Basketball, broken down to its simplest compound, is about scoring more buckets than the team you’re playing against. The Semi-Automatic refers to players who leave bodies in their wake with their innate ability to get buckets. And last night, Kobe Bryant added another jewel in the crown of his stellar career by becoming the Los Angeles Lakers all-time leading scorer, thanks to his 44-point outburst against the Grizzlies.
By now, his biography his been told ad nauseum – born in Philly, his pops Joe “Jellybean” Bryant played for the 76′ers and then overseas, growing up in Italy speaking English, Spanish and Italian, coming back to Philly in the summers to play ball, moving back to the states in ‘91 and tearing it up at Lower Merion HS before taking the ashy to classy route straight to the NBA.
We’ve all heard the stories about the incredible prep career, where he surpassed Wilt “The Stilt” Chamberlain and Lionel “The L Train” Simmons to become Southeastern Pennsylvania’s all-time leading scorer. His legendary exploits during his stay at the 1995 Adidas ABCD camp, where he teamed up with Lamar Odom to put up some unparalleled offensive fireworks and dominance, are still held in reverence on the AAU scene.
Another often told gem revolves around Sixers coach John Lucas inviting Kobe to work out with the team before he graduated from high school, where he proceeded to give young stud Jerry Stackhouse all that he could handle in a scrimmage.
Kobe, along with Kevin Garnett, opened the modern floodgates for kids jumping into the league from high school. People don’t truly realize how special Kobe’s accomplishment was, given that he was the first guard to clear that trailblazing path.
I remember Kobe coming off the Laker bench as a 17-year-old, giving breathers to Eddie Jones and Nick Van Exel. Two years later, he emerged as an elite player, improving with every year. I’ll let you look up the stats and revisit the championships, both with and without Shaq, the Colin Ferguson-like 81-point outburst against the Raptors or his underappreciated resume as a stat sheet stuffer who can pass, rebound, play lock-down “D” and steal the rock like a NYC subway pickpocket during rush hour.
The question that begs to be asked is, if we never heard of a man named Michael Jordan, how would Kobe be viewed in the league’s pantheon of greatness? Last night, he passed Jerry West as the Los Angeles Lakers all-time leading scorer.
Kobe sits atop an incredible list that includes Kareem, Wilt, West, Elgin Baylor, Magic, Coop, Silk, James Worthy, Shaq and others. He’s solidified his standing as one of the greatest and most important members in the illustrious history of one of sport’s marquee franchises.
So congrats Kobe, on achieving this milestone. And what must be disconcerting to the league’s other elite franchises and players is that he seems poised to run off a few more years doing what he’s always done up to this point. And when it’s all said and done, how will we judge him then?
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Elliot Rosado says:
Lakers all time leading scorer is cool, But the greatest Laker of all time, NEVER.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:35 pm
ali says:
one of the greatest lakers of all time, though. to me, no one will ever topple Magic from atop that list.
February 2nd, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Russ M says:
When there’s a discusion about who the greatest player or players of all-time are wouldn’t Kobe’s name be mentioned before Magic’s?
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:09 pm
ali says:
i don’t think so russ. that’s just my humble opinion. magic was the nba finals mvp is a 20 year old rookie who put on one of the most dominating performances in finals history (42 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists, 3 steals)when he jumped center in the place of the injured kareem in the defining game six against the sixers(and this was after being the most outstanding player for the college national champs the year prior), was the galvanizing elixir in five champioship runs and the greatest point guard of all-time. we cannot fail to underestimate hir role in the league’s emergence in the ’80s, as it ascended to an elite standing in the global marketplace. magic was/is THE MAN.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:10 pm
Elliot Rosado says:
Magic is the best Laker of all time, His ability to make players better goes beyond numbers.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:15 pm
ali says:
i agree wholeheartedly elliot. couldn’t have said it any better or simpler.
February 2nd, 2010 at 3:37 pm
jocelynvanieboti says:
Man I love KObe. His determination and work ethic is unparalleled. Im from Chicago and if it was not for Michael Jordan, Kobe would be that dude. Love the article though. Peace.
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:03 pm
kenny Patt says:
He may yet surpass Magic. He may have another 6 great yrs left & if he wins 2 more chips then we can start the Jordan – Kobe debate
February 2nd, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Dan the Man says:
Ali
On the hardwood Kobe is,
Automatic-systematic…rythmetic-acrobatic.
