Haven...we are having a tough time coming up with topics during the break...hehe I'll play along: Depends who is the coach...if you make it Carlesimo..who's renowned for sticking his neck out for disgruntled stars...I think we have a winner.
I think you need to put Mad Max on the bench as well. I think it's a hard call with that much talent, but I'm leaning toward saying that it is not a championship team. Could they have beaten last year's San Antonio team? Mason and Rodman would get killed underneath by Robinson and Duncan. As to your second question, if they could win, would I want them in Houston? I could take one or two on my team, but a whole team of punks wouldn't interest me enough to care about the championship. It would try my loyalty to the organization.
That wouldn't be the best team in the NBA. Its parts don't add up to equal more than the some off its parts. Actually it is probably less.
That starting lineup would obliterate the NBA record for lowest assists per game. [This message has been edited by grummett (edited February 11, 2000).]
I've been intrigued by the amount of character debate in the NBA lately. For instance, this board was thrilled to lose Pippen because of his attitude. But how much does it really matter. So... here's my proposition: would the following team win a championship... and if they would, would you be willing to accept their objectionable characters. C Anthony Mason PF Dennis Rodman SF Antoine Walker SG Isaiah Rider PG Allen Iverson Key subs: Laettner, Rod Strickland, and Rasheed Wallace. Now, this would be easily the most talented team in the NBA. But would you want it?
I live in Boston 9 months of the year... I'm not EVER allowed to refer to a Knick in a (remotely) positive light . I think Rider's probably better, anyway.
I don't think every player on a team has to have good character for it to be a championship caliber team, but I think the majority of the players should. Examples of championship players with "bad" character: 1. Dennis Rodman 2. Vernon Maxwell 3. Snottie Pippen Players on championship teams with marginal (or disputable) poor character: 1. Danny Ainge (One dirty player) 2. James Worthy (Solicitation arrest) 3. Bill Lambeer (Another dirty player) But, then again in the past two decades there aren't that many teams to pick players off of. (San Antonio, Houston, Chicago, Detroit, L.A., Boston) So, I guess that leaves San Antonio as the team with the best overall character? Hmmm, maybe I need to rethink my position. ------------------ I have a dream.........his name's Hakeem.
Notice that none of these players are THE MAN on a championship team I think the most important thing is that your BEST player needs to have "Character" the rest of the team will fall in line accordingly. Jordan, Magic, Hakeem, Bird, Isaiah, Duncan. IMHO that is.... DaDakota
DaDakota, Only two players are active on your list and one of those will be retired in less than a season and a half. Is it character or the ability to get the job done in crunch time that puts those players a cut above the rest? Mango
I could pick apart the personal characters of three of the players on your list. Character and winning are mutually exclusive, at least as far as that list goes.
Character, or respect is the most important thing to winning a championship. If your best player is all about winning, then the chances of you winning are increased. If however, your best player just wants to put on a show, you will NOT...NEVER WILL EVER...win a championship. I think the above list I mentioned, all the players are willing to do whatever it takes to win, and that defines character in the NBA. Some young guys with basketball character in the NBA today. Jason Kidd Vince Carter Kevin Garnet Tim Duncan potential character players Steve Francis Elton Brand Lamar Odom That is how I define character....your BEST player is all about winning. DaDakota
I will laugh at your jokes, heypardner. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA AHAHHAHA AHAHAHAH. HOPe you liked that?!?? Playes with character that DUKE would like to see Houston get-- Mose Malone, Clyde Derxler, Otis Birdseed, and Lucas Lloyd!!!
