Of course his contract matters, just like Grant's contract matters. It will hamstring the Bucks for the next two years and prevent them from putting a team around Giannis that can win
I understand what you're trying to say. I'm just saying it's irrelevant unless you have a time machine. Credit to the Bucks for shooting their shot and bringing in a Top 75 All-Time player to pair with Giannis and go for a title. It was Milwaukee's best option at the time. It just didn't work. Neither Dame nor Giannis could stay healthy. I know you love hyper-focusing on Lillard, but you're also forgetting that Giannis has grown equally injury-prone and bigs tend to age much worse than PGs.
Just like you were obsessed (and rightly so) about Portland moving on from Dame before that ship had completely sailed, so too must the folks in Milwaukee face a similar reality in Giannis. They have an often-injured aging superstar and not a whole lot of assets in the cupboard to pull off any real moves without gutting their roster. This is why most NBA pundits are looking at the Bucks and seeing it's time for a rebuild. Giannis could still be an asset for a contending team (just like Dame could have helped the Bucks had he & Giannis stayed healthy) but you can't objectively look at the Bucks roster/assets and see a way forward. It wouldn't really matter if Dame were making a slightly more reasonable contract. All superstars have big contracts. Cheap rotation players don't win titles.
The Bucks/Giannis era is over. Dame extended it by a couple of years, but now it's done. Giannis can either stay in Milwaukee and revel in being a franchise legend while acknowledging he'll have no real path to a title, or he can ask to be traded elsewhere and the Bucks can start building for their future. That's NBA basketball. At least the Bucks' management was bold enough to make a move and give their superstar a fighting chance. I wish Portland's management were equally focused on winning a title and not just threading the needle for ticket revenues.
Just like you were obsessed (and rightly so) about Portland moving on from Dame before that ship had completely sailed, so too must the folks in Milwaukee face a similar reality in Giannis. They have an often-injured aging superstar and not a whole lot of assets in the cupboard to pull off any real moves without gutting their roster. This is why most NBA pundits are looking at the Bucks and seeing it's time for a rebuild. Giannis could still be an asset for a contending team (just like Dame could have helped the Bucks had he & Giannis stayed healthy) but you can't objectively look at the Bucks roster/assets and see a way forward. It wouldn't really matter if Dame were making a slightly more reasonable contract. All superstars have big contracts. Cheap rotation players don't win titles.
Giannis is an actual NBA title-winning superstar, and Lillard is an overrated money-grabbing also-ran who never won anything in his life and has now left two dead teams in his wake. There is no comparison between the two. Giannis may be slowing down some (he still played 67 games this season, which is average for his career), but he gives any team a chance to contend. I don't actually want to do the deal I outlined above, but it would be an epic reversal of fortunes if it happened, and I do think it would make the Blazers temporarily better than they have been since LMA left.
If that's your criteria then virtually every single superstar of the Jordan era was a money-grabbing bum because they didn't win titles. Nevermind the fact Giannis only won in a year when other teams got leveled by injuries. (While Dame dragged CJ and Kanter to the WCF). But I digress. Clearly your opinion matters so much more than the actual NBA players who voted on Dame as an all-time great. Maybe you should write them all letters to proclaim your superior intellect.
Also, LMA wasn't nearly as valuable as Dame. Dude was a meek 6'11 dude who took way too many long 2s. And let's be real about why he left. He saw Dame coming and his fragile ego couldn't handle sharing the spotlight with a stronger leader and player. It's too bad Aldridge lacked a spine or else he would have been special as Dame's first option.
Trading for Gianni's though... Eh. I just don't see that being much more productive for him than just staying put with the Bucks, and I'm not sure the Bucks will WANT to trade him. Portland's rotation is deeper but we lack the top-end talent to make use of that kind of deal. But I wouldn't put it past Kolde/Cronin to chase the "good vibes" from that kind of deal even if it limits our rebuild (which they've already done).
Bottom line though is he's an aging superstar who, like Dame, is increasingly injury prone. It would be a short-term high but logically wouldn't pan out. I mean this Blazers team still probably won't be good enough to make the playoffs next year even if we're not tanking. Giannis, meanwhile, is about to be gentlemen-swept from the first round by a 5 seed. He's had a fantastic career, but I really don't see the benefit.
pezsez1 wrote: Mon Apr 28, 2025 1:54 pm
Clearly your opinion matters so much more than the actual NBA players who voted on Dame as an all-time great. Maybe you should write them all letters to proclaim your superior intellect.
