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Particularly interested in Carter. I'm sure most have him third, but how big of a gap?

He's clearly 3rd.

Wade was an MVP level player in his peak.

TMac was a top 5 first team All-NBA level player at his peak and MVP candidate.

Carter in 2000-2001 was a top 10 player at his peak, would generally be closer to 10 than 5 in any given year.

Carter's peak is generally underrated though. I think he's generally in the same tier of players like Tatum, George, Butler, Rose, Iverson, Ginobili (factoring in minutes).

Also think he would translate really well to today's game given his strengths. His off ball gravity (lob threat, shooting, post game on mismatches) and defensive versatility/ rim protection from wing position would be greatly elevated in today's game.

Wade
T-Mac
Carter

I don't really see any argument for Carter being in his cousin's tier for peak. Perhaps you think Carter is a nice floor-spacer but that is still too far of a logical leap to take him over McGrady. While people get on McGrady for his motor, I think you would be hardpressed to say Carter played harder.

McGrady has more versatility, as he can effectively be your team's PG.

Wade > T-Mac > Carter

Pretty clear gaps between them too. Carter was a nice shooter (underrated) and definitely a strong ball-handler and slasher but T-Mac is considerably better than him and especially if we factor in defense.

T-Mac
Wade

Carter

Carter lacked agility and quickness, even as a jumper. Was a line-drive player; didn't change direction or pace like some of his SG contemporaries. Despite the flashy dunks, I'd rate him behind Kobe, Wade, and McGrady (ORL) concerning on-court basketball athleticism.

Good strength though. I heard he put up big numbers in the gym. But I don't know how much that translated to the court because he had a reputation for playing soft.

Laimbeer wrote:Particularly interested in Carter. I'm sure most have him third, but how big of a gap?

Topic disrespectful to peak Wade, esp compared to Vince. Wade is a TOP 10 level peak in the 21st century.

So peak Wade is just in a different tier than the other two. However, I don’t actually think a comparison between peak Carter and peak McGrady is a crazy comparison. Vince Carter’s peak was 2001 IMO, and he was actually really really good that year. Probably not quite as good as 2003 McGrady, but not miles off.

Wade

Tmac

Carter

I'm bigger on shooting and portability than most, and Vince and T-Mac were much better catch and shoot guys. So if we're talking peak seasons, then I'm putting Wade third. In my eyes, he was a more efficient Iverson. McGrady and Carter were more willing passers. 1. McGrady, 2. Carter, 3. Wade.

Dwayne Wade: He brought the effort and skillset on both offense & defense.

Tracy McGrady

Vince Carter: A level below both DWade and TMac.

If only Tracy McGrady stayed healthy and played with some of the all time great talent that Wade played along side.

JLei wrote:He's clearly 3rd.

Wade was an MVP level player in his peak.

TMac was a top 5 first team All-NBA level player at his peak and MVP candidate.

Like TMac, Wade was an MVP candidate, and never had a realistic chance at winning it.