<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post"> If I haven't answered ALL your questions here, I'm sorry. Some of you haven't answered any of my questions either. </div> All right this debate is going no where fast so I will just end it, but before I do I will just plan out state some questions I have asked that have not been answered... 1. Name ten men Allen Iverson?s size who have shut down their opponents every game? You said there where many I would just like to know some outside of Thomas. I mean AI was the shortest and lightest MVP ever so I want to see how many people his size where "shut down" defenders. 2. How many 76ers games a year do you watch? Just out of curiosity since you have such a strong opinion on Allen as a player. 3. Like Avery asked do you consider a future hall of famer great? 4. Did you think Malone, Payton, Stockton, and Barkley where great? Feel free to list the questions you did not have answered as well. As far as looking back, and if the Heat win thanking you. You act like you are giving us a news flash about a underdog team that will win the title. We all know Miami is a favorite, and that they have a lot of talent it would not surprise a lot of people if they won you are not informing anyone of anything new so why should you be thanked? Miami and the Spurs are the favorites right now in a lot of peoples minds along with Detroit, you can not blame anyone for having one of those teams as their favorites.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">All right this debate is going no where fast so I will just end it, but before I do I will just plan out state some questions I have asked that have not been answered</div> Go of for it <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post"> 1. Name ten men Allen Iverson?s size who have shut down their opponents every game? You said there where many I would just like to know some outside of Thomas. I mean AI was the shortest and lightest MVP ever so I want to see how many people his size where "shut down" defenders..</div> Nobody can shut down somebody EVERY game, it's impossible and I never said that. I said that there are plenty of players his size that can play GREAT D. Since the league hasn't had too many players that small, I'll name some "small" guards: <div align="center">Isiah Thomas Nate Archibald Bob Cousy Lenny Wilkins John Stockton Maurice Cheeks Kevin Johnson Mark Price Fat Lever Mookie Blaylock</div> While some of these players aren't exactly Iverson's height, all of them were 6'1 and under. All of them could play GREAT defense, and all of them were for the most part winners, so like I said, NO MORE EXCUSES!! (I could name more, but you wanted 10) <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post"> 2. How many 76ers games a year do you watch? Just out of curiosity since you have such a strong opinion on Allen as a player..</div> About 50% of them including the playoffs, but that's just a estimate <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post"> 3. Like Avery asked do you consider a future hall of famer great.</div> Obcourse, for the most part <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post"> 4. Did you think Malone, Payton, Stockton, and Barkley where great?.</div> Yes..........all were multi-talented. Thank you for the questions, I truly hope your happy Bottom line.........Iverson isn't GREAT. I've went the extra mile to prove this to you. I've pointed out his terrible shooting % and shot selection. I've pointed out him "launching up" 25-30 shots a game, praying it goes in. I've mentioned his lack of effort on the defensive end, and lack of impact outside of scoring. The lesson of the day is, almost any guard can score 30pts a game if they choose too, no big deal. Scoring alone, doesn't make anybody GREAT. End of the discussion. Thank you, Rock4Life Ps. If anybody agrees that Miami will win the ring, feel free to accept some credit at the end of the season
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post"> Nobody can shut down somebody EVERY game, it's impossible and I never said that. I said that there are plenty of players his size that can play GREAT D. Since the league hasn't had too many players that small, I'll name some "small" guards: <div align="center">Isiah Thomas Nate Archibald Bob Cousy Lenny Wilkins John Stockton Maurice Cheeks Kevin Johnson Mark Price Fat Lever Mookie Blaylock</div> . While some of these players aren't exactly Iverson's height, all of them were 6'1 and under. All of them could play GREAT defense, and all of them were for the most part winners, so like I said, NO MORE EXCUSES!! (I could name more, but you wanted 10)</div> Like you yourself stated none of those players where Allen?s size, but for the most part where good defenders, they where all however ?pure? point guards. There for played against players their size. Allen for the better part of his career however has been a shooting guard he has played point guard a couple seasons, and his defense is good against players he matches up against. All the players you named where point guards not shooting guards or even off guards maybe that is why there defense was better. Just a guess <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">About 50% of them including the playoffs, but that's just a estimate</div> So you must get their local channel right? Because they have not had those many televised games nationally the last two years. If you do watch 50% of their games I would expect you to have a better feel for Allen?s game then you really do. Once again I would like to reiterate the fact he averaged a double double this season in the playoffs, and was fifth in the league in assists so its obvious there is more to his game. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Obcourse, for the most part</div> So you are really contradicting yourself by saying Allen is not great when he is a future hall of famer. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Yes..........all were multi-talented. Thank you for the questions, I truly hope your happy </div> What does multitalented mean to you anyhow honestly I have just stated four or five things Allen is top ten in the league in and you simply talk about his man defense against 6?7? players. Multitalented means being good in more than one area not necessarily meaning that area has to be a shut down defender. Do you think Amare Stoudamire is on his way to being great? Its not like he is a ?shut down? defender by any means. Also you?re welcome and thank you for you?re in depth answers you made my day. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bottom line.........Iverson isn't GREAT. I've went the extra mile to prove this to you. I've pointed out his terrible shooting % and shot selection. I've pointed out him "launching up" 25-30 shots a game, praying it goes in. I've mentioned his lack of effort on the defensive end, and lack of impact outside of scoring. The lesson of the day is, almost any guard can score 30pts a game if they choose too, no big deal. Scoring alone, doesn't make anybody GREAT. End of the discussion. </div> Your right any guard in the league can score 30 a game dish out enough assists to be top ten in the league, and also be top ten in the league in free throw attempts, and steals. One more question if any guard can why don?t they? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Ps. If anybody agrees that Miami will win the ring, feel free to accept some credit at the end of the season</div> Why would you get credit when all you did was state an opinion the team one the title not you. Good job predicting that one of the top three teams in the league would win the title you really took a shot in the dark there.
=lets get back on topic......... Anyways I dont think the Heat will win this year too many shots taken from wade and shaq plus Shaq has the potential to get injured again and hes gettin older. SA only got better so did Houston (I don't want to hear about how they only got to the first round i still think they are plenty capable of getting to the WCF). I don't like gary payton at his age (thats just my opinion). Miami did have a good offseason and the may even make it to the finals, which i think they have a good chance at, but i dont see them winning it all.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post">Like you yourself stated none of those players where Allen?s size, but for the most part where good defenders, they where all however ?pure? point guards. There for played against players their size. Allen for the better part of his career however has been a shooting guard he has played point guard a couple seasons, and his defense is good against players he matches up against. All the players you named where point guards not shooting guards or even off guards maybe that is why there defense was better. Just a guess:</div> Kevin Johnson Calvin Murphy (forgot him on the list) Fat Lever Mark Price Not pure PG's..........Wrong <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post"> So you must get their local channel right? Because they have not had those many televised games nationally the last two years. :</div> I happen to have league pass <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post"> So you are really contradicting yourself by saying Allen is not great when he is a future hall of famer.:</div> That's your opinion, not a fact. You don't know if he's a Hall of Famer yet. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post"> What does multitalented mean to you anyhow honestly I have just stated four or five things Allen is top ten in the league in and you simply talk about his man defense against 6?7? players</div> Marbury 6'3 Francis 6'3 Baron Davis 6'3 Gilbert Arenas 6'3 All guards that have totured Iverson. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Best Kept Secret:</div><div class="quote_post"> Also you?re welcome and thank you for you?re in depth answers you made my day. </div> Any other questions, just let me know Miami is loaded with talent, no denying that. San Antonio just doesn't have that killer instinct. Don't get me wrong, they're an excellent team, but Miami has gotten "pitbulls" on they're team. James Posey is the secret ingredient. Both teams have superstars, but Posey is that guy that's going to make Miami a contender. He's an excellent defender, can shoot, and hit his free throws. He's like Bruce Bowen, with more offense, and quicker feet. Just needs to stay healthy, which I predict he will.