Official List of Primes (Best Seasons)

[jlauber]

here are the approximate defensive ratings of the Boston teams during BR's tenure:

57 - 85
58 - 84
59 - 86
60 - 86
61 - 85
62 - 86
63 - 88
64 - 84
65 - 85
66 - 89
67 - 92
68 - 93
69 - 90

(bolded are his best 5 defenses)

DRtg is largely useless for individual players, except when you're dealing with guys that anchored their defenses

63-64 and 64-65 were two of BR's best years...here are his approximate TRB% and AST%

57 - 22 / 8
58 - 21 / 11
59 - 19 / 10
60 - 19 / 10
61 - 19 / 9
62 - 19 / 12
63 - 19 / 12
64 - 21 / 13
65 - 21 / 15
66 - 21 / 14
67 - 21 / 17
68 - 20 / 15
69 - 19 / 14

(bolded are his best 5 seasons in both respects, 6 for rebounding due to ties)

some nitpicking since he was fairly consistent, but 1965 is his only season in which he was top 5 in all three of these categories; since it was the Celtics team during his run with the most wins (62), and it was his among his best playoff runs from a basic box score perspective (16.5/25.2/6.3 on 52.7% shooting in the playoffs (17.8/25.0 on 70.2% shooting in the Finals...I don't have all of his assist numbers but he had 6,10,4 in games 1,2,5 respectively, probably with solid blocks) I'm inclined to pick that season

so I'm taking 1964-65 as Russell's best season, but I'm more than happy to listen to other opinions

Excellent. I agree.

[Odinn]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 1976-77
Ray Allen: 2000-01 or 2004-05
Charles Barkley: 1992-93
Rick Barry: 1969-70
Elgin Baylor: 1960-61
Larry Bird: 1985-86
Kobe Bryant: 2005-06
Wilt Chamberlain: 1966-67
Clyde Drexler: 1991-92
Tim Duncan: 2002-03
Julius Erving: 1979-80
Patrick Ewing: 1989-90
Walt Frazier: 1971-72
Kevin Garnett: 2003-04
George Gervin: 1979-80
John Havlicek: 1973-74
Elvin Hayes: 1973-74
Allen Iverson: 2000-01
LeBron James: 2008-09 or 2011-12
Magic Johnson: 1986-87
Michael Jordan: 1990-91 or 1991-92
Jason Kidd: 2002-03
Karl Malone: 1991-92 or 1997-98 (it's too hard choose, he had amazing longevity with many chokejobs)
Moses Malone: 1982-83
Bob McAdoo: 1974-75
Kevin McHale: 1986-87 or 1987-88
Alonzo Mourning: 1999-00
Dikembe Mutombo: 1996-97
Steve Nash: 2005-06
Dirk Nowitzki: 2005-06
Shaquille O'Neal: 1999-00
Hakeem Olajuwon: 1994-95
Chris Paul: 2007-08
Paul Pierce: 2001-02 or 2005-06
Scottie Pippen: 1993-94
Willis Reed: 1969-70
Oscar Robertson: 1963-64
David Robinson: 1994-95
Bill Russell: 1964-65
John Stockton: 1990-91
Isiah Thomas: 1989-90
Dwyane Wade: 2005-06 or 2008-09
Bill Walton: 1976-77
Chris Webber: 2001-02
Jerry West: 1969-70
Dominique Wilkins: 1988-89

[jlauber]

