Posted by eViL:
Everyone's knock on Steph is that his dominance of the ball stagnates the teams offense. He's not a PG because he doesn't get everyone involved. He doesn't pass until late in the clock and this prevents the team from running a play with any sort of fluidity. He doesn't play defense. He's a stat whore. He's not a good teammate. He'd be better as a SG because another point guard would do a better job running the offense.
I believe that there's some truth to all of those criticisms.
I remember having a PG that didn't dominate the ball. He was a guy that passed early in the clock, played hard-nosed ball, played defense and was a great teammate. His name was Charlie Ward and everyone hated him. People dogged Ward to no end. People were begging for a PG who could break a defense down and get his teammates easy baskets.
Sometimes you're damned if you do, damned if you don't.
For all the knocks on Marbs, he does a lot of things really well. He shoots a great percentage. He gets to the rim consistently. He draws fouls on opposing players. He plays a great pick and roll. He's capable of pushing the ball. He's durable. He breaks teams down and gets his teammates wide open looks.
And while I think the criticisms I listed above are all based on some degree of truth - I don't think it makes Marbury a dud. He's been running the team way better all season. He's getting the ball to his teammates earlier in the clock. I see him playing hard on D. I see him rebounding. I see him diving on the floor for loose balls. All of these things are uncharacteristic. I think he has it in him to change and take the next step.
My biggest problem with Marbury is his composure. He doesn't handle adversity well. This is where LB can help him the most. Brown isn't gonna help Marbury or the team by trying to turn the guy into something he is not (ie. Bob Cousy). Brown's job is to turn Marbury into a leader and if there's anyone that's up to the task it's LB. Once Marbury learns how to lead the team, he'll be composed and the team will be composed.
The only thing that doesn't make sense to me, is your reliance on all the media garbage in your judgment of Marbury. This is about basketball. We both watch the same games. Save the "he said, she said" crap for women (no offense ladies).
I'm not a stat guy, I'm not a rumor mill guy - I'm a basketball fan; specifically - a Knicks fan. Last season, when I would get done watching a Knicks loss, I'd be dissappointed. This year, when the team loses, there's something about the way that they play that makes me think that they are gonna put it all together eventually. I can sense their improvement. And Marbury's adjustments have been a part of that.
Read my quote - that's what it's all about.
Good post.
I believe our differences boil down to two things.
1) You don't appreciate that I backup my assertions with news reports. Sorry but I've been called a "liar" enough that I come prepared to backup my claims. I also don't just talk out my butt - or when i do I'll let you know that it's just my opinion.
But in no way should the historical record on Steph from coaches, teammates and GMs be considered soap opera or drama. It's merely the historical record, if it seems petty or overly dramatic that is the result of his own doings. He seems to have a knack for creating drama.
2) You seem convinced it will all work out with a happy ending. I'm not convinced it will or wont. I don't do a whole lot of future speculation, mostly I like to break down what I see. But the Steph supporters will take anything one has to say if it's followed with some sort of blue sky ending about how he's getting it, and it's all gonna come together and we'll be contenders sooner rather than later, and we'll all be thankful for Steph and Isiah.
Sorry, that's just not my style. I've been around too long to think that everything always works out like we want it to; that all potentials are fulfilled; and the Knicks we have some predetermined destiny for greatness on our side. I see us as a young team trying to shortcut a rebuild, built of high risk and unconventional talent, trying to improve, but also trying to keep pace with other improving teams in the league.
Anyway, it's late, I wont get into an extended ramble. Lets just accept that we're all entitled to like different types of players. I like Steph's penetrations, but little else. I think he's a better one-on-one player than team player. And he's disappointed me with his intensity level last year, his telling coaches to stuff their criticisms, his reputation for slacking in practice, and his always finding himself in the center of turmoil. he's got some degree of talent, but it's not worth it if it comes at the expense of chemistry and teamwork.
Maybe it will all turn out for the best. Time will tell...