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bowen can't guard Wade. Mourning will guard Duncan, allowing Shaq to concentrate on PUNISHING anybody guarding him</div> So Bruce Bowen a guy who has contended or shut down almost every guard in the NBA suddenly can't not guard Wade? and Zo can guard Duncan? on what planet? mars? please...Zo couldn't guard Duncan in his prime he has no chance to even contend him now that he is near the end of his career <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">guard Duncan, allowing Shaq to concentrate on PUNISHING anybody guarding him. I refuse to compare Miami with the old Portland team for one reason, MIAMI IS BETTER THAN THEY WERE</div> With great logic like that how dare anyone question you <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Also, Miami's bench is the best in the league</div> Not even close. The best bench is in San Antonio. Finley, NVE, Horry, Oberto, Rasho, Barry...is a far better bench unit. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">San Antonio just doesn't have that killer instinct</div> So the NBA champions have no killer instinct? what planet are you actually living on? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">but Miami has gotten "pitbulls" on they're team. James Posey is the secret ingredient. Both teams have superstars, but Posey is that guy that's going to make Miami a contender. He's an excellent defender, can shoot, and hit his free throws. He's like Bruce Bowen, with more offense, and quicker feet. Just needs to stay healthy, which I predict he will</div> The Heat are going to need alot more than James Posey bring effective If they are to win the NBA title. They will need to be a very good defensive team, they must not let guys who are known as chuckers to shoot the ball and keep bricking It. Walker, Williams and not let ego's get in the way. Shaq complained about touches in last years playoffs. There may come a time where that moaning may start again. Mainly If J-will, GP and Tonie decide to try and take over by shooting threes. That main applies to Williams and Tonie. Alot of thing have to go right for the Heat to win the title, mainly the issue of playing as a team. No one can be complaining about shots, minutes or complaining in the locker room. The chemistry has to be near prefect. Be an interesting season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">So Bruce Bowen a guy who has contended or shut down almost every guard in the NBA suddenly can't not guard Wade? and Zo can guard Duncan? on what planet? mars? please...Zo couldn't guard Duncan in his prime he has no chance to even contend him now that he is near the end of his career.</div> Almost is a very important word. Tmac, Kobe, and Wade are all unstoppable. Wade will get his on ANYBODY, just ask Tashaun Prince. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">Not even close. The best bench is in San Antonio. Finley, NVE, Horry, Oberto, Rasho, Barry...is a far better bench unit..</div> Payton, Mourning, Posey, Haslem, Anderson, Simien.........Depends on who you ask. So the NBA champions have no killer instinct? what planet are you actually living on? They don't. They're a great team................but they aren't untouchable. My theory is size wins most of the time. Detroit can't beat a team like San Antonio, they're too big. But Miami can match up with the Spurs bigman. Mourning can hold Duncan. He can't stop him, but he can keep him in check. Shaq won't have to hold Duncan, which will open up his offense. That's the biggest difference this year. With that, is a tad bit quicker. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post"> The Heat are going to need alot more than James Posey bring effective If they are to win the NBA title. They will need to be a very good defensive team, they must not let guys who are known as chuckers to shoot the ball and keep bricking It. Walker, Williams and not let ego's get in the way. Shaq complained about touches in last years playoffs. There may come a time where that moaning may start again. Mainly If J-will, GP and Tonie decide to try and take over by shooting threes. That main applies to Williams and Tonie.</div> Your not thinking. That's why Payton's aquisition was so vital. He'll get the ball down low. Shaq requested Payton for one reason, to get him the ball. Something they missed down the stretch of game 7 last year. Somebody that'll slow things down, and run the half court offense right. Payton won't score, but he'll set the offense up and space the floor out. Expect Payton to come in if Jwill starts actin up. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post"> Alot of thing have to go right for the Heat to win the title, mainly the issue of playing as a team. No one can be complaining about shots, minutes or complaining in the locker room. The chemistry has to be near prefect. Be an interesting season.</div> I agree. It'll be very interesting season!! But I think your exaggerating on playin as a team. Everyone of those players know what's on the line. They know what's at stake. The teams best players, Shaq and Wade, are both unselfish. I don't think it'll be that much of an issue. Injuries are the biggest challenge. Miami will beat the Spurs in 6 games for the championship.