On February 10 2011 18:37 XaI)CyRiC wrote: 13-man squads
PG: Deron Williams; Chris Paul SG: Kobe Bryant; Dwyane Wade SF: Lebron James; Kevin Durant PF: Tim Duncan; Kevin Garnett C: Shaquille O'Neal; Dwight Howard Bench: Ray Allen; Yao Ming; Dirk Nowitzki
PG: Magic Johnson; Isiah Thomas SG: Michael Jordan; Clyde Drexler SF: Larry Bird; Scottie Pippen PF: Karl Malone; Charles Barkley C: Hakeem Olajuwon; David Robinson Bench: Dominique Wilkins; Patrick Ewing; Kevin McHale
I have no idea which is the better team. I think if you played a best of 100, you'd end up pretty even.
Great lineups. The only thing I would change is the bench for the old school team. I love Nique but Bernard was on a whole different level before his knee blew up. I also think the team is a bit too big, so I'd replace Ewing with Rolando Blackman, who was a real glue guy and extremely unselfish. I'd love to fit Rodman in, but McHale offers too much on the other end and rebounding isn't a problem with the other monsters on the team.
On February 11 2011 02:37 cLutZ wrote:Except people have been telling Lebron to be a better free throw shooter and to develop a low post game for seven years, and he hasn't. What weaknesses has he fixed? His three point shooting is better, but its still not a shot he should take that often.
And you really think he would just bull over Pippen and Jordan? And then dodge Rodman and Hakeem or Mutumbo in the paint? He can't do that very well with Hedo Turkolu guarding him with Howard in the paint with no one allowed to touch him.
Well Lebron has improved his FT shooting and perimeter shooting. While he hasn't developed a low post back-to-the-basket game, it arguably has not been a priority for him since there wasn't really any need for it under the modern day rules. His game is ideally suited to the current rules and style of play, so you can't really fault him for not trying to change it up. Could he become a more complete offensive player like Kobe? Of course. However, his physical gifts make up for a lot of it.
I don't think Jordan or Pippen would have the size or strength to deal with Lebron, particularly if more physical play was allowed. Again, he's got the size and strength of Malone, but is arguably about as athletic and fast as both Jordan and Pippen. As for dodging Rodman/Hakeem/Mutombo, I think even those guys would struggle with his size and strength, and Lebron's a good enough passer to make defenses pay for sending a big to help. With the talent around him, his opponents wouldn't have the luxury of loading up on him on defense.
Keep in mind, I'm not saying that Lebron would dominate the older era's players or team, only that he would be a very difficult matchup and would likely do just fine (or even do better) if they played under rules that allowed for more physicality. You argued that Lebron's offense would "disappear", and that's what I'm refuting. While I realize that you probably didn't mean "disappear" literally, I would disagree that his ability to be effective on offense would be hurt significantly under the older rules.
On February 10 2011 18:37 XaI)CyRiC wrote: 13-man squads
PG: Deron Williams; Chris Paul SG: Kobe Bryant; Dwyane Wade SF: Lebron James; Kevin Durant PF: Tim Duncan; Kevin Garnett C: Shaquille O'Neal; Dwight Howard Bench: Ray Allen; Yao Ming; Dirk Nowitzki
PG: Magic Johnson; Isiah Thomas SG: Michael Jordan; Clyde Drexler SF: Larry Bird; Scottie Pippen PF: Karl Malone; Charles Barkley C: Hakeem Olajuwon; David Robinson Bench: Dominique Wilkins; Patrick Ewing; Kevin McHale
I have no idea which is the better team. I think if you played a best of 100, you'd end up pretty even.
Great lineups. The only thing I would change is the bench for the old school team. I love Nique but Bernard was on a whole different level before his knee blew up. I also think the team is a bit too big, so I'd replace Ewing with Rolando Blackman, who was a real glue guy and extremely unselfish. I'd love to fit Rodman in, but McHale offers too much on the other end and rebounding isn't a problem with the other monsters on the team.
Don't agree that the older team is too big.
