Remove all preconceived bias and let the facts speak for themselves.
That's what we're aiming for with The Daily Guessing Game.
We provide the stats for Player A and Player B and you pick which one is better. It's really that simple ... but with the caveat that you don't know the identities of each player before voting.
Sometimes it will be two incredibly similar players and a legitimately fair comparison. Sometimes it will be single years being compared and sometimes entire careers. Sometimes the sample sizes will be so ridiculous and disparate that it's beyond ludicrous. Sometimes it's entirely tongue in cheek and not to be taken too seriously. But enough small talk ...
Here are today's options:
Player A is on top, Player B is on bottom.
Player A
I voted Player A because, despite the lack of three-point shooting, he's been able to average 20-plus points per game shooting an efficient 60% from the field. He's also is taking two and a half more shots than Player B which means his team leans on him more offensively. That's just the offence, defensively he's averaging 2.2 blocks a game. I'm a sucker for a rim protector. I'll also live with the turnovers considering Player A probably has a higher usage percentage than Player B. - Carlan Gay (@TheCarlanGay)
Player B
In today´s game, spacing is a huge factor for every offense. Player A seems to be very effective around the basket, but not only Player B shoots a higher percentage in two pointers, but he also adds great value as a high-volume, high-percentage three point shooter. He´s a more complete and efficient scorer.
In the other areas there isn´t much of a difference: both rebound at a high clip, while Player B is a better passer and Player A is a stronger shot blocker. - Juan Estevez (@JuanEstevez90)
Drumroll please...
So who are the secret identities?
Player A is Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the 1984-85 season when he finished fourth in MVP voting.
Player B is Aron Baynes so far this season.
So yeah, it's only been six games, but when has that stopped anyone from jumping to conclusions?!?! Here are the per-game averages along with everything else that when taken into full context, pumps the brakes on the 'Baynes for MVP' chatter.
Are we saying Baynes is Abdul-Jabbar? Of course not. That would be ludicrous.
Are we saying this as a means to point out that on a per-minute basis he's been spectacular in Phoenix's surprise start? Absolutely.
Check back next time. Who knows? Maybe we'll all come to the conclusion that Aron Baynes is better than Hakeem Olajuwon!
The views expressed here do not represent those of the NBA or its clubs.
