AJC > Sports > Hawks > Blog > Archives > 2006 > November > 28 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USKobe vs. LeBron: The debate
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Lately I’ve been getting away from talking strictly basketball here. I can’t help it sometimes, the mind tends to wander to a bit. But I’m back on ball today. Really. Someone asked me a great question that’s totally off base from tonight’s Hawks-Wizards game (a must-win road game for the Hawks, who are running out of reasonable chances to knock teams off on the road before heading west this weekend. Have I mentioned how huge this upcoming road swing is? It’s going to determine the tone of the Hawks’ season for quit some time thereafter. Play well and you go into the New Year with momentum. Get buried and you’ll spend the next two months trying to dig out of the hole. Huge, huge trip coming up for the folks from Hawksville).
I was having a discussion with a good friend about the league, players and the like. He’s a sportswriter in another state that covers college football. He’s probably been to two NBA games in his life but loves NBA basketball and really knows the game. He was asking me if I had a choice between Kobe and LeBron who would I take? (He’s a Kobe guy, loves making that ridiculous comparison between the Black Jack Bauer – Kobe’s new No. 24 – and MJ. Me, I don’t bother with that kind of trivial foolishness). I balked at the question. Refused to pick until we specified what we were looking for. I tried to explain to him that it’s a hard choice to make if you’re deciding who you want to start a team with or who you want in a one-on-one game.
When you watch the NBA on TV (as I did before I started covering the league) your appreciation for players isn’t what it is when you start watching guys in person, day after day. I always assumed certain things about the league prior to covering the league (my favorite theory, and I’m serious when I tell you this, was that it was just one big production, ballet in high tops with the refs, players and everyone else in on the game. Like the WWF without the body slams and chairs across the back. How ridiculous was that?). I know better, now, of course. But just like your perception from afar can be colored by what something looks like on TV or through the lens of someone else (like yours truly), an up-close view of something can be tainted as well. Sometimes you’re too close. So close that you can’t step back and see the bigger picture.
For example, no one scrutinizes the play of the Hawks the way we do. I can’t tell you how many writers from other cities who have commented to me this season about how good Joe Johnson is. It’s almost as if they were waiting to see if last year was a fluke before deciding that “yeah man, he’s good.”
So back to the question that was asked. Kobe or LeBron? I still don’t know which guy I’d pick. But I’ve got an even better question, at least I think I do. And since we’re in to playing fantasy GM around here all the time, I thought it most appropriate here. What player would you choose if you were starting your team today, on Nov. 28, 2006?
You can choose from any player in the league right now. But they have to be current NBA players. And we’re not talking about what they might be in three or four years or what they might have been in their prime. We’re talking about right now.
Who would you want? And make a case for the guy, not one against someone else.
Comments
By honest_abe
November 28, 2006 04:16 PM | Link to this
that’s simple… i’m a huge kobe fan and always have been.. but when it comes to lebron.. he has that certain element in which you know he will be one of the GREATEST if not THE GREATEST of all time.
basketball is a team sport and nobody in the nba affects every single aspect of the game quite like lebron. here’s a guy 6’9, incredible wing span and a incredible, massive phsyique which allows him to rebound, play low post d, block shots.. but then he’s nimble and spry and has handles like a 5’9 pg.. he see’s passing lanes that nobody else can see, he can shoot it from the outside, he can catch and shoot, he can create his own shot, he can take his man off the dribble… and the best thing.. he’s a team player… he fills the entire stat sheet by playing within the team concept. he doesn’t hog the ball.
LBJ is labeled “the king” for a reason… he’s a once in a lifetime player who was destined for greatness since he was born!
LEBRON ALL THE WAY!!!!!
By doc
November 28, 2006 04:19 PM | Link to this
duncan, need i say more than he has always been on a winning team and seems to be in the middle of making it one. he has pretty good track record for staying healthy; not enough big guys out there who can do it all.
west coast swing has killed all the east coast teams and i dont expect the hawks to be any different. another topic for another day is why is there so much disparity between the leagues, 3 teams over 500 in east with rediculous number over 500 in west.
flash, left you a note on previous blog, please answer before gametime.