Newer frontcourt 7-footers: Shaq, Duncan, Yao, and Dirk 6'10"-6'11": Garnett, Dwight and Durant 6'8": Lebron
Take away Ewing and the older roster would only have three guys 6'10" and up, matching up against seven of them on the newer roster. I think you have to have another 7 footer, particularly with Barkley as one of the PFs.
On February 11 2011 02:37 cLutZ wrote:Except people have been telling Lebron to be a better free throw shooter and to develop a low post game for seven years, and he hasn't. What weaknesses has he fixed? His three point shooting is better, but its still not a shot he should take that often.
And you really think he would just bull over Pippen and Jordan? And then dodge Rodman and Hakeem or Mutumbo in the paint? He can't do that very well with Hedo Turkolu guarding him with Howard in the paint with no one allowed to touch him.
Well Lebron has improved his FT shooting and perimeter shooting. While he hasn't developed a low post back-to-the-basket game, it arguably has not been a priority for him since there wasn't really any need for it under the modern day rules. His game is ideally suited to the current rules and style of play, so you can't really fault him for not trying to change it up. Could he become a more complete offensive player like Kobe? Of course. However, his physical gifts make up for a lot of it.
I don't think Jordan or Pippen would have the size or strength to deal with Lebron, particularly if more physical play was allowed. Again, he's got the size and strength of Malone, but is arguably about as athletic and fast as both Jordan and Pippen. As for dodging Rodman/Hakeem/Mutombo, I think even those guys would struggle with his size and strength, and Lebron's a good enough passer to make defenses pay for sending a big to help. With the talent around him, his opponents wouldn't have the luxury of loading up on him on defense.
Keep in mind, I'm not saying that Lebron would dominate the older era's players or team, only that he would be a very difficult matchup and would likely do just fine (or even do better) if they played under rules that allowed for more physicality. You argued that Lebron's offense would "disappear", and that's what I'm refuting. While I realize that you probably didn't mean "disappear" literally, I would disagree that his ability to be effective on offense would be hurt significantly under the older rules.
Also, I've read some recent articles on Lebron playing CENTER and even PF. He's working on his post game as spoelstra is trying to experiment with him playing these positions. I want to point out that Lebron is doing really well shooting the ball recently, it's only a matter of time before he develops a post game like kobe.
On February 11 2011 02:37 cLutZ wrote:Except people have been telling Lebron to be a better free throw shooter and to develop a low post game for seven years, and he hasn't. What weaknesses has he fixed? His three point shooting is better, but its still not a shot he should take that often.
And you really think he would just bull over Pippen and Jordan? And then dodge Rodman and Hakeem or Mutumbo in the paint? He can't do that very well with Hedo Turkolu guarding him with Howard in the paint with no one allowed to touch him.
Well Lebron has improved his FT shooting and perimeter shooting. While he hasn't developed a low post back-to-the-basket game, it arguably has not been a priority for him since there wasn't really any need for it under the modern day rules. His game is ideally suited to the current rules and style of play, so you can't really fault him for not trying to change it up. Could he become a more complete offensive player like Kobe? Of course. However, his physical gifts make up for a lot of it.
I don't think Jordan or Pippen would have the size or strength to deal with Lebron, particularly if more physical play was allowed. Again, he's got the size and strength of Malone, but is arguably about as athletic and fast as both Jordan and Pippen. As for dodging Rodman/Hakeem/Mutombo, I think even those guys would struggle with his size and strength, and Lebron's a good enough passer to make defenses pay for sending a big to help. With the talent around him, his opponents wouldn't have the luxury of loading up on him on defense.
Keep in mind, I'm not saying that Lebron would dominate the older era's players or team, only that he would be a very difficult matchup and would likely do just fine (or even do better) if they played under rules that allowed for more physicality. You argued that Lebron's offense would "disappear", and that's what I'm refuting. While I realize that you probably didn't mean "disappear" literally, I would disagree that his ability to be effective on offense would be hurt significantly under the older rules.
