Shawn Kemp vs Alonzo Mourning

[AStark1991]

I recently came across this gem of a video on YouTube and it got me thinking, when they were both at their respective peaks, who would be a better player to build a team around in the current NBA?

Watch on YouTube

Personally, I think peak Kemp would be a better player in today's league. On offense their scoring numbers and efficiency rates were pretty comparable, although I think Kemp’s superior athleticism and ability to run and push the ball up the floor would make him a more desirable offensive weapon in this current era of pace and space. And obviously Zo was the more impactful and decorated defender during their era, but at the same time, a lot of people seem to forget just how great Kemp was on that end of the floor as well. During his best season (1995-96) he was 2nd in the league in defensive rating, 4th in defensive win shares, and 3rd in total rebounds. Just like Shawn Marion, I find it quite astounding that he never made an All-Defensive Team. Today I think he would be one of the more sought after defensive bigs because of his crazy athleticism and ability to seamlessly switch onto smaller players on the perimeter. And for the cherry on top, he would undeniably be the most dangerous lob threat in the league.

[migya]

Kemp is certainly better suited for the pace and space era, people forget he was one of the best bigs to run the floor, with and without the ball. He is arguably the greatest athlete ever who played at roughly 2 tier on both ends in the 90s, which was loaded with many of the best bigs ever. He is similar to Giannis in size and style of game but his passing was not as developed, as the guards handles the ball more in every other era, but his jump shot was better. Mourning fit the pounding game and ran the floor pretty well, while having a good jump shot. He'd be a good choice for best interior defender and shotblocker but likely would be less offensively, with his career style as it was.

In a tougher, more contact era both were very good and lead teams to good success.

[Bwelc679]

This is a fair comparison but Zo would be the better player. If you need a current day comp for Zo it would be Rudy Gobert (but like 4 years ago) on defense with even better post D guarding individual players such as Joker or Embid. On offense, he wouldn't be elite but he's the kind of player who worked his ass off so he probably loses 10-12lbs to be quicker on his feet in this era and would be a legit lob threat. He had a very nice mid range jumper by his peak years in MIA and he got to the line a ridiculous amount in an era that was more physical. I'm not sure who a good offensive comp would be. Maybe similar to Bam when it comes to shooting but a much better scorer down low while racking up FTA.

Considering how good a player like Zubac was last year (2nd team All defensive) and how great Brooke Lopez was in drop just a couple seasons ago (2nd in DPOY voting) it's easy to see how someone similar in size yet yet significantly more athletic would still be dominant defensively in this era. Zo would instantly be the favorite for DPOY even in a league with Wemby, at least for another season or two.

Even tho I would choose Zo, I would absolutely love to see the 94-96 version of Shawn Kemp in the modern era. Obviously he would play center today and he would excel in this role on both sides of the floor.

Kemp was a very good defensive player during that peak and was the anchor on the top rated defense (too much credit goes to Payton and not enough to Shawn who was probably more impactful). He was so athletic that I don't see him as an easy target for high PnR as he would be fine guarding quick wings if they did seek him out. I picture his defensive comp being more like Giannis. Not quite as disciplined or laterally quick but even stronger and better at post defender.

Offensively there isn't anyone that plays today I can accurately compare him to. He would be the ultimate PnR partner and rim runner. He actually had a handle and could run a fast break. He was a talented passer but way too overzealous so he would have to figure out how to not turnover the ball so much. Good shooter too.

Ultimately I landed on Zo but if Kemp could cut back the turnovers and fouls his talent would make things interesting.