Billups was elite and more effective than guys like Stackhouse, Van Exel, or Francis. These guys scored more points and flashier games, but they weren't as effective. While Steve Francis made the all-star game, 3 years in a row, because of his scoring ability. He was a high turnover guard would lose games with his defense and turnovers as much as he would win them with his scoring. After they won the championship, people joined the Billups fan club and started voting for him into the all-star game. Did he change his game? no. He got more popular, because of a championship ring and winning Finals MVP.
we have Kevin Martin now... even if hes not an All-Star/superstar, he is effective and he can get to the FT line.
I think you are right to an extent. I think in the past most teams need a go to guy who can score in the fourth quarter, and normally that is a SG or SF based on their ability to break down defenses and get to the line. There aren't that many teams that won a championship without a SF or SG like that, but if we are following a Detroit methodology for winning rings, then we are in the right direction. Martin is better than Hamilton, and Yao is fairly equal to R. Wallace in the post. Brooks isn't anywhere near Billups in the PG category, but I think his clutch and gritty play is getting him a little closer. Ariza is pretty similar to Prince, and the rest of our team has some nice niche players. But who know how this summer will go. We all know Morey doesn't like to sit on his hands, so expect to have some shake ups.
They had a defense first mentality and did not have soft/injury prone players. The homerism on the bbs is pretty pathetic at times.
Don't be silly. Billups has never been "elite." He's been a very good point guard for several years but I don't think he's in the same superstar level as Kobe, LBJ, Wade, Duncan, Shaq, etc.
just like yao isnt an elite center on the same level as hakeem or shaq. yao isnt elite, he's just one of the best offensive centers in an era where centers arent really that dominate compared to guards. this is a cleverly disguised thread asking whether or not we can win a championship with the team as is; the answer is no, we cannot.
r u kidding me Shaq!! he has not the skills of Yao he is a monster but no post moves to me Yao is better than Shaq by far
Historically its good wing + good big man wins titles. But it doesnt have to be. If you have a good team overall, you have chance. Need it where roles are defined, no one complains about touches, and you have go-to closers. The Bad Boy Pistons and 2nd Pistons title team, all around good players at each position (Bad Boys with a Hall of Fame backcourt). But the Bad Boys knew Isiah was the closer. 2nd Pistons title team knew Chauncey was the closer. The old Jailblazers had as much talent as anyone. But they were a collection of individuals rather than being a cohesive team. Who do they go to in the clutch - Damon Stoudamire, Rasheed Wallace, Steve Smith, Scottie Pippen, Arvydas Sabonis, Bonzi Wells? Later on they were adding guys like Shawn Kemp and Derek Anderson. Thats why you need "glue guys" in the lineup and let others get their touches. Billups is an elite point guard. He's been a top 4-5 point guard in the league past couple years.
I think both of you are wrong Yao isnt an all time great on the Shaq level. But he's current NBA elite.
WOW!!!!! I have seen Leebig, DD and True go back and forth with YOF's in other threads... This post among others is stating exactly what we are saying about YOF's.. I know you guys LOVE Yao which is cool.. But putting Yao before the team and making him to be something he's not has to end. There is no way in Hades that Yao is anywhere close to Shaq... Shaq was one of the most feared big man in the game.
You can not win a championship without one of the top 5 players in the league with only the detroit team as an abberation to this rule. That team however was stacked with all-star caliber players. Most of the teams had all-time best type talent. Duncan, Magic, Bird, and MJ are considered by many as the best that ever played their position. Shaq and Dream are considered in the top five that ever played their position and were ridiculously dominant. Lets look back at the teams that have won championships since 1980. You Are Here > Basketball-Reference.com > Playoffs NBA & ABA Playoff Index Year Lg Champion R 2009 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Kobe 2008 NBA Boston Celtics Pierce-KG 2007 NBA San Antonio Spurs Duncan 2006 NBA Miami Heat Wade 2005 NBA San Antonio Spurs Duncan 2004 NBA Detroit Pistons A bunch of good players and Rasheed playing for below value 2003 NBA San Antonio Spurs Duncan 2002 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Shaq 2001 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Shaq 2000 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Shaq 1999 NBA San Antonio Spurs Duncan 1998 NBA Chicago Bulls MJ 1997 NBA Chicago Bulls MJ 1996 NBA Chicago Bulls MJ 1995 NBA Houston Rockets Dream 1994 NBA Houston Rockets Dream 1993 NBA Chicago Bulls MJ 1992 NBA Chicago Bulls MJ 1991 NBA Chicago Bulls MJ 1990 NBA Detroit Pistons Zeke 1989 NBA Detroit Pistons Zeke 1988 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Magic 1987 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Magic 1986 NBA Boston Celtics Bird 1985 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Magic 1984 NBA Boston Celtics Bird 1983 NBA Philadelphia 76ers Moses 1982 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Magic 1981 NBA Boston Celtics Bird 1980 NBA Los Angeles Lakers Magic
What is ur definition of elite ? In my opinion elite is top 10 player....and K mart is not even close to that. He is a solid starter who is prolific at scoring.....nothing more nothing less.
