Re: Larry Bird's Rocket Comments

[Sherry & Hart <hartleyo@ix.netcom.com>]

Sherry & Hart wrote:
> 
> Cecil Wright wrote:
> >
> > On Thu, 30 Apr 1998, Sherry & Hart wrote:
> >
> > > DMercon wrote:
> > > >
> > > > I believe the Larry Bird quote "eat shit" was taken out of context.  He didn't
> > > > just make that statement, it was in response to Malone's comment that he could
> > > > go to a playground and pick 4 guys and with himself they could beat the
> > > > Celtics.  Maybe not the best choice of words, but not exactly like Mr. Hart
> > > > insinuated.
> > >
> > > Does that excuse Larry from making the comment or does it just show his
> > > immaturity at a young age. I only stated this because an awful lot of
> > > people on this list are on Antoine's case for showing immaturity. It is
> > > my feeling that I want Antoine to be arrogant when playing Basketball as
> > > long as it doesn't spill over to off court behavior. But I guess maybe
> > > most people on this list want a bunch of do gooders to play for the
> > > Celtics. I for one don't. All the great teams in my memory all had
> > > players that showed an arrogance and confidence while playing. Think
> > > about it, that is what builds champion teams.
> >
> > I do not equate arrogance with greatness.  Dr. J was great.  IMO he
> > wasn't arrogant, but by your definition, he should have been.  Antoine
> > could be great.  Time will tell, but we know where he is on the arrogance
> > scale.  And while it may not be any hindrance to you, it is to me.  I'm
> > tired of stating the same thing repeatedly about how other players use
> > his antics as motivation and how juvenile he behaves with the refs etc.
> > It just doesn't seem to click that if you're gonna take that route, you
> > damn well better be able to sink your free throws for example.  Back it
> > up with something other than an abundance of shots taken.
> >
> > I like Toine's potential, but after 2 years in the league, he hasn't
> > earned his stripes enough to strut his stuff like he does.  His stuff has
> > helped us to
> > a great turnaround in our W/L %, but he hardly did it alone, though he
> > did lead the way.  Make the playoffs, show some consistency, work on his
> > weaknesses, praise his teammates rather than himself.  Those are the
> > requirements of a good team player/leader
> >
> >  My real
> > > hope is now that we sign him and then work on Mercers personality and
> > > get him to show a bit of a swagger on the court.
> > > We could have in our midst 2 of the top 10 players to come on to any
> > > team of the same age since the Bulls Jordan/Pippen duo.
> > > Regards,
> > > Hart
> > >
> > I'd argue that we should leave Mercer alone.  He obviously is quite
> > comfortable being a part of a team, without seeking additional spotlight
> > on himself.  Ron should be praised for having a hardworking honest effort.
> >
> > Cecil
 I love both these guys but I want personality on the court not robots.
 Regards,
 Hart