...and one giant leap for...

[Jeff White]

Al played the summer league this season -- and steadily improved, if memory
serves -- with an injury that required surgery soon after.  I'm not
convinced he'll ever become a star, but I'll certainly cut him some slack on
that front.  Who among us knows how painful that injury was and how much it
limited him?



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Ryan, Patrick S Maj RES USAFR 439 MSG" <Patrick.Ryan at westover.af.mil>
To: <celtics at igtc.com>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2006 3:25 PM
Subject: ...and one giant leap for...


> I'm sure what our first moon walkers had in mind for their immortal quote
> was the future of Gerald Green, et al.  Sarcasm aside, I'm curious what
> exactly is a giant leap? We really don't even know where they're leaping
> FROM in all actuality.  I have no clue what to expect from Telfair.  I'm
> pretty sure 10 ppg is a pretty good bet for Green, but he'll give up about
> the same on the defensive end.  Jefferson is the last enigma that isn't
> seemingly the riddle many think.
>
> Players can be taught skills - shooting, dribbling, etc, but I don't think
> I've ever seen a player "learn" work ethic, toughness, and an aggressive
> "want to" or drive.  The only thing that comes close is a contract year -
> that seems to be the universal motivator even for the lazy (unless they've
> been in the league 10 years and have so many millions they simply don't
> care). All the off-season puff pieces in the world won't convince me that
> Jefferson isn't really just another one in a long line of ultra-talents
> doomed to be just "okay" players in the league because they have no
desire.
> Joe Smith is a perfect example - touted as a star he remained just a
filler
> guy - potential wasted.  My honeymoon with Jefferson ended in this years'
> summer league.  He simply stunk...again...versus mediocre talent.  I don't
> think he'll even take "...one small step..." much less "...one giant
> leap...".
>
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------
--
> ------- 
>
> great point. if just one of your difference makers
> take a giant step this year, we're in for a very
> entertaining season. we know what we'll get from perk,
> gomes and west, and they're a rock-solid foundation to
> build on. but it's the other 3 that will make the
> biggest difference this year. if they all take major
> steps, we'll be dangerous. if not, we'll look like
>
> last year.
>
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