earliest/latest a player can be argued as best in the world

[falcolombardi]

think of all the guys who were the best player in the league at some point (or arguably were one), what is the best/worst case scenario for when they became the no 1 player

example: michael jordan, when did he become the best player in the league? the consensus seems to be 88 but some people have him over magic in 87 already as best player in the league and most would have him as the best until 98 (but some people argue shaq over him in 98 for example)

another example most people see lebron being the best player starting in 2009 although some actually argue as late as 2012, and most people see him being the best player until 2018 but some may argue sooner (2016) or later (2020)

what are the best/worst reasonable "ranges" as best player in the world

[No-more-rings]

Probably like 22-23 and 35-36. Don’t think either are real common though.

[Texas Chuck]

I mean we've had some players who were arguably the best player in the world as rookies. Russell, Kareem, Duncan. Russell arguably retired still the best player in the world. Kareem probably still has an argument at 33 or so. Those are some pretty good ranges.

[PistolPeteJR]

Probably like 22-23 and 35-36. Don’t think either are real common though.

Agreed here.

[Jaivl]

Recent players than IMO have a +5 year span:

Shaq 94-02
Duncan 99-07
Kobe 01-10 (08?)
Garnett 03-08
Dirk 06-11
LeBron 06-20
Curry 15-21
(Giannis 19-22)