Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
Moderators: bwgood77, zimpy27, infinite11285, Clav, Domejandro, ken6199, bisme37, Dirk, KingDavid, cupcakesnake
Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- Ryoga Hibiki
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,558
- And1: 7,742
- Joined: Nov 14, 2001
- Location: Warszawa now, but from Northern Italy
Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
I have seen many comments here and there, but I wanted to create a thread to discuss the full list.
This is where were right now:
HM: Russell Westbrook, Allen Iverson, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Paul Pierce, Pau Gasol, Ray Allen, Paul George, Deron Williams, Damian Lillard
25) Jason Kidd
24) Jayson Tatum
23) Dwight Howard
22) Draymond Green
21) Manu Ginobili
20) James Harden
19) Tracy McGrady
18) Luka Doncic
17) Joel Embiid
16) Anthony Davis
15) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
My forecast for the final list (not my ranking)
14) Steve Nash
13) Chris Paul
12) Kawhi Leonard
11) Dwyane Wade
10) Dirk Nowitzki (high risk he might take Wade ahead, here)
9) Kevin Durant
8) Giannis Antetokounmpo
7) Kobe Bryant
6) Timmeh Duncan
5) Kevin Garnett
4) Steph Curry
3) Shaquille O'Neal
2) Nikola Jokic
1) LeBron James
What generated the most comment on line are Iverson's and Westbrooks's only HM, Harden too low, Dray in the list, Manu in the list.
To me, I was really not convinced by TMac at 19. I understand where he's coming from, but there's really no enough data to have that as a median outcome. I can see having a super high range, up to the top10, but I would have him at Tatum's level.
This is where were right now:
HM: Russell Westbrook, Allen Iverson, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Paul Pierce, Pau Gasol, Ray Allen, Paul George, Deron Williams, Damian Lillard
25) Jason Kidd
24) Jayson Tatum
23) Dwight Howard
22) Draymond Green
21) Manu Ginobili
20) James Harden
19) Tracy McGrady
18) Luka Doncic
17) Joel Embiid
16) Anthony Davis
15) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
My forecast for the final list (not my ranking)
14) Steve Nash
13) Chris Paul
12) Kawhi Leonard
11) Dwyane Wade
10) Dirk Nowitzki (high risk he might take Wade ahead, here)
9) Kevin Durant
8) Giannis Antetokounmpo
7) Kobe Bryant
6) Timmeh Duncan
5) Kevin Garnett
4) Steph Curry
3) Shaquille O'Neal
2) Nikola Jokic
1) LeBron James
What generated the most comment on line are Iverson's and Westbrooks's only HM, Harden too low, Dray in the list, Manu in the list.
To me, I was really not convinced by TMac at 19. I understand where he's coming from, but there's really no enough data to have that as a median outcome. I can see having a super high range, up to the top10, but I would have him at Tatum's level.
Слава Украине!
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,348
- And1: 2,710
- Joined: Jun 19, 2019
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- Ryoga Hibiki
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,558
- And1: 7,742
- Joined: Nov 14, 2001
- Location: Warszawa now, but from Northern Italy
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
GiannisAnte34 wrote:KG way too high
If you're questioning my prediction, 80% he will be at 5, 99% 4-7.
Слава Украине!
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,348
- And1: 2,710
- Joined: Jun 19, 2019
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
Ryoga Hibiki wrote:GiannisAnte34 wrote:KG way too high
If you're questioning my prediction, 80% he will be at 5, 99% 4-7.
I think 4-7 overrates him, not questioning your prediction. I’d have peaks of Duncan, Kobe, and Giannis clearly ahead of anything KG has done. I’d probably put Dirk ahead of him as well because of 2011 and Wade in front of him because of 2006
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- Senior
- Posts: 567
- And1: 920
- Joined: Mar 09, 2025
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
GiannisAnte34 wrote:Ryoga Hibiki wrote:GiannisAnte34 wrote:KG way too high
If you're questioning my prediction, 80% he will be at 5, 99% 4-7.
I think 4-7 overrates him, not questioning your prediction. I’d have peaks of Duncan, Kobe, and Giannis clearly ahead of anything KG has done. I’d probably put Dirk ahead of him as well because of 2011 and Wade in front of him because of 2006
2011 wasnt even close to Dirks peak year, and 2006 wasnt Wade's. winning the title =/= peak
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- -Luke-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,217
- And1: 6,686
- Joined: Feb 21, 2021
- Contact:
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
Is Ben "low" in Duncan? 6 would be pretty low if you look at 2003 Duncan. Although compared to the project on the player comparison board this one could include 2000 Shaq.
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,348
- And1: 2,710
- Joined: Jun 19, 2019
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
ball_takes23 wrote:GiannisAnte34 wrote:Ryoga Hibiki wrote:If you're questioning my prediction, 80% he will be at 5, 99% 4-7.
