There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!
-------Larry Laker
“He’s not Michael”
I don’t know about you but I’ve been hearing the comment about Kobe Bean Bryant for as long as I can remember. Kobe haters have been quick to remind me “he’s just tryin’ to be Michael (Jordan).” My response should have been “I would expect a 17-year old Kobe to model a portion of his game after one of the NBA’s all-time greats.” There have been a number of potential heirs to the crown Jordan wore. One of the first may have been Grant Hill, although he had a long NBA career injuries severely crippled his time on the court and his skill. Occasionally he was able to exhibit flashes of what might have been if not for the injuries. Vince Carter was another heir to the throne; Carter was once dubbed by Kenny Smith of TNT “Half Man-Half Amazing.” Smith gave him the nickname because of Carter’s game above the rim.
Carter’s career has also been extensive and brilliant but nothing close to the early prediction he was the successor to MJ. There were others, we could include Tracy McGrady and Shaun Livingston in the mix as well. Consider the fact Kobe did not become a starter until his 3rd year, considered the fact he remained relatively injury free. Consider the fact he’s won 5 NBA Championship, its possible he might be closer to MJ than many of his critics take into consideration. There will only be one Michael Jordan however Kobe Bean Bryant is as close to Michael’s game as any player we can consider past or present. It’s my belief In 2024 today’s 5-12 year olds will have difficulty attempting to determine who was the best ever. You must give Kobe his due as he’s passed MJ to become the NBA’s 3rd leading all time scorer.
My Top Five
Who is the best point guard in the NBA today? You name your choice mine is Wizards guard John Wall. End line to end line he might be the swiftest in the NBA, I wonder if Wall has ever been timed in the 100 meter sprint. His season numbers to date; 17.8 points per game, nearly 11 assists and almost 5 rebounds a game, in a recent game against the Wolves he filled up the stat sheet. Wall scored 21 points and dished out 17 assists grabbed 4 rebounds and had 1 steal. In 38 minutes on the court Wall only turned the ball over three times.
I heard a discussion on NBA TV shortly after completing this account. The studio host questioned a former coach turned analyst on the Wall effect. The analyst said; “I don’t believe he (Wall) has moved into the top five point guards in the NBA,“ hearing the comment I wondered why he didn’t elaborate on who belonged in his top five. I’m skillful, I’m attempting to read his mind and provide you what I believe would be his list of top point guards in the NBA.
Russell Westbrook-Thunder
Tony Parker-Spurs
Damian Lillard-Blazers
Chris Paul-Clippers
Derrick Rose-Bulls
Rajon Rondo-Mavs
Deron Williams-Nets
Kyrie Irving-Cavs
There are pluses and minuses with each of the players named; I have no desire to dissect the game of each. You make your own call I believe John Wall is in my top five and closing in on number one.
Learn to win
I’m unsure who to credit this statement I once heard; “you must learn to win.” Sounds simple but somewhat difficult accomplish. A coach can’t roll a basketball on the court and win despite the talent assembled. The struggles this season of the Cavs have been documented by the guys who get paid. Despite the recent loss of Anderson Varejao there are other issues this team faces the first is lack of height in the front court. The Cavs are a collection of talented athletes with no clear direction idea how to pool their talents, strong statement but true. Coach David Blatt is also part of the struggle; Blatt has an extensive history coaching but is new to the NBA and this team.
There must be a certain amount of growth by him and the Cavs, the question becomes how patient will the front office remain? Hopefully this doesn’t sound like a hate LeBron thread far from it. In fact the games I’ve been able to see he’s a small factor in the struggle of this team. LeBron knows the sacrifices a team must endure to win a championship. You think Kyrie Irving knows how to win, how about Kevin Love? We could add Dion Waiters and Tristian Thompson to the mix too. Shawn Marion, Mike Miller and James Jones are reserves that’s why they were hired. If this sounds doom and gloom that’s not the intent, the objective is to detail why the Cavs are not playing at the level “the experts” believed.
Duke’s loss is SMU’s gain
Top 50 prospect Semi Ojeleye was unable to gain time on the court at Duke as written previously. . Ojeleye requested and received his release from Duke and began searching for another school. Word circulated the 6-8 230 pound forward’s services were being sought by Kansas and Mizzou. Word came last Sunday Ojeleye made his choice; he’s headed to Dallas and Southern Methodist University.
Naturally I would have preferred he sign with Mizzou however I believe this choice is a good one for him. Ojeleye will be vying for playing time against two holdover roster members. At SMU he will be coached by Larry Brown one of the best of the best and one of my personal favorites. This is no projection for an NBA future however if Ojeleye fulfills the balance of his early promise he will be well-schooled in the fundamentals of basketball.
