Iverson vs. Rose

[KembaWalker]

not a single major contributor on the 2001 Sixers significantly improved their PPG after 2001 with or without Iverson.

George Lynch dropped from 9 to 4 and was never good again
Eric Snow went from 10 to 12 staying with the team then dropped to 4 on CLE at age 31
Dikembe Mutombo went from 12 to 6 when he went from Philly to NJN
Aaron McKie promptly fell out of the league after Philly
Geiger went from 6ppg to out of the league

The idea that Iverson was "underutilizing" anyone from contributing on Philly because he wouldnt pass them the ball is a joke. These guys were absolute, straight up bums offensively. And thats being generous

[JimmyFromNz]

Rose's recorded 'peak' was at 22 years old. There is an inherent and very reasonable assumption that a player either maintains or improves of that level of play from that point in their career if healthy - as the comparison states.

Knowing what we know about that version of healthy Rose, compared to Iverson who yes is becoming underrated, but also came with questions to gel or assimilate players to his ball dominant style - these were never resolved throughout his career. Then it's hardly biased to suggest in this hypothetical Rose can be the preferred choice, even if we simply flat line that 3rd year peak and assume no improvement at all.

Given Rose's package of lateral/open court speed, explosiveness, vertical, strength, handle and body control as a 6'3 guard. I also think there's a significant overstating of the gulf in 'talent' between the two. They are both two of the most gifted guards of their generations, but as others have rightfully pointed out, the fact Rose went #1 in a weaker draft class to Iverson is entirely irrelevant.

There's commentary from others on Iverson's defense - in that he was a great help defender. We should be mindful of what 'help defense' actually looked like in the early late 90s/2000s vs 2010s. He had great dexterity and anticipatory skill but his defense consisted of playing passing lanes often to a fault, whilst 'help defense' consisted of flaring down on a post big for a poke and rip. That's deceptive, and I find it hard to believe that along with his size limitations it would translate defensively into any era post 2010 where you actually have to guard space whilst managing cross-matches.

This is the bias I spoke of already, you are putting 10 years of Iversons actual career against 10 years of Roses “flatlined peak”. You’re assuming injuries singularly affected Rose and not Iverson when the guy was playing with a mile long list of injured every postseason and gutting it out

If we’re comparing 1 year peaks just call it that and take your guy but doing it this way is so silly

You've made an assumption I haven't accounted for Iverson's injury history in my assessment.

This is a hypothetical that requires projection, surely that's easy enough to come to terms with.

We are essentially asking how Rose would compare to Iverson across a large stretch of time had he not experienced career threatening injuries. Part of that assessment can absolutely include a projection of a healthy Iverson as well.

You're welcome to compare 1 year peaks, that's a different question with its own flaws, but please spare us the claims of a 'lack of critical thinking' and 'bias'. Especially given your original answer to this question demonstrated both of those traits.