No, this isn't necessarily a comparison thread because we all know (even the most avid Bargnani supports) that Dirk is by far the better player. But I look at the two of them and it's like ok, they are roughly the same size. Bargnani is faster, better off the dribble, and more athletic. So why is the gap so massive?
And my conclusion is this:
1. Effort. Dirk gives 110% every night.
2. Dirk's uncanny nature of being able to get off his shot whenever he wants. I don't think anyone else in the league at his size has that ability. That one legged fadeaway, those rainbow 3's, he's just got every trick in the bag.
3. His efficiency from the perimeter. Again, unmatched.
4. His willingness to improve. I remember a time when Dirk got all the same criticisms as Bargnani (he still does to a lesser extent). They said he was soft, they said he was a poor defender, they said he couldn't rebound. So what did he do? He worked his ass off until he got both his defense and his rebounding to at least an acceptable level to add to his superstar level offense.
Utmost respect for this man. If Bargnani ever worked half as hard as Dirk, I think we'd all respect him no matter what the end results were.
Add basketball IQ to the list. Dirk is a very smart offensive player. He moves well and plays within the offense when a play isn't run for him rather than just standing still on the perimeter. On defense he isn't anything good but again, he's clearly a much smarter player than Bargnani and ends up being far less of a defensive liability.
Are you trying to tell me that Bargnani wouldn't be great on a team with a guy like Tyson Chandler standing next to him at the 5, Marion/Butler at the wings and J-Kidd at the point? Shit, that team would be a match made in heaven for him.
Dirk vs. Bargnani
