Dirk Nowitzki vs. Kevin Garnett

Obviously Tim Duncan will go down as the best power forward of this generation as he has 4 rings, offensive numbers and anchored the most dominant defense for years, but who is #2?

Not comparing the players in their current form...obviously Dirk is wayyy better now..but i'm talking overall.

Both finally get rings after years of falling short, though Dirk consistantly led his team further than KG ever could lead the Wolves as their #1 guy..granted KG never had the support Dirk had outside of a couple years with Sam I Am and Spree...and then of course with Ray and Peirce.

I like Dirk here...the guys that lead their team to championships are guys who take over and point points on the board in crunch time and Dirk outdid Wade and James combined..which is amazing. KG on the other, may have very well been the most important player because of his defense, rebounding and selflessness on the Celtics championship team but Paul Peirce was the one finishing the games and securing the title.

Also note, that when Dallas played Minnesota in the playoffs in 2002...Dirk absolutely torched KG head to head...and this was when KG was in his prime and Dirk was still considered soft.

Also, KG is pretty much done in my eyes. He's not an all star anymore IMO. His loss of athleticism really hampered his game. Dirk relies less on athleticism..the fact that Dirk is 7 foot with probably the most unguarable jump shot of all time..this guy is going to be putting up big numbers until he is 40. Weather he wins another title or not..his overall numbers will smash Kevin Garnett's when it's all said and done.

They play the position differently, and you still have guys like Malone, Barkley, McHale who some may have not won a ring and the other played on great teams, but still have a say in who is next to Duncan.

Dirk's game, an unusual combination of size and shooting, basically a 7 footer who can shoot the 3 about as good as anyone in history gives him the edge to me. He also lead teams himself mostly, to the Finals twice winning one as MVP. KG was the heart and soul of the Boston team in 08, and his defense his far better then Dirk's, but he's had more help and Pierce stepped up most in the 08 Finals. If you look back at KG's career and numbers he's right there with Dirk now, but to me Dirk has past him this year and will most likely move a bit further ahead.

Garnett, let's not get lost in the moment people. The Celtics team that won the title would've easily beat this Mavs team. Garnett does a lot more things than Dirk.

I'm just talking about this era.

I consider Malone, Barkley, McHale as part of a different era. Obviously Dirk and KG are on the all time list as well but i'm keeping this in the 99-now time frame where TD, KG, Dirk, Sheed, Gasol, Stoudemire, and before the career changing injury Chris Webber were the best PF's in the game. Malone was past his prime when these guys started entering theirs.


Duncan is probably the best of all time though, but if we are going to talk about where Dirk and KG place all time PF's...thats a whole different thread all together. I'm just talking out of the best PF of this generation, past the Jordan era with Malone and Barkley.

I think Dirk will prove to have more longevity than Garnett and have a much longer career of playing at a high level.

(Edit to above Kings post)

KG never lead a team like Dirk did, and for the D KG brings Dirk brings better O and clutchness, it evens out.


The Boston team beating the Mavs team doesn't relate, Dirk isn't playing with quite as much talent(though better then people think), that would speak higher to him.


Prisoner of the moment would be saying Dirk is better then Kobe, or Hakeem or whatever, but saying he's moved past KG is completely reasonable at this point.


To be honest though they are probably within 2 spots of eachother all-time, it's that close.

Well Malone, Barkley and McHale never were the man on a title team also so does that make Dirk better than them? Garnett was stuck with horrible players in Minnesota for a long time.

Wrong place and time for Malone and Barkely, the numbers they put up in losing efforts in a direct result of who they had to play against, they are fantastic players even without the ring. McHale probably can't match their resumes as leaders, but he was a great player, who knows how he'd do on a different team. To be fair though it probably goes, Duncan, Dirk/KG/Malone/Barkley(don't care how you order them), McHale as PFs.

KingsOwn19 wrote:

Obviously Tim Duncan will go down as the best power forward of this generation as he has 4 rings, offensive numbers and anchored the most dominant defense for years, but who is #2?

Not comparing the players in their current form...obviously Dirk is wayyy better now..but i'm talking overall.

