It's a shame to watch such talented players like Shawn Kemp and Rasheed Wallace waste away before your eyes. This can be said for many immature players in today's league. This brings me to my question. Which player(s) past or present has had the most successful career with a lot less talent than the other players? Who was it that always got the job done but suprised you everytime? For me, it would definitely have to be Jeff Hornacek, proffessional Rocket killer. For what he lacked in heighth and athleticism he made up with amazing shooting ability and intelligence. He always hit the big baskets in crunch time, and could make heads up plays on the defensive with his hard nosed style. He was a key factor of the Jazz success during the mid/late 90's and during their 2 championship runs. Even though he suffered from chronic knee pain during his last few seasons, he was still a deadly offensive threat. Today, it is painfully obvious that his prescence is sorely missed on the Jazz. Although it annoyed me to watch him during his career, I kind of miss his blue collar style of play. Overachievers like Horny are hard to find nowadays.
Nice topic! Yup! Horny would be one of those players who answer your question. Another one I can think of is Darrell Armstrong.
no i wouldn't, because he compensates for his lack of talent with timely flops and a spastic power forward on the receiving end of his passes. how about: 1) matt maloney - yeah, he sucks compared to most point guards (lack of athleticism), but he maximized on his three point range, and got a hefty sum out of the rockets for a couple of years. 2) matt bullard - the man can shoot, and has turned that part of his game into a valuable commodity 3) scott pollard - i agree, he hustles everytimg he's in the game and gets a lot of putbacks and rebounds along the way 4) hornacek 5) rick fox - how does this guy have 2 rings? he can't dribble or shoot that well, but he does play with intensity when it counts - when there's pressure situations and guys are on shaq or kobe he's there for the open shot 6) ben wallace 7) othella harrington 8) kenny thomas and... 9) rodrick rhodes
Larry Bird. I don't think he had the natural abilities of Dirk or Raef, yet he dominated the league. It was a rare sighting to see him dunk although he was 6'9". He broke a finger on his shooting hand that never healed properly, yet he still scored. No one could accuse Larry of muscle definition. A modern day guy who might deserve to be in this category is Dikembe Mutumbo. The guy has no offense, runs like he is on stilts, moves slower than molasses and yet is a defensive force. I guess it helps to be tall. I love the way he leans on guys. It looks like they are propping Mutumbo up from keeling over.
How is Rasheed Wallace wasting away? He is having his best season to date!!! 19.3 ppg, 8.1 rpg so far.
Bill Lambier. Very productive but not so talented. Larry Smith. Did one thing well. Popeye Jones. Ricky Pierce - not athletic, just a killer. Very smart.
Nobody will ever accuse Ewing as being athletic (even for a big man) but he worked his tail off to become one of the top 10 centers in league history. As much as I hate the knicks in general, I really like Ewing...
