"So when does a top 8 player based on efficiency (and #1 when standardized to 40 minutes) move from tier 3 to tier 1? BTW the other 7 players all average 35-40 minutes while Manu plays less than 30.
Or maybe if we look at Pts/Reb/Assts combined then Ray Allen, Chauncy Billups, Dwayne Wade should be considered tier 3 also?"
How about when he actually PLAYS for 35-40 minutes a game like the guys who put up all those points?
If your contention is that Manu could do that when given the chance, then the question is why would Pops limit his minutes.
Let's see Manu put up 51 pts, in a night like AI, and then we can talk about where Manu really belongs?
Based on the stats however, right now it is apparent that San Antonio does have the best backcourt in the league.