http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9402E4DF143FF936A25752C0A9609C8B63 ''I think a lot of has to do with the rules,'' Knicks Coach Larry Brown said last week. ''You see how many free throws guys are shooting, there's so much stuff being called on the perimeter. These guys who can dribble-drive, it's different. I can't imagine what Michael would have gotten with the hand-check rules.''
What? It's Carter's fault that he had debilitating knee injuries (originally caused by a freak accident). He lost a chunk of mobility after the injuries - no amount of working out would have resulted in his complete resurgence. It's McGrady's fault that he was born with scoliosis? That's inevitably what caused the breakdown of his body. Once your back goes it's just a matter of time until the debilitating injuries build up. These are world class athletes - they did NOT just become athletic beasts without putting some serious work in. If it's as easy as you all think it is to get in the shape these guys were in during their peaks, there would be a lot more McGrady and Carters running around. I'd go as far as saying that it's idiotic to even make the argument that these guys didn't put time in at the gym. Look at the clips of McGrady/Kobe/Carter in high school - they were sticks. Some of y'all just turn a blind eye to the fact that these guys faced major injuries and act like it's circumstantial that they declined afterwards. "They didn't try hard enough to get back to where they were" instead of "their bodies are limiting what they are capable of."
Those things don't come without work. Spoiler <object style="height: 344px; width: 425px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/svsHlH-IvbY"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/svsHlH-IvbY" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></object>
The "Hand-checking eliminated from the end line in the backcourt to the opposite foul line" came in effect in 94-95. It was the start of new hand check rules that progressed in the latter 90's and into the 2000's. [rquoter]1994-95 Hand-checking eliminated from the end line in the backcourt to the opposite foul line. 1997-98 A defender will not be permitted to use his forearm to impede the progress of an offensive player who is facing the basket in the frontcourt. 1999-00 In the backcourt, there is no contact with hands and forearms by defenders. In the frontcourt, there is no contact with hands and forearms by defenders except below the free throw line extended in which case the defender may only use his forearm. In the post, neither the offensive player nor the defender is allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally obtained a position. Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from point A to point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player. Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding “chucking” or “wrapping up” is prohibited. 2000-01 No contact with either hands or forearms by defenders except in the frontcourt below the free throw line extended in which case the defender may use his forearm only. • Neither the offensive player nor the defender will be allowed to dislodge or displace a player who has legally obtained a position. • Defender may not use his forearm, shoulder, hip or hand to reroute or hold-up an offensive player going from point A to Point B or one who is attempting to come around a legal screen set by another offensive player. • Slowing or impeding the progress of the screener by grabbing, clutching, holding “chucking” or “wrapping up” is prohibited. 2001-02 Brief contact initiated by a defensive player will be allowed if it does not impede the progress of the player with the ball. 2004-05 New rules were introduced to curtail hand-checking, clarify blocking fouls and call defensive three seconds to open up the game. [/rquoter]
I agree MJ started to get superstar calls after his returned to the NBA. I don't think he was the same MJ as he used to be anyway.
Where is the 3rd option Environment Had a dad who played the game Had Shaq and PJax to win early on That has shaped him as well to be a winner.
My goodness, work is winning in a landslide. Obviously, he works hard, but he isn't the only guy in the league that works hard. Kobe is a natural talent. Just because he's not super-athletic doesn't mean he doesn't have natural talents that help him dominate the court. I think comparisons to guys like McGrady are appropriate. They have an ability to hit shots, to see the court, to be precise, that comes easily to them. If Kobe were lazy, he'd still be a good player. You can credit his work ethic to take him to the top, he'd only be a rung down without it.
Micheal Jordan had Jackson as well, not to mention a hall of gamer and 50 greatest player in Scottie Pippen. Doesn't that shape him into a winner to?
