<div class="quote_poster">Quoting michiganave17:</div><div class="quote_post">No you dont when you have the best defencive back court in the league. And um they won titles against some History's greatest Centers. Lets think: CENTERS David Robinson Shaquille O'neal Hakeem Olajuwan Patrick Ewing Alonzo Mourning *Tom Chambers *Dikembe Mutombo ext..... Okay to day you have CENTERS An old Shaq Brad Miller NeNe Wallace Howard .....and maybe im missing someone Centers are an endangered species today. But when the bulls dominated, the league was filled with great bigmen. Some that i didnt even mention that would kill in todays game. Like rick smitts. Please dont reply with an arguement that smitts wasnt good because that isnt my point. POINT. Bulls Dominated a League Full of Great Centers. Why would they need a great center in todays game where bum centers are getting star money?</div> Why is Yao not on that list?
Chris Kaman and Marcus Camby are solid centers, too. But again, they do not even compare with the great bigs of the past decade.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Franchise4Ever:</div><div class="quote_post">Lol, Yao looks mad. " THEY LEFT ME OUT! " A lot of these posts are making me wonder about a lot of the basketball knowledge you guys have. During the Jordan era witht he Bulls they could and would dominate all the teams in the NBA today. Our Lakers team is no where near the team they assembled so long ago. Not even close.</div> Agreed, the Bulls team would dominate the teams in the NBA today. The only team I can possibly see giving them trouble is the Spurs because of Duncan. They match up well with that Bulls team and can lock teams down defensively when needed. The main difference is the Pippen and Odom comparison. Scottie Pippen was a premiere defender and could guard three positions on the floor. Odom improved last season and during the playoffs, but he's not even close to having the same impact Pippen had. I think it's important for the Lakers organization to build this team to compliment Kobe's strengths and weaknesses and not try to mimic the Bull's blueprint. Kobe needs players around him who can play defense and rebound the basketball. Counting on him to be the best player on offense and defense isn't going to get the Lakers a championship. I agree, the Lakers blew a great opportunity to get back to the Finals this year. They put themselves in a situation to upset the Suns with a 3-1 series lead. If Lamar Odom grabbed the initial missed shot in Game 6, the Lakers would have advanced. The Clippers series would have been a war and probably goes 7 games. I'm not sure the Lakers could beat them, but they would have had a lot of momentum and confidence going into the series and they have the homecourt advantage playing at Staples Center. Even though Dallas is a better team, the Lakers have dominated them when they play in Los Angeles. Still it is what it is, the Lakers choked in Round 1. Imagine how great it would have been to see the Lakers v. Heat in the Finals though.
That Laker vs Heat wouldve been similar to magic vs bird as far as all of the Hype. Kobe wouldve put on a show for the ages but i think the Heat wouldve won in 5.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting michiganave17:</div><div class="quote_post">That Laker vs Heat wouldve been similar to magic vs bird as far as all of the Hype. Kobe wouldve put on a show for the ages but i think the Heat wouldve won in 5.</div> Nah I think the Heat woulda won in six. Would have been one hell of a series though. That would be sick....I could have seen the headlines. KOBE VS. SHAQ.
i think you all are going insane with this whole if odom had gotten that rebound they would be in the finals.... if you don't recall, the entire playoff experience on that roster was like...kobe and odom. cassell would've torn smush, sasha, whoever guarded him up. who guards elton? and then the mavs? sure we dominated them at home in the regular season...but anyone who watched the spurs mavs series or even the phoenix mavs series could see...the mavs were flat out the best team in the western conference. the lakers had no chance last year, they just didn't have enough talent. if odom continues his inspired play, kwame continues to develop, and radmanovic pans out...this could be the year of an extended playoff run. but finals? a bit overly optimistic if you ask me. and the bulls would run right over these lakers. along with any other team in the nba today. although i would pay anything to see kobe and mj both at the peak of their games going at each other. how priceless would that be.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting michiganave17:</div><div class="quote_post">No you dont when you have the best defencive back court in the league. And um they won titles against some History's greatest Centers.</div> I never said the Bulls couldnt win in today's league. I just dont think they would have walked all over teams in today's league like they did in the 90's. They just completely dominated with little to no opposition. Can you imagine Dave Robinson/Tim Duncan/Robert Horry/Tony Parker/Manu Ginobli against the Bulls team? R.Wallace/B.Wallace/Prince/Rip/Billups against the Bulls? I think that would be one hell of a matchup and one that either team could win. Zone Defense also makes a big difference, and the athleticism of players today are at an all time high. I take nothing away from the 90's Bulls. They were incredible. I just feel they could be defeated in the conference finals/NBA finals by several teams.
