Like Most of You (I Assume), Kobe Thinks Kevin Durant Can Play
And like most of you (I assume), Kobe has never met or spoken to Kevin Durant, which is why he's annoyed by Chip Brown's Dallas Morning News article claiming The New Jack Bauer put in a call to the uber-Longhorn on behalf of Nike. "It's complete B.S.," snorted Bryant. "I don't know him. I've never spoken to him. Obviously, he's a phenomenal talent, watching him play on TV a couple times. But I don't know him."
Kobe was surprised to arrive at practice this morning and have an assistant trainer (who knew the piece was "non-sensical" from the jump) mockingly ask about contacting Durant. "I don't know where they got that story from, where they got that idea from, or where they came up with that, but they might want to start checking their facts first." When a reporter joked that "we never do that," Bryant laughed, then added, "The good ones normally do." Kobe hasn't actually read the piece, outside of the opening paragraph mentioning him. But really, he doesn't need to, since that's the only place his name even comes up, with no further details or elaboration. "That's crazy. Don't just print something that's just completely false that makes no sense whatsoever. It's just really unprofessional."
Cue AK climbing on his soapbox.
As someone who's never denied that there are some media hacks churning out your news, but also stands firmly by the notion that we're not all hacks, I gotta side with Kobe on this one. I'm sorry, but you can't just drop a potential bombshell at the top of an article without even crediting a source- even one remaining anonymous- and providing at least a remote explanation as where this nugget surfaced. At least pull "a little birdie" out of your hat. It also wouldn't have killed him to approach Kobe or a "Team Kobe" member for comment, which doesn't appear to have been the case. And just dropping Kobe's name at the beginning and never addressing him again not only feels like an attention grab- Brown might as well have opened the article with topless photos of Angelina Jolie- but it wasn't even necessary from a writing perspective. The second paragraph with Rick Barnes betting a steak dinner that Durant will return would have worked fine as an opener. Mentioning Kobe/Nike (especially in such fashion) smacks more of "juicy" than "informative." Honestly, Brown would have been better off either sharing more background or simply writing that "an NBA All-Star/Nike client" made contact with Durant and leaving it at that.
Anyhoo, that's my two cents...
As far as news that I don't see Kobe denying goes, even with Lamar Odom and Luke Walton up and running, Phil Jackson's not sure Bryant won't be doing the lion's share of scoring for a little while longer. But it's different than last season, when Kobe often felt like he was fending for himself. "Neither (Odom or Walton) are at 100% by any means, but they know how to get him the basketball and they create easier shots for him, so I think that's one of the reasons why he's had a resurgence of scoring here recently," Jackson said. When I suggested the recent scoring burst is more about Kobe capitalizing on increased opportunities created for him, as opposed to doing everything to make opportunities even possible, Phil agreed, citing his experienced players "knowing the offense and how to use each other in the offense."
I'd like to credit everything y'all, BK and I have written as catalyst for the recent time spent focusing on transition D, but I'll go out on a limb and say the coaching staff sensed the need on their own. Unfortunately, with so many guys still on the mend, the team can't really run much in practice. Thus, they've spent a lot of time breaking down breakdowns and analyzing the art of D, but not really working it at full speed. Obviously, learning without practicing may not translate into stops when transferred to the real deal, but what can you do? And who knows? If the Lakers can lay out in utterly convincing terms how they would have stopped a fast break, were they capable, maybe a few opponents will be intimidated by the explanation and quit in mid-stride. But it needs to be a really good argument.
Finally, Brian Cook is still hurting and won't be traveling to Memphis and the Big Easy. And on a completely random note, can you picture a back-to-back offering better food? BBQ followed by Cajun grub, both served in the arguable meccas of either style? I'd be using part of my per diem to Fed-Ex to-go orders back to L.A.
AK
Are you going to contact Durant on behalf of the blog, so that some other blog doesn't get his endorsement first?
