September 23, 2008 8:00 am  |  202 Comments

SLAMonline Top 50: Jason Kidd, no. 30

The definitive ranking of the best players in the NBA today…

by Marcel Mutoni

Nobody stays great forever. It’s a non-negotiable fact of life. Basketball players, musicians, politicians, writers, movie stars, comedians. They all fall off and fade away at some point or other. There any number of reasons for this, but two seem to stand out: 1) age, and 2) the public simply grows tired of their act.

For Jason Kidd, it’s the former. And Kidd was great, unbelievable even. From 1995-2003, there’s a large body of evidence that strongly suggests that the man affectionately known to some as Ason Kidd may have owned an additional pair of eyes, which he glued to the back of his head prior to each and every game he played in.

Jason Kidd, in his prime, was one of the most enjoyable athletes to watch on the planet. On most days, he was credited with a triple double the minute he rolled out of bed; he was once robbed of an MVP; he led the New Jersey Freaking Nets to consecutive NBA Finals appearances (!!!); and perhaps most impressively, dude has bagged a simply stunning amount of super models over the course of his career.

None of the above matters, of course. Not for the purposes of this exercise anyway. Mavs fans certainly don’t care about what Jason accomplished prior to donning a Dallas uniform. They’re Janet Jackson right now, crooning, What Have You Done for Me Lately? Not a whole lot, it turns out.

Kidd was underwhelming in every way for the Mavericks last season, and appropriately enough, his team was ushered out of the postseason by the guy currently holding Jason’s old title of ‘Universe’s Greatest Point Guard’.

The NBA is No Country League for Old Men, and Jason Kidd and Tommy Lee Jones have about an equal chance of keeping up with the Chris Pauls and Deron Williams of the Association - none.

Which is not to say that he’s completely useless; Kidd is still a very good basketball player, perfectly capable of dazzling us with a performance here and there. His time, though, has come and gone. Clear-eyed Mavs fans know it, and soon enough, Mark Cuban will come to this realization as well (if he hasn’t already).

You guys and gals are more than welcome to stick around here and debate whether or not Jason Kidd deserves the ranking he got until you turn blue in the face; I’m going to YouTube old Mavs highlights, and try to spot how many times Jason purposely ignored Jimmy Jackson on the break while Toni Braxton sat courtside, suggestively crossing and uncrossing her legs.

Want more of the SLAMonline Top 50? Check out the archive.

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This story is filed under: Blogs, Mutoni's Spot, NBA, SLAMonline Top 50

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  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:07 am
    Canadian Pig Vomit! ;)

  • mat smith Posted: Sep.23 at 8:07 am
    maybe in 1999

  • Bryan Posted: Sep.23 at 8:09 am
    I always felt this guy was overrated.

  • Si Posted: Sep.23 at 8:10 am
    Jason (NotA)Kidd(Anymore)

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:10 am
    Mmmm…. Jimmy Jackson. Wait, Toni Braxton, yeh thats who I meant *coughs*

  • starbury&stevey Posted: Sep.23 at 8:12 am
    hmm…dissagree..

  • Diamantidis Posted: Sep.23 at 8:13 am
    let’s wait a couple of minutes cause this is propably a mistake…

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:14 am
    Its ok guys, Brian just hates everyone. *waits for it*.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:15 am
    @S&S- where would you have him? he was still an allster last year, even disregarding everything else the last season or two.

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 8:16 am
    hursty im loving the changing up first!

  • overtime Posted: Sep.23 at 8:18 am
    95-03?so those 07 playoff averages are no good then?his team just sucked after 03 is all

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:22 am
    yeh… *sighs* I have to think of some new ones, getting a bit old for me, trying to keep it original you know?

  • Bryan Posted: Sep.23 at 8:22 am
    I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve top 30, but all this sh*t about him being robbed of an mvp f*ck off man. I hate hearing that this isn’t 1957 a 38 percent field goal percentage doesn’t cut it.

  • Clockwork Posted: Sep.23 at 8:25 am
    If he’s so washed up, why is he number 30 on the list? Surely Pau Gasol and Artest are better than him at this point. No?

  • Diamantidis Posted: Sep.23 at 8:28 am
    no correction in sight so it is official: according to SLAM Jason Kidd at this very moment (September 2008)is a better player than Jose Calderon…now i can definitelly see Marbury in the top - 30 (no joking).

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:30 am
    Yeh, but the Nets were sh*t before he got there. Who got it anyways? 2002? Shaq? Duncan got it for a few years. 02/3? I cant even remember, shame on me.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:31 am
    Yeh true that Clockwork.

  • Bryan Posted: Sep.23 at 8:31 am
    Duncan got it. Everyone on the nets was hurt the year before he got there.

  • jay Posted: Sep.23 at 8:33 am
    toni in her prime was a sight to behold. I don’t blame ason 1 bit;-)

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:42 am
    Thought that was the case Bryan. He repeated though didnt he 2003 as well? Marbury was on that team at some stage. K-Mart was a rookie wasnt he? 2001 1st pick? And Jefferson was a 2nd year player or 3rd or something, so they were very young. Kittles was the starting guard at the 2 and they had Toddy Mccullough backing up Mutumbo at the 5.

