Klay Thompson vs. Carmelo Anthony

[Im Still Ballin]

Title. Saw this on the NBA subreddit; want to see ISH's opinions.

It's an interesting comparison. One guy was the primary option most of his career; another was the second and third option on a dynasty. It depends on what the question is asking.

- Who's higher up on the all-time rankings?

- Who's better as a first option?

- Who's better as a supporting act to a first option?

I suppose those should be the parameters of this thread.

Think about answering those questions. You should consider their respective skill sets, accomplishments, and accolades. How good would Klay be as a primary option? How good would Carmelo be in a sidekick role to a greater player? Whose resume is more valuable all things considered?

[Im Still Ballin]

Klay as "the man" is an interesting idea. Something like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, or Peja Stojakovic?

[SouBeachTalents]

Melo might be the "best" player I think the least of. He couldn't contribute anything meaningful outside of scoring, which he did on average efficiency, and his teams basically did nothing his entire career. Melo still clearly ranks higher based on individual resume, he's a 10x All-Star, 6x All-NBA, won a scoring title, while Klay could only really fall back on team accomplishments.

Melo might technically be the better first option, but where is that gonna lead you, getting bounced in the first round year after year? I'd take Klay on my team all day over Melo, who I honestly don't even think would be a good fit as 2nd option/sidekick to a superstar teammate.

I would take guys considered a lot less accomplished individually like Middleton, Marion & Schrempf on my team over Melo.

[RRR3]

Melo might be the "best" player I think the least of. He couldn't contribute anything meaningful outside of scoring, which he did on average efficiency, and his teams basically did nothing his entire career. Melo still clearly ranks higher based on individual resume, he's a 10x All-Star, 6x All-NBA, won a scoring title, while Klay could only really fall back on team accomplishments.

Melo might technically be the better first option, but where is that gonna lead you, getting bounced in the first round year after year? I'd take Klay on my team all day over Melo, who I honestly don't even think would be a good fit as 2nd option/sidekick to a superstar teammate.

I would take guys considered a lot less accomplished individually like Middleton, Marion & Schrempf on my team over Melo.
Incoming PeroAntic meltdown

[Full Court]

Melo might be the "best" player I think the least of. He couldn't contribute anything meaningful outside of scoring, which he did on average efficiency, and his teams basically did nothing his entire career. Melo still clearly ranks higher based on individual resume, he's a 10x All-Star, 6x All-NBA, won a scoring title, while Klay could only really fall back on team accomplishments.

Melo might technically be the better first option, but where is that gonna lead you, getting bounced in the first round year after year? I'd take Klay on my team all day over Melo, who I honestly don't even think would be a good fit as 2nd option/sidekick to a superstar teammate.

I would take guys considered a lot less accomplished individually like Middleton, Marion & Schrempf on my team over Melo.

Funny coming from you, since you seem to put a whole lot of stock into Lebron's career points record...

[Xiao Yao You]

Klay one of the best SG ever. Carmelo in a long line of high scoring SF. Many who did it a lot better without as much hype

[SouBeachTalents]

Funny coming from you, since you seem to put a whole lot of stock into Lebron's career points record...
How the fck do you bring LeBron into this? Absolutely deranged :lol

[tontoz]

I was never a big melo fan. Ball stopper with weak efficiency and didn't play defense. I would gladly take Klay on my team over Melo.

[Phoenix]

Melo's probably the better 'lead' player or individual talent but outside of 2009 ( and I'd argue the Nuggets don't make the WCFs without Billips leadership), he's not getting you too far and doesn't offer anything outside of scoring. Klay is a much better team player and his skillset is infinitely more portable. I don't know if the term 3' n D' applies to him because I think that more applies to role player 3 pointer/defensive specialists, but if that moniker is applicable to Klay he's gotta be the GOAT 3nD who is a legit star and 2nd option on a championship team.

Melo's individual resume would probably land him higher on most lists( consider that he made the 75th team and Klay didn't, for example), but I'd definitely take Klay if GMing a franchise.

[HoopsNY]

I'm taking Klay over Melo any day of the week. Klay can fit into an offense and doesn't need to be the #1 guy. He can also play off the ball really well and was a strong defensive guard at his peak.

[ArbitraryWater]

as a 2nd man depends greatly on what era, rest of their build and who the first is.

