The Ring Chase
Webb resisted the urge. Most stars can’t.
Phew. That was close. I didn’t wanna see my man Webb hobbling up the court, as Jax, Baron, Monte and another freewheelin’ gazelle in a gold-navy-red jersey zipped by. The Golden State Warriors are the world’s most beautiful and compelling circus. But, it’s more like Cirque Du Soleil and Webb, sadly, looked like a clown. I just didn’t want to see my dude subjected to that kind of marginalization. So when he called it quits last week, it was more sweet than bitter. The only sad part about the whole thing for me — because I’m selfish — is the void that nostalgia highlighted. Other than that, I guess we can say it was all good.
The basketball world has enjoyed thinking too little of Chris Webber for too long. It was cool, to most folks, to trivialize him as a player and human being. It was always a wack exercise, to me. So, I didn’t want to see Webb making like a slew of previous stars and hopping from contender to contender to contender, chasing a career-validating ring on bum knees or bad ankles, etc.
Webb said, both eloquently and profoundly: “I just felt it was time to let the game go and be able to be happy about what I accomplished without trying to keep coming back.”
My man. Check that out. I’m not an elite athlete, but I can empathize with the pull of elusive goals and the battle we all wage with our egos. We all have our “I should be this” or “I could have been that” or “If I can just reach this” kind of moments. For those of us that are ambitious and pursue dreams, the notion of possibility dictates a lot of what we do.
Athletes experience this in a very acute way. Not all Generation Stars are on the same level. Generation Stars are the guys that you think about when you bring up an era and not all of them are first ballot Hall of Famers. ‘Nique was a Generation Star, but it took him multiple ballots to get in. For some, there are certain things that keep them from immortal and pantheon status and whatever it is — an MVP award, a better reputation, often a championship or two — motivates them to prolong careers past the last appropriate stage. There’s the Beautiful Youth stage (when it’s about athleticism and gifts), The Prime (when it’s about skill) and finally the OG stage (when it’s about smarts and respect). After the OG stage it can get embarrassing — I call it the Chase Stage. Either they’re chasing rings or dough — usually rings.
Patrick Ewing went to Orlando thinking he was the last piece of a possible championship squad lead by newly acquired T-Mac and Grant Hill. Didn’t work. Karl Malone left Mormons for Models and tried to snag a ring with a bickering Kobe-Shaq tandem. No dice. Barkley was a year-too-late in Houston.
They all think that getting that ring is going to cement their legacies. Sometimes — like Shaq to Miami and then Phoenix or Pippen to Houston and then Portland — it’s about adding a ring at stops that don’t feature a shadowy partner like MJ or Kobe. For Pippen it was, “If I can just win one without Michael, then maybe I can establish my own identity/legend.” For Shaq it’s “If I can bring a championship to Phoenix then I’m truly the quintessential King Maker of league history.”
And they may be right. But, for all the uncomfortable career-prolonging — the kind that makes fans wince at the sight of a depleted star/legend — it’s important to note that there’s a fine line. Impact is a nuanced idea. Ask yourself: Did GP add anything to his legacy, whatsoever, by winning the championship with the Heat? I say, no. I say that we usually stop assessing a player’s impact after a certain point. I say that the years we use to determine a player’s place in history stop not more than a few years after his prime.
I had an argument about this with my dude Tony last season, when it seemed clear that Detroit was gonna be battling for a chip in the Finals (this, obviously, was before LeBron lifted their skirts in the Eastern Conference Finals). He thought that Chris Webber would be judged differently if he won a championship with the Pistons. I asserted that Webb’s legacy was set, that nothing he did as a hobbling cog in the Pistons Machine was going to considerably alter how he was remembered, unless it was a “And he definitely helped the Pistons as a cagey veteran in the ‘06-’07 season” kind of thing. Webber was past the point where his genius/will/impact was one of the major determining factors of a team’s success. Same thing for this season. What exactly was he gaining by playing for comparative pennies on a team that didn’t need him?
