Passing The Time: 101Q Series for the Summer #10

by LJRotter on Aug 31, 2010 12:57 PM CDT

Straight. Up. Dominating. (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)

I fail.

There's no excuse. All I can do is apologize for slacking so hard.

Since it's been a bit slow, other than tracking our international players as they dominate abroad (JJ is playing out of his mind...) we haven't had much to talk about on MMB so I'll put a few questions up today. I'm skipping one because we've sort of already answered it, so we'll pick up with questions 24-27.

24. What's the most important ingredient for success in the NBA?

25. If you could pull any coach from history to lead your current squad who would it be and why? (this can be active coaches as well.)

26. Chemistry: key to victory or completely overrated? (we should have plenty to say about this, as we made some major roster changes mid-season.)

27. Would you rather be the owner, coach, or General Manager of the Mavericks and why? (I believe this is referring to what power you'd have over your team. Otherwise we'd all say Cubes because he's filthy rich.)

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alright then I'll get the ball rolling.

24. The most important ingredient? At the risk of sounding totally superficial, I’d say natural talent. If you look at the guys who are successful in college but don’t make it in the NBA, many times they have the drive and the work ethic, but that just isn’t enough when you get to the big leagues. Anyone can work hard and practice all day every day but when it comes down to it, you stand out and succeed as a professional if you’ve got that extra something that makes you freakishly good… size, vertical jump, wingspan…
25. I’m obsessed with Coach K. He stays at Duke because he loves it… so don’t give me that ‘he can’t coach professionals’ bull. After all, he won gold, right?
26. Chemistry may not be the only thing required to succeed, but without it, I think it’s safe to say you’re doomed. I will use the WNBA as an example… the NY Liberty got a whole slew of new players at the beginning of the year and SUCKED despite the insane amount of individual talent. Once they started gelling, they went on a 10-game win streak and are now playing to advance to the conference finals.
27. I think being the owner would be the most fun of the 3 jobs… less pressure. Just provide the money and give the ok… and then try and bring as many people to the games as possible.

by LJRotter on Aug 31, 2010 4:05 PM CDT reply actions

questioning my answer for 24

I may have underrated talent in my answer. The most talented players should definitely play more than less talented players. But given that a player has a lot of talent, then desire and intensity puts them over the top.

by young guns on Aug 31, 2010 8:48 PM CDT up reply actions

good questions

24. There are a lot of players in the NBA that have extraordinary athleticism, intelligence, and dimensions for that matter. And all great players have at least one of these attributes. But to me this question is about what makes some better than others.
When I look at players like Barkley, Rodman, or Jason Kidd, I see a different quality that allows them to excel. Even in the greats like Bill Russell, Kobe Bryant, Larry Bird, or Michael Jordan, there is something else that comes into play other than raw talent or size.
To me, the things that makes a player truly great are desire and intensity.

25. Coach? I don’t have a good answer for this question. But I’ll try.
At the pro level of basketball, most coaches have a thorough understanding of the game. But at this level it’s not so much about the teaching as it is about evaluating talent and getting the most out of it. IMO, it comes down to being able to put the best players on your team on the floor at the right time and subbing appropriately. Also the coach needs to have the confidence of the players that he will make the right personnel decisions, including not overplaying players that cannot physically handle it. So maybe, Phil Jackson.

26.Chemistry is a huge factor in any team sport. Team chemistry is important for players and the coaches. And to a lesser extent, management as well.
I can’t think of any championship team that did not have great team chemistry.

27.I’m not an expert in basketball. But i think being the coach would be the best because you are a part of the game.

by young guns on Aug 31, 2010 8:08 PM CDT reply actions

x

24. a competent front office, and player evaluation
25. i’ll say phil jackson cause he has all those fucking rings.
26. if with “chemistry” comes improved execution of offense and defense, then yeah it’s important. otherwise, it’s just an abstract concept that needs numbers to support its existence.
27. owner, he has final say

by buckets on Aug 31, 2010 9:52 PM CDT reply actions

24. What’s the most important ingredient for success in the NBA? Two major stars. Once can get covered too easily.

25. If you could pull any coach from history to lead your current squad who would it be and why? I dunno, maybe soccer coach Brian Clough. He was a genius when it comes to leading underdogs to success.

26. Chemistry: key to victory or completely overrated? Overrated, though you shouldn’t have more than 1 nutjob on the team.

27. Would you rather be the owner, coach, or General Manager of the Mavericks and why? Owner, especially if he’s not a Methuselah but still a young guy like Cuban

"Listening to the media only increases your odds of failing at whatever you are doing" - Mark Cuban

by Norsktroll on Sep 1, 2010 5:20 PM CDT reply actions