Tim Legler "Derrick Rose is the best since Magic Johnson"

[dtrader]

It's important to know the EXACT quote, before coming down on legs, because there are many permutations of that sentence, that could ring true (or at least be strongly argued).  

I think the real significance of this, is that Rose has come far enough this year, that even the most respected Basketball analysts are ready to put him into conversations involving the legends at his position.

[RebusRankin]

Kevin Johnson's back to back 22+ppg, 11+apg season preceded by a 20ppg 12apg season don't comapre 24.9ppg 7.8apg?
Zeke's 21ppg 14 apg isn't comparable?

[OsirusCeltics]

I like legler as he seems to be one the few espn guys who isn't pumping up ratings for espn or tooting his own horn.  He generally uses common sense and has good bb knowledge.
That said...well to be fair I didn't get exact quote.  Magic was magic.
As of now I would say derrick rose is a lot like an old friend of ours, tiny archibald when he was with kc.  Tiny led the nba in scoring and assists but was so ball dominating and the rest of team was subpar so its kind of a forgotten season.
If rose can bring his team to a title his rookie year but being arguably the best player on the floor like magic did than that is something.  Oh yeah he already passed his rookie season.
He's great and a top 5 pg, someone I'd rate higher than rondo.  BUT I will take rondo come playoff time, its a team game!

Kareem was the best player on the Lakers though in 1980

[Marcus13]

Clearly, Rose hasn't had the career that Iverson had...that isn't what I meant.

I said he is a 2011 Iverson...the season he's had this year could definitely have been one of Iverson's in the midst of his career.

If he can have the longevity that Iverson had is a huge task and remains to be seen, but his performance this year was very Iverson-esque

[2short]

I like legler as he seems to be one the few espn guys who isn't pumping up ratings for espn or tooting his own horn.  He generally uses common sense and has good bb knowledge.
That said...well to be fair I didn't get exact quote.  Magic was magic.
As of now I would say derrick rose is a lot like an old friend of ours, tiny archibald when he was with kc.  Tiny led the nba in scoring and assists but was so ball dominating and the rest of team was subpar so its kind of a forgotten season.
If rose can bring his team to a title his rookie year but being arguably the best player on the floor like magic did than that is something.  Oh yeah he already passed his rookie season.
He's great and a top 5 pg, someone I'd rate higher than rondo.  BUT I will take rondo come playoff time, its a team game!

Kareem was the best player on the Lakers though in 1980

I hate kareem so much that my judgement might be clouded.  Without magic on that team running the show I can't see "the big whiner" bringing LA to the finals or title.  

[wdleehi]

It is just one more stop on the hype train on the way to the MVP.


NBA (and their partners) no longer just let great players rise to the top, they over hype them, they adjust rules for them...


Anything to make them look like the greatest of all time.  

[indeedproceed]

Kevin Johnson's back to back 22+ppg, 11+apg season preceded by a 20ppg 12apg season don't comapre 24.9ppg 7.8apg?
Zeke's 21ppg 14 apg isn't comparable?

Not according to the filter at basketball-reference.com

[Assassin70]

It's important to know the EXACT quote, before coming down on legs, because there are many permutations of that sentence, that could ring true (or at least be strongly argued).  

I think the real significance of this, is that Rose has come far enough this year, that even the most respected Basketball analysts are ready to put him into conversations involving the legends at his position.

This is true...I didn't see the whole transcript or the context.  

[2short]

It is just one more stop on the hype train on the way to the MVP.


NBA (and their partners) no longer just let great players rise to the top, they over hype them, they adjust rules for them...


Anything to make them look like the greatest of all time.  

I know I watched the game last night, and its not just rose,  I couldn't help but see him carry the ball EVERY time he dribbled, lebron's extra steps etc etc

[wdleehi]

It is just one more stop on the hype train on the way to the MVP.


NBA (and their partners) no longer just let great players rise to the top, they over hype them, they adjust rules for them...