Even though Klay seems to be the greater fit to an already established contender, Melo as a 2nd man seems more likely to win you a title.

If the 3rd guy is peak Draymond and you got Iggy and Bogut and others behind that, you should take Klay.

[BigShotBob]

I'm taking Klay over Melo any day of the week. Klay can fit into an offense and doesn't need to be the #1 guy. He can also play off the ball really well and was a strong defensive guard at his peak.

Prime Melo went to the WCF. Where has Klay lead any team to as the primary option

[ArbitraryWater]

Prime Melo went to the WCF. Where has Klay lead any team to as the primary option

the WCF, in 2016.

[SaltyMeatballs]

I'd rather have prime Klay on my team over prime Carmelo all day

[SaltyMeatballs]

How the fck do you bring LeBron into this? Absolutely deranged :lol

He brings LeBron into everything and still can't see how obsessed he is with him :oldlol:

[HoopologyPhD]

Tough to say because basketball is a team game and timing is everything.

I think Carmelo in Klay's shoes could have hypothetically done everything Klay did because he was a better athlete and probably would have fell in line with the W's culture.

From what I have seen, Carmelo could play some excellent defense if we wanted to, he had all the physical tools. That is the only advantage Klay really has individually.

[HylianNightmare]

Now those 2 on a team together. Watch out

[HoopsNY]

Prime Melo went to the WCF. Where has Klay lead any team to as the primary option

Why does he need to be the 1st option? And Melo didn't go to the WCF alone. That was the year they had added Billups, who was a big part of that team's success.

[Xiao Yao You]

Now those 2 on a team together. Watch out

lottery

[BigShotBob]

Why does he need to be the 1st option? And Melo didn't go to the WCF alone. That was the year they had added Billups, who was a big part of that team's success.

His team was deep and talented. I actually had them beating the Lakers but their weakness was execution. Regardless anyone trying to say Klay are talking about the idea of Klay and the hypothetical of a player that has never existed. Klay is a good 2nd/3rd option scorer and defender and he fits in with the Warriors system. But Melo is and always will be a franchise cornerstone.

[Dbrog]

Think it really makes you wonder more what would have happened if Melo was drafted onto Detroit and brought up in a culture of team first. It would have been a pretty similar path as Klay I think but would this have suited Melo better? Klay is essentially a rich mans RIP Hamilton and Melo probably would have been that plus a killer post up and cutting game. The only thing that would be hard to say is if Melo's ego would have been able to learn to play that way.

[SouBeachTalents]

His team was deep and talented. I actually had them beating the Lakers but their weakness was execution. Regardless anyone trying to say Klay are talking about the idea of Klay and the hypothetical of a player that has never existed. Klay is a good 2nd/3rd option scorer and defender and he fits in with the Warriors system. But Melo is and always will be a franchise cornerstone.
:oldlol: Franchise cornerstones have more than one deep playoff run in their career, sorry.

[Xiao Yao You]

Think it really makes you wonder more what would have happened if Melo was drafted onto Detroit and brought up in a culture of team first. It would have been a pretty similar path as Klay I think but would this have suited Melo better? Klay is essentially a rich mans RIP Hamilton and Melo probably would have been that plus a killer post up and cutting game. The only thing that would be hard to say is if Melo's ego would have been able to learn to play that way.

my guess is he would have been crying about being a 6th man. Starter only!

[999Guy]

Melo might be the "best" player I think the least of. He couldn't contribute anything meaningful outside of scoring, which he did on average efficiency, and his teams basically did nothing his entire career. Melo still clearly ranks higher based on individual resume, he's a 10x All-Star, 6x All-NBA, won a scoring title, while Klay could only really fall back on team accomplishments.

Melo might technically be the better first option, but where is that gonna lead you, getting bounced in the first round year after year? I'd take Klay on my team all day over Melo, who I honestly don't even think would be a good fit as 2nd option/sidekick to a superstar teammate.

I would take guys considered a lot less accomplished individually like Middleton, Marion & Schrempf on my team over Melo.

Well Marion was outright better, probably on both ends. So this isn't a crazy opinion.

Middleton is a tougher sell. But defense is very important. Carmelo being a bad defender, AND passer, makes him so much worse than people can imagine. Is it possible to be a good teammate while being completely ass at defense and passing? The most team oriented parts of the game?

