Is this the *most* talented team we have had in 4 yrs?

Do you think Yao has more talent today than he had when he was 16?

 

Apparently. Here's what Webster says:

tal¡¤ent

Pronunciation: 'ta-l&nt
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English talente, from Latin talenta, plural of talentum unit of weight or money, from Greek talanton pan of a scale, weight; akin to Greek tlEnai to bear; in senses 2-5, from the parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 -- more at TOLERATE
1 a : any of several ancient units of weight b : a unit of value equal to the value of a talent of gold or silver
2 archaic : a characteristic feature, aptitude, or disposition of a person or animal
3 : the natural endowments of a person
4 a : a special often creative or artistic aptitude b : general intelligence or mental power : ABILITY
5 : a person of talent or a group of persons of talent in a field or activity

In our context, definition #3 is what we are looking at. Talent is "natural" ability/aptitude. I think you are equating "natural" with "inborn." I think they are not the same. Physical strength is a natural ability. But it is not inborn. One's strength grows or diminishes throughout his life.

Sorry, MacBeth. I love definition problems.

 

99

Only because of a healthy Barkley.

 

nope