defender/ballhawk will make work of these back to the basket centers.
You guys are acting like Shaq isn't capable of turning and dribbling when he has to...

[pauk]

That would be a fair point if Lebron was on Pippen's level defensively.

And Lebron is big and strong. But let's not act like he's peak Shaq or something. If Gary Payton can guard MJ, MJ can guard Lebron.

You need to ask yourself this:

"Who would overall be able to defend & score against MJ the best"

Answer me that question..... if your answer is not Lebron then im very curious to what it is.... :)

[sd3035]

You guys are acting like Shaq isn't capable of turning and dribbling when he has to...

Your point? That just makes it easier to get the ball knocked loose

Defenders are also capable of turning too dumbass

[Dro]

Your point? That just makes it easier to get the ball knocked loose

Defenders are also capable of turning too dumbass
You sound angry:confusedshrug: I understand its difficult for you to conduct a debate like a grown up.

[sd3035]

You need to ask yourself this:

"Who would overall be able to defend & score against MJ the best"

Answer me that question..... if your answer is not Lebron then im very curious to what it is.... :)


Since Lebron even said that Durant is a better one on one player than him, I'd start with Durant

[sd3035]

You sound angry:confusedshrug: I understand its difficult for you to conduct a debate like a grown up.
conduct a debate?

[JohnFreeman]

http://cdn.bleacherreport.net/social_assets/nba/random/ShaqShake.gif

[TheMilkyBarKid]

Says the keyboard warrior who talks a big game but backs nothing up. Point blank you're an idiot and a dumbass. GTFO troll.
More unjustified bullshit, how am I a troll? Please tell me.
Otherwise stop talking shit.

[pauk]

Since Lebron even said that Durant is a better one on one player than him, I'd start with Durant

Source? Never knew that, wouldnt be surprised if he said it, but its only offensively that could be true anyways or at least arguable.... but then there is the DEFENSE part....

You see for somebody to be the overall best 1on1 player it needs be someone who can score better on you than you can score on him, which means a guy who can guard you better than you can guard him.....

You being a better 1on1 scorer means nothing if you cant stop your opponent from canceling that advantage out due to your defensive mishap....

[Milbuck]

You need to ask yourself this:

"Who would overall be able to defend & score against MJ the best"

Answer me that question..... if your answer is not Lebron then im very curious to what it is.... :)
I've already said it, my pick as far as perimeter players go is Durant.

He's a better shooter, he's taller, longer, and has a wider scoring arsenal than Lebron. Literally the only thing Lebron has on Durant scoring-wise is the post game. And that's not gonna be a game changer considering MJ isn't just gonna bend over for Lebron and let him back down easily, and Lebron isn't that consistent of a shooter.

Defensively, Lebron isn't the God you're making him out to be. This isn't little Tony Parker or 22 year old nervous Derrick Rose we're talking about. It's Michael ****ing Jordan. And while Lebron is the more skilled defender, Durant's absurd combination of length, height, and athleticism makes the gap not as big as you think.

I'm picking Durant over Lebron against MJ every single time.

[Dro]

conduct a debate?
You are obviously miserable and ignorant, welcome to my ignore list...Don't have time for miserable children who weren't loved enough...:confusedshrug:

[pauk]

I've already said it, my pick as far as perimeter players go is Durant.

He's a better shooter, he's taller, longer, and has a wider scoring arsenal than Lebron. Literally the only thing Lebron has on Durant scoring-wise is the post game. And that's not gonna be a game changer considering MJ isn't just gonna bend over for Lebron and let him back down easily, and Lebron isn't that consistent of a shooter.

Defensively, Lebron isn't the God you're making him out to be. This isn't little Tony Parker or 22 year old nervous Derrick Rose we're talking about. It's Michael ****ing Jordan. And while Lebron is the more skilled defender, Durant's absurd combination of length, height, and athleticism makes the gap not as big as you think.

I'm picking Durant over Lebron against MJ every single time.

You forgot about explaining the most important part, which is how in the world Durant has an advantage over Lebron defensively against MJ (or actually, anybody in NBA history).....

Durant is a fantastic scorer, but due to his defense (and he aint really that strong enough to bully him, KD is tall, but not big as Lebron) he would overall be as great of a combatant as say Carmelo, Dominique, T-Mac etc. against MJ..... Lebron however would be able to contain him much better than any of those names....