By Astro Joe
November 28, 2006 04:32 PM | Link to this
Dwayne Wade I considered Dwight Howard, as I recognize that a great big man is a tremendous asset and usually is required to win a title. But in a league where defenders can’t hand-check and defenses can play zone, having a player who can control the game with the ball in his hands is critically important. Wade isn’t the defender that Kobe is, but he could be in a very short period of time. If Kobe were 24, I’d choose him as he can control the game on both sides of the floor. But since I want someone a little younger to start my franchise, give me the guy who can pile up assists, hit every big shot and live at the free throw line while still being engaged on the defensive end. Mr. Wade would be my franchise player.
By Stephen
November 28, 2006 04:42 PM | Link to this
Wow, what a question…thinking about it, I’ve narrowed it down to three people: Kobe, LBJ, and CP3. The last may be a bit of a surprise, but not really when you look at the impact he made on that team alone last year (how’s Billy Knight sleep at night not choosing him! HE WANTED TO BE IN ATL!). He’s a great playmaker, penetrator, defender and shooter…but he’s not Kobe, and he’s not LBJ. I don’t think CP3 is capable of taking over a game quite yet…so, he’s eliminated. LBJ is in year 4, and he’s doing great things, as usual. He led his team to the playoffs last year, and seems to have his team as the beast of the east so far. He can shoot, pass, drive, defend, on and on and on and on…he is the Magic Johnson of this era, but on steroids (not literally)…and I hate comparing players from eras, but I can’t help it. Magic was on another level…but MJ beat Magic (and I’m a HUGE Lakers fan)…which leads me ultimately to my choice. Kobe. Greatest pure scorer in the game…best perimeter defender in the L (not Bruce Bowen—he’s praised so much because he can’t do anything offensively short of standing at the 3-point line). He can kill you anyway HE wants to. A defender cannot dictate where he goes. Fade-away, drive, jumper, pump-jumper, dunk over Yao (7’6”!), anything. He averaged 35 points because he had to. He could average 45 if he REALLY needed to (thank God for Lamar Odom). All this talk about Kobe being nothing w/out Shaq…and I love Shaq (and Kobe—rare, I know). But remember, Shaq never won before Phil. So we could always go in circles about that. Kobe is the type of player that can average a triple-double if he needed to, but that’s not what’s asked of him. He’s asked to go out and score 27-35 points a night, dish out a few dimes, grab some boards, and defend the opposing player’s BEST perimeter defender NIGHT IN/NIGHT OUT. That’s nuts…but he does it. Then, with less than a minute left, there’s nobody in the L I’d rather have on the line with the game tied, or down by one shooting…remember LBJ when Gilbert psyched him out in the playoffs? LBJ will get there, but not yet…so, I take Kobe. Bar none…
By Juan
November 28, 2006 05:56 PM | Link to this
KOBE KOBE KOBE KOBE!!!
By Wedgie Evans
November 28, 2006 06:00 PM | Link to this
If I’m starting a franchise, I take LeBron because he’s younger and more talented.
If I’m playing a Game 7 in the NBA Finals today, and I’m picking one of them, I pick Kobe because he has the experience and the rings.
But if I can pick from anyone in the NBA, not just Kobe or LeBron, the decision is easy. I’m picking Dwight Howard. The majority of championship teams in NBA history were built around a future Hall of Fame big man. Dwight Howard is already one of the top 5 big guys in the game (along with Duncan, Garnett, and Yao) — the guy plays hard on both ends of the floor, has polished post moves, is a good passer, is a good locker room presence, and is a lock down defender… all at age 20. As good as LeBron is at such a young age, Dwight’s a year younger and nearly as good, at a position where quality players are much harder to find.
By Wedgie Evans
November 28, 2006 06:11 PM | Link to this
If I’m starting a franchise, I take LeBron because he’s younger and more talented.
If I’m playing a Game 7 in the NBA Finals today, and I’m picking one of them, I pick Kobe because he has the experience and the rings.
But if I can pick from anyone in the NBA, not just Kobe or LeBron, the decision is easy. I’m picking Dwight Howard. The majority of championship teams in NBA history were built around a future Hall of Fame big man. Dwight Howard is already one of the top 5 big guys in the game (along with Duncan, Garnett, and Yao) — the guy plays hard on both ends of the floor, has polished post moves, is a good passer, is a good locker room presence, and is a lock down defender… all at age 20. As good as LeBron is at such a young age, Dwight’s a year younger and nearly as good, at a position where quality players are much harder to find.
By The Flash
November 28, 2006 07:10 PM | Link to this
I answered it, doc, but it’s the Hawks; I like their fans. No contest.
