Friday, October 15th, 2010 at 8:00 am  |  123 responses

Top 50: Dirk Nowitzki, no. 9

The definitive ranking of the NBA’s best players.

by Doobie Okon

Mark Cuban has many things. Money, fame, the Mavericks, money, ‘Entourage’ appearances, IceRocket, money, amongst many others. Money. But, in all truth, Cuban’s greatest asset hails from Wurzburg, Germany. dɪʁk ˈweʁnɐ noˈvitski…or Dirk Werner Nowitzki.

There seems to be much confusion on this Top 50 list regarding who the best power forward is in the NBA today. Is Tim Duncan still one of the best? Sure. Is Tim Duncan the greatest power forward of all time? You can’t argue with the numbers, awards, consistency, defense and the four rings…so it’s quite possible. But is he the best today? Anyone who watches sports and knows about the decline of players with age knows that he is not.

Some of you might say Pau Gasol. An integral part of the last two Lakers’ championships and one of the most skilled big meDirk Nowitzkin in the game. The best? I’ll say this in Spanish: No.

And then there’s Chris Bosh. He’s not the best PF either, and I could go into detail, but I honestly don’t feel like talking about the Heat anymore.

At a ripe, young age of only 32, Dirk Nowitzki holds the honor going into his 13th season as an NBA pro.

Let me paint a picture for you.

You’re about 6-6. You’re an extremely talented basketball player on both sides of the ball…hell, let’s say you’re one of the best in the world. While warming up for one of your games, you notice the other team has a 7-foot, lanky, European-looking fellow with some wavy blonde hair. Looks kind of soft.

So, after the tip, you take it right to him and score rather easily ’cause, hey, you’re one of the best in the world and his defense, as you guessed, is of no match. “This guy’s a chump…should be a cakewalk,” you think.

Next possession: “What’s going on? Why is the tall, gangly fella bringing the ball up the court?” Well since your own big men are settled in the post, you’re left to guard this German giant on the key. He spots up and swishes a gorgeous three-ball in your eye. “Huh?”

On his next offensive possession, you think you have him covered, guarding him tightly.

He nails another trey as his elbow comes down on your head. Remember? He’s 7-foot. You’re 6-6. You’re tall. He’s really tall.

“OK, OK. Nice Sam Perkins impression. I get it,” you say to yourself. So the next time down, you completely expect Euro-boy to jack up another long ball, but then he pulls a sly pump-fake, dashes around your ass, spins around your power forward and finishes with an easy lay-up. Foul. (He probably makes the foul shot, given that he’s a 7-footer who shoots around 90 percent from the stripe.)

Get the picture yet?

Dirk Nowitzki is one of the most unique, unprecedented players to ever step foot in the League. He has been lighting up the scoreboard for his entire career, always posing such a huge threat to defenses with his interior skills to go along with his incredible shooting range.

And while ‘Irk Nowitzki’ is an accurate diss, his numbers on the boards aren’t terrible. He has 8.5 rebounds for his career and has posted over 9 five times, but is still a defensive liability.

But while you can’t overstate the importance of defense, Dirk’s major flaw will never overshadow all the positive he brings to the game. He’s absolutely lethal shooting from anywhere on the court, but can also drive the lane and finish with authority or finesse.

Nowitzki’s shooting percentages are off the chart for a man of his size, especially since he recorded a career high 42.1 percent from beyond the arc last season. From anyway you look at it, there may never be another player like him. Unprecedented.

And soft he may be, but Dirkus is a durable big guy, which is a rare commodity these days. Since becoming an every-day starter for Dallas in his second year, the most games he’s missed in a season was six in ’01-02. Sorry Portland.

Most importantly though, Dirk always continues to make the Mavericks better. Dallas has amazingly won at least 50 games the last 10 years in a row…and Dirk Nowitzki is always the centerpiece no matter who Mark Cuban and Donnie Nelson bring in. Dirk is the reason that American Airlines Center is always packed and bumpin’, not Mark Cuban.

But because of the Mavericks’ regular season success, a huge blemish remains on Dirk’s ever-growing legacy because of his team’s playoff failures. While posting some fantastic playoff numbers for his career (25.6 points and 10.9 boards…way better than his regular season numbers), he has failed to capture a championship and has only led the Mavs to the Finals once. Many think Dirk is to blame for Dallas not closing out the 2-0 lead over Miami, but Dwyane Wade won that series…Nowitzki didn’t lose it.

Championships are everything in sports though, I’d be lying if I said otherwise. Allen Iverson may be the greatest little men to ever play the game, but his career is slightly tarnished because of his lack of rings. It doesn’t seem right, but that’s just how it is. And until Dirk leads the Mavs to that coveted trophy, he will never be mentioned in the same breath as Tim Duncan for best power forward ever, when all is said and done.

