I was reminded tonight about why Arvydas Sabonis is one of my favorite players... I actually only caught the 2nd half of the Blazers/Lakers game, and Sabonis was only in for 5 minutes or so, but man... they gave him the ball about 5 times in a row, and the passes he made were absolutely ridiculous. For the small time he was in, he dominated the offensive end without even taking a shot. As Walton pointed out, he did after this after not playing in 18 months (he didn't play in the preseason). Amazing. Has there ever been a better passing center? Sabonis is right up there with Walton and Chamberlain. Now if only Sabas' knees weren't so screwed up, so he could actually MOVE and JUMP... oh well, I think Mo Cheeks in happy to have him anyway.
Sabonis did look good tonight. He provides stability in the Blazers halfcourt offense which was something they didnt have last year. He also makes every teammate a threat on the court with his passing, and to consider that this guy didnt even play in the preseason or practice, it makes his achievements tonight that much more remarkable.
I saw the fourth quarter of the Portland-Lakers game too. Man, the big guy is just amazing. He made eye-popping pass after eye-popping pass. No look pass. Behind the back pass. Through the traffic pass. At one time, Bonzi Wells was cutting to the basket. The defense reacted well, having two defenders sandwiching Wells. And Sabonis still managed to put the ball in Well's hand for a layup (he got fouled). I was day dreaming watching Sabonis played last night. One day, Ming will be like him. That's the way the Rockets should play. They gave the big guy the ball EVERY time down the court, high post, low post, 3pt line, etc. He got the ball everywhere and giving out gorgeous passes.
Easy, Great suggestion. You are hoping that Ming has a coach that knows what to do with his vast skills. Cheeks understands the game and understands what Sabonis brings to the game. I love the substitution pattern of Cheeks last nite. We will see how lost Rudy becomes when he has to make so many choices. He bungled a 9 player rotation last nite. Wished Sabonis came to the NBA in his prime. He's the reason the USA brought the NBA to the Olympics. Top 5 All-Around Center: Dream, Wilt, Kareem, Walton&Sabonis Russell couldn't shoot, pass or dribble.
Yeah it's a great game, I'm glad the Blazers killed the Lakers and that they played well as a team. Other than Sabonis another one of our old favorite players played pretty well, Scottie Pippen, when he came into the game he changed the whole game. And tonight will be no different because I'm fairly certain that they will most likely defeat the Kings because they just aren't that good.
LOL. Could you imagine Sabonis on the Rockets? Geez. The only passing he could do would be an inbounds play after a free throw.
you should have seen him in the 80s and earlier 90s when the dude was young and had good knees, he was phenominal in international ball, pity he didn't want to join nba till he became Sablownees.
Yeah, man... if we could eventually run our offense through Yao a few years down the line like the Blazers were doing with Sabas last night... it could really work. Proven theory: Wilt did it, Walton did it, Hakeem did it, and Shaq IS DOING it. A center that can pass like that is infinitely valuable. The sick thing is that the Lakers knew damn well Sabonis was looking to pass, but he did it anyway. Yao has shown that he has that ability... now he just needs experience.
I like the Blazers. I could see them challenging Sacramento for the Pacific division this year. They will surprise the west.
