Paul George Gives His Top 5 Two-Way Players by Position in NBA History

[E-Balla]

Disagree but I can't be mad at the confidence. I think it's:

Walt Frazier
Sidney Moncrief
Kawhi Leonard
Tim Duncan
Hakeem Olajuwon

[mack2354]

I think I'd go with CP3 over Gary Payton. I look at CP3 as a A- Offense and B+ Defense whereas Gary Payton a B- Offense and A+ Defense. They average out around the same but I look at CP3 as more of a balanced Two-Way player and Gary Payton more as a goat level defender who could also get buckets.

[Taj FTW]

The only "without question" picks are Jordan at SG and LeBron at PF. The others are up for debate.

Sorry I got questions. I'm "with question" right now.
Lebron and Mike have the offensive side of the ball argument over anyone, so that makes it harder to weigh the "2-way" thing.

But I think guys like KG and Giannis are "with question" at power forward over Lebron. Lebron had some monster defensive years in Miami but I don't believe he ever touched the tier of defense that the taller KG and Giannis did. Duncan too depending on what position you pick for him. AD has mostly played power forward. Lebron is just not big enough to be the same level of defensive impact guy as them.

I don't love MJ's defense as much as some fans, but it's harder to find a 2-guard making a defensive impact that is comparable with MJ's offense. MJ's greatest-ever offense and being good at defense might be enough. Jerry West is someone that comes to mind that I think was a little more consistently high-energy on defense while being an all-time offensive great.

My apologies, I meant to write "SF" for LeBron. I consider him more of a SF. I agree with you on MJ, and feel similarly to LeBron. They had seasons where they were elite defenders. Their defense got worse as they aged and had to carry the offense of course. When you factor in their offense, they're definitely the best 2-way players at SG and SF.

It depends what your requirements are for a "2-way player" in this situation.

[mademan]

Crazy to me that Lebron isnt the top choice for 2-way player at SF for a lot of you guys. This dude was legit DPOY caliber in his Miami days. Lebron is number 1 at SF for 2 way players and its not even close, imo.

[Taj FTW]

Crazy to me that Lebron isnt the top choice for 2-way player at SF for a lot of you guys. This dude was legit DPOY caliber in his Miami days. Lebron is number 1 at SF for 2 way players and its not even close, imo.

To be fair, a number of the guys that aren't listing LeBron as their choice have basically zero credibility around here

[shrink]

“Best SF in NBA History” is especially funny when he’s not the best SF on his own team.