Just one game into the season and there is already a lot of criticism of Mobley and Francis. "Playground ball" "Showboating" "Dribble too much" "Let the big men score" There are different philosophies of basketball, but I have never understood why this style of play receives so much bad press. In my mind it is not impossible to play with creativity and style while at the same time playing under control. You could look at Hakeem's play as the same style with the only difference being his position. He dribbles, fakes, and plays creatively. No one calls it showboating though. When a guard tries to add creativity to his game, he is persecuted by the leaague's veterans and press. In Rudy's system creativity is a REQUIREMENT, not an option. The main offensive weapons are required to create plays. We're not the Utah Jazz here, and I for one am very happy about it. SO WHAT if a bad games makes Rudy's system look like playground ball. When it goes well though, it is a beautiful thing. Only time will tell if the system and players can reach the ultimate goal.
Just realized this is the topic of a different thread. Sorry, but I'll leave it up anyway. ------------------
After watching most of the Miami-Orlando game tonight, I noticed similarities between that blowout and our season opener. Miami and Minnesota came out possessed in their first games. Obviously they want to prove their franchises aren't moribund and can not only contend but, at times, dominate. Unfortunately, we were standing in Minnesota's way. Not to mention the fact that Steve does not yet properly defend. Brandon is a solid, intelligent, no-mistakes player. Steve is beginning his second season and is trying to do perhaps a little too much because he knows, as do we all, he will soon be a perennial all-star. He's pushing toward that imminent future rather than allow the natural progression. We'll need some patience. Remember, everyone, that our team really wasn't even on the floor together in the pre-season. After all, how long did it take Kobe to reach his current level? Four years, maybe? We've got two jack-up-the-shots type guys on the team. And they're usually fun as hell to watch. ------------------
