Page 1 of 2
Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 4:32 pm
by Point-Forward
Based on a global criteria on what "athletically gifted" means: speed, agility, jump, strength, body coordination, etc. Let's see what list we can come up with. Always take into consideration the peak athletic version of the player, of course. My take:
Point Guards
1. Derrick Rose
2. Russell Westbrook
3. Ja Morant
4. Penny Hardaway
5. Baron Davis
Shooting Guards
1. Michael Jordan
2. Vince Carter
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Clyde Drexler
5. Kobe Bryant
Small Forwards
1. Lebron James
2. Scottie Pippen
3. Kevin Durant
4. Tracy McGrady
5. James Worthy
Power Forwards
1. Shawn Kemp
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo
3. Zion Williamson
4. Charles Barkley
5. Amare Stoudemire
Centers
1. Wilt Chamberlain
2. Shaquille O'Neal
3. David Robinson
4. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
5. Bill Russell
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:39 pm
by MiamiBulls
Centers:
1. Shaquille O'neal - Shaq was a physical freakshow, who was somehow blessed to carry such an insane amount of weight and still remain quite agile and nimble.
2. Dwight Howard - Had shoulder build of granite rock. Explosive speed and verticality with power of a 7ft 300lb player despite only being 6'9"
3. Wilt Chamberlain
4. Ben Wallace
5. Bill Russell
Power Forward:
1. Dennis Rodman - Insane motor and strength. Good Foot Speed and quickness. It's why he can put a body on Michael Jordan & Shaquille O'neal.
2. Amar'e Stoudemire - Broad shoulder w/really good forward driving strength. Excellent verticality. 2005 West Conference Finals could not be contained by one of the greatest Defensive players in Tim Duncan.
3. Blake Griffin
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Shawn Kemp
Small Forward:
Lebron James - GOAT NBA Athlete. Another physical freakshow. His Athleticism is what allowed him to be as great as he is for as long as he's been.
2. Dominique Wilkins - A Small Forward who played like a Power Forward. Ferocious down hill Rim Finisher. Excellent verticality.
3. Zion Williamson
4. Andre Iguodala
5. Julius Erving
Shooting Guards:
1. Michael Jordan - GOAT Verticality relative to height. Big bodied: broad shoulders, big hands. Exceptionally strong w/cat like speed and agility.
2. Vince Carter - GOAT Verticality. Effortless Rim Finisher.
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Latrell Sprewell
5. Kobe Bryant
Point Guard:
1. Russell Westbrook - GOAT combination of Power & Speed. There was a play in the '19-'20 Season where Westbrook accelerated and dipped his shoulder into the 7'2" Rudy Gobert's chest, dislodging Gobert out of position and proceeded to throw a tomahawk dunk over the top. Russell Westbrook is 6'4" PG who plays like he's 6'7"
2. Nate Robinson - 5'9" Point Guard is Pound for Pound the GOAT NBA Athlete. Strong as an ox, with the verticality to block a 7'5" Center in Yao Ming.
3. Allen Iverson
4. Monta Ellis
5. Derrick Rose
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:54 pm
by 70sFan
No Julius Erving is criminal for such list...
I'd consider Artis Gilmore for centers list.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 5:57 pm
by rk2023
Grant Hill should be mentioned amidst the Small Forward pool. Hakeem for centers too, at-least with how I’m looking at athleticism. I’m unsure if he would make my list, but Jerry West is quite an under-regarded athlete imo.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 6:05 pm
by SNPA
MiamiBulls wrote:Centers:
1. Shaquille O'neal - Shaq was a physical freakshow, who was somehow blessed to carry such an insane amount of weight and still remain quite agile and nimble.
2. Dwight Howard - Had shoulder build of granite rock. Explosive speed and verticality with power of a 7ft 300lb player despite only being 6'9"
3. Wilt Chamberlain
4. Ben Wallace
5. Bill Russell
Power Forward:
1. Dennis Rodman - Insane motor and strength. Good Foot Speed and quickness. It's why he can put a body on Michael Jordan & Shaquille O'neal.
2. Amar'e Stoudemire - Broad shoulder w/really good forward driving strength. Excellent verticality. 2005 West Conference Finals could not be contained by one of the greatest Defensive players in Tim Duncan.
3. Blake Griffin
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Shawn Kemp
Small Forward:
Lebron James - GOAT NBA Athlete. Another physical freakshow. His Athleticism is what allowed him to be as great as he is for as long as he's been.
2. Dominique Wilkins - A Small Forward who played like a Power Forward. Ferocious down hill Rim Finisher. Excellent verticality.
