On rebounding, again Camby has the edge between those two seasons but Oak’s career-bests are better – he was over 20% three times, and over 21% twice (all with the Bulls) while Camby only hit 20% once (with Denver). Your suggestion in the original post, that Oak’s board numbers were hurt by Ewing, makes intuitive sense. Of course rebound numbers usually go down with age (except Camby!)

Defense is an interesting comparison. Of course Camby was an awesome shot-blocker while Oak never blocked anyone – but I’m not sure he wasn’t a better defender anyway. The early ’90s Knicks as a team had the best defensive efficiency of all-time, and were actually last in the league in blocks once (even with Ewing). So there’s something going on there.. Sadly +/- doesn’t offer an answer, and neither does my Magic 8-Ball.

re: assists and turnovers, basically Oak had a bigger responsibility as a passer which led to more assists AND more TOs.

Oak’s game changed a bit over time, as he became less of a single-minded rebounder. I’d still take him over Camby, as a pretty easy call. But also fair to say he was perfect for the rules and officiating of the late 80s / early 90s, while Camby was a better fit for the game 10 years later.

Decide for yourselves:
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/c/cambyma01.html
http://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/oaklech01.html

Oak? What can I say? Maybe that you are even underplaying how good he was. What makes you say that Camby’s peak value was higher?

Oak was the best defender at his position, hands-down. He led the league in rebounding. He was, as you note, a good offensive player – efficient, and a terrific interior passer.

And of course he regularly crushed Horace Grant in their one-on-one playoff matchups…

Standing on the press table with his arms up after dunking the putback on Starks’ drive to end the ECF in 1994 was the only time he ever asked to be loved, so it was the only time I ever gave it to him.

Maybe if he’d hit that finger roll 1 year later, I’d have given it to him again. But, alas, he “just didn’t get the job done”… :)

FIRST Team, Brian, FIRST!
http://www.nba.com/history/awards_defensiveteams.html

I have a feeling if this poll was taken 10 years ago he wouldnt have won the vote but the misery of the last 10 years has allowed everybody to see and realize how truly great Ewing was.