...again, I made this thread just to point out how it's a little similar, NOT THE SAME. I meant how its the star with his running mate, Odom, I was saying that Kukoc and Vlad play similar, and I was just saying I expect numbers like Longley for Kwame. In NO way do I think that they are EVEN CLOSE to as good as the Bulls, I was just trying to start a conversation (which it seems I did, lol), I wasn't pretending that they are the same team. I would have to be an idiot to think that, and if I did, I probably shouldn't be posting here, heh. I just wanted to clear that up...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting LongLiveChickH.:</div><div class="quote_post">i think you all are going insane with this whole if odom had gotten that rebound they would be in the finals.... if you don't recall, the entire playoff experience on that roster was like...kobe and odom. cassell would've torn smush, sasha, whoever guarded him up. who guards elton? and then the mavs? sure we dominated them at home in the regular season...but anyone who watched the spurs mavs series or even the phoenix mavs series could see...the mavs were flat out the best team in the western conference. the lakers had no chance last year, they just didn't have enough talent. if odom continues his inspired play, kwame continues to develop, and radmanovic pans out...this could be the year of an extended playoff run. but finals? a bit overly optimistic if you ask me. and the bulls would run right over these lakers. along with any other team in the nba today. although i would pay anything to see kobe and mj both at the peak of their games going at each other. how priceless would that be.</div> If the Lakers faced the Clippers, I think you'd see Kobe Bryant on Sam Cassell down the stretch of the game. You could have Smush guarding Ross or Livingston instead and gamble on them beating you instead of Cassell. Kwame Brown would probably matchup with Brand on defense. Kwame is quick enough to stay in front of Brand and also strong enough to pound with him down low. Kwame does a good job of pushing players out 1 or 2 feet further than they're used to. I think another key would have been who Brand guards? The Clippers would have to play him on Lamar Odom. So now you have Brand using up energy to defend Odom out on the perimeter and also using energy to score against Kwame. Dallas would be tough, I still think the Spurs were the best team in the West. In the Mavs series I was surprised at the strategy they tried. The Spurs went away from being a halfcourt basketball team and tried to play small ball. I guess Pop felt he was forced into it because neither Rasho or Nazr were giving him anything. Odom would have to guard Nowitzki in the series. I don't think Odom could stop Dirk, but he would have to make it tough for him to score and not give up the penetration Dirk was getting in the first three playoff rounds. Turiaf would also give Dirk a different look on defense and knock him around a little. I really believe with Kobe you always have a chance to win a series. I thought last year was a golden opportunity for a team to win the title. The Pistons and Spurs both lost, and Phoenix was without Amare. This year will be tougher in the West.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting TheBlackMamba:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think it's a secret that Phil's trying to re-produce the Bulls around Kobe, but I think today, that Bulls team, would struggle to win Championships. You need a bigman who can score the ball and dominate the paint to win a championship, the Lakers don't have that yet.</div> <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trench:</div><div class="quote_post">You hit the tail on the donkey Mamba. I agree. Thats exactly what PJAX is tryin to do. <u>I also agree, Jordan and his Bulls would not have such an easy time w/ that lineup in todays NBA</u>.</div> How would they have a harder time then they had when there was better competition. (refer to my last post). you never backed up your opinions after my challenge. How After Dominating Some of histories Greatest Big Men Would the bulls Need a Center in todays game to not have trouble? Since "Mamba Hit the Tail right on the Donkey"?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trench:</div><div class="quote_post"> Can you imagine Dave Robinson/Tim Duncan/Robert Horry/Tony Parker/Manu Ginobli against the Bulls team? R.Wallace/B.Wallace/Prince/Rip/Billups against the Bulls? I take nothing away from the 90's Bulls. They were incredible. I just feel they could be defeated in the conference finals/NBA finals by several teams.</div> Boy your crazy. Harper>Billups Jordan>Rip Pippen>Prince Rodman> B.Wallace Longly<Wallace Plus the Pistons have no Bench!!!!!!!! Harper is a better defender than Billups Jordan is a better defender/offender than Rip Pippen is a better defender/offender than Prince Rodman is a better defender/rebounder than Wallace Wallace better perimeter/ Longley over powers Wallace in the post. And Um 72 and 10 against most of the 50 greatest players list. Nuff said.
