Top 10 well-known NBA players with pure strength

In NBA history, there are always some players whose pure strength or game influence are needed to be aware of it, and they slowly discovered that the NBA players they were once familiar with were actually underestimated in their heyday.

In this article, the author will briefly sort out and take stock of the top ten well-known NBA players with pure strength for reference, and use data and field logic to reveal their hidden value. Due to space limitations, if you have any discussion or a choice of leaving a pearl, you are welcome to leave a message in the comment area to share.

10th place: Andre Kirilenko - "Defensive Universal Glue" that cannot be measured by data

Underestimate core: The all-round defensive contribution is covered up by the "non-score" label.

Data revealed: At its peak, it led the steal list + block list (the only non-center), and achieved an epic "5×5" in the 2004-05 season (5+ points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks). During the Jazz period, the team's defensive efficiency was firmly at the forefront of the league, and its defense collapsed when it ended.

Rule reason: Do not take up the ball, do not brush data, but can be defended from one to five, filling all defensive loopholes. His value lies in making the team's defensive system indestructible and is the "invisible patron saint" that cannot be fully captured by data.

9️⃣ No. 9: Sean Bathir – The ultimate definition of "Champion puzzle"

Underestimate the core: The "3D player" label seriously defames its game IQ and tactical core position.

Data revealed: During the Rockets/Heat period, the team's net score in 100 rounds increased significantly when it was on the court. Top defense real plus-negative values ​​(DRPM), blocking top scorers such as Kobe and Durant with accurate prediction and positioning rather than physical fitness. The key ball has a big heart (multiple fatal eye-blocking defense + three-pointer).

Rule reason: Perfect interpretation of the "winning logic": no mistakes, top-level assisted defense, deadly bottom corner three-pointers, locker room leader. He is the "on-field brain" that the coach trusts the most, and his tactical execution and defensive IQ are scarce resources for the championship team.

8️⃣ No. 8: Chauncey Billups – The "Key" magic of the field control

Underestimate the core: The unpredictable style of play and the lack of explosive data have left it out of the "Top Point Guard" discussion.

Data reveals: The Pistons are absolutely the core of winning the championship, and FMVP deserves its reputation. The career playoffs true plus-negative value (RPM) is always top-notch and has a very high assist rate. The teams (Pistols and Nuggets) have become strong teams, and the team's competitiveness has plummeted after leaving.

Rule reason: Historical level of game control, key ball ability ("Mr. Big Shot") and defensive hardness. He takes "reasonable basketball" to the extreme: controlling the rhythm, reducing mistakes, accurately allocating the ball, and taking over at critical moments, which is the ultimate winner point guard template.

7️⃣ No. 7: Marc Gasol – The "super CPU" of the defensive system

Underestimated core: shrouded by the halo of his brother, the stereotype of slow movement overshadowed his basketball IQ.

Data reveals: The Raptors' defensive core during the championship season, and their high-level support and defensive command are the foundation of the system. DPOY deserves its top defensive efficiency (at the top of the DRTG league) during the Grizzlies. The assist rate is at the center level in history, perfectly connected offense. In the FIBA ​​arena, Yao Ming was also guarded against death (2008 Beijing Olympics)

The root cause: IQ is used to make up for the defects in athletic ability. Top defense prediction, positioning, and assisted defense selection. The offensive end is the high-position axis, and can tear the defense line with passes. He is a perfect example of modern inside support + defensive core, and his influence far exceeds basic data.

6️⃣ No. 6: Chris Middleton - The hard ceiling of "The Second Head"

Underestimated core: Covered by Antetokounmpo's superstar, his key ball ability and stable output have been seriously ignored.

Data reveals: The Bucks are absolutely heroes to win the championship in 2021. They took over the game many times in the playoffs when Antetokounmpo was restricted (G3 scored 38 points in the Eastern Conference Finals, and G4 scored 40 points in the Finals). The mid-range hit rate is always elite level ("Mi Shen Time"), and the real hit rate in the playoffs is efficient and stable.