I remember Nene Hilario, while he was on the Rockets, years removed from being a teammate of Melo saying he's seen that Melo could've been a good defender but never wanted to do it. Having teammates know you suck on purpose has to hurt chemistry and motivation. Especially when you're just chucking shots and stealing credit from guys like JR, Nene, Martin, Billups, and Andersen who are busting ass on both ends allowing the team to stay competitive deep into the playoffs.

But look, it actually does work off the court. You have grown men, who've spent years watching basketball committing to the opinion that Carmelo Anthony and LeBron would have the same impact on playoff in a year like 2009 no less. Mediocrity sells.

[WhiteKyrie]

Klay one of the best SG ever. Carmelo in a long line of high scoring SF. Many who did it a lot better without as much hype

A lot better high scoring SFs than Melo? I can think of max like 2 or 3. And my mind goes to Nique, LeBron and KD. So name them. And Melo was like a hybrid SF / PF tbh

[ArbitraryWater]

Well Marion was outright better, probably on both ends. So this isn't a crazy opinion.


https://akm-img-a-in.tosshub.com/indiatoday/images/story/201701/jackie-story_647_012517032327.jpg

[Xiao Yao You]

A lot better high scoring SFs than Melo? I can think of max like 2 or 3. So name them. And Melo was like a hybrid SF / PF tbh

he became a 4 as the game changed and he got older and slower. His old coach A.D. was a lot better. Alex English was better. Bernard King was better. He's more on par with another highly overrated sf Dominique who was never as good as those guys either. More hype sure

[Manny98]

Melo is better but I would rather have Klay in my team

[WhiteKyrie]

Melo is better but I would rather have Klay in my team

Agreed. Klay for a long while was a fantastic defender. Doesn’t need the ball in his hands to score, as odd as that sounds. He just is an electric catch and shoot guy who can fill it up at a high volume. Low maintenance and not a diva. Seems like a great guy too. Perfect teammate.

[Baller234]

Melo is better but I would rather have Klay in my team

This is a contradictory statement with all due respect. By definition the player you would rather have on your team is the better player. You can argue Melo is more talented, but talent alone doesn't make you better.

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with you, just pointing that out. If that's how you really feel, then Klay is better.

[Xiao Yao You]

This is a contradictory statement with all due respect. By definition the player you would rather have on your team is the better player. You can argue Melo is more talented, but talent alone doesn't make you better.

I'm not saying I agree or disagree with you, just pointing that out. If that's how you really feel, then Klay is better.

yep a big difference between more talent and better player. Would have never wanted Carmelo on my team. Every team would want Klay

[tpols]

Syracuse Melo was legit.


https://youtu.be/3ymndM_HVKA?si=vByKOXzeZoXYTo2g

He was a superstar talent. Playing on the Nuggets and Knicks his whole prime is a lot harder than playing with a top 10-15 GOAT talent like Curry and the warriors elite system.

The Nuggets were nice when they got Billups... but is Billups and Jr Smith and some nice role players enough to beat teams with Kobe, Pau, and Odom? Not really. And then the Knicks to beat Lebron and Wade and Bosh?

Melo is much more deadly as an accessory sniper. And if you look at Klays Finals averages or even playoff averages Melo was capable of so much more.

We saw Melo totally shine in international ball because of his elite jumper. He's almost like a super Klay tbh.

Another thing people aren't looking at is he was way more athletic than Klay. Someone put out a stat Melo was actually taking as many dunks in his prime as Kobe or Vince Carter or Tmac. Klay? Not even close.

You put Klay in those situations Syracuse, Denver or Dolan Knicks he ain't winning shit and most likely producing worse results on all fronts.

[tpols]

I was never a fan of 1st option Melo, but watching that Syracuse video or his Denver highlights the guy was a a great athlete. Not just shooting, but he was fast and agile and springy in a way Klay never was. I tend to think of Melo as Knicks or old Melo where he moved way more sluggish and was kinda stiff. The younger version had a spring in him.

[rawimpact]

Title. Saw this on the NBA subreddit; want to see ISH's opinions.

It's an interesting comparison. One guy was the primary option most of his career; another was the second and third option on a dynasty. It depends on what the question is asking.

