Enyspree: I think you and TKF have proven your points. I totally agree, I'll just hop aboard the bandwagon. The sports world is the playground for the reactionary. Somebody has a good game, or shows promise (and it’s a player mainstream America will accept) then people already start engraving their name into the Hall of Fame.

Around here at this board, it seems like some “knick fans” and I use that term loosely, will try and find any excuse to marginalize the organization in particular, and Zeke and Marbury specifically. Parker doesn’t have any where near the body of work of Marbury, but it didn’t stop some people. Parker has a couple of good games and oddly enough that is some sort of validation against Zeke and Marbury.

The mainstream media role in this is pretty shameful. Tony Parker is European, has the right features, is “non threatening”, and not from the “ghetto” so of course he gets hyped up. Meanwhile, Allen Iverson puts the Sixers on his back and leads them to the Finals in 2000 and all the media wants to do is talk about his posse, tattoos, and rap songs. The condescending drivel drips of the page when it comes to guys like A.I...no matter how good they are.

Furthermore, the press blames the NBA woes on the young Black American player and his supposed lack of skills. While every European is exalted and treated as if they all put up Dirk Nowitzki numbers. (speaking of Dirk, the media considers Dirk a star, while Chris Webber is a choke artist, neither has been to an NBA final)

“Euro’s work so much harder, and have so much more skills then our players” is a typical sentiment. Our = those blacks from the inner city. I just wont blame “the white man”, because Barkley has perpetuated the same junk.

All of this is nothing new tho…not surprised.

Some of the Euros go pro at 14 and don't have school to attend and don't live with family's anymore.

Physically they are undeveleoped vs. American players. They are not as strong as U.S. players at similar ages.

They don't work harder.

I do think Marbs is hyped a lot and nothing taken from him. He was far enough to be picked for the Olympics, and his talent is undeniable. Kidd overcame his image by WINNING. Parker now eliminated is gone and forgotten. Laker unity is the buzz.

Hell of a thread that took a life of its own.
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NBA will be very Pro Euro as they want to take over the leagues already there. IM suprised so many teams let their players walk even with buyout money.

Marbs and Iverson came out of college with a ton of hype, and high expectations. they were young, very talented and very brash. They put themselves under the microscope. And got huge money and shoes.

darko got a nice 3 year deal, no shoe and not much hype except the high pick. I see your point. Tony had no hype at all. A low risk pick for Spurs that turned out nice.

The media loves a cinderella story. Daniels and other low picks whom turn out did not have the hype coming out of school, but at least had the opportunity to rise. In fact, a second round pick whom shines has better upside cash potential than a late first rounder.

Dudes like Milos got hand as they making 2 million in Euroland, and don't have to come over here. That is until the money is more available. Thats how Euro Hype is born. Freaking Lampe was drafted right were he should have. Gms are afraid of passing up these kids in fear of missing the next Dirk. Darko has yet to even turn 19 yet, he is still growing into the next "Drago" (Rocky III). HE got Larry grooming him.

Can we talk about the hype Kwame Brown got??? And Michaels big blunder?? (MIke Starphuched himself) If the ansewr is his potential, then its similar to Darko, and other Players, regardless of background (US or Euro).

And the thread lives on................

Yes, seasoned players are desirable. The 21 yr old euro is well seasoned, certainly more than High School kid.

I agree with college. These kids understand a little more about life in general and have an education. They also realize life is more than owning the biggest SUV and 100 pair of sneakers. Being an 18 year old multi millonaire is cool, but lots of kids are not going to make it. They are coddled and idolized, but there is great pressure at the pro level and emotionally some might not be ready.

There are lebron and Amare, but here are the Kwame and Leons also. Is it any different risk to take an older player? They bust also.

I don't know the answer.

THe NBA needs to be both Ghetto and clean cut at the same time to appeal to different demographics. Its not one or the other. A guy like Marbury can jump on a street image cuz it makes him a ton of money in endorsments. Hang out with top rap artists and live that high life is big marketing. Shane Battier may be president one day, but his endorsments are not like other players.

IM not passing any kind of judgement. WHile I cannot relate to some of the marketing goals of the NBA and its sponsers, its not hard to see they are imaging to the existing culture that is youthful and the youth always has the rebellion in them. From Elvis to the beatles, stones, punk, grundge, to current Skateboard punk and hip-hop the younger market is a big one and full of attitude!

The Euro market is a big one. Basketball is huge and some great players are being developed. The NBA wants to expand into Europe. Europe while they hate us still like our hoop. ITs inevitable.

China out there also.

High School kids are way over hyped. The big fashion is "decaring for the draft" and then pulling out. It puts your name out there and creates the "cred" thing. Nobody complaining about that.

Chi town could have had Curry, brand, Artest in front court! Set for years and tough big men.

I don't have all they could have kept or not, but just those three could anchor a team for years!