There's a quote from the San Francisco Chronicle's article from Pete Newell's passing away yesterday, stating, "Players today have increased physical skills, but basketball skills have diminished, I resent the fact that many of them take the game for granted. It starts at the top, though. It's an overpriced, corporate-dominated business run by lawyers who have a bad product, and don't know how to fix it."
No words spoken were ever as true. Under David Stern's reign as commissioner, the fundamentals of basketball have all but been ignored. After the NBA lockout season of '98-'99 the league became more about the scores than the actual quality of the game.
Following the lockout some rule changes were made. Zone defenses were allowed, and the league put in the defensive three seconds, resulting in one free throw for the offensive team.
Again, it just goes back to what Newell said about the lack of basketball skills. Teams can hide their worst defenders when the team goes to zone defense, so in today's game there aren't many defensive stoppers that can take a player out of their game.
Recently the teams that have been the most exciting to watch are those that don't go far in the playoffs. These are the teams that like to push the ball up and down the court. One of those types of teams did manage to pull off one of the biggest upsets in postseason history—when the No. 8 seed took out the No. 1 seed. However, that was as far as the team got and they were bounced in the next round.
The teams that have won the NBA championships most recently were teams that emphasized defense and ran selectively. The reason is that teams that have won recently have had players that can defend the other team's best players one on one, forcing them to take bad shots and make turnovers, or forcing the team to rely on someone else.
David Stern was much more enthralled with the game becoming more offensively oriented, yet he pointedly ignored the saying that "Defense wins championships." There's a reason why the Celtics, Spurs, and Pistons have all won championships recently. The one key feature of these teams was their defensive ability. The only anomaly was when the Miami Heat won the title.
Now, onto the second point made by Newell. It's a fact that the NBA is dominated by corporations. Before LeBron James even played a single game in the NBA he signed a seven-year, $90 million contract with Nike.
Don't get me wrong, LeBron James is a great player. But, as related to the first part of Newell's quote, what happens when James' physical abilities aren't so great? What does he have to fall back on? James doesn't have a great mid-range game or outside jumper. He relies on his athleticism.
What happens when James suffers a serious injury and he is no longer able to rely on his athleticism to get him to the basket? He'll have to start relying more on a mid-range game or outside jumpers. His defense would be hindered as well because he relies on his athletic ability.
The great on the ball defenders have been lost. What is considered good defense now isn't even defense. Players now are just hoping to get into position to draw a charge and are shocked when they are called for a blocking foul because they weren't in position or they were inside the restricted circle at the time of contact.
A player possessing actual basketball skills is seen as boring. One such player is Tim Duncan. He's the type of player who can use his footwork to get into excellent position offensively or defensively, he can pass out of double teams, he uses the glass on jumpers, would rather make the safe play than the more exciting play, and is as steady as they come in regards to his game. He may be aging, but his skills haven't diminished one bit.
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about 1 month ago
I agree with the statement on James, although he is a very good player he relies on his freak athletic abilities to much, hopefully he will develop some sort of post and mid range game and play at a high level through out his career.
about 1 month ago
I love your NFL analogy about taking three years to come out of college. I have been saying that for years now. Players are so much better, theirs games are so much more polished when they stay there for full term. Look at Josh Howard of Mavericks (although he did forget to take the patriotism class), his on-court skills were so solid that he was a really solid all around player when he came in the league and has flourished (when not smoking dope). The point is, college could have given a lot of players lot more fundamental skills that could help out their team. Imagine someone like Kwame Brown, how much he could have used those 3, possibly four years of tutoring and getting ready for the NBA. Just look at some of the 70's, 80's games and look at how many players were able to make the jump shot without problem and then look at today's game. I mean, this is the most basic concept in the basketball. This is the first thing you learn to do, before anything else, Shoot the ball with a jumpshot. And some of these "wing players" don't have a reliable jump shot. College won't turn all these players into fundamentally sound players like Tim Duncan's or Kobe Bryant's of the league, but what college can do is make lot of these role players into better role players that can help their team out a lot more than they are able to do right now.
about 1 month ago
This article is intrisically racist. Especially, considering most Whites are exempt from the increased-athleticism pool. Anyone who supports this will impress being jealous, that they're athleticism isn't up to par with those who are being made into superstars via their athleticism.
