No, you're right. He's definitely fattened up a little bit from his Pitt days and rookie year. Folks that actually know who he is shouldn't be taken back by the weight increase as he's always been a hard worker and gym rat. I'd imagine his plumping up would have more to do with trying to maximize his best attribute (his ability to use his size to bother and not back down from traditional post-up centers) rather than an indication of any conditioning or work ethic issues. Trust me when I tell you there's a difference between Gray and the mindset he carries versus the Eddy Curry's of the world that get paid, get fat and stop caring. That said, I'm sort of kicking myself for missing Friday night's game. My phone was going nuts with people texting me and explaining what was going on. I like Aaron but this is definitely something I needed to see with my own two eyes but I guess I'll just take everybody's word for it.
I guess it was a combination of muscle and fat. By the way, plumping up sounds pretty funny. I thought you meant to say pumping up at first. I guess he was both pumping up and plumping up. :grin:
Speaking of Howard... http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/os-orlando-magic-notes-0305-20100304,0,5874036.story
Funny this guy is considered a dominant center nowadays. ONeal, Hakeem, Robinson, Ewing would have eaten someone like Gray. Dwight Howard will be what he has always been. A hugely gifter played with not enough aggression and work ethic to be elite.
The aggression comment I understand, but how do you know he doesn't have the work ethic? I've not heard any complains about his work ethic before.
Useless might be overstating the matter, but in the 2007 playoffs, Yao shot only 44% and averaged nearly 5 turnovers per game. He was also held to a total of 12 rebounds in the final two games combined.
Hmmmm Let's see.... When Yao came into the league he had a lot of court savvy... Some very nice passing from the high post and a nice old school type of game.. Reminded me a lot of Kareem in a way... So what do Yao and Howard have in common..... hmmmmmmmmmmm I know Patrick Ewing!!!! He has tried to mold both of them to be like him instead of working on their unique strengths..
Sorry jevjnd, But you lost me with that statement... Olajuwon was so versatile he could guard PG and SG's..... I only remember one person giving him problems and that was on the offensive end and that was Mark Eaton. Never saw him any problems on the Defensive end with any player...
