Sportsline Ranks the 2s. (Cat unranked)

http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/6648983

Shooting guards: Bryant a baby step ahead of McGrady
Sept. 17, 2003
By Mike Kahn SportsLine.com Executive Editor

How do you choose between Kobe Bryant and Tracy McGrady as the best shooting guard in the NBA?

It's like trying to distinguish between seven-karat diamonds from Tiffany or Cartier.

One has a little different glimmer. The cuts vary in angle and depth. And the presence, well, there is no question who the most exciting players on the floor are. And that distinction doesn't belong exclusively to those two.

Tracy McGrady has had to carry the Magic during his three seasons in Orlando.

For all-around excitement and fearless play, there's nobody like Allen Iverson. When it comes to clutch scoring in the fourth quarter, Paul Pierce. Add in grace, versatility and leadership, it's tough to top Ray Allen.

And, oh yeah, people have forgotten the man formerly known as "half man, half amazing" Vince Carter -- now seemingly healthy again. Some people considered him the best shooting guard of all until knee problems set him back the past two seasons.

These are the best athletes in the NBA, and arguably in any sport. They perform ballet on hardwood. They have the ability to do whatever is necessary to win games -- score, pass, defend, rebound and sink free throws -- making them not only the most desirable players to have on your team but the most popular among fans.

The NBA folks polled for this story lean toward Bryant as the best at the position. He has three championship rings and makes an impact on defense more consistently ... but not by much.

And then there's the, uh, minor difference in teams, considering Bryant has had one of the best centers in league history as his sidekick, Shaquille O'Neal. McGrady hasn't even had a legitimate center with him in his three years in Orlando while also suffering from the frustration of not having ankle-challenged Grant Hill for more than 47 games in three years. "What we don't know," one NBA executive said, "is what McGrady would be like with another star with him, let alone Shaq. That's a huge advantage for Kobe, not only now, but it has been in his development because defenses have to collapse so much on Shaq, it gives Kobe more room to operate.

"They are so close, it's tough to call. And we can't have any idea what will happen to Kobe this year."

Ah yes, this season will be different indeed. After Bryant was accused of sexual assault in a Colorado hotel on June 30, the chaos began. It will be interesting to see how many media outlets will spring for trips to Hawaii and the start of training camp for Bryant, O'Neal and the Lakers. Los Angeles would have been the story anyway, with future Hall of Famers Karl Malone and Gary Payton opting for cut-rate contracts just to play for the Lakers and a chance to win a title.

But with Bryant's preliminary hearing Oct. 9 in Colorado and the presumed trial date to be in the summer, the Lakers locker room and attention on Bryant's every move is likely to rival a traveling circus.

"We'll see how mentally tough he really is this season," the same NBA source said. "He appears to be above it all, but we all forget he's just 25 and this is different. Very different."

Nonetheless, it is just that toughness that gives him the slight edge over McGrady, a much more personable and easy-going personality type. But that edge is miniscule. Plus, there is more talent around McGrady this season, and if Bryant falters at all, McGrady, and possibly Iverson, will blow right by him as the best shooting guards.

1. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers: He has three rings, improved a lot as a passer last season and got much stronger. He's the new prototype, but his off-court issues are very likely to affect his game in some form this season.

2. Tracy McGrady, Orlando Magic: The only real issue with McGrady is his back. He hasn't missed a significant amount of games, but it has bothered him a significant amount of time. That aside, he is already a dream player at 24.

3. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers: His ability to dominate games is even more dramatic because he is about 6-feet and 160 pounds. He played so well for the U.S. team in Puerto Rico he might pass the above duo this season.

4. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics: The best clutch fourth-quarter scorer in the league, he is very strong and a great shooter, and he'll either get fouled or score. He damaged his reputation on the 2002 World Championship team as a selfish whiner, but the Celtics beg to differ.

5. Ray Allen, Seattle SuperSonics: He raised his play to superstar level after the Sonics got him in the Payton trade last year, and he was great in Puerto Rico. An exceptional talent and an even better person than player.

6. Vince Carter, Toronto Raptors: After constant knee issues, Carter says he's back and better than ever. His electrifying dunks aside, he doesn't have the ball-handling skills or defensive inclination of the others.

7. Michael Finley, Dallas Mavericks: Were it not for persistent ankle problems, Finley might be ahead of Carter. He is a terrific post-up player and a great shooter but can't handle the ball or pass like the top guys, either.

8. Latrell Sprewell, Minnesota Timberwolves: Injuries and playing small forward in New York stifled his game. But getting traded to Minnesota and playing his natural position should rejuvenate him.

9. Allan Houston, New York Knicks: With Sprewell gone, Houston will be more of the focal point on offense. He is the best pure shooter of this group. His overall game isn't as good as the others, but he is a solid player in all ways.

10. Richard Hamilton, Detroit Pistons: A great mid-range shooter, he is young and still has to get stronger, but he showed last season he could slash to the rim as well as drain jumpers. Now he has to get a consistent 3-point shot.

Others considered: Jerry Stackhouse, Washington Wizards; Bonzi Wells, Portland Trail Blazers; Jalen Rose, Chicago Bulls; Eddie Jones, Miami Heat; Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs; Reggie Miller, Indiana Pacers.

 

If memory serves, only Yao has gotten any mention at all from Kahn's 'rankings'. Maybe Rudy greatly overachieved? How else could he have won 43 games?

 

Really, when you get past the Top 3 the fall off is pretty slight. I love PP and RA and VC but how much more do they bring to the table than 'unranked' CM?

Even if all but the Top 3 are better than Cat, the difference between the lot is not a lot. Really.