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 21, 2007 at 04:34 PM
Ex,
We're trying, but it'll be tough. From what I hear, Durant's got a three-blog deal offer on the table from Gatorade that's pretty sweet. I'm not sure we can compete. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 21, 2007 at 04:41 PM
Its been a long time since I left you... without a strong quote to step too! What up Blog Fam? Its been a minute and a lot has happened with our squad & apparently the look of the blog. AK/BK, the new look is cool but I'll always remember our gold borders!!!
The Lakers have two extremly winnable games coming up but we all know how winnable games can become "how in the hell did they lose to (put wack team here)?!" But I feel great about the momentum Black Jack Bauer has given us and look forward to the next few games!!!
Just wanted to drop you cats a line...
Peace & Love AND GO LAKERS!!!!
Posted by: Mitch | March 21, 2007 at 04:42 PM
AK,
You actually suggested something to Phil!?? And not only did he do you the honor of listening, but even went that extra mile and agreed with you??
Damn, it must be your birthday. Where do I sign up for that ride?
Posted by: J. Walter Weatherman | March 21, 2007 at 04:56 PM
Weatherman,
While I appreciate the props, when I say "suggested," I mean it more like "supposed" or "threw out the idea" for him to either agree or not agree, as opposed to enlightening Phil. I don't wanna make it sound like I think I opened the guy's eyes to something he'd never thought of before.
That said, my birthday's in about 2 and a half weeks, if you wanna start the shopping. haha
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | March 21, 2007 at 05:03 PM
The article about Kobe aside, I think this raises a bigger issue...
After reading the constant flow of crap that goes through the media these days, you would think that someone would have petitioned for regulations against the media.
The "News" and entertainment have become intertwined in recent decades, and the media has gotten out of hand. The general news is not enough anymore for major television stations and newspapers. News on the war isn't enough, it has to be a production with a creative name ("Operation Desert Storm") We dont just watch sports anymore, we get just as much commercial time as game time, plus constant updates on players personal lives. Britney Spears drinking problems can somehow be stated in the same breath as the North Korean nuclear issue.
It's sad really, but this is the system our government wants. It sure does a great job of clouding the real problems of the world.
I come here to talk about the Lakers with like-minded sports fanatics. I don't care about the players' personal lives or the fact that Gatorade is the "official sports drink of the NBA". And I certainly don't care about who Kobe Bryant spoke with on the phone with the other day, whether it's true or not.
Posted by: DR | March 21, 2007 at 05:08 PM
One love! Mtich, come on back! lol
AK...I heard from my neighbor, who heard from his cousin, who heard from his momma, that knows Durant's momma, that Kevin Durant is coming here, is that printable? Well "Vescey's" sources sure are haha.
Posted by: Faith | March 21, 2007 at 05:13 PM
kobe just missed a freethrow in practise today.lets trade him...
Posted by: Kiwi | March 21, 2007 at 05:57 PM
Faith,
Please tell LoLo - good job. Look in at his blog now and then. Its Neverland. Place for Happy Thoughts.
Posted by: p ang | March 21, 2007 at 05:58 PM
Kobe left the seat up in the locker room...lets trade him
Posted by: Kiwi | March 21, 2007 at 06:00 PM
Have you mentioned to Phil that you can connect him with someone who will fix Kwame's problems? THink of the publicity that would garner for the Lakersblog!!
Posted by: exhelodrvr | March 21, 2007 at 06:21 PM
Yeah, it's refreshing to get a post from Mitch, how's your son? Is he ready to be a D'League PG?
