Barkley: Mavs one-dimensional

[MavsFanFinley]

Barkley: Mavs one-dimensional
Says team can't be great until it does more than shoot well

Monday, December 22, 2003
By EDDIE SEFKO / The Dallas Morning News

PORTLAND, Ore. – Charles Barkley is built like an oversized Santa Claus. But for Maverick fans, he's more like Scrooge showing up a couple days early.

The man talks as well as he used to play the game, maybe better. And it's not surprising that TNT's commentator is full of opinions concerning the Mavericks and their disappointing 15-11 start. Brace yourself, because there's no sugarcoating on these opinions. He's issuing warnings that tough times could continue for the Mavericks until they change their strategy.

"To be a great team, you have to do more than one thing great, and that team can only do one thing well," Barkley said in a wide-ranging interview last week. "All those guys Dallas has are good players. But they can only do one thing – shoot the ball.

"That's why they're good players and not great players. They got guys who can score 20 points, but they can't win a game with defense. They can't win a game with rebounding. And they can't win a game with great passing."

Judging from results this season, it's hard to argue Barkley's point. The Mavericks are 10-2 when they shoot 44 percent or better. But when the shots are falling at less than that rate, they are 5-9, indicating that they can't find other ways to win. More fuel for that fire comes from the Mavericks' 13-1 record when they hold opponents under 100 points. They are 2-10 when foes score 100 or more.

Owner Mark Cuban said he could not dispute Barkley's claims, at least not yet.

"We're just not playing defense the way we need to," Cuban said Monday. "We recognize that. Now we have to go beyond recognizing it and do it. We've had our bell rung, but it's not a personnel issue.

"We're not making any trades. It's strictly about team defense at this point."

However, as the Mavericks start their Christmas road trip Tuesday night against the Portland Trail Blazers, not all the news is bad. Barkley said he's glad to hear that the Mavericks aren't looking to the Blazers for help with their problems. Portland has been trying to trade the troubled Rasheed Wallace, but Cuban's stance on no trades being discussed at this point was applauded by Barkley.

Wallace, as far as Barkley is concerned, is nobody's answer, especially after the 6-11 Blazer accused the NBA of exploiting players recently.

"The only way I'd take him is if I was going to let him go after the season and clear cap space," Barkley said. "What Rasheed said may be the stupidest thing I've ever heard in 20 years in the NBA.

"People who work for huge corporations and aren't making any money, those are the people being exploited. The companies are making millions and the employee is getting a penny. Sports are one of the only industries in the world where people can get fair market value for their services, even better than fair value.

"If you're a grunt for CNN, those people are exploited. The guy behind the camera I talk to, he's exploited."

Instead of looking elsewhere, Barkley suggested the Mavericks look within – specifically to get Michael Finley more involved, which should happen when he returns from his toe injury against Portland.

"I love Don Nelson but if there's one disappointment with him it's that I don't think he used Michael Finley the right way," Barkley said. "He's the one guy on that team who can bring a lot of athletic ability. I think if Michael Finley were on another team, he'd be a perennial all-star. He's been shortchanged in Dallas."

Finley has consistently reined in parts of his game to help Dirk Nowitzki and others add elements to their games. But with his return coming against the Blazers, Finley agrees with Barkley to some extent that he needs to be more assertive.

"I think when I come back, I'm going to relieve some pressure on Dirk," Finley said. "He's been putting too much pressure on himself to carry the team. And I need to help ease some of that."

That will be music to everybody's ears, including Barkley's. And it might even silence him, if only briefly.

[bernardos70]

Ernie: "dallas is only 3 and 10 on the road this year"
Barkley.... "everyone is competitive at home, only the great teams have great road records"

He never ever said that last year, when the Mavs had a league best road record. Funny isn't it?

I find it troubling that Dirk needs Finley's help to relive the pressure put upon him...... Finley is gonna retire eventually, and Dirk isn't a rookie anymore.

[MightyToine]

What got MY attention was this :

"We're not making any trades. It's strictly about team defense at this point." - Mark Cuban

Well...There you have it. Straight from the Horse's mouth (though he could be referring to any trades involving the two Twans and may still deal Best for Ely) [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[EricaLubarsky]

I'd rather be one dimensional than be as three-dimensional as charles barkley has gotten. The fat slob.