I’m with the Astro man here, I think it has to be Wade. On the other hand, if I could play, who would I love to play with. Probably Nash. But, that is just dreaming, and he is getting long in the tooth too.
In the end, though, if I was really being truthful, and I was actually paying the salaries, I’d have to say, and this is painful, I’d probably close my eyes and hold my nose and let the honest man have his way. LeBron; it has to be.
By infamouskrs
November 28, 2006 07:26 PM | Link to this
did someone put something in Shelden’s breakfast tray this morning…..the guy is on fire starting this game tonight! can he maintain….STAY TUNED
By HB Ando
November 28, 2006 07:42 PM | Link to this
Two issues stick out, to me, when I try and come to an opinion on Kobe vs. LeBron: one, that LeBron seems to be more comfortable giving up the ball, though how long that will continue depends on many times his teammates let him down. Secondly, they are very similar in their ability to do everything well, but in an NBA where guys entering as teenagers get worn down, physically, faster than guys who’ve eased into the league via college, playing less taxing schedules, and having the opportunity to mature gradually, through basic maturation, and solid weight training programs, I have to go with LeBron, because Kobe is a rapidly aging 27. And that gives LeBron 6 more years of wear and tear to catch up. I know this sounds like I’m agreeing with Joe, but apparently that’s the only way to be cool here. And the fact that he had Shaq anchoring the middle, as Kobe did when he won his rings, appears inconsequential in the assessment, relative to LeBron and the word, according to JOE.
If I’m building a roster, and have my choice, I’m going with LeBron. Two years from now, I very well might take Greg Oden. Shaq (there’s that name again, I thought this was about Kobe and LeBron) proved, once again last year, that the NBA world still revolves around a dominant big man. Pair him with a legitimate star guard, and rings await. Add a viable third scoring option to Houston, keep TMac and Yao healthy for the full season, and the Rockets could, realistically, follow the Heat’s blueprint to a World Championship.
I can only assume that these irrelevant musings are absolute proof that I’m both a dolt and an incorrible ego-maniac. I await the inevitable confirmation from TB and Joe. I honestly don’t know how I survive on this planet, from day to day, given my obvious lack of cognitive functioning. Please, quickly highlight for me how my response to Sekou’s nightly post renders me a lesser man than TB (again). Joe, I need to hear how irritating my opinion on Kobe vs. LeBron really is. All of us do. Please, come down off of Mt. Olympus and, in Pope-like fashion, honor us with the “Truth”, as defined by the final arbiter on the subject. Honestly, the rest of us are simply nothing until you weigh in.
By The Flash
November 28, 2006 09:40 PM | Link to this
Hawks outplayed them. Period. I liked so much of what I saw, especially the offense, the competativeness, and, of course, JJ.
What I really liked was the spacing on offense in the first half, and the diversity of spots that Joe was catching it. What I also really liked was the way the offense looked with Shellie on the floor, and with Z on the high post. WHEN SHELLIE SEALS, HE NEEDS TO GET IT; DO NOT THINK, DO NOT HESITATE; GET HIM THE G-DDAMN BALL!
Shellie several times was in a position to hurt people and someone caught it who could easily have one-touched and got him the thing. THEY HAVE TO GET IT TO HIM.
Would have liked to see Shellie on the floor in the fourth. I think that he is the guy who can catch and score inside. Z gets pushed and doesn’t get the calls. Shellie will get pushed and grabbed and will deliver.
In the frouth, I was disappointed to see Smooth not flashing from low on the right to the center of the lane or even towards high and catching. I think that the team, including the coach, has got to make him do it. If he misses an opportunity, pull him and tell him.
I really don’t think that Woody is committed to seeing that happen. Too much JJ in the Fourth, to much time with the ball; but not because JJ wanted it that way. Didn’t feel that way anyway.
Lue played heroically. Smooth did a lot of good things on defense in the fourth. If they have to “call plays” for him to catch and go, 15 feet on in from the low right, they need to “call plays.”
They need to get Shellie in there in the Fourth. Shellie will score the ball with all the space there was inside.
I’m completely pumped by what I saw.
By mykhalc
November 28, 2006 10:08 PM | Link to this
FLASH, thanks for the nice recap. didn’t get to see it here in SF but followed it on NBA.COM. SPEEDY’s boxscore sucked!!! again!! what was your take from seeing him?? just outta shape along with the knee??? too many jump shots by JS again!!??? well, at least the 3’s aren’t flyin’ from all over the place!!! i guess, one step at a time!!! seemed like a good team effort tho….
