[high floorParticipant]

Just finished reading the Dennis Smith Jr profile again, and as many on this site know his nba comparison is Baron Davis / Steve Francis. Both players I enjoyed watching back when.

So since we’re in the dog-days of summer…. I thought it would be fun to have a little debate between these two:

Baron Davis

• Career 16.1pts, 3.8rebs, 7.2assists, 41%FG, 71%FT, 1.8stl, 1.6three’s, 2.8 to’s
• 2-time all star selection
• Credited with longest made shot in NBA history (89 feet) in 2001
• Led league in steals in 2003-04 & 2007-08 seasons
• Led GSW to the infamous 8th seed – 1st seed upset series in 2007

Steve Francis 

• Career 18pts, 5.1rebs, 6.1assists, 43%FG, 79%FT, 1.0three’s, 1.5stls, 3.5to’s
• 3-time all star selection
• Cited "God’s Will" as one of his main reasons to hold-out / demand trade from Grizzlies
• 1999-2000 Rookie of the Year
• Led league in turnovers in 2002-2003 season

 

So, who would you say is the better player and / or had the better career between Boom Dizzle and Stevie Franchise?

[Dazzling Dunks and Basketball BloopersParticipant]

 I’d give Davis the slight edge because his career lasted longer, he was the better on ball defender (when motivated) and better 3 point shooter. He was also more of pure pg despite his notoriously questionable shot selection. Francis may have been better at his peak, but he was kind of an athletic freak who couldn’t really figure out a way to remain effective once his athletic gifts started to fade.

[whiteflashParticipant]

 That’s not really fair to Francis. His athleticism didn’t fade, he got injured and had it robbed of him during his prime. Now, as athletic as Francis was, Davis was even more so. He was bigger, stronger, jumped better of of either feet or both planted and finished through contact better. Always thought that Davis had about as much natural ability as any pg we’ve ever seen, just don’t think he ever put in that extra to go from good/great to top of the food chain. The same can be said about Francis. Francis was probably the better all around player offensively (people forget what a monster rebounder he was at pg) and despite dribbling the air outta the ball was a more controlled shooter than Davis, but Davis was probably the better scorer and could lock dude’s down when he wanted to (and led the league in steals a few times). My nod goes to Davis, but Francis was an absolute monster before he got hurt. Also think the trade to Orlando then to NY sapped the love out of the game for him. By the way, I’m from Houston and saw Francis play more than I can count.

[cabbycabParticipant]

 B-Diddy always has a place in my heart because of that " playoff run ".  Built like a fullback.  

Francis was super fun to watch but I never felt winning was a concern for him.  He just wanted his numbers and that was it.  One of the best " little man " dunkers of all time. 

 

Winner:  B-Diddy

 

 

 

 

  

[cohenbc1Participant]

Davis played in 250+ more regular season games than Francis, and 10 times as many playoff games (50 vs. 5).

Davis averaged 7+ assists in a season 11 times; Francis did it 0 times.

Davis has a signature moment — that 2007 upset of the Mavs (not just a 8 vs. 1 upset, a .500 team vs. a 67-win team upset).

I think it’s Davis and it’s not really close.

 

 

 

[HobbyOGParticipant]

 B-Diddy because of that dunk he had against the Jazz..man that was vicious. And then he flashed the gut.

[high floorParticipant]

The dunk was when they were up 20 late in the 4th, and on AK-47 no less  

[MatosParticipant]

 longevity is why I would give the edge to Baron Davis. Looking at his years, he had a stretch of 11 solid seasons. He definitely got snubbed a few times on the all-star bid. Forgot he only had two. Franchise had some crazy upside coming in but he ultimately got derailed by injuries. Davis had his share of injuries but was able to be more consistent. Also Baron Davis had more experience in more important games. Francis’ best days came with Yao and that was limited.

[mgreener_34Participant]

This one is tough. If you said Starbury vs Franchise, I wouldn’t be able to give you an honest answer, bt Davis vs Franchise, is a little different. 

Both had the same style of play, I loved Francis, but my guy just keeps telling me Baron Davis. 

He was just a good basketball player, plain as that. He wasn’t exceptionally good, but look at the teams he played for. The Hornets…yikes. The Warriors…How times have changed right lol…The Clippers…Woah….Cleveland…

The guy was never in a position where he wasn’t counted on to be a 1A or 1B player. He was a good dude from what I remember. Good with fans, the media, and just had a fun personallity. He competed hard, and was a fun player too watch. 

Franchise was just electrifying. DRose before DRose. I loved the guy, but he was just a terrible team mate, and a very selfish player. Also, he was one of the best players in 2K back in the day ha 

This is clearly Baron Davis’ to lose though. He was the best teamate, better passer, defender, and finisher around the basket. He was a better PG than Francis, and could actually contribute to a winning culture. 

Also, that dunk in the playoffs against AK47…come on guys!

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bigfungotitdone5timesParticipant]

 totally forgot b diddy led the l in steals 2 times on the topic of who id rahter have its b diddy and its not even

close long career that upset of the mavs he def got sum all star snubs and with stevie frnachise i never thougt

he cared about winning just gettin his his

 

 

[HeroescantdieParticipant]

Because of the beard, and of course his productivity and achievements 

[iguapops420Participant]

 Diddy all day. And it’s not even close.

[eazye_84Participant]

 Tough decision because I’ve seen games where Steve Francis lit up Baron Davis. However, based on longevity I’ll say BD

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