I think 4-7 overrates him, not questioning your prediction. I’d have peaks of Duncan, Kobe, and Giannis clearly ahead of anything KG has done. I’d probably put Dirk ahead of him as well because of 2011 and Wade in front of him because of 2006
2011 wasnt even close to Dirks peak year, and 2006 wasnt Wade's. winning the title =/= peak
I’d take postseason performance over regular season performance. If this is purely regular season then I can understand KG being higher
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,084
- And1: 3,796
- Joined: Oct 29, 2012
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
You would think they would at least put the year they are referencing.
Wouldn’t hurt to throw in some stats too
Wouldn’t hurt to throw in some stats too
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King Jr
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- Ryoga Hibiki
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,558
- And1: 7,742
- Joined: Nov 14, 2001
- Location: Warszawa now, but from Northern Italy
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-Luke- wrote:Is Ben "low" in Duncan? 6 would be pretty low if you look at 2003 Duncan. Although compared to the project on the player comparison board this one could include 2000 Shaq.
it depends compared to whom, but he is relatively low compared to, say, PC board consensus.
In particular, he believes that his early highly positive on/off in the PO is due to shooting variance, while later he sees Ginobili as an equal contributor.
Слава Украине!
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- Ryoga Hibiki
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,558
- And1: 7,742
- Joined: Nov 14, 2001
- Location: Warszawa now, but from Northern Italy
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
mastermixer wrote:You would think they would at least put the year they are referencing.
Wouldn’t hurt to throw in some stats too
they do, but I didn't go back to listen to give you all that (and the ranges, that are very important)
Слава Украине!
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,084
- And1: 3,796
- Joined: Oct 29, 2012
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
Ryoga Hibiki wrote:mastermixer wrote:You would think they would at least put the year they are referencing.
Wouldn’t hurt to throw in some stats too
they do, but I didn't go back to listen to give you all that (and the ranges, that are very important)
Gotcha.
I think he’s gonna put Steph unanimous mvp year #1
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King Jr
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- General Manager
- Posts: 7,514
- And1: 11,299
- Joined: Jan 08, 2010
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
mastermixer wrote:Ryoga Hibiki wrote:mastermixer wrote:You would think they would at least put the year they are referencing.
Wouldn’t hurt to throw in some stats too
they do, but I didn't go back to listen to give you all that (and the ranges, that are very important)
Gotcha.
I think he’s gonna put Steph unanimous mvp year #1
Definitely not, the rankings are largely based on what the players did in the playoffs and Curry's playoffs that season were pretty underwhelming, he missed a several games due to injury and wasn't at his very best when he played.
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- homecourtloss
- RealGM
- Posts: 11,447
- And1: 18,844
- Joined: Dec 29, 2012
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
Ryoga Hibiki wrote:I have seen many comments here and there, but I wanted to create a thread to discuss the full list.
This is where were right now:
HM: Russell Westbrook, Allen Iverson, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Paul Pierce, Pau Gasol, Ray Allen, Paul George, Deron Williams, Damian Lillard
25) Jason Kidd
24) Jayson Tatum
23) Dwight Howard
22) Draymond Green
21) Manu Ginobili
20) James Harden
19) Tracy McGrady
18) Luka Doncic
17) Joel Embiid
16) Anthony Davis
15) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
My forecast for the final list (not my ranking)
14) Steve Nash
13) Chris Paul
12) Kawhi Leonard
11) Dwyane Wade
10) Dirk Nowitzki (high risk he might take Wade ahead, here)
9) Kevin Durant
8) Giannis Antetokounmpo
7) Kobe Bryant
6) Timmeh Duncan
5) Kevin Garnett
4) Steph Curry
3) Shaquille O'Neal
2) Nikola Jokic
1) LeBron James
What generated the most comment on line are Iverson's and Westbrooks's only HM, Harden too low, Dray in the list, Manu in the list.
To me, I was really not convinced by TMac at 19. I understand where he's coming from, but there's really no enough data to have that as a median outcome. I can see having a super high range, up to the top10, but I would have him at Tatum's level.
it's been Taylor and thinking basketball – the lowest possible Steph Curry will be will be number three with more likely he'll be either number two or number one.
lessthanjake wrote:Kyrie was extremely impactful without LeBron, and basically had zero impact whatsoever if LeBron was on the court.
lessthanjake wrote: By playing in a way that prevents Kyrie from getting much impact, LeBron ensures that controlling for Kyrie has limited effect…
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- Ryoga Hibiki
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,558
- And1: 7,742
- Joined: Nov 14, 2001
- Location: Warszawa now, but from Northern Italy
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
mastermixer wrote:Ryoga Hibiki wrote:mastermixer wrote:You would think they would at least put the year they are referencing.
Wouldn’t hurt to throw in some stats too
they do, but I didn't go back to listen to give you all that (and the ranges, that are very important)
Gotcha.
I think he’s gonna put Steph unanimous mvp year #1
I think we have an idea based on his greatest 3 years peak series.
The players who qualified for this ranking were:
2) LeBron
3) Shaq
7) Steph
8) Garnett
9) Timmeh
HM: Kobe, Durant
Not mentioned: Nash, Paul, Dirk, Wade
Too early: Giannis, Jokic (quick cameo of him, as possibly the best offensive center ever)
Слава Украине!