By michael m.
November 28, 2006 10:27 PM | Link to this
what is woodens problem that he refuses to play shelden for anything beyond the first 10 minutes and the first 6 minutes of the second half. 9 pts, 4 boards, 2 blocks, 1 assist and 1 steal.
also he needs to work on his x’s and o’s in terms of when teams double and triple team joe, he should diagram plays that take advantage of these mismatches.
oh yeah. someone get zaza a tissue. and the next time he plays help d might be the first. if he would exhibit half his willingness to attack the ball on the offensive glass at the defensive end, it would be a big help. not sure if zaza and josh starting together once marvin comes back is gonna work. smooth n za sulk more than any other hawk this side of salim.
we gotta pull these games out late. frustrating.
By MALONE
November 28, 2006 10:43 PM | Link to this
Josh Smith is shooting 35.8% from the field.
If he shoots 40%, we’re 8-4.
By mavid
November 28, 2006 11:04 PM | Link to this
man oh man do we ever need chill and marvin back
By hot tub
November 28, 2006 11:15 PM | Link to this
LeBron the greatest of all time? He’s not even the best in the league, hell, i’ve seen D-1AA players with better defense than Bron. He just has a great marketing team
By mavid
November 29, 2006 01:42 AM | Link to this
^^^^ ahahah, you’re crazy hot tub
By doc
November 29, 2006 07:50 AM | Link to this
flash, i dont know if you saw the article in the paper but drew is starting to work with the guys on a princeton offense to open things up more for the players as they see so much activity around jj to stop him. it will require a lot of movement and that is what might frustrate players that are the type who want to go to a spot and receive the ball instead of work within the FLOW.
By newkid
November 29, 2006 09:02 AM | Link to this
Flash, didn’t get to see more than the last couple minutes of the game, but found your post quite informative. Thanks.
By Astro Joe
November 29, 2006 09:55 AM | Link to this
JJ should have taken it to the rim and not settled for the jumper. Flash, you are right about Shelden last night. A recall one particular possession when he had his man on his hip and called for the ball and Smith swung it to the other side of the floor. Shelden played a very good first quarter (although he got in foul trouble). He needed to stay active in the offense in the second half but both his teammates and coach didn’t allow that to happen. Woody’s rotations are still curious.
Sekou, so what’s the deal with Speedy? Is he our $24M Royal Ivey with a pre-set amount of minutes in each half? I know its only 12 games into a four-year deal, but DAMN this is really irritating.
And can someone please teach Zaza how to man-up in close games? Stop looking for the foul and go up decisively and forcefully to the rim. This flopping on both ends of the floor is annoying. Stop watching Vlade Divac videos, Zaza.
Ando, did you say something?
By honest_abe
November 29, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
aj… have mercy i said the same thing as the the buzzer sounded…. how in the world do you settle for a fade away jump shot from 17 ft when you’re only down by one point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! coming out of a timeout that is the best play woody came up with? that is unacceptable… the more and more i see it… woody is a tremendous guy to have on the bench.. he can obviously keep the troops together and he gets alot out of them… but he seriously lacks the ability to diagram plays down the stretch!! jj.. if you want ot be the man.. act like one and take it to the rim strong… next time.. BAH!
By A Thinking Fan
November 29, 2006 10:59 AM | Link to this
Thanks Flash for the overview of the game!
By Tap Daddy
November 29, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
Am i the only one that thinks Josh Smith has a hard time finishing in traffic? For someone so athletic and big it seems like he’s been missing layups all season long. He needs to work on his layup finishing skills or just start trying to dunk everything….and i’m taking Lebron if the draft was today followed by Carmelo, he’s playing ridiculous this season….(Kobe’s knee isnt completely healthy so I wouldnt draft him, he’s struggled a bit with his explosiveness and lateral movement on the defensive end…)..and last thing, Speedy has a HISTORY of being injured, i don’t like second guessing decisions but we gave alot of money for a guy to play 20 mins a game..really due to his history of breaking down I dont ever see him averaging 35 mins plus for us….it’s hard playing the point with bad knees…
By newkid
November 29, 2006 11:39 AM | Link to this
Don’t you guys long for the kinds of ‘pros’ who thought nothing of playing through minor - and sometimes major - pain? Remember Isaiah playing very effectively through an almost broken foot in the series against the Lakers in the late 80’s? Remember Jordan sneaking down to Carolina for some competitive court time more than a month ahead of his rehab schedule - against doctors orders - after a serious knee injury (I think it was knee) in his 2nd year with the Bulls? Remember those images of ‘the Captain’ (Willis Reed) dragging his badly injured leg behind him onto the court in the Knicks epic battle with the ‘the Big Dipper’ Lakers in the early 70’s? I’ve seen Earl Monroe play through the pain of badly broken ribs. Sometimes it appears that some of the current players would just as soon sit if they have something as minor as a mild headache. Where’s the ‘heart of a champion’ in some of these kids?