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">I agree. It'll be very interesting season!! But I think your exaggerating on playin as a team. Everyone of those players know what's on the line. They know what's at stake. The teams best players, Shaq and Wade, are both unselfish. I don't think it'll be that much of an issue. Injuries are the biggest challenge. Miami will beat the Spurs in 6 games for the championship.</div> This whole stuff reminds me very much of the Lakers of 2003-2004. Everyone of those players knew what's on the line, you had Malone and Payton really wanting a championship before the season started, now it's Mourning and Payton. You had Shaq and Kobe, both knew how to win a Championship, now you only got Shaq paired up with a promising Wade who I believe isn't quite as near to the level Kobe was at that time. Don't get me wrong, Miami looks good on paper but they'll have yet to prove something while you've got the Spurs who already proved quite a lot in winning the title against the defending champions who at the same time beat the Lakers of 2003-2004. But this can actually be hurting the Spurs. As you said, they might not have this killer instinct anymore.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Almost is a very important word. Tmac, Kobe, and Wade are all unstoppable. Wade will get his on ANYBODY, just ask Tashaun Prince.</div> Actually me saying almost is being kind, I have seen Bruce play alot and there isn't a player he hasn't given problems to. He has shut down Kobe and T-mac in the past. Wade struggled with him one game and struggled in Miami for the first half but went crazy in the 2nd. Bowen can keep up with everyone which is why he tends to contend everyone he matches up with. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Payton, Mourning, Posey, Haslem, Anderson, Simien.........Depends on who you ask.</div> Posey off the bench? not likely. Haslem will not be on the bench either. Anderson's name might as well not be mentioned. Same goes for Simien who won't get much playing time this year. Overall the bench isn't bad but hardly great. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">They don't. They're a great team................but they aren't untouchable. My theory is size wins most of the time. Detroit can't beat a team like San Antonio, they're too big. But Miami can match up with the Spurs bigman. Mourning can hold Duncan. He can't stop him, but he can keep him in check. Shaq won't have to hold Duncan, which will open up his offense. That's the biggest difference this year. With that, is a tad bit quicker. </div> I don't know why you have It in your head that Zo can contend Duncan like Nazr/Rasho/Oberto can't do the same with Shaq. If you havn't noticed Shaq is not getting any better and isn't as dominating as he used to be. Oh and for the record, the Pistons were the one team who match-up great with the Spurs. Due to the Pistons amazing interior defense with the Wallace's. Plus Billups always gives Parker's fits. No team matches up better with San Antonio than Detroit. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Your not thinking. That's why Payton's aquisition was so vital. He'll get the ball down low. Shaq requested Payton for one reason, to get him the ball. Something they missed down the stretch of game 7 last year. Somebody that'll slow things down, and run the half court offense right. Payton won't score, but he'll set the offense up and space the floor out. Expect Payton to come in if Jwill starts actin up. </div> I'm not thinking? please...If you think Gary Payton will get Shaq the ball just because he is older and can't run anymore you are mistake. Payton failed to get Shaq the ball when he was in L.A. Why will that change now? and don't mention Kobe...Payton still set up the plays there and they still had problems getting him the ball. Part of that is the guard failing to get the ball but the other half is Shaq failing to get into good low post position. Which happens when you get older and not as good as you used to be. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">But I think your exaggerating on playin as a team. Everyone of those players know what's on the line. They know what's at stake</div> You heard the saying.."you can't teach an old dog new tricks" well guys like Walker, Williams, Payton all have big ego's and when the going gets tough there will come a time when they will be moaning about shots, minutes and soon enough there will be guys going back and forth in the locker room which will effect team chemistry. Oh and team play is the best important thing in basketball, If you don't have It you have no hope of going anywhere.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Rock4life:</div><div class="quote_post">Marbury 6'3 Francis 6'3 Baron Davis 6'3 Gilbert Arenas 6'3 All guards that have totured Iverson. </div> There are more than four teams in the league so their are obviously more starting point guards. All the ones you named that supposable ?tortured? AI are all star point guards they tend to that to a lot of people.