Webb’s decision to call it quits — now — was one of the more self-aware career decisions of any athlete I can remember in a similar position. I think his last chance to seriously re-image whatever will be his lasting impression was his time in Philly. In his first (and last) full season with the Sixers, he averaged 20-10. If he and AI, for some reason, were able to pull off a title, he’d have jumped a level in his generation, probably past KG and under Duncan. But by the next season, his play and his roles were in a descent too steep to impact his career legacy.
As these playoffs approach, we have four players that all have one of their final opportunities to change the scope of their careers: AI, Kidd, Shaq and KG. All four are on the other side of their primes, very close to that moment when their impact on games will dwindle down to the level of a role player (Shaq, in fact, is already there, but his impact is more abstract). If Denver or Dallas miraculously get their teams to the Finals against, what seems to be, incredible odds (but not impossible odds) and beat the Eastern opponent, it will be largely because of whatever AI and Kidd do on the court and in the locker room. For Kidd, this looks like his last season of true relevance. By next March, I predict he’ll either be injured or languishing. AI, like Kidd, is an ageless marvel, but he has maybe two more years before he hits the same wall closing in on Kidd. Based on what he did in Philly (especially 2001), he’s still at the level (third in the league in scoring) where adding a Denver-championship to his resume is putting him in Top 20 All-Time discussions and rubbing elbows with Shaq, Kobe and Duncan as the preeminent figures of his generation. If Shaq gets the Suns over the hump, then we can mention him in MJ/Magic/Russ discussions of the league’s great winners.
If you haven’t noticed, KG and Duncan are slowing down ever so slightly. They’re at their 2005 Shaq stage. Before you know it, we will look up and both will be laboring down the court and falling all the time. KG has a chance this season, and maybe next year, to be That Dude on a championship squad. Those are the stakes, this year. Win the whole thing and he, too, is up there with the Kobe-Shaq-Duncan trio. But, let’s say he stays in the league for four more years, pushes a trade to Cleveland (or wherever LeBron is playing) and wins a ‘chip averaging 12 and 7 as a third-wheel. What exactly will that do for his career? Not much.
The time is now for these guys. Either get it done now or bounce. Don’t spend 2010-2013 contender-hopping, chasing some type of validation that is not to be found at that stage of an athlete’s career.
I’d love to see all these ringless Generation Stars (KG, Pierce, T-Mac, Kidd, AI, Ray) get some jewelery while in their Prime and/or OG Stages. Chances are they won’t. Hopefully, they’ll take a cue from Webb and call it quits before they get caught on a switch and some scrub-rookie is calling them Pops and shouting “ISO! ISO!”
Vincent Thomas is a SLAMOnline columnist and SLAM Magazine contributing writer. He can be reached at vincethomas79@gmail.com.
80 Responses to “The Ring Chase”
Apr.3 at 11:39 am
BETCATS says:
intresting stuff Vincent. Good points too. Slow people are a problem
Apr.3 at 11:45 am
isaiah says:
this is write i dont think a player his age who had a lot of success in his career should kill hisself to get ar ing that will just make feel good for a little while about his career hes already had success
Apr.3 at 11:55 am
Benoit Benjamin says:
I’m with you, but how do you tell that to former superstars who’ve been driven by the same goal for their whole career. I respect Cwebb’s decision even more because it must have took him a lot of guts to give up on that dream
Apr.3 at 11:57 am
Myles Brown says:
Kevin Garnett is two years away from being a role player? Maybe next year?
Apr.3 at 11:59 am
iLL wiLL says:
The thought of KG being a role player is scary. In a bad way.
Apr.3 at 12:06 pm
H to the izzo says:
KG-role player?!Come on.
Apr.3 at 12:12 pm
Mike C says:
If Shaq pulls off another title this year with the Suns, I say he passes by Kareem and enter Top 7 all-time.