[MightyToine]

Originally posted by: EricaLubarsky
I'd rather be one dimensional than be as three-dimensional as charles barkley has gotten. The fat slob.

Actually, erica....Barkley is 4-dimensional :


1.) The Front

2.) The Back

3.) The Left Side

4.) The Right Side

AND

5.) HIS SWELLED FAT HEAD


[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

[PepperTheMavsFan41]

I LOVE BARKLEY

You know who ticks me off more thou???

Steve Kerr!!!!!!

"Wheres the Defense on that play"

Then I ALWAYS say OUTLOUD

"steve kerr, one of the weaker defenders of all time".

[Nash13]

I actually agree with what Barkley said to some extent. He said the Mavs can't rebound, which they lead the league in offensive rebound, and can't pass, which is somewhat true, but not entirely.

I think this team needs to go to Finley and Nash a lot more than they do. When i watch them play, both of them disappear on the offensive end during the final minutes of a game. It's always Walker, Dirk, or Jamison.

[dude1394]

Barkley as usual with media types really doesn't do enough homework to have an opinion worth much. The exception being a lot of football media types.

He can't even get it right about our shooting this year, that hasn't been our strength our rebounding and passing has. Nuthead.

[dude1394]

"People who work for huge corporations and aren't making any money, those are the people being exploited. The companies are making millions and the employee is getting a penny. Sports are one of the only industries in the world where people can get fair market value for their services, even better than fair value.

"If you're a grunt for CNN, those people are exploited. The guy behind the camera I talk to, he's exploited."

Just as stupid as what sheed said. Poor,poor victimology.

"I love Don Nelson but if there's one disappointment with him it's that I don't think he used Michael Finley the right way," Barkley said. "He's the one guy on that team who can bring a lot of athletic ability. I think if Michael Finley were on another team, he'd be a perennial all-star. He's been shortchanged in Dallas."

More stupidity from barkley. Finley is not a perennial all-star anymore. Just to one-dimensional. I would venture that in some respects barkley had better handles.

[ReDIRKulous]

"I think when I come back, I'm going to relieve some pressure on Dirk," Finley said. "He's been putting too much pressure on himself to carry the team. And I need to help ease some of that."

This is the absolute worst thing Finley could have said IMO. It sounds like Finley just wants to be perceived as being as valuable as Dirk to carry this team... rather than saying what he should be saying... that Dirk needs to carry this team MORE.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: ReDIRKulous

This is the absolute worst thing Finley could have said IMO. It sounds like Finley just wants to be perceived as being as valuable as Dirk to carry this team... rather than saying what he should be saying... that Dirk needs to carry this team MORE.

Everything has to be about Dirk doesn't it?

[ReDIRKulous]

Essentially... yes. IF Dirk doesn't take his game to the next level we aren't going to win a championship. It is that simple.

[stevie_franchise3]

Dirk is overrated and he doesnt play defense. It doesnt matter what he does as much as it matters that you guys get some defensive minded folks on your team. Barkley is correct in that the Mavs are one dimensional, that is just the fact.

[ReDIRKulous]

He said we didn't play defense last year too... but then he said that great teams win on the road... the Mavs record was equal to the SPurs on the road last year -- the Mavs and Spurs were tied for the best road record. What does this mean? Barkley doesn't know what the hell he is talking about.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: ReDIRKulous
Essentially... yes. IF Dirk doesn't take his game to the next level we aren't going to win a championship. It is that simple.

Instead of getting 22 shots per game, maybe Dirk should take his game to the next level by PLAYING DEFENSE! If Dirk could return to his form of even last year (adequate defense) then the Mavs would be MUCH better off.

Dirk with 18 shots a game is fine but this lazy effort on the defensive end has to END.

[kg_veteran]

Quote

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"I think when I come back, I'm going to relieve some pressure on Dirk," Finley said. "He's been putting too much pressure on himself to carry the team. And I need to help ease some of that."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------



This is the absolute worst thing Finley could have said IMO. It sounds like Finley just wants to be perceived as being as valuable as Dirk to carry this team... rather than saying what he should be saying... that Dirk needs to carry this team MORE.

I don't think you even have a rudimentary understanding of how this team has developed.

If not for Finley's unselfishness and willingness to defer to Nowitzki, and then to a lesser extent, to Nash, neither Dirk nor Steve would be the players they are today, and this team would not be nearly as good as it currently is. It's ridiculous for you to accuse the most unselfish player on the team of trying to steal the spotlight from Dirk.