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: 1976-77
Ray Allen: 2000-01 or 2004-05
Charles Barkley: 1992-93
Rick Barry: 1969-70
Elgin Baylor: 1960-61
Larry Bird: 1985-86
Kobe Bryant: 2005-06
Wilt Chamberlain: 1966-67
Clyde Drexler: 1991-92
Tim Duncan: 2002-03
Julius Erving: 1979-80
Patrick Ewing: 1989-90
Walt Frazier: 1971-72
Kevin Garnett: 2003-04
George Gervin: 1979-80
John Havlicek: 1973-74
Elvin Hayes: 1973-74
Allen Iverson: 2000-01
LeBron James: 2008-09 or 2011-12
Magic Johnson: 1986-87
Michael Jordan: 1990-91 or 1991-92
Jason Kidd: 2002-03
Karl Malone: 1991-92 or 1997-98 (it's too hard choose, he had amazing longevity with many chokejobs)
Moses Malone: 1982-83
Bob McAdoo: 1974-75
Kevin McHale: 1986-87 or 1987-88
Alonzo Mourning: 1999-00
Dikembe Mutombo: 1996-97
Steve Nash: 2005-06
Dirk Nowitzki: 2005-06
Shaquille O'Neal: 1999-00
Hakeem Olajuwon: 1994-95
Chris Paul: 2007-08
Paul Pierce: 2001-02 or 2005-06
Scottie Pippen: 1993-94
Willis Reed: 1969-70
Oscar Robertson: 1963-64
David Robinson: 1994-95
Bill Russell: 1964-65
John Stockton: 1990-91
Isiah Thomas: 1989-90
Dwyane Wade: 2005-06 or 2008-09
Bill Walton: 1976-77
Chris Webber: 2001-02
Jerry West: 1969-70
Dominique Wilkins: 1988-89

Pretty much agreed. Once again, and there are those that will disagree with me, but I personally believe Kareem's 70-71 season to be his greatest, especially if you factor in, one, post-season play; two, mpg; and three, and this is a big one...team defense. Kareem anchored four straight dominant defensive teams from '71 thru '74. Those teams were right near the top in ppg allowed, and were #1 in defensive FG% all four seasons (some by considerable margins.)

And, once again, the more I look at Wilt's 65-66 season, it may have been his most dominant. However, I would not argue with his 66-67 season, which, if you include his post-season domination, was probably his greatest all-around season. And while his scoring declined considerably from '66 to '67, his FG% went thru the roof, and, those that played against him, including Rick Barry himself, would agree that he could have led the league in scoring had he wanted to.

Moses greatest season could have been 78-79, or even 81-82, too.

And, McAdoo's 74-75 season was one of the greatest ever (especially when you consider that the NBA only averaged 102.6 ppg that season.) IMHO, he was very under-rated in his career.

Excellent list.

[Tenchi Ryu]

MJ's prime should be changed to 91-92. Was at his absolute physical prime, and was just a monster.

And I don't think its smart to rank current players who are young like Durant, Rose etc, its too early.

Like Rose winning a MVP won't be as strong a year as winning a ring and FMVP if that happens.

[SuperPippen]

Many people would say '94, but I'm going with '93 for Hakeem.

West's peak was in '70.

I'd say Nash's peak was in '07 instead of '06.

MJ's peak was in '90.

Bird's was in '86.

Not sure about this one, but I'd say Baylor's was in '63.

[REACTION]

And I don't think its smart to rank current players who are young like Durant, Rose etc, its too early.

Like Rose winning a MVP won't be as strong a year as winning a ring and FMVP if that happens.

I'm not really ranking players. I'm just recording their best season up to present day. I plan on adjusting the list for active players after each season. And I want the list of players to be as complete as possible.

[REACTION]

I'd say Nash's peak was in '07 instead of '06.

Hmm. Does anyone else agree about Nash's best season being 2006-07 instead of 2005-06?

Any thoughts?

[REACTION]

Also, votes on Elgin Baylor? 60-61 or 62-63?

[fpliii]

Also, votes on Elgin Baylor? 60-61 or 62-63?

no clue, I haven't done enough research on him

ask CavaliersFTW

[jlip]

no clue, I haven't done enough research on him

ask CavaliersFTW

Either he, G.O.A.T., Gifted Mind, or ThaRegul8r would probably be the best sources for Baylor.

[The Real JW]

08/09 for Tony Parker.

[The Real JW]

Hmm. Does anyone else agree about Nash's best season being 2006-07 instead of 2005-06?

Any thoughts?

2005/06
Season: 18.8/4.2/10.5 on 51.2%/43.9%/92.1% (1 Triple-Double, 43 Double-Doubles)
Playoffs: 20.4/3.7/10.2 on 50.2%/36.8%/91.2% (12 Double-Doubles)
Won the MVP

2006/07
Season: 18.6/3.5/11.6 on 53.2%/45.5%/89.9% (53 Double-Doubles)
Playoffs: 18.9/3.2/13.3 on 46.3%/48.7%/89.1% (10 Double-Doubles)

I would say 2005/06 was his best year. Amar'e was out with a knee injury, and Nash led Phoenix to finish 54-28, win the division, return from being down 3-1 to beat the Lakers and then beat the Clippers to make it to the WCF.