^ Did you forget Detroit can play ZONE with that unit? Its not man to man like it was in the old days. You jump the gun way to fast. Trust me, this Detroit team could play with those Bulls. Its a different era of BBALL my man. Hand Checks are no longer allowed, Zone Defenses, etc.. That alone gives Detroit a chance to beat those Bulls. Detroit plays D as well. Dont knock the hustle. NUFF SAID.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trench:</div><div class="quote_post">^ Did you forget Detroit can play ZONE with that unit? Its not man to man like it was in the old days. You jump the gun way to fast. Trust me, this Detroit team could play with those Bulls. Its a different era of BBALL my man. Hand Checks are no longer allowed, Zone Defenses, etc.. That alone gives Detroit a chance to beat those Bulls. Detroit plays D as well. Dont knock the hustle. NUFF SAID.</div> Okay and the Bulls cant counteract with their own Zone? You act like the Pistons created the zone. Bottom line is there is no zone that can stop Jordan and Pippen at the same time. If the jordan rules couldn't stop him?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Trench:</div><div class="quote_post">^ Did you forget Detroit can play ZONE with that unit? Its not man to man like it was in the old days. You jump the gun way to fast. Trust me, this Detroit team could play with those Bulls. Its a different era of BBALL my man. Hand Checks are no longer allowed, Zone Defenses, etc.. That alone gives Detroit a chance to beat those Bulls. Detroit plays D as well. Dont knock the hustle. NUFF SAID.</div> Okay and the Bulls cant counteract with their own Zone? You act like the Pistons created the zone. Bottom line is there is no zone that can stop Jordan and Pippen at the same time. P.S. the Jordan rules couldnt stop mike. If you think a zone is better than that your nutts.
There is no zone that can beat the bulls because the ZONE wasnt used at the time. Zone Defense wasnt re-introduced to the NBA until 2001-2002... SO yeah your right NO ZONE could stop the BULLS because the BULLs never had to match up to the ZONE. Jordan loved man to man matchups. He'll isolate and take it to the hoop. Who can stop Jordan 1 on 1? NO ONE!!! Zone defense is often effective in stopping dribble penetration and one-on-one moves. The Pistons had Ben Wallace and Rasheed up front. That is formidable enough. Very similar to a David Robinson/Ducan duo in frontcourt. Advantage of the ZONE? Not all teams have quick players. Especially as quick and agile as Jordan or Pippen. On offense Jordan was unstoppable, but in the ZONE players could help in mis-matches such as these. Jordan's Bulls were faced with only man to man matchups. No one was at the level of Jordan. He was the BULLS X-factor. Without him, they were a 2nd round playoff team at best. Teams have tried many different players to match up to him man to man on defense, but obviously no one has. That was a huge reason why the BULLs won six titles. 3 when Jordan was there. NON when Jordan left to play baseball. And other 3 when he returned. BOTTOMLINE, in man to man, Jordan RULED!!! I think it would have been much different if teams could rely on the ZONE against that Bulls squad. In my eyes the SPURS and DETROIT championship teams had the best opportunities to do so.