Apr.3 at 12:23 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Even though all your ponits are right on and we all hate watching former greats limping around on the court, as shadows of their former self. I give any topclass athlete my blessing to try to get that missing ring. The players who keeps going out there way after their prime, don’t do it to add to their legend in my opinion, they do it to quence that thirst to win the big prize - I really don’t think they care about what anybody thinks at that point of their careers. Ask Payton what the highlight of his career was, I think there’s a good chance he’ll say winning a ring (even though he was just a roleplayer on the team). The real winners will keep trying until they have to be carried from the court, just for their own satisfaction and peace of mind, not for other peoples perception of their legend - I really can’t blame them.
Apr.3 at 12:23 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
*points
Apr.3 at 12:30 pm
overtime says:
good article,though i would say shaq’s legacacy is pretty much completed. We will remember him as the M.D.E
Apr.3 at 12:31 pm
riggs says:
kg a role player in….2 YEARS?!?
Apr.3 at 12:32 pm
Eboy says:
Vince, good work again. Yeah the KG thing is kind of confounding, but you’re right he is on the corner of prime greatness/beginning of the descent. Nice way to categorize the different stages of a players career too.
Apr.3 at 12:33 pm
iain. says:
i cant even begin to imagine kg as that kind of player, and its not a nice thought.
I think i subconsciously use nba players timelines as a reflection of my own, and it makes me feel uneasy about getting older and what the future holds. I think when Kobe is in this discussion it will hit me even harder, and hes 30 this summer.. damnn.
Apr.3 at 12:36 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Mike C: You’re insane. Kareem was a six-time MVP (and finished in the top five FIFTEEN times), played very effectively into his late 30s, is the League’s all-time leading scorer (at 38,000, he’s 12,000–Nash’s career output–ahead of Shaq) and–oh yeah–shot 72 percent from the line for his career.
Apr.3 at 12:36 pm
Jukai says:
I think there are some minute differences that should be addressed here. When Webber tried to win his ring with the Pistons, he was a starter who tried his damndest and went out there every night playing 20 minutes. Even though he wasn’t the man, he was part of the machine. Gary Payton played like five minutes and didn’t score a point in that time. Although, his two clutch baskets will honestly make me think of him everytime I think of that Miami championship. That was a pretty crazy year.
Apr.3 at 12:45 pm
Eboy says:
Payton’s contribtuions to the Heat’s title are overlookeed. He played the bulk of the backup point minutes to Eboy, was on the floor for almost every late game situation for defensive purposes (he may not have still been the Glove but compared to Eboy’s finger cot D he was closer to Michael Cooper than Michael Jackson) and sparked the Heat to comeback strong against the Bulls when he pissed Wade off as they were fading ever so quickly in the Chicago series.
Apr.3 at 12:50 pm
Eboy says:
*overlooked
Apr.3 at 12:51 pm
Susan Price says:
Hi everyone, It’s Susan again. For you regulars, you know what that means…. RUSS….WHERE THE HELL IS MY STORY?
Apr.3 at 12:54 pm
Eboy says:
It always seems to be Russ. Poor guy.
Apr.3 at 12:55 pm
Eboy says:
Enjoy your afternoon, Susan.
Apr.3 at 12:56 pm
Vincent Thomas says:
Oh schnap! I’m not actually a regular, so this is the first time I’ve seen this. Susan, you are my favorite. This was too gangsta.
Apr.3 at 12:56 pm
H to the izzo says:
*Waits for Russ to blame Harris Pub.email*
Apr.3 at 12:58 pm
Susan Price says:
Eboy, my afternoon will be lovely, thanks.
VInce, this is only the second time. You haven’t missed much.
Apr.3 at 1:00 pm
Eboy says:
Susan should get a special color to illuminate herself when she makes her appearances around here.
Apr.3 at 1:01 pm
Holly MacKenzie says:
KG fading that fast does not compute in my brain and I refuse to even entertain the thought. Still, interesting stuff, Vince. Your last line made me laugh and I’m glad Chris ended it when he did, also.
Susan!
Apr.3 at 1:03 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I love being the center of attention. Just ask FLUXLAND. I obviously revel in it, and do it all on purpose. It’s probably just a cry for help.
Apr.3 at 1:05 pm
H to the izzo says:
What’s a FLUXLAND?
Apr.3 at 1:05 pm
Eboy says:
Another commentor, izzo.