<font color="red">Allen Iverson's consistency has nothing to do with the topic. From here on out, any off topic posts will be deleted. - VC</font>
Spurs have serious offensive sparks off their bench with Finley, Van Exel, Barry, Horry, and Oberto. Spurs won the title last year, and improved even more, I believe no one is at the Spurs level of dominance right now. Miami got players, but I don't think they're the right players, why? Because you're expected guys with bad shot selection and who have a tendacy to mess up plays or ball hog at times with Walker and Williams. Posey was a great pick up, and the best one. Payton is a question mark, how he will fit himself into that team as the back up PG. and Shaq's health is a question mark ever year, if the big man goes down, the team will be in trouble. Yeh, even all these problems they face, they still have the main core in Wade, Shaq, and Haslem(underrated), and thats what is going to put them in the top in the Eastern Confernece. I expect a Spurs vs Heat finals, but I don't expect Miami to win that series. Parker/Van Exel/Beno U Ginobili/Barry Bowen/Finley Duncan/Horry Nazr/Oberto Thats SICK
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post">Actually me saying almost is being kind, I have seen Bruce play alot and there isn't a player he hasn't given problems to. He has shut down Kobe and T-mac in the past. Wade struggled with him one game and struggled in Miami for the first half but went crazy in the 2nd. Bowen can keep up with everyone which is why he tends to contend everyone he matches up with..</div> Your exaggerating..........Kobe has had his best games EVER against Bowen and the Spurs, how quickly we forget. Tmac scored his 13pts in 30seconds with Bowen mostly guarding him. NOBODY can guard these guys. Bowen's a very good defender, don't get me wrong. But your exaggeration is almost as bad as yours for Ginobli. Ginobli's great in the Spurs system, but he ain't a top 10 player. Miami has two top 10 players, and if healthy, they'll be collecting rings next year. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post"> I don't know why you have It in your head that Zo can contend Duncan like Nazr/Rasho/Oberto can't do the same with Shaq. If you havn't noticed Shaq is not getting any better and isn't as dominating as he used to be...</div> Duncan is GREAT, but he can be contained. This is where we don't see eye to eye. Zo can give Duncan problems. As a great as Duncan is, he has a tendacy to disappear from the offense. Like he did in the Finals last year. Zo can't stop him, but he can make it hard for him.Shaq will DESTROY Nazr, Rash, and any other bigman that even thinks about trying to guard him. If Shaq is healthy, which I know he will be, he's going to be the best player on the court. That smells trouble for the Spurs. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting AllNet:</div><div class="quote_post"> I'm not thinking? please...If you think Gary Payton will get Shaq the ball just because he is older and can't run anymore you are mistake. Payton failed to get Shaq the ball when he was in L.A..</div> I don't know who told you that lie. That Lakers team had high expectations. Because they didn't win it all, people start talking crazy. Here's somethin to keep in mind. Payton played very well up until him and Phil got into it. Payton and Shaq had no problems. Shaq never complained about getting the ball from Payton. To say Payton failed to get Shaq the ball isn't correct. As far as ego's, that's a fair statment. But I don't think it will be as much of a problem. Miami's defense will always be good under Stan too
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Your exaggerating..........Kobe has had his best games EVER against Bowen and the Spurs, how quickly we forget. Tmac scored his 13pts in 30seconds with Bowen mostly guarding him. NOBODY can guard these guys. Bowen's a very good defender, don't get me wrong. But your exaggeration is almost as bad as yours for Ginobli. Ginobli's great in the Spurs system, but he ain't a top 10 player. Miami has two top 10 players, and if healthy, they'll be collecting rings next year. </div> Kobe has also got shut down by Bowen. Great players will have games where they play well even against great defenders. As has Mcgrady. In that game where mcgrady got 13 points in 30 odd seconds he also shot badly for most of the game from what I remember. He struggled in S.A as well. Oh and what have I said that is wrong about Manu? never said he was a top 10 player. Show me where I did? however Manu is not just great due to the system. He led Argentina to the gold medal and won a euroleague MVP also. He wins everywhere he goes and would be at this level wether he was at the Spurs or not. Heat need to do more than just stay heathly to win the title. You fail to realise that. It's not just about having guys on the floor who are 100%. Chemistry and team-work have to be prefect. If all those things happen then yes they still a very good shot. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Duncan is GREAT, but he can be contained. This is where we don't see eye to eye. Zo can give Duncan problems. As a great as Duncan is, he has a tendacy to disappear from the offense. Like he did in the Finals last year. Zo can't stop him, but he can make it hard for him.Shaq will DESTROY Nazr, Rash, and any other bigman that even thinks about trying to guard him. If Shaq is healthy, which I know he will be, he's going to be the best player on the court. That smells trouble for the Spurs. </div> Duncan can't not be contended, not when he is heathly. There is no one who can guard him one on one or with double teams. Only the Pistons have proved they can play him. Thats mainly because the Wallace brothers are the best defensive duo in the league hands down. Duncan is the best player in the world for a reason. Shaq while he is still a dominating force finds It difficult to dominate like he used to. He also has problems getting into low post position which hurts the amount of shots he gets. Oh and what makes you think Shaq will be heathly? he gets hurt every year and he isn't getting any younger or better for that matter. However I'm not dening he will put up great numbers but he won't dominate anymore than Duncan will. Which you obviously don't agree with. Oh and by the way, does averaging 24 points, 13rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks seem like dissapearing to you? thats the numbers Duncan put up in the playoffs last year. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> don't know who told you that lie. That Lakers team had high expectations. Because they didn't win it all, people start talking crazy. Here's somethin to keep in mind. Payton played very well up until him and Phil got into it. Payton and Shaq had no problems. Shaq never complained about getting the ball from Payton. To say Payton failed to get Shaq the ball isn't correct. As far as ego's, that's a fair statment. But I don't think it will be as much of a problem. Miami's defense will always be good under Stan too</div> If you watched those Lakers play you would of seen that Payton had a hard problem getting the ball to Shaq. Part of that is GP's fault the other part is Shaq not getting into position to score inside. Thats the whole difference to me from Shaq 3 or 4 years ago and the Shaq today.
Lol.... Bruce Bowen couldn't shut down Kobe if he dreamed of doing it. That commnet alone gives you zero credibility. Kobe has always totured the Spurs. Bruce Bowen has shut down Ray Allen and Vince Carter, but Kobe, NEVER. I don't know which Bruce Bowen your talkin about. If he has, please tell me which game. Shaq is the best player in the league, period. The reason why he'll be healthy this year is because he has players that can give him significant minutes on the bench this year. I'm not taking anything away from Timmy, but a healthy Shaq gives Miami the edge. My prediction is based on the fact that Shaq WILL be healthy for the playoffs, and so will Wade. If Miami were healthy last year, they probably would of been playing the Spurs in the finals. With all the additions, look for Shaq and Wade to get alot of rest in the regular season.
Lol.... Bruce Bowen couldn't shut down Kobe if he dreamed of doing it. That comment alone gives you zero credibility. Kobe has always totured the Spurs. Bruce Bowen has shut down Ray Allen and Vince Carter, but Kobe, NEVER. I don't know which Bruce Bowen your talkin about. If he has, please tell me which game. Shaq is the best player in the league, period. The reason why he'll be healthy this year is because he has players that can give him significant minutes on the bench this year. I'm not taking anything away from Timmy, but a healthy Shaq gives Miami the edge. My prediction is based on the fact that Shaq WILL be healthy for the playoffs, and so will Wade. If Miami were healthy last year, they probably would of been playing the Spurs in the finals. With all the additions, look for Shaq and Wade to get alot of rest in the regular season.
