Or what Thorpe is saying reflects an evolving understanding of the game and, as we become more aware of how to optimally play basketball, one's view of past players can shift. That Russell was among the best in an era that was not very good at playing basketball does not mean that one is obligated to venerate him as a top player, all time. Because, if one is not inextricably tied to the opinions of yesteryear, the opinions of today may differ.It is all subjective of course, but it saddens me to think that in 30 or 40 years (or sooner) Russell may end up being all but forgotten by a majority of NBA fans. There isn't a ton of video tape of him compared to other players and his offensive game never got him into any record books, except ones concerned with winning, it seems like he is really starting to fade. I hope I'm wrong, but just a month or so ago Zach Lowe had David Thorpe on his podcast and Thorpe said Russell wasn't in his Top Ten of all-time because he didn't shoot 45 percent from the field, a statement that is so ignorant to basketball history and Russell's career that I get mad just bringing it up. And this is coming from a guy who is supposedly intelligent about the game.
It started around 2010 and has gotten even worse the past 2-3 years.In what year did they stop even pretending to play defense? Can I blame it on LeBron?
Good game going on in OKC. Myles Turner looks awesome, really wish he fell to Boston.
Lillard has been amazing tonight. And McCollum is fantastic too. The only problem is that Chris Kaman looks like Chris Elliott at 67 years old.It's not sexy, but Portland's season has been a great story so far. It's pretty astonishing that they could sport a winning record and have a legit shot at the playoffs after replacing Aldridge, Batum, Lopez and Matthews with the likes of Mason Plumlee, Gerald Henderson, Ed Davis, Mo Harkless etc. They just laid a wire to wire can of whoop-ass on Golden State. Lillard finishes with 51 points, 7 assists, and 6 steals.
Have to give up for sinking a 35 foot heat check.Lillard has been amazing tonight. And McCollum is fantastic too. The only problem is that Chris Kaman looks like Chris Elliott at 67 years old.
But wow....Lillard was simply unstoppable.
Why would Drummond ever be guarding Davis? He's matched up with the opponents power 5.....although that matchup would certainly explain Brow dropping 59 lol. Brow plays the 4 which looks like was split between Marcus Morris and Tobias Harris.I'm really curious if Drummond was the main guy guarding him, or if it was someone else.
That is how Love played prior to Kyrie returning from injury he's so much more effective as a primary/second option which was his role last night after Kyrie left in the first half due to illness.I know it was for the 3rd place title but that was an impressive win by the cavs. I'm sure the numbers won't show it but they defended Durant well.
And they're finally trying to use Love for something more than standing in the corner. He had a nice game, felt a bit Minny-esque with how he grinded through it.
One of the problems with Blatt was he never figured out how to use Love. We'll see if Lue can work up an idea on how to use Love's strengths while Kyrie is playing.That is how Love played prior to Kyrie returning from injury he's so much more effective as a primary/second option which was his role last night after Kyrie left in the first half due to illness.
The problem isn't Love it's Love when Kyrie is playing and he's a third option that lands him as an off-the-ball weak side shooter more times than not.
I think you are asking for something not really possible. How do you put the ball in the hands of the 3rd option when the ball is in the hands of the 1st and 2nd while only being one ball. The only real option is to stagger the minutes Love plays so his minutes don't overlap Kyrie's as much but will he be willing to embrace a 6th man role? That is the only option I can see.One of the problems with Blatt was he never figured out how to use Love. We'll see if Lue can work up an idea on how to use Love's strengths while Kyrie is playing.
I had to check the box score to see if my hunch was right. Building a dynasty there.If you know what these four players have in common without googling, you follow the NBA more closely than me.
Norris Cole
Bryce Dejean-Jones
Dante Cunningham
Alexis Ajinca
Perk is deeply hurt.If you know what these four players have in common without googling, you follow the NBA more closely than me.
Norris Cole
Bryce Dejean-Jones
Dante Cunningham
Alexis Ajinca
That Eric Gordon contract is looking awesome!If you know what these four players have in common without googling, you follow the NBA more closely than me.
Norris Cole
Bryce Dejean-Jones
Dante Cunningham
Alexis Ajinca
Love's interior number began taking a big hit entering his final year in Minnesota when he began losing some of his lift which was the first year he began straying outside of the paint more. Those offensive interior skills Love had early in his career aren't what they once were and are quickly deteriorating further. The other thing that those numbers don't tell you is the pace and spacing Minnesota had without having to worry about structured weak side help was far different than a typical halfcourt set in Cleveland where he would have to be his man and at least one other defender from the help side, sometimes two.I haven't watched enough of the Cavs to be sure about this, but one of the things that I think could be part of the problem is that Cleveland wants Love to be a spot-shooter way too often. He is an excellent shooter for a big man and that is a skill that should be exploited, but he also is good on the block and can help rebound on the offensive glass. His final year in Minnesota he took 42 percent of his fga inside ten feet and 35 percent of his fga from beyond the arc. This season he is taking 37 percent of his shots inside 10 feet and 44 percent of his shots from three. I understand that with two of the best finishers at the rim in basketball on your team you want to unclog the paint, but that method also takes away from some of Love's finest skills.
...said all of us ironically In the middle of the 2018 season after he has played 60 out of his first 120 games with the Nets.That Eric Gordon contract is looking awesome!
Don't laugh. That is a very realistic landing spot for Gordon. Almost a perfect stop gap fit....said all of us ironically In the middle of the 2018 season after he has played 60 out of his first 120 games with the Nets.
Oh I know. I've assumed all year that he would be one of their top targets after (insert list of top-tier free agents) turn them down. Name recognition guy who can shoot but has enough warts and injury concerns that he'll likely just chase the biggest contract he can get before he breaks down completely.Don't laugh. That is a very realistic landing spot for Gordon. Almost a perfect stop gap fit.
Can you clarify why he wouldn't have to worry about help defenders and being double teamed in Minnesota where he was the only consistent offensive threat and will somehow have to worry about double teaming when he is playing with Irving and James? Love is such a skilled passer that he should relish at least some double teams anyways.Love's interior number began taking a big hit entering his final year in Minnesota when he began losing some of his lift which was the first year he began straying outside of the paint more. Those offensive interior skills Love had early in his career aren't what they once were and are quickly deteriorating further. The other thing that those numbers don't tell you is the pace and spacing Minnesota had without having to worry about structured weak side help was far different than a typical halfcourt set in Cleveland where he would have to be his man and at least one other defender from the help side, sometimes two.
In the halfcourt set Love played primarily in the high post screen-n-roll either rolling to the paint or popping behind the arc depending on the defenses read and/or matchup. Many of those interior FGA didn't come off traditional post-ups. Also, the Timberwolves played at a blistering pace among the top 3-4 in the league it was a very loosely played defensive game. In Cleveland they are among the slowest pace and a grind it out style with much much less spacing.Can you clarify why he wouldn't have to worry about help defenders and being double teamed in Minnesota where he was the only consistent offensive threat and will somehow have to worry about double teaming when he is playing with Irving and James? Love is such a skilled passer that he should relish at least some double teams anyways.
Didn't make it back. They are a 2 and a half person team and the drop off after those 3 is scary. They've lost 3 of their last 4 and have the Dubs on Saturday.Thunder in the midst of coming back from a double digit deficit with 3 minutes to play. 119-117 with 1:04 left