BlueSeats wrote:

Panos wrote:
Why? Would the Lakers be any worse with STAT instead of PGasol?

They might. Gasol is a very good passer. He's great on the high post playing the pick and role (sets a very good screen, can hit that midrange J, and can pass back out to Kobe). He's a less "dominant" scorer than Amare, but perhaps a more complimentary number 2 to Kobe.

As much as I'm loving Amare, he's really not a classic go-to guy who can get his own from anywhere on the floor. Neither is Gasol, but the roles and equations change for what you want out of your number 2 when you have a legit number 1 guy.

agreed.

Panos, my post wasn't about comparing STAT to PGasol or to suggest that Amare wouldn't also flourish next to Kobe.

Just that Gasol was also very good. His personality is more of a complimentary player than is Amare's.

NBA MVP Watch: Week 6 - Amar'e Stoudemire tearing it up!

its not just knicks fans talking STATVP any longer

With Stoudemire, the leadership starts on the plane ride. According to the coaching staff, Stoudemire can be seen on his laptop, replaying that day's game on the plane, sitting in the front, often talking to the coaches about strategy.

D'Antoni said he loves how Stoudemire has become a serious student of the game, exuding professionalism, and calls his mind "inquisitive."

Stoudemire and Felton's professionalism has rubbed off and filtered down to all the players.

"It's all about basketball now, watching film and studying," Stoudemire said. "And in my free time I'll read to educate myself."

Stoudemire said has been reading a "diverse book" -- Sun Tzu's Art of War.

"It's about trying to win a war without having a war," Stoudemire said. "I'm trying to apply those rules to basketball."

efw wrote:Some players get their max contract and do just enough to fend off criticism. Other players could care less about the $$$ and want to become Hall of Fame players. How do they do that?

With Stoudemire, the leadership starts on the plane ride. According to the coaching staff, Stoudemire can be seen on his laptop, replaying that day's game on the plane, sitting in the front, often talking to the coaches about strategy.

D'Antoni said he loves how Stoudemire has become a serious student of the game, exuding professionalism, and calls his mind "inquisitive."

Stoudemire and Felton's professionalism has rubbed off and filtered down to all the players.

"It's all about basketball now, watching film and studying," Stoudemire said. "And in my free time I'll read to educate myself."

Stoudemire said has been reading a "diverse book" -- Sun Tzu's Art of War.

"It's about trying to win a war without having a war," Stoudemire said. "I'm trying to apply those rules to basketball."

that's some telling stuff from a kid who could have easily taken the wrong path growing up, but didnt. he's reading sun tzu for christ's sake! UNBELIEVABLE. the more i learn about amare, the more i like him and what he has become. you couldnt have asked for anything else from your franchise player. this guy has exceeded all expectations on the basketball court and more importantly in life, where it really counts.