Faith, there is no way Lakers can get Kevin Durant, if ever he opted to the draft he will be in low draft, even if we suck this season I don't think we'll compete from 1 - 10. With regards to Kevin, I value education more than being a professional. He needs more seasoning and bring Texas at least to Final 4. If he can't pass the Trojans, then he's not ready for the 82 games. Looking back, Jordan Farmar should have stayed with the Bruins rather sitting on the bench waiting for someone to get injured in order to play. Can you imagine if farmar is with Bruins today, at least they can guarantee the game against the Pitt. plus of course the college education at UCLA.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 21, 2007 at 06:36 PM
DR,
Times have changed. The thread of a pair of Nike extend to the thread of the Blog picking up a thread of newsy from Dallas Morning news as long as all threads share the butter. I'm sure you get what I meant. We are now in reality shows, we don't know what's real and what's imaginary just follow the path of $$$, eventually, we also forget the old color of this blog.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 21, 2007 at 06:56 PM
Kevin Durant is just a freshman, but he can play in the NBA, because he can turn around and shoot the ball quick, he has mid-range jumper, it's hard to defend him, he just needs to gain more weight.
Posted by: bluesky | March 21, 2007 at 07:28 PM
Hey, guys.
I haven't posted in awhile. The computer terminal's been on lock-down at work, and I normally don't get to log in from home, much.
But, I think it is completely irresponsible to suggest to someone that they stay in school once they have elevated themselves to lottery status. That is a lottery ticket that you are telling someone to hold onto and hope doesn't get accidentally washed in the laundry. For a whole year.
A millionaire can get a college education at any time in any place at his/her leisure.
What if he slips in the shower next year?
Irresponsible.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 21, 2007 at 07:50 PM
exheldvr, tha show, wondahbap, ny laker fanatic,
WOW! how could it be possible to think that i really meant sasha is a better clutch player than kobe and mj???
would it have been better to put "lol" at the end?
like i said, not even I, the sasha lover, can excrete such blashemy...
Posted by: greek dude | March 21, 2007 at 07:54 PM
Chick Hearn said Elgin Baylor was the best player he ever saw play.
I believe him.
How I wish I could have seen him play.
Go Clippers!
GO LAKERS!
Posted by: Jon Kavulic | March 21, 2007 at 08:03 PM
If the NBA doesn't suspend Dirk for that elbow against Lebron then we'll know it's something against Kobe.
That elbow was bad and he was trying to create space, just like Kobe with the guy from Philly, but it was an elbow to the face and Lebron fell, so there needs to be a suspension for Dirk. If not then where is the consistency?
Posted by: lakofan | March 21, 2007 at 08:13 PM
FearlessWhackjob,
Welcome back. Yeah, it's really irresponsible if you close your eyes to a sure Million bucks and opt for education. I just think education will lead u to Million bucks not only for a short run but in the long run when your skills have passed you by and if you're truly a gifted player staying longer in College will hone your skills that prepares you well as a professional than a part-timers or struggling benchwarmer. However, you may be correct too, that money on your hand can buy material things soonest than than an IOU in the future. Just my take.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 21, 2007 at 08:14 PM
What's this? Elbow-gate continues?? Oh, somebody please do hook me up. I wanna see it!
Posted by: Tucker | March 21, 2007 at 08:20 PM
Tucker,
It was the last minute of the fourth quarter and an offensive foul was called on dirk, they mentioned that maybe he would get suspended, but you know since most of the media is in favor of all the players except Kobe, they said no,no he was just trying to create space, Uhhh???
What was Kobe trying to do?
Biased media, and Luke's dad is in that mix, it was a BAD elbow and Lebron fell to the floor, it needs to be a suspension, like I said before, if there's not one, then we'll know the NBA has it for Kobe.
Posted by: lakofan | March 21, 2007 at 08:28 PM
I taught the pirpose of education was to learn what you would need to get a job? As in taking law to be a lawyer, journalism to be a journalist, etc. Now, if i already lhave the skils to be what I want, say carpentry to be a carpenter, what the heck for should I go to college for? Do I need to be a professional engineer to practice my craft? Add that I'll be paid millions to do it NOW, how hard a decision is that? Waiting 4 years is aloss of income in the tens of millions.
Posted by: p ang | March 21, 2007 at 08:36 PM
awwww, nice aaliyah reference mitch
good to see ya around
Posted by: CBuck | March 21, 2007 at 08:50 PM
P ang,
As someone who once didn't go to college... then did later on. I can tell you that the value of college is less about job prospects (though this is a VERY strong reason for it) and more about furthering your own understanding of the world around you. For me, that was even bigger than graduating with a business degree...
