RealGM

I was reading the Kobe thread and a poster there mentioned that there have not been that many seasons in history with a clear cut best player in the league. On most lists I’ve seen ’87 Magic and 04 ’Garnett are generally regarded as the best players for their respective seasons. Between the two who do you think has the better case for consensus best player in their respective years?

You could argue that Magic was the best player in 1987 as Larry began to decline and Jordan hadn't yet proven himself as a leader. But I don't think you can say that about KG in 04. You can say he had the best season but Tim Duncan was the proven leader and thus the best player at the time.

I have both as the best players in the league in given season, but I don't think either was undisputed best player in the league.

Definitely Magic due to the great playoff run.

Pretty much the same:

I think Magic was the clear-ish best player in the league, but Bird was at his heels. Nobody else close.
I think Garnett was the clear-ish best player in the league, but Duncan was at his heels. Nobody else close.

I think Garnett managed a bit more separation in the RS, but Magic has the H2H matchup vs Bird where he outplayed him in the grandest stage of them all.

Magic maybe. You could only argue 2004 KG regular season was the best player, but consensus? Not even close. He had not won a single playoff series yet, not many people would buy it.

dygaction wrote:Magic maybe. You could only argue 2004 KG regular season was the best player, but consensus? Not even close. He had not won a single playoff series yet, not many people would buy it.

He went to the WCF that year.

Both have a strong claim but Magic is probably closer to consensus best as both MVP and FMVP. Kind of hard actually to win both those awards and not be seen as the best player that season.

Stalwart wrote:You could argue that Magic was the best player in 1987 as Larry began to decline and Jordan hadn't yet proven himself as a leader. But I don't think you can say that about KG in 04. You can say he had the best season but Tim Duncan was the proven leader and thus the best player at the time.

Bird didn't really "decline" in 1987 fwiw. That's like saying Shaq "declined" between 2000 and 2001. He was still basically 98% as good as his peak year 1986.

ardee wrote:

Stalwart wrote:You could argue that Magic was the best player in 1987 as Larry began to decline and Jordan hadn't yet proven himself as a leader. But I don't think you can say that about KG in 04. You can say he had the best season but Tim Duncan was the proven leader and thus the best player at the time.

Bird didn't really "decline" in 1987 fwiw. That's like saying Shaq "declined" between 2000 and 2001. He was still basically 98% as good as his peak year 1986.

Yeah, I don't get it either. Bird had arguably his 2nd best season in 1987 (I have it 3rd best). He was incredible in EC run, especially against Detroit.

70sFan wrote:

ardee wrote:

Stalwart wrote:You could argue that Magic was the best player in 1987 as Larry began to decline and Jordan hadn't yet proven himself as a leader. But I don't think you can say that about KG in 04. You can say he had the best season but Tim Duncan was the proven leader and thus the best player at the time.

Bird didn't really "decline" in 1987 fwiw. That's like saying Shaq "declined" between 2000 and 2001. He was still basically 98% as good as his peak year 1986.

Yeah, I don't get it either. Bird had arguably his 2nd best season in 1987 (I have it 3rd best). He was incredible in EC run, especially against Detroit.

Under different circumstances (McHale doesn't break his foot), we might be calling it his peak instead of '86. Same for '85, if Bird himself didn't punch a guy and hurt his hand in the middle of the Playoffs (actually if this didn't happen Bird would probably have the GOAT 4 year stretch from '84-'87).

ardee wrote:

Stalwart wrote:You could argue that Magic was the best player in 1987 as Larry began to decline and Jordan hadn't yet proven himself as a leader. But I don't think you can say that about KG in 04. You can say he had the best season but Tim Duncan was the proven leader and thus the best player at the time.

Bird didn't really "decline" in 1987 fwiw. That's like saying Shaq "declined" between 2000 and 2001. He was still basically 98% as good as his peak year 1986.

You're right. I got my years mixed up.

At least looking at seasons post shot clock these are probably the most clear cut we've had.

Russell late 50s
Several 70s Kareem seasons, 71-74 especially
90-92, and 96 MJ
2000 Shaq
2009, 2012 and 2013 Lebron

1987 Magic is not that clear cut given Bird was very close to peak still, 04 KG may belong here sure but I can also see why Duncan being just one year removed from his peak and still mid prime would give some cause for pause.