Anything to make them look like the greatest of all time.  

I know I watched the game last night, and its not just rose,  I couldn't help but see him carry the ball EVERY time he dribbled, lebron's extra steps etc etc

Players like Jordon, Bird or Magic would not have been as good playing in today's rules.  They would have looked good, but they would not have been pushed as hard to improve.


Why would players like Lebron or Wade push harder when the league makes it easy for them? 

[Assassin70]

Clearly, Rose hasn't had the career that Iverson had...that isn't what I meant.

I said he is a 2011 Iverson...the season he's had this year could definitely have been one of Iverson's in the midst of his career.

If he can have the longevity that Iverson had is a huge task and remains to be seen, but his performance this year was very Iverson-esque

Also when I mentioned Iverson in my initial post...I was saying he has the potential to be an Iverson like that is all.

He is not on that level yet.

[Kane3387]

He is a 2011 Allen Iverson/Steve Francis

That's really about as deep as you have to look into it

More Marbury then Iverson with the way he can get above the rim and absorb contact. The Phoenix and NJ Marbury that is. I have always thought the Franchise as well though. I like where your head is at.

TP.

[2short]

It is just one more stop on the hype train on the way to the MVP.


NBA (and their partners) no longer just let great players rise to the top, they over hype them, they adjust rules for them...


Anything to make them look like the greatest of all time.  

I know I watched the game last night, and its not just rose,  I couldn't help but see him carry the ball EVERY time he dribbled, lebron's extra steps etc etc

Players like Jordon, Bird or Magic would not have been as good playing in today's rules.  They would have looked good, but they would not have been pushed as hard to improve.


Why would players like Lebron or Wade push harder when the league makes it easy for them? 

jordan was the beginning of todays rules, he was the first guy to me to really carry the ball and use it to his advantage
the no hand checking rule is the only thing i see that would hurt or take adjusting to for former stars
what made jordan, bird and magic special is they wanted to win every game and challenge themselves all the time
even if that meant playing lefty for game, gambling at golf or trying to "net" as many women as humanly possible  

[indeedproceed]

He is a 2011 Allen Iverson/Steve Francis

That's really about as deep as you have to look into it

More Marbury then Iverson with the way he can get above the rim and absorb contact. The Phoenix and NJ Marbury that is. I have always thought the Franchise as well though. I like where your head is at.

TP.

Until Marbury completely submarined his career and legacy in New York, he was looked at by many as one of the top 2 or 3 PG's in the game, and also a guy with the potential to be legend...wait for it....






Haha, Stupid. I'm not going to finish it. Keep waiting.

[fairweatherfan]

You may be right. But then again, I think the supporting cast (well, the franchise in general really) is garbage. Small market as well, so who, out of us, is getting a ton of exposure to Paul the way Rose gets?

While Rose is more often on TNT or ABC or whatever, plus whatever local markets you have (I'm in NY, so I get Nets and KNicks)..NOH is on league pass just like everyone else. Though, to be honest watching Hornets games is right up there with watching Bobcats games, Grizzlies games, and Sixers for games I cannot stand and have no emotional attachment to.

But that said...I haven't seen the same urgency I'm used to seeing from CP3...I wouldn't say he looks bored, but I don't know what word I woudl use in its stead..maybe resigned?

I've watched a ton of Hornets game this year, and CP is hobbled if anything.  He's clearly not all the way back from injury, but I've never seen the guy slacking or coasting out of apathy, he seems into every game I've ever seen him play. 

RE: Paul vs Rose this year, Paul is not nearly as explosive and dynamic as 08 Chris Paul, much less 11 Derrick Rose, but he is ruthlessly efficient to an extent Rose can't touch.  In terms of game management and making teammates better, Paul leaves Rose in the dust.  I don't think another PG in the league keeps that Hornets roster out of the lottery.  Not one.  But for raw production, highlights and winning, Rose is obviously ahead this year, and that's what counts for awards and media attention.