February 2nd, 2010 at 8:51 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Sorry dude, but I don’t see Kobe playing another 6 years.. I’d say four tops.. but as of now he is not the greatest Laker of all time.. Magic still has that title.. I still can see him running that incredible fast break during the Showtime years…
February 2nd, 2010 at 10:56 pm
LowerEastScribe says:
Ali
As a member of TeamMamba, I’d like to say thanks for posing that question: IF we never saw MJ, what would we think of KB24?
I never looked at it like that but it’s a great question. Kobe is probably the greatest student of the game, that we’ve ever seen. I liken him only to Peyton Manning as for being able to instantly understand his opponents game plan and make it obsolete.
Unfortunately, he hasn’t always been the best teammate. And his personality is too far behind that of a Manning, LBJ or his Airness, so the public/average fan won’t appreciate how good he really is.
I was there when he dropped 61 in the Garden. One of the most electrifying moments in my sports-life. Word up.
To have the Garden Rockin, cheering your name and calling you MVP. All I can say is, “that boy good.”
February 3rd, 2010 at 1:42 am
jocelynvanieboti says:
Kobe should be ahead Magic on the Lakers list.The reason I say that is because Magic changed the game. Kobe adjusts to it. Magic was the man and as a 6″9/6″10 point guard, he CHANGED the game.But as a pg that size he couldn’t help but to dominate.Kobe on the other hand wasn’t expected to be much more than a good player especially after his rookie season. So to me its an issue of god given talent (Magic) vs hard work and determination (Kobe).
February 3rd, 2010 at 11:31 am
Kenny Patt says:
Not to mention the 62 he dropped on the Mavs in 3 quarters. I was hoping the Mavs made a run that night & he would have had 80+ then. I think many people are using his past public perception (Rape Charge) against him. They said he’d never win when they traded Shaq but we all know otherwise now. To say he can “never” pass Majic may be a bit premature to say about a guy that has slowly been passing everyone else. Let’s talk again in 4-5 yrs & this convo may be very different.
February 3rd, 2010 at 12:08 pm
ali says:
i think kobe’s public perception definitely took a beating with his early squabbles with phil jackson, shaq and the very public personal problems that made for a tabloid feeding frenzy. all of those factors combined to create a persona that many fans despise, in spite of his talent.
he seems to have matured as a person and teammate and earned his standing among the all-time greats with the latest championship. if he’s healthy, i agree with my-man-fiddy-grand black caeser that he’s got about a four year run left at the upper echelon.
and yo cease, that showtime fast break was just bananas. highlight clips really don’t do it justice. jamaal “silk” wilkes explained the essence of magic’s majesty to me and i can still hear the genuine pride, laughter and sense of accomplishment creep through the phone lines when we rap and i mention showtime.
magic changed the game. as great as kobe is, and no matter what he accomplishes from here on out, i don’t think we can put that credential on his resume.
nevertheless, that doesn’t take away from kobe’s genius and beautiful dominance. i bug out that some people don’t truly recognize how phenomenal he is in the historical context. again, i pose the question. if mike didn’t exist, how would kobe be judged, based purely on his skill set? i think he’d be afforded a heckuva lot more renown and respect by the casual fan who doesn’t delve as deep as cats like us do. feel me?
February 3rd, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Thanks for the shout out Ali!!! But I think that’s the point that is being missed about Magic.. He changed the perception of what a point guard should be. He was 6′9 leading the break with the dexterity of a smaller player.. It truly was showtime.. Michael Cooper said it best when describing the other lakers once Magic started running.. “I gotta get me a lane, I gotta get me a lane” He said dudes would say that when Magic was on the break b/c they knew he was going to get you the ball. Magic broke the mold and unfortunately Kobe is a carbon copy of Mike(even down to some of his on court mannerisms). and I am not taking anything away from Kobe. I think he is a phenomenal player and definitely one of the greatest to ever play in the league. Which is why I feel bad for him b/c he came after Mike and due to that most people won’t really appreciate how skilled he really is. If Mike never existed and Kobe keeps up this pace people would be calling him the greatest ever or at least attempting to. I love Kobe’s game, but there are just somethings I saw Mike do on the court that just have yet to be duplicated even by Kobe. With that being said Kobe still has a few years to cement his legacy and another championship or two would certainly give him another leg to stand as far as arguing who’s better: Him or Mike. I am also curious and excited to see how Mr. James’ career unfolds (still think he needs to get in the post more).