By Astro Joe
November 29, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
Newkid, you know the answer to that. Their heart is in their wallet. And the wallet of their agent. Did you hear/read that Jermaine O’Neal asked the Pacers to announce that Al Harrington is the starting center for the team during home games because he wants to be called a forward?
Too many of today’s players are just plain, old soft. Only a handful could have manned-up back in the 80s and early 90s. In today’s league, Brad Sellers would earn $10M/season (wasn’t he the early version of Rashard Lewis/Tim Thomas?) and Dalembert/Chandler would have played about 15 minutes a game 15 years ago (are they any better than Caldwell Jones?). But AI, he would have been great in any era of this league.
By Tap Daddy
November 29, 2006 11:55 AM | Link to this
“the heart of a champion” left when they started throwing out ridiculous amount of money to players based on that word that gets most GM’s fired..POTENTIAL…so many players walk around now like they are superstars and dont fight through that pain like the old schoolers because as long as there getting paid those big checks, there not gonna risk jeapordizing there careers and those big paydays….i was switching channels between NBA games and college games with my cousin last night and we started talking about how much harder the college kids were playing in comparison to the pros. The intensity and passion was there at the college game where the pro game didn’t seem to pick up until about 8 mins left in the fourh quarter…so then our discussion moved to why is pro football so much more intense than pro basketball? and the only answer I could come up with was that since the season is so short (16 games) every game is so important that players can’t just coast through games..whereas in pro hoops were they play 82 games, players and even coaches dont truly turn it on until about the 2nd half of the season…Shaq’s the perfect example. for years he’s been coasting through the first half of the season or would come into camp out of shape and then just turn it on right before the playoffs came…players had more passion and pride back in the days, now there a bunch of premadonas (sorry for spelling) running up and down the court…
By The Flash
November 29, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
JS needs more short rests. Expends a tremendous amount of energy at times, and seems to me to lose his bearings on the court. Sitting him for 2-3 minutes, letting him relax and observe, I think his offensive output improves.
Second, JS created a lot of nice looks, getting inside the defense. Once there, I disagree with everyone saying that he needs to take it hard to the rim. Diversity of game inside the paint, i.e., pull up, shot or pump and step through, will open the basket more for strong finishes. Will also conserve his energy, and get him to the line more.
As it is, people got away last night with nudging (fouling) him in the air just enough to spoil several hard finishes that could not be dunks. So his numbers are misleading. He did what folks have been screaming for; had he gotten some calls, numbers would have been much better. Again, I’d like him have interior spots that he knows will be money on a pull up, and make people defend that. Fouls on the jump shot, or step through get called. Bring in McKey, or Rick, every so often just to spend a hour or two with him!
Doc, the Princeton, you’re not teasing are you? Might have to relocate when that is in place.
Really didn’t focus on Speedy enough to comment. As I said, I liked the look of the offense in the first half, including when he was on the floor. I remember wanting Lue to replace him in the second.
Later, boyz.
By Tap Daddy
November 29, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
plus free agency has kind of taken away from rivalries. i remember teams HATING other teams….now guys change teams so much that there hugging and giving high fives before games to there opponents…save all that BS for after the game, before tipoff they should be getting ready for battle…..
By I Fux
November 29, 2006 12:51 PM | Link to this
Kobe, I would say as of right now. He seems to have turned the corner as far as leadership and selfishness. I also think he is an absolute killer and if he can just up his D up like during the title run when he was just clamping up everyone from Reggie Miller to Allen Iverson to Peja Stojakavic………there is no comparison….Lebron hasnt learned to clamp up anyone yet, just the passing lanes. Kobe is my choice
http://aramhiphopetc.blogspot.com
By jhan
November 29, 2006 12:56 PM | Link to this
Josh did look better last night (when he wasn’t shooting). He is in a major offensive slump. Can’t hit the J or finish near the rim. I’m truly glad to see him working his butt off in other areas. This attitude will serve him well as the season rolls on. Eventually his shot will start to fall. Once Marvin comes back he should also see less defensive pressure.
