Finally someone says it... No more D-Will vs. CP3

[BiggMann]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/paul_forrester/04/08/awards/index.html

Most tiresome debate:

Chris Paul vs. Deron Williams

So much of the ink spilled and words exchanged about any sport involve debating which player is better or which championship club would beat another one. It sells publications and draws viewers; it's fun. But it's also pointless, like trying to decide which young point guard is the NBA's best: Paul or Williams.

Both have their teams contending in the Western Conference. Both direct their teams like 10-year veterans instead of the third-year pros they are. And both will be All-Stars for years to come. Can't we all agree that they are both great? That any team would be lucky to have either player? In other words, must Bear vs. Shark have a winner? Both get the job done. Let's leave it at that.

I've heard enough comparison's between these two to turn me blue in the face. It's about time someone came out and said it, they are BOTH good PERIOD!!!!

[JStockLivesOn]

I don't think the debate would be as omnipresent or volatile as it is if there weren't such a blatant Paul bias in general, and especially on ESPN. For instance, Williams gets 16 assists, and ESPN says, "Both played horribly, but Paul DID have 9 assists." Okay, how about the assist numbers for the guy who clearly outplayed him?

I've said it before and I'll say it again; it's an easy argument for someone to make that Paul is better than Williams. It's NOT an easy argument to make that the media is treating both men fairly.

[HammerDunk]

I don't think the debate would be as omnipresent or volatile as it is if there weren't such a blatant Paul bias in general, and especially on ESPN. For instance, Williams gets 16 assists, and ESPN says, "Both played horribly, but Paul DID have 9 assists." Okay, how about the assist numbers for the guy who clearly outplayed him?

I've said it before and I'll say it again; it's an easy argument for someone to make that Paul is better than Williams. It's NOT an easy argument to make that the media is treating both men fairly.

I heard the same thing on sportscenter and wondered about it, but to be fair, they did point out the 16 assists right after that at the final screen.

What was a lot bigger to me is that I think that game should have been talked about for the effect it may have on Paul being the MVP. It was a huge game, and it hurt him IMO. I had him as the clear MVP, but now I'm not so sure. And should any player be an MVP if he vastly underperforms every time a certain player guards him? That's another reason why the CP3 vs DWill debate will rage on, as long as DWill continues to dominate him.

[erudite23]

For anyone who uses one player to downplay the accomplishments of the other, I would agree.

However, as a debate between to up and coming all-timers....how can you get sick of it? I would hate to sell either player short. Both are absolute studs who would change the fortunes of any team lucky enough to have them.

But how could you ever get tired of comparing two players that are so good, and match up in such an interesting way? Both are great. Both will be great for years. Why not talk about it?

[HammerDunk]

I COMPLETELY agree eru. It is good for the players, the teams, the league, and makes this a huge matchup every time they play. I think it is a very good thing.

[MeestR]

but sharks get shark week. ive never heard of bear week. and bears and sharks dont fight 4 times a year and have one dominate almost all 4 times. and still sharks get shark week.

[BiggMann]

but sharks get shark week. ive never heard of bear week. and bears and sharks dont fight 4 times a year and have one dominate almost all 4 times. and still sharks get shark week.

....huh?



Anyways, i'm not trying to extinguish the comparisons but it is time to focus on something besides the matchup. I mean the game is like second tier news compared to the medias take on the Dwill CP3 comparisons. Both had horrible nights from the field, and anyone who watched that game knew that Deron was the better player that night.

[dingojazz]

I enjoy the rivalry between the two. They will always be compared and tied together, I don't think that's a bad thing. And please let ESPN and the media continue to bow down to CP because we all know how great Deron plays when he has a chip on his shoulder. Deron gets up to play against Paul, and their first 9 matchups have proven that.

10 or 12 years from now the ONLY thing that will be a measure of which guard had a better career will be who won the most championships.

[seejaydeja]

-= original quote snipped =-



I heard the same thing on sportscenter and wondered about it, but to be fair, they did point out the 16 assists right after that at the final screen.
him.

i watched sportcenter that night specifically to see what would get mentioned and that really bothered me, but i wasn't surprised...

[loserX]

For anyone who uses one player to downplay the accomplishments of the other, I would agree.

However, as a debate between to up and coming all-timers....how can you get sick of it? I would hate to sell either player short. Both are absolute studs who would change the fortunes of any team lucky enough to have them.

But how could you ever get tired of comparing two players that are so good, and match up in such an interesting way? Both are great. Both will be great for years. Why not talk about it?

I will be honest: the debate bores me silly. But in terms of general fandom, I agree with this post entirely...as long as the rivalry/comparison is treated as fun and respectfully competitive, it's harmless and maybe even a positive thing. I just personally don't care.

[Rive]

but sharks get shark week. ive never heard of bear week. and bears and sharks dont fight 4 times a year and have one dominate almost all 4 times. and still sharks get shark week.

I completely agree. Much wisdom in that post^.


And... I'm with Erudite on this one, too. The argument is good for a lot of things. The Paul Bias is a complete joke and just that alone makes me want to keep the Paul/Williams debate alive until I'm dead.