^^^ bottomline its all speculation we'll never know but don't take anything away from a group of players that won more than five championships
you're wrong these are the real similarities: MJ/Kobe Scottie/Lamar Farmar/Kerr Rodman/Kwame Kukoc/VRad Longley/Mihm Harper/Williams or smush
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting kobe23:</div><div class="quote_post">you're wrong these are the real similarities: MJ/Kobe Scottie/Lamar Farmar/Kerr Rodman/Kwame Kukoc/VRad Longley/Mihm Harper/Williams or smush</div> You guys are delusional.^ Trench: and I know there wasnt zone d during that time (your not dropping knowledge) but you act like a zone is the cure all. that same zone couldnt stop wade. so how will it stop mike and scottie. you act like the players have never seen a zone in their whole career. just keep believing the lakers are like the bulls of the 90's, if that makes you sleep better. And you act like the bulls wouldnt play a zone of their own. With their defencive awarness and greatter quickness and strength that would make them even more lethal. See you think that the bulls won the chip on offence. If you actually watched during those years you would know that their defence was right there with their offence. Remember Defence wins chips. 6= defence > 1= defence.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting michiganave17:</div><div class="quote_post">You guys are delusional.^ Trench: and I know there wasnt zone d during that time (your not dropping knowledge) but you act like a zone is the cure all..</div> You mentioned here in this quote below that there was. The sentence stands out so clearly. Right here. <div class="quote_poster">Quoting michiganave17:</div><div class="quote_post">Bottom line is there is no zone that can stop Jordan and Pippen at the same time.</div> You said there was NO ZONE that could stop Jordan. We all know this because ZONE DEFENSE wasnt allowed during that time. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">but you act like a zone is the cure all</div> When did I mention it was a cure all. All I said was that Jordan dominated one to one matches and a zone would give teams a different approach to stopping Jordan and his bulls. Man to Man has its strenghs and weaknesses. Zone does too. But mixing them up makes for better defenive teams. Billups, Ben, Sheed, and Rip could mix it up. Zone and Man to Man. They were not all NBA Eastern ALL STARs for nothing!!!! You think that the Bulls are the only players who are athletic and can play D? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">just keep believing the lakers are like the bulls of the 90's, if that makes you sleep better.</div> I never once said this current Lakers lineup is similar to the Bulls of the 90's. Please quote where I said this. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">And you act like the bulls wouldnt play a zone of their own. With their defencive awarness and greatter quickness and strength that would make them even more lethal.</div> I didnt say they couldnt adjust or they couldnt play zone too. I just said they would have a rougher time winning SIX CHAMPIONSHIPS in this age of basketball with the zone included in defense rotations and schemes. How do you know the Bulls would have been more lethal playing zone. Scottie and Jordan thrived playing man to man because they were quicker than most other opponents.. Jordan and Pippen also hand checked alot. Something that wouldnt fly in today's NBA. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">If you actually watched during those years you would know that their defence was right there with their offence. Remember Defence wins chips. 6= defence > 1= defence.</div> I watched all the Bulls games and all their championship runs. Been a fan of the Lakers more than 20 years and watched the Bulls crush my Lakers in 1991. So believe me, I know what that Bulls team is capable of. Defense wins championships. And you dont think that Detroit DIDNT PLAY DEFENSE? haha. Now you funny. Detroit defense on the Bulls could be just as lethal. My thoughts about the Bulls. They exploited man to man matchups and Jordan dominated it... No Jordan. = No Bulls. Thats the bottomline. He's the greatest player to ever grace the hardwood and the Bulls just happend to have him on their team.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting michiganave17:</div><div class="quote_post">You guys are delusional.^ Trench: and I know there wasnt zone d during that time (your not dropping knowledge) but you act like a zone is the cure all..</div> You mentioned here in this quote below that there was.. Right here. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Bottom line is there is no zone that can stop Jordan and Pippen at the same time.</div> You said there was NO ZONE that could stop Jordan. We all know this because ZONE DEFENSE wasnt allowed during that time.
