1996 All Stars - Gary Payton, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Patrick Ewing
VS
2006 All Stars - Ray Allen, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki
Payton struggled at times guarding Miller off-ball, as great an on-ball defender as Payton was chasing dude around screens was tiring. I suppose you could put Jordan on Allen and Payton on Bryant, though.
Nowitzki was a pretty great and underrated post defender, he used to do a very good job against Duncan in the post. Struggled with fouling at times, but he had a strong lower base, was smart positionally, and had quick hands. He actually blocked a potential Duncan game-winner in their 2006 series. Ithink he would do a decent job against Ewing as long as they don't run much p&r and bring him out of the paint.
I will go with 2006. I feel they are a better fit, Garnett's defence and play-making will be huge. Nowitzki would be able to pull Ewing away from the paint or Malone, both excelling more in post defence or rim protection. 2006 also has far better spacing. Jordan was arguably the GOAT mid-range shooter, but the other 3 weren't notable shooters. Nowitzki on Jordan's level as a mid-range shooter, but also a great 3-pt shooter. KG was one of the best big men mid-range shooters ever, Allen one of the GOAT 3-pt shooters, and Bryant a very well rounded shooter from all areas.
Log in to comment