- Who's higher up on the all-time rankings?

- Who's better as a first option?

- Who's better as a supporting act to a first option?

I suppose those should be the parameters of this thread.

Think about answering those questions. You should consider their respective skill sets, accomplishments, and accolades. How good would Klay be as a primary option? How good would Carmelo be in a sidekick role to a greater player? Whose resume is more valuable all things considered?


Carmelo
Carmelo
Carmelo

easy... all carmelo needed was a good PG he trusted

I don't quite believe Klay can create his own shots. I do believe a lot of his success comes from benefiting from Curry and his off-ball skills and the system -- all pretty much GSW bball.

Klay would put up good numbers as a first, but would probably never win anything Ex. Michael Redd

[999Guy]

I was never a fan of 1st option Melo, but watching that Syracuse video or his Denver highlights the guy was a a great athlete. Not just shooting, but he was fast and agile and springy in a way Klay never was. I tend to think of Melo as Knicks or old Melo where he moved way more sluggish and was kinda stiff. The younger version had a spring in him.

Melo had an amazing unique body. But he was much dumber and less serious in Denver. He actively made his teammates worse on both ends.

He peaked in 13 or 14.

[ILLsmak]

Melo is a victim of bad circumstance. You wanna talk about a guy that would get your 30 every year nowadays... I'm sorry but Klay is def a good fit on his team, but if you are talking about picking a guy to start a team, if you pick Klay you are just hating. MELO? haha, dudes forgot what he was like when he actually played well.

Edit: and yea no matter what anyone says Melo winning in college does have meaning esp being a FR.

-Smak

[Axe]

Kelly oubre jr. > klay thompson

- Andrew MacFarlane

[Xiao Yao You]

Melo is a victim of bad circumstance. You wanna talk about a guy that would get your 30 every year nowadays... I'm sorry but Klay is def a good fit on his team, but if you are talking about picking a guy to start a team, if you pick Klay you are just hating. MELO? haha, dudes forgot what he was like when he actually played well.

Edit: and yea no matter what anyone says Melo winning in college does have meaning esp being a FR.

-Smak

Freshman were generally the best players in the one and done era. That will be changing somewhat with the NIL. Carmelo playing well isn't a guy I want on my team. Every team would want Klay

[ILLsmak]

Freshman were generally the best players in the one and done era. That will be changing somewhat with the NIL. Carmelo playing well isn't a guy I want on my team. Every team would want Klay

It's very rare for a freshman one and done to succeed like Melo did. I think someone else did it recently (with a stacked team,) but while they are 'the best players,' they generally aren't ready to go deep in the tourney and win. Look at guys like KD for instance. They get it in, but they don't W. Crazy young team to win with, too.

It's not fair to say every team would want Klay. It's true, but that's because that's the type of player he is. He's basically a star role player haha. It's kind of a theoretical question, do you want the guy who can play second or third option role REALLY WELL + play D or do you want the superstar who can't fit on every team.

In a lot of cases, I think Melo would fit, though. He definitely is a ball stopper, but if he plays with the right guys, it's not an issue. He doesn't stand there and dribble the ball, he gets to his spots and takes the shot. A team of good players would be getting him the ball when necessary and going elsewhere when not.

Melo is also no joke on the boards and he would fit as a 4 on some teams. He's not a great defender, though. Melo is highly underrated and I think he gets a cancer tag when he just had some tough luck with squads.

If you had a coach who was smart enough to find a way to incorporate Melo, I think he would fit on most teams. Most of the teams he wouldn't fit on would be teams with guys who liked to dribble the ball 10 times every possession. He'd def fit on GSW. If you took out Klay and replaced him with an average player and put Melo at the 3 or 4, that would still be a championship team.

-Smak

[tpols]

Freshman were generally the best players in the one and done era. That will be changing somewhat with the NIL. Carmelo playing well isn't a guy I want on my team. Every team would want Klay

Been watching college basketball since the early 2000s when Jameer Nelson and Delonte West went 30-0 or whatever.

Melo was the most talent having looking young player ive ever seen. I know lebron and Kobe skipped college but Melo looked even better than Wade in college. He was a super elite talent. I don't think his true talent showed itself due to circumstance in the NBA entertainment league.