By doc
November 29, 2006 01:19 PM | Link to this
flash, it was in the article about getting another option to jj that sekou wrote for the 28th edition of the paper. you cah check it out by going to the paper and reading the article. quote is from lue. i almost choked thinking of the glee you might feel at reading it.
By HB Ando
November 29, 2006 01:35 PM | Link to this
Sure did, Joe. I’m just following your lead (as you are the self-appointed King of the Blog). Scroll back to yesterday, where I posted a direct response to Sekou’s thoughts for the day, failing to address any other member of the blog, and, essentially doing what everyone else does here, in offering my subjective opinion. Lo and behold, I return later in the day to see you and TB have, for the millionth time, taken it upon yourselves to attack me. It’s become abundantly clear that this is the way you and TB enjoy conducting yourselves. So, if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em. There is significant irony in the fact that you act like you’re not paying attention to me (did you say something, Ando?), when I actually address you, but you never miss a chance to whine about me when I don’t. I’ve asked you numerous times to get over me. You can’t. You’re a pompous, old, A-hole. So I’m just going to “Be Like Joe” and belittle every one of your opinions, which you continue to treat as fact, despite having absolutely nothing to support them with other than your personal logic. I can’t, for the life of me, figure out why you don’t come to terms with the fact that there’s plenty of room for everybody here. Lot’s of room for differing opinions. I can only assume it’s your wavering ego that leads you to continually pursue conflict with me. I tried ignoring references to you, and still you attack. This seems to be what you want from me. So, as a giving kind of guy, you get what your actions request.
So, since you asked, yes, Joe, I did say something. I said you’re just as guilty as me or anyone else here of hanging out the same, tired stories about how Billy isn’t responsible for his actions as the GM. “Follow the Money”… Blah blah blah. You’re a bag of wind, Joe.
You and your buddy, TB, can continue to divert the conversation away from the Hawks, and basketball in general, and pump each other up with pathetic personal attacks. Even playing it straight wasn’t good enough for you.
By Boggiano
November 29, 2006 02:02 PM | Link to this
Holy crap! I just came across your name from an ESPN.com article giving you props for being one of the best NBA beat writers in the country. When I read the name Sekou Smith, I thought that there can’t be more than one person with that name. Congratulations on your career! Last time we talked was at Yesterdog a few years back when you were back in town for the holidays. Long ways from playing hoops on the carpet at St. Stephen’s. If you get a chance drop me a line to my e-mail address.
By HB Ando
November 29, 2006 02:21 PM | Link to this
Doc, as Jerry West came up in our conversation last night, I was noticing the rumors that Gasol might be available (there’s a nationwide reader vote on the NBA page at ESPN.com, on whether he’ll be traded). Bulls and Celtics were mentioned as possible destinations. Made me wonder about what we might be able to offer for him. Maybe Smith and either Zaza or Shelden? I mean, with Marvin and Childress able to effectively man the 3, we’re really just replacing either big man for Gasol. That’s the low post presence we’ve been dying for, on both ends of the floor. With Smith’s tantalizing upside, and a solid producer like Zaza, seems like we could be in the mix for Gasol, if he is really on the block (and if we’re even in the mix of league trade discussions). Shelden’s offensive limitations would be largely nullified by having a scoring threat like Gasol playing next to him. What are your thoughts?
Boggiano, would you mind sharing the URL for the article referencing the great Sekou Smith. I’d love to read it, as I’m sure others here would.
By Astro Joe
November 29, 2006 02:35 PM | Link to this
Ando, I thought I was responding to your blog about Beidrins not being pursued by BK and Deng’s selection over Childress. Sorry if I misread Sekou’s blog as I didn’t think it referenced anything about the 2004 draft nor a review of summer time acquisitions. The blog is for one and all. I’m not the king of the blog, just a contributor. My role is no more significant than the casual blogger who stops by once a blue moon. I feel completely comfortable voicing my opinion here. This is a very civil crew and mostly well informed. I have every confidence that if I go overboard, someone will put me in check. I recall you putting me in check when I compared Andrew Bynum to Jerome James last season. I agreed that I went overbaord and admitted as such. And clearly, when old stuff gets rehashed that can’t be changed regardless of the number of postings, that stuff gets checked. I doubt that anyone could run you off of this blog, at least I hope not. If we all were in violent agreement with every topic being discussed, this would be a historically boring blog. Let’s continue to have at it. Ain’t it fun?
