Career 1-team Players

[shadowgrin]

But I thought Yao already say no to the national team for the upcoming events?

Because he has a legitimate excuse now being injured to the point of being unable to play or retire. If he ever gets his old form back, the national team will probably make him feel guilty and ungrateful in not playing for them.

[Fresh8]

But I thought Yao already say no to the national team for the upcoming events?

Because he has a legitimate excuse now being injured to the point of being unable to play or retire. If he ever gets his old form back, the national team will probably make him feel guilty and ungrateful in not playing for them.

Actually, he might have said no after the 2008 Olympics. I also vaguely remember something like that.

[Andrew]

If he ever gets his old form back, the national team will probably make him feel guilty and ungrateful in not playing for them.

"In theory, communism works. In theory."

[shadowgrin]

Love that scene, with Stampy if I recall.

Actually, he might have said no after the 2008 Olympics. I also vaguely remember something like that.

That's the word, after. IIRC, Yao had just come off rehabilitating his injury after that NBA season. He played and said the obligatory things about playing for your country and stuff, which I doubt was his own decision and Yao probably wanted to rest some more during the summer.
He wasn't 100% in that Olympics. His teammates know it, even the team 'officials' know it.

[Martti.]

- Dirk
- Tony Parker
- Pierce
- Duncan
- Yao
- Dwight
- Michael Redd (If that injury is career-ending)

I also would like Haslem to be on that list, but I think his big contract and the summer of 2010 approaching he's going to be dealt.

[NovU]

He did make some remarks about wanting to be able to legitimately compete for championships and making a decision based on that desire, but he chose his words carefully and didn't outright say that he had no confidence in Miami or any words to that effect. Ultimately he didn't demonstrate a desire to leave, but he didn't pledge lifelong loyalty to the organisation either. Having said that, right now I'm guessing the chances of the Heat keeping them are pretty good albeit with a slim chance that the right situation elsewhere could change his mind about remaining in Miami.

Yeah, he did talk about that. He also talked about his desire to play with Lebron as they're good friends. But realistically, when it's time team owners start bringing their check books out, not everything about signing will be for desire to play for a championship or to play with somebody they are close to.

But I got to admit that Wade seemed to be enjoying all these speculations little bit too much at times whereas Lebron already stated that he won't talk about it no more.

[shadowgrin]

Wade already won a ring. It's all about the money now. Max money.

[benji]

Them all winding up in Miami is more likely than all gathering somewhere else. Good weather, no state income tax, plus ability to all be paid the max? Throw in the obvious everyone flocking to the team.

I think I talked about this with Jae, if these stars were smart, they'd settle for cheaper salaries on one team, make it up in endorsements and steam roll the league as the resulting All-Star team wins every single year.

Although I have been mildly shocked that players aren't taking low salaries to spend two or three years with LeBron. They should look at the players who got big contracts out of Nash.

[shadowgrin]

I think LeBron hasn't earned the meme of 'making his teammates better' from the media.

[NovU]

Them all winding up in Miami is more likely than all gathering somewhere else. Good weather, no state income tax, plus ability to all be paid the max? Throw in the obvious everyone flocking to the team.

I think I talked about this with Jae, if these stars were smart, they'd settle for cheaper salaries on one team, make it up in endorsements and steam roll the league as the resulting All-Star team wins every single year.

Although I have been mildly shocked that players aren't taking low salaries to spend two or three years with LeBron. They should look at the players who got big contracts out of Nash.

It's such a fun thought Lebron and Wade playing together, even though I doubt they will mesh well like Jordan and Pippen did back in the days. Won't Miami be second NBA team with the most cap space at the end of the season? I agree with you that the chance is good for Miami if they agree to play together. I also wouldn't mind seeing them in NYK if that is going to happen.

[koberulz]

I think LeBron hasn't earned the meme of 'making his teammates better' from the media.

I really don't get people who claim the notion that someone makes their teammates better is misguided. If you're playing with a great passer, you're going to end up with easier shots than if you were playing with a poor passer, and thus shoot a higher percentage.

[NovU]

It's also a presence of certain players that can draw defense's attention. Some players are just gifted in that ways, making it easier for others to be good. It doesn't neccessarily involve great passing skills sometimes, imo.

[benji]

If you're playing with a great passer, you're going to end up with easier shots than if you were playing with a poor passer, and thus shoot a higher percentage.

If you're playing with a great shooter, you're going to end up with easier passes than if you were playing with poor shooters, thus get a lot more assists.

It's a correlation, but not a causation you can prove. I mean, it'll be very difficult for you to name and defend any players who alone supposedly made their teammates better.

[Fresh8]

Actually, he might have said no after the 2008 Olympics. I also vaguely remember something like that.

That's the word, after. IIRC, Yao had just come off rehabilitating his injury after that NBA season. He played and said the obligatory things about playing for your country and stuff, which I doubt was his own decision and Yao probably wanted to rest some more during the summer.
He wasn't 100% in that Olympics. His teammates know it, even the team 'officials' know it.

Oh yeah, he wasn't supposed to be ready for the Games. I think I would have rated him at 70%. He came back because he wasn't going to miss it which was fair enough. I still think he chose to come back for the Olympics, it makes a lot of sense for me. I don't think the Chinese forced him back.

What I was saying that after the Olympics he asked for a break from national duties so I think they only expect him to play every second year. Too bad he hasn't really recovered ever since.

[Dee.]

I Would add Chris Paul.