Scottie Pippen or Lebron James?

[Sauru]

Scottie is one of the 15 greatest players to ever play this game. Talk to me in 5-6 years and it may be LeBron.

this about sums up my idea. not sure if i would give top 15 though, but up there

[cheater1034]

I'd personally pick LeBron, but LeBron is really young and has tons of room for improvement. He has a lot of potential, if he improves his outside touch just a little more, and keeps improving his defense (his defense is outstanding this year), and keeps improving his clutch performance (much improved this year).

Scottie already had a full career, LeBron is still at normal NBA-rookie age.

The only stat of his that's down is 1.) Points, not by much. This is only because his team gets more points this year, and LeBron establishes his team so they score more.

People criticize his defense, but people havent seen him in the second half of this year. His defense has been outstanding since the all star break.

[Slamduncan]

King James

[dada]

not sure if i would give top 15 though, but up there

Yea, top 15 is quite a stretch. Top 50 is vague enough where you cant quite pinpoint his position so no feelings get hurt.

Personally, I feel like the next generation tends to be better than the one it replaces (because of the knowledge gained and improvements made in game preparation and fitness across the board) so I'd go with Lebron. Pippen was great and all with the Bulls team but as an individual player I think Lebron brings more raw talent to the table. I'm thinking as though I'd be faced with a choice of drafting either player and I'm sorry Pips but it would be Lebron for me.

[Matt]

His defense has been outstanding since the all star break

no.....it hasnt.

[cheater1034]

His defense has been outstanding since the all star break

no.....it hasnt.

Are you kidding me? I've seen every cavaliers game. And I'm sure you can recall a certain block against rip hamilton in the mist of the 8 game win streak against detroit.

His defense has been 10x better than it's been in his entire career, still room for improvement, but he is hustling and working more on the defensive end. He defended Dirk really well, and last time against the lakers his job in Kobe was pretty good too, everything kobe hit was awkward off balance shots.

[Num33Baller]

I'd pick LeBron... heres why:

Lebron, right now, isn't as good as Scottie was in his prime... but Lebron isn't in his prime.

When lebron hits his prime (assuming he is as old as he says he is ) five or six years from now, he will be so much better than scottie. He will definately rival Jordan in GOAT talks....

We will just have to wait and see if he will be able to distribute the ball like Scottie did... and he needs to work on his D. He has long arms, use them!

[TSquared]

Easy! I'd go with LeBron.. Based on his size and strength alone.. he'd be a perfect guy to build a franchise in.. and u agree with Num33Baller.. LeBron still ain't in his prime...

[Andrew]

When lebron hits his prime (assuming he is as old as he says he is ) five or six years from now, he will be so much better than scottie. He will definately rival Jordan in GOAT talks....

How can you be so certain of that? Again, at this point I wouldn't bet against LeBron lifting his game to new heights and enjoying greater success in the league but it's not a given, just because he's yet to reach his prime. There's no guarantees when it comes to sports; he could sustain a severe injury which sets his career back like Anfernee Hardaway and Grant Hill or he may never develop the killer instinct or become a leader who can carry his team to the championship.

He may go down as a player who is arguably the greatest of all time or he may go down as a player who was great but never reached the level of Jordan, Magic, Bird, Russell and co. I would agree there's definite possibilities when you're talking about a player like LeBron, but there is no one definite outcome. As great as he is and impressive as he's been in his short NBA career, there's much left to be achieved if he's to be fairly compared to the all-time greats, and no guarantee he will achieve it.

[Num33Baller]

When lebron hits his prime (assuming he is as old as he says he is ) five or six years from now, he will be so much better than scottie. He will definately rival Jordan in GOAT talks....

How can you be so certain of that? Again, at this point I wouldn't bet against LeBron lifting his game to new heights and enjoying greater success in the league but it's not a given, just because he's yet to reach his prime. There's no guarantees when it comes to sports; he could sustain a severe injury which sets his career back like Anfernee Hardaway and Grant Hill or he may never develop the killer instinct or become a leader who can carry his team to the championship.

He may go down as a player who is arguably the greatest of all time or he may go down as a player who was great but never reached the level of Jordan, Magic, Bird, Russell and co. I would agree there's definite possibilities when you're talking about a player like LeBron, but there is no one definite outcome. As great as he is and impressive as he's been in his short NBA career, there's much left to be achieved if he's to be fairly compared to the all-time greats, and no guarantee he will achieve it.

Nothing is for certain, of course.

However... he is 22. There are college players who are gonna be in the draft older than him right now. Not counting this year, his numbers have gone up every year. He is definately not where jordan was his third or fourth year, but you gotta remember Jordan came from Uni... LB came straight from high school.

If nothing happens to him, and if he keeps his love for the game, I think he will rival MJ in GOAT talks.

Think about it... Lebron could be in the league for the next 15-20 years.

[Andrew]

I'm aware of that and you're right, his age and the level he's at right now place him in a great position to mark a huge mark on the league by the time he's done. My point remains though, his age offers no guarantees nor does his performance through the first four years of his career guarantee the fantastic numbers that are sometimes envisioned. As I said before, there seems to be people who believe that LeBron will explode with a triple double along with something crazy like five blocks and five steals per game once he hits his prime, simply because he's only 22 and seemingly nowhere near the pinnacle of his game just yet.

To be fair, we can't say that won't happen because we don't know that for sure. I wouldn't bet on that though because averaging such numbers is easier said than done, if only because those stats have to come from somewhere and I don't think anyone would get such an opportunity to put up monster numbers like that. Statistically speaking I would be very surprised if we see much more in the way of significant improvements for LeBron. I can see him having more seasons averaging between 27 and 32 ppg, especially if his free throw shooting improves. Speaking of his year to year improvement, his numbers are actually slightly down this year across the board with a slight improvement in offensive rebounds. That's to be expected though, every great player has seen small fluctuations in certain areas throughout their careers.