[REACTION]

Gary Payton?

[StateOfMind12]

Gary Payton?

Gary Payton's peak was 1999-00 to me.

To add some more...

Jermaine O'Neal: 2002-2003
Brandon Roy: 2008-2009
Danny Granger: 2008-2009
Rajon Rondo: 2009-2010

[ShaqAttack3234]

Abdul-Jabbar, Kareem: 1976-77

Agreed 100%. Kareem has said so himself as well. Looked into this season, and luckily some playoff games are available, and it's scary how good he was.

Anthony, Carmelo: 2006-07

I think he was better in '10

Barkley, Charles: 1992-93

He did improve his outside shot and held the ball a bit less, imo, and got in better shape. But he may have been more dominant in '90 and '91, he was more athletic then, had done most of his maturing as a player, and the main differences were that he played more SF back then and his team wasn't as good.

Baylor, Elgin: 1960-61

I'd go with '62. He set the finals scoring record, which is still the playoff scoring record for a regulation game, and Bob Cousy called Baylor's finals the greatest series he's seen a player have at that time.

Bird, Larry: 1985-86

I gave this one a lot of thought a while back and came to this conclusion too. '88 was probably his best regular season, though.

Bryant, Kobe: 2005-06

I always go back and forth between this and '08 as Kobe's best. '06 was definitely Kobe's top individual feat, and really a remarkable season. He called it his best at the time, but later claimed '08 was. The difference in '08 is that he dropped 20 pounds and was fully recovered from the knee surgery prior to the '07 season leading to him regaining some quickness and athleticism. He was still near his scoring peak, but focused more on making his teammates better and taking over at will when he needed to. He also put more effort in defensively, and probably had his best defensive season since the 3peat. It's the smartest I've seen Kobe play, and his best in terms playmaking and game management.

Carter, Vince: 2007-08

Vince fell off in '08 and struggled with injuries. His best season including playoffs was '01, although he became a better, more complete player with the Nets. The best i've seen Vince play is in '05 after the trade to the Nets. But for a full season, his most well rounded ball was '07, but the disappointing series vs Cleveland makes it questionable.

Vince called '04 his best season at the time, but later claimed it was '07.

Erving, Julius: 1979-80

I'd say that's his best NBA season and arguably his best period. During halftime of a March '80 game between the Sixers and Spurs, Erving called it his best NBA season so far because he had more freedom than in previous years with Philly. he did put up the best numbers of his NBA career and led Philly to the finals.

Ewing, Patrick: 1989-90

Patrick got stronger this year, improved his shot, improved his passing and improved his rebounding(which had been a criticism). He also benefited from Stu Jackson taking over as coach because Rick Pitino preferred a more up-tempo offense because that team excelled at forcing turnovers with their full court press, and it was more of an equal opportunity offense. but Stu Jackson made the offense revolve around Ewing in the post, and the results speak for themselves. He shot less outside shots, though he could make them. His moves were roughly the same as when the Knicks made the finals 4 years later, but the extra mobility made him seem less predictable and allowed him to react to double teams better. The drop step, baseline turnaround and running move were all devastating at this time, and he ran the floor very well. Not to mention, his defense. Michael Jordan said he didn't see anyone better than Ewing, and Mychal Thompson said Ewing might be the best player in the league and that Pat and Magic were neck and neck for that title.

Howard, Dwight: 2010-11

His offense improved so much this season, while his defense and rebounding remained. He became much more fluid in the post with spins, left-handed and right-handed jump hooks, the occasional running hook with either hand, and he used the glass well, both on hooks and even some face up bank shots.

Hill, Grant: 1996-97

His best statistically and as far as team success without question. What an unbelievable rebounding season for a small forward, among the best ever. And he did a fantastic job as their point forward, creating everything for them with many screen/rolls while leading them in scoring. Maybe the best ball-handler his height. He improved his shooting in '00 and became a better scorer, though.

James, LeBron: 2011-12

he did improve certain parts of his game such as defense, moving without the ball, rebounding and his post game, as well as a short range game. But he also relied greatly on leaking out and cherry picking for easy transition baskets. I'd probably go with '09 for his peak.