Also, I've read some recent articles on Lebron playing CENTER and even PF. He's working on his post game as spoelstra is trying to experiment with him playing these positions. I want to point out that Lebron is doing really well shooting the ball recently, it's only a matter of time before he develops a post game like kobe.
If that is true then the Heat would be very difficult to stop. They have a great deal of talent, but it is very imbalanced.
On February 11 2011 05:25 Forbs wrote: Holy shit, Jerry Sloan just resigned.
So the rumor-mill says that 1) Deron Williams is an asshole 2) Kevin O'Connor fired Sloan 3) Hence Phil Johnson walking out with Sloan, not wanting to take the job under the circumstances
On February 11 2011 02:37 cLutZ wrote:Except people have been telling Lebron to be a better free throw shooter and to develop a low post game for seven years, and he hasn't. What weaknesses has he fixed? His three point shooting is better, but its still not a shot he should take that often.
And you really think he would just bull over Pippen and Jordan? And then dodge Rodman and Hakeem or Mutumbo in the paint? He can't do that very well with Hedo Turkolu guarding him with Howard in the paint with no one allowed to touch him.
Well Lebron has improved his FT shooting and perimeter shooting. While he hasn't developed a low post back-to-the-basket game, it arguably has not been a priority for him since there wasn't really any need for it under the modern day rules. His game is ideally suited to the current rules and style of play, so you can't really fault him for not trying to change it up. Could he become a more complete offensive player like Kobe? Of course. However, his physical gifts make up for a lot of it.
I don't think Jordan or Pippen would have the size or strength to deal with Lebron, particularly if more physical play was allowed. Again, he's got the size and strength of Malone, but is arguably about as athletic and fast as both Jordan and Pippen. As for dodging Rodman/Hakeem/Mutombo, I think even those guys would struggle with his size and strength, and Lebron's a good enough passer to make defenses pay for sending a big to help. With the talent around him, his opponents wouldn't have the luxury of loading up on him on defense.
Keep in mind, I'm not saying that Lebron would dominate the older era's players or team, only that he would be a very difficult matchup and would likely do just fine (or even do better) if they played under rules that allowed for more physicality. You argued that Lebron's offense would "disappear", and that's what I'm refuting. While I realize that you probably didn't mean "disappear" literally, I would disagree that his ability to be effective on offense would be hurt significantly under the older rules.
Also, I've read some recent articles on Lebron playing CENTER and even PF. He's working on his post game as spoelstra is trying to experiment with him playing these positions. I want to point out that Lebron is doing really well shooting the ball recently, it's only a matter of time before he develops a post game like kobe.
He was only playing C/PF because the Heat went small due to injuries. His post game was still terrible and well, he doesn't match up well at all vs bigs. He can do it in spot runs but he isn't widely effective in either position once the game slows down.
On February 11 2011 05:25 Forbs wrote: Holy shit, Jerry Sloan just resigned.
He's been coaching since I've been alive T_T
For the past few years since the Lakers started peacing the Jazz in the playoffs, I've started respecting the Jazz (used to think it sweet justice after how well Malone+Stockton torched LA), especially with the fact that they were just another p&r team like 90% of the NBA. They were actually fun to watch, and Deron Williams can be a beast when he gets it in the groove.
Was really hoping that he and Phil Jackson would retire at the same time, would have been an epic sendoff to two of the greatest basketball minds out there.
On February 11 2011 05:25 Forbs wrote: Holy shit, Jerry Sloan just resigned.
So the rumor-mill says that 1) Deron Williams is an asshole 2) Kevin O'Connor fired Sloan 3) Hence Phil Johnson walking out with Sloan, not wanting to take the job under the circumstances
How is deron williams an asshole? Just because you have a falling out with your coach, doesnt mean you're an asshole.