  • DP Posted: Sep.23 at 8:47 am
    Ha! I love jokes…now who is really number 30?

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:48 am
    Toni Braxton is overrated though jay. A shame she had the breast cancer thing, but even before that she was slightly overhyped imo.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:49 am
    DP in the house! Check the blog my man

  • jay Posted: Sep.23 at 8:50 am
    hursty; check the vid “you’re making me high” overrated? I think not. Not as nice as Halle? Most def!

  • DP Posted: Sep.23 at 8:50 am
    I would hurst, but my school blocks websites like blogs and they have find out the code to all my freakin proxy sites. Drag….adv. algebra here I go.

  • Bryan Posted: Sep.23 at 8:53 am
    Like I said everyone was hurt, Keith Van Horn played 49 games, Kmart 68, Kittles missed the entire season and there was todd mc. It was like he got an entirely different team.

  • Eboy Posted: Sep.23 at 8:55 am
    At this point of his career, no way am I taking ason over a whole season over guys like Iggy, Rip, Ron or (hate to say it) Pau. Maybe for a couple of quarters in a big game if I need a proven floor general but not over 82 games. No way.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 8:57 am
    Yeh I suppose that counts. I dont really remember that series too well. I have game 1 or 2 (Kidd had a triple double that game) against the Lakers and Game something or-other vs. the Spurs, just remember the series being very low scoring and low on highlight reels (except the Jefferson on Willis jam).

  • Nguni Posted: Sep.23 at 9:01 am
    jason is still one of the better starting point guards in the league, so the ranking is justified…but then again the article doesn’t say nothing positive bout last year…hmmm

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:12 am
    Well anyways DP, for when you eventually read all the comments, its on pavlova, random New Zealand hate and my holidays. Nothing special.

  • andrew Posted: Sep.23 at 9:14 am
    I want to make a joke but I just can’t. I’ve run out of wit. Jason Kidd is an excellent basketball player. Um. Yep. That’s all I got.

  • James the balla Posted: Sep.23 at 9:17 am
    Yo, i hope there is a article today on Shareef Abdur Rahim retiring,,,

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:19 am
    ‘Yo’, why dont you look through the wire James?

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 9:21 am
    It was sad seeing Jason Kidd’s corpse trying to play in the Olympics. Kidd should have never seen the court with Chris Paul and Deron Williams on the team.

  • James aka The Artist Formerly Known as Krayzie Bone Posted: Sep.23 at 9:21 am
    As a fan of Calderon I’ll say, yes, Kidd is still better than Calderon. Neither defend well, both don’t score alot (though Jose shoots better) but the next time Jose gets you 10 boards will be the first.

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 9:22 am
    Are the boys from Australia going to highjack the thread again?

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 9:23 am
    no country for kidd, thx for everything , KIDD…

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 9:25 am
    At this point in their careers I would rather have Calderon running my team then Kidd.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:30 am
    No need to hijack it today scott. Really no point since no-one cares about Kidd anymore. You Aussie btw?

  • Niio Posted: Sep.23 at 9:31 am
    This is Jason Kidd people. He use to be a good defender, but has slowed with age, but is still capable of getting you triple doubles. If no one bashes Nash for his lack of defense I’ll be pissed. What other point guard in the NBA can rebound and start the fast break all by himself?

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:32 am
    You can tell by the lack of comments unfortunately.

  • Jukai Posted: Sep.23 at 9:33 am
    I like how everyone bashes Jason Kidd on his olympic performance when if it wasn’t for Jason Kidd, America would have lost to Argentina. Yeah, dude’s losing a step, but I’ll take Jason Kidd and his fierce leadership and abilities over anyone on this list. None of the other guys mentioned can lead a team, to be the man to control the tempo and everything else in it… Jason Kidd can. End of story.

  • Eboy Posted: Sep.23 at 9:35 am
    Jukai’s just mad Steve Nash can’t do that sh*t either.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:36 am
    But Nash can shoot Niio. And is a two time MVP, is an ice hockey player, makes movies, had shaggy hair and is a samaritan who only gets into the public eye for his contributions like that, no sexual anythings etc. Oh, and hes white (dont forget about that).*jokes*.

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 9:37 am
    where does Eboy rank??? hummmm

  • Niio Posted: Sep.23 at 9:37 am
    Thank you Jukai!

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:37 am
    Same applies for Eboy there as well I suppose :) Pavlova!

  • Niio Posted: Sep.23 at 9:38 am
    Is Nash a 2 time gold medalist?

  • Niio Posted: Sep.23 at 9:39 am
    Besides who in the NBA can guard Chris Paul and DWill?

  • Clockwork Posted: Sep.23 at 9:41 am
    I don’t see how Rick Carlisle is gonna be a better fit for Kidd than Avery. I don’t see him as a very offense oriented coach. At least that was the case back in Detroit.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:41 am
    No. Why would you ask that? You know that he is Canadian? He won two MVP’s though.