By Boggiano
November 29, 2006 02:41 PM | Link to this
Here you go. From the Sports Guy’s latest column on the NBA: http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/061129&lpos=tv1&lid=tab1pos2
By Astro Joe
November 29, 2006 03:24 PM | Link to this
Hmm, so let’s try to guess which blogger is actually Bill Simmons.
I’d LOVE to get Gasol, but with our wealth of wing players and their combo of Gay and Warrick, do we have the right trade assets? If there were a way to get Gasol and Swift, I’d trade just about any combo of players that didn’t include JJ, Childress or Marvin.
Of course, the current Memphis owner came out and said no way they are trading Gasol. But he will be walking out the door, so who knows? Funny thing would be that we traded the rights to Gasol for Shareef. Traded Shareef for Rasheed. Traded Rasheed for the pick that became Smith. And now would have to trade Smith plus another player or 2 to get Gasol back.
By Willie Coyote
November 29, 2006 03:51 PM | Link to this
Getting Gasol wouldn’t hurt my feelings but I’m really intrigued by what J Smith can bring to this team. To me, he is a defensive superstar in the making. He is a Ben Wallace type of talent. Think about it…both are insanely athletic and have great timing blocking shots. The difference is the intensity Ben brings (or at least brought)on the defensive boards and in man-to-man situations. Of course he’s stronger than Smith but Smith is by far more capable on the offensive end than Wallace. If Josh makes up his mind to be a shut down defender and rebounder, his athletic ability will take care of the rest. He can still hit open jumpers but he is more effective playing off others to get his offense (like Childress).
He can be effective even though he’d be an undersized PF. Look at Marion in Phoenix…he succeeds because he “wants it” more than most. If Josh could “want it” similarly, he could be just as valuable as Marion or Ben Wallace. He probably won’t be the scorer Marion is or the post defender Wallace is but he could be close in both aspects.
Oh, and in answer to the blog…LeBron (even though he needs to be called for offensive fouls when he reaches out to grab the defender when he drives). Kobe lost my respect with the whole fiasco in Colorado. How are you going to tell on your boys, plead innocent, and then apologize to your accuser after the thing is over with. I don’t care if he can score 81 in a game. Plus, Lebron seems more team oriented and he has the best commercials.
By Clyde
November 29, 2006 04:05 PM | Link to this
Check this article bout the Hawks on espn.
Otto Greule Jr./Getty Images For Hawks fans looking for their daily dose of bad news we present Deron Williams. Most interesting subplot: Here’s the logical team for Gasol — they could offer Zaza Pachulia (solid young center), Williams, Lorenzen Wright and a future No. 1 pick for Gasol, Brian Cardinal’s contract and a year’s supply of Propecia. Atlanta gets a legitimate one-two punch (Joe Johnson and Gasol), while the new Memphis owners dump two of their two biggest contracts and firmly position themselves as the leaders for the Oden/Durant Sweepstakes. Just throwing it out there.
Random tip: The Hawks have one of my favorite NBA beat writers: Sekou Smith of the Atlanta J-C. He always breaks a sweat, does a good job breaking games down, passes along a steady stream of inside gossip/anecdotes and strikes a nice balance with his newspaper stuff and blogging. While we’re here, I also like Brian Windhorst of the Akron Beacon-Journal, Ivan Carter and Michael Lee from the Washington Post, Jason Quick from the Oregonian and Howard Beck of the New York Times. All of those guys do an excellent job. I don’t know why I’m telling you this.
Worst-case scenario: Come on, how can you think “worst-case scenario” when the Hawks are eighth on this list right now? This is a victory for the dozens of Hawks fans everywhere!
FIRE BILLY AND WOODY
By doc
November 29, 2006 05:03 PM | Link to this
funny ando in our conversation last night roll tide brings up another name we talked about. i mentioned i was dead wrong about paul and the other guy deron who i thought was too heavy having played at about 225 for illinois who then promptly went out and lost 20 to get ready for the draft. well he has taken it off, kept it off and may in the end justify being picked ahead of paul in the 2005 draft. this said we still have to give some time to marvin to develop as it might be harder for a big swing man to make his mark than a point. probably think that paul and d. howard are to the exception to any rules period before someone slams that one down on me.
By HB Ando
November 29, 2006 05:12 PM | Link to this
You did open the door with your second to the last sentence. Nice recovery……..
