I don’t care how many points Charles Barkley has scored in his college and NBA career. Doesn’t matter how many rebounds he has snatched. Not to mention he made fun of Bobby Knight‘s shoes when he was trying out for the 1984 Men’s Olympic Baksetball team in which Knight was the head coach (the real reason he was cut from the team that went on to win the Gold Medal). I also don’t care that he is one of the best ‘in-studio’ analysts the game of basketball has to offer. He’s 100% wrong on LeBron James and the Cavaliers offense.
Each night Sir Charles mentions how the Cavs need to ‘diversify’ their offense. Barkley also thinks LeBron needs to pass the ball more.
Pass the ball more often, to whom?
I”m not sure the former ‘Round Mound of Rebound’ understands who Lebron is playing with?
King James distributes 8 assists per game! He’s going down as one of the greatest passers of all-time. When the Cavs need a bucket, put the ball in LBJ’s hands; end of story. A few seasons ago in a play-off game against Detroit, LeBron drove to the goal and kicked it out to the corner to a wide open teammate who missed the shot at the buzzer; Cavs lose. Everyone criticized James for passing the ball; that he should of shot it. Make up your mind. You want him to pass it or shoot it late in the game? Cavs head coach Mike Brown needs to keep doing what he is doing. Assistant coach Mikey Malone needs to keep calling the “LBJ-Iso” play. And just in case Barkley spends too much time in the Green Room at TNT, LBJ is turning Jamerio Moon into a household name.
—Boston Celtics future Hall-of-Famer Kevin Garnett‘s antics finally caught up with him. The NBA has suspended him for Game 2 against the Heat for getting into something silly on the sidelines during Game 1 with the Heat; he smacked Q-Rich with an elbow. Not good.
—Best point guard in the NBA? It’s hard to say but last night Deron Williams scored 33 points and dished out 14 assists in leading the Utah Jazz to the road win over the Denver Nuggets to tie the series at one game apiece.
—Will someone please tell me TNT’s Kenny Smith doesn’t receive a clothing stipend? If he does he better get someone to freshen up his look. That blazer he was rockin’ Monday night was hideous. Come on Jet, you’re from NYC, get down to the Village and pick up some nice duds.
—How about former Marquette Warrior Wesley Matthews (son of Yes Wes Matthews). The Jazz swingman plays with energy, passion and works hard. The guy finishes strong at the rim, sprints back on defense and keeps his mouth closed. Kids need to watch him. Speaking of the elder Matthews, Wes used to rock Spalding basketball shoes back in the day.
—X’s and O’s: You see so many NBA teams running ‘Horns-Up’. Why? Too many options off it to stop it. If you have a good passing big man at the elbow and a point guard who can move without the ball, it’s instant success.
-Coach Finamore
Hoops135@hotmail.com
I think the pass LeBron made against Detroit was the right choice – one he should do every time. He seems to understand what Michael Jordan learned during the first championship run – in order to win, you need to trust in your teammates. He is so much better/stronger/faster than anyone out there, I really respect his restraint – he could try and dunk on the Bulls every possession. But he knows that guys like Jamario Moon end up making the difference.
I agreed on his pass to the open teammate against Detroit. Some guys refuse to pass the rock in crunch time; that’s why they are home watching. I love watching James play, he’ll go down as one of the greatest of all-time when it’s said and done. If you want to exchange links, what’s your URL?