Whether it’s fair or unfair.

Because this West German guy is a marvel. I’ve thought so since the day he came in the League…and year in, year out, he continues to be a top-10 player by anybody’s standards. Watch and cherish the skills…that of Mark Cuban’s greatest asset.

SLAMonline TOP 50 PLAYERS OVERALL RANK POSITION RANK
Player Team Position 2010 2009 2010 2009
Ray Allen Celtics SG 50 36 10 9
Gilbert Arenas Wizards SG 49 34 9 8
Lamar Odom Lakers PF 48 33 14 10
John Wall Wizards PG 47 NR 13 NR
OJ Mayo Grizzlies SG 46 46 8 12
Al Horford Hawks C 45 NR 6 NR
Jason Kidd Mavs PG 44 45 12 10
Joakim Noah Bulls C 43 NR 5 NR
LaMarcus Aldridge Blazers PF 42 39 13 12
David West Hornets PF 41 31 12 8
Monta Ellis Warriors SG 40 NR 7 NR
Andrew Bogut Bucks C 39 NR 4 NR
Yao Ming Rockets C 38 NR 3 NR
Brandon Jennings Bucks PG 37 NR 11 NR
Zach Randolph Grizzlies PF 36 NR 11 NR
Stephen Curry Warriors PG 35 NR 10 NR
David Lee Warriors PF 34 NR 10 NR
Brook Lopez Nets C 33 NR 2 NR
Gerald Wallace Bobcats SF 32 NR 7 NR
Manu Ginobili Spurs SG 31 29 6 7
Tony Parker Spurs PG 30 15 9 3
Kevin Garnett Celtics PF 29 13 9 3
Rudy Gay Grizzlies SF 28 44 6 9
Josh Smith Hawks PF 27 40 8 13
Andre Iguodala 76ers SG 26 26 5 6
Al Jefferson Jazz PF 25 23 7 7
Russell Westbrook Thunder PG 24 NR 8 NR
Chauncey Billups Nuggets PG 23 19 7 5
Tyreke Evans Kings PG 22 NR 6 NR
Danny Granger Pacers SF 21 21 5 5
Carlos Boozer Bulls PF 20 32 6 9
Paul Pierce Celtics SF 19 17 4 4
Joe Johnson Hawks SG 18 20 4 4
Rajon Rondo Celtics PG 17 27 5 8
Amar’e Stoudemire Knicks PF 16 16 5 6
Steve Nash Suns PG 15 22 4 6
Tim Duncan Spurs PF 14 6 4 1
Chris Bosh Heat PF 13 13 3 4
Derrick Rose Bulls PG 12 18 3 4
Brandon Roy Blazers SG 11 10 3 3
Pau Gasol Lakers PF 10 14 2 5
Dirk Nowiztki Mavs PF 9 9 1 2

Notes
• Rankings are based solely on projected ’10-11 performance.
• Contributors to this list include: Jeremy Bauman, Maurice Bobb, Erildas Budraitis, Sean Ceglinsky, Ben Collins, Bryan Crawford, Sandy Dover, Adam Figman, Manny Maduakolam, Eddie Maisonet, Ryne Nelson, Doobie Okon, Ben Osborne, Charles Peach, Branden Peters, Quinn Peterson, David Schnur, Todd Spehr, Kyle Stack, Adam Sweeney, Dennis Tarwood, Tracy Weissenberg, Lang Whitaker, Eric Woodyard, and Nima Zarrabi.
• Want more of the SLAMonline Top 50? Check out the archive.

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  • http://andrewwoods86@hotmail.com br1ll

    i have to disagree. when your a complete liability at your position and cant be considered the best. its two sides to every coin. unless ur Joker so are you joking?

  • http://www.fiba.com Darksaber

    *in Denzel’s Training Day voice*: MY MAN!

  • JTaylor21

    Dirk has being a Top-5 playoff performer the past 10 years and is WAY better than Gasol even without a ring.

  • tom

    I don´t think his D is that bad, he has improved over the years.

  • slimshady

    good stuff SLAM!

  • http://www.fiba.com Darksaber

    @ Doobie: very, very nice article. I’ll even forgive the “soft” tag you couldn’t resist putting in there (what, was Khalid holding a desert eagle to your head? Ha.)

  • JoeMaMa

    Dirk…I just don’t think he’s a power forward. Doesn’t play the wing like a 3, and he’s definitely not a 5. He’s the kind of player that creates his own position…which helps illustrate just how good he is. One of the best shooters in the game…in the past 20 years.

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    My top ten is looking good : D
    1. Kobe
    2. Wade
    3. Bron
    4. Durant
    5. Paul
    6. Deron
    7. Dwight
    8. Carmelo
    9. Dirk
    10.Gasol

  • niemand

    @JoeMaMa

    IMO, he’s no four, no three, no nothing, he’s just Dirk.

