[Sportstudi]

Originally Posted by SMC0007

http://myespn.go.com/blogs/truehoop/...ootaround.html


The TrueHoop Network Shootaround

March 2, 2009 12:08 PM


Invisibility isn't necessarily a bad thing for Dirk Nowitzki. Norm Van Lier was anything but invisible in the pantheon of Chicago Bulls legends...but Josh Smith was in Atlanta's tough loss to the Cavs. Gain some visibility at The TrueHoop Network:


Rob Mahoney of The Two Man Game: "Dirk only had 24 points (8-19 FG), 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. Yawn. His typical brilliance was trumped only by his usual subtlety, 'invisibly' anchoring the Mavs' attack. (On another note: why is the word invisible always used as a pejorative when it comes to basketball? There's something wonderful about blunt domination, but I can see the advantages of killing an opponent without their knowing they're being killed.) Howard continues to boggle the mind. His 16 points tells you he did fine on the offensive end, which is true. But 0 steals and 0 blocks? Just another example of the deception of the box score. The team continues to excel whenever Howard hits the floor, and his somewhat empty stat line is balanced by a +15 for the game. Well done, chaps.

As someone who has watched Dirk's entire career, I feel obligated to comment on Andrea Bargnani. Dirk was the hopeful projection when Toronto drafted Bargs with the 1st overall pick, and it's kind of silly. It's not that Bargnani isn't talented, or that he doesn't have some of Dirk's skills. Their approaches to the game are just fundamentally different. Dirk's ungodly efficiency is a product of a natural high ground, a high release, and a sweet shooting stroke. What he lacks in athleticism and mobility he makes up for in footwork and precision. Bargnani doesn't share Dirk's dominant shooting touch, as much as he loves to shoot. But he does show a willingness and an ability to drive and finish, which is something in it's own right. He's 23 and has all the time in the world, but for those still hoping to see Dirk 2.0, keep this in mind: Nowitzki is the exception, not the rule. There has never been a player that combined Dirk's size and shooting touch, and it may not be so soon before we see another."

So true...