3. Zion Williamson
4. Andre Iguodala
5. Julius Erving
Shooting Guards:
1. Michael Jordan - GOAT Verticality relative to height. Big bodied: broad shoulders, big hands. Exceptionally strong w/cat like speed and agility.
2. Vince Carter - GOAT Verticality. Effortless Rim Finisher.
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Latrell Sprewell
5. Kobe Bryant
Point Guard:
1. Russell Westbrook - GOAT combination of Power & Speed. There was a play in the '19-'20 Season where Westbrook accelerated and dipped his shoulder into the 7'2" Rudy Gobert's chest, dislodging Gobert out of position and proceeded to throw a tomahawk dunk over the top. Russell Westbrook is 6'4" PG who plays like he's 6'7"
2. Nate Robinson - 5'9" Point Guard is Pound for Pound the GOAT NBA Athlete. Strong as an ox, with the verticality to block a 7'5" Center in Yao Ming.
3. Allen Iverson
4. Monta Ellis
5. Derrick Rose
Most physically gifted…and you have Wilt at number three.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 6:10 pm
by rk2023
SNPA wrote:MiamiBulls wrote:Centers:
1. Shaquille O'neal - Shaq was a physical freakshow, who was somehow blessed to carry such an insane amount of weight and still remain quite agile and nimble.
2. Dwight Howard - Had shoulder build of granite rock. Explosive speed and verticality with power of a 7ft 300lb player despite only being 6'9"
3. Wilt Chamberlain
4. Ben Wallace
5. Bill Russell
Power Forward:
1. Dennis Rodman - Insane motor and strength. Good Foot Speed and quickness. It's why he can put a body on Michael Jordan & Shaquille O'neal.
2. Amar'e Stoudemire - Broad shoulder w/really good forward driving strength. Excellent verticality. 2005 West Conference Finals could not be contained by one of the greatest Defensive players in Tim Duncan.
3. Blake Griffin
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
5. Shawn Kemp
Small Forward:
Lebron James - GOAT NBA Athlete. Another physical freakshow. His Athleticism is what allowed him to be as great as he is for as long as he's been.
2. Dominique Wilkins - A Small Forward who played like a Power Forward. Ferocious down hill Rim Finisher. Excellent verticality.
3. Zion Williamson
4. Andre Iguodala
5. Julius Erving
Shooting Guards:
1. Michael Jordan - GOAT Verticality relative to height. Big bodied: broad shoulders, big hands. Exceptionally strong w/cat like speed and agility.
2. Vince Carter - GOAT Verticality. Effortless Rim Finisher.
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Latrell Sprewell
5. Kobe Bryant
Point Guard:
1. Russell Westbrook - GOAT combination of Power & Speed. There was a play in the '19-'20 Season where Westbrook accelerated and dipped his shoulder into the 7'2" Rudy Gobert's chest, dislodging Gobert out of position and proceeded to throw a tomahawk dunk over the top. Russell Westbrook is 6'4" PG who plays like he's 6'7"
2. Nate Robinson - 5'9" Point Guard is Pound for Pound the GOAT NBA Athlete. Strong as an ox, with the verticality to block a 7'5" Center in Yao Ming.
3. Allen Iverson
4. Monta Ellis
5. Derrick Rose
Most physically gifted…and you have Wilt at number three.
I don’t agree with the Dwight selection, but at the same time - if athleticism is being looked at more “functional” rather than a more holistic physical-gift, don’t disagree with the notion Hakeem/Bill/Shaq all are more athletic than Wilt.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 6:24 pm
by LukaTheGOAT
Thanks for posting your list. Will just say I think Anthony Edwards need to be ahead of a couple of guys on your list.
Zion is definitely a better athlete than Shawn Kemp if we don't include durability.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 8:39 pm
by DNice68
PG
1. Derrick Rose
2. Randy Smith
3. Russell Westbrook
4. John Wall
5. Michael Ray Richardson
SG
1. Michael Jordan
2. Tracy Mcgrady
3. Dwayne Wade
4. Vince Carter
5. Clyde Drexler
SF
1. Lebron James
2. Dr.J
3. Dominique
4. Marques Johnson
5. Grant Hill
PF
1. Zion
2. Giannis
3. Barkley
4. Shawn Kemp
5. Larry Nance
C
1. Dwight Howard
2. Wilt Chamberlain
3. David Robinson
4. Ralph Sampson
5. Shaq
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2023 8:57 pm
by penbeast0
I'm assuming, from the lack of older players on any list but the centers list, that this is sort of a time capsule question where modern players with modern training, weights, PEDs, etc. would have a serious advantage v. a player from the 60s where the players were discouraged from weight work because it would make them muscle bound, played in canvas sneakers, and smoked to control weight gain.