I noticed too, this article peculiarly failed to mention how leagues like the NFL or (especially!) the NBA do make rules that protect/cater to enhancing the output potential of the *slower, less-athletic* players...hmmmm
about 1 month ago
Plus, once again we have an article which MOSTLY condemns Black players, for some dilemma that sorryA$$ dead-weight Caucasoids are the root cause and the majority, of. Especially if we are to consider degrees of 'undeserving' contracts.
Still, players don't put the value on sports' contracts. White team-owners do that. Fans do it. White-owned TV networks do it. White-own sports stores do it. And, at some point, we'll realize how aimless we are for blaming the players *for giving the people what they want* in this business called "SPORTS!"
This article is pathetic.
But, at least, it told the truth about the value of defense. Although, we all know that it is the Caucasian player who usually is the greatest liability, working against any team's defensive schemes. Too bad the author didn't get truthful about that. But, at least Danny Ainge and Jerry Colangelo did.
Just this year too, as they did great jobs of cancelling out that negative element.
from about 1 month ago
First, I must say that your two comments are two of the worst I have ever seen. I am sick of people playing the race card for everything. It's really out of hand.
Second, you're dead wrong that players don't put the value on sports contracts. While owners are in fact the ones shelling out the big bucks, the players are the ones demanding it. Why are LeBron and Kobe flirting with playing overseas? For the money. Why did Josh Childress sign in Greece? Money. Why did Manny want Boston to turn down the two club options years of his old contract? He wanted more money. The players are the ones demanding the money. The "white owners" have to pay up, or they won't get these money hungry athletes.
As for NBA players lacking the fundamentals - it's true. Why do you think people joke about traveling in the NBA? Because dudes take 3 or 4 steps down the lane for a dunk, or change their pivot foot 3 times in the most. LeBron pulled up for a 3 last night and instead of going up square to the basket, his feet were square to the sideline. No wonder he is shooting some 20% from the arc this year. Or why his career free throw percentage is in the mid-70s. Athletes today lean too heavily on their athletic abilities and shun the fundamentals.
about 1 month ago
Myles Brand is to blame for the one year college rule. David Stein should be above that(set the example) and say its going to be 3 years in college first. David Stein might go down as bad of a commissioner as Gary Bettman.
about 1 month ago
It's also the reason why it's refreshing to see Anthony Morrow play so well. He played all 4 years at Georgia Tech. He had to earn his spot on the Warriors roster, but his basketball skills he's been able to display has been impressive so far.
I know it's been only 5 games into his NBA career, but he reminds me of a young Reggie Miller and just like Miller, Morrow played 4 years in college. Although, Miller had an easier time getting into the NBA considering he was a first round pick by the Indiana Pacers.
Morrow had to show his basketball skills primarily his ability to hit the 3 and mid range jumper. He showed that so well in the summer league that the Warriors signed him as an undrafted rookie. So far this season Morrow has shown the ability to make clutch shots, hit the open jumper, and shoot for a high percentage. The reason he plays within his game and doesn't force anything.
In the 5 games he's played this season he's averaged 17 points per game and 4 rebounds per game. What's even more impressive is his field goal percentage, 3 point field goal percentage, and free throw percentage. He's shooting 62.8 from the field, 64.7 from 3 point land, and 100 percent from the free throw line. Including 3 clutch free throws to win the game against the Blazers.
Also, take a look at today's game and when you think of players with a mid range game there aren't many players. The two players I can think of that have a deadly mid range game are Monta Ellis and Richard Hamilton.
Both Ellis and Hamilton have completely different games. Ellis had to work and work on his shot because he already had the ability to blow by defenders with his amazing speed. He stopped shooting 3's and just concentrated on making shots from 15-19 feet. So, if teams were better prepared for him going to the hoop he'll just pull up and hit a jumper instead.
