Take that haters: http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/holl.../insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics
Oden's at #9? He was #8 when I last checked that list a couple of days ago. He would be improving daily, compared to all those unchanging old guys alongside him on the list. So he would have moved up to Top 5 by now. Of course, Roy would be going crazy, changing his game and sharing the glory.
I have to admit - watching Kobe play through injuries this season has been impressive. If the season ended today I'd say he's the MVP. How many game winners does he have? Okl city, Miami, Milwaukee, Sacramento, Dallas, Boston . . . but the most impressive part is that he's been so banged up and just keeps playing through it. Forgive me if I hope that this comes back to haunt him late in the season and he tires out.
Ya, Kobe might be the toughest player in the league. Like it or not Blazer fans, he is a warrior. Could you imagine how dominating LaMarcus would be if he had Kobe's heart.
Ouch. You really think LA is heartless? I don't buy into that so much. I think his ability is a little overrated. He doesn't have the physical tools to be a dominant player IMO. He's not big/strong enough to get deep post position. He's not athletic enough to face up and put the ball on the floor (other than once in a while) Yet people talk about him like he's Derrick Coleman incarnate - all the ability in the world but no heart. I don't see Lamarcus getting himself easy baskets. In fact, he makes a lot of tough shots - shots that you almost think have no chance. Maybe I'm missing something, but I don't see a) the dominating talent and b) the total lack of heart that others do. But game recognize game and when "THE" speaks . . . it's probably me who's wrong here.
Not heartless, he just doesn't have that killer instinct, that warriors mentality. When he gets pissed or is involved in some sort of shoving match, he brings it. I just wish we saw a little more nastiness from him.
Maybe you should talk to him. Who wouldn't be motivated by your story? You started out as "HispanicCausinPanic" back when you didn't have the confidence you do now, and ended up "THE".
Actually that's a good idea. "The," when you talk to him about his game, is he spontaneous or defensive? Is he easily offended and uncoachable? Quick wrote an article a year ago about how Aldridge and Roy finally talked, at Roy's initiative. They are not at all close. Aldridge seems cold and distant, and the coaches can't get through to him. Are you ever successful in conversing with him to any depth? "The" must be short for "Theodore."
Yeah, but Durant is a great talent also. Oden's PER comes with significantly more impact on the defensive end. I think Durant has improved defensively, but still nowhere close to Oden's defensive ability. The only disappointing thing about Oden, so far, has been health...and it's a biggie, of course. But his talent level has been as advertised.
He's too cool. Do you have any ideas on how to get him to grow up, have more heart, and get into the game?
I think that's something engrained in you at a young age. If any of you played ball at the park back in the day (or still do) there are always those 2 or 3 guys that just play a balls out aggressive style every game. Then there are always some guys that just float, talk no smack and just play. If you put KG's attitude in LA we would have an all-star PF. He'd be a jerk, but he would be a beast on the court. I love LA as a player. Once Greg stays healthy, he is a perfect fit with him.
