Jason Kidd vs Allen Iverson

[jlip]

These two contemporaries are possibly the most antithetical in terms of their roles and playing styles. Kidd was the quintessential pass first pg, while AI was prototypical modern shoot first combo guard. Kidd led the league in assists five times, and AI led the league in scoring four times. AI led the league in steals three times, while Kidd was on the all defensive team team multiple times. Both led teams to the finals in their primes (AI in 2001 and Kidd in 2002, 2003). Both were ROY. AI won MVP in 2001, and Kidd was a close 2nd in 2002. There are other things I could mention, but I'm too lazy to keep going.

Anyways, whom do you consider to have been the better player?

[SouBeachTalents]

Definitely Kidd. ATG playmaker and arguably the greatest defender ever at his position

[Gohan]

My two fave players ever but got to go with iverson. Offensively hes untouchable and can get you a bucket anytime. Hes also a top 10 player of all time. Kidd is nothing to scoff at though

[Round Mound]

Allen Iverson was better but i got more love for Jason Kidd cause i used to watch alot of games of the Dalls Mavericks when i was a kid.

[Axe]

Kidd's rebounding prowess has always been amazing for his position and size.

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

I think Iverson is the more skilled and talented player.

Depending on the year also better.

At their absolute best, I would roll with Kidd tho. He made others a lot better than they were. Kidd's vision, playmaking and basketball 'feel' reminded me of Magic. Great orchestrator.

[HylianNightmare]

My brain says kidd but my heart says Iverson

[Axe]

My brain says kidd but my heart says Iverson
:cheers:

[HoopsNY]

Probably Kidd. He led his team to the finals twice and then later won a title alongside Dirk. Kidd obviously wasn't the scorer that AI was, but his defense and passing ability elevated his team without an elite scorer.

I think the Nets made the finals in 2002 and no one that season averaged more than 15 PPG.

[expansionera]

Kidd, defense is part of the game

[Gohan]

Im not even mad if they take kidd over iverson. He was my fave player before iverson

[ralph_i_el]

I gotta go with Kidd. I love how he unlocked his teammates game on offense.

[JohnMax]

Iverson played in wrong era. He'd be great in today's game with playmakers more common at other positions; Harden/Luka (SG) LeBron (SF) Draymond/Giannis (PF) Jokic (C)

[90sgoat]

It's a tough one, both are once in a generation, but I am going with Kidd.

What Kidd did, being a big pass first guard with excellent defense and rebounding, is just much rarer than being a high scoring comboguard.

I consider Kidd sort of an "all time great" unique player. He is in that category of Magic and Barkley, players who shouldn't be able to play as they do considering their size.

Kidd wasn't a good shooter, and that's AI's only pro, because if Kidd was a decent shooter, he would have been an all time great and likely won more rings.

[HoopsNY]

Iverson played in wrong era. He'd be great in today's game with playmakers more common at other positions; Harden/Luka (SG) LeBron (SF) Draymond/Giannis (PF) Jokic (C)

The league relaxed perimeter rules in 2005. Kidd was never a shooter, but from 2005-13, Kidd shot 37% from the distance in both the regular season and playoffs.

If he's in this mickey mouse defensive league, what's he averaging assist-wise and what is prime Kidd doing offensively? He peaked at about 19 PPG, so I think it's safe to say Kidd is probably dropping 20/12/10 and shooting damn near 40% in today's game from three.

[Norcaliblunt]

Kidd

[Axe]

Im not even mad if they take kidd over iverson. He was my fave player before iverson
:cheers:

[LBJ]

Team Player Jason Kidd