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 9:41 am
    don’t you know starbury can do that sh*t , Niio…

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 9:43 am
    man, i love that 20mil, …

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:46 am
    Niio, nobody can ’stop’ Paul/Williams but quicker guys have been able to limit their production while also making them work defensively, which is important as well. Guys like Parker, Ford, Barbossa, Ellis, Nash, Davis, the list goes on.

  • Myles Brown Posted: Sep.23 at 9:48 am
    If it helps any, this ranking was made pre Olympics, before it was undeniably clear that Jason Kidd had become a member of the Terracotta Army.

  • Eboy Posted: Sep.23 at 9:48 am
    If you guys are strictly talking point guards, no one can completley stop D-Will or CP3. If you throw a big guard on one of them they can be nullified for long stretches.

  • Niio Posted: Sep.23 at 9:48 am
    lol imo he was given the MVP. Kobe should have gotten it. AND we had 3 WHITE MVP winners in a row. Sounds like a conspiracy to me.

  • Niio Posted: Sep.23 at 9:51 am
    So parker, ford, barbosa, nash and ellis can contain CP3 and DWill? lol none of those guys can play D

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 9:52 am
    Jason Kidd is washed up and Kidd proved this in the Olympics. Kidd can’t shoot the ball and he can’t play the slash and kick game. In the gold medal game Kidd didn’t play the final 15 minutes or so because it finally dawned on Cocch K that Paul and Williams are creating chaos when playing together in the backcourt.

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 9:55 am
    Where the hell are all the point guard on this list?

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:56 am
    You are actually an idiot. I was talking offensively they can make them work. And for the record I said ‘limit their production’. Not ‘contain’. Right, so a team that finished what, 7th in the West in 2006 should have gotten it? Thats foolish. Also, if anyone apart from Nash should have gotten it, then it was Chauncey.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 9:57 am
    *player whos team

  • Bryan Posted: Sep.23 at 9:59 am
    If this turns into another race conversation I’m boycotting for awhile.

  • Eboy Posted: Sep.23 at 10:00 am
    Especially when it’s by Australians!!!! :)

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:01 am
    No, its just one clown being a galoot Bryan. Stay. I wont buy into it.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:03 am
    And E as well.

  • Jiggy Posted: Sep.23 at 10:04 am
    So, why is he ranked this high?

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 10:07 am
    Steve Nash >>>>>>>> Jason Kidd

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 10:10 am
    @Hursty depending on the next presidential election perhaps I should move to Australia or Canada.

  • Eboy Posted: Sep.23 at 10:11 am
    I’m shopping for properties in Canada. Holly may get a lot more Eboy than she ever wished for. :)

  • Jukai Posted: Sep.23 at 10:12 am
    I hate to say this, but Chris Paul was pretty bad in the olympics too. If we’re docking for Olympic screwups, I expect to see Kobe out of the top two and Paul out of the top five. If we aren’t docking for the olympics, I expect Jason Kidd to remain exactly where he is. K?

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:13 am
    We have K-Rudd as our PM right now. Good looking bloke that Kevin dude (not really). Where you from scott?

  • Jukai Posted: Sep.23 at 10:13 am
    Actually, I didn’t hate to say that at all. Lay off the Jason Kidd hate, man.

  • Nguni Posted: Sep.23 at 10:14 am
    @scott: Jason’s Leadership >>>>>>> Nash’s leadership

  • Jukai Posted: Sep.23 at 10:14 am
    I’d take J-Kidd over McGrady straight up, because I at least know that J-Kidd’s “no offensive, no defense” is better than McGrady’s “no show at all because his back is thrown.” Amiright Hursty?

  • Niio Posted: Sep.23 at 10:15 am
    I agree DWill simply destroyed the Olympic comp. Chris Paul not so much, which was suprizing to me.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:15 am
    Anybody else seem to notice that, on the majority of posts, after the Australian contingent leaves, they fade out and ‘die’ comment wise?

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 10:16 am
    Going back to the Spain game Kobe proved that he is still the man. Bryant made the big plays for team USA down the stretch of the game and proved he is still the “man”.

  • Jukai Posted: Sep.23 at 10:18 am
    Scott: No one was going back to the Spain game. Save that for the number 2 spot when Kobe comes up.

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 10:21 am
    I’m just saying Bryant proved he is still the alpha male. Didn’t see James or Anthony taking those shots it was all “Little Flying Warrior”.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:24 am
    I dont know, see Houstons offense is based on the ability to make the correct read of a baseline cut and dribble penetration and movement off of that. Kidd doesnt dribble drive enough to be effective at dribble kick and he cant create his own shot frequently enough to get to the bucket, while his shooting allows other teams to just pack it in the lanes and force perimeter shots. So, no I wouldnt trade Tmac for Kidd straight up. Tmacs last NBA game was a 40 point one in a game 7. Houston doesnt run alot (disadvantage for Kidd) and is more of a slow tempo team than Dallas. McGrady is also the focal point of the offense for Houston as well as their man scorer after Yao (who is usually the first option). Tmac can actually play D when he wants to, he just gets easier assignments because of Battier and now Artest being there which = more offensive minded game for him= better overall production.
    McGrady is also 29 or so to Kidd’s 35. Houston is deep at the point (4 guys capable of playing it) and light/medium on the wings. One other thing, McGrady ranks as the best statistical passing wing in the NBA. Ahead of LeBron, Kobe or any other 2/3 man. So his value is more than Kidd’s at this point in their respective careers.

