Kemp vs. Richmond

Shawn Kemp vs. Mitch Richmond

Shawn “The Reign Man” Kemp was one of the most one of the most electrifying dunkers of all time. Listed at 6’10 and 230 lbs, Kemp was an extremely athletic his size and position made him famous. Kemp also had a 41-inch vertical leap. To put that in perspective, the average person has a vertical leap of 16-20 inches, but he manages to jump twice as high as the average person and his speed and athleticism help made him an offensive force. In his best season putting up 19.6 points, 11.4 rebounds  2.2 assists on a great 56%, he is a 6x all-star and rightfully so. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kempsh01.html)

Shawn Kemp throwing down his signature dunk 

(http://niketalk.com/g/i/802367/kemp-jordan-dunk-jpg/)

Mitch “The Rock” Richmond was drafted by the Golden State Warriors in 1988 and was named 1989 Rookie of the Year. Richmond was a pivotal part of the high-temp play of the “ Run TMC’s “ Warriors team of the late 80s and early nineties. Michael Jordan, often referred to as the greatest player in NBA history, declared Richmond “as the toughest shooting guard to defend.”  (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2014/04/08/former-wizard-mitch-richmond-elected-to-basketball-hall-of-fame/?utm_term=.97c64c066e89)

Mitch Richmond being awarded the 1995 NBA All-Star Game MVP.

(http://ca.complex.com/sports/2012/11/the-25-best-nba-players-of-the-90s/1990s-19)

Richmond was known for for out muscling his opponents and all-around scoring ability but was also a solid defender. He is a 6x All-Star, 1995 All-Star Game MVP, and Rookie of the Year. In his best season, Richmond but up 22.5 points, 4.rebounds, 5.1 asissts, 1.2 steals and 0.4 blocks per game, while shooting 46%. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/richmmi01.html)

Now to compare the players, although Kemp's play style was more flashy and entertainment.it was far less consistent and efficient than Richmond. In Kemp's best season he still averaged 4 turnovers per game and only 2.2 assists, his assists to turnover ration 4:1.8 which is horrific. (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/k/kempsh01.html) 

Mitch Richmond's most impressive quality was his consistency. Over Richmond's most impressive 7 seasons in  Sacramento, he averaged at least 21 points while Kemp could barely stay in shape after the 1997-1998 season, thus making him the better player (http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/r/richmmi01.html)