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Gary Payton Respects John Stockton
- Thread starter nightmare3983
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I agree with that statement.
I don't. Payton was a better player than Reggie. Reggie should have been a first ballot, but because he wasn't doesn't mean Payton shouldn't be.
Also, I guarantee that Stockton would be there if Payton asked. If not, he'd be pretty ****ing classless.
He may not be a first ballot HOFer, but I disagree with the rationale. Payton was 10x the player Miller was. Payton was a DPOY, made 2 NBA first teams, 5 second teams, 2 third teams, and 9 NBA all defensive teams. Miller made the all NBA third team three times in his career, and nothing better. Miller's 3 point shooting record and extremely memorable clutch moments against the Knicks gave him a far better resume than his actual career did.
No kidding. Stockton asked Isiah Thomas to do his introduction and he did, and it's not like they were ever the best of friends in their careers.
fatchipper
Well-Known Member
Look at the eligible names for 2013. I'm about 90% sure Payton is a first ballot HOFer.
Bernard King
Jerry Krause
Mark Jackson
Tim Hardaway
Bobby Jones
Mitch Richmond
Maurice Cheeks
George McGinnis
Rick Pitino
Slick Leonard
Bernard King
Jerry Krause
Mark Jackson
Tim Hardaway
Bobby Jones
Mitch Richmond
Maurice Cheeks
George McGinnis
Rick Pitino
Slick Leonard
Payton should be in over that group. I would have to look at the numbers, but would Cheeks be the only other one deserving of being in with Hardaway and Richmond on the bubble? I leave Jackson out of the convo because I think he will get in, but don't want him to because he's a ... I can't think of a good word for him.
I can provide you with a couple upon request after I get off work.
He said good, not appropriate.
carolinajazz
Well-Known Member
....well, Cheeks and Bobby Jones were true blue professionals.....that's more than can be said about Payton!
John Stockton had a lot of respect from coaches and players all around the league. He was always on All Star teams as a coaches pick. I never heard anyone bad mouth Stockton (in terms of competitiveness/talent/playwise) except in Bill Simmons' book. Which I can understand where Simmons was coming from. He wasn't elite at his position and Malone/Stockton didn't really step it up in the post season like they should have (Why was David Benoit shooting in the 4th quarter?). Injuries plagued a 89 Jazz team that probably could have went to the finals. Maybe if the Jazz didn't trade Adrian Dantley that would have been that "third player" the Jazz always needed and we may have seen a Jazz championship. But that is how basketball is. MJ also said that Stockton/Jazz were the best team they played against in the finals. And he played against everyone.