1982 Draft: Which was the right pick for the Lakers???

[Mr. Friscus]

Worthy came through a lot in the clutch. Hence, his nickname

So did Draymond Green, but nobody is saying he’s better than James Harden

 

[DJ Fieri]

So did Draymond Green, but nobody is saying he’s better than James Harden

at that comparison.

 

[shopson67]

Seems like a ridiculous and unnecessary question/thread.

 

[dtgold88]

Seems like a ridiculous and unnecessary question/thread.

I mean, better topic for offseason when not as much to discuss but seems like an interesting topic IMO.

 

[ducky]

Terry Cummings is the correct answer to this question.

 

[Mr. Friscus]

I mean, better topic for offseason when not as much to discuss but seems like an interesting topic IMO.

I think it's an interesting "what if" because:

1. My obvious bias, Nique is my favorite basketball player since I was like 6.
2. Nique and Worthy have different traits but could be somewhat similar in value overall based on their careers.

I don't think Worthy could do on Atlanta what Nique did. Worthy couldn't alpha his way to being one of the best scorers in NBA in the 80's and early 90's. He wasn't as athletic nor as explosive as Nique. Nique had springs, like MJ.

Meanwhile, the opposite question is legit.. how would Nique fit in with Magic and Kareem? It's like the Lakers Super team of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and Wilt. Where did Baylor fit in? Well, he fit in just fine.

One very proper critique of Nique (see what I did there) was his defense. I don't think he was ever even an average defender. If you watch his battles with Bird and Celtics, he looked easily fooled often.

NBA history is full of this obviously..

 

[shopson67]

Given the results, Worthy is the right pick. He's still involved with the team to this day and was a finals MVP. Wouldn't change a thing.