Ok, I've spent most of today looking over players season/career averages, and I got to thinking, what some of the most impressive seasons statistic wise have been by NBA players. Here are a few that really stood out to me: <u>Hakeem Olajuwon:</u> 1989/1990 (82 Games): 24.3ppg | 14.0rpg | 2.9apg | 2.1spg | 4.5bpg 1992/1993 (82 Games): 26.1ppg | 13.0rpg | 3.5apg | 1.8spg | 4.1bpg <u>Michael Jordan:</u> 1986/1987 (82 Games): 37.1ppg | 5.2rpg | 4.6apg | 2.8spg | 1.5bpg 1987/1988 (82 Games): 35.0ppg | 5.5rpg | 5.9apg | 3.1spg | 1.6bpg <u>John Stockton:</u> 1990/1991 (82 Games): 17.2ppg | 2.9rpg | 14.2apg | 2.8spg | 0.2bpg <u>Karl Malone:</u> 1989/1990 (82 Games): 31.0ppg | 11.1rpg | 2.8apg | 1.4spg | 0.6bpg <u>Jason Kidd:</u> 2006/2007 (80 Games): 13.0ppg | 8.2rpg | 9.2apg | 1.6spg | 0.3bpg <u>Kobe Bryant:</u> 2005/2006 (80 Games): 35.4ppg | 5.3rpg | 4.5apg | 1.8spg | 0.4bpg Feel free to add to the list.
Wilt Chamberlain 61 - 62 (80 games): 50.4 PPG, 25.7 RPG, 50.6% FG Oscar Robertson 61 - 62 (79 games): 30.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 11.4 APG They both have more seasons like that.
For sheer statistical improbability, there isn't and will never be another NBA season like Wilt's 61-62 campaign. 50+ PPG, 25+ rebounds per game. If a player did that for just ONE game next year, he'd be thrown into the discussion for best performance all time, and Wilt did it for an entire season.
You do have to consider their opposition over the course of their season, so it was easier for Wilt to get that than for Shaq to get 50-25. I'm not trying to take away from the achievement, but the fact is that it is easier to score heavily against lesser opposition. For this reason, I choose Jordan's 37.1ppg ...... season.
I could understand the argument as it relates to Jordan's size vs. Wilt's size (Jordan obviously having to work arder for each point), but I think the inferior competition argument is lessened by the size of the league. Certainly, the elite competition nowadays is athletically much better than back then, but with only nine NBA teams in '61-'62, that means the talent pool was much smaller, so presumably only the best big men most capable in dealing with Chamberlain would be signed. Since there are less layers needed to fill out the rosters, he's always presumably at least going against that team's best option. Similarly, if the league contracted to ten teams next year, the loss of roster sots likely uts a guy like Jake Tsakalidis out of a job. I certainly wouldn't argue that it isn't more difficult for a guard. But the sheer numerical impact of a 50/25 season is so insane, I have to give it to Wilt. I feel like LeBron or Kobe, if they had a prime year where they had free reign to shoot without media scrutiny, could probably equal Jordan's mark.
<div class="quote_poster">Montaman Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I could understand the argument as it relates to Jordan's size vs. Wilt's size (Jordan obviously having to work arder for each point), but I think the inferior competition argument is lessened by the size of the league. Certainly, the elite competition nowadays is athletically much better than back then, but with only nine NBA teams in '61-'62, that means the talent pool was much smaller, so presumably only the best big men most capable in dealing with Chamberlain would be signed. Since there are less layers needed to fill out the rosters, he's always presumably at least going against that team's best option. Similarly, if the league contracted to ten teams next year, the loss of roster sots likely uts a guy like Jake Tsakalidis out of a job. I certainly wouldn't argue that it isn't more difficult for a guard. But the sheer numerical impact of a 50/25 season is so insane, I have to give it to Wilt. I feel like LeBron or Kobe, if they had a prime year where they had free reign to shoot without media scrutiny, could probably equal Jordan's mark.</div> ???????? You're saying what the media says affects how a player chooses to play? Kobe and LeBron do have free reign to do whatever they want. They're the team leaders. They will not equal Jordan's mark. LeBron doesn't and will not take enough shots. Kobe just isn't a high percentage scorer. Unlike LeBron and Jordan, Kobe gets most of his points from outside the paint. That's why he shoots such a low percentage.
<div class="quote_poster">Clear It Out Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">???????? You're saying what the media says affects how a player chooses to play? Kobe and LeBron do have free reign to do whatever they want. They're the team leaders. They will not equal Jordan's mark. LeBron doesn't and will not take enough shots. Kobe just isn't a high percentage scorer. Unlike LeBron and Jordan, Kobe gets most of his points from outside the paint. That's why he shoots such a low percentage.</div> Kobe? A low percentage shooter? Put the crack pipe down, and actually use your brain. Kobe is a career 45.3% shooter smartass, how in the world is that shooting a low percentage?