[ILLsmak]

Been watching college basketball since the early 2000s when Jameer Nelson and Delonte West went 30-0 or whatever.

Melo was the most talent having looking young player ive ever seen. I know lebron and Kobe skipped college but Melo looked even better than Wade in college. He was a super elite talent. I don't think his true talent showed itself due to circumstance in the NBA entertainment league.

KD as a 1st year player had that 'it factor,' and dude couldn't even hit 185 on bench. His tx team wasn't good enough, but I have no doubt if they had a lil more, he could have been a MOP and champ in NCAA, too.

Melo is a dog though. Like I said dudes have a large amount of hatred for Melo and it's easy because he has failed a lot. Still, he did it. I still remember when he shit on Bron.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_MY0qUt5CM

That's Melo. Great D. No way anyone is contesting that shot. Pure confidence, all net.

Edit: infact one could say Melo has a 90s skillset and maybe the game passed him up. He hit 3s, too, but the whole iso 17 footer game was his stuff. Barely even had to dribble, and these days that's looked at as really bad ball. In the clutch tho it's $$$$$$$$$$$$$$

-Smak

[tpols]

In a lot of cases, I think Melo would fit, though. He definitely is a ball stopper, but if he plays with the right guys, it's not an issue. He doesn't stand there and dribble the ball, he gets to his spots and takes the shot. A team of good players would be getting him the ball when necessary and going elsewhere when not.


Bingo. That's why he dominated FIBA.

You don't want Melo being your top guy on mediocre teams tasked with doing everything.

Put him on a team like the Warriors where iggy dray and bogut and all the other guys cover defense and culture forces you to play it.... watch Syracuse Melo... he was skying for chase down blocks.

Never would have thought it, but in the right system young Melo had elite defensive potential. Which is why it's such a shame Detroit didn't get him. Legacy would've been so different. Butterfly effect super potent.

[hold this L]

Bingo. That's why he dominated FIBA.

You don't want Melo being your top guy on mediocre teams tasked with doing everything.

Put him on a team like the Warriors where iggy dray and bogut and all the other guys cover defense and culture forces you to play it.... watch Syracuse Melo... he was skying for chase down blocks.

Never would have thought it, but in the right system young Melo had elite defensive potential. Which is why it's such a shame Detroit didn't get him. Legacy would've been so different. Butterfly effect super potent.

Had Detroit picked him up, we would talking completely differently by now. It's crazy what a huge **** up that was.

[Im Still Ballin]

Carmelo
Carmelo
Carmelo

easy... all carmelo needed was a good PG he trusted

I don't quite believe Klay can create his own shots. I do believe a lot of his success comes from benefiting from Curry and his off-ball skills and the system -- all pretty much GSW bball.

Klay would put up good numbers as a first, but would probably never win anything Ex. Michael Redd

Check these numbers out: http://www.insidehoops.com/forum/showthread.php?510211-Klay-Thompson-16-games-without-Steph-26-7-ppg-4-3-rpg-2-6-apg-on-59-33-TS/page2

[Xiao Yao You]

It's very rare for a freshman one and done to succeed like Melo did. I think someone else did it recently (with a stacked team,) but while they are 'the best players,' they generally aren't ready to go deep in the tourney and win. Look at guys like KD for instance. They get it in, but they don't W. Crazy young team to win with, too.

It's not fair to say every team would want Klay. It's true, but that's because that's the type of player he is. He's basically a star role player haha. It's kind of a theoretical question, do you want the guy who can play second or third option role REALLY WELL + play D or do you want the superstar who can't fit on every team.

In a lot of cases, I think Melo would fit, though. He definitely is a ball stopper, but if he plays with the right guys, it's not an issue. He doesn't stand there and dribble the ball, he gets to his spots and takes the shot. A team of good players would be getting him the ball when necessary and going elsewhere when not.

Melo is also no joke on the boards and he would fit as a 4 on some teams. He's not a great defender, though. Melo is highly underrated and I think he gets a cancer tag when he just had some tough luck with squads.

If you had a coach who was smart enough to find a way to incorporate Melo, I think he would fit on most teams. Most of the teams he wouldn't fit on would be teams with guys who liked to dribble the ball 10 times every possession. He'd def fit on GSW. If you took out Klay and replaced him with an average player and put Melo at the 3 or 4, that would still be a championship team.