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- Ryoga Hibiki
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,558
- And1: 7,742
- Joined: Nov 14, 2001
- Location: Warszawa now, but from Northern Italy
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
homecourtloss wrote:Ryoga Hibiki wrote:I have seen many comments here and there, but I wanted to create a thread to discuss the full list.
This is where were right now:
HM: Russell Westbrook, Allen Iverson, Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, Paul Pierce, Pau Gasol, Ray Allen, Paul George, Deron Williams, Damian Lillard
25) Jason Kidd
24) Jayson Tatum
23) Dwight Howard
22) Draymond Green
21) Manu Ginobili
20) James Harden
19) Tracy McGrady
18) Luka Doncic
17) Joel Embiid
16) Anthony Davis
15) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
My forecast for the final list (not my ranking)
14) Steve Nash
13) Chris Paul
12) Kawhi Leonard
11) Dwyane Wade
10) Dirk Nowitzki (high risk he might take Wade ahead, here)
9) Kevin Durant
8) Giannis Antetokounmpo
7) Kobe Bryant
6) Timmeh Duncan
5) Kevin Garnett
4) Steph Curry
3) Shaquille O'Neal
2) Nikola Jokic
1) LeBron James
What generated the most comment on line are Iverson's and Westbrooks's only HM, Harden too low, Dray in the list, Manu in the list.
To me, I was really not convinced by TMac at 19. I understand where he's coming from, but there's really no enough data to have that as a median outcome. I can see having a super high range, up to the top10, but I would have him at Tatum's level.
it's been Taylor and thinking basketball – the lowest possible Steph Curry will be will be number three with more likely he'll be either number two or number one.
The highest I can imagine him going is #3, 90% he's going to #4, I don't think he would take him over Jokic.
He already had Shaq several spots ahead, in another ranking
Слава Украине!
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- Analyst
- Posts: 3,084
- And1: 3,796
- Joined: Oct 29, 2012
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
Bergmaniac wrote:mastermixer wrote:Ryoga Hibiki wrote:they do, but I didn't go back to listen to give you all that (and the ranges, that are very important)
Gotcha.
I think he’s gonna put Steph unanimous mvp year #1
Definitely not, the rankings are largely based on what the players did in the playoffs and Curry's playoffs that season were pretty underwhelming, he missed a several games due to injury and wasn't at his very best when he played.
Oh ok. Not too familiar. I was figuring just regular season.
Then I think Shaq should be #1
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." -Martin Luther King Jr
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
-
- Pro Prospect
- Posts: 875
- And1: 1,139
- Joined: Nov 25, 2020
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
If we’re just talking peak , how is Derrick Rose not on the list and behind a guy like Draymond Green?
List overall seems good outside guys in the 20’s
Also agree Garnett too high. If it’s “single year peak” I don’t see how guys that dominated and let teams to championship such as Wade, Dirk, Kawhi, others are below KG.
Heck just straight up play wise I’d take peak Kawhi Leonard over Garnett also.
List overall seems good outside guys in the 20’s
Also agree Garnett too high. If it’s “single year peak” I don’t see how guys that dominated and let teams to championship such as Wade, Dirk, Kawhi, others are below KG.
Heck just straight up play wise I’d take peak Kawhi Leonard over Garnett also.
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- Ryoga Hibiki
- RealGM
- Posts: 12,558
- And1: 7,742
- Joined: Nov 14, 2001
- Location: Warszawa now, but from Northern Italy
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
BrianInPhilly wrote:If we’re just talking peak , how is Derrick Rose not on the list and behind a guy like Draymond Green?
List overall seems good outside guys in the 20’s
Also agree Garnett too high. If it’s “single year peak” I don’t see how guys that dominated and let teams to championship such as Wade, Dirk, Kawhi, others are below KG.
Heck just straight up play wise I’d take peak Kawhi Leonard over Garnett also.
once again, the top part of the list is my speculation. There are other episodes coming out.
On the first list, he explained why and they are all very interesting points, even if you might disagree.
Remember that he's not just stacking awards, he's trying to determine how "good" a player was in that season, and how much he could have contributed to championships. Once you understand that, Rose's MVP season is not really that exceptional, in this context.
Слава Украине!
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- bonita_the_frog
- Senior
- Posts: 555
- And1: 422
- Joined: May 24, 2025
- Location: https://voca.ro/1l6miOPvyl4U
- Contact:
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
Giannis has to have the best season because he's averaged 29.9ppg 11.9rpg 6.0apg .575fg for the last 6 years and played league-best defense.
Who else can play league-best defense and dominate offensively like that?
He's in a glass of his own.
And he only played 33 minutes per game!

Who else can play league-best defense and dominate offensively like that?
He's in a glass of his own.
And he only played 33 minutes per game!

Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
- Whopper_Sr
- Pro Prospect
- Posts: 959
- And1: 958
- Joined: Aug 28, 2013
-
Re: Thinking Basketball Top25 Single Year Peaks of the Millennium
The top 6 isn’t as interesting as the 7-14 spots. My prediction is LeBron/Curry/Duncan/Garnett/Jokic/Shaq.