  • NESW Sports Headlines 9/23/2008 | NESW Sports, Sports Videos Posted: Sep.23 at 10:26 am
    [...] Jason Kidd is # 30 of top 50 < Slam Online [...]

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:29 am
    The only things in which Kidd can provide an edge to the team would be in winning and veteran leadership. But McGrady has been in the league for 11 years, Bones for more than that. Most of the younger players dont play a bunch of minutes and they have a solid, veteran team, which was also a big factor in Darryl Morey’s decision to pull the trigger on Artest, because he felt the team could handle him and still retain team chemistry.

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 10:33 am
    Houston will finally get out of the first round this year. Houston had a one hell of a defense before Artest arrived good luck scoring on Houston this year.

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 10:38 am
    scott, they’re only get worst,they ain’t gonna pass the 1st round.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:39 am
    They still need to re-sign Mutumbo scott. Thats the last thing, and Joey Dorsey. Dorsey will play the 5 and a bit of 4, but likely only in garbage time. Depth chart is
    1. Alston/Brooks/Francis
    2. McGrady/Barry/Head/Francis
    3. Battier/Artest/Barry
    4. Scola/Landry/Hayes/Dorsey
    5. Yao/Mutumbo/Scola/Dorsey

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:41 am
    Explain that Simone. With actual proof/evidence now that you’ve said that. You mean they’ve btw. Explain or off with your commenting head.

  • Allenp Posted: Sep.23 at 10:43 am
    Gary Payton and Jason Kidd were once the two best point guards in the NBA and they were outstanding….Old age is a beast.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:44 am
    Oh yeh, Artest might play some 2 and 4 this year as well (not that much though).

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 10:44 am
    Who is better then Houston out West? LA Lakers and New Orleans that is the list.

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 10:47 am
    Kidd, Mashburn , and Jackson. BTW how did Glenn Robinson get drafted ahead of Jason Kidd?

  • B. Long Posted: Sep.23 at 10:54 am
    For the first 4 minutes of a game. JKidd is top 30 for sure.

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 10:58 am
    Hursty, i know you’re big fans of houston, Btw, we all know what Ron got, the defence and the big trouble maker, you know what i’m saying, BIG BIG trouble, every single team that he’s joinning before was trying to get rid of him.

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 11:00 am
    maybe someday he’ll trying to punch yao for being so soft, or T-mac for lack of aggresive on court…..

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 11:01 am
    stu jackson is ready for it…

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 11:06 am
    Jeez Simone, do I really have to spell it out for you? Artest is on a contract year, which means several things. 1. He will try and be on his best behaviour at all times. 2. He will paly hard every game to maximise his worth for his new contract. 3. He will also try and work in with the team chemistry wise, to increase the chances of Houston retaining him next year. 4. He was a bargain at under $10 million. Houston managed to get a very good player while offloading a bad contract (Bjax) and a rookie contract -which will get bigger over time. This means that the risk they are taking on Artest is minimal to the one that Sacramento took or even Indiana. Also, he has that grunt and nastiness that no-one on the rockets really had last year. He’s the team enforcer now, and is a very passionate guy when he plays. His multi-dimensional game as a scorer, passer, defender etc works totally within Houstons system -and he LOVES Rick Adelman. (remember he tries to play for his contract in ‘06?)
    What the rockets did was a risk no doubt and a big one at that- but its a calculated risk, one that should pay off big dividends-the GM is no fool.

  • overtime Posted: Sep.23 at 11:07 am
    @Hursty, some good points today,though i don’t think Battier will start over Artest (at least not for 82 games)
    @Niio, you are an idiot

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 11:08 am
    Out. Im done with the stupidity for today.

  • jdn41 Posted: Sep.23 at 11:09 am
    at the whole beggining of this top 50 thing you guys were being more harsh and down to earth, wtf is this ass kissing sh!t

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 11:12 am
    ok, you got the point…lets hope for it, but future’s future, which is unpredictable….. and stu is still watching it.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 11:13 am
    @)Overtime, I think it will be less of a problem for the rockets if Battier starts early on (as Artest may not be fully familair with the system). Say what everyone wants about the Rocket defense during the 22 game streak but in my eyes a large part of it was finally grasping the concepts of the offense and that translated defensively. Im also concerned about the scoring for the 2nd unit, apart from Head and Brooks, nobody on that team is a scorer really. The rest are just insance hustlers, scrappers. They arent really counted on to keep the scoreboard moving. Co-sign the 2nd part of your comment. Simone is p*ssing me off as well right now unless he/she comes up with a proper response.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 11:15 am
    jdn41- that was mostly me disagreeing on Battier not being ahead of Prince, since Prince was 50th, thats all I was complaining about. Out proper now. Peace.