On February 10 2011 18:37 XaI)CyRiC wrote: 13-man squads
PG: Deron Williams; Chris Paul SG: Kobe Bryant; Dwyane Wade SF: Lebron James; Kevin Durant PF: Tim Duncan; Kevin Garnett C: Shaquille O'Neal; Dwight Howard Bench: Ray Allen; Yao Ming; Dirk Nowitzki
PG: Magic Johnson; Isiah Thomas SG: Michael Jordan; Clyde Drexler SF: Larry Bird; Scottie Pippen PF: Karl Malone; Charles Barkley C: Hakeem Olajuwon; David Robinson Bench: Dominique Wilkins; Patrick Ewing; Kevin McHale
I have no idea which is the better team. I think if you played a best of 100, you'd end up pretty even.
Great lineups. The only thing I would change is the bench for the old school team. I love Nique but Bernard was on a whole different level before his knee blew up. I also think the team is a bit too big, so I'd replace Ewing with Rolando Blackman, who was a real glue guy and extremely unselfish. I'd love to fit Rodman in, but McHale offers too much on the other end and rebounding isn't a problem with the other monsters on the team.
Don't agree that the older team is too big.
Newer frontcourt 7-footers: Shaq, Duncan, Yao, and Dirk 6'10"-6'11": Garnett, Dwight and Durant 6'8": Lebron
Take away Ewing and the older roster would only have three guys 6'10" and up, matching up against seven of them on the newer roster. I think you have to have another 7 footer, particularly with Barkley as one of the PFs.
You can't really judge by height because Malone is more of a down-low banger than Dirk and Yao put together. I just think there are enough big bodies without Ewing. If you insist on having a third center I'd take early 80s Kareem over him anyway, since he'd provide automatic offense and surprisingly solid D (made 3 All-NBA D teams in the 80s) in limited minutes.
edit: You don't guard Dirk with a big anyway. We learned in 2007 that the Stephen Jackson type is the best option for defending him.
On February 10 2011 18:37 XaI)CyRiC wrote: 13-man squads
PG: Deron Williams; Chris Paul SG: Kobe Bryant; Dwyane Wade SF: Lebron James; Kevin Durant PF: Tim Duncan; Kevin Garnett C: Shaquille O'Neal; Dwight Howard Bench: Ray Allen; Yao Ming; Dirk Nowitzki
PG: Magic Johnson; Isiah Thomas SG: Michael Jordan; Clyde Drexler SF: Larry Bird; Scottie Pippen PF: Karl Malone; Charles Barkley C: Hakeem Olajuwon; David Robinson Bench: Dominique Wilkins; Patrick Ewing; Kevin McHale
I have no idea which is the better team. I think if you played a best of 100, you'd end up pretty even.
Great lineups. The only thing I would change is the bench for the old school team. I love Nique but Bernard was on a whole different level before his knee blew up. I also think the team is a bit too big, so I'd replace Ewing with Rolando Blackman, who was a real glue guy and extremely unselfish. I'd love to fit Rodman in, but McHale offers too much on the other end and rebounding isn't a problem with the other monsters on the team.
Don't agree that the older team is too big.
Newer frontcourt 7-footers: Shaq, Duncan, Yao, and Dirk 6'10"-6'11": Garnett, Dwight and Durant 6'8": Lebron
Take away Ewing and the older roster would only have three guys 6'10" and up, matching up against seven of them on the newer roster. I think you have to have another 7 footer, particularly with Barkley as one of the PFs.
You can't really judge by height because Malone is more of a down-low banger than Dirk and Yao put together. I just think there are enough big bodies without Ewing. If you insist on having a third center I'd take early 80s Kareem over him anyway, since he'd provide automatic offense and surprisingly solid D (made 3 All-NBA D teams in the 80s) in limited minutes.
While I agree that Malone would abuse Dirk in the post, I don't think that he would be able to do so vs Yao just because Yao is so damn big. Yao may not be tough, but he's still a giant and not that easy to post up against (just ask Dwight). Plus, it's not like Yao will be guarding Malone at all. I just don't think I'd feel confident going into a series with just Olajuwon, Robinson, Malone, McHale and Barkley against Shaq, Yao, Duncan, KG, Dwight and Dirk, but that's just me.
Totally agree with Kareem being a good replacement for Ewing. I plead ignorance as to exactly how good Kareem was during the time period we're talking about, which is why I went with the safe Ewing pick.
EPT
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