Richard Hamilton does it by using screens. He's one of the best at catching the ball from 15-20 feet and nailing the jumper. Hamilton is taller than Ellis so his other strength is being able to post up his man.
about 1 month ago
NCAA players being more skilled than NBA players, what a beautiful myth.
If by more skilled you mean clanking a midrange jumper after a 31 second possession, then yes, NCAA is more skilled.
All this NBA hating is so psuedo-racist as well. If Allen Iverson makes a beautiful drive to the hoop and postures after it, he's "showy" and "selfish". If Tyler Hansborough does it, he's "intense".
from about 1 month ago
Did I ever say that NCAA players are more skilled than NBA players? Let me think about this for a minute........Ummmmmmmmmmm No I never said that.
Let's take a look at Allen Iverson since you brought him up a career 43 percent shooter for his career sounds like he has a great mid range game? No. Allen Iverson is a great player but his ability to drive to the hoop gets him a bulk of his points because he has the ability to get fouled. If Allen Iverson had stayed at Georgetown and developed the 15-18 foot mid range jumper he would be unstoppable.
That's the point honing the skills. Just ask Shaq how important Pete Newell was to him? In fact ask most big men about Pete Newell they'll say the same thing. Gone are the days where you have your superstars shooting a high percentage from the field and instead get the ticky tack fouls instead.
By the way Newell stated that a few years ago. He's worked with NBA franchises so I'm pretty sure he knows a little bit more then you about basketball. I know he knows a lot more then I do and if he says that players are lacking basketball skills I'm going to go with he's going to be right about that.
Gone in today's game is the dominant big man as in someone that can get position in the block and make a variety of moves. There are no more Robinson's, no more Olajuwon's, no more Ewing's, no more Mourning's, etc.....
The only centers in todays game that could be considered that type is Shaq who's definitely lost a step as he has aged. The other is Greg Oden and he hasn't even developed a true post game yet. So, yeah I'm going to go with Oden should have stayed at Ohio State where he could have developed his game more because he may have the body physically he just doesn't have the basketball skill yet.
So, Joe no the article has nothing to do with race. It has everything to do with the fact that there are very few players in today's NBA that have the variety of skills that are needed. How many times in a close game will you see an offensive player be taken out and a better defensive player put in?
There are teams that rely on take risks on defense and even then they can take advantage because of their own athleticness to get back into the play, but as they age they can't gamble as much. So, yeah Joe please explain to me where I said that the NCAA had better skilled players than the NBA? All I said was it would be better for players to be able to develop their game even more before going into the NBA.
So sorry Joe your response is a joke!
about 1 month ago
I agree 110% with everything you said. I've always been opposed to players just jumping from high school to the NBA. I don't like that. For one, like you said, they will be able to get a degree and focus on something to do after their NBA career is over.
Pete Newell is a real loss for basketball. The quote that you mentioned was just absolutely remarkable.
About Lebron: Lebron obviously relies on his freakish athleticism on both ends of the floor, but it doesn't really mean he can't play smartly on offense or on defense. Against the Pistons, at one time in the game, he split four defenders. Now, you might say that's athleticism, but it's playing smart basketball. He's one of the best defenders in the league!! I think every player has a weakness and "jumpshot" and "Lebron" don't really correlate these days. But he's only 23! How often do you see a player that's about to take over the league at that age?
But I agree with you man. Nice job. Appreciate your work man!
about 1 month ago
Very interesting article and a subject that some important people might not want to face but I think there have been a few solid franchises that diminish the gravity of your argument, mainly the Spurs and the Jazz. Both relatively stable franchises that utilize the players they are dealt....they have not changed much of their core, mainly refering to coaching staff for many years....but they are the exception.
