[Grozny]

Let the games begin.

[wedge]

I would take Nash. Taking a team that lost a star like Amare to a 54 win season is amazing. Look who surrounds him: Shawn Marion, Boris Diaw, Raja Bell, Tim Thomas, Leandro Barbosa, Eddie House, James Jones. He can make the most average player look like a good one. Also a much better 3pt shooter in the clutch (Nash is 10% higher in the playoffs than Stockton). Throw in two MVPs too

I'll give them both credit in understanding what's a good shot for themselves and their teammates. Next to Magic, no two other players know how to get their teammates open shots and hit them in position to score.

Still..give me the Canadian with the funky hairdo!

[cjg11582]

I like Stockton in this debate (which I cannot believe we are having). In addition to being the clear cut superior defender (all-time steals leader, does anyone remember?), he was a better court general and flourished at maximizing the production of his teammates. He also lead The Jazz too back-to-back finals (lost to Jordan, no shame in that).
He was also a more refined decision maker. If someone was drilling his shots on any particular night, he knew exactly how to get him an open look. Nash obviously excels at this (he has lead the league in assists two years running), but he is also a product of D'Antoni's system much like all of Nash's teammates are bi-products of him. Remember all of those swingmen on The Jazz (Howard Eisley, Byron Russell, Shandon Anderson) that received enormous contracts? They were all supposed to be phenoms with long successful careers in The NBA. Actually, you probably don't becuase what have them and Stockton departed ways?
I will concede that Nash is the far superior shooter, but what a legendary point guard like Stockton does for an NBA team cannot be rivaled with decent shooting.

[Grozny]

I like Stockton in this debate (which I cannot believe we are having)

Nash is a 2-time MVP so I think they are close enough in ability, talents and accomplishment for good debate. Stockton is going to have the career numbers against Nash because he had such a long career but I think Nash is a worthy opponent.

I'll take Stockton in this one because of the defensive factor, but again, it's close enough to have a fun debate on.

[wedge]

I agree with Grozny. This is a worthy debate. Nash is a two time winner of the league's most valuable player. We can disagree who was a better PG or better all around player, but its a close comparison.

If Nash can keep his production levels in the same ballpark the next three or four years, he's clearly a hall of famer. I don't see how this is a unwarranted debate.

[cjg11582]

The reason I cannot believe we are having this debate is two years ago Nash wasn't even considered a top twenty player in The NBA. He was widely considered the third best player on his own team. His transformation from The Mavs to The Suns has been somewhat unprecedented and I was simply registering surprise his career has reached this level. It wasn't my intention to disparage the validity of this debate.
I take Stockton because he was a better shooter than Nash is a defender. Actually, I give Stockton an edge in every category except shooting.

[legend]

Two very similar players. Both good shooters and great passers, both could not cover anyone, although Stockton played the passing lanes and accumulated steals. I myself would rather have Stockton.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Grozny

Let the games begin.

Big O > Stockton > Nash

1.25 x Nash = Archibald (in his prime)

Stockton > Ainge X Ainge

Big O/ 1.1 = Magic

Purely Mathematically speaking of course....

(***Its a fair comparison...Nash is a candidate by virtue of two MVPs..***)

[ThePundit]

Good question. I would flip a coin. It's that even.

[desertrat]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

Good question. I would flip a coin. It's that even.

Stockton at least played in the NBA finals twice. I have doubts that Nash will ever make it that far, and his complete lack of defensive skills makes John Stockton an easy choice for me. As far as the players around him, the Suns have a lot of talent on that team to help make Nash look good. Lendro Barbosa is lightning quick and can creat his own shot. Shawn Marion is the most well rounded player on the team with scoring, rebounding, and defense. Raja Bell,Boris Diaw, and James Jones are all good outside shooters that certainly compliment Steve Nash's passing skills. Stockton had Jeff Hornacek and Karl Malone as his only two legitimate scoring weapons to work with. Bryon Russell and Mark Eaton were on the floor for their defense. I vote for Stockton on this one.