Posted by Nalod:

Where are all the centers gone.

They either too skinny, or too dam fat!

Why no solid bid guys?

Are they turning into linemen instead of hoop?

Is 6'11 not big enough for center?

IS it a lack of skill at the position? Not enough foot work training?

Anybody think Jabbar would have made it today? Too skinny in his youth and that hook shot not macho enough for todays generation?

Shaq won't shoot free throws underhand cuz its not macho, even if it helps. Big guys don't hook anymore, yet it used to be a huge weapon!

Shaq shoots a hook. So they call it, but it's like a turn around 1 handed shot rather than a hook.

Posted by Bizzy211:

Posted by Nalod:

Where are all the centers gone.

They either too skinny, or too dam fat!

Why no solid bid guys?

Are they turning into linemen instead of hoop?

Is 6'11 not big enough for center?

IS it a lack of skill at the position? Not enough foot work training?

Anybody think Jabbar would have made it today? Too skinny in his youth and that hook shot not macho enough for todays generation?

Shaq won't shoot free throws underhand cuz its not macho, even if it helps. Big guys don't hook anymore, yet it used to be a huge weapon!

Shaq shoots a hook. So they call it, but it's like a turn around 1 handed shot rather than a hook.

Jump hook is what you mean. That Shy hook would happen at 15 feet. Unstoppable.

Kurt starts anew
as center of attention



BY FRANK ISOLA
DAILY NEWS SPORTS WRITER

There is a very good reason why Isiah Thomas fought until the bitter end to keep Dikembe Mutombo out of the deal for Jamal Crawford. It's the same reason why the Knicks are in no position to explore trade scenarios for Kurt Thomas unless they intend on getting a big man in return.
Neither Nazr Mohammed nor Vin Baker has distinguished himself in the preseason, leaving the Knicks with a big hole in the middle of their lineup and a dilemma for Thomas, the team president. Kurt Thomas' trade value has never been higher but he's also Lenny Wilkens' best option at center.

It's one thing to offer Thomas to the Golden State Warriors in a trade package for Erick Dampier. That's an obvious upgrade at center. But once Dampier landed in Dallas, and with the choices of quality big men at an all-time low, the Knicks should consider themselves fortunate the proposed trade of Thomas for Wally Szczerbiak fell apart.

Most scouts would rate Szczerbiak better at his position than Thomas. However, adding Szczerbiak and going into the season with Mohammed, Baker, Michael Sweetney and Jerome Williams as the team's top four big men could prove to be disastrous.

"I'm happy with the way that I've played," Thomas said. "I thought it was hilarious when people were writing that I may not start. I think I have to be out of the court for this team to win."

Entering tonight's game against the Mavs at the Garden, Thomas is averaging 10.8 points, 5 rebounds and 24.6 minutes and has made 24 of 40 shots. Mohammed, who likely will be the opening night starter, is averaging 5.8 points and 4.6 rebounds and has made just nine of 23 shots. Baker is averaging 6.4 points and three rebounds and has made 11 of 23 shots.



TIM OUT: Tim Thomas, who missed Friday's game against the Wolves due to a sprained left ankle, is not expected to play tonight.

Stephon Marbury, who dressed but did not play on Friday, will be back in the starting lineup tonight.

Originally published on October 24, 2004