Lebron James will trump any expectations we have for him in reference to defense, he will overachieve in this department but he and most everyone else in this league ascribe to a supreme individualism that dominates the game at times. There was a time when the team game was all that mattered but nowadays it is not unusual to see ONE player dominate a game in order to seek individual glory foremost, ala Kobe(notoriously selfish, up until a couple of years ago).
nice article, great job!!!
about 1 month ago
This is why I loved Pete Newell. The word "team" barely exists anymore when you have so many players out there for the cash instead of the game. We can thank David Stern for some of that two when he wants to market individuals instead of the actual team. He must have signed some evil dead with the devil so that when the Lakers and Celtics saved the playoffs in the Finals.
about 1 month ago
Joe,
You are really delving out some serious veracity here, which pro-Racists just can not dispel. Notice too;
mostly complaining about players going to 'the league' from high school, are those same White-racists. Who are mad, or jealous, that it's usually Black players skilled enough to make the leap to the NBA. White players are consensusly under-skilled and therefore have no choice but to attend college. It's amazing, how thats somehow now the fault of *talented, NBA-ready, inner-city, ghetto youth* of America...man-0-man, racism is a terrible terrible disease. Which is why the majority of 'HIschool-to-pro' critics are us Caucasoids.
Here, you have an industry on Earth, where we fall short. And that is galactically uncommon, in the 20th & 21st Centuries.
We Caucasoids do not know how to handle that. So we just hate and hate and hate...like what you read in many of the remarks here. You know, like you said Joe; pseudo-racist.
Now combine that with how this NBA dilemma blinds racists to how stupid they appear. When they agree or embrace an NBA rule that denies American People, the opportunity to make a living at the top of their trade/profession. It indeed reeks of anti-Democracy.
If those youth are good enough to play in that league, and they are Americans, they should be allowed to. Anyone who disagrees, is potentially of a *pro-Racist mindset* even if unknowingly.
DISCLAIMER:
Hypotheses-proven theorem validated that we can most easily tell who those racist-folk are, within how, they won't usually have the same "anti-" opinion about High schoolers going pro...in baseball, winter-sports, tennis, hockey, golf and other predominantly-Caucasoid sports.
from about 1 month ago
In your attempt to sound intelligent and present an argument, you failed to realize something;
pseudo –adjective 1. not actually but having the appearance of; pretended; false or spurious; sham.
2. almost, approaching, or trying to be.
So we are either racist, or we're not. We're not "pretending" racists, or "almost" or "approaching" racists. Either we are, or aren't. If we have the "appearance," that does not mean we are.
We have our thoughts, opinions, and feelings on why people should go to college. Why is it okay for you to have your thoughts, but if we do, we're racist?
As for denying people "the opportunity to make a living at the top of their trade/profession," what about raising taxes on those who make more than $250,000 a year? So, we should PUNISH those who are more successful, or harder working, or more talented, and take away their money?
You speak and think like a Democrat, throwing around the race card, calling people racists, and claiming the white man is trying to hold you down.
My question to you then is this: why is it okay to tax someone for being succesful, but not okay to expect someone to hone their skills before stepping up to the highest level of competition?
from about 1 month ago
yung,
That guy Grant is attempting to batter you with clumsy, neo-conservative, reactionary propaganda. I would gather that he is suffocating within the confines of his carefully concealed pro-racist mindset.
Grant,
You claim that someone is either "racist, or they are not." That, in and of itself, is an IDIOTIC statement. ANYONE is capable of an occasional racist thought or action. Because they commit such an action does not make THEM a racist. It does, however make their ACTION racist. Someone who consistently engages in this type of pattern (or mindset) would be considered a racist, and I am willing to bet that you are indeed that type of person, as yungCaucasoid points out. You have been exposed!
Your clownish argument about paying taxes has absolutely nothing to do with someone having to hone their skills to make it to the highest level of competition. NOTHING ...AT ...ALL!
Taxes: The richest members of our society are hardly being "punished" by being asked to pay more taxes (percentage wise) then the "less fortunate." If you live in a country that allows you to make an obscene amount of money then the least you can do is contribute your FAIR SHARE to maintaining the type of country that provides a chance of opportunity for everyone. This is a country of WE, Grant, not a country of ME. Answer in short: It's okay to tax someone for being successful because it's fair, and it's THE RIGHT THING TO DO!
"Honing their skills": yungCaucasoid is right again (I can't believe I just stated that). Why the hell should guys as talented as LaBron James, Kobe Bryant or Kevin Garnett need to "hone his skills" when they're better than 95% of the NBA players before they even come into the league? What the hell do they need to prove? That they can dominate, humiliate and embarrass collegiate level players, perhaps?
