http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/insider/news/story?page=intelligencereport/051209 http://reg.commercialappeal.com/mca...zzlies/article/0,1426,MCA_475_4301744,00.html Gasol's Teammates Didn't Dig Dirk's Dis "Nowitzki said: '(Pau Gasol) is a good player but he's not that good. We should have had an answer for him.' Now, fast forward to the eve of a Memphis-Dallas rematch tonight in FedExForum. The dis had been cast, and Gasol's teammates didn't appreciate Dirk's disregard. 'I don't even know why (Nowitzki's) talking,' reserve guard Bobby Jackson said. "I don't even know why (Nowitzki's) talking," reserve guard Bobby Jackson said Thursday afternoon. "He's probably the softest guy in the industry. I don't like guys who talk and, you know, they're not a hard-core player. Don't talk about another player if you don't have that aggressiveness and are willing to mix it up. "Dirk doesn't have that. So for him to say it, that goes right over my head. I don't respect anything he says. If it was a (Kevin Garnett) or a Tim Duncan then OK. Dirk is one of the premier power forwards in the league. But he doesn't have that aggressiveness, and everybody knows it. Pau is getting there." Asked if he heard Nowitkzi's comment, Gasol said: 'Sure did. It just makes me want to go out there and take it really hard to all of them and have a great game and help my team win again,' Gasol said." -- Memphis Commercial-Appeal
Is that game on TV (as in... not NBATV) ? EDIT: never mind. It's not. but, hooray.. Nets/Cavs is on. Whoopty doo.
Here's the complete article from the Memphis Commercial-Appeal-- The talking is over Nowitzki's dismissal of Gasol's play just makes big Spaniard all that more determined By Ronald Tillery December 9, 2005 Heat-of-the-moment banter often produces controversial quotes that linger and light a fire under players and their fans. Perhaps Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki is still learning American diplomacy among other things. Just what did Nowitzki mean Nov. 26 with his oft-repeated comment following the Grizzlies' 112-92 victory in American Airlines Center? Grizzlies forward Pau Gasol had just dropped 36 points, 15 rebounds and five assists on the Mavericks' front line when Nowitzki said: "(Gasol) is a good player but he's not that good. We should have had an answer for him." Now, fast forward to the eve of a Memphis-Dallas rematch tonight in FedExForum. The dis had been cast, and Gasol's teammates didn't appreciate Dirk's disregard. "I don't even know why (Nowitzki's) talking," reserve guard Bobby Jackson said Thursday afternoon. "He's probably the softest guy in the industry. I don't like guys who talk and, you know, they're not a hard-core player. Don't talk about another player if you don't have that aggressiveness and are willing to mix it up. "Dirk doesn't have that. So for him to say it, that goes right over my head. I don't respect anything he says. If it was a (Kevin Garnett) or a Tim Duncan then OK. Dirk is one of the premier power forwards in the league. But he doesn't have that aggressiveness, and everybody knows it. Pau is getting there." Another Griz newcomer, Damon Stoudamire, once said Gasol had to be rated R and not PG if the Grizzlies were going to be successful. Upon viewing Gasol on a regular basis, Stoudamire came up with a new rating. "He's rated X right now," Stoudamire said of the 7-foot Spaniard, who is averaging career statistics with 19.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, four assists and 2.4 blocks per game. "I'm not one to get into a war of words," Stoudamire said. "But they always double-team him. I don't see (teams) playing him one on one. He must be something. For us, he's doing the job and he's been making everybody better." Gasol spearheaded the Grizzlies' comeback from an early double-digit deficit in that Dallas game. When he wasn't routinely scoring on hard moves to the basket, Gasol set up teammates for open 3-pointers or drives to the basket. Keith Van Horn couldn't contain him. Nor could DeSagana Diop or Nowitzki as Gasol created havoc and foul trouble for the Mavs' big men. "He's trying to establish his game at a consistent level. Once he does that, then the respect he deserves will come," Griz coach Mike Fratello said. "... He's handling the double teams and the traps much better than we've seen. He's making good decisions with the ball. (And) I like his effort defensively." Jackson approached Gasol after he made 13-of-23 shots and 10-of-13 free throws against the Mavs. "I told him if he plays like that every night we'll be hard to beat," Jackson said. "He does need to be rated R. Once he gets that aggressive move going, can't anybody stop him. He's so long and athletic, and we're going to go to him." So far, Gasol's responded by attacking no matter the opposition. That includes Nowitzki, who has been known to light up the scoreboard while allowing the man he's defending to do the same. Asked if he heard Nowitkzi's comment, Gasol said: "Sure did." "It just makes me want to go out there and take it really hard to all of them and have a great game and help my team win again," Gasol said. "I don't believe in talking and saying negative stuff about anybody. I respect every player in the league. So I'm going to go out there and do my job and help my team win." In other words: Gasol appears intent on walking the walk while leaving the talk to Nowitzki.
Dirk is the biggest cry baby in basketball and is one of the softest players in the league. The guy is over rated as T-Mac proved by shutting him down in the playoffs.
how perfect of a marriage though. I'd like to see Dirk say, Shaq is weak cuz he can't shoot ft's. I can totally see the haymaker now.
Well Pau, you are right. Talk is cheap. Dirk is out scoring you 35-13 and our rebounding you 9-7. Yeah, Dirk is a soft crybaby. So is Pau.
I think Dirk is suffering from some sort inferiority complex after being raped by Mcgrady and Shawn Marion in playoffs last year. He should send a thank you card to Jason Terry everyday for saving his @ss last year.
I don't know what's worse--- Talking trash and not being able to back it up or Getting dissed, proclaim you'll prove your critics wrong then end up playing worse than you usually do.
dirk guarded battier most of the game. pau was guarded by the league's self proclaimed second best center - dumpier. god, help us all.
Hmm...What was Pau 5-14 with 6 TO's... If that's what you call bad defense I'll take it everyday... Rag on dampier if you want but give him credit when he does a good job. 11 Rebounds, 6 Offensive, 1 huge block. The grizzlies are dreaming of a center like that last night.
HAHA man this artical cracked me up. These two were made for each other and they're in a cat fight? 2 of the biggiest cry baby's in the NBA by farrrrrrrr!
Exactly. Not even worth a Thread. Pau was damn good as a Rookie and played with a lot more aggresivness and attitude..then became a cry baby....at least he gets in the middle and mixes it up unlike that other girly man on Dallas.