Both finally get rings after years of falling short, though Dirk consistantly led his team further than KG ever could lead the Wolves as their #1 guy..granted KG never had the support Dirk had outside of a couple years with Sam I Am and Spree...and then of course with Ray and Peirce.

I like Dirk here...the guys that lead their team to championships are guys who take over and point points on the board in crunch time and Dirk outdid Wade and James combined..which is amazing. KG on the other, may have very well been the most important player because of his defense, rebounding and selflessness on the Celtics championship team but Paul Peirce was the one finishing the games and securing the title.

Also note, that when Dallas played Minnesota in the playoffs in 2002...Dirk absolutely torched KG head to head...and this was when KG was in his prime and Dirk was still considered soft.

Also, KG is pretty much done in my eyes. He's not an all star anymore IMO. His loss of athleticism really hampered his game. Dirk relies less on athleticism..the fact that Dirk is 7 foot with probably the most unguarable jump shot of all time..this guy is going to be putting up big numbers until he is 40. Weather he wins another title or not..his overall numbers will smash Kevin Garnett's when it's all said and done.

We overachieved twice, in 2006 Dirk hits game winner in game 7 vs Spurs, MOTHERFUCKING GREG BUCKNER sSTARTED ON THAT 06 TEAM, Keith Van Horn, Dirk is a G and he forever sealed his legacy and i dont give a shit what anyone says, we will be even better next year with Butler. Kobes run is over, Its Dirks time.

Say Dirk had a bad game shooting tonight but tell me this. What were his 4th quarter numbers.

Plus Dirk and teh Mavs wned KGs Timberwolves in their prime

freakzilla wrote:

Garnett, let's not get lost in the moment people. The Celtics team that won the title would've easily beat this Mavs team. Garnett does a lot more things than Dirk.

It's not so much the moment...i've actually preferred Dirk over Garnett for close to 10 years now ever since i watched the Mavericks-Timberwolves 2002 first round series with interest as my Kings would play the winner, and Nowitzki averaged 30+ for the series with Kevin Garnett guarding him on the Mavs way to an easy sweep. He destroyed Garnett...the Mavs would have killed them even if he didnt, but he did.

KG does do more things..i agree. Not so much anymore, but over the course of his career he was a better defender, better rebounder, better passer...but i've simply never watched Garnett consistantly take over games like Dirk...even with the Celtics. KG always went the furthest when he has Cassell and SPree to close out games...or Pierce and Allen.

and obviously Pierce and Allen are quite the cast around KG...if Dirk had those two with him they might have not even lost a game this whole post season. Dirk was not surrounded by top level individual talent like KG was...and i'm not so sure i would come to the conclusion that that Celtics team would "easily" beat this Mavs team. I don't know why you say that, though it's not worth getting into because it's irrelevent. I don't think this Mavs team wins a title with a prime KG in place of this Dirk..thats my opinion.

Truth is I prefer Garnett but if someone wants to take Nowitzki I wouldn't argue too much. It's close and could go either way.

Birdofthad wrote:

KingsOwn19 wrote:

Obviously Tim Duncan will go down as the best power forward of this generation as he has 4 rings, offensive numbers and anchored the most dominant defense for years, but who is #2?

Not comparing the players in their current form...obviously Dirk is wayyy better now..but i'm talking overall.

Both finally get rings after years of falling short, though Dirk consistantly led his team further than KG ever could lead the Wolves as their #1 guy..granted KG never had the support Dirk had outside of a couple years with Sam I Am and Spree...and then of course with Ray and Peirce.

I like Dirk here...the guys that lead their team to championships are guys who take over and point points on the board in crunch time and Dirk outdid Wade and James combined..which is amazing. KG on the other, may have very well been the most important player because of his defense, rebounding and selflessness on the Celtics championship team but Paul Peirce was the one finishing the games and securing the title.

Also note, that when Dallas played Minnesota in the playoffs in 2002...Dirk absolutely torched KG head to head...and this was when KG was in his prime and Dirk was still considered soft.