Your argument is intellectually dishonest (either that ...or you're just not too bright). But what else could we expect from a neo-con reactionary like yourself?
from about 1 month ago
Dracula,
People are either racist or they aren't. Plain and simple.
You state "ANYONE is capable of an occasional racist thought or action. Because they commit such an action does not make THEM a racist. It does, however make their ACTION racist."
You and I both know, if I were to call someone a n*gger in public, and it was the one and only time I have ever done or will ever do it, people will call me a racist. The same goes for thinking it to yourself. Even one thought to yourself makes someone racist. Why you ask? Because somewhere in your thinking, you think one race is superior to another...even if it is just one time.
Racism –noun 1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.
By the way, acting (or action) on racism is called "discrimination," but someone of your obvious intelligence would already know that.
As for using taxes in my post: yung stated we are denying people "the opportunity to make a living at the top of their trade/profession." To me, that is a lot like denying those who make more, work harder, and/or are more successful from keeping their hard-earned money. Unfortunately, your linear thinking would not allow you to make the connection I was trying to present. Maybe you were too busy calling me a neo-conservative and a racist. That hard earned money that is taxed, by the way, often goes to giving people free rides in this country. And by free ride, I mean welfare, food stamps, government funded housing, etc. No wonder you're all for taxing the successful!
As for the need to hone their skills in college: Sure you name LeBron James (who is shooting some 20% from the arc this year and is a career mid 70s free throw shooter), Kobe Bryant, and Kevin Garnett. You fail to remember such "high school to NBA" busts such as Darius Miles, Sebastian Telfair, Jonathon Bender, Leon Smith, Ricky Sanchez, and Kwame Brown. I know for a fact each of them could have used at least a year in college, if not more.
about 1 month ago
Grant, I really wouldn't expend a lot of energy on the trolls. Between his numerous mis-uses of words, sentence fragments, and rather bizarre interpretations of who and what constitutes racism, I think we can easily discern the age and purpose of the posts. Responding with logic and sound arguments to the illogical and unsound is typically an exercise in futility.
By the way, did you note the troll claims to be white?
But in all seriousness, if you are going to go to the trouble of putting together intelligent, well-thought out comments, respond to people worth responding to. You are a valuable contributor and should not waste your efforts.
from about 1 month ago
Drew,
Thank you for the compliments. You're right, I shouldn't waste my time and efforts on trolls. I just noticed he misused the world "delving." His attempts at sounding intelligent remind me of the kid in class who always has an opinion and everyone else wants to smack because he A) won't shut up and B) actually sounds completely unintelligent.
You're also correct in his interpretations of who and what constitutes racism. Read the articles he has written and then his comments on those and other articles and even the most intelligent person would be confused on where he stands, or what he believes.
from about 1 month ago
You "sound" surprised that yungCaucasoid "claims to be white." He is white. Why would you even bring his race into question if you weren't operating under the influence of the same pro-racist mindset that he claims you do?
I'm white, and it's obvious to me that some of his claims of white racism have validity to them. In your world, are all us "white guys" supposed to "stick together" ...or something inherently racist like that?
And he is not a "troll," as you have seen fit to label him. Hardly. He is merely pointing out some ugly truths that you guys obviously don't want to either ADMIT, ...or ACCEPT to yourselves. He is merely exposing you and the ignorant racism that drives your one-dimensional thought process and shapes your biased world view. Maybe that's why he upsets you so much. Maybe he struck a raw nerve.
How does it feel to be exposed?
Not too good, ...huh?
from about 1 month ago
Dracula,
My feelings of these guys going to college before the NBA has nothing to do with what color they are. I don't care if they are white, black, purple, or green. I want them to go to develop a better all-around game, first and foremost, but to also get some education and life experience.
It is people like you and yung who go looking for racism and discrimination, even if it isn't there.
By the way, smart guy, racism is not exclusive to "white" people. You're naive if you think only white people are racist.
about 1 month ago
Grant,
Sorry, but its *expose time* again, for you!
"...In your attempt to sound intelligent and present an argument, you failed to realize something..."
