Not much gets me to write anymore. But when I do its usually because I feel strongly about the subject. That’s how I feel this morning when informed about Fox Sports Colin Cowherd’s Top 20 basketball players in the last 20 years.
Now granted the NBA has turned me off for a long time. But that doesn’t mean I haven’t kept up. I have and this list Cowherd put together is to me just a rating grab for his afternoon show. Something for him to have people call in and argue about on a slow sports day. That being said, Cowherd has given me something to think about for a Tuesday.
The list he put forward is full of great players, those who have won titles and haven’t. Still, about 25% of the list is for argument. The first debate is over Dramon Green of Golden State. In his 11 years, Green have averaged in double figures of scoring just 4 years, with a high of 14 ppg. His career total is 8.7, with 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Yes he is a formidable defensive player, but he is no Dennis Rodman, although he would like you to think he is. Green has no business being close to this list.
Another is Kyrie Irving. The most important thing Irving ever did was the the game winning shot against the Warriors, but it still took a free throw by Lebron to clinch the game and the title. Irving has done nothing on the court to redeem himself or prove that he is a top 20 player. Unless the earth is flat of course.
Then there is the order of his list. How can anyone put Steph Curry ahead of Shaq, D-Wade, Tim Duncan or even Alan Iverson? Granted Curry is a great SHOOTER and ball handler. But as an all around basketball player, Curry lacks in every other aspect. Defensively he is a mess, teams drool as the Warriors switch on the pick and roll and Curry is left on a shooter.
Plus there are the players left off. With every non-deserving player named to this list of Cowherd’s, there is a player left off. And there are several. So how do you name such a list? I went by overall stats, reputation, titles and importance to the game. And I took into consideration all players who have stepped on the court for at least 3 of the past 20 years.
So now it’s my turn to put my list on the chopping block. Here is my Top 20 NBA Players since 2002, in reverse order.
20. Steve Nash
19. Damian Lillard
18. Kawhi Leonard
17. Pao Gasol
16. Luka Doncic
15. Nikola Jokic
14. Tony Parker
13. Kevin Garnett
12. Giannis Antetokounmpo
11. Ray Allen
10. Andre Iguodala
9. Steph Curry
8. Alan Iverson
7. Dirk Nowitzki
6. Kevin Durant
5. Shaquille O’Neal
4. Dwayne Wade
3. Tim Duncan
2. Lebron James
- Kobe Bryant
Notice several players were left off. Obviously Green, but also James Harden. Harden is a scoring ball hog, nothing more. And he brings disorganization to every team he plays for. Russell Westbrook is another, and Chris Paul. In the end, I just didn’t feel they matched up to the players on this list.
Please tell me your thoughts on this list. I would love to hear feedback.