You're right, LeBron could play for another 15-20 years (though I think 20 years is a little optimistic). He's not likely to remain at this level for that long though. His early start in the league doesn't necessarily mean a longer than average career either; he came into the NBA at a younger age but that also means the physical wear and tear has been takings its toll from an earlier age as well. Once again, it comes down to the fact there's no guarantees.

[beau_boy04]

If Lebron James doesn't do anything amaizng for the next 2 years, the GOAT will be hindered.

[Num33Baller]

I'm aware of that and you're right, his age and the level he's at right now place him in a great position to mark a huge mark on the league by the time he's done. My point remains though, his age offers no guarantees nor does his performance through the first four years of his career guarantee the fantastic numbers that are sometimes envisioned. As I said before, there seems to be people who believe that LeBron will explode with a triple double along with something crazy like five blocks and five steals per game once he hits his prime, simply because he's only 22 and seemingly nowhere near the pinnacle of his game just yet.

To be fair, we can't say that won't happen because we don't know that for sure. I wouldn't bet on that though because averaging such numbers is easier said than done, if only because those stats have to come from somewhere and I don't think anyone would get such an opportunity to put up monster numbers like that. Statistically speaking I would be very surprised if we see much more in the way of significant improvements for LeBron. I can see him having more seasons averaging between 27 and 32 ppg, especially if his free throw shooting improves. Speaking of his year to year improvement, his numbers are actually slightly down this year across the board with a slight improvement in offensive rebounds. That's to be expected though, every great player has seen small fluctuations in certain areas throughout their careers.

You're right, LeBron could play for another 15-20 years (though I think 20 years is a little optimistic). He's not likely to remain at this level for that long though. His early start in the league doesn't necessarily mean a longer than average career either; he came into the NBA at a younger age but that also means the physical wear and tear has been takings its toll from an earlier age as well. Once again, it comes down to the fact there's no guarantees.

If Lebron James doesn't do anything amaizng for the next 2 years, the GOAT will be hindered.

I dunno about that... Jordan didn't win his first championship until 91.

He did win the MVP his 3rd (or was it his second) season in the league tho...

I agree with you, but if he doesn't kill himself (figuratively) he should be good to go. And I think even at 35-40, he could be, if not a starter, a strong sixth man...

[air gordon]

if both were in the same draft class and disregarding what they've done in the NBA.. Lebron James

[putodelagoa]

As great as Scottie was, the general perception goes that he, very much like Kevin Garnett, was not a player to have an offense built around, an "alpha dog". I believe he was best suited as a complimentary player, on a great team, wich doesn't take away his greatness as a player, nor his brilliant '94 season that could arguably serve as evidence against the notion of him being that second head.

I believe that LBJ possesses a mind set that allows him to be a focal point on offense and make things happen when called upon.

This is, I believe, the main trait of a player you may want to build around.

His dubious performances in clutch moments is one of the aspects of his game that will definitely improve as his career goes on. I hope his defense will suffer similar strides, as he is light years behind Pip in that regard.

Bron has unique physical tools that allow him to excell offensively at four positions on the court.

Pip had the ability to defend fiercely those same 4 positions.

All things considered, I would go with Pippen, as he was a better two-way player, and proved he could enjoy great playoff success as a team leader.

[Effekt]

I was about to say LeBron but a few posts made me change my mind. I pick Scottie for now, but LeBron some time in the near future.

[Slizz]

If I had to pick now I'd probably pick Scottie in his prime... but LeBron's only 22..... so it's kinda unfair to make that comparison now while LeBron hasn't reached his prime yet...

[TSquared]

There's no guarantees when it comes to sports; he could sustain a severe injury which sets his career back like Anfernee Hardaway and Grant Hill or he may never develop the killer instinct or become a leader who can carry his team to the championship.

Well, u ain't sure he's gonna sustain a severe injury either..

[R.J.]

umm...no shit?

[Andrew]

There's no guarantees when it comes to sports; he could sustain a severe injury which sets his career back like Anfernee Hardaway and Grant Hill or he may never develop the killer instinct or become a leader who can carry his team to the championship.

Well, u ain't sure he's gonna sustain a severe injury either..

Of course I can't be sure of that, but I didn't say he would; at no point did I say that LeBron James suffering a severe injury was a sure thing, nor did I say it was certain he would never take his game to a whole new level. My point is that there are many paths that his career may take and while it would seem he is destined for greatness, nothing in his future his guaranteed. The fact he is only 22 does not provide any kind of guarantee that he'll establish himself as a "greatest of all-time" candidate, it only suggests he has many years left in the league to make his mark.

[Sauru]

scottie was one of the best defenders ever and in the time jordan was out he showed that he could do everything. there is no doubt in my mind that scottie as of now is the better player but lebron definetly has the chance to be better. my problem with this debate is that people really only see the points a player scores. for instance, stockton does not get nearly enough credit for what he did if you ask me just because he didnt put up 25 a game. pippen was a great player but since the shadow of jordan was so great he will always be over looked by the flashier players, such as lebron or wade or whoever else the hype machine is backing at the time.

[shadowgrin]

Stockton pwns Nash on offense and defense.
(Flame away folks)

[Sauru]

Stockton pwns Nash on offense and defense.
(Flame away folks)

nash will get votes based on his flash alone. i would not say stockton owns him, but nash is imo not as good as stockton was. i think if you gave stockton the kinds of teams nash has had he would have definetly won a ring, or 2.

[RapsPlayoffs]

i dont like lebron, infact i hate him, but even without any bias, i would still pick pippen.

[Sauru]

ya go, its a dumb question as of now, lebron is to young to even be asking this question. 6-0 says it all