-Smak

I want the guy that is about winning period. Carmelo was all about Carmelo. Money and empty stats. Klay is willing to play the 4 if it's best for the team while Carmelo is losing playoff series because he's a 'starter only'! His tough luck with the squad in NY was because he couldn't wait to be a free agent and they had to give up a lot of talent to get him

[Xiao Yao You]

Been watching college basketball since the early 2000s when Jameer Nelson and Delonte West went 30-0 or whatever.

Melo was the most talent having looking young player ive ever seen. I know lebron and Kobe skipped college but Melo looked even better than Wade in college. He was a super elite talent. I don't think his true talent showed itself due to circumstance in the NBA entertainment league.

Wade played 3 year of college so Carmelo had more upside. Wade is an all time great. Carmelo is just another high scoring SF

[Xiao Yao You]

Bingo. That's why he dominated FIBA.

You don't want Melo being your top guy on mediocre teams tasked with doing everything.

Put him on a team like the Warriors where iggy dray and bogut and all the other guys cover defense and culture forces you to play it.... watch Syracuse Melo... he was skying for chase down blocks.

Never would have thought it, but in the right system young Melo had elite defensive potential. Which is why it's such a shame Detroit didn't get him. Legacy would've been so different. Butterfly effect super potent.

you're assuming he would have bought in at 19 when he never bought in the rest of his career. He would have expected to start in Detroit immediately. Larry Brown and him would have butting heads from the get go

[Xiao Yao You]

Had Detroit picked him up, we would talking completely differently by now. It's crazy what a huge **** up that was.

yeah Wade would have how many titles if Detroit had taken the best guy there?

[tpols]

yeah Wade would have how many titles if Detroit had taken the best guy there?

If you reversed circumstances and let Melo come up under Riley and play with Shaq when he was still 2nd in MVP voting and then peak prime Lebron and Bosh and on the flip side have Wade play for the mediocre Nuggets in the tough West and then the Dolan joke Knicks in the East not only would their productions look different but the ring results would be flipped. Melo had just as much if not more talent than Wade. He just didn't have anywhere near the same level of help.

[999Guy]

If you reversed circumstances and let Melo come up under Riley and play with Shaq when he was still 2nd in MVP voting and then peak prime Lebron and Bosh and on the flip side have Wade play for the mediocre Nuggets in the tough West and then the Dolan joke Knicks in the East not only would their productions look different but the ring results would be flipped. Melo had just as much if not more talent than Wade. He just didn't have anywhere near the same level of help.

Melo was ass in 06. 43 TS% bum playoff run, getting beat down and knocked out by the 06 Clippers caliber defense. Getting put through hell by Radmanović and Corey Maggette.....

I don't think he would've got out the first round in 06 in Wade's place. Nocioni would've lit him on fire and Deng would've put him in a strait jacket. The bulls played very good defense on Wade and had defensive depth top to bottom. Melo stunk for a long time compared to actual superstars. There's no revisionism or hypotheticals that can help change the reality of that.

[tpols]

Melo was ass in 06. 43 TS% bum playoff run, getting beat down and knocked out by the 06 Clippers caliber defense. Getting put through hell by Radmanović and Corey Maggette.....

I don't think he would've got out the first round in 06 in Wade's place. Nocioni would've lit him on fire and Deng would've put him in a strait jacket. The bulls played very good defense on Wade and had defensive depth top to bottom. Melo stunk for a long time compared to actual superstars. There's no revisionism or hypotheticals that can help change the reality of that.


Melos 2nd option in that series was 16 ppg Andre Miller. 3rd option Greg Buckner at 12 ppg. I guarantee you've never heard of that guy.

Meanwhile Wade was playing with a still 20/10 60%FG Shaq coming off a runner up MVP season. I remember Miami Shaq because he bounced the Kidd Carter Jefferson Nets out the playoffs. He was still a great player around that time.

If you flip those circumstances it's possible Wade doesn't even make the playoffs with Denver.

[Carbine]

Klay fits a whole lot more teams with his great on ball defense (he routinely took turns or whole games being the primary defender on the other teams best player) and his non ball dominant style. Its just a seamless fit for any team.

Melo would be better on a crap team where he volume scoring is better, but there is a cap on team success with that style.

