Post#8 » by 70sFan » Wed Nov 16, 2022 12:58 pm
Russell best seasons:
1962
1965
1963
1964
1960
1966
1961
1959
Top Shaq seasons:
2000
2001
2002
1998
1999
2003
1995
1994
My list:
1. 2000 Shaq - I'm not super comfortable with that choice, because I see a lot of concerns with Shaq's defense even in his best season. With that being said, I think I can give him the benefit of doubt, as he was a monster offensive player who still had some value on defense. I can see Russell being ranked ahead, but I'd need to see more of his peak games to be convinced.
2. 1962 Russell - Russell has a significant advanatge in terms of RS and although Shaq arguably was more dominant in the playoffs, Russell himself proved himself to be a dominant two-way force in that postseason run.
3. 1965 Russell - slightly different offensive role, but very comparable to his peak self. I think this might be his 2nd best offensive season and 2nd best defensive season of all-time.
4. 2001 Shaq - I don't like his inconsistency in the RS, but he was basically at his peak form by the time we reached playoffs. Some may argue that he reached even higher heights than in 2000.
5. 1963 Russell - another one of Russell's stronger offensive seasons, backed up with his typically amazing defense. He had a very strong postseason run again and I just can't pick any other version of Shaq over basically a peak Russell.
6. 1964 Russell - the best defensive season of all-time. Absolutely amazing carry-job by Russell, leading one of his best teams to the title without any notable offensive help outside of Sam Jones. I don't think that 2002 Shaq had more impact on his team or was more impressive individually, despite massive scoring gap.
7. 2002 Shaq - missed games in the RS and horrible series against the Spurs hurt his case, but you can't deny the fact that he was still a top tier offensive player. His defense got worse and worse, but when he was 100% healthy, I think he was at his best in terms of scoring repertoire in the post during that season. He added quite a few moves to his arsenal, or at least was more willing to mix them.
8. 1960 Russell - a bit younger version of Russell who wasn't at his defensive apex yet, but he was a solid offensively with Cousy carrying more playmaking duties. I have seen some criticism from Odinn in the past about his decision making in that season, which is why I don't have him in the 2nd tier.
9. 1966 Russell - Bill took a step down on both ends of the floor during that season, but his postseason run was still quite impressive and he did an amazing job on Wilt overall. He also looked very good in the finals in the limited footage I have seen.
10. 1998 Shaq - monster player per-possession, but he missed so many games I just can't put him ahead of someone like 1966 Russell. Without missed games, I think I'd put him in the second tier, but his defensive struggles in the playoffs keep him away from the tier 1.
11. 1961 Russell - a weaker season than 1960 from the information I could gather, he didn't have a particularily strong postseason run either for his standards (and relatively weak competition faced).
12. 1999 Shaq - excellent offensive season, but one of the worst defensive ones of his prime. Still, peak Shaq on offense just has to be included here.
HM: 2003 Shaq, 1995 Shaq, 1959 Russell
It shows why Russell is the GOAT candidate, he has such a clear edge over Shaq who is top 8 player ever himself.
