This is quite a story about Australian Luc Longley who was the Center of the 96-98 NBA Champion Chicago Bulls! Thank you for this link. Now that I have watched it, the reasons for imagining that Nurk could know about this and might aspire to a similar success story emerge. After seeing the photo of Uncle Nurk at Dame's twins birthday, and thinking about his persoality, Nurk may seem to have many of the major positive attributes that make Luc a champion, and might form strong elements for Nurk becoming a Blazer NBA Champion. Perhaps Chauncey's coaching strengthened by Roy and Rodney can get Nurk there. If so, building the Blazer contenders around Dame and Nurk are worth serious consideration.
the difference: Nurk thinks he’s great and he’s not now great. He elevates maybe 1/4” and doesn’t rebound well. He once claimed that he’d earn Defensive Player of the Year! Well, you’re right; he needs a Phil Jackson and a Jordan to push him. I’ll bet Pops at San Antonio would have Nurk playing good ball.
Back when Simons was a rookie, Dame spoke so highly of him, like in the tune of, "he will take over when I'm gone." He did say this about a rookie Ant. Based on what Ant was showing at the time, my reaction to Dame's comment was, "he's only saying that because it's his teammate." Even though he hasn't spoken so highly of anyone else, let alone a 19-year-old. Fast forward to today. Dame saw something in Ant. He meant what he said. Simons is a real deal.