[Milbuck]

You forgot about explaining the most important part, which is how in the world Durant has an advantage over Lebron defensively against MJ (or anybody in NBA history).....
I never said he had an edge defensively. I actually gave Lebron the defensive edge. What I did say that because Durant is taller and longer than Lebron, the defensive edge isn't that huge.

Meanwhile, Durant is clearly the tougher cover when it comes to individual, 1 on 1 scoring. It's been covered many times, and many players have commented on it.

[JohnFreeman]

I never said he had an edge defensively. I actually gave Lebron the defensive edge. What I did say that because Durant is taller and longer than Lebron, the defensive edge isn't that huge.

Meanwhile, Durant is clearly the tougher cover when it comes to individual, 1 on 1 scoring. It's been covered many times, and many players have commented on it.
LeBron would blow past Durant everytime

[Milbuck]

LeBron would blow past Durant everytime
This is vs. MJ, and neither Durant nor Lebron could do that.

[JohnFreeman]

This is vs. MJ, and neither Durant nor Lebron could do that.
Durant would have a hard time against Jordan

[Element]

Perimeter players:

1) Kobe
2) Jordan
3) McGrady
4) Melo
5) Iverson

Bigs:

1) Hakeem
2) Shaq
3) KAJ
4) Wilt
5) McHale (a bit undersized vs the others, though, lol)

[ILLsmak]

MJ is not stopping Shaq whatsoever. MJ falls under the same rules as the example I just described with Curry. Shaq backs off MJ and hopefully MJ will at least miss once or twice and Shaq can also losely contest the shot. Nobody is getting any offense rebounds against Shaq unless the ball bounces back to them. We're talking prime Shaq who is mobile himself and can chase down balls and even dribblers if they get past him. He was good enough to recover and block the shot...

guards are gonna be in pain just trying to keep Shaq away from the basket.

If I were Shaq and playing against a guard... esp someone like Curry (assuming Steph? which is luls to me to imagine dude trying to do anything vs Shaq)... what I would do is on the first J I'd close out and put a hand up like a normal contest. The second I'd just run through them and put them on their ass.

Sure it'd be a foul and sure it could still be a make, but after that it's GG I think.

There is a huge psychological aspect to 1 on 1 and physicality means a lot more than skill. Curry could be taking the ball out with a big ass knot on his head from a Shaq elbow... yea he'd get the foul but so what.

-Smak

[SpanishACB]

If 3s are worth 2, any lengthy guy with range is super tough.

Depends.

People assume a big man cannot keep up infront of a fast shooter in 1v1 situations.

Because in a game chances are the PG is gonna run past the big man with ease.

However, in a 1v1 game the big knows he just has to keep relatively between the small dude and the basket, since there's no pass, defending one on one becomes more of a positional game than it becomes speed.

Any relatively fast big with length and vertical can contest any 3 even when not infront of the man, if he has good feet, length and IQ.

So those Curry vs a big debates where people assume Curry will drain 3s all game long... I'd like to see him try, I'm sure someone like Davis would be able to contest and make him miss a lot whilst probably scoring on most of his possesions.

[eklip]

The best defenders can't really defend the best offensive players. It's hard to predict who would win 1 on 1 matches, because at the very top nobody can guard each other.

Who could guard Durant, Shaq, Hakeem, Dirk, Jordan, Kobe or even players like Carmelo 1on1? You just hope that they have a bad day and miss their shots.

[iamgine]

It's all about the big men.

Shaq can somewhat guard Jordan, make him shoot half open jumpshots.

While Jordan has no defense against Shaq. Post up - dunk.

Doesn't have to be Shaq either, even Bynum can do it.

[sd3035]

You are obviously miserable and ignorant, welcome to my ignore list...Don't have time for miserable children who weren't loved enough...:confusedshrug:

http://www.quickmeme.com/img/c8/c8e7c7cb274a141b11fe2094d770802e2c7c88813c13cdd1b1 ab5929e3cf8ec3.jpg

[Dro]

It's all about the big men.

Shaq can somewhat guard Jordan, make him shoot half open jumpshots.

While Jordan has no defense against Shaq. Post up - dunk.

Doesn't have to be Shaq either, even Bynum can do it.
Yeah, this is what I was thinking...