Posted by newyorknewyork:
Nobody looks out for on another. If there ever was a time that Oakley was needed now is the time. If Oakley was here he would have had Stephon's back after he made those comments about being the best and the media was ripping Marbury every day. Getting Marbury's respect. He would do it even if he wasn't the biggest Marbury fan. But he would have done it because Marbury wears Orange & Blue just like him. And respect for the uniform would have pushed him to support Marbury. In return Marbury would respect Oakley's opinons when Oakley critisizes him. And probably would go all out for Oakley and Oakley would return the favor going all out for Marbury. Thats how chemistry is formed. Tim Thomas was right all along in the fact that nobody stepped up when Collins clobberd him. Its not about attacking Collins. But somebody should have gotten in his face. Again if Oakley was here he would have stepped up. And Tim Thomas would respect Oakley for looking out for him. It didn't bother me as much before because I never felt that most of these players would be here for long. But that doesn't matter. As soon as they put on the uniform the pride should be there. These guys need to start sticking up for each other on the court and in the media. Marbury should have definatly taken the more politically correct road in answering the question. But if his team also rally behind him if for nothing else than because he wears the orange and blue then we win more than 2games in the last 15. And getting that type of support from his teammates would make Marbury respect the and it would show on and off the court.
This collection of players(I don't even want to say team)quit on the season already. They get paid millions of dollars to bust there as and people pay big money to watch them bust there ass. It doesn't matter if they continue to lose. Its there job they are obiligated to go hard.
Show them some old tapes on how they use to play, and how they use to have each others back or something give them some motivation. Bring in Oakley, Starks, Harper, Mason, Ewing, LJ and have them do some guest appearances on what wearing the uniform meant to them. And that this current group is a dissgrace. And how they must bring the tradition back. Even if it doesn't have a huge effect on the veterans. It will on Crawford-Ariza-Sweetney, the future.
I think its a little naive to think wearing the colors automatically got your back. Im sorry, nobody stepped up for TT cuz they might not like tt, his effort, or his mouth. This being all private.
Nobody might not got Marbs back cuz he might be a real diva act knowing that Isiah got his back and can get over on things. Players will run thru walls for their leader, but that has got to be earn. We don't know what goes on behind doors, but this group had no character and good reputations before coming together, and that in itself could really contribute to a lack of respect, and self respect.
Ever play with a guy whom despite his talent, walked his own beat, intimidated all around him, including the coach, had his own agenda, and posse and was not interested in being with the team cuz he was too cool? That stuff just breaks up a team. Marbs has the power to abuse.
Im sorry, I wish it was that simple.
I always thought Oaks toughness was born from the collection of guys whom played well, partied togheter, and went to war together, and thus had each others back after the fact. Toughness and leadership takes time, but it takes effort.
But you need the right ingrediants first. To me, KT is the guy, but Marbs might be the divisor on the team.
