What if this was the case and would you like it this way. If Steve was a little bit less athletic. He outlook might be a little more different. A great shot, but he might thing twice about challenging the trees in the paint. He also might not be so gung ho about leading with his body instead of his mind. I think he would rethink the whole game of basketball and look to assist more often ala Andre Miller who doesn't have the incredible athleticism of Franchise. If Yao was a little shorter but more athletic. Lets say he would be 7'3 with more ups and a little quicker and faster. Would he be as effective? I think he would still be the same either way. He's intelligent and could use his strengths to its fullest potential. If Cat was a little bit taller and slower. I think Cat would still be pretty good if he was a little taller. It would certainly help on the Defensive end. I think Cat would also be a better spot up shooter because he wouldn't have to rely on his pure quickness to get his own shot. In our offense, we need more pure spot up shooters that can stretch the defense. He would also be able to get his shot over the outstretched arms of defenders. What do you think?
Athletic ability (including God-given physical attributes) + what you do with it == results. I'd rather keep their current athletic ability/height and have them focus on the other part of the equation to improve their results. If their game would be improved by doing what you suggest, they can still do it WITHOUT losing the quickness/height which makes them special. (What's the old cliche? You can't teach height?) Part, no MUCH, of what made Dream great was that he continued improving his game year after year. Heck, he even became a fairly decent passer toward the end of his career -- the one thing I never thought he'd accomplish.
