Re: Never Happen

["Jim Meninno" <jim_meninno@hotmail.com>]

You know, I've had almost the entire opposite impression of Antoine's 
physical abilities.  I've always considered him to be very quick, which 
I'll grant is different from being fast, but is more important in 
playing defense.  He's especially quick with the ball, which is a 
different skill altogether.  If he's so slow, why do we keep hearing 
comments like, the power forwards who guard Antoine just cant stay with 
him?  Also, I don't think he's got very good hops at all.  Sure, he 
dunks, but not that spectaularly compared to similar sized guys of 
today.  And when he contests a shot, look how much higher the other guy 
gets.  Funny how two people can watch the same thing and have such 
differing views.

What does any of it matter?  I don't know.  Bird wasn't quick, fast or a 
good leaper and he was the greatest player in my memory (I'm not that 
old).  Pierce doesn't strike me as that quick either, but his instincs 
more than make up for it on the defensive end.  Mercer's quicker and 
jumps better than both of them.  By far.  But he doesn't make nearly as 
much use of his abilities.  Bottom line?  I think 'Toine's got plenty of 
physical tools to be a good defender.

Jim

>From: Josh Ozersky <josh_ozersky@yahoo.com>
>To: peter delevett <pdelevett@amcity.com>, Celtics <Celtics@igtc.com>
>Subject: Never Happen
>Date: Wed, 17 Mar 1999 12:58:07 -0800 (PST)
>
> As for Antoine boxing out and playing
>defense, I think he tries, but he's not strong enough to box out power 
forwards (especially when he is playing on the perimeter) and he is too 
slow to ever be a first class individual defender.  People forget 
because he has good hops and is black that he is one of the slowest men 
on the team.  I think Larry Bird was faster than Antoine on the floor -- 
he always looks like he's running against the wind.

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