You Decide?

So after blogging of last nights performance by Brandon Roy and how smooth and effortless his game was I started to think of two other players who I consider to have similar styles to B. Roy. Joe Johnson and Paul Pierce. Now Joe Johnson was the easiest but Paul Pierce could be debated, his game is Choppy but with alittle bit of smoothness attached. These three are my absolute favorite wing players to watch play. They all are different in there own right.

Johnson's game can be too smooth at times considering that he sometimes can just float through games without being noticed he rarely forces shots. Johnson is clearly the supreme talent on his team but at times it looks like he does not want to be the that consistent force night in and night out. For instance in the Celtics gamea couple night ago Johnson seemed disengaged the whole game. Ended up with 20 points on 6 - 16 shooting (1-7 from 3) and missed a crucial free throw to tie the game. There is no question whether Johnson is a premier player, he just seems reluctant to dominate. In my eyes along with Lebron, Johnson is a freak. They are the most diverse players in the league coupling their size & tools they are both beast, more Lebron than Johnson. Despite Johnson inconsistencies everyone knows he can dominate(see video below). The verdict is still out maybe he get that killer instinct. As of right now of the three Joe Johnson is my favorite to watch.

Johnson's Game 6 versus Boston 2008.



Roy being the youngest in the group is getting there, he is improving every game. He however is still learning when to pick his spots to dominate. Unlike Johnson though Roy always seems up to delivering the dagger in a tight game for the Blazers. Out of the three I see Roy as being the closest to MJ minus the leaping and explosiveness of course. But more as an all around player whether it be setting up teammates or playing defense against the other teams best player. But most importantly when it comes to the 4th Qtr Roy knows that it is HIS time to start beasting it. As of right now if I'm building a franchise I would pick Roy and build around him.

Roy's 52 point game versus Suns. 2008


Pierce is the veteran of the three and the only NBA finals champion. After acquiring Allen & Garnett to shoulder the load he reminded the world how good of a player he was. Kobe has admitted that Pierce is one of the toughest players he has to guard. Now Compared to Roy and Johnson his game is the choppiest he often looks out of control and about to fall down. But for that particular reason is exactly why I love watching his game. He is probably the slowest of the three but definately the craftiest. How he gets to certain areas on the court is seriously a miracle. Pierce often can force shots and action without hurting his team. But this is only because he can fall back on Ray Allen & Kevin Garnett. But when you talk clutch situations Pierce may be only behind Kobe in the category of Best Closers in the League. Regardless how bad a game Pierce is having you want him to have the ball in the closing seconds. Pierce seems to never get rattled going toe to toe with Lebron & Kobe in the Playoffs last year was no small feat. As of right now I'd take Pierce in the fourth quarter over all three of these guys.

Pierce Game 7 to out Cavaliers. 2008



In my opinion.
1. Pierce
2. Roy
3. Johnson

When they are all done playing.
1. Roy (couple 'ships, HOF)
2. Pierce (1 'ship, HOF)
3. Johnson (forever <3'd by ATLiens & I)