<div class="quote_poster">Clear It Out Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">???????? You're saying what the media says affects how a player chooses to play? Kobe and LeBron do have free reign to do whatever they want. They're the team leaders. They will not equal Jordan's mark. LeBron doesn't and will not take enough shots. Kobe just isn't a high percentage scorer. Unlike LeBron and Jordan, Kobe gets most of his points from outside the paint. That's why he shoots such a low percentage.</div> Kobe had the same TS% as Wade this year. FG% is a horribly flawed stat for measuring overall efficiency.
I'd say if we get DOWN to Most Impressive Season by an NBA Player... The finals would be between Hakeem & Oscar Robertson.
<div class="quote_poster">Pakman Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'd say if we get DOWN to Most Impressive Season by an NBA Player... The finals would be between Hakeem & Oscar Robertson.</div> I'd go with one of Jordan's monster seasons between 1987-1991. His pace adjusted dominance was amazing, and really, no one here knows that much about Oscar Robertson and he played at an inflated pace (his stats are incomplete seeing as TOs and such aren't accounted for).
<div class="quote_poster">huevonkiller Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I'd go with one of Jordan's monster seasons between 1987-1991. His pace adjusted dominance was amazing, and really, no one here knows that much about Oscar Robertson and he played at an inflated pace (his stats are incomplete seeing as TOs and such aren't accounted for).</div> Averaging a triple-double is amazing enough for me to pick him. Can you explain more to me about "inflated pace" and stuff? I mean, Oscar Robertson wasn't just barely averaging a triple double. He was averaging 30!
I think, in modern times, there will never be a season equivalent to the success Jordan enjoyed during 1987-1988. 35.0 ppg on 53.5% shooting, took home the MVP Award, and the Defensive Player of the Year award. Those are phenomonal numbers and accolades.
<div class="quote_poster">Pakman Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Averaging a triple-double is amazing enough for me to pick him. Can you explain more to me about "inflated pace" and stuff? I mean, Oscar Robertson wasn't just barely averaging a triple double. He was averaging 30!</div> Pakman, when the Rockets go into single/double overtime, it will be much easier for (let's say) T-Mac to have a 35-40+ game (it dilutes the accomplishment). The same applies with the pace of games back then which was about 25-30% higher. More possessions allows one to inflate volume based statistics such as PPG, RPG, and APG. To reiterate, his stats are also incomplete seeing as the NBA didn't take Steals, Blocks, or Turnovers into account. He also had his prime occur before 1966 (which is when many great centers came into the NBA). I also find it probable that the lack of "diversity" in that time allowed him to get better looks. <div class="quote_poster">Karma Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">I think, in modern times, there will never be a season equivalent to the success Jordan enjoyed during 1987-1988. 35.0 ppg on 53.5% shooting, took home the MVP Award, and the Defensive Player of the Year award. Those are phenomonal numbers and accolades.</div> He didn't deserve that DPOY award though, although he was a strong candidate I don't feel he was the best one.
<div class="quote_poster">huevonkiller Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Pakman, when the Rockets go into single/double overtime, it will be much easier for (let's say) T-Mac to have a 35-40+ game (it dilutes the accomplishment). The same applies with the pace of games back then which was about 25-30% higher. More possessions allows one to inflate volume based statistics such as PPG, RPG, and APG. To reiterate, his stats are also incomplete seeing as the NBA didn't take Steals, Blocks, or Turnovers into account. He also had his prime occur before 1966 (which is when many great centers came into the NBA). I also find it probable that the lack of "diversity" in that time allowed him to get better looks.</div> Ah, now I understand. Hey man, thanks for explaining.
<div class="quote_poster">Brian Wrote</div><div class="quote_post">Kobe? A low percentage shooter? Put the crack pipe down, and actually use your brain. Kobe is a career 45.3% shooter smartass, how in the world is that shooting a low percentage?</div> Here, I'll easily show you why his shooting percentage is a low one: It's not high. Simple enough for you? Kobe homers think Kobe's the best thing since sliced bread. Hell, if he shot 25% from the field you'd probably use that as the barometer for shooting and make brand new excuses for why it isn't higher. I don't even know why I argue with you Kobe homers. Most retarded people ever.
Kobe 02-03, his best by far Regular season: RPG: 6.9, SPG 2.2 (both career highs), 30.0ppg (most in the Shaq era), plus he had all those insane games and streaks including during the rape trial. In the playoffs that year, he had 32.1ppg (most in Shaq era), and 40% 3pt. 02-03 is his best year
