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Who's the most Athletic Guard of All Time?

Lets say during prime/overall career.

I don't think size should be counted as athleticism.
A 6' 6" version of Allen Iverson might make us forget about Jordan, but maybe not.
Spud Webb was hella athletic for his size.

No Vince Carter?

Lenneth wrote:No Vince Carter?

These options were just off the top of my head. In case I might forget anyone I put Other as an option.

Also I don't think VC was fast enough to be a legit contender.

Westbrook. He made Patrick Beverley taking out his legs look like a blip in his career.

that David Thompson guy was pretty solid

Prime Westbrook is an athletic marvel.

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Probably Jordan. If Andre Iguodala counts as a guard then he might be #1 then.

If we are not taking size into account, which I think we should, but I digress - it would have to be Muggsy Bogues. I'm not sure how anyone can rationalize there is a guy who moves better than a 5'3 NBA player (who was pretty good also).

Yeah, many great mentions here but Jordan would be my pick here.

Its tempting to show love for some of the older guys, but I'd lean heavily to the two modern players.

Rose and Westbrook. It's as if we took guys like Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis, chucked them in a lab and those two were the V.02. Frankly I think today's athletes are continually exceeding those that came before them, in part due to the development of sports science and conditioning that is playing a significant role in nurturing these natural talents.

Despite his faults, I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability. Not to the mention the motor...

henshao wrote:that David Thompson guy was pretty solid

Spoiler:

Skywalker is a great pick. Dude was the highest paid player in the NBA after the merger for a reason.

JimmyFromNz wrote:Its tempting to show love for some of the older guys, but I'd lean heavily to the two modern players.

Rose and Westbrook. It's as if we took guys like Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis, chucked them in a lab and those two were the V.02. Frankly I think today's athletes are continually exceeding those that came before them, in part due to the development of sports science and conditioning that is playing a significant role in nurturing these natural talents.

Despite his faults, I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability. Not to the mention the motor...

Again, what about Jordan?

I do think Jordan's body control in the air is unmatched but obviously that isn't the only attribute of athleticism. His huge hands played a role in that too.

70sFan wrote:

JimmyFromNz wrote:Its tempting to show love for some of the older guys, but I'd lean heavily to the two modern players.

Rose and Westbrook. It's as if we took guys like Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis, chucked them in a lab and those two were the V.02. Frankly I think today's athletes are continually exceeding those that came before them, in part due to the development of sports science and conditioning that is playing a significant role in nurturing these natural talents.

Despite his faults, I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability. Not to the mention the motor...

Again, what about Jordan?

Nah, he'd be getting cooked by Ja Morant.

70sFan wrote:

JimmyFromNz wrote:Its tempting to show love for some of the older guys, but I'd lean heavily to the two modern players.

Rose and Westbrook. It's as if we took guys like Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis, chucked them in a lab and those two were the V.02. Frankly I think today's athletes are continually exceeding those that came before them, in part due to the development of sports science and conditioning that is playing a significant role in nurturing these natural talents.

Despite his faults, I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability. Not to the mention the motor...

Again, what about Jordan?

MJ's on the list, as with everyone there they deserve their due. My observations aren't exclusionary.

Though I don't think there is much there that would change my mind using a holistic view of athleticism.

Obviously vertical leap is the individual aspect which he would have an advantage. Body control, sure he would be on par with Rose.

JimmyFromNz wrote:

70sFan wrote:

JimmyFromNz wrote:Its tempting to show love for some of the older guys, but I'd lean heavily to the two modern players.

Rose and Westbrook. It's as if we took guys like Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis, chucked them in a lab and those two were the V.02. Frankly I think today's athletes are continually exceeding those that came before them, in part due to the development of sports science and conditioning that is playing a significant role in nurturing these natural talents.

Despite his faults, I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability. Not to the mention the motor...

Again, what about Jordan?