  • Eboy Posted: Sep.23 at 11:17 am
    Are we still talking about the Rockets?

  • overtime Posted: Sep.23 at 11:18 am
    Hursty, joining you on the Simone response also. And you are right, Artest won’t start straight away (or at least, he shouldn’t) because the Rockets offense is hard to just walk onto. As for the second unit, Barry is also a scorer, its more how they all fit together, and don’t have someone to do it for them (a role Artest can fill early on)

  • Simone S.Y Lawy Posted: Sep.23 at 11:18 am
    my bad to piss you off… peace

  • BETCATS Posted: Sep.23 at 11:20 am
    no way in hell i would take him

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 11:21 am
    I’m bored at work so here is my guess at the 29 spots left in no particular order. I don’t think some of these guys should be so high but you need 29:
    1. Gilbert Arenas
    2. Carmelo Anthony
    3. Kobe Bryant
    4. Elton Brand
    5. Chris Bosh
    6. Carlos Boozer
    7. Chauncey Billups
    8. Jose Calderon
    9. Baron Davis
    10. Tim Duncan
    11. Kevin Garnett
    12. Danny Granger
    13. Rudy Gay
    14. Dwight Howard
    15. Allen Iverson
    16. LeBron James
    17. Joe Johnson
    18. Rashard Lewis
    19. Shawn Marion
    20. Tracy McGrady
    21. Steve Nash
    22. Dirk Nowitzki
    23. Chris Paul
    24. Paul Pierce
    25. Amare Stoudemire
    26. Dwyane Wade
    27. Deron Williams
    28. Jason Richardson
    29. Yao Ming

  • BETCATS Posted: Sep.23 at 11:23 am
    ^decent list, #28 is a great pick!

  • overtime Posted: Sep.23 at 11:23 am
    Scott,is this your guess at what the list will be,or what you would like it to be?

  • Jukai Posted: Sep.23 at 11:24 am
    what the hell, Scott
    What the hell!!!
    Amare should be 23, NOT 25!!!

  • what Posted: Sep.23 at 11:25 am
    If I was starting a team today I would rather have Monta Ellis.

  • what Posted: Sep.23 at 11:26 am
    Boozer’s already been done, and so has Rashard I think.

  • Allenp Posted: Sep.23 at 12:01 pm
    Wait, this cat had Rudy Gay, Dirk, Nash, Calderon and Granger higher than Chris Paul? Is that your final answer?

  • Anton Posted: Sep.23 at 12:06 pm
    lol Melo sucks

  • matt Posted: Sep.23 at 12:30 pm
    he says in ‘no particular order’, and he listed them mostly by name so he could keep track of who he was naming. you guys are superstars

  • Allenp Posted: Sep.23 at 12:50 pm
    My bad, I didn’t read his post closely. Thanks for clearing that up.

  • Jukai Posted: Sep.23 at 12:51 pm
    haha, I didn’t read that either. I thought it was a list mainly made to make people argue.

  • scott Posted: Sep.23 at 1:04 pm
    Where is everybody at? BTW my list is not in order. Those are just the players that will probably complete the top 29. Not easy I had to leave off Tough Juice.

  • Exile Posted: Sep.23 at 1:09 pm
    Ugly number 30 pick. WAS much higher… now lower.

  • big nigga Posted: Sep.23 at 1:30 pm
    this guy is overrated becuase he has no jumper
    i mean, c’mon 40% field goal % for his whole career???
    that makes me wonder what he does during the off-season

  • fluxland Posted: Sep.23 at 1:52 pm
    matt: EXCELLENT! superstars!!! So quick to pounce without comprehending first.. theme around here lately. Priceless.

  • Joel O's Posted: Sep.23 at 2:42 pm
    How much do you guys attribute Kidd’s lousy post-trade performance to clashes with Avery? I wouldn’t write him off yet; he’s really just a year and a half removed from that soul-crushing 16-19-16 playoff destruction of the Raptors. Before the trade, he was putting up 11, 10 and 8. Plus it’s not like the Chelsea-deep Mavs need to depend on him heavily, either; Jason Terry is plenty capable of filling in at point.

  • Joel O's Posted: Sep.23 at 2:48 pm
    Saying Jason Kidd is overrated, based purely on him having 40% FG% for his career is like saying Erick Dampier is the most efficient in the league for his amazing 64% FG% last season. Come on. How many big shots does Jason Kidd take? How many last-ditch desperation games come down to him having the ball and being the go-to guy? Over the years, Jason Kidd has made enough big shots to punish anyone stupid enough to sag off him with the game on the line. Sure he’s indubitably slowed down quite a bit recently, but to say his entire career was overrated based on a single stat and *ONLY* weakness? “Duuude, Superman sucks cuz he turns into a wimp when he gets close to Kryptonite!”