There's more than one way to learn, of course, but in retrospect, college is well worth it. If anyone, though, had the chance to go lottery, then get the hell out of school and go pro! College is almost better when you're older anyway... was for me.
Tim aka henceforth Tim-4-Show
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 21, 2007 at 08:57 PM
Tim aka henceforth Tim-4-Show,
You must lead a very sheltered life to need a college education to further your understanding of the world around you. Try a newspaper next time. j/k.
And yes, I do have a degree, and more. Trade it all to have NBA skills.
Posted by: p ang | March 21, 2007 at 09:32 PM
If you're majoring in basketball ya might as well get on the job training. What's the point of reading some Shakespeare sh#$t when the NBA gonna hook ya up with mad bucks.
Will there ever be another Bill Bradley? Ptinceton All American, Rhodes Scholar, NBA champion with the Knicks and Senator. Today, most of the players that speak fluent English are European. How 'bout another Kareem?
Author, historian and the best damn center to ever lace 'em up. It's ironic that as life expectacny expands, kids goals become short sighted. If you're Durant kind of good, it won't matter what year you apply for superstardom.
Posted by: Vman | March 21, 2007 at 09:46 PM
Lakers are going to lose tommorrow. They should learn when you see crap on the road, you're suppose to step over it and not slip on it.
Posted by: Never | March 21, 2007 at 09:49 PM
the best thing i've read in awhile. It's a post on slam from one of their writers. Seriously this dude is on point to the tenth degree.
Max Airington says:
Michael Jordan became who he was not only due to his talent and desire, but also because of his immaculate timing. He arrived on the scene when sports media and marketing were still in their developmental stages, and used his business acumen to establish himself as a force in the market. This was on top of being the best basketball player on the planet. There will never be another MJ, because not only would a player have to match his on court accomplishments, they would also have to completely revolutionize the way the sport is viewed and marketed. Its tough to be the guy who has to follow that act. Kobe came in and wanted to build from Money’s blueprint only to fail miserably. Not on the court, but in his projection of himself to the public at large. His behavior and mannerisms seemed calculated right down to his blinks. His first deviation from that cookie cutter image left him accused of rape, which apparently did nothing to enhance his ’street cred’-a facet of today’s NBA that MJ never would have acknowledged. All of Kobe’s moves are immediately placed under suspicion and overanalyzed due to his history of questionable behavior. Even if he literally took a bullet for LeBron, and pushed Wade out of the way of a speeding car, there would be speculation on his motivations. Then theres Shaq. It never ceases to amaze me how people continually give this guy a pass for his petulance. The fact of the matter is that he is extremely sensitive, and needs constant attention. Ask Phil Jackson. The way he tried to lay blame on Kobe for his trade to Miami is hilarious. As if his cursing out Jerry Buss during a pre-season game about his undeserved contract extension might have had something to do with it. It was primarily a business decision. Even if Kobe took out a full page ad in the LA Times, professing his love for Big, Buss was never going to give $20mil a season to an out of shape, injury prone, aging center. After watching him limp through this postseason would you want to owe him $80mil over the next four years? Yeah, me neither. More importantly, for all the Jordan comparisons that are thrown Kobe’s way, I’ve only heard one person bring attention to the most important question….could Michael have played with Shaq? The man said himself that he didn’t know what he would do. Michael was blessed with another excellent wing player that allowed him to roam freely around the court, posting or playing the perimiter as the situation dictated. He couldnt do that with a 7′2″ 350lb center clogging the driving lanes and constantly demanding the ball. Money was even more headstrong than Kobe, and if he was the little brother in that situation, I don’t think that he would have been any more deferential to Shaq-or appreciative of his sloppy work ethic. Bottom line, Kobe is still the most complete player in the game and is 27 years old. People just need to watch and see if his leadership and game develop of the next few years, and not let any biases or distastes for his personality interfere with an evaluation of his on court performance. (And no, that wasn’t directed at anyone in particular. Like Lang…) Besides, you don’t want me to break out MJ’s list of transgressions. How the hell do you give Steve Kerr a black eye? At least Kobe picks on someone bigger than him. But then again, Chris Childs did give him that two piece and a biscuit…okay I’m rambling again….