  • niemand

    @JoeMaMa

    IMO, he’s not a three or a four or wathever position, he’s just Dirk Nowitzki.

    And that’s one of the best players in the NBA.

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    *raise hand*

  • http://www.twitter.com/HurstySYD Hursty

    Doobie, this was really solid. Good post. Good ranking.

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    I have always liked Dirk. He is a beast when he catches fire and his shot is my favourite shot in the NBA except for Ray, and on my list he would be tied with Durant and Melo.

  • mubwar

    Bargnani does all of those as well with less average at 17 points and 6.5 rebounds…watch some raptors games Doobie Okon and u will see Dirk isn’t unique at all…

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    Mubwar… are you drunk?

  • http://slamonline.com MVPballer

    Haha how can you compare Bargnani to Dirk? Bargnani shouldn’t even be mentioned in the same breath as Nowitzki.

  • http://www.fiba.ch Darksaber

    Bwahahaha, okay James the B’s response made me laugh out loud for real…

  • http://andrewwoods86@hotmail.com andrew woods

    dirk cant be considered the best at his position if he is a liablity on the the defensive end. it just cant happen. of course his offensive skill set is beyond approach but basketball is about more than offensive.

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    Barg got mentioned in a Dirk sentence for roughly 9 months, and than everyone realized what the he11 they were talking about, and it was never mentioned again. It’s like saying Kobe isn’t a unique talent because Joey Graham basically does the same thing just less numbers. Or Warrick is the same as Bron. The day I run an NBA team and the only 7 footer on my team is my 4th leading rebounder, that will be the day I trade for a Gerald Wallace type player and have him play center, with less complaints!

  • smooth

    @james the baller why do you have wade in the top two and for dirk i think he should be rank better in my opion this should be melo spot

  • smooth

    bargnani is garbage compare to dirk

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    @Smooth… Melo will be a beast there year I think. He will have a better season than Dirk. If Melo is a beast, he will have a lot more contracts and options come his way if he doesn’t get traded and leaves as a FA. And I have Wade above Bron because Bron is not the leader on the team… not yet anyways. It may happen after the season, a few months down the road or three games into the season. But as of right now it’s Wade’s team, I think Wade will have the same kind of numbers as Bron. To each their own, I took a shot to see if SLAM thinks the same thing.

  • http://www.dimemag.com Royal

    Good spot…Dirk’s a beast

  • The Philosopher

    Hello, James.

  • The Philosopher

    If Dirk had THE/Kobe’s killer instinct, he could get 100 points.
    He would be the one…

  • t-sizzle

    Good article. Dirk at number 9 seems good, but he’s the number 1 pf. League sure is going small, all the good players are pgs and sgs and sfs..

  • Morgan

    I love proof-reading things before I post them on an internet site.

  • Armando

    To those complaining about Dirk’s low post game, and lack of offensive rebounds: A basket is a basket right? And Dirk scores at a high percentage, so how you score should be irrelevant. Obviously you’re not that likely to grab many offensive boards when your offensive game is mostly mid-long range, but you can’t have it all right, it’s not like the Mavs have been a failure because of Dirk’s offense. Decent defensive rebound rate, a killer when it matters (playoffs). Yes, the best four in the game today (however untraditional).

  • Furious

    Again, it calls me Morgan. The Morgan comment is mine actually.

  • Dagger

    Have to say, I think Dirk’s a little low. He’s clutch, he plays with pain and his D isn’t as bas as this article suggests.

  • Dagger

    *bad

  • http://slamonline.com Kap

    It’s funny that when guys argue he is better than Pau they can only name one thing that he does better and that’s score and then they bring up the Memphis days. What about what Gasol did to Dirk in the World Championships?

  • http://slamonline.com Kap

    Dirk and Pau had a PER last year that was almost identical and Pau was better in every category except for scoring and usage rate.

  • KH10

    Everyone is always ripping on guys defense, off topic but I’d be interested to hear you guys (and girls) rank the top 5 defenders in the league. Dirk isn’t great but he’s no liability either.

  • http://yahoo.com eboyhater

    hey james the balla are we still trying to ban the annoying jtayler of slamonline?

  • http://itsahardwoodlife.blogspot.com omphalos

    Okay see right there at the start of the article is why he’s not the best power forward; he plays like a guard/SF even if he is forced to defend them. I’ll still take Gasol if I want a guy in the paint.

  • Zeiramsy

    @Kap
    Well do you remember what Dirk did to Pau in the Euros 2005? Saying Pau is better because of his national success is a bad argument. First of all Dirk dominated Paul in head-to-head match-ups and secondly Spains team is so much better than Germany that you can´t compare success. Spain has 4.5 (Rubio is .5) NBA-Players while Germany has one.