If we are talking athleticism relative to their peers, then you want to be looking at Mikan (Shaq level advantage in strength/coordination over other centers of his day even though he wasn't necessarily taller than Chuck Share), Baylor, Hawkins, Russell, Wilt, Oscar, West, Kareem (looking at for his size), Gilmore, Ron Boone, Jabari, Erving, and possibly Muggsy Bogues and Spud Webb (if height isn't included).
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 7:52 am
by MyUniBroDavis
LukaTheGOAT wrote:Thanks for posting your list. Will just say I think Anthony Edwards need to be ahead of a couple of guys on your list.
Zion is definitely a better athlete than Shawn Kemp if we don't include durability.
Imagine Zion on a diet plan
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 8:00 am
by LukaTheGOAT
MyUniBroDavis wrote:LukaTheGOAT wrote:Thanks for posting your list. Will just say I think Anthony Edwards need to be ahead of a couple of guys on your list.
Zion is definitely a better athlete than Shawn Kemp if we don't include durability.
Imagine Zion on a diet plan
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 8:07 am
by MyUniBroDavis
LukaTheGOAT wrote:MyUniBroDavis wrote:LukaTheGOAT wrote:Thanks for posting your list. Will just say I think Anthony Edwards need to be ahead of a couple of guys on your list.
Zion is definitely a better athlete than Shawn Kemp if we don't include durability.
Imagine Zion on a diet plan
Nah show me duke zion
Most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 9:05 am
by LukaTheGOAT
MyUniBroDavis wrote:LukaTheGOAT wrote:MyUniBroDavis wrote:
Imagine Zion on a diet plan
Nah show me duke zion
Most ridiculous thing I’ve ever seen
Think this version of Zion was moving as well as Duke Zion ever did. Comparable forms honestly.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 9:25 am
by DCasey91
PG - Westbrook
SG - Jordan
SF - Lebron
PF - Zion (Actually think he’s the goat specimen all things being relative)
C - Wilt/Russell/Shaq/DROB/Hakeem. Can’t split
I think these are all pretty clear cut imo. Could make a case for peak Wade at SG because I do like the strength difference between him and Jordan, basically a 6”4 Bron at his apex but Jordan has probably the quickest first step out of everyone.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 12:41 pm
by SHAQ32
Some names I haven't seen that I'm thinking of: SGs - Latrell Sprewell and Ray Allen, PFs - Chris Webber and Kenyon Martin
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 5:59 pm
by Samurai
70sFan wrote:No Julius Erving is criminal for such list...
I'd consider Artis Gilmore for centers list.
Agree. I'd also consider Gus Johnson for the PF list.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 6:49 pm
by D.Brasco
WIlt was more athletic than Shaq, he was an overall natural athlete, competed in high jump and other track and field events before turning pro in basketball.
A 50 something Wilt showing rookie Shaq (who was 301 lbs) his old man strength:
Shaq is a freak himself and right behind Wilt. He never had Wilt's devotion to his body/fitness though.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 7:22 pm
by SNPA
D.Brasco wrote:WIlt was more athletic than Shaq, he was an overall natural athlete, competed in high jump and other track and field events before turning pro in basketball.
A 50 something Wilt showing rookie Shaq (who was 301 lbs) his old man strength:
Shaq is a freak himself and right behind Wilt. He never had Wilt's devotion to his body/fitness though.
This clip gets me every time. He just low-key punks Shaq at center court and Shaq looks shook.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Sun Jul 16, 2023 11:47 pm
by MyUniBroDavis
A handshake is not evidence lol I feel that gets posted a lot and always thought it was satire. Anyways, I don’t know why people bring up bench press numbers like it’s super relevant to basketball
Wilt was more athletic, Shaq was basketball stronger, wilt was more explosive, faster and jumped higher, not as quick footed and coordinated just from the little film we have
I don’t know if I believe he could genuinely grab change from the top of the backboard, although I don’t really care either way lol.
Re: Most Athletically Gifted Players Ever Per Position (Top 5)
Posted: Mon Jul 17, 2023 1:18 am
by Heej
70sFan wrote:No Julius Erving is criminal for such list...
I'd consider Artis Gilmore for centers list.
My first thought was Dr J. As for me I'll go with
PG
Ben Simmons
Russ
Rose
Webb
Bogues
If people don't accept Ben I'll go with Ja. Pre knee injury CP actually warrants a look imo
SG:
Jordan
Iverson
Wade
Antman
Carter
SF:
Bron
Dr. J
Baylor
Nique
David Thompson (maybe I'm cheating not putting him at SG)
Otherwise I like Melo for his strength and first step.
PF:
Zion
Giannis
Amare
Barkley
Blake
C:
Shaq
Wilt
Russell
Robinson
Dwight