  • DP Posted: Sep.23 at 3:07 pm
    this is still a booty pick. this article is based off of dude’s career and not his CURRENT TODAY STATUS.

  • Joel O's Posted: Sep.23 at 3:12 pm
    Roger. No complaints about where Kidd is placed here.

  • Thomas Posted: Sep.23 at 3:31 pm
    ARE YOU SERIOUS????!!!!! Wow this list is just going downhill. I was really excited at first making my own top 50 list to see if they were similar. There was already a Shaq sighting and now Jason Kidd is bumping an actual CURRENT top 50 player off the list. I’m disappointed, I expect that kinda crap from Sports Illustrated, but not Slam. BOOOOOOO

  • jdn41 Posted: Sep.23 at 3:42 pm
    im tired of hearing people talk about stats obviously stats shouldn’t be a concern otherwise josh smith would top 10 and shaq wouldn’t even be top 100

  • theo papaloukas Posted: Sep.23 at 4:22 pm
    Goran Dragic signed multi-year deal with the Suns. Ten years from now this might seem like “THE MOVE” for the Suns…

  • theo papaloukas Posted: Sep.23 at 4:26 pm
    By the way: Dragic, Mills, Diamantidis, Rubio are 4 international point guards that are better at this very moment than Kidd (and not only because they demonstrated this through their Olympic performance)

  • theo papaloukas Posted: Sep.23 at 4:31 pm
    of course U.S.A owes KIDD its 2000 Olympic gold medal…his defense on the final play against “Saras” is legendary. So nobody questions Kidd’s place in history (top-10 point). Just the fact that there are around 20 point guards around the world at the moment better than him….

  • BETCATS Posted: Sep.23 at 4:37 pm
    ^you would take Dragic over JKidd?

  • theo papaloukas Posted: Sep.23 at 4:43 pm
    Not now, i would give him first 20 minutes per game up until March to get used to the NBA style of play and pick him over Kidd at the end of the year (the ranking is for the 2008-9 season i guess..). But i would take him over Kidd for a big international game now….

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 5:53 pm
    Chris Paul is better than those 22 guys you have ahead of him. Seriously… unless he gets seriously injured or something CP3 seems destined to be the best baller of his generation. I know, some people think its to early to crown him with a title like that, but I don’t. If his career keeps pace with what he’s done so far… he’ll easily claim the title of best PG ever, save maybe Magic Johnson, and one of the 5 or so best players ever. Plus, the list is supposed to best player *right now*, and Paul is light years ahead of Billups, Calderon, Lewis, Boozer etc. I predict Chris Paul will be placed #3 on Slam’s list… behind Kobe and Lebron. As for Kidd… whatever, he’s declined considerably and this ranking is probably too high.. but I can’t complain too much.

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 5:55 pm
    Oh damn, “no particular order” - I’m an idiot. I’ve just become and example of why people on the internet suck.

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 6:22 pm
    Not all people on the internet suck, Caleb. I know I don’t . . . ;) Well, JKidd had to come up somewhere . . . I think this is a little high, though, based on last year’s performance.

  • Mo Posted: Sep.23 at 7:02 pm
    scott, where would Brandon Roy fit on your list? Caleb, I predict CP3 to at least be in the top 5. Some still argue the 3-5 spots in regards to Duncan, KG and Paul behind Kobe and Lebron.

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 7:06 pm
    I agree with Caleb on CP3. And I don’t think that there’s any way that Duncan is the third best player in the NBA. KG maybe, but not Duncan.

  • Todd Spehr Posted: Sep.23 at 7:07 pm
    1355 3s made (11th all-time) - not bad for a guy who supposedly can’t shoot

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 7:55 pm
    godamm aussies, your all so fu(king racist!

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 7:59 pm
    Whoah, I just read the rest of Caleb’s comment. Chris Paul MIGHT becime the best PG ever, but he will NOT do it easily ,as you said, Caleb. And EASILY one of the five best players ever???

  • BETCATS Posted: Sep.23 at 8:00 pm
    Moose, i got tacos to eat. I would make our small talk, but that would interfere with my tacos. We going to taco bell yall!!! I am getting that new Volcano Taco!

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 8:01 pm
    The number of 3s one makes is not as important as the rate at which he makes them. He’s a career 33% 3-Pt shooter, which is okay in general terms (well below average if we are talking about good shooters though)… and a career 40% FG shooter, which is relatively poor. His career free throw shooting average is 78%.. decent. So the statement that Kid “can’t shoot” is wrong, but it would be entirely accurate to say that he’s not very good at it.

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 8:04 pm
    Sad to hear that, BETCATS. Tell me how that new taco is . . . we can make small talk bout that tomorrow then i guess. ;)

  • BETCATS Posted: Sep.23 at 8:05 pm
    alright i gotta jet or my peoples gonna leave me. Peace

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 8:06 pm
    Caleb made the most unfathomed call in the history of western civilisation!

