Nash is not top 5 "officially"

by 2time on Jun 28, 2011 11:49 AM MST

Sam Smith has just posted a list of the best players at each position, and frankly, I'm outraged. This is his list of top ten point guards:

1. Derrick Rose
2. Chris Paul
3. Deron Williams
4. Russell Westbrook
5. Tony Parker
6. Rajon Rondo
7. Steve Nash
8. Andre Miller
9. Tyreke Evans
10. Jason Kidd

How is Nash not top 5? He and Grant Hill get no respect for what they do. I know the team wasn't successful, but individually wise, if you're ranking them, Nash is an incredible point guard. If we upgrade the talent on this roster a little, and there is a next season, Nash will lead the league in assists for the 3rd consecutive time and the 6th time in 8 years! He passed Isiah Thomas for sixth all time in the assists list, and next season he will probably be top 5. You bring Rondo [who Nash bested in assists with a worse team] or Parker onto this Suns team and lets see if they even get past 30 wins, let alone the league in assists with this roster. Let's compare:

Nash vs Rondo 2011
Nash season stats: 14.8 ppg, 11.4 apg
Rondo season stats: 10.6 ppg, 11.2 apg
Nashper48min-21.3 ppg, 16.4 apg, 6 rpg
Rondoper48min-13.7 ppg, 14.4 apg, 7 rpg
Nash%s- 49.2 FG%, 39.5 3PT%, 91.2 FT%
Rondo%s- 47.5 FG%. 23.3 3PT%, 56.8 FT%
Nash EFF rtg-20.99
Rondo EFF rtg-19.1
Nash PER- 20.81 (22nd)
Rondo PER- 17.11 (69th)
Nash TOPG- 3.6
Rondo TOPG- 3.4

So Nash scored, passed, and shot more efficiently than Rondo, and on top of all that, he's a better leader and teammate than Rondo. And I don't even know why Tony Parker is above both of them. He's good, yes, but not better than Nash or Rondo in any way, shape, or form besides scoring a little more. He's a terrible defender, mediocre passer, and unreliable shooter. Here's my top 10:

1a) Deron Williams

1b) Derrick Rose

2) Steve Nash

3) Chris Paul

4) Russel Westbrook

5) Rajon Rondo

6) Tony Parker

7) Stephen Curry

8) Jason Kidd

9) Raymond Felton

10) Chauncey Billups

Tweet Comment 46 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Having Tony Parker ahead of Nash is pretty LOL to me

Re-sign BAMF.

by brian13 on Jun 28, 2011 12:08 PM MST reply actions

Whoever Sam Smith is, he is an idiot.

The difference between Nash and Rondo, and possibly the reason Rondo is above Nash is that he is a better defender. But then again, Steve is a very UNDERRATED defender.

Here’s my Top 10:
1. Steve Nash
2. Goran Dragic
3. Aaron Brooks
4. Zabian Dowdell
5-10. Who cares?

Suns for life!

The REAL Big 3: Nash, Frye and Gortat

by The Solution on Jun 28, 2011 12:45 PM MST reply actions 1 recs

rec for optimism and fandom

by hear_seeker on Jun 29, 2011 8:42 PM MST up reply actions

Sam Smith is really stupid if he thinks TP is better than Nash

I saw this on NBA.com and I was like what the? My Top 10 would be:
1. Derrick Rose (Mr. 9.8)
2. Nashty
3. CP3
4. D-Will
5. Rondo
6. Westbrook
7. Curry
8. TP
9. Lowry
10. Arenas

by NASHTY777 on Jun 28, 2011 1:03 PM MST reply actions

I love Nash, but #2 is too high.

He’s old and if the Suns have a shot at landing CP3 in the summer of 2012, I wouldn’t hesitate for us to pick him up at the cost of having Steve Nash leave to chase a title somewhere else.

Grant Hill: where making MVPs look like wannabes happens.

by NashMV3 on Jun 28, 2011 1:07 PM MST up reply actions

Is there an Arenas in the NBA besides Gilbert?

There must be. If he’s on that list.