Yes, well, I would write those letters, but my opinion about Lillard on that list is already well-represented among NBA players and journalists.
No, my big defense is that he never won anything, like I said.
Dame is and always has been fool's gold. He makes flashy shots and people think that makes him a winner, but when you actually look at playoff performance beyond two shots that he made, he never got it done. He's a famously bad defender and he shot less than 41% from the field for his playoff career and played in only 68 playoff games, usually losing in the first round. He has one of the worst playoff winning percentages in the history of the NBA. He got voted onto that list because he was at his apex at the time, and voters assumed he would eventually do something in the playoffs to augment his resume, but he never did and now likely never will.
When the Blazers were tanking a few years ago, Anfernee Simons would have stretches where he was averaging 30 points a game because most of the games were just garbage time and he could shoot as much as he wanted. That is what Lillard did for large parts of his career with the Blazers. He just put up stats in garbage time and when the games got bigger, he got smaller. His tenure in Portland was a lost decade for the Blazers, and now he has done the same for the Bucks. Two first-round exits to go with the five he had in Portland (and two seasons where he never even made the playoffs). He got paid though. If you're Dame, that's always been the main thing.
You're comparing Damian Lillard to Anfernee Simons? And that's after providing a "gotcha" link which, in fact, confirms Lillard's place in the top 75 players of all time? I mean come on man, right now you just need to stop digging and go outside.
Meanwhile, Dame can go sit at the "money-grabbing bums who ruined franchises" table with Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, and Karl Malone.
Seriously, does anyone here think Lillard is as good as Barkley, Malone, or Reggie Miller? Maybe regular season Miller; definitely not playoff Miller. All of those guys won games in the NBA finals. Lillard never won even one game in his only trip to the conference finals. He got outclassed by Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, who should have made that Anniversary list instead of Lillard.
Simons was leading the same team as Lillard when he got those points, so there is, literally, no better comparison. The Blazers have been built for a guard artificially padding his stats by taking all the shots, and Simons easily stepped into that 30ppg role when Lillard went down.
You aren't actually coming back with anything like facts to counter anything. You just love Lillard no matter how much he drags his team down. I am looking forward to my team getting to the playoffs again, which I expect to start next season. Unfortunately, the team that Lillard is on is headed in the opposite direction. Lillard and his contract arrive at a team used to contending and immediately they start annually losing in the first round. Must be just a coincidence.
Okay, I want anyone reading this to just do one thing. Go to your AI of choice and ask it which player does not belong on the 75th Anniversary list. Google didn't work for me but both Grok and DuckduckGo AI come back with Damian Lillard.
This is straight from Grok, in response to my question: "where should Damian Lillard be ranked among all NBA players of all time?"
Lillard’s case is strong but not top-tier. He’s a 7-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA, and was named to the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, signaling respect from the league. His career averages (around 25 PPG, 7 APG, 43% FG, 37% 3PT) showcase his scoring and playmaking, particularly his clutch, deep-range shooting. Iconic moments like his series-ending shots against OKC (2019) and Houston (2014) cement his reputation as “Dame Time.” He’s also been a leader, carrying Portland to consistent playoff appearances, including a Western Conference Finals run in 2019, though often with limited supporting casts.
However, his resume has gaps compared to all-time greats. He lacks an MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, or a championship, which hurts when stacked against players like LeBron, Jordan, or even Curry, who have multiple titles and MVPs. His playoff record, while solid, includes first-round exits and no Finals appearances. Advanced stats like PER (22.4 career) and Win Shares (around 90 through 2023) are strong but trail the elite (e.g., Jordan’s PER is 27.9). Defensively, he’s average at best, which docks points against two-way stars like Kobe or Giannis.