He's a hard call for being a dominant #2 as well. He doesn't do enough of the other things (playmaking, defense, etc) like other elite title winning wing #2s usually provide.

Klay literally fits on any team, which is very rare.

[ILLsmak]

I gotta take back everything I said. I thought this thread was about who was the better player. haha. I can say with conviction that it's a not even close situation, but given the parameters laid out, who knows... I personally feel Melo ticks 2/3, but regardless he is definitely better at basketball. The fact that anyone would legit argue for Klay is just troll and hate for Melo.

PEACE

-Smak

[tpols]

I gotta take back everything I said. I thought this thread was about who was the better player. haha. I can say with conviction that it's a not even close situation, but given the parameters laid out, who knows... I personally feel Melo ticks 2/3, but regardless he is definitely better at basketball. The fact that anyone would legit argue for Klay is just troll and hate for Melo.

PEACE

-Smak

They don't understand context.

I lost week 3 in my fantasy football league because I started Derrick Henry instead of Chris godwin. Henry got stuffed for 2 points and I lost by less than 1.

Context matters. Talent can only go as far as the circumstances that surround it.

[tpols]

Klay fits a whole lot more teams with his great on ball defense (he routinely took turns or whole games being the primary defender on the other teams best player) and his non ball dominant style. Its just a seamless fit for any team.

Melo would be better on a crap team where he volume scoring is better, but there is a cap on team success with that style.

He's a hard call for being a dominant #2 as well. He doesn't do enough of the other things (playmaking, defense, etc) like other elite title winning wing #2s usually provide.

Klay literally fits on any team, which is very rare.

Prime Melo would be better in either situation. You haven't watched Denver or Syracuse Melo if you think otherwise. He was more athletic and more skilled and flat out better. The thought of 18 year old Klay leading a team to a championship is totally unfathomable.

Even when the warriors first won Klay was putting up 15 ppg on poor shooting in the Finals. Melo would crush him if they exchanged places.

[ShawkFactory]

They don't understand context.

I lost week 3 in my fantasy football league because I started Derrick Henry instead of Chris godwin. Henry got stuffed for 2 points and I lost by less than 1.

Context matters. Talent can only go as far as the circumstances that surround it.

The point gets lost when you go a step too far and try to say the difference between him and Wade was the circumstances.

Melo got the deserved hype for his crazy well-rounded scoring ability as a top recruit and freshman leading a good team to a title, whereas Wade was a relative nobody until the tournament. But Wade's all-around game was always better.

[tpols]

The point gets lost when you go a step too far and try to say the difference between him and Wade was the circumstances.

Melo got the deserved hype for his crazy well-rounded scoring ability as a top recruit and freshman leading a good team to a title, whereas Wade was a relative nobody until the tournament. But Wade's all-around game was always better.

I just feel like circumstances dictated that. Go watch young Melo. He was an elite athlete pinning balls on the backboard defensively. He played for a relatively speaking crappy nugget team who didn't prioritize defense at all. Wade played under Pat Riley. With Shaq. The context is just wildly different. A lot of these stars at the top aren't as far apart individually as it would seem.

[Xiao Yao You]

If you reversed circumstances and let Melo come up under Riley and play with Shaq when he was still 2nd in MVP voting and then peak prime Lebron and Bosh and on the flip side have Wade play for the mediocre Nuggets in the tough West and then the Dolan joke Knicks in the East not only would their productions look different but the ring results would be flipped. Melo had just as much if not more talent than Wade. He just didn't have anywhere near the same level of help.

can't see Riley wanting Carmelo. Doesn't have the DNA. He was nowhere near the player Wade was

[RRR3]

Ttrolls arguing Melo vs Wade is just further proof he can't analyze basketball. Wade was many magnitudes better.

[tpols]

can't see Riley wanting Carmelo. Doesn't have the DNA. He was nowhere near the player Wade was

He was a champion at 18 years old and dominated the field. One of the best college players ever. Why wouldn't Riley want him? Youre only looking at things in hindsight that other circumstances dictated.

