Running NBA offseason/come join us Lebron! thread

Howard was an awesome player, especially with that Hakeem/Rockets style offense under SVG. But he never was in the same breath as LeBron.

 

And he was, um, not that good a post-up big man at all.

 

I meant more "in the post" than typical "back to the basket" stuff, but sure he was. He wasn't always traditional, but he had some really good post-up moves at one point.

 

So we can all agree that Phil Jackson is a doddering old fool at this point, right?

There is no way that he is using the same level of brain power he had during the Bulls and Laker years.

 

Can't agree. He had hops and quickness, and learned Ewing's broke ass post game adjusted for lacking a jumper. But his moves were never all that refined and a lack of lower body strength hurt. He could bully folks also, but never had the moves of even a Shaq (who was understated there)

Shaq actually plays an interesting role in Howard's career. Shaq mocked him for his lack of post skill, driving him to want to prove himself there. Maybe he demands those inefficient shots anyway, but had he focused on rim running, working in pick-and-rolls and offensive rebounding (Bill Russell or late Wilt style minus the assists) he'd have been better off.

 

Ewing had definite post moves, the fadeaway across the key, the jump hook. Just not as reliable as Hakeem.

Shaq was definitely underrated as a post player. He had the jump hooks off the glass, the spin dunk. What was most impressive to me was how he moved to get deep position and would flash in the paint. He didn't just stand there and wait for the ball.

Watching the 30 for 30; McHale was fantastic but the Kareem sky-hook was beautiful, untouchable.

 

Yeah. Shaq was kind of maligned at times for being fat and out of shape, and he definitely was. But even Fat Shaq was still quick and a monster in the paint. Even at the end in Boston, he'd still alternate between backing guys down and then spinning past them, at least for the 15 minutes he was seemingly healthy.

 

The brain power that allowed him to watch Jordan, Pippen, Shaq and Kobe win a bunch of rings while he occasionally handed out a book?

 

Some speech there by Silver.

 

There's a CFL game on.

It wins.

 

Only watching the draft because Giants-Braves is in a rain delay.