I know it may sound a bit stupid, but I really wonder why Rik Smits never managed to grow into a superstar center. Watching him play in the finals against Shaq gives me the feeling, that he could have dominated at times. Ignoring his so-so defense and his sometimes dumb fouls, he has a beautiful jumper for a center and some nice low-post moves; combined with his height he should have been a perennial All-Star. He is now 33, so there had to be a time, when he had at least a bit athleticism, too. Maybe I'm completely wrong, but I really think he could have done better. I'd really like to hear your thoughts. ------------------
I remember a time when Smits was at least considered on of the better centers in the league and represented on of the main reasons the Pacers began to do well. But, his talent has been deteriorating with his age. He always had quickness problems and that is the main reason he never became a superstar center. He still has "good" games cause, yes, he has a nice shot, and yes, he is pretty tall and big. But, you must remember, that even durign these past few games where he has been scoring well, in game 4, for instance, he only had 3 rebounds. WHile his injuries have slowed him down a lot, 3 rebounds is pathetic--this is the kind of lack of athleticism that always kept Smits from developing into an All Star center. He had skills, but couldnt get past that hump of being a pretty good center, to an All Star center. Just my two cents on it all. I hope, and think he should retire at the end of the season. The Dunking Dutchman is no more. ------------------ When I die I want to go peacefully like my grandfather. Not screaming like the passengers in the back seat!
Smits falls in the same boat at Sabonis. Great talent limited by too many injuries. The guy has had foot problems for several years now and it has seriously hampered his game. I think these injuries make him a slower player and less aggressive. This is why he seems soft and is a lousy shotblocker and rebounder for someone so tall. ------------------
In his prime, the "Dunking Dutchman" was a premier center that formed a dangerous one-two combo with Reggie. He was never a superstar, but a star no less. Like mentioned, he has the range and jumper, he used to be fairly mobile for his size, and obviously created problems with his height. His main forte was his soft touch, but his game was just that, soft. I mean, when your 7'4' and 260lbs, you expect to have a career rebounding average over 6.1. He just doesn't have the warrior mentality and intestinal fortitude that the greats have, especially the big men, and that softness can also be translated to his inconsistent defense. If Rik Smits had the killer instinct, of say, Charles Oakley, the Pacers may have already paraded the streets of Indianapolis years ago. Azim da Dream ------------------ True champions do not take their failures to heart and never let success go to their heads. [This message has been edited by Azim da Dream (edited June 18, 2000).]
Rik is a good center but as Launch Pad said injuries have been tough. ------------------ I AM SPARTACUS
Tons and tons of foot problems! ------------------ HOOP-T Hey Shaq, Acme called, and they want their bricks back!
When he shaved his head a few years back, I knew the career was over. Ugly. ------------------ humble, but hungry.