[Xiao Yao You]

I just feel like circumstances dictated that. Go watch young Melo. He was an elite athlete pinning balls on the backboard defensively. He played for a relatively speaking crappy nugget team who didn't prioritize defense at all. Wade played under Pat Riley. With Shaq. The context is just wildly different. A lot of these stars at the top aren't as far apart individually as it would seem.

you seem to be ignoring the intangibles. Wade had everything but the 3. Carmelo could score. Didn't bring you much else. Wade or Klay any day on any team. Winning a championship in a watered down NCAA doesn't change that

[dankok8]

Melo is higher all-time and definitely a better 1st option. As a 2nd option I'd probably go with Klay though. This comparison is a perfect example of portability differences. Melo is the better player but his value decreases on good teams. Klay is less valuable but his value increases on good teams because he's an amazing play finisher (3pt shooter), doesn't need the ball, and plays good defense. Whereas Melo's skills as an iso scorer become less valuable on an already good team.

However, there is a caveat that perhaps Melo if ever forced to be a 2nd option would defer and play more off-ball while focusing more energy on defense. He was a very good shooter after all. Thus it's possible I'm underrating Melo's portability.

[SaltyMeatballs]

Melo is better but I would rather have Klay in my team

This is basically my stance.

Melo might be a better and more skilled individual player, but if I'm building a team, I'd choose Klay without hesitation. He brings elite shooting and defense. He also isn't hurting the team's ball movement, unlike Melo.

[tpols]

you seem to be ignoring the tangibles. Wade had everything but the 3. Carmelo could score. Didn't bring you much else. Wade or Klay any day on any team. Winning a championship in a watered down NCAA doesn't change that

Like I said Carmelo had defensive talent but never played for a team that prioritized it. And if you swap them Wade wins nothing with those Nuggets or Knicks. You're not considering circumstance. The best player prime Melo ever played with was Chauncey billups... who was nice, but compared to Shaq and Lebron is a joke.

[tpols]

BTW Melo was taken before Wade or Klay in the draft.

[Xiao Yao You]

Like I said Carmelo had defensive talent but never played for a team that prioritized it. And if you swap them Wade wins nothing with those Nuggets or Knicks. You're not considering circumstance. The best player prime Melo ever played with was Chauncey billups... who was nice, but compared to Shaq and Lebron is a joke.

Who knows what the Nuggets do if they are swapped? A lot easier to build around one of the greatest players ever vs an over hyped high scoring sf. Obviously Dolan and the Knicks were a mess. Carmelo made it even worse by forcing a trade there instead of going there in free agency

[Xiao Yao You]

BTW Melo was taken before Wade or Klay in the draft.

So was Darko

[tpols]

Who knows what the Nuggets do if they are swapped? A lot easier to build around one of the greatest players ever vs an over hyped high scoring sf. Obviously Dolan and the Knicks were a mess. Carmelo made it even worse by forcing a trade there instead of going there in free agency

There's no way you can twist Wade winning with those Nuggets. And especially not with the Knicks. It's not possible. He only ever won with shaq and lebron. Powerhouse help. Not saying he isn't great but he clearly had way more help.

[Xiao Yao You]

There's no way you can twist Wade winning with those Nuggets. And especially not with the Knicks. It's not possible. He only ever won with shaq and lebron. Powerhouse help. Not saying he isn't great but he clearly had way more help.

Shaq on the downside of his career while Wade had one of the greatest performances ever to carry them. Maybe he doesn't win a title with Denver but they would have certainly been a lot better team. The guy was a winner. Carmelo not so much

[tpols]

Shaq on the downside of his career while Wade had one of the greatest performances ever to carry them. Maybe he doesn't win a title with Denver but they would have certainly been a lot better team. The guy was a winner. Carmelo not so much

Better than the WCFs? Doubtful.

Shaq was 2nd in MVP voting in 2005 and hung 20/10 on big efficiency vs Detroit in 2006. Sure Wade had a great Finals but he needed to break free throw records to do it. 100+ FTs in 6 games. Anybody can win if it's rigged.

[Xiao Yao You]

Better than the WCFs? Doubtful.

Shaq was 2nd in MVP voting in 2005 and hung 20/10 on big efficiency vs Detroit in 2006. Sure Wade had a great Finals but he needed to break free throw records to do it. 100+ FTs in 6 games. Anybody can win if it's rigged.

hard to imagine a team with Wade not doing better than a team with Carmelo. Some guys are special. Others just think they're special