Johnson, Kevin:

'90 was KJ's peak.

Johnson, Magic: 1986-87

He was pretty close in '89 and '90, but this seems to be the season everything came together. And Magic calls it his best so who am I to argue?

Jordan, Michael: 1990-91

Sometimes I lean towards '90. He was just as good, but his team wasn't as good as in '91, and the Detroit team they faced was much better in '90. MJ's approach was the same as '91, playing off the ball more and relying more on jumpers, while actually having a very good 3 point shooting season. The difference in '91 is that the coaching staff rested him more so MJ decided to look for his shot early in games as opposed to '90. I can understand going with the championship season, though. Sometimes '91 seems like the right season to call his peak.

Kidd, Jason: 2002-03

I thought this was obviously his best too. It's the best he's shot the ball prior to age and microfracture surgery taking away some of his quickness. He made the Nets a legit threat vs the Spurs too.

King, Bernard: 1984-85

I might go with '84. He was healthy, and dominated the playoffs. Plus his numbers after the all-star break in '84 are basically his '85 numbers before he played the best ball of his career in the Pistons and Celtics series.

Malone, Karl : 1991-92

I'd go with '98(which Karl also called his best), he improved his passing, shooting and post defense. He also relied on Stockton less in '98.

Mourning, Alonzo: 1999-00

Agreed, he was so much smarter, more mature, skilled and polished compared to early years in both the lockout year and this year.

Nash, Steve: 2005-06

Tough to choose from '05-'07, but I'm going with '07. Aside from his passing, has a guard, or a pure shooter ever had a better shooting season?

Odom, Lamar:

I'd go with '10-'11.

Olajuwon, Hakeem: 1994-95

That was his best playoff run, and best offensive season. But I'd go with '93 for his best defensive season, and perhaps '94 as the best combination of both.

O'Neal, Shaquille: 1999-00

Correct, Shaq also called it his best. Shaq's scoring had pretty much become as good as it ever would by '98, although he sharpened his turnaround 1 hand jumper and footwork a little. But for whatever improvement there was in scoring, there was much more improvement in other areas. He gave more effort on the boards, had his best defensive year, playing extremely well at that end and anchoring the league's top defense with the Lakers strategy being to funnel players towards Shaq in the paint. And his passing also improved while he adjusted remarkably quick to the triangle. Phil expected his scoring to go down, but the opposite happened. The Lakers really overachieved in the regular season as well all things considered and beat a stacked Blazer team.

Though Shaq was just as good of a player in the '01 season, he started a bit slower the first 2 months, but was equally productive in the second half and playoffs.

Parish, Robert:

'82, some considered him an MVP candidate, and several celtics were calling him the team's MVP, including Larry Bird himself.

Parker, Tony:

Many including Popovich said this past season was his best, but you could also argue '09.

Pierce, Paul: 2002-03

I'd go with '02.

Pippen, Scottie: 1993-94

Scottie really stepped up his all around game this year and it's remarkable that he made this team a contender. Expanded his range, became a little more versatile offensively and an even smarter defender who had to pick up some of the slack with MJ gone. Scottie called this his best season as well, and I'd agree. Although '96 probably would have been his best if not for injuries in the second half, he was right there in '95 as well and '92 is an extremely underrated season for him.

Russell, Bill: 1964-65

I've often thought '62 for the extra offense he provided and his great EDF and finals series, but Russell himself calls '64 his best.

Wade, Dwyane: 2008-09

Agreed 100%. Wade also called it his best. His mid-range game was much better, he mixed his game up more, played under control more, cut down on turnovers, showed 3 point range,

Webber, Chris: 2001-02

2000 was the best I've seen C-Webb play. He's never mixed athleticism, aggressiveness and skills better than that year. Phil Jackson called him a top 3 player that season.

Wilkins, Dominique: 1988-89

'93, no doubt in my mind. Despite defenses getting better, Nique scored 30 ppg and did so while shooting better than ever before. Not only did he shoot 3s extremely well, but he was more under control without many of the wild shots he attempted in the 80's.

Nique also called this his best.

Gary Payton's peak was 1999-00 to me.

Really? Why?