Historically, the top 10-15 players (Jordan, LeBron, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Shaq, Kobe, Duncan, Russell, Wilt, Curry, Durant, etc.) have combinations of MVPs, titles, and two-way dominance that Lillard doesn’t match. The next tier (20-40) includes players like Barkley, Malone, Stockton, and Wade—stars with MVPs or rings but not both, or like Lillard, transcendent talents with fewer team accolades. Lillard fits here, likely in the 30-40 range. He’s above players like Chris Paul (similar accolades, no ring) but below someone like Dirk Nowitzki (MVP, title, Finals MVP).
Considering his ongoing career (age 34 in 2025, now with Milwaukee), a championship could push him closer to the 20-25 range, especially if he’s a key piece. Without it, his peak and loyalty to Portland keep him as a top-40 player, roughly around 35th all-time.
Final Answer: Damian Lillard ranks approximately 30th to 40th among all-time NBA players, with potential to climb to 20-25 if he wins a championship.
Just for kicks, also asking: "can a logical case be made that Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trailblazers is as good of a player as Damian Lillard? Both for this season and overall in terms of career value?"
To determine whether a logical case can be made that Anfernee Simons is as good as Damian Lillard, both for the 2024-2025 NBA season and in terms of overall career value, we need to compare their performances, roles, and impact with the Portland Trail Blazers. This analysis will rely on statistical data, contextual factors, and qualitative assessments of their contributions, drawing from available information and reasoning through their respective strengths and limitations.
2024-2025 Season Comparison
Anfernee Simons (2024-2025 Season):
Stats: Through 27 games, Simons averages 17.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 1.0 steals per game, with shooting splits of 40.8% from the field and 32.0% from three-point range.
Role: Simons is Portland’s primary scoring guard and a key offensive initiator following Lillard’s trade to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023. He’s adjusting to increased defensive attention as the focal point of the offense, often facing double-teams and taller defenders.
Performance Context: Simons has regressed this season compared to his 2023-2024 output (22.6 points, 5.5 assists, 38.5% from three). His struggles stem from adapting to a lead guard role, with defenses keying in on him, leading to lower efficiency (32.3% from three vs. a career 38%) and higher turnovers (4.5 per game early in the season). Coach Chauncey Billups has urged Simons to play faster to counter defensive pressure, suggesting he’s still learning to emulate Lillard’s halfcourt mastery.
Highlights: Simons has shown flashes of brilliance, such as a double-double and a game-winning buzzer-beater against the Denver Nuggets on December 19, 2024. He also moved into third place in Trail Blazers history for career three-pointers made (827), surpassing Wesley Matthews.
Challenges: Simons lacks consistency, with poor shooting nights (e.g., 5-of-13, 1-of-6 from three against the Lakers) and struggles as a distributor. His defense remains a weak point, described as “not horrible” but insufficient for a primary star.
Damian Lillard (2024-2025 Season):
Stats: Lillard, now with the Milwaukee Bucks, has averaged approximately 25.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game (based on career trends and recent Bucks performance, as exact 2024-2025 stats are incomplete). His shooting efficiency typically hovers around 43-45% from the field and 37% from three.
Role: Lillard remains an elite point guard and clutch performer, serving as Milwaukee’s primary playmaker alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. His ability to create shots in isolation and facilitate in high-pressure situations is well-established.
Performance Context: Despite a suspected Achilles injury in the playoffs (April 2025), Lillard continues to perform at an All-Star level at age 34. His experience allows him to handle defensive pressure better than Simons, maintaining efficiency despite being a primary target.
Challenges: Lillard’s age and recent injury raise concerns about durability, but his impact this season far exceeds Simons’ in terms of scoring, playmaking, and leadership.
Season Comparison Analysis:
Scoring: Lillard significantly outpaces Simons in scoring (25.7 vs. 17.0 points per game) and efficiency. Simons’ regression in three-point shooting (32.0% vs. Lillard’s ~37%) highlights a gap in offensive reliability.
Playmaking: Lillard’s 7.5 assists per game dwarf Simons’ 4.8, reflecting superior court vision and experience as a floor general. Simons’ assist percentage has improved (27.6% this season vs. 18.6% last), but he’s not a natural distributor.
Defense: Neither is a standout defender, but Lillard’s veteran savvy gives him an edge in positioning and reading plays, while Simons’ athleticism doesn’t yet translate to consistent defensive impact.