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 8:09 pm
    Moose: Yeah, I think so. I mean, if you grant that he *might* become the best PG ever, then it’s pretty logical to assume that he could become a top 5 all-time player. I know, I’m gushing a bit. But if he continues to play at the level he has for the next few years… then yeah, I think so. I think he’s a jordan/magic johnson-like talent, and unless injuries derail him then I don’t think it’s that far out to assume he’ll have one of the best basketball careers in league history. He put up one of the best years numbers-wise by any point guard in history in only his third season for godsakes. I think he’s already better than legend points like Isiah and Stockton. As for “Easily,”… well that was a bit of hyperbole on my part. It obviously won’t be easy, but I do think its fairly likely.

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 8:11 pm
    today when i woke up i had milo cereal, easily in the top 5 cereals ever

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 8:12 pm
    You say that he has Jordan like talent. I MIGHT agree with that, but not right now. And even if he did, Jordan was half a foot taller than Paul is, and he played a different position. People should really stop comparing with Jordan, it’s really getting on my nerves. Being the best point guard ever doesn’t go hand in hand with being one of the top 5 players ever too, Caleb. I’d say you’re gushing a LOT.

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 8:13 pm
    Money, is that some kind of Australian cereal? Cause we don’t have that in USA.

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 8:14 pm
    Talk to me in about seven or eight years, Caleb, and I’ll tell you if I think that you’re right then. But for now, I’m out . . .

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 8:17 pm
    yeah moose, but you guys don’t have milo over in beantown? or nesquick? its like chocolate powder that you put in milk. Then they made a cereal which is the ultimate crazy delicious

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 8:19 pm
    I’m not comparing Paul with Jordan at all. I was just using Jordan as a reference point for greatness, which is different - and something that remains useful. I also mentioned Magic Johnson for the same reason. As for best PG coinciding with best ever… no not neccesarilly, but likely. At the very least I think everyone will put a PG in their all-time top 10, likely more than one. But really, all I’m trying to say is… if Paul continues to produce at the level that he already has, then there is little question he will be widely considered as one of the best ever. Now, that may not happen… but it probably will. I don’t think that’s gushing too much.

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 8:19 pm
    I’m not out, don’t know why I wrote that . . . I don’t think we got milo over here in boston, but we do have nesquick.

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 8:22 pm
    Caleb, using Jordan as a “reference point for greatness” ain’t gonna work, cause that’s comparing him to Jordan, doesn’t matter in what way. And Magic was NINE inches taller than CP3-that’s one helluva difference.

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 8:22 pm
    Oh and do note that I wrote best point guard ever - save maybe magic johnson. If I was totally on Paul’s nuts I would have said that there is little doubt that he will be better than Magic.

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 8:23 pm
    A cereal with that stuff, Money? How do you do that? What IS it?

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 8:24 pm
    I’m out for real now . . . good evening and good night.

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 8:28 pm
    Nesquick is ok, but in comparence with milo it aint sh!t! Anyways seeing as im bored sh!tless at work and BET is on his taco mission, i shall take his place today with the smalltalk if thats ok with you moose?

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 8:29 pm
    damm, i think we lost him

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 8:29 pm
    Argh… no, its not the same thing. Paul will never be “as good as Jordan” in the *same way* that Jordan was good, because Jordan’s a shooting guard. Likewise, Paul will probably never average over 9 boards a game like Magic once did… but I would never compare their rebounding stats because of the difference you mention. I’m not talking about their individual playing styles, I’m talking about a *general* high level of play that only a few players reach - despite their styles and the duties that come with a particular position. The Jordans, Magics, Birds, etc. That’s what I mean by “reference point for greatness.”

  • James The Balla Posted: Sep.23 at 8:31 pm
    One of my favorite players of all time, he still got it!

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 8:50 pm
    Caleb, are you contrsdicting yourself again?

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 8:58 pm
    No. Would you like to point out the contradiction?

  • Moose Posted: Sep.23 at 9:05 pm
    This is my last comment of the night. Money, if you happen to be on at any time when I am on and you feel like having some small talk, go ahead. It’s not exclusively for BETCATS, he just ends up being the guy a lot. About hoops or not about hoops, i’ll have small talk with anyone. I welcome your request, Money. I just got some stuff to do which makes me unavailable.

  • Young Chris MP3 Posted: Sep.23 at 9:08 pm
    Chris Paul’s better than Lebron is RIGHT NOW. Top 2.

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 9:13 pm
    i can’t point it out, it was a question

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 9:13 pm
    “Chris Paul’s better than Lebron is RIGHT NOW. Top 2.” Agreed. But I don’t think Slam will see it that way. Did I mention I’m a Hornets fan?

  • leslie yeung Posted: Sep.23 at 9:14 pm
    a lil high….

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 9:14 pm
    Oh, uh… ok. No I don’t think I am! But I could certainly be wrong. That’s something I have no problem admitting… if it’s true!

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 9:24 pm
    nice work caleb, you have redeemed yourself by 9:13 comment. However, i believe that if i want someone to take over a game, its LBJ everytime

  • Caleb Posted: Sep.23 at 9:28 pm
    If it’s a single in-game situation and I need someone to “take over a game” like you said, then yeah.. I’d probably take Lebron. Over the course of season.. I’d rather have CP. But I’ll stop posting now, I feel like there’s way too much “Caleb” on these comments.