Ruorum reason: The recent past effects that have become a burden after injury have made him forgotten and misunderstood; he has become the most reliable attacker for the Bucks in high-end playoffs where stars need to solve the problem. Top-level off-ball moves, mid-range jump shots that ignore defense, and big heart attributes are perfectly adapted to the superstar's "second-offensive ceiling".

5️⃣ No. 5: Draymond Green - "System Soul" on the Data Ruins

Underestimate the core: Rough offensive data has become the target of attack, covering up its epoch-making defensive and organizational value. It is a very rare player in NBA history. It can be said that he has created a type of template.

Data reveals: Warriors Dynasty's defensive core, best defensive player (DPOY). When he was on the court, the Warriors' net win scores surged in 100 rounds, and the system collapsed in the end. The playoff assist rate has always been leading non-guard players, and is the actual starting point of the "Death Five Smalls" offensive.

Rule reason: Defining modern small ball inside line: defense switching ability from one defense to five, historical defensive command, fast break engine, and cover wall quality top. His existence transforms Curry and Clay's top projections into a system, which is a "victory leverage" that cannot be reflected in data.

4️⃣ Fourth place: Kyle Lowry – The transformation of "trash brothers" to champion leader

Underestimated core: Early playoff struggles were over-amplified, ignoring its stable and comprehensive control value.

Data reveals: The Raptors won the first player in history, the core guard who won the championship in 2019 (not Leonard single core). He has always had the top offensive foul ability, and the offense and defense real plus-negative value (RPM) is stable in the forefront. The teams (Rapgers and Heat) have become tough teachers.

Rule reason: Tough defense ("little cannon"), leadership, control mistakes, key ball ability (save the team multiple times). He is the decisive needle in the locker room, using hard work and wisdom to raise the team's lower limit to the championship level.

Third place: Robert Horry - "Mr. Key"'s championship gene

Underestimate the core: The basic data of the career is mediocre, and the positioning of role players covers his historically-level big heart and winner attributes. He may be the most excellent role player in NBA history.

Data revealed: Holding 7 rings (not winning in lieu), he made a final shot or a key goal in the finals many times (2002 Western Conference Finals against Kings G4, 2005 Finals G5). The three-point shooting percentage in the playoff career was significantly higher than the regular season.

Rule reason: The "cold-blooded killer" born for the playoffs. Top basketball IQ, no-ball movement, and psychological quality at critical moments. He proved that the value of basketball lies not only in scoring per game, but also in shooting the priceless ball at the highest stage and the most suffocating moment.

Second place: John Stockton - Point Guard textbook under the theory of "data brush"

Underestimated core: the real point guard textbook, under the halo of assist king + steal king's first in history, its unparalleled efficiency and defense are seriously despised. In modern times, it has no longer been mentioned by the media and young fans.

Data reveals: The true career hit rate (TS%) is top in point guards (far exceeding the Magicians of the same period), and the assists and turnovers are incredible. Defensive Real Positive and Negative Value (DRPM) is always the top priority, with accurate predictions on steals rather than gambling.

Ruorum reason: To achieve "precision" and "efficiency" to the extreme: the first pick-and-roll execution in history, impeccable pass selection, candy defense, and unball running master, his game is the ultimate presentation of basketball IQ, and his stable and efficient victory contribution far exceeds that of fancy styles.

No. 1: Sydney Moncliffe - The "first generation Jordan sealer" forgotten by the times

Underestimated core: The outside superstar in the early 1980s was seriously underestimated by history due to the limitations of the communication of the times and their defensive positioning.

Data revealed: DPOY (1983, 1984) for two consecutive years, the first defender to win this award. At the peak, the offense and defense are integrated: average 20+ points per game and lock the opponent's outside core. In the early 1980s, the Bucks had a long-term competitiveness in the East Finals.

Rule reason: Jordan certified "the most difficult defender". With top physical fitness, defensive oppressiveness, fast attack ability and mid-range technology. He defined the benchmark for modern defender defense. His comprehensive offense and defense influence was a top superstar in the 1980s, but was forgotten by later generations due to lack of championships and media exposure.