Posted by: adam kiley | March 21, 2007 at 10:22 PM
Off topic but did anyone see Dirk Nowitzki give Lebron James that elbow pie?
Where's the suspension Stern?
Posted by: Andrew T | March 21, 2007 at 10:39 PM
Wait. These comments are missing something...
Oh Yeah! It's missing Fakerz giving another reason why we should trade Kobe.
Posted by: ajax | March 21, 2007 at 10:54 PM
Vman, Tim-4-show,
You said it right. There are only few Kareem among athletes, he's not that rich, intellectual and very reserved but can earn money outside of basketball by writing books bout history of his heritage. Education is always correlated with getting jobs and material pursuits. I think it's more than that, it is a discipline that whack your butt that reminds you that you are an educated derelict capable of making value analysis in life that put you on the same level of any professsional. College fulfillment plus good family with the right frame of mind usually leads you to a happy life thereafter.
Well, in the case of Kevin Durant, Kevin Garnett, Andrew Bynum and Kobe Bryant, they have gifted skills, education can wait based on their priorities but at sometime in the future it is advisable that they take the challenge no matter how rich they are, cuz' pro basketball ends while living with life continues. As I said to Fearless, just my ride to this issue.
(Don't cheat yourself by getting diploma through the internet or correspondence school and equate it to University or College discipline. That's OK if you have it, but it is not the same. What goes around comes around as a reflection of yourself. )
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 21, 2007 at 11:00 PM
Stop already with the Kobe witch hunt, the Dirk play was a completely different play. Dirl had both hands on the ball and turned around to face the basket when his elbow hit lebron.
Posted by: Laker Lover | March 21, 2007 at 11:11 PM
As if James' night wasn't hard enough, he banged his head on the floor after getting spun around by Josh Howard while going for a loose ball. He was slow to get up but stayed in the game.
James also took an elbow from Nowitzki with 1:39 left and fell to the floor.
"I'm definitely not feeling 100 percent," James said. "I took two dangerous hits today."
So is Dirk going to get suspended?
Even Lebron is complaining about the hits(unlike in Kobe's cases), so the nba better do something, if not it's obvious it's something against Kobe.
Posted by: lakofan | March 21, 2007 at 11:15 PM
Edwin,
Thanks. I'm glad to be back, but might have to go away once the MicroManager gets back at work.
Most people get degrees as a means to their riches as you have deftly pointed out. For those people, if they already have a shot at riches, then the education is much less important.
Duran't isn't holding a million dollar lottery ticket. He's holding a $50 million lottery ticket (in the short term). So much that he really can't loose it.
He's also looking ahead to another big payday about 5 or 6 years from now worth probably $200 million or so if everything goes to plan for him. Lack of a degree is not going to get in his way.
That stray bar of soap may possibly get in his way. Remember, this is the NBA with guarenteed money. This really isn't like the other sports. You gotta cash that ticket. Then, if you want the personal growth of an education, go get one once you retire.
I got my degree after already experiencing my career success. Because I wanted to. And, I'll be going back to get a Masters and Ph.D. But, I am not like everyone and I don't expect others to think as I do. This kid deserves the chance he is given, and he really must take it. It really is the only prudent decision.
In my opinion, the only time when it is even in question is if your draft position is below the lottery 10. Farmar had to take a risk. His decision was iffy, and we don't yet know if it was the right one. Aflalo had an iffy decision, but he was probably right to stay at UCLA.
Durant? He MUST leave. Period. He can easily parlay his quarter-billion in almost guarenteed future earnings into a fortune in excess of $1 billion if he invests properly.
There is no lottery ticket, anywhere, worth that much.
I understand from whence you came. But, I think it is just a little idealistic.