-No, you failed to realize, that people don't sound intelligent. That is up to the mind of the gawker or witness or antagonist, or...in your case, all three. A person asserts something that appears to be intelligent, or unintelligent. It shouldn't be left for the prejudices of your attitude, toward the person, determine the validity of an act or argument. Period.
"...pseudo –adjective 1. not actually but having the appearance of; pretended; false or spurious; sham.
2. almost, approaching, or trying to be.
So we are either racist, or we're not. We're not "pretending" racists, or "almost" or "approaching" racists. Either we are, or aren't. If we have the "appearance," that does not mean we are..."
~Thats what pro-Racist means, so I'm in compliance, English Teacher...hahahaha...it's called ***ostensibly*** if you want to know the real truth. But I figured that word would've really been too 'over your dumb-brain' to use. Still.........Thats all irrelevant. Why? Because its your Civil-Right, to be a racist! Thats what makes America such a great place. We can actually go out and *be* whatever the hell we want to be!
But to me, you can choose to take that Racism which you're welcome to, and perpetuate onto your own personal Life, Home, and Family. But, when exit your front door with it every morning, to go effect this Great Democracy with that Inequality, Xenophobia, and White-Superiority of yours, then--------I have a problem with you! Like those folk who *used their's* that morning they left home to go create this new NBA/high-school rule.
"...We have our thoughts, opinions, and feelings on why people should go to college. Why is it okay for you to have your thoughts, but if we do, we're racist?..."
~Please, do post something more relevant and correlating to the circumstance or situation. Because this analogy of yours, sucks badly.
"...As for denying people "the opportunity to make a living at the top of their trade/profession," what about raising taxes on those who make more than $250,000 a year? So, we should PUNISH those who are more successful, or harder working, or more talented, and take away their money?..."
~I'll tell you just like Drac's Butt scolded you; this is irrelevant!
First of all, I think like yungCaucasoid. Individualism is key. My track-record here, certainly displays that.
Besides, I voted for McKinney, you clown! Although, I do like Obama's idea of taxing those who make over $250,000. Those who make under that amount, have had to watch the wealthy live high on the hog, via George Bush, for the past 8 years. So, I think that only a greedy unpatriotic selfish miserable lil' troll, would feel as though folk who make over $250K haven't reached THEIR TIME to ante-up.
"...My question to you then is this: why is it okay to tax someone for being succesful, but not okay to expect someone to hone their skills before stepping up to the highest level of competition?..."
~If some organism attained Wealth at the expense of, or thanks to resources of, organisms which are not Wealthy and are Suffering in an unusual cycle's behavior, then it's only right;
Those who 'got over' be moved to give something back, in order to preserve Our imperfect system of Capitalism.
It's Capitalistic-Democracy in its truest form, if you expect it to work tangibly, for centuries.
We saw a derivative of it, within Bush/Paulson's original Wall Street Bail-Out proposal, weeks ago.
Some also call it 'corporate welfare' since 2000, as Bush has executed it vehemently over the past 8 years for his Big-Biz-Buddies. Me myself, I just call it, Dubya's Socialism.
from about 1 month ago
Well stated Y.C.
Hey Grant, ...can anyone say ...SCHOOLED?
about 1 month ago
"...My question to you then is this: why is it okay to tax someone for being succesful, but not okay to expect someone to hone their skills before stepping up to the highest level of competition?..."
~You're hallucinating here. I have yet to see any difference, glaring or slight, in the way rookies are reacting to the NBA. Maybe toward the season's end, but...thats totally irrelevant to a businessman's choice of coveting what he feels he needs for success, at the earliest possible opportunity it can be coveted.
If it's coming out of high-school, and available, then a businessman should be able to go after that commodity toward his success...those who buy into his product, certainly aren't upset when that 'product' wins Rookie-of-the-Year, nor...when 22 years old/starring in his first NBA Championship role.
Like I said, and stand by it too, Grant;
You pro-Racist don't make this claim re: high-schooler's skill set when they go pro in hockey, tennis, golf, and other predominantly-Caucasoid sports, so...don't be a doublestandardized hypocritic now!
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