Also, KG is pretty much done in my eyes. He's not an all star anymore IMO. His loss of athleticism really hampered his game. Dirk relies less on athleticism..the fact that Dirk is 7 foot with probably the most unguarable jump shot of all time..this guy is going to be putting up big numbers until he is 40. Weather he wins another title or not..his overall numbers will smash Kevin Garnett's when it's all said and done.

We overachieved twice, in 2006 Dirk hits game winner in game 7 vs Spurs, MOTHERFUCKING GREG BUCKNER sSTARTED ON THAT 06 TEAM, Keith Van Horn, Dirk is a G and he forever sealed his legacy and i dont give a shit what anyone says, we will be even better next year with Butler. Kobes run is over, Its Dirks time.

Say Dirk had a bad game shooting tonight but tell me this. What were his 4th quarter numbers.

Plus Dirk and teh Mavs wned KGs Timberwolves in their prime

Really now? A team that just went to 3 straight Finals before this season and played more games in a 3 years span then any team other then the 90-94 Bulls is gonna dropoff the map? Dirk is great but is still pretty old himslf, Kidd is old, I mean you guys got yours...finally, but chill, Lakers, Lakers, Bulls, Rockets, Bulls, Pistons, Lakers, 30 years teams that have repeated......

no bullshit i think Rasheed was better than KG, played a bigger factor in a title run and had the better jumper and post play, KG had good D and talked alot of shit while on a bad team.
Then became the 3rd option to win a ring, good for him. But Dirks miles better than KG, seriously, I was there live when Dirk dropped 30 on KG in his Defensive Player of the Year season.

Im sorry LA but we swept the Lakers and yall just lost the best coach possibly of the last 50 years

Were feeling pretty damn comfy right now.

Rasheed was not better than KG. Lol at that comment.

Birdofthad wrote:

no bullshit i think Rasheed was better than KG, played a bigger factor in a title run and had the better jumper and post play, KG had good D and talked alot of shit while on a bad team.
Then became the 3rd option to win a ring, good for him. But Dirks miles better than KG, seriously, I was there live when Dirk dropped 30 on KG in his Defensive Player of the Year season.

Sheed wasn't on that team, they picked him up last year.


KG's D in 08 got them to the Finals, but Pierce had a better Finals series.



Up untl 06-08ish KG was clearly the better player, since Dirk has past him

Birdofthad wrote:

Im sorry LA but we swept the Lakers and yall just lost the best coach possibly of the last 50 years

Were feeling pretty damn comfy right now.

Yeah after we played 4 seasons in 3 years, teams get worn out but a Mavs fan wouldn't know that, enjoy the win, but if you watched the last 10 years you should chill.

freakzilla wrote:

Rasheed was not better than KG. Lol at that comment.

funny stat for ya bub

WHo is the only player 6'11 or more to have multiple 100 3 pointer and 100 block seasons

RASHEED WALLACE (had 4 of em)

Who is the all time field goal percentage leader in ACC history????

Rasheed Wallace

Has a higher shooting percentage than any 6'11 or more big man in NBA history, including Dirk (Dirks 3)

Rasheed doesnt get the respect he deserved.

KingsOwn19 wrote:

freakzilla wrote:

Garnett, let's not get lost in the moment people. The Celtics team that won the title would've easily beat this Mavs team. Garnett does a lot more things than Dirk.

It's not so much the moment...i've actually preferred Dirk over Garnett for close to 10 years now ever since i watched the Mavericks-Timberwolves 2002 first round series with interest as my Kings would play the winner, and Nowitzki averaged 30+ for the series with Kevin Garnett guarding him on the Mavs way to an easy sweep. He destroyed Garnett...the Mavs would have killed them even if he didnt, but he did.

KG does do more things..i agree. Not so much anymore, but over the course of his career he was a better defender, better rebounder, better passer...but i've simply never watched Garnett consistantly take over games like Dirk...even with the Celtics. KG always went the furthest when he has Cassell and SPree to close out games...or Pierce and Allen.

and obviously Pierce and Allen are quite the cast around KG...if Dirk had those two with him they might have not even lost a game this whole post season. Dirk was not surrounded by top level individual talent like KG was...and i'm not so sure i would come to the conclusion that that Celtics team would "easily" beat this Mavs team. I don't know why you say that, though it's not worth getting into because it's irrelevent. I don't think this Mavs team wins a title with a prime KG in place of this Dirk..thats my opinion.

get em, freaks wrong on this one, Garnett had D on a shitty team. He was no where near the offensive threat Dirk is and was.