--FearlessWhackJob
Posted by: FearlessWhackJob | March 22, 2007 at 12:56 AM
There is really inconsistency in the NBA! This only shows that Kobe will never be MVP!
Posted by: shaggy | March 22, 2007 at 01:21 AM
Hey, first time posting. Im a big laker fan and have been reading for a while (great job K brothers!), but finally found something I thought others would enjoy. This goes back to those two Kobe suspesions. Here is a clip from Kobe scoring 62 on the Mavs last year, but what is important is the first highlight of the third quarter. I almost fell over laughing when I saw this:
http://www.fanpop.com/spots/viral-videos/links/9061
Amazing how the NBA completely ignored this, especially considering how the Mavs came back and tried to retaliate. Maybe Kobe should drop 60 every game, then he never has to worry about the NBA coming after him.
Posted by: Robert | March 22, 2007 at 01:31 AM
lakofan,
Ooohh. That's a tough one for Stern. He sold his soul to the devil when he promised to promote Wade and LeBron at any cost. LeBron is practically dictating that Stern do something about it with his "I took two dangerous hits today" comment. But then he can't suspend a "real" MVP candidate can he?
BTW, didn't see the play, but the league said before the season started that they wanted to discourage elbows being thrown around. If Kobe has to be more careful, then they should all be more careful. But, we know nothing's going to happen. Just like James got away with throwing Wade down like a rag doll when he was trying to stop a breakaway. That must have been a "natural basketball move".
Stu Jackson will look at the film and say, "Oh that's just Dirk being Dirk. He's just being his same ol' clumsy self. It's obvious he didn't mean to do it."
But it's better that Dirk doesn't get suspended because it adds credence to Jackson's public stance that the L is on a witch hunt for Kobe.
Everyone (else) loves watching Dirk play. He's great, but it's not very aesthetically pleasing to the eye. It's like watching a newborn giraffe get up for the first time. Those legs just buckling. It's just so much different watching Kobe play. He's like a violin virtuoso. Performing his masterpieces night after night. It really is a beautiful thing.
Posted by: mel | March 22, 2007 at 03:58 AM
Vman & P ang,
I agree, if you've got NBA skill... work that first and foremost, let it absorb your days, become a student of the game. If you have spare time, read about things that interest you... and then someday, start attending some classes, if nothing just to learn. Books, internet classes, whatever, are good but no substitute for taking classes that are outside the realm of what you'd ordinarily do.
I can think of so many classes I took not expecting much because it didn't revolve around padding my pocketbook... but to my surprise, it was worth ten times the investment! If anything, college instills an ability to critically think, which may have saved some of these guys who've run out of cash after their career (although smart investing isn't really taught in schools).
Posted by: Tim-4-Show | March 22, 2007 at 05:51 AM
I don't think Stern and Stu Jackson will scrutinize Dirk the way they did Kobe... They don't want to deal with Cuban any more than they have to.
Posted by: J Mike | March 22, 2007 at 08:02 AM
Feerless,
Maybe you are right on Durant's case, but is he really ready for NBA? Well, I've not followed his NC paths, tho I saw the game against USC he made 30 pts. but his team ended their dream. That may be the reason why I question his quest for an NBA career, he may last for one or two years like the O'Bannon Brothers. However, moneywise, you are right it takes only a bar soap to end it in the bathroom while Mark Cuban and Jerry Buss have lots of gold to give to the finest players. (is that accurate for JB, how come the role players suck?) Feerless, perhaps it is in the righteousness pursuits that I seek and I feel that lack of education may have caused failures of gifted athletes like Mike Tyson and Joe Louis without knowing how to manage their spending and wealth preservation.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 22, 2007 at 08:06 AM
Edwin,
If you think that Durant is getting an education in anything except basketball at college, you're crazy. He is there for exactly one reason: to play basketball. His exams are re-arranged for his playing schedule, he has private tutors who do most of his work for him, and every prof in every class he takes knows they will have about 750,000 Texans howling for their blood if they fail him.