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:32 pm
ali says:
did you see my man bronnie pin oj mayo? my goodness. i think when it’s all said and done (illest is about to get heated up again), lebron will go down as being better than kobe AND Mike. that’s right, i said it again.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Russ M says:
ali:
Based upon everybody’s elses comments, your statement should have read,”I think when it’s all said and done,Lebron will go down as being better than MAGIC and Mike”.
February 3rd, 2010 at 4:51 pm
Blk Caesar says:
oh boy.. Illest is about to bring heat your way for that! Speaking of Lebron, or moreso the Cavs how is that Shaq trade looking so far? Its crazy but I am still not sure about it even though they are playing well right now even with Mo Williams out.
February 3rd, 2010 at 6:14 pm
ali says:
yeah Caese, i’m trying to smoke illest out of his foxhole. and russ, you are correct. i’ll go a step further and say when it’s all said and done, lebron will go down as THE BEST EVER!!!
February 3rd, 2010 at 7:22 pm
LowerEastScribe says:
LeBron gets too much credit. I’ve never seen anyone in any sport just get dubbed the greatest without winning anything yet. Marino didn’t get that, Mike didn’t and even some of his contemporary peers who’ve put on a show (Sidney Crosby from the Penguins is amazing but if they don’t win, he wouldn’t be in the argument down the line) don’t get this “he’s too good not to win one,” pass that everyone gives him. Until he stops dancing and clowning around (It’s corny just like JoNoah said) I’m not drinking the Kool-aid. Yea, the accolades and the “fastest to’s” are nice but he’s gotta at least win a game in the finals first.
The way I see it, AI did more for his franchise than LBJ has.
February 4th, 2010 at 10:34 am
illest says:
LowerEast…..you are not paying attention if you think AI has done more for his team than LBJ. The Sixers were already a legendary franchise before AI. The Cavs except for an East finals in the 76 and a few good 80s and 90s teams were nothing. James is the Cavs. AI isnt the Sixers. James is already the Cavs best all time player. AI will never be the best all time Sixer.
Ali…i waited and waited but you called me out. what up kid? bryant wasnt elite after his second year. and those jamess blocks from outta nowhere are so ridiculous. this might be his year since the celts are old and continue to get hurt. and the magic as of yet arent the same team as last year. we might get the lakers cavs finals this year. james needs those titles. will james ever win as many MVPs as Mike or Finals MVPs? the ill thing is james’s game offensive skills arent where it should be. i dont see the great offensive moves that a bryant or a melo or even a durant has. but when you can just bulldozer finesse over everyone do you really need a move? he just goes.
the whole mike/bryant thing is great talk. but its a disgrace to mike. bryant obviously owes about 60 percent of his game directly to mike. he said so himself. hes a wonderful player but he hasnt changed the game at all like mike did. i dont think people realize how ill mike was either, black cease. 10 scoring titles, 5 MVP (should of been 7) 6 Finals MVPs averaging 34 a game in the Finals. Bryant will never be that good. the 81, 62 in 3 qtrs, 45 plus in 4 straight, 40 plus in 9 straight are beyond belief. bryant is a wonderful player to watch and it will be great to see what else he does.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:35 am
ali says:
illest,
i was gonna pose the same statement in terms of what bron means to the cavs, vs AI’s place in the sixers great history. was wondering when we’d smoke you out.
February 4th, 2010 at 11:42 am
illest says:
ali…..lolol you are funny. james is the top player in cavs history already as i already stated. a nice cavs all time starting five would be price, austin carr, james, nance and daugherty with world be off the bench.
id put dr, wilt, and charles in front of AI. i liked toney and moses better than AI but you have to put AI in front of those guys.
February 4th, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Illest what up.. Good to see you posting again.. Yeah man to your point I really don’t think people quite understand how crazy Mike was.. I keep two copies of that ultimate Jordan DVD set. I keep one copy for the crib and the second I loan out to people when they tell me such and such is better than Mike.. I say take this home young man and watch all the videos and game footage. Let it marinate and then let’s talk again.. Kobe is an amazing talent, but Mike was on some other ish man.. Also, I don’t agree with people who argue that the defenses are better now and Jordan had it easy.. That’s crazy talk to me. Today’s rules benefit the offensive player and make it easier for them to score..