There are barely any players that can shut down Kobe. I can only think of one and thats only if he is gaurding Kobe and his name is Ron Artest. Tracy Mcgrady would be good because they are similar in hieght and speed, but Tmac isn't a defensive player so Kobe would have the advantage.
Payton struggled with the triangle system in L.A and since Miami doesn't run the triangle Payton will have an easier time in Miami.
To sum it up...........The Sixers aren't anything special and haven't been for the majority of Iverson's career. Don't count on them turning any heads this year either. Iverson will win another scoring title, given he takes the most shots, but his team won't be much. Most of his accomplishments are nice, but there individual. To say he's the best little man ever, makes this argument OVER. I know your a angry Iverson fan, but next time you make baseless comment like that, keep this in mind: Isiah Thomas: NBA All-Rookie Team (1982) All NBA First-Team (1984, 1985, 1986) All NBA Second-Team (1983, 1987) NBA Championships with the Detroit Pistons (1989, 1990) NBA Finals MVP, 1990 (27.6 ppg, 7.0 apg, 5.2 rpg) 12-time NBA All-Star (1982-1993) All-Star Game MVP in 1984 (following a 21-point, 15 assist outing) and in 1986 (following a 30- point, 10 assist game) Ranks fourth in NBA history in assists (9,061, 9.3 apg) Ranks ninth in NBA history in steals (1,861) All-time leading scorer in Detroit Pistons history (18,822, 19.2 ppg), 28th in NBA history upon retirement and currently 34th best in NBA history Scored a career-high 47 points against the Denver Nuggets on Dec. 13, 1983 All-time assist holder (9,061) in Detroit Pistons history Averaged 19.2 ppg in 979 regular season games and 20.4 ppg in 111 playoff games Holds the NBA Finals single-game record for most points in one quarter with 25 (June 19, 1988 vs. Los Angeles Lakers) Holds the NBA Finals single-game record for most field goals in one quarter with 11 (June 19, 1988 vs. Los Angeles Lakers) Shares NBA Finals single-game record for most field goals in one half with 14 (June 19 vs. Los Angeles Lakers) Dished out 25 assists against the Washington Bullets on Feb. 7, 1985 and versus the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 13, 1985 NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team (1996) You must have just started watching basketball
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Lol.... Bruce Bowen couldn't shut down Kobe if he dreamed of doing it. That comment alone gives you zero credibility. Kobe has always totured the Spurs. Bruce Bowen has shut down Ray Allen and Vince Carter, but Kobe, NEVER. I don't know which Bruce Bowen your talkin about. If he has, please tell me which game.</div> You are obviously completely clueless If you actually believe that. Bowen has held Kobe to under 40% shooting several times. He is a big reason why the Spurs beat the Lakers to end their 4-peat dream. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Shaq is the best player in the league, period. The reason why he'll be healthy this year is because he has players that can give him significant minutes on the bench this year. I'm not taking anything away from Timmy, but a healthy Shaq gives Miami the edge. My prediction is based on the fact that Shaq WILL be healthy for the playoffs, and so will Wade. If Miami were healthy last year, they probably would of been playing the Spurs in the finals. With all the additions, look for Shaq and Wade to get alot of rest in the regular season.</div> Shaq is not better than Duncan. If Shaq truely was the best player in the NBA he wouldn't of failed to get a ring the past 3 seasons. Duncan has gotten two in 3 years. And he isn't playing with another superstar like Shaq has over the years. Duncan does more with less. The way Shaq has gotten injures over the years I don't know how anyone can claim he will for a fact be heathly. Age and past injures will stop that from happening.
