That’s a huge part of what makes LBJ elite and Steph not quite elite. If we’re talking about something like “who can put the ball in the hole from a few feet without actually dunking it”, Steph might even be the GOAT at that skill.
Nah, Tony Parker.
They shoot the exact same % for their career but Tony took a third of his shots there where Steph is more like a sixth. I thought Kyrie was better but his numbers are worse for his career (although last year was basically the equivalent to Steph’s best while again on higher volume).
Those are the only three guys I looked up so someone else may have a better case but TP would be up there for top points in the paint in a given season throughout his career and I don’t know that he ever dunked.
Parker is another great example. The dude had all sorts of short jumping floaters that were pretty close to the basket but aren’t really finishing at the rim, imo.
This is another important point regarding the impact of Steph.
Kids on the playground can’t try to emulate players like Lebron or Shaq, because most people don’t have the body type that they do. But Steph just looks like some normal dude. Sure, he’s taller than the average male, but only by like 2 standard deviations rather than 4 or 5.
Regardless of size, anyone can at least try shooting 3s. Steph made shooting 28 footers in rhythm cool. You can definitely see that influence in the next half-generation.
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Rewatching game 4. Steph is the most talented player to ever touch a basketball.
I really wonder what a 6’6’’ Steph Curry would look like. Might win 10 rings.
I think his size helps him tbh.
How?
It would massively benefit his defense and finishing at the rim. Would also help allow him to add more midrange into his game.
Don’t see how being shorter helps you in bball
It becomes harder to control everything with the size- probably some “touch” trade off for the size. If you can keep the exact same skill set at 2-3 more inches-sure.
Basically this. Don’t think he has the same athleticism/endurance and kind of ability to just run around the perimeter/screens at 6’6. No guarantee the shooting is as good either. Maybe the handles aren’t as good either.
Dribble lower, fewer turnovers?
Similar here except a friends driveway and the backboard was mounted to the garage. Prolly 8.5 feet.
Also a pretty narrow court with a drop off to the left occupied by Sparky the chained dog who could almost but not quite bite your ass in the corner. Needless to say, if the ball went out of bands, our friend was the only one to retrieve the ball (back then it was pretty normal for dogs to be chained outside).
I can’t believe we didn’t break a wrist trying to block dunks.
Another buddy had a backboard right on a concrete block wall at normal height. Some were pretty skilled at running up the wall to dunk. I did a couple of times but out of like a hundred tries.
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I want to despise Kobe but really dig stories about his work ethic and drive to win.
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Also, without Kobe, what would we say when we toss something into the office waste basket?
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“Mikan!”
Kyrie for Westbrook and 2 frps.
I’d be amazed if they don’t resign him regardless. They are still over the cap if he dips so they can’t add someone in FA. I doubt he fetches much in a S&T if he wants out. In those circumstances the team with the guy about to go into FA gets fleeced.
They’re basically going to have to max him. I’m sure they want to add some performance metrics or games played stipulations and he ain’t having it lol. They will fold though, not resigning him would be an absolute disaster, plus he’s KDs best friend.
https://twitter.com/scottagness/status/1538915425404309504?s=21&t=8tqpTvUKAcNx3Ap8qDIx4g
Tell me you don’t want to be drafted to the Kangz without telling me you don’t want to be drafted by the Kangz.