By doc
November 29, 2006 05:25 PM | Link to this
funny ando in our conversation last night roll tide brings up another name we talked about. i mentioned i was dead wrong about paul and the other guy deron who i thought was too heavy having played at about 225 for illinois who then promptly went out and lost 20 to get ready for the draft. well he has taken it off, kept it off and may in the end justify being picked ahead of paul in the 2005 draft. this said we still have to give some time to marvin to develop as it might be harder for a big swing man to make his mark than a point. probably think that paul and d. howard are to the exception to any rules period before someone slams that one down on me.
what is happening to the new orleans juggernaut. four straight losses in a row with a really bad loss last night when chandler gets 17 bounds and paul has his usual lusty numbers, losing by about 15 to the lowly raptors?
By frenziied
November 29, 2006 08:23 PM | Link to this
With all rose coloured glasses off and a quick removal of my lakers throwback number 8 jersey, in starting a franchise i would think it important to identify my theoretical approach to basketball and base my team upon that. Why invest in something you dont believe in? Im a firm believer of offence starting with defence, especially transition beginning from defensive boards, so an inside rebounding presence is a priority. On offense, a primary post player who can create his own shot, draw a double team and pass out of said double team is a priority. All of which points to my first pick… Dwight Howard. Dont get me wrong, Im a Laker for life and bleed purple and gold, and I will always be indebted to Jerry West for pulling the trigger on Vlade to get Kobe from Charlotte, but the question is who would I pick if I were to start a franchise from said date? Howard.
By Kevin Riley
November 30, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this
Kobe or Lebron. Lebron Or Kobe. I would go with Kobe simply because he is the best. Kobe is the best pure scorer in the league. He can kill you from the anywhere on the court. To top that off he can lock down a teams best player. Lebron is not the best yet. He cant play defense or come up big at the end of games. If you want a player to finish games you would have to go with Kobe. Everyone thats saying Kobe cant win without Shaq thats ridiculous. Shaq always had good to great players around him. I guarantee you in the next three years Kobe and the lakers will be holding the trophy up at the end of the season.
By Geoff
November 30, 2006 09:47 PM | Link to this
I would choose Kevin Garnett, just imagine how this gifted athlete would do if he had an NBA team full of NBA players, instead of a bunch of prep players. Mike James excluded he may not play like an NBA player, but he sure does talk it. KG is easily the most gifted all around athlete in the NBA since Scottie Pippen. For the love of all things earthly Please release KG from prison, A.K.A. Minnesota Timberwolves.
By Dave
December 1, 2006 08:39 PM | Link to this
Okay okay, this is a ridiculous question. First can someone seriously admit LBJ is anywhere near Kobe’s level ?? I mean anywhere, he can’t play defense at all, he can’t function in a good offense, horrible off the ball, can’t function if he doesnt have the ball 75% of the time. His game has lots of holes all over it. Great talent, young player could become something special. But right now, he is nowhere near Kobe, who is hands down the BEST player in the NBA right now in his peak (duncan gets miscast since the rule change has made perimeter players more important). LBJ is not competitive, he likes to look good and says all the right things, gets assists, rebounds, scores, does it all. That said he does nothing as well as Kobe (dont believe the stats) plus he has never won big games. He has a far superior team than Kobe, but who wins in a head to head playoff series ? It’s not even close, Lake show would roll them over. Kobe is a better leader too don’t believe all the negative hype he has been getting, or the positive hype LBJ is. LBJ is the best young player in the game with the most upside (nearly all mental which is great on one hand and scary on the other). I dont know what more to say. This isnt even close
If kobe was on that US team, you take gold, he wasnt LBJ was you didnt.
By altemawa
December 2, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
KOBE - can dominate the GAME. he has rings. countless moves. you can count on him anytime. - does not drop step(hop step) - dunksssssss of the year - defensive man - Destiny’s Child. - always lead All-Star voting. - All Star MVP. - Season MVP coming up. ^^ - loves the fans.
By Victoria
December 2, 2006 08:59 PM | Link to this
KOBE. I am such a huge Kobe fan. Lebron is good but he is soo hyped up. Last time i checked there was a second part of bball and it was defense and he sure lacks that. He has good players to back him up on that end of the court while Kobe usually guards some of the best players. He also one of the top scores in the league. LeBron needs to climb down from this thrown cause he isnt the best when you look at all the aspects of the game.