1979 Gretzky's PSA 10

[Throttlesteer]

The GOAT designation is overused and pretty ridiculous when considering changes to professional sports over the decades. Orr was a monster and the very best of his generation. But how would you honestly compare him to an Erik Karlsson or Nicklas Lidstrom? What about Gretzky or Crosby? Richard or Jagr? Its nonsensical. Way too many variables. These decisions come down to emotion, bias, and our own experience with the game. GOTT makes a lot more sense to me. Records are records, but they don't tell the whole story.

Back on topic, both of those 10s are well off-center. The OPC especially has me scratching my head.

[Peter_Spaeth]

It's only one opinion, but I heard an interview with Gordie Howe who was asked the inevitable question, if you could pick one player to start a team, would it be Orr or Gretzky? He said Orr.

[Throttlesteer]

I wonder what Gordie would say today? Orr or McDavid? Its a very different game now. Orr was a generational talent that transformed the position.

[Oscar_Stanage]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It's only one opinion, but I heard an interview with Gordie Howe who was asked the inevitable question, if you could pick one player to start a team, would it be Orr or Gretzky? He said Orr.

old timers are typically bitter, and biased against newer players. Just like in basketball, when Jordan arrived there were those types who would claim they would build a team around Wilt or Russell.

[ClementeFanOh]

How about Killer Carlson for GOAT? I'll see myself out now

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by Wid_Conroy

old timers are typically bitter, and biased against newer players. Just like in basketball, when Jordan arrived there were those types who would claim they would build a team around Wilt or Russell.

I don't think that was the case at all with Howe, he had only the highest praise for Gretzky, but wanted to start his dream team with Orr on defense.

[bigfanNY]

Always difficult to see how great players in any sport would play in a different era. Michael Jordan playing in the late 1950's early 1960's, would he be alot like Oscar Robertson but with superior defense? I think I give nod to Lebron because I believe in any era he would be a truly great player. Same with Gretzky an exceptional talent that would be dominant in any era. So Wayne gets my nod. Brodeur gets my vote for greatest Goalie. A very difficult position to play great as long as he did. Go Devils!!!!

[hockeyhockey]

$625,000 with 2 weeks to go (for the OPC)

[Leon]

This, and a few other pertinent threads, were copied over to this new forum...

[irv]

Originally Posted by Peter_Spaeth

It's only one opinion, but I heard an interview with Gordie Howe who was asked the inevitable question, if you could pick one player to start a team, would it be Orr or Gretzky? He said Orr.

And some players, like Phil Esposito, say Gordie Howe was the best ever.

Valid point and a true contender for GOAT as well, imo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu3tvR30n1g

[Peter_Spaeth]

Originally Posted by irv

And some players, like Phil Esposito, say Gordie Howe was the best ever.

Valid point and a true contender for GOAT as well, imo.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tu3tvR30n1g

I have heard Gretzky say the same thing.

[Throttlesteer]

I still struggle with "GOAT" when considering the evolution of the game. I'm not sure why the greats always look backward when considering who was best in their opinion. The one exception I remember is Lemieux speaking of Crosby and Jagr's greatness. Different times, different game, but two of the best as well.

[irv]

Originally Posted by Throttlesteer

I still struggle with "GOAT" when considering the evolution of the game. I'm not sure why the greats always look backward when considering who was best in their opinion. The one exception I remember is Lemieux speaking of Crosby and Jagr's greatness. Different times, different game, but two of the best as well.

It's a debate that will go on for infinity. Many great players through the years so there are going to be many opinions.