I didn't see this posted anywhere, and I didn't want it to get buried in the Hickson acquisition thread, so..http://www.blazersedge.com/2012/3/21/2892576/blazers-f-j-j-hickson-talks-to-blazersedge-after-being-claimed-off A few interesting tidbits in there--particularly this bit that Jaynes called out in his blog today, and that Brian Berger is talking about on the radio:
I was just in the car listening to Berger complain about those comments, but really, I don't see anything wrong with what Hickson said. I was prepared to be mad about it, but a talented big guy like Hickson telling LMA that he has the size and body to improve his game even more doesn't seem like a bad thing to me. I really was prepared to get back to the office and post about these comments in a negative light, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked it. It's not like he slammed LMA's game, and if LMA can get some confidence from how other bigs view how he could play, I see it as a plus. Now, I see Hickson as saying that you look at LMA's size and length, and you expect the guy to just dominate you inside the paint, so it's always a bit of a surprise how he plays outside-in when you're playing against him.
Fuck maybe adding Hickson was a great idea! Maybe finally he has a damn teammate that will tell it like it is. LMA! Stop being soft and be a man!
Aside from the Aldridge-related comments, I like the fact that he indicates that he is cool with playing the 5, and that when asked about his strengths, he immediately talks about defense and rebounding.
It's not like Hickson said anything we ALL don't already know. So, I'm not sure why Berger got his panties in a bunch. I think he should focus on improving his show and stop worrying about comments like this, because his show REALLY sucks.
I think it has more of an impact when a guy who is a peer of LMA says it's always a bit of a surprise when you play LMA and he doesn't just beat the hell out of you inside the paint. That said, Hickson is thicker than LMA, and not nearly as good an overall player. His comments admit this, though. I like him already.
Good interview. He did not say anything negative about LMA. So he is not a banger, big deal. Either are a lot of PF with skills. (KG and Dirk come to mind)
A truth-teller. We found out why teams keep dumping him. Next step, tell Quick to get lost when he tries to become his tennis partner and make him his informant. If this guy is a really direct communicator, he may be our next coach.
Um I don't know about KG. He was a pretty sick ass banger in Minny during his prime years. That guy was insane!
I never thought so. Sure he could punch out a few scrubs in summer ball when they got physical with him, but how often was he really in the paint backing someone down? The guy was 7' but rarely played the center position. Even in Minny. He was still effective, but his game was more of a spot up shooter from mid range or a fade away from the baseline. He had great hops for his size and threw down some monster dunks, but he was no more physical than LMA. He just acted like he was a bad ass.
Well if Aldridge could eventually get to KG's level; I would be ecstatic! That would be one hell of a ceiling.
That would be nice, but it is not what I meant. Pryzbilla is as physical as Kareem ever was, but I never expected him to get to his level. It's all about the skills, not necessarily how physical they are.
I listened to Berger rant about that, too. Those comments don't bother me, they won't bother Aldridge either. A new pot-stirrer in town?
I'm not so sure his comments wouldn't bother Aldridge. Aldridge has really thin skin, and he seems to think there's always someone out to get him. It's an annoying trait of his. Aldridge hates when people view him as soft, and that's kind of what Hickson said. Not that he's wrong, though. It's an accurate assessment and surely what the rest of the league thinks of LaMarcus.
