True. It was guys like Drexler and Dr. J. that created the spectacle. But they were heads above the rest (pun not intended). It was the 1990 that created wannabe players that were no where near Drexler, Jordan, and Dr. J. Those three guys could dunk on the fast-break like no ones business! The 1990 created a lot of copy cats. But because the league knew this, they HAD to hype it. Something that wasn't needed (hype) in the 80's. It was almostl like the "truth" was good enough.
By the way, we (fans) are seeing good things to come. With teams like the Spurs, Kings, Pacers, Mavs and Suns. We're seeing a brand of basketball that we've haven't seen ever! It's a mix of old-school and new school. Although the league shooting % it still down. But guys like Nowitzski, Marbury, Parker, TD, Nash, Bibby, Pierce are a return of the old. They are NOT dunk masters. Yao has changed the way the Rockets run things. So, he's even affected the league!
I knew someone would bring him up. But I still hold PSJ responsible for the upbringing of the modern dunk =]
Damn, these so-called experts, so blind! No wonder they would J Williams for No. 1 draft pick. "http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/04/22/stoudemire_report_ap/" MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- Amare Stoudemire will win the NBA's rookie of the year award, according to a survey by the East Valley Tribune. The newspaper reported Tuesday that with more than 70 percent of the voters responding, the Phoenix Suns forward had an insurmountable lead over Houston center Yao Ming. The newspaper said 49 voters had Stoudemire first, to 31 for Yao. Miami forward Caron Butler had 11 first-place votes. All 91 of those responding had Stoudemire either first or second on their ballots, while Yao was picked third by 19 voters. A player receives five points for a first-place vote, three for second and one for third. Even if Yao finished first and Stoudemire second on the remaining 35 ballots, Stoudemire still would win, the newspaper concluded. Mike Tulumello, the reporter who did the survey, said he had heard from even more voters on Tuesday, and their comments reinforced the conclusion that Stoudemire would win. Stoudemire would be the third Phoenix Suns player to win the award, following Alvan Adams in 1976 and Walter Davis in 1998. He would be the first player to come directly from high school and win the honor.
Im hoping he turns out like Shawn Kemp. I can see him 10 years from now. A 300lb tub of lard coming off the bench to average 5 points and 5 rebounds a game.
I saw that on TV, so sorry, I can't provide you with any links. But NBA Action did back up Yao by saying despite the fall earlier in the season, he proved everyone wrong by showing his variety of skills (his dreamshake against Pacers, shooting his 3, cross pass to Steve etc). But Yao falling over is Amare's highlight of the season? I lost all respect for that guy after that. -G'day-
Admit it guys. If Marbury would have juked Shaq like that and he was the one that fell over, it would be the play of the year by fans of every team but the Fakers. Just because it was Yao, doesn't mean it wasn't funny.
It may be funny but "The highlight of the season" for this guy is when a college making a mistake? Then even mention it on a TV? That is a non-class act to me.
You are probably right. I would think the highlight would be making the playoffs. He is usually pretty complimentay to Yao. That surprises me, he's just a damn kid though. He'll learn.
Classless punk exhibiting the worst qualities of the low-rent end of the NBA. This is why Amare will be doing local TV ads for the Phoenix area WaterBeds 'R US franchise while Yao continues to do VISA, Nike, Gatorade, Apple, etc....
I would be very interested to see the transcript or link from that paticular "NBA Action". Amare has been very complimentary of Ming all year long. Likewise, Yao has been very complimentary of Amare. It's interesting that fans seem to hate the opposing players much more than the actual players do. Playoff birth may hold key in rookie race
http://espn.go.com/nba/news/2003/0422/1542566.html Newspaper poll: Stoudemire has the votes to win -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Associated Press MESA, Ariz. -- Amare Stoudemire will win the NBA's rookie of the year award, according to a survey by the East Valley Tribune. Stoudemire The newspaper reported Tuesday that with more than 70 percent of the voters responding, the Phoenix Suns forward had an insurmountable lead over Houston Rockets center Yao Ming. The newspaper said 49 voters had Stoudemire first, to 31 for Yao. Miami forward Caron Butler had 11 first-place votes. All 91 of those responding had Stoudemire either first or second on their ballots, while Yao was picked third by 19 voters. A player receives five points for a first-place vote, three for second, and one for third. Even if Yao finished first and Stoudemire second on the remaining 35 ballots, Stoudemire still would win, the newspaper concluded. Mike Tulumello, the reporter who did the survey, said he had heard from even more voters Tuesday and their comments reinforced the conclusion that Stoudemire would win. Stoudemire would be the third Phoenix Suns player to win the award, following Alvan Adams in 1976 and Walter Davis in 1978. He would be the first player to come directly from high school and win the honor. ---------------- Looks like Stoudemire has won it. Let me ask you one question: How many of the voters are former NBA players who are black? I'm sorry, but I can't help thinking that that plays a role.
I have to admit I think racism may have played a role. I don't wanna pull out the race card or anything but how on earth can the sports writer pick Yao as 3rd on their ballot? Yao and Caron are in different leagues. One is on a winning team and the other isn't. Even the most bandwagon NBA fan can see that Yao is better than Caron. Surely, any competent sports writer can see this. I can understand why some writers may pick Amare over Yao but Caron over Yao!? As for the Jackie Chile's question regarding how many sports writers are black, I think it has alot to do with the egos of the sports writers. They bashed Yao at the beginning and they'll be damned if they eat crow at the end.
Also, David Alridge voted for Yao and he is black. Just because a writer is black does not imply that he or she is racist against Asians. I wouldn't be surprised if the majority of the voters who voted against Yao were white.