Apr.3 at 1:10 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Russ, the evidence is clearly mounting.
Apr.3 at 1:10 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Someone should just delete this whole middle part so we can go back to debating when–and if–KG is gonna fall off. I say 2012 at the earliest.
Apr.3 at 1:12 pm
Joe B says:
Good points all around, but maybe these players aren’t searching for a ring to satisfy what the public perceives as their legacies. Maybe they just want to be a part of what it’s like to be the best team, get that ring because that’s what teams play for.
I think a lot of it has to do with achieving a goal they’ve always had, whether it affects their legacies or not.
Apr.3 at 1:12 pm
Eboy says:
4 seasons from now sounds pretty accurate. Good call, Russ.
Apr.3 at 1:12 pm
FLUXLAND says:
Izzo: It’a a soccer anthem. Or @ SLAM: irrelevant and irritating. Someone has to be, I guess.
Apr.3 at 1:13 pm
H to the izzo says:
It WILL NOT be within the next two years,that’s for sure.
Apr.3 at 1:21 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
It sure would be weird if declining stars chose to sign only with terrible teams in order to enjoy those meaningless Aprils: IVERSON DECIDING BETWEEN GRIZZLIES AND SONICS “I just want my vacations to start on time,” says 38-year-old former All-Star.
Apr.3 at 1:22 pm
Eboy says:
That’s actually a novel concept.
Apr.3 at 1:25 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
If KG win a ring this year, I don’t think he’ll be around in 4 years. But 4 years sounds about right before he starts to decline. Agree with all the Payton overlooked comments, he was that second/third leader besides Shaq and Zo.
Apr.3 at 1:25 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Esperiencewise that is.
Apr.3 at 1:27 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
I did hear unsubstantiated rumors BITD that Cherokee Parks only signed with bad teams so he could get outta Dodge right after 82. Then again, he did wind up on the Spurs once.
Apr.3 at 1:27 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
I think Iverson will be doing the tour-de-contender-chase before he’s through.
Apr.3 at 1:30 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
And KG will be around as long has he wants. Given his physique, his skill set, and his commitment to practice and staying in shape, he could easily be this generation’s Kareem. And considering the respect he still has for the older teammates who helped make him who he is (Sam Mitchell, Malik Sealy), I think he relishes one day filling that role himself.
Apr.3 at 1:31 pm
H to the izzo says:
As opposed to Cherokee who probably took enough mind altering substances to compete with the best in the Tour de Drugs.
Apr.3 at 1:34 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Iverson has said repeatedly that he’s never coming off anyone’s bench. I, for one, believe him.
Apr.3 at 1:36 pm
H to the izzo says:
Him and Steph would be one helluva a backcourt for La Fortezza Bologna.
Apr.3 at 1:40 pm
Russ Bengtson says:
Cherokee Parks would have smoked Bobby Hurley if he thought it would get him high.
Apr.3 at 1:47 pm
Lz - Cphfinest3 says:
Hahaha nice one Russ, don’t see AI coming of no bench either. But maybe he could end up being just a 15-18 point, 6-8 assist piece in the puzzle instead of the worldbeater he’s now. Don’t think he’ll be through playing for a long time.
Apr.3 at 1:58 pm
BK says:
Hmm, I didn’t know that Shaq needs another ring to cement his legacy.
Apr.3 at 2:20 pm
Co Co says:
KG is too intense to fall off anytime soon.
Apr.3 at 2:33 pm
bobby stew says:
Iverson seem like he has another 6 years in him at a high level but the odds say he’s only got 2-3. I can only see him playing for MAYBE one other team and then bouncing.
Apr.3 at 3:12 pm
ciolkstar says:
Another great piece. Vincent has been killing it for awhile now.
Apr.3 at 3:24 pm
Allenp says:
I, like every one else, thought Vince was slipping a little on KG. I think he’s slowed some, but since he has always depended on jumpers more than Duncan, I think he has more productive years left. Plus, KG started out with more athletic ability, so when he declines, it won’t cause as many probelms. If KG went to the Cavs and averaged 13 and 8 while being a team leader and occassionally droping 20, it would enhance his legacy. And Iverson is done by 35. He’s pushing the odds for a major injury and once that happens, it’s over.