  • doobie

    First of all I wasn’t calling dirk soft, I was just saying that’s how u might look at him in a game at first if u had no idea who he was.
    Secondly, he is a defensive liability, there’s no way around it. He’s a good rebounder but he hasn’t been the greatest low post defender…he’s not the worst by any stretch of the imagination but cmon at this point its no secret what dirks flaw is on the court

  • GDav-6

    @Kap +1 even though I’m not a fan of Pau I think he’s better than Dirk.

    My only doubt is… who’s the 6-6 guard in the story? LOL

  • http://www.kb24.com The Seed

    Dirk and Pau are not in the same sentence, anywhere period. Dirk doesn’t get the credit he deserves, if he wins that ring as the man in (NBA REF GATE FINALS), Slam would have him top 5, If Pau stayed in Memphis he would be 32. Its funny how being on a bigger stage, makes you seem better. Also in my writeup on the Pau no. 10 comment on that article, he was a better player in Memphis and any true Laker fan understands we are getting the better shooting Pau, but not the overall better player. Pau has played good not great in a Lakers uniform and Dirk is way better than Pau, Pau post moves are being overrated, like I stated in other post. Dirk is higher on my list and Pau is way lower. Dirk is a great player, never to me has he had a great number 2 guy to help him out (Nash/Finley don’t count-ex.Dissappear in Playoffs) Dirk should have left Dallas and created his own legacy somewhere else, but loyalty is going to never get him a ring. BOOK IT!!

  • doobie

    Its you GDav-6. Its you.

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    @eboyhater, I wish.

  • http://slamonline.com Kap

    @Seed
    Do you remember those games Kobe missed last year where Gasol avg. 21 pts 19 rebs 6 assists against the Spurs and Jazz and the Lakers won? Nuff said…BOOK IT!!

  • The D Train

    I don’t profess to understand the metrics games, but I found this article entertaining in regards to Dirk’s supposed lack of defense. I have often wondered if it was a function of his being slow, white and European. I remember him getting it handed to him early in his career, but as he got older, I don’t remember him getting completely lit up, even against the likes of Duncan, KG and Webber in the playoffs. I’m not saying he didn’t, but I do not remember it. The funny thing about this list is that I don’t think anyone would argue with most of the guys on it. And although it makes my head spin, this seems to be the important part of the equation: “What dMULT now attempts is to measure is the points created per possession used allowed by a player’s box score counterparts versus their usual production. So a dMULT of .869, which is what Thabo Sefolosha currently sports, means that his counterparts have been 13.1 percent less productive when going against Thabo. A dMULT of 1.105 would mean that opponents have been 10.5 percent more productive. And so on.”….http://www.basketballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=918

  • http://www.kb24.com The Seed

    @Kap
    Also during those games Shannon Brown had career highs in scoring and rebounds, wow, man he steped up, that surely makes him worth it. Gasol has played good, but not great since being a Laker. Alot of players play when stars are out and get points. Gasol needs to play on the board better each game and please I watch all the Laker games and he still disappears alot, but people who don’t watch him on a nightly basis are arguing with me. Cool, watch the games when the Lakers are not on TV during the weeks to see his overall game and impact. Too many times he passes out of the post, instead of going out his man and truly has a hard time now creating shots for himself unless he goes to a jumpshot or semi hook shot. Pau is being overrated, but who cares he played better in Memphis and Dirk and Bosh and AL would be on my team before him. BOOK IT!!

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    So to anyone here, if you were starting a team, a franchise, or you were going to trade for an all star player and start to re-build, you would take Gasol over Dirk?

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    I would take Dirk 100 percent of the time. If I could switch Pau and Dirk right now on the Lakers, I would.

  • http://slamonline.com Kap

    I watch all the Lakers games with league pass but he disappeared sometimes because when he passed the ball out to reestablish position he would not get it back and they did not play through him like they should have because the guards would get jumpshot happy.

  • http://www.slamonline.com James the Balla

    I don’t agree with Seed. But I don’t agree with you either Kap. Just because Pau averaged ridiculous numbers for a couple games while Kobe was out, doesn’t mean he is amazing, but I know you were just trying to give Seed an example. Pau plays phenomenal for the Lakers, and plays great when Kobe is absent from games where he isn’t playing good, or isn’t playing at all due to injuries. But he is no number 1 option, and he isn’t vocal enough to be a true leader (yes Eboy, guys can be leaders without being vocal, I know lol). Pau is the 2nd best number two in the league, but he is not better than Dirk. And I cringe when Pau shoots, even though he has an okay jump shot, it is still terribly ugly and it is a hard shot to judge if it’s going in or not.

  • basketblogger

    once upon a time when pau gasol was on memphis http://www.nba.com/playoffs2006/series_dalmem.html

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