Dirk!

[AZ BU Fan]

Talk about a guy who doesn't get enough big time props......




Some of the shots this guy made last night were ridiculously sick!
7 footer shooting fade away jump shots....nothing but net....

Felt sorry for Collison..

[Da Coach]

Talk about a guy who doesn't get enough big time props......

Before this year's playoffs, I would agree with you that he has been shortchanged in discussions of the best NBA players. But in the last few weeks, I think that has changed. You can't turn on a sports show anywhere that Dirk Nowitzke isn't lauded and praised.
I had to turn off ESPN this morning because it was over the top with love for Dirk. It was almost a little too much. I think now that Kobe has been eliminated, as are the Celtics, the national media feels obsessed with finding a different hero to worship and Dirk is now getting the props he deserves.

[Braves4Life]

It would have been interesting if Dirk and Bird both played in the same era..... Who would be considered the best?

[runninfiend]

It would have been interesting if Dirk and Bird both played in the same era..... Who would be considered the best?

Not really a fair comparison, different types of player. I love Nowitzki, one of my all-time favorites, but he's 7 foot shooter who largely plays at the top of the key. His ability to stretch defenses is a huge strength. Shooting-wise he matches up with Bird, but Bird was the better all-around player. Nowitzki is an adequate passer, yet never really learned to play defense or was an above average rebounder, Bird could do both. Bird was better all-around.

[sousaman2089]

Bird was a better rebounder but Dirk is lasting longer.

No one gave props to Dirk recently because of the Mavericks failues in the playoffs in 2006 and 2007. Sports fans seem to remember only the best and worst moments of an athlete (and usually the latter more then the former.) His unbelievable 2006 season and playoffs were written off because of a team collapsing (with the help of one of the few referee calls that directly changed the outcome of a championship) and 2007 first round upset.

And fans like flashy things (dunks, alley-oops) instead of consistency. There's a reason Tim Duncan was never the idol of millions, while lesser talents (Dominique, Barkley, Karl Malone, Iverson) were idolized.

Dirk has been amazingly consistent maybe due to never throwing himself down into the post like a crazy/young Bird did. But still, he'd be one of the top 50 NBA players of all time, possibly the top 30.