Impact: Lillard’s presence elevates a contending Bucks team, while Simons struggles to lead a rebuilding Blazers squad (projected for a high lottery pick). Simons’ youth (25) suggests potential, but he’s not matching Lillard’s current production or influence.
Logical Case for Simons in 2024-2025:
A case for Simons being as good as Lillard this season is difficult to sustain. Simons’ youth and athleticism allow him to occasionally match Lillard’s scoring outbursts (e.g., his 37-point game as a rookie or recent game-winner), but his inconsistency, lower efficiency, and limited playmaking pale in comparison to Lillard’s elite output. The best argument is that Simons faces tougher circumstances—Portland’s lack of supporting talent forces him to carry a heavier load with less experience, whereas Lillard benefits from Milwaukee’s stronger roster. However, this contextual difference doesn’t close the gap in their current performance. Lillard remains a top-tier star, while Simons is a promising but inconsistent lead guard.
Career Value Comparison
Anfernee Simons (Career Overview):
Tenure: Drafted 24th overall by Portland in 2018, Simons is in his seventh NBA season at age 25. He’s played 360 games, averaging 16.3 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists with 42.3% field goal and 37.7% three-point shooting (per Basketball-Reference estimates).
Development: Simons spent his early years as a reserve behind Lillard and CJ McCollum, with limited minutes (e.g., 7.1 points in 17.0 minutes as a rookie). His breakout came in 2021-2022 (17.3 points, 43.1% FG) and peaked in 2023-2024 (22.6 points, 38.5% 3P), though injuries limited him to 46 games.
Achievements: Simons won the 2021 Slam Dunk Contest and set a Blazers rookie record with a 37-point, 9-assist game in 2019. His 827 career three-pointers rank third in franchise history.
Role Evolution: Initially a catch-and-shoot complement to Lillard (69% of his threes assisted in 2022-2023), Simons has transitioned to a primary scorer and playmaker post-Lillard. His usage rate spiked to 28.2% in games without Lillard in 2022-2023, averaging 27.9 points and 5.7 assists.
Value: Simons’ $25 million annual contract is considered reasonable for a 20+ point scorer with growth potential. His trade value is high due to his age and skill set, though his defensive limitations and inconsistent facilitation raise questions about his ceiling as a star.
Damian Lillard (Career Overview):
Tenure: Drafted 6th overall by Portland in 2012, Lillard played 11 seasons with the Blazers before joining the Bucks in 2023. Across 842 games, he averages 25.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 6.7 assists with 43.7% field goal and 37.1% three-point shooting.
Achievements: Lillard is an 8-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA selection, and the 2021 NBA Teammate of the Year. He holds Portland’s all-time records for points (19,376), three-pointers (2,387), and 50-point games. His 71-point game in 2023 is a franchise high. He led the Blazers to 8 playoff appearances, including a Western Conference Finals run in 2019.
Role: Lillard was Portland’s franchise cornerstone, known for clutch performances (e.g., game-winning shots vs. Houston in 2014 and Oklahoma City in 2019) and elite halfcourt creation. His 2022-2023 season (32.2 points, 7.3 assists, 46.3% FG) was a career peak.
Value: Lillard’s loyalty and leadership defined Portland’s identity, making him a cultural icon. His max contract reflects his status as a top-10 player in his prime, though his age (34) and recent injuries slightly diminish his long-term value.
Career Comparison Analysis:
Production: Lillard’s career averages (25.1 points, 6.7 assists) dwarf Simons’ (16.3 points, 3.4 assists). Lillard’s consistency across 11 seasons, including multiple 30+ point seasons, contrasts with Simons’ two seasons above 20 points.
Efficiency: Both are efficient shooters, with Lillard at 43.7% FG and 37.1% 3P, and Simons at 42.3% FG and 37.7% 3P. Simons’ slightly better three-point percentage is offset by Lillard’s higher volume (2,387 vs. 827 threes).
Impact: Lillard’s playoff success and All-NBA honors reflect a transformative impact. Simons has yet to reach the playoffs as a starter, and his role as a secondary scorer behind Lillard limited his early contributions.
Longevity and Potential: Lillard’s 13-year career includes 842 games of elite production, while Simons’ 360 games show promise but lack the same pedigree. At 25, Simons has room to grow, potentially approaching Lillard’s level, but he’s far from it now.