MJ's on the list, as with everyone there they deserve their due. My observations aren't exclusionary.

Though I don't think there is much there that would change my mind using a holistic view of athleticism.

Obviously vertical leap is the individual aspect which he would have an advantage. Body control, sure he would be on par with Rose.

I mean you said this:

"I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability."

I think Jordan definitely rivals Westbrook. He's bigger, stronger and his leaping ability is significantly better. I don't know about the speed, Westbrook might have the edge. Of course, Jordan trashes Westbrook it terms of body control and coordination.

JimmyFromNz wrote:Its tempting to show love for some of the older guys, but I'd lean heavily to the two modern players.

Rose and Westbrook. It's as if we took guys like Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis, chucked them in a lab and those two were the V.02. Frankly I think today's athletes are continually exceeding those that came before them, in part due to the development of sports science and conditioning that is playing a significant role in nurturing these natural talents.

Despite his faults, I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability. Not to the mention the motor...

John Wall. Because he's not as good of a player he is seen as less athletic.

He is just as big as Westbrook (probably bigger), he is faster than Westbrook, he jumps significantly higher. I suppose because Westbrook dunks he can get credit as the stronger player. Motor is Westbrook, though his motor certainly doesn't reflect when he plays defense.

70sFan wrote:

JimmyFromNz wrote:

70sFan wrote:Again, what about Jordan?

MJ's on the list, as with everyone there they deserve their due. My observations aren't exclusionary.

Though I don't think there is much there that would change my mind using a holistic view of athleticism.

Obviously vertical leap is the individual aspect which he would have an advantage. Body control, sure he would be on par with Rose.

I mean you said this:

"I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability."

I think Jordan definitely rivals Westbrook. He's bigger, stronger and his leaping ability is significantly better. I don't know about the speed, Westbrook might have the edge. Of course, Jordan trashes Westbrook it terms of body control and coordination.

I feel like MJ's first step rivals any of these folks as well and might top the list.

HeartBreakKid wrote:

JimmyFromNz wrote:Its tempting to show love for some of the older guys, but I'd lean heavily to the two modern players.

Rose and Westbrook. It's as if we took guys like Stevie Franchise and Baron Davis, chucked them in a lab and those two were the V.02. Frankly I think today's athletes are continually exceeding those that came before them, in part due to the development of sports science and conditioning that is playing a significant role in nurturing these natural talents.

Despite his faults, I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability. Not to the mention the motor...

John Wall. Because he's not as good of a player he is seen as less athletic.

He is just as big as Westbrook (probably bigger), he is faster than Westbrook, he jumps significantly higher. I suppose because Westbrook dunks he can get credit as the stronger player. Motor is Westbrook, though his motor certainly doesn't reflect when he plays defense.

John Wall was built in a lab for sure. Had the opportunity to watch him live a few times and the combination of speed (acceleration) and size was mind boggling.

70sFan wrote:

JimmyFromNz wrote:

70sFan wrote:Again, what about Jordan?

MJ's on the list, as with everyone there they deserve their due. My observations aren't exclusionary.

Though I don't think there is much there that would change my mind using a holistic view of athleticism.

Obviously vertical leap is the individual aspect which he would have an advantage. Body control, sure he would be on par with Rose.

I mean you said this:

"I can't think of anyone that rivals prime Westbrook's combination of size, speed, strength and leaping ability."

I think Jordan definitely rivals Westbrook. He's bigger, stronger and his leaping ability is significantly better. I don't know about the speed, Westbrook might have the edge. Of course, Jordan trashes Westbrook it terms of body control and coordination.

That's fine, fair and doesn't bother me, it was a casual throwaway comment. Personally I think Westbrook was stronger, different physique, broader, heavier built and used to great effect in combination with explosiveness in the paint.

MJs body control off the jump and gather was pretty much a signature, but I do think that underates Westbrooks control in the open court and downhill at the rim, they are quite distinct examples but equally as effective.