February 4th, 2010 at 1:51 pm
ali says:
whoever says that defenses are better now are smokin’ that leak-leak. they must have not seen the bad boy pistons smothering mike with the jordan rules. and as amazing as kobe is, he’s not mike. he’s close, but not quite at that level. people don’t truly understand the pathetic state of the bulls franchise before mj came to town.
another thing that irks me is when people say that lebron just relies on his size. how can anyone not notice the depth and nuance of his skill set? yo, when he solidifies his low post game, that’s when it becomes officially over!!! his combo of size and skill is that next level beyond where jordan left us.
bronnie’s already one of the top players at four positions – pg, sg, sf and pf. he should have made the all-star team at every position, eating up four roster spots.
as to my perceptions of the cavs with shaq? best team in the league. and still experimenting and feeling out the possibilities. wait until the playoffs, which is what this move was really all about anyway. if lebron and shaq are healthy, i think they take out kobe and the lakers or melo and the nuggets in the finals, after running through atlanta, boston and orlando in the east.
February 4th, 2010 at 2:40 pm
ali says:
another perspective on kobe’s standing in laker history, from today’s L.A. Times -
http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-heisler-lakers4-2010feb04,0,6107564.column
February 4th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
illest says:
these guys dont play any defense.
oneal plays well in spurts. its a matter of how brown uses him. for the reasons i mentioned its definitely jamess year. bryant is also getting more and more injuries per game.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:25 pm
illest says:
blk….mike would average 40 plus now. the game is so much easier now because of the hand checking and impeding progress. as ali stated the bad boys. the pistons basically said this michael jordan guy is not beating us. lebron or bryant will never have the respect like that. jordan used to light up the pistons (before the inception of the bad boys) for 40 plus including that easter game of 59 when he was like 22-28 on all jump shots. he also lit them up for 61. now ali, try and tell me want nba teams fears james. none of them do because of the way the league is today.
in the words of that dope slept on hiphop group adagio this is for your listening pleasure…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qbsplqVpptU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEfnu6Kla5Y&feature=related
February 4th, 2010 at 4:31 pm
illest says:
everyone says he had no jump shot till later on in his career. please…he had a jumper 3 and 4 years in. better than bryant or jamess jumper. he always had the complete game when he entered the nba. he just added on every year.
February 4th, 2010 at 4:38 pm
illest says:
look at the move at 6:50 from the first youtube clip when rodman one of the best defenders ever is ice skating in the pontiac silverdome. youth and vets of the game please watch and analyze and enjoy the best. the efficiency of the game.
February 4th, 2010 at 5:47 pm
ali says:
i won’t go so far as to say these guys don’t play D. the league has some stellar greyhounds on the defensive end. but overall, the rules are much more slanted in favor of wide open, hand-check-free offense, thanks to the likes of mahorn, laimbeer, mase in your face, charles oakly, etc.
kg, ron-ron, chris paul, lebron, kobe, dwight, tim duncan, rondo, wade, battier, tayshaun, raja, ronnie brewer, iguodola, yao, okafor, ariza, posey, david lee, jr smith, etc, those guys can get after it on D as well as guys in other eras.
February 5th, 2010 at 11:21 am
illest says:
a lot of help defense and weak side defense, ali. but i dont see much one on one you arent going anywhere defense.
February 5th, 2010 at 12:21 pm
ali says:
you don’t see rondo doing some sidney moncrief type ish?
February 5th, 2010 at 3:07 pm
illest says:
no ali. moncrief was a 2 time defensive player of the year. rondo will never be that.
February 5th, 2010 at 3:33 pm
funkalot says:
Fellas,
Hands off “D” came about as a result of having an abundance of sub-90pt. games in the late 90s. The game held less appeal and David Stern, rightly, for marketing sake declared hands off. In the end, defense is a “help” situation, as guys are too talented most often to keep in front of, especially on the perimeter. Plus, truth be told we like “ice capades”!
Other observations: Kobe-son is my dude, but he is second to Magic on the pantheon of Laker Greats. Magic revolutionized the game with his play. Kobe’s play although stellar is not revolutionary.
Kobe vs. Mike – ah and the envelope, drum roll? Please, Miz by a lot. Kobe’s athleticism and drive is a notch below Mike’s.
LBJ is the “ideal mold” of a basketball player. However, having said that, just because you may be the greatest athlete to ever, ever, ever play does not entitle you to the GOAT. I guess we have to qualify what GOAT is and quantify it, somehow. As of right now, numbers wise it is Wilt, Chips wise it is Russell, aesthetically – Mike, athletically – LBJ.