I value education - I put myself through an Ivy League school. Fearless is exactly right - if Durant really wants to broaden his mind, he always has that option. He is at Texas to get to the NBA, so he would be stupid to wait a year when he's going to go in the top three in the draft - his stock can only go down. Look at what happened to Matt Leinart.
Posted by: SBPimp | March 22, 2007 at 09:28 AM
If you've got the talent to make millions while you're that young then take it. He'll learn about the world around him as he travels during the NBA season and sits in meetings with his agents and sponsors. for the rest of us not so talented, a college education is the way to go. we may not make a milion in a year but at least it's a stable income.
but don't forget, these kids have been working at their craft since they were at least 10 years old. how many of us regular folks knew exactly what we wanted to do when we were 10? i'm sure we all dreamed of being NBA stars and probably all had comparable skills around 10 but there were taller kids with the same skills i had going into 14 years old. at that point, it's more weeding out. the kids with the right set of natural talent and developed skills keep working at their craft and the rest of us find something else to do. Then we go on to our next dreams of being some great artist or musician. maybe try to compete with the other kids who have been practicing their art or music since they were 10 and find that you're behind the curve. Then maybe we start thinking about being lawyers or doctors around 16 years old because it's stable and all we have to do is get good grades and get into an okay college. no need to be extra talented, just enough to survive.
so bottom line, it's been almost 10 years since Durant first thought of playing in the NBA. Now he has a chance to do it and make millions. even if he stops at the age of 25 and goes back to college he'll have millions in the bank. Sure, he'll be a few years behind but college makes more sense when you're not wasting your time partying and hooking up. And what college kid wouldn't want a million bucks in the bank?
Posted by: imrubio | March 22, 2007 at 09:39 AM
Haha, this thread turned into College Education vs. Basketball. Feerless called me irresponsible while SBPimp called me crazy, that's how people would call you when you don't grab the money soon. It is all about money. haha!
SB Pimp,
We already tackled that issue perhaps Durant is an exceptional individual but basketballwise is he ready for NBA? That what they said about Kwame, Bogut and Bargnani. With regards to education, he can get it when he's 25 or 30 or even 35 with lots of money in the bank. Getting private tutor while playing ball is not a good idea, you need challenge in a student to student interaction that can be attained classroom instruction. I knew some people who went to college education not for the purpose of making money in the future, although it's the primary objective of most College students since it's part of theresume, this people went to College just to learn and earn a degree, proud to accomplish some eventhough they are not in their 50's. Well, anyway they were not NBA players nor have exceptional talents, they just don't have the financial means during their formative years.
Imrubio,
I know someone in College who loves partying and hooking up with lots of girlfriends and he finally fisnihed after 10 years moving around from one major to another. Well, five years later in his professional, he became an impresario arranging big events for companies, big weddings and group tours. So in efect he mastered the business aspect of partying. Well, in my other post, I used the example of Mike Tyson who lacks education, in and out of prison so whatever million he earned went to drain.
In a nutshell, having too much money does not guarantees success or happiness in life and having no money attracts misery like those people in Darfur.
Posted by: Edwin Gueco | March 22, 2007 at 01:54 PM
It's not a question of whether he's ready for the NBA or not, it's a question of where he will be drafted if he comes out. Wha'ts better - being raw and taken #1, or being polished and being taken #6? Ask Shane Battier - he might be a better overall player than Kwame, but I'm sure he's not better off financially.
Posted by: SBPimp | March 22, 2007 at 02:12 PM
hey Edwin,
i aint saying the partying and hooking up is a bad thing, but at a younger age, it should be secondary to getting a degree. But eventually, in the real world, having developed those social skills helps in doing business.
as for Mike Tyson and others like him, money doesn't necessarily guarantee happiness as you say. But for a person who knows that they would eventually like to get a degree when their playing days are over, they are also probably in the mindset to not blow their money like Tyson did.
Posted by: imrubio | March 22, 2007 at 02:16 PM