There has been discussion over Barkley's comments on Steve and Cuttino not listening to him, which brought up more discussion on qualities of a good mentor. So this brings me to the question: If you were starting a career in the NBA, who would you most like to have as your mentor? (Past or Present, minimum 10 years experience) For me it would vary by position. Guard - Clyde Drexler Forward - Larry Bird Center - Hakeem Olajuwon
Who wants to take bets on how long it takes for this thread to turn into an Hakeem/Clyde bashing session? Who wants to take the first swing?
Well, Moses Malone sure mentored Olajuwon well about staying in the league a couple of years too long [Sorry dude...you DID ask for it]
Hakeem Olajuwon is not a mentor, I think I'd go with Bill Russell as a mentor at center... Guard - Oscar Robertson Forward - I agree on Bird
I'll take heat for at least one of these selections, but here goes: Point Guard: John Stockton. I've always admired the traditional point guard. The man's on-court brilliance and ability amazes me, and it always has, even though he plays for the Jazz. And I hate the Jazz. Other candidates would be Oscar Robinson, Jason Kidd, and Magic Johnson. Shooting Guard: Michael Jordan. Sorry Clyde, I love you, but MJ is just one of those special players to whom you have to give credit. I'm not saying Clyde isn't "special" but MJ is in a class all his own. Forward: Larry Bird. Though it pains me to say it, the work ethic of Karl Malone would help anyone. The no-nonsense of Sir Charles would also be excellent. Center: Dream. 'nuff said. IMO, there has never been anyone better, though I imagine Bill Russell would be great as a mentor.
This is easy: C - Kelvin Cato or Jason Collier, maybe Olowokandi PF - Anthony Mason, I'd say Leon Smith, but he's really too young SF - Stacey Augmon SG - JR Rider PG - Stephon Marbury
I think the clear answer is MJ. Look at what he's done with the Wizards. He can teach every part of the game.
With my most biased opinion yet, I select Walter. For not only is he a lovable team mate but also an all around class act.
PG - Jerry West - For his ability to see the floor so well, as well as be a scorer SG - Michael Jordan - No need for explanation SF - Larry Bird - For his shooting touch and knowledge of the game PF - Charles Barkley - For his amazing feat of dominating at PF at height of around 6'6 C - Hakeem Olajuwon - For his incredible footwork and scoring moves at his size
Yogi Stewart. Has one decent year, gets a big contract, has sucked ever since and was reduced to like the 12th man. He's like Kelvin Cato, except so much worse. And he gets a big round of applause every time he enters the game. I want some of that mojo.
Charles Barkley. He had many disadvantages, hight not the least of them, but managed to dominate the game. IMO top ten players ever and the best PF all time. He had an all around game on offense and underrated defensse. Although he is oft maligned because he never won a ring, guys like Michael Jordan attest that he was very good (unless you believe Snottie Quitten). He was on both Dream Teams. Last but not least, he would be fun to hang out with, unlike some of the more image conscious or two faced people in the game. People who say things like "I think this whole team should be kept together," shortly before signing a contract with the Raptors.
Yogi Bear- Teaching the fine art of finger pointing. "Tha's a nuther fine mess you got us in Boo Boo."