Franchise Value: Lillard was Portland’s MVP for nearly a decade, carrying the team to contention. Simons is a valuable asset but hasn’t been the Blazers’ clear MVP (e.g., Shaedon Sharpe won the team’s first-quarter MVP poll in 2023-2024).
Logical Case for Simons’ Career Value:
A case for Simons matching Lillard’s career value is tenuous but can be framed around potential and context:
Youth and Trajectory: At 25, Simons has time to develop into a star, whereas Lillard, at 34, is nearing the end of his prime. Simons’ 22.6 points per game in 2023-2024 suggest he could approach Lillard’s 25-30 point seasons with further refinement.
Similar Skill Set: Both are dynamic scorers with deep range and athleticism. Simons’ 37.7% career three-point shooting and ability to create off the dribble mirror Lillard’s strengths, though Lillard’s clutch gene and playmaking are superior.
Contextual Advantage: Simons’ early years were spent behind Lillard and McCollum, limiting his opportunities. His 27.9 points in games without Lillard in 2022-2023 show he can produce at a high level when given the keys.
Trade Value: Simons’ age and $25 million contract make him a more attractive trade asset than Lillard’s max deal and injury concerns. For a rebuilding team, Simons’ future value may outweigh Lillard’s past contributions.
However, this case falters under scrutiny. Lillard’s accolades, playoff runs, and franchise-altering impact far exceed Simons’ current resume. Simons’ potential is speculative, while Lillard’s career is a proven masterpiece. Even accounting for Simons’ youth, his defensive shortcomings and inconsistent facilitation suggest he’s unlikely to reach Lillard’s peak as a top-10 player.
Counterarguments and Rebuttal
Counterargument: Simons’ Regression Undermines His Case: Simons’ 2024-2025 struggles (17.0 points, 32.0% 3P) show he’s not ready to lead like Lillard. Rebuttal: Regression is partly due to increased defensive attention and a weak supporting cast, unlike Lillard’s established role on a contender. Still, Simons’ inability to adapt quickly weakens this defense.
Counterargument: Lillard’s Playoff Success Overshadows Simons: Lillard’s 8 playoff appearances vs. Simons’ zero as a starter highlight a gap in high-stakes impact. Rebuttal: Simons hasn’t had the opportunity to lead in the playoffs, and Portland’s rebuild limits his chances. Yet, Lillard’s proven clutch ability remains unmatched.
Counterargument: Lillard’s Leadership Defines His Value: Lillard’s loyalty and cultural impact in Portland set a high bar Simons hasn’t approached. Rebuttal: Simons’ leadership is emerging, but at 25, he’s not expected to match Lillard’s veteran presence yet.
Conclusion
For the 2024-2025 season, no logical case can convincingly argue that Anfernee Simons is as good as Damian Lillard. Lillard’s superior scoring, playmaking, and impact on a contending Bucks team outshine Simons’ inconsistent performance on a rebuilding Blazers squad. The gap in experience, efficiency, and leadership is stark, even accounting for Simons’ tougher circumstances.
For career value, the case is equally weak. Lillard’s 13-year resume, filled with All-Star nods, All-NBA selections, and playoff heroics, dwarfs Simons’ seven seasons of promising but secondary contributions. While Simons’ youth, scoring ability, and potential offer a speculative argument, his lack of accolades, defensive impact, and proven leadership fall far short of Lillard’s transformative legacy.
The strongest case for Simons rests on his future potential and contextual challenges, but this is insufficient to equate him to Lillard, whose career is among the NBA’s elite. Simons may one day approach Lillard’s level, but as of April 28, 2025, he remains a tier below, both this season and overall.