February 5th, 2010 at 5:08 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Let’s put it in this perspective fellas.. At 39, with today’s rules Mike still averaged 20 a game.. Let me say that again.. At 39, with clearly most of his athleticism gone still averaged 20 a game.. So can you imagine how he would be tearing up the league right now if he was maybe 25 or 26.. To this day, I still go crazy watching him “in and out” Rex Chapman and then give Kelly Tripuka a scrotum burger.. but the craziest part was watching the Hornets bench after he yammed on their teammate!!! Also, I think alot really don’t give him credit for being skilled at getting open (which is a lost art).. Phil Jackson said recently that Kobe takes tougher shots than Mike, but I think its b/c Mike had a masterful way of getting open for shots..
February 6th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
LowerEastScribe says:
@ Illest.
“LowerEast…..you are not paying attention if you think AI has done more for his team than LBJ.”
LMAO. That was good.
I’ll give you the whole list thing but that’s not what I was talking about (for the record there are a bevy of great Sixers; to which the Cavs have LBJ…Ron Harper…Craig Ehlo?). I mean from the time AI took reign over that team, which was a subpar team when he got there, and from the time LBJ got his. They’ve both climbed near mt. tops but at least AI got to touch the snow. LeBron gets this pass as the next GOAT and he aint DO S*** YET! He got mad long to go and honestly, I’m a lot more nervous about Melo dethroning KB24 with a chip than I am Prince(ss-frog) James.
At least Melo still looks/acts/is hungry. LeBron acts like he got chips under his belt already. You know why? Cuz everyone treats him like he does.
WIN SOMETHING CLOWN!
February 6th, 2010 at 11:02 pm
Blk Caesar says:
AI touched the snow b/c he won one game in the finals??? The Sixers lost in the finals and so did the Cavs.. I don’t see any moral victories in that and I don’t see how that proves your point that AI has done more for the Sixers.. I could maybe see your point if they took the Lakers to seven games, but it was 4-1 and the Cavs lost 4-0.. AI never went back to finals and “if” LBJ goes back this year then will you still think AI has done more? I love Melo as much as the next dude, but homey last year was the first year he made it out of the first round(Mr. Billups had a lot to do with getting that teams’ head on straight)! and who was on his team when they were swept in the first round last ??? None other than AI…
February 9th, 2010 at 11:40 am
ali says:
hey funk,
glad we could link up in boston this weekend. you the funkiest cat out there my man. look forward to collaborating w/ you down the road.
February 10th, 2010 at 9:52 am
illest says:
as good as everyone thinks and hopes john wall to be, i wanna see him do what rose or evans is doing now in the league. rose is unbelievable right now and evans kills anyone he plays. that alley rose caught against the hawks is unexplainable. he should be starting the allstar game.
February 10th, 2010 at 10:57 am
Blk Caesar says:
I can’t front though I am more looking forward to the Rookie/Sophomore game then I am the actual Allstar game..
February 10th, 2010 at 11:12 am
funkalot says:
Caes,
I agree. I am looking forward to the Rooks/Sophs clash more than the actual Stars game.
Illest,
Is it ok to begin debate about Rook of the Year? Evans is that guy. This Rooks class is one of the deepest in recent memory. There are at least 14-17 guys , who are regular contributors to their squads, from the class of ‘09 and that is without Blake Griffin.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Blk Caesar says:
what up Funk… Yeah I think we can have that rookie of the year debate now.. Jennings had it early in the season, but Evans is pulling away from him right now avg. 20ppg and 5apg and basically getting buckets at will on dudes.. Although Jennings is still putting up 17ppg and 6apg with Milwaukee being only 4 games under .500.. I am curious to see how these dudes perform after the allstar break though.
February 10th, 2010 at 12:56 pm
illest says:
funk…you have my approval to debate it now. not 4 games in like you wanted too before. i agree evans is doing it right now. i blame sergant scott skiles for taming jennings instead of just letting him play like he did the first 15 games of the season. now, jennings FG% has decreased since his hot beginning but ive noticed hes not as explosive as he used to be. i noticed the change when redd came back.
the iceman comparisons to durant are the most on point of comparisons ive seen hear or heard anywhere. id rather watch durant more than anyone.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
ali says:
this summer, miles rawls at the goodman league at barry farms in dc told me, straight up, that durant was on some iceman stuff this summer and predicted that he was gonna be getting down for the crown this year.
i think tyreke is running away with the ROY. but it’s a mrathon and not a sprint, so i expect the takeover and some of the other guys to make a push.
great rookie/soph game to come, maybe the best yet.
February 10th, 2010 at 2:31 pm
illest says:
yeah i read that in your durant post. there is no way to stop him. he needs to rebound better….lately he has.
