Interesting how Caron went from being basically an afterthought to such a highly regarded player in one year. Not that I don't agree, it's just interesting.
This is a tough one, great comparison -- I knew that immediately that Mav-****** would jump on this one and automatically say Butler. Personally, I think it's too close to call.
Josh is my 2nd favorite player in the NBA, obviously I love the guy and think he's a phenomenal player. I also do like Butler, always have and thought it was a mistake to pass on him in the draft as too many teams did. He was NASTY at UConn in just his freshman year. That being said, right now I think it's a toss up. I think that Howard's main problem is that he still defers to Dirk way too much.
Watching as many Mavs games as I do, you see in the 1st quarter of every game just how dominant Josh is. He consistently gets between 12-14 points in the 1st quarter of every game. The problem is, they stop going to him. They try to get everyone else involved and he just gets complacement. I think this an adjustment that the Mavericks need to make, making sure they keep him involved in the flow of the game. He can pretty much score at will, he just needs the confidence to realize he can be the # 1 option when Dirk isn't really into the game.
That being said, Caron is a much better passer and is pretty solid defensively, so they match up very closely. I think Howard is a better shooter from the perimeter and 3. The only other factor I take into account which isn't fair to Butler but has to be recognized is that Butler plays in the much weaker East and Howard plays in a tough West. People tend to overlook that factor, but it has to be taken into account. When the All-Star selections came out, they were talking about how Caron Butler was a lock, and yet his stats are so similar to Josh who got on the team because of injuries. That's my only qualm. Can't take anything away from either guy, love watching them both play, obviously Josh a lot more though.
Ti, I'm not sure it's so much as a weak and tough thing as much as look at the forwards in the west. With them all healthy, Josh would be left off, Caron too if he was in that conference. Or perhaps that's what you meant all along.
I've never considered Caron an afterthought. I've liked him since he first came in the league with Miami.
And it is a good comparison, and a very close one. As I said before, the difference for me is the passing. Josh gets to the same level and I would choose him.
this btw is a great thread
im debating myself on this one
butler tougher
howard better defender
i would say howard, cuz he's just so freaking consistent
but i wanna say butler because he'll do the dirty work so the star player wont have to
im going to say butler, as a better SIDEKICK, not better player
Re: Better sidekick: Josh Howard or Caron Butler?