[Chiwas]

Mavs one-dimensional

That's the big truth.

[ReDIRKulous]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran

I don't think you even have a rudimentary understanding of how this team has developed.

If not for Finley's unselfishness and willingness to defer to Nowitzki, and then to a lesser extent, to Nash, neither Dirk nor Steve would be the players they are today, and this team would not be nearly as good as it currently is. It's ridiculous for you to accuse the most unselfish player on the team of trying to steal the spotlight from Dirk.

You are jumping to conclusions.

I never said he was trying to steal the spotlight. Those are your words. But in the process of being unselfish Fin's perceived value, right or wrong, has drastically diminished. Fin simply wants to be valued. But that isn't what this team *needs*. This team needs a go to guy... not 2 guys that aren't willing to take that responsiblity every night... just every once in awhile.

[ReDIRKulous]

Originally posted by: Max Power

Instead of getting 22 shots per game, maybe Dirk should take his game to the next level by PLAYING DEFENSE! If Dirk could return to his form of even last year (adequate defense) then the Mavs would be MUCH better off.

Dirk with 18 shots a game is fine but this lazy effort on the defensive end has to END.

True... but we need to be realistic. Dirk is most likely never going to be a great defender. You have to know your limitations. He is a great offensive player... we should take advantage of that. Defense is very important though. That is why when we trade Fin he should be replaced by a defender or a great passer.

[Nash13]

This is the absolute worst thing Finley could have said IMO. It sounds like Finley just wants to be perceived as being as valuable as Dirk to carry this team... rather than saying what he should be saying... that Dirk needs to carry this team MORE.

I take offense to this statement. Believe it or not, Finley has been playing better than Dirk this year with the exception of the first couple of games. When you consider the fact that Dirk is injured, and he's in a shooting slump, he needs all the help he can get.

Nash and Walker(probably Jamison too) need to carry this team until Dirk plays better and Finley returns from his injury.

[Nash13]

True... but we need to be realistic. Dirk is most likely never going to be a great defender. You have to know your limitations. He is a great offensive player... we should take advantage of that. Defense is very important though. That is why when we trade Fin he should be replaced by a defender or a great passer.

That is not true. Chris Webber was considered just an offensive player when he came in the league, now he's somewhat good on defense. When you say statements like that, you're agreeing with what Barkley said.

And who are you to single out Finley to be traded? He's been playing the most consistent on this team next to Nash. Finley isn't all that bad on defense, and he's had better shot selections as of late.

[kg_veteran]

You are jumping to conclusions.

I never said he was trying to steal the spotlight. Those are your words.

Semantics. Here are your words:

It sounds like Finley just wants to be perceived as being as valuable as Dirk to carry this team

So Finley said he's going to "relieve some pressure" off of Dirk, and that means Finley wants to be perceived as "being as valuable as Dirk"? It has nothing to do with Finley wanting to win, I guess. It's just that Finley wants to make sure that people perceive him as more important than he really is.

Do you realize how silly that sounds? If Finley wanted to enhance his own image and make himself look important, he could have done that at Dirk and Steve's expense on many occasions in the past. He hasn't. In fact, he's done the opposite. He's allowed them to take the "All-Star" spotlight on this team even though he probably could have easily demanded enough shots and touches to put up better numbers, which would have ensured that he went to the All-Star game instead.

Finley is the epitome of unselfishness. What you're accusing him of is putting his own reputation and media perception ahead of the success of the team. And I think that is completely ludicrous and shows a lack of understanding of Finley as a player and as a person.

But in the process of being unselfish Fin's perceived value, right or wrong, has drastically diminished. Fin simply wants to be valued. But that isn't what this team *needs*. This team needs a go to guy... not 2 guys that aren't willing to take that responsiblity every night... just every once in awhile.

No, Finley just wants to win. He never said he was going to start carrying the team. He just said he's going to "relieve some pressure" off of Dirk.

The only reason you reacted to his comments the way you did is because you have this misguided perception that everyone is out to hold Dirk back and hamper his game. Mike's comments actually indicate that he wants to make things easier for Dirk so that his game can thrive and return to the level it was at last year.

[ReDIRKulous]

Originally posted by: Nash13

I take offense to this statement. Believe it or not, Finley has been playing better than Dirk this year with the exception of the first couple of games. