Why? Because of his lack of athletism? I would like to make a comparison to another small forward that was accused of not being very athletic. Lary Bird. Both Bird and Battier were considered not very athletic. I would say Battier is considerably more athletic (even with todays standards) than bird was. Both are about the same hight. Bird 6'10" and Battier 6'9". Both are tireless workers. Bird was always the first in the gym and the last to leave. No one in the NBA will out work Battier. Both are fierce competitors refusing to settle for second. Both are considered to have great basketball instincts and make good decisions in the clutch. Both players won the college player of the year in their senior year. Both players led their teams to the national championship game in their senior years with Battier winning. Bird was a very good defender that could rebound better than avg for a SF and had unstopable offensive skills. Battier a very good offensive player that can rebound and block shots better than avg for a SF and is unmatched as a defensive player comming out of the draft. Both players are considered to be tremendous leaders. Bird became a super star. Maybe one of the top 5 players of all time... ...and yet people believe Battier will be no more than a good roll player on a team. Why? Shane Battier posseses the same intangables that made Lary Bird one of the all time greats. ------------------
Theres that little thing about shooting percentage that you left off...ol' dead eye Bird was ok from the outside. ------------------ In the end there will be no judges...only witnesses to my greatness.
There is no question that Bird had the best shot in Basketball but Battier is not bad. Check out his percentages: 1st year .539 2nd year .545 3rd year .496 4th year .471 And Battier shot over 41 % from the three in each of his last three years at Duke. Also we all know the man is clutch. Is Shane Battier as good as Bird when it comes to shooting the ball? NO! But he aint no slouch and he is a better defender. ------------------
For the record: Bird was 49.6% FG shooter and 37.5% from three point land during the regular season In ihe playoffs he average 47.2% FG and 32.1% from 3. If Battier can average those type number or better over 13 yrs then let the comparisons begin. ------------------
Knifejc I am not trying to compare Battier to Bird in the sense that Battier is going to be one of the all time greats. I am simply trying to understand why so many have already written off Battier as a Super Star. I don't think his percieved lack of athletism should be a reason. Bird is simply an example of someone that was similar to Battier and became one of the all time greats. They played the same position and accomplished a lot of the same things therefore the comparison seemed logical. This post was not meant to imply that Battier would be the next Bird, just that he possesed the skill to be one of the Super Stars of this decade. Possibly more. ------------------
Battier may or may not turn into a star but this Bird comparison is preposterous. Battier went to the championship with perennial powerhouse Duke surrounded with high school all-americans. Bird went with relative nobody Indiana State. Bird played ball in college when there were legitimate stars. Battier played in as watered down a period of college basketball as there's ever been. There are no true blue college superstars anymore. Bird's competitiveness, leadership skills, and basketball instincts are legendary. Battier is no Bird, never was a Bird, never will be a Bird, clase closed, end of story, good night folks. Battier reminds me a lot more of Rodney McCray with a jumper than anything remotely compared to Larry Bird. ------------------ The death penalty SUCKS.
Look Timing, read the damn post! I am not saying never did say nor am I going to say that Battier is going to be another Bird! Alright! Birds big weakness was suppose to be his athletism. People still refer to Bird as not very athletic! Thats fact! Care to dispute it? No I did not think so! All I am trying to say is that it is poor judgement to say Battier has no chance to be a super star just because he may not be as athletic as some people say he needs to be. Hell he may even turn out to be the best player in this draft. But I did not say he would be the next Bird! There is that clear enough for you? Now enroll in a reading comprehension course before you hurt yourself! ------------------