Founder of the Coalition to Light Vince Carter On Fire (CTLVCOF)
RIP Seasons of Discontent

by Scott Howard on Jun 28, 2011 2:54 PM MST up reply actions

Kyle Lowry, too.

I mean, he’s not bad…but 9th overall? I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.

Blogging Phoenix Suns basketball at Bright Side of the Sun twitter: @iamtrevorpaxton

by Trevor Paxton on Jun 28, 2011 4:02 PM MST up reply actions

I agree with numbers 1-3...

But I might have to put Nash at 3b, Russell at 4 and Rondo at 5. I’m not a big fan of Rondo’s game, but he’s a pretty prototypical point guard, and you have to respect that.

I agree with brian13, having Parker ahead of Nash is pretty hilarious.

Blogging Phoenix Suns basketball at Bright Side of the Sun twitter: @iamtrevorpaxton

by Trevor Paxton on Jun 28, 2011 1:03 PM MST reply actions 1 recs

Just logged to say that i agree with you completely

Rondo and Parker wouldn’t be what they are if they were on another team, a really bad one, you know just like that team that is being run by a banker, what was it name ?. West Brook however would be even better on another team IMHO.

Do not let Steve Nash and Grant Hill go away, please.
Otherwhise im not buying any tickets from you Saver.

by Lino Canaan on Jun 28, 2011 9:21 PM MST up reply actions

If westbrook and rose switched teams

how much worse do you think the bulls would be?

by DaveJD on Jun 29, 2011 11:40 AM MST up reply actions

Not much

Voted most likely to say "I told you so"

by jc79 on Jun 29, 2011 4:00 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs

1. Rose
2. D-Will
3. Paul
4. Nash
5. Rondo
6. Westbrook
7-10. Other guys

Don't trade Dudley!

by Beavis 25 on Jun 28, 2011 1:27 PM MST reply actions

i agree with yours.

nash is rondo only nash can shoot from everywhere and dish a lil better.
cp3 has come up though so ill give him the nod. its amazing nash has got 15 years on some of these guys but he still hangs

"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose"

by phxpurple on Jun 28, 2011 1:42 PM MST up reply actions

Chris Paul is the best PG in the league. Deron Williams is my #2. These guys are both 20-10 guys who can control the entire game. Chris Paul at his best (not coasting through the season like last year) is a top 5 player.

After that it’s more of a jumble, but Derrick Rose took a big step up last year. I guess he’s #3 (certainly not #1).

I’d probably go with Nash next, then Westbrook, then Rondo.

After that they’re not even worth distinguishing. It’s a giant jumble of young up-and-comers like Curry and old guys on the way out like Miller. Parker fits into this range as a very good player but not an elite guy you can build around (without Tim Duncan).

Tyreke Evans isn’t even a PG. If he’s listed as a PG, then he might as well have put Dwayne Wade or LeBron James as his #1.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 28, 2011 1:37 PM MST reply actions

That's my ranking exactly as well

1. Paul
2. Williams
3a. Rose
3b. Nash
5. Westbrook
6. Rondo

Steve Nash, the league's MVP, is a longhaired Canadian who spoke out against the war in Iraq and reads The Communist Manifesto. Quentin Richardson declared after a game-winning shot that it "was like Hamlet. It was a suspense thriller, and I killed them at the end." Amare Stoudemire, when asked to comment on a 22-point third quarter against the Kings, said, "I've got a tendency to jump over some guys' heads and throw it down."

by rsavaj on Jul 6, 2011 9:17 AM MST up reply actions

rose was the MVP

of course hes #1, although he isnt as good at passing or shooting from the outside. due to his age and scoring dropping a bit i can see nash behind rose paul williams and rondo, but putting tony parker and westbrook ahead of him is ridiculous.

by suns13 on Jun 28, 2011 2:05 PM MST reply actions

Winning the MVP doesn't mean all that much.

He was still not a top 5 player last year. The situation just worked out that none of the other top candidates were in a position to really secure the votes they needed. MVP is for the most valuable player, not the best player.

He was really a 1-dimensional player, especially during the playoffs. Chris Paul is the most complete PG in the game. Deron Williams is right up there as well. Rose is the best scoring PG, but he doesn’t have the all-around game those guys do.

And I wouldn’t say Westbrook being ahead of him is ridiculous. I still have Steve ahead of him, but it’s pretty close. Parker I agree with though.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 28, 2011 2:16 PM MST up reply actions

Winning the MVP doesn’t mean all that much.

Unless you win it 2 years in a row… then it means you’re a god.

Re-sign BAMF.

by brian13 on Jun 28, 2011 2:45 PM MST up reply actions

Except if your first name happens to have 2 capital letters in it.

Then you’re the devil.

Grant Hill: where making MVPs look like wannabes happens.

by NashMV3 on Jun 28, 2011 2:52 PM MST up reply actions

Yup

And if your last name sounds like a popular Donut chain.

Re-sign BAMF.

by brian13 on Jun 28, 2011 3:04 PM MST up reply actions

Does America really run on Duncan?

Grant Hill: where making MVPs look like wannabes happens.

by NashMV3 on Jun 28, 2011 3:08 PM MST up reply actions

it means alot

for the people making these lists i guess. even if rose isnt technically the best PG, most people consider mvp to be the best player award so you know hes gonna get #1.
And i really think westbrook is seriously overrated, hes all volume.

by suns13 on Jun 28, 2011 3:58 PM MST up reply actions

no way in hell is nash behind rondo

i will argue that point to the death

"I'm gonna f*ckin punch one of these muthaf*uckas in the face!"
-Steve Nash

by 2time on Jun 28, 2011 4:43 PM MST up reply actions

That's a crap list

Tyreke and Parker don’t belong it even.

Voted most likely to say "I told you so"

by jc79 on Jun 28, 2011 3:15 PM MST reply actions

CP3 is better than nash ATM , i know its hard to accept it :(

Do not let Steve Nash and Grant Hill go away, please.
Otherwhise im not buying any tickets from you Saver.

by Lino Canaan on Jun 28, 2011 4:09 PM MST via mobile reply actions

Automated Teller Machine?

Voted most likely to say "I told you so"

by jc79 on Jun 28, 2011 5:24 PM MST up reply actions

lol

at the moment

"I'm gonna f*ckin punch one of these muthaf*uckas in the face!"
-Steve Nash

by 2time on Jun 28, 2011 5:28 PM MST up reply actions

I've said as much.

That happened a couple years ago.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 28, 2011 7:42 PM MST up reply actions

either way, nash is and deserves to be top 5

"I'm gonna f*ckin punch one of these muthaf*uckas in the face!"
-Steve Nash

by 2time on Jun 28, 2011 4:37 PM MST reply actions

Bogus

Nash should replace Parker. Rondo’s stats are padded as well. It was pointed during a game last season when he was credited for an assist that was actually a pass from Ray Allen to Shaq. Allen had caught the pass from Rondo and dished it to Shaq. Oh well, the stats speak for themselves – Nash is still averaging a double double and is statistically the best shooter ever.

by Humongous on Jun 28, 2011 8:41 PM MST reply actions

List is rubbish.

Hey Sam Smith, you realize Steve Nash is the Sun, the Moon and the Stars dont you?

by spinifecs on Jun 29, 2011 4:03 AM MST reply actions

Horrible List

Lists such as this show writer bias. The point guards that are ahead of Nash (and Kidd for that matter), are younger and flashier. They aren’t necessarily better. Mr. Smith should really be gauging his “list” off the career the player has had. In which case, the list would look something like this.

1. Nash / Kidd (They’ve both had stellar careers. Both are going to the HOF. I can’t logically put one over the other.
2. Chris Paul / Derrick Rose
3. Derron Williams
4. Rajon Rondo
.. everyone else.

There is more to being a great point guard than scoring or passing. Leadership, court vision, attitude. Nash and Kidd have that, and more. That is why they, in my eyes, are better than those youngins’.

by ScottTX on Jun 29, 2011 5:34 AM MST reply actions

The writer is a Bulls fan.

"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley

by Suns R Us on Jun 29, 2011 1:20 PM MST up reply actions

More like... he's paid to write about the Bulls.

Which means he’s biased.

Grant Hill: where making MVPs look like wannabes happens.

by NashMV3 on Jun 29, 2011 2:37 PM MST up reply actions

Winning

will get Nash back to the top of the list. Rest of the Suns need to step up and give Nash that third MVP

by Ben Tang on Jun 29, 2011 8:38 AM MST reply actions

Did you guys check out the other lists too?

They’re all just as funny as this one.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 29, 2011 9:00 AM MST reply actions

yes

but the pg list stood out because he ranked nash so low and parker so high

"I'm gonna f*ckin punch one of these muthaf*uckas in the face!"
-Steve Nash

by 2time on Jun 29, 2011 9:21 AM MST up reply actions

Currently

1. Chris Paul
2. Derrick Rose
3. Derron Williams
4. Rajon Rondo
5. Westbrook

Overall
1. Chris Paul
2. Derrick Rose
3. Derron Williams
4. Steve Nash
5. Rondo
6. Westbrook
7. Kidd
8. Andre Miller
9. Tony Parker
10. Raymond Felton

"I don't lift weights because they are heavy, and I don't run because it makes me tired." - Charles Barkley

by Suns R Us on Jun 29, 2011 1:22 PM MST reply actions

Oh what the heck...

My top 5:

1. Steve Nash
2. Steve Nash
3. Steve Nash
4. Steve Nash
5. Steve Nash

My actual top 10:

1. Chris Paul
2. Derrick Rose
3. Steve Nash
4. Deron Williams
5. Russell Westbrook
6. Chauncey Billups
7. Rajon Rondo
8. Jason Kidd
9. Andre Miller
10. Tony Parker

Grant Hill: where making MVPs look like wannabes happens.

by NashMV3 on Jun 29, 2011 2:41 PM MST reply actions

You really have Deron that low?

I’d rather have him than Rose.

And as over-rated as I think Rondo is, he’s still above Chauncey at this point for me.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 29, 2011 2:46 PM MST up reply actions

Yeah I do.

I remember how poorly Deron was playing last season before he got traded. I didn’t follow him after he was traded but I still think he’s a very good point guard. I like Rose more because when I saw him playing in the playoffs, he looked almost unguardable. He’s fast, attacks the basket, plays great defense, and has improved his jumpshot. It’s only his 3rd season too. I think he’s definitely that good.

As for Billups over Rondo, I choose Billups because he’s a bigger threat on offense. His defense isn’t as good as it was back in his Detroit days, but he’s still a decent defender. He’s a veteran point guard who can knock down shots. You can’t sag off him like you can with Rondo. Plus Billups can make the pass if he needs to. I’m going Billups over Rondo.

Grant Hill: where making MVPs look like wannabes happens.

by NashMV3 on Jun 29, 2011 2:55 PM MST up reply actions

Eh, I'm not a fan of Billups.

He’s definitely not the kind of PG NY needs. Too many shots, and they’re not going in like they used to.

As for Deron, he did have a bit of a down year. But there was some stuff going on all year long, with the coaching drama, Al Jefferson replacing Boozer, the trade… Plus, it’s not like CP3 killed it last year. He had a pretty pedestrian season by his standards. There are still only 2 PGs in my mind that are 20-10 guys right now, and their names are Chris and Deron (I’m a sucker for a PG that likes to pass).

As for Rose, I disagree about him being unguardable. Sure, that label can be applied to him often enough, but he sure was guarded pretty well later in the playoffs. His jumper abandoned him, his attempts around the basket became much more contested, and he couldn’t adjust. Part of that was how poorly his teammates were playing, but he still failed to change his game when what he was doing stopped working.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

Green Bay Packers: Super Bowl XLV Champions!!!!

I also edit things at Ridiculous Upside. Check it out.

by Omaha Sun on Jun 29, 2011 3:06 PM MST up reply actions