Apr.3 at 3:30 pm
jk_light says:
I second all that Lz said at the beginning. Why should the stars stop playing if they still want to play. They shouldn’t care what people think if they can’t score 30 anymore at the age of 35. If they still have the motivation to play, do it.
Also there were many that said, Jordan shouldn’t have come back a second time. For me it was worth it just for him hitting that (nearly) last shot at the All-Star Game. Just for this moment, it was great to have him back a second time.
Apr.3 at 3:32 pm
L says:
good point Vincent but not all guys play just for their legacy. Most of them are ultra competitive and just want to win a championship even if it means not to be THE man on the team..We can think of Kevin Willis, been an all star, played a huge role on some great Hawks team but was the happiest guy to be on the bench w the Champs Spurs. L
Apr.3 at 3:35 pm
Tariq says:
Ryan Jones has long been my favorite SLAM guy, but that was mainly because he’s so physically attractive and a hot flirt. As far as writing goes, however, Vince is rapidly becoming my favorite.
Apr.3 at 3:35 pm
Tariq says:
Ryan sucks at writing.
Apr.3 at 3:46 pm
Captain America says:
KG has plenty of miles on those threads, so it won’t be long. I feel ya VT, we need KG and crew to get it done this season or next.
Apr.3 at 3:47 pm
SOUSS says:
Duncan’s legacy is also completed!! no possible comparison with the ringless iverson’s of the world
Apr.3 at 3:47 pm
SOUSS says:
iversons
Apr.3 at 4:01 pm
Khalid Salaam says:
Great piece Vince. But i have to disagree on your Shaq assessment. Dude’s legacy is already set.
Apr.3 at 4:23 pm
Bishop1405 says:
Good article Vincent. I just have a funny feeling that Iverson is still going to have the ability to score a lot points way into his late 30s. Just a freak of nature!
Apr.3 at 5:01 pm
tealish says:
Very good article. I don’t usually notice who writes these pieces for SLAM - I just read em - but I’m jotting “Vincent Thomas” in my memory for the future.
What makes this so good, is that total lack of bias. I love KG but he gets too much love. It’s refreshing for you to note that he’s past his prime and is in his final stages of relevancy though we all still see him as The Kid. Comparing his to 2005 Shaq is pushing it, though. Maybe next year, he’s Miami Shaq, but not just yet.
AI - I see where you are coming from, but I have a slightly different view. I think this year and next will be the last chance he has in Denver because if you look at the Nugget squad, if things don’t miraculously come together soon, it’ll only get worse. The situation they have is very bizarre.
I do believe that say his pairing with Anthony doesn’t work out (it sure looks that way), and he gets traded to say, Orlando, AI will still be a huge part of their success. I see him being a 24 and 8 guy for at least 3-4 more years and I’m probably still underestimating him.
Allen Iverson is a different species. Really can’t compare him to anybody. The dude is still averaging 26+ a game WITH MELO on his team.
Apr.3 at 5:04 pm
tealish says:
Allenp, that is blatant blasphemy.
Apr.3 at 5:32 pm
Allenp says:
Tealish, you know I’m an AI fan, but thems the facts, as they say. He hasn’t had one yet, and every time I look at his spindly legs and arms I’m waiting for one to fly off. He avoids dangerous contact better than anyone in the league, but all that flopping and falling can easily become something serious. I hope I’m wrong, but I think that’s what happens.
Apr.3 at 5:35 pm
Jason says:
People say the same things every year about Iverson. They say he is going to “hit a wall soon”, they have been saying it since the age of 27 yrs old, i’ll believe it when I see it. I agree with “tealish” that Iverson is of a different breed. Although I don’t agree that him and Anthony aren’t working out. I think they have proven they can share the ball and play together, but that team needs a new Coach to help take them to the next level. From the sounds of it in the media, I think Denver is going to do all they can to keep Iverson there so I think that will be his last stop. And this dude Vincent always has a funny way of trying to throw Iverson under the bus in his articles (atleast the ones i’ve read) as soon as I seen the title and the picture of Iverson and Shaq I knew the article was written by him, so I can’t trust anything he says about AI. Regardless if he wins a ring in Denver or not Iversons legacy is already set, along with Shaqs, he’ll arguably go down as the greatest little man to play the game, ring or not. People bring up Kobe, but Kobe got his rings with Shaq. Anyhow, I think KG is fine, he’s on a team where he doesn’t have to carry all the weight and I would hardly put KG, Shaq or Iverson in the catagory of “ring chaser”, considering that all did not have a choice where they were traded to and Iverson and KG stayed with their franchises longer then the majority of NBA stars…thier organizations didn’t do their jobs, it was time to move on…otherwise you would have an article about how they are stuck on their old team not doing anything. Oh, the hypocrisy.
Apr.3 at 6:18 pm
Bubba Chuck says:
wow vince. is that tha 1st article u havent said nething bad about tha nuggets? r they getting 2 good 4 u 2 hate on?
Apr.3 at 6:26 pm
David says:
Good points Jason. I’d have to say that Isiah Thomas is the greatest little player of all time, personally. But that might be my childhood memories talking. I think the article was missing references to Sam Cassell, Mitch Richmond, and Penny Hardaway. Richmond - stellar career and great scorer - you’ll remember found it necessary to sign on that Lakers team and got a few minutes of garbage time against the Nets after the series was decided. What good did that do for his legacy? Does anyone even remember he was on that team? And didn’t Clyde Drexler get to Houston, and win that championship, just a few years before retiring? So maybe he went ‘gollum’ but he might be one of the few that succeeded. He was still very productive on that Rockets team but wasn’t he gone by the time Pip got there? Wasn’t there a piece in the off-season about how Tim Hardaway wanted to come back to the Heat this year, didn’t he? Good thing that didn’t happen. That seems like more obvious ring-chasing. What about role-players that complain about having to play for non-contenders - Devan George, Juwan Howard, Zo that year on the Nets, PJ Brown: are they better than the stars that do it? I suppose at least they’re expected to produce or retire.
Apr.3 at 7:23 pm
stan redding says:
I believe Kobe is the MVP. There are two sides of the court, and Kobe is one of the best defenders in the league, and quite possibly the best perimeter defender. Chris Paul gets steals based on gambling the passing lanes, but his man to man defense is horrible. Sure he gets assists, but that’s what a PG is supposed to do. Should we name it the MVPG? Chris Paul has also had a healthy team the majority of the season. With 2 allstars in David West and Chandler playing great all year. Kobe has never played with all his starters together once this season, NOT ONCE. Bynum has been injured for months, Mihm all year long, Gasol out 3 weeks, and Ariza has been out 2 months as well. Kobe is also been playing with a finger that needs surgery, yet he put it off so his team wouldn’t fall out of the playoffs (as it would if he was not playing). I think Kobe has had a much better year when you analyze it, both on defense and offense (as he has made all his teammates better) and the adversity he has faced this year with injuries to him and his teammates proves to me that Kobe is easily the MVP…also the Lakers after so many injuries are only 1.5 games from 1st place. Kobe is the MVP when one looks at it objectively without bias. Kobe is a polarizing athlete, but truth is truth. This is his year, and it would be ashame if the medias hate for this man comes into conflict with the proper vote.
Apr.3 at 7:27 pm
Dutch Rich says:
One thing your article overlooked is locker-room presence. GREAT teams actually sign these guys for reasons most of us don’t understand. Not that I do. Let’s ask the beat-writers. You also didn’t mention the on-court experience factor. The way I look at things now is that Shaq can probably bounce from team to team for the next 5 yrs and have a legitimate chance to win it all. As long as he picks his team/star right.
Bastard
Apr.3 at 8:08 pm
Jason says:
David, don’t get me wrong, I didn’t forget about Isiah, I think that his rings puts him over the top. But Iverson is certainly in that catagory, Iverson has put himself in that position that the argument can be made for him as well, that was just my point….but I have mad respect for Isiah as well… I think Isiah is messing up his legacy with the New York Knicks though, LOL! I’m just playin’.
Apr.3 at 9:07 pm
tealish says:
Allenp, I know Iverson plays the game fast and is constantly on the deck, but as hard as it might be to believe, he doesn’t play with a reckless abandon that is susceptible to major injuries. He doesn’t play like Dwade, jumping and landing at awkward angles. AI drives and slashes, and the falling is just part of the whole routine. And the dude knows how to fall. He can hit a floater, fall to the ground and pop back up effortlessly. Nah, I’m not worried about him. Maybe at 35, he’ll begin somewhat slowing down but I’m sure he’ll continue changing his game to adjust. But done at 35? Seriously doubt it.
Apr.3 at 9:11 pm
tealish says:
Jason: It’s really not working out. Not because Anthony and AI have beef over who gets the ball in crunch time or who should get more shots, but because Anthony doesn’t know what to do when AI’s doing his thing. Too often I see him looking bored in the corner. Lately, he’s been hitting the boards like he should, but it’s far from a consistent effort.
Taking turns going 1 on 1 doesn’t count as meshing. But a new coach would definitely help. But some sort of structure on defense could be just what’s needed…
Apr.3 at 9:53 pm
Jason says:
tealish, from the Nuggets games that I do see, I honastly think its about getting a new coach for Denver. Coach Karl is just not the right coach for that team at this point… I also don’t think he is the right Coach for Melo’s continued development (or JR Smiths for that matter). Karl was fine for Denver his first 4 years, but now this is a different team, and it is more then obvious that his Coaching style is not working. Iverson and Melo both stand around looking at eachother when either has the ball (along with the rest of the team standing around)… to me, that falls on Karls coaching style. Karl is a good coach, just not the right coach for that team anymore…the right coach can take that team to the next level, because they have parts that fit. Its just about putting them together properly.
Apr.4 at 12:28 am
joe says:
Hey, didnt you forget about nash, hill, ray allen, vince carter? These guys are just as deserving for a ring as the above mentioned!!!
Apr.4 at 12:31 am
Weapon X says:
Big Ups 2 The Answer!
Apr.4 at 12:34 am
joe says:
Sorry you did mention ray allen at the verrrry end. But nash is a two time mvp/top 5 pg in history. Grant hill is a multiple time allstar/slasher. Vince is a multiple time allstar/dunker/freak of nature, used to be, but is deserving of a shot at a ring.
Apr.4 at 1:02 am
Miggy says:
MONEY.
Apr.4 at 1:38 am
KA says:
nice piece! I don’t fully agree in the distinctions between the intent of retiring players/those that choose to continue in mediocrity, but I like how youve put Webb n others in context. thoughtful n makes for great discusssion.
Apr.4 at 7:35 am
FLUXLAND says:
I read it twice. I agree with most of it. Kidd and KG have way too much bad karma to win it. I think AI would come off the bench to get one. He loves the game too much not to kill himself chasing one. I think.
I feel bad for Jesus. You could and still can tell he is not happy in Boston. I guess Dallas proved the regular season really means nothing at all.
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I disagree with: “Webb resisted the urge.” Shouldn’t everything after Sacramento be considered “his chase”?!
Apr.4 at 12:18 pm
Pretty says:
Yo Twist… you know I read and watch all of your stuff.. I think this is one of my fav articles you have written though. You and I argue alot over your “points”, but I have to agree w/ you on this one. Even when MJ came back AGAIN w/ the Wiz… that wouldnt have added to his legacy to win a ’ship w/ them. This is Shaq’s OG year. After this, its ice-bath and back to your summer job as a “cop” - time. By the way, where does Mount Mutombo fit into this pic?
Apr.5 at 5:22 pm
Jason says:
FLUXLAND, Iverson loves the game…but there is no way in hell he’s comming off of anyones bench, he’s said that 100 times. That man will retire before he does that. Plus, he’s to great of a player to come off of anyones bench anyway.