Birdofthad wrote:

freakzilla wrote:

Rasheed was not better than KG. Lol at that comment.

funny stat for ya bub

WHo is the only player 6'11 or more to have multiple 100 3 pointer and 100 block seasons

RASHEED WALLACE (had 4 of em)

Who is the all time field goal percentage leader in ACC history????

Rasheed Wallace

Has a higher shooting percentage than any 6'11 or more big man in NBA history, including Dirk (Dirks 3)

Rasheed doesnt get the respect he deserved.

None of that has to do with your original comment though..........

LA wrote:

Birdofthad wrote:

Im sorry LA but we swept the Lakers and yall just lost the best coach possibly of the last 50 years

Were feeling pretty damn comfy right now.

Yeah after we played 4 seasons in 3 years, teams get worn out but a Mavs fan wouldn't know that, enjoy the win, but if you watched the last 10 years you should chill.

actually if you dig through archives youll see I told YOU earlier this year to watch out for the Lakers being drained after going so deep in the postseason numerous times. Said it alot on here.

But still, no offense, yall had nothing for the pick and roll. And Dirk has always owned Gasol.

LA wrote:

Birdofthad wrote:

freakzilla wrote:

Rasheed was not better than KG. Lol at that comment.

funny stat for ya bub

WHo is the only player 6'11 or more to have multiple 100 3 pointer and 100 block seasons

RASHEED WALLACE (had 4 of em)

Who is the all time field goal percentage leader in ACC history????

Rasheed Wallace

Has a higher shooting percentage than any 6'11 or more big man in NBA history, including Dirk (Dirks 3)

Rasheed doesnt get the respect he deserved.

None of that has to do with your original comment though..........

Kinda does considering everyone is pretty much saying Dirks better than KG, and Rasheed had better shooting numbers than DIrk, was the man on a title winning team and lost another game 7.

PPL hate on Rasheed, hes a hall of famer and was better than KG, ppl just ride KGs dick cause of his defense just like Ben Wallace.

LA wrote:

Birdofthad wrote:

no bullshit i think Rasheed was better than KG, played a bigger factor in a title run and had the better jumper and post play, KG had good D and talked alot of shit while on a bad team.
Then became the 3rd option to win a ring, good for him. But Dirks miles better than KG, seriously, I was there live when Dirk dropped 30 on KG in his Defensive Player of the Year season.

Sheed wasn't on that team, they picked him up last year.


KG's D in 08 got them to the Finals, but Pierce had a better Finals series.



Up untl 06-08ish KG was clearly the better player, since Dirk has past him

what are you talking about? Rasheed beat your Lakers

Birdofthad wrote:

LA wrote:

Birdofthad wrote:

no bullshit i think Rasheed was better than KG, played a bigger factor in a title run and had the better jumper and post play, KG had good D and talked alot of shit while on a bad team.
Then became the 3rd option to win a ring, good for him. But Dirks miles better than KG, seriously, I was there live when Dirk dropped 30 on KG in his Defensive Player of the Year season.

Sheed wasn't on that team, they picked him up last year.


KG's D in 08 got them to the Finals, but Pierce had a better Finals series.



Up untl 06-08ish KG was clearly the better player, since Dirk has past him

what are you talking about? Rasheed beat your Lakers

Im comparing Rasheeds title run win vs the most cherry picked team of all time, vs KGs performance vs Kobes Lakers.

Sheed was not better than KG...but i will say Sheed COULD have been better than KG..Sheed could have been better than anybody save Tim Duncan if he put in the work that guys like Duncan and KG put in...or atleast wanted to be one of the greatest.

That was just one guy that didnt want to be the man and to his credit, he had no problems admitting it.

Wallace was an incredible talent. He acted as a role player most of the time and still managed to be the most important guy on every team he played for in his prime..Boston not included.

Rasheed was a good player no doubt but he is not in the class of Garnett/Dirk.