He didn't say "shellfish;" then I could understand the facial expression. What he said was "shelfish," meaning "like a shelf." Or perhaps interested in shelves, much the same way that a person who is "bookish" is interested in books. I think this is referring to how Eddie was always called upon to get things from high shelves as a child, partly because of his height and partly because of his jumping ability. With all that practice of jumping to get things off of high shelves, it is no wonder he's good at getting the opening tip. Seriously, I would think Griffin would easily be the best player on our team at tips. Yao is tall but he isn't exactly a leaper. Eddie, in addition to be being pretty tall himself, is also a good leaper and a quick leaper. I'm sure there is a good correlation between guys who are good shotblockers and guys who are good at the opening tip. Both things require many of the same attributes -- being able to get up high quickly and with good timing. Eddie definitely has those traits.
This is the most technically intriguing thread I've seen since on this board so far. Man, once again, this shows that cc.net is the most intelligent sports bbs in the world. I agree with those who blame it on the refs. The NBA should seriously consider hiring some former basketball players who are at least 6'10" (people such as Bill Walton) to be the jump ball specialists. Those former players are generally no good for TV commentating anyway. Let those who aren't tall enough for jump ball duties (people such as Calvin Murphy) do the commentating. Moreover, these jump ball specialist should go through a rigorous training program. They should be qualified only after they pass the test of tossing 50 straight balls that go at least 10'6" in the air and not land more than 3" from the dividing line. BTW, I'm all for trading either Yao or Griffin. Having a logjam at the jump ball position is gonna hurt the team, not to mention hurt the development of both players.
Hmmm... may be we can ask the ref to throw the ball lower, so that SF can do the jump ball for us. SF should win most of the case. And that would definitely make Rox a serious contender for the Jump ball Championship title. KH
ROFLMAO actually the Griffin v Kg tip was one of those 7 ft toss ups, KG almost stole it out the refs hands, perhaps STieve should jump as his hands will be closer to the ref to steal as soon as he releases it.
