Russel vs Brewer

[Lava Rock Kid]

So I was wondering who was the better player.
Bryan Russel in his prime on our team or Brewer?

Without looking at stats
Russel better shooter
Brewer better slasher
Russel better rebounder
Russel better defender.

Was Russel a better player? I think he was. It also gives us an idea of Brewers value, especially if he leaves utah for a different system.

Stats
99-00 Russel 08-09 Brewer
MPG 35.4 32.2
FG .446 .507
3p .396 .270
ft .750 .702
RPG 5.2 3.7
APG 1.9 2.1
SPG 1.56 1.6
BPG .28 .4
To 1.23 1.36
PPG 14.1 14.1

[Pai Gow]

Russell was the smarter and overall better defender than Brewer, along with the better jump shooter. Brewer is the better slasher, finisher and more explosive player.

Brewer has a long ways to go defensively if he really wants to compare to Russell.

[carrottop12]

Russell's shooting really benefited the Jazz, and his veteran experience of playing deep in the playoffs multiple times really helped him.

Brewer is more efficient, and has a much higher upside.

Right now I'd say it's probably about even, but Brewer will be a much better player.

[Lava Rock Kid]

I was supprised to see how close the two were. I guess after time you forget how good Russel was. The same thing is happening to Stockton. I read an article the other day that said that Nash was better. LMAO

[carrottop12]

About Russell's defense, he also benefited from playing on a very good defensive team, something this Jazz team is not. The Jazz don't have a defensive anchor like Ostertag was (give him credit) and another good low post defender in Karl Malone.

When you have good interior D, the perimeter D is a lot easier to play. If Brewer had that, his defense would easily be compared to Russells I believe.

[ColdBlue]

I was a huge fan of B Russ back in the day, but I think Brew's best years are still to come.

[erudite23]

No contest if you compare them as is. Russell at the age of 23, though, couldn't even get any PT.

Russell was a very, very good defender. Say what you want about his struggles versus MJ (as if anyone didn't struggle against that guy), he was just an all around excellent guy defensively. Smart, athletic, played hard. I would love have another B-Russ on this team. Better player by a fair margin over what Brewer is right now, but that was mainly due to the shooting stroke, veteran savvy and smarts that he developed over the first 4 or 5 years of being in the league.

Ronnie is a bit better athlete, is miles better off the dribble and on the break, and is a better off-the-ball player inside. Also a better finisher and passer...quicker hands for steals, and is more of a threat to block/disrupt shots with his length and jumping ability.


Russell was the consumate pro. Very good spot up shooter. Excellent team defender. Knew his role and stuck to it. Played within himself. Smart. Disciplined.

Brewer will peak much higher than Russell ever reached, but I would love, LOVE to have him on this team.

[dalekjazz]

The Salt Lake Tribune is ranking Jazz players all-time. Let's see how both players rank.

[Ming Kong!]

Well Russell's stats in his best 3 years were Ronnie Brewer-ish, but scoring wise he only had one season that matches Brewer's current 14.1ppg, and 2 seasons that match his current 1.6spg. Needless to say, Brewer's numbers have been steadily climbing so he can only get better than Russell in his prime, and I think Brewer has lots of room to get better. He can just score in so many more ways than Russell, and he's far more athletic. He's an already above average defender, and it took Russell until his 4th season to start coming into his own.