February 10th, 2010 at 6:30 pm
ali says:
when he gets close to 10 re’s a game to go w/ his 30ppg? hotdiggitydog!!! durant will then be known, as my grandma use to say, as “da bigbad woof!”
February 10th, 2010 at 7:07 pm
funkalot says:
Durant is first team all-NBA, with Kobe, Bron and a pick-em on the two other spots, with Nash, Wade, Melo as the prime suspects.
It is his hand-dles which separates him from others. He can get any shot he wants, when he wants. Oh, and he has help with Jeff Green, Westbrook and Harden getting it in , too.
The league is truly enjoyable to watch again, as squads are exciting to watch like OKC, Memphis and Atlanta.
February 11th, 2010 at 12:09 am
ali says:
we are witnessing the resurgence. and i’m lovin’ what the young boys in ok city and memphis are bringing. it’s some sorely needed, new jack funk. the league is in some very capable, exciting hands moving forward.
February 11th, 2010 at 10:03 am
illest says:
young teams….yes. there are some teams that need to be removed from the league too.
chris paul better hurry up and come back. just buggin. but the darren the brown hornet collison has filled in nicely.
why would rick pitino want to coach the nets unless he is going to rig the lottery to get wall?
February 11th, 2010 at 10:26 am
Blk Caesar says:
Durant is a phenomenal player and the thing that is scary about him as well as Lebron is that they haven’t even reached their peaks yet.. I really like that OKC team, and Memphis. They are fun to watch and they play hard.. I am still wondering when that light switch will click on for Rudy Gay.. He has all-NBA talent and has put up good numbers, but I just think he could be so much more.. Thoughts? and I am really happy for Jamal Crawford.. He has been balling this year for the Hawks..
February 11th, 2010 at 10:51 am
illest says:
gay is good and will get better. crawford will finally be in the playoffs.
February 11th, 2010 at 11:04 am
illest says:
i should say rudy gay is good and will get better lol
February 11th, 2010 at 2:17 pm
funkalot says:
Rudy is consistent. His present numbers are in line with his career outputs. It is not in his make-up to be a leader. He is a Scottie Pippen or Clyde Drexler type of “the man next to the man” not wanting to be the man dude.
February 12th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
illest says:
rudy will never be all nba though. hell have to beat out durant, melo and james for the next 10 years.
February 12th, 2010 at 3:08 pm
Blk Caesar says:
Illest,
The crazy part about your statement is that I realize of the guys you mention three of the four are from that Bmore – DC pipeline… Durant, Melo, and Rudy.. That area has bought the heat as far as talent.. Oh and there is a goodie high school game on tonight at 9pm on ESPNU (St. Pat’s vs. Oakhill)… That’s gets DVR’d though b/c I am watching the Rook/Sophomore game.
February 12th, 2010 at 4:35 pm
illest says:
that area is definitely bringing it right now.
February 15th, 2010 at 11:21 pm
funkalot says:
SEattle might be harder than DC-Balt, as an area spawning hoop stars.
They have the PG position on lock with:
Aaron Brooks, Nate Robinson, Rodney Stuckey, Jamal Crawford, Brandon Roy and JAson Terry. Then throw in: Spencer Hawes, Marvin Williams, Terrence Williams and Martell Webster and they are bringing it, for a metro with a little over 600 thousand.
February 16th, 2010 at 10:00 am
illest says:
funk….very true. but i would take durant over all of them.
February 16th, 2010 at 11:27 am
funkalot says:
Illest,
I would take Durant over all of them as well. However, it is mind boggling to think of the Northwest as a hotbed for hoops. Their sheer numbers for quality pros matches up with most of the more acclaimed metros: NY, CHI, ATL,PHI, LA and DC.
February 16th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
illest says:
very true, funkalot.
February 18th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Blk Caesar says:
Yo Ali.. The Wiz went straight “Mr. Belvedere” and cleaned house this week. However, I found something quite interesting about this trade b/c of Sebastian Telfair.. I remember a few years ago they had him and Lebron on the cover of another bball mag back when they were in high school.. I wonder if anyone will revisit that pic but with them both now in Cavs’ uniforms and maybe do a piece on how the different roads their careers have taken..
February 18th, 2010 at 2:26 pm
Ali says:
they were very cool w/ one another in high school blk caesar. i think bassy can help cleveland push the ball in spurts off the bench.
and durant above all those cats, no doubt, but i’ve been telling folks for a while that we need to do an in depth study to ascertain what it is about that seattle area that keeps the johnny pump gushing all this talent.