And, just for kicks, I'll hold myself accountable, asking Grok whether Dame is on the level of Barkley, Reggie and Malone. (For the record, I never said he was. Those guys are probably top 30 players, whereas Dame is probably right around 75, as the "gotcha" article said.) Still, because we're playing with AI, here's what Grok had to say:
A logical argument for Damian Lillard being on the same level as Reggie Miller, Charles Barkley, or Karl Malone hinges on career value:
Vs. Reggie Miller: A strong case exists. Lillard’s higher scoring (25.1 vs. 18.2 PPG), playmaking (6.7 vs. 3.0 APG), and similar clutch shooting (37.1% vs. 39.5% 3P) match or exceed Miller’s impact. Lillard’s 8 All-Star nods and 7 All-NBA selections surpass Miller’s 5 and 3, though Miller’s longevity (1,389 games vs. 842) and deeper playoff runs (15 appearances, 1 Finals vs. 8, 1 WCF) narrow the gap. Their roles as small-market, shooting-centric guards align closely.
Vs. Charles Barkley: A weaker case. Barkley’s MVP, 11 All-NBA nods (5 First Team), and two-way dominance (22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG, 24.6 PER) outshine Lillard’s scoring-focused resume (22.4 PER, 1 First Team). Barkley’s 1993 Finals run and versatility trump Lillard’s single WCF. Lillard’s edge in clutch moments and modern scoring volume isn’t enough to close the gap.
Vs. Karl Malone: The weakest case. Malone’s 2 MVPs, 14 All-NBA nods (11 First Team), and elite scoring/rebounding (25.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 234.6 WS) dwarf Lillard’s accolades and impact (109.5 WS). Malone’s 2 Finals and 19 playoff appearances overshadow Lillard’s postseason resume. Lillard’s three-point prowess is an advantage, but Malone’s two-way play and longevity dominate.
Summary: Lillard is closest to Miller’s level due to similar roles and clutch scoring, with a reasonable argument for parity. Against Barkley and Malone, Lillard falls short due to their MVPs, two-way dominance, and deeper playoff success. Lillard’s modern scoring and leadership keep him in the conversation, but Barkley and Malone rank higher historically.
Question: Who would you assume is more intelligent: Someone who says Damian Lillard is more on the level with Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, & Karl Malone, or someone who says he's more on the level with Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trailblazers?
Answer:
Comparing Damian Lillard to NBA players involves assessing his career achievements, stats, and impact. Lillard is an 8-time All-Star, 7-time All-NBA selection, and has averaged 25.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 4.2 rebounds over 13 seasons, with a 2024-25 season average of 26.7 points. He’s a clutch performer, known for iconic playoff moments like his 50-point closeout against OKC in 2019.
Option 1: Lillard compared to Charles Barkley, Reggie Miller, and Karl Malone
These are Hall of Famers with elite careers:
Barkley: MVP (1993), 11-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA, 22.1 PPG, 11.7 RPG. Known for dominance despite no championship.
Malone: 2-time MVP, 14-time All-Star, 14-time All-NBA, 25.0 PPG, 10.1 RPG, second all-time in points scored.
Lillard’s scoring and clutch play align with their tier, though he lacks Malone’s or Barkley’s MVPs or rebounding prowess. His playoff resume (41-58 record, no Conference Finals) is less impressive than theirs, but his individual impact is comparable to Miller’s, if not slightly below Barkley and Malone due to their versatility and longevity.
Option 2: Lillard compared to Anfernee Simons
Simons, a young Trailblazer, averages 17.8 points and 4.1 assists over 7 seasons, with 21.1 points in 2024-25. He’s a talented scorer but has no All-Star or All-NBA nods, and his impact is limited compared to Lillard’s. Simons is a promising player, but Lillard’s accolades, leadership, and consistency place him in a far higher tier.
Assessment
The person comparing Lillard to Barkley, Miller, and Malone is closer to the mark, as Lillard’s career stats, accolades, and impact align more with these all-time greats, despite some gaps in team success or versatility. Comparing him to Simons significantly undervalues Lillard’s elite production and legacy. Thus, the former opinion reflects a better understanding of basketball hierarchy and suggests greater intelligence in evaluating player talent.
Answer: The person who says Lillard is more on the level with Barkley, Miller, and Malone is likely more intelligent, as their comparison better reflects Lillard’s elite career achievements compared to Simons’ less accomplished resume.
Nevermind the fact Giannis only won in a year when other teams got leveled by injuries. (While Dame dragged CJ and Kanter to the WCF). But I digress. Clearly your opinion matters so much more than the actual NBA players who voted on Dame as an all-time great. Maybe you should write them all letters to proclaim your superior intellect. 