If you had to pick between Stockton & Malone

[vslice02]

I have thought about this before. Who in the NBA is the closest physically to Karl Malone? IMO it's LeBron James. James is one inch shorter and 15 lbs lighter, but he could easily bulk up 15 lbs. Has the NBA game changed enough that there will never be another Karl? If Karl grew up today, would he be a huge SF like LeBron instead of a big guy?

Since Karl didn't have alot of skill outside 12-feet when he was drafted - he definitely would still be a PF - possibly even a center since he was a good shotblocker at La Tech. In terms of a combination of speed and strength, LeBron and a young Amare were the two closes I've seen since the Mailman. However, the big difference is Karl embraced the physicality and loved to bang. You can argue LeBron is so skilled that he doesn't have to be as physical - but when you're 6-8 270 and you let Jason Kidd guard you - you're not imposing your physicality on the game. It's not just the tools - Karl had the will to want to punish people inside.

 

[green]

I agree, but what I am saying is with all the hype today, would Karl be the same? Karl was a beast, like LeBron. If Karl had his high school games on tv, would he have wanted to bring the ball up the court then take the shot?Karl was a hard worker, but he was not humble. He knew he was good and tried to punish all the teams that should have drafted him.

My point is, has the NBA changed so much that there will never be another mailman? Will the next mailman instead be the next LeBron?

 

[YB85]

Love Favors, but the sooner Jazz fans realize there won't be another Karl Malone the less disappointed they will be.

Wait a second...I was not saying that Favors will be the next Karl Malone. This thread, in my opinion, is asking if the Jazz should draft their next point guard or their next inside player. I feel they already have their next inside player in Favors and now it's time to go after their next point guard. I don't think Favors will be the next Malone, but I hope he develops into a multiple time All Star and a great rebounder/defender. I also hope that if Knight is drafted, he become a great distributor/creator/defender. Hoping these guys can become the next Malone or Stockton is pinning far too much on young guys still developing.

 

[The Midnight]

Wait a second...I was not saying that Favors will be the next Karl Malone. This thread, in my opinion, is asking if the Jazz should draft their next point guard or their next inside player. I feel they already have their next inside player in Favors and now it's time to go after their next point guard. I don't think Favors will be the next Malone, but I hope he develops into a multiple time All Star and a great rebounder/defender. I also hope that if Knight is drafted, he become a great distributor/creator/defender. Hoping these guys can become the next Malone or Stockton is pinning far too much on young guys still developing.

Uhh...

I don't think it's only asking for the next "inside player". It's asking for the "Complete" inside player (ala Malone) - one who is a force at the offensive end, is a solid rebounder and is sufficient at the defensive end.

I agree that Favors would be a solid rebounder/defender, but he doesn't yet have an offensive game that I'm confident in.

 

[Nasty Style]

Yeah, I don't think you can say "Bottom line - you always go with size because look at these point guards who never won a title."
Jason Kidd (maybe this will change in a few days) and Gary Payton never won a title - but if they were in this draft would you really pass on them because they play point guard?

The Jazz are a lottery team picking 3rd in a two-player draft - they need to focus more on the BPA than the player that historically fits a championship-winning position.

Gary Payton won a title in 2006 with Miami. If I remember correctly, he hit the series winning shot.

 

[Nasty Style]

Since you guys brought up Favors, I have a question...
Would you rather have gotten Brook Lopez or Derrick Favors from the Nets in the Dwill trade? Personally, I think Favors has more upside than Lopez so I'm happy.

 

[larryselbows]

Pudding wrestling with trout in a speedo.

Oh wait... wrong thread

Uhhh probably stockton. He was a better closer at the end of games.

 

[The Midnight]

Since you guys brought up Favors, I have a question...
Would you rather have gotten Brook Lopez or Derrick Favors from the Nets in the Dwill trade? Personally, I think Favors has more upside than Lopez so I'm happy.

Favors' still growing and with his athleticism and reach I do think that he can absolutely play C in NBA.

Brook Lopez is too soft IMO.

 

[Nasty Style]

Favors' still growing and with his athleticism and reach I do think that he can absolutely play C in NBA.

Brook Lopez is too soft IMO.

I'm just curious if Lopez was untouchable or if they (NJ) would've rather lost him instead of Favors. I wonder if the Jazz were more interested in him or if Favors was their only target.
Btw I'd pick the Mailman.

 

[freakazoid]

karl Malone without a doubt.