  • jdn41 Posted: Sep.23 at 9:50 pm
    you guys seriosuly think jose calderon would be top 50 im from toronto and i don’t even think that

  • John W. Davis Posted: Sep.23 at 9:53 pm
    If this was two years ago. How high would he be ranked? Top 10 I hope.

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 10:07 pm
    what you talking bout, calderons top ten

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:07 pm
    You are making a fool out of yourself Caleb.

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.23 at 10:10 pm
    Calderon wont get past 20. Hasnt played enough to warrant a rating lower than 20.

  • jdn41 Posted: Sep.23 at 10:25 pm
    actually if ason ki (no j or d) can make it i guess calderon stands a chance

  • Dacre Posted: Sep.23 at 10:33 pm
    Hursty…your making a fool by reacting way too much to these silly one-liners and dull comments…. Aussies are meant to be fully relaxed all the time but I dont think we are and this kind of thing proves that.

  • Justin Posted: Sep.23 at 10:48 pm
    I agree with Hursty. CP3 is good but he’s not that good…yet. I think he’ll have a very similar career(numbers-wise) as Isiah Thomas.

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 11:00 pm
    Dacre, tell that to the motherless c*nt who keyed my car at westfield warrawong on saturday arvo

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.23 at 11:01 pm
    and hurst, coupla questions: who is the 9th Wonder and have you checked your blog, left a comment bout Pavlova’s deliciousness

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Sep.23 at 11:44 pm
    scott, your list is f*cking ridiculous. BETCATS is just BETCATS, which is probably why he complimented your list (this isn’t a compliment). Yao Ming at 29 is a crime, and you should be sentenced. Chris Paul at 23 is no different. Agent Zero at number 1? Now I’ve seen them all…

  • Teddy-the-Bear Posted: Sep.23 at 11:45 pm
    Jason Kidd should not have been place within the top 40 this year.

  • MvP Posted: Sep.23 at 11:51 pm
    in my opinion he should be ranked 25 or something
    and obviously Kobe(MVP) should be ranked 1st
    if not, then SLAM’s on crack

  • scott Posted: Sep.24 at 12:02 am
    @teddy the bear …learn to read the whole post then try to understand.

  • chintao Posted: Sep.24 at 12:04 am
    JK this high in the year 2008? Not unless JK stands for “Just Kidding”.

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.24 at 12:12 am
    reading and teddy are like lamb and tunfish

  • tealish Posted: Sep.24 at 12:30 am
    I love JKidd, but top 30 he is not. This ranking basically disregards 07-08.

  • Danny Posted: Sep.24 at 12:58 am
    Anyone noticed that Ason Kidd has averaged over 35% shooting from 3 for the last 5 years and shot over 45% for the Mavs last year?

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.24 at 5:19 am
    The stupidity is overwhelming here.
    Money, I imagine 9th Wonder is DP, but if not, Im not too concerned as long as whoever he is doesn’t say anything stupid that brings the blog into disripute. DP has done that sort of thing in the past e.g. Double Cinco. But its extra rep power for the site. Hibachi!

  • Hursty Posted: Sep.24 at 5:21 am
    Oh yeh Money, I noticed that a few days ago. Not really sure what to say, since its a pretty closed post, I wasn’t expecting many replies.

  • Love Posted: Sep.24 at 5:24 am
    i dont even know who Toni Braxton is?

  • i am the walrus Posted: Sep.24 at 6:02 am
    wat’s with everyone paying out aussies? We got Andrew Bougut…

  • i am the walrus Posted: Sep.24 at 6:06 am
    top 30? well if the Mans made it out of the first round then it would be a good ranking

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.24 at 6:27 am
    walrus, don’t you mean ‘we are stuck with bogut”

  • josesito Posted: Sep.24 at 6:40 am
    i still can’t believe you don’t have Milo in Boston…serious??

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.24 at 6:45 am
    Milo is the sh*t, but milo cereal is the shiznit

  • Darksaber Posted: Sep.24 at 6:45 am
    No! No! NOOOOO way is he no. 30. Not anymore, not in 2008, fuhellno not top 30.

  • Darksaber Posted: Sep.24 at 6:46 am
    Loved the 3 J’s/Toni Braxton reference though. Ason and his lady woes, awesome.

  • Money Bill Williams Posted: Sep.24 at 6:56 am
    200!

  • Bruno Posted: Sep.24 at 7:56 am
    you guys are just throwing the credibility away here…
    Ason, a top 30 in the league now????
    must be kidding.
    are you guys posting another #30 today???!?!
    i hope so.

  • CL SMOOTH Posted: Oct.6 at 7:09 pm
    I love JKIDD, the best pure point guard of his era, but he’s not a top 30 player.He’s got top 10 instincts, court vision and basketball I.Q. He’s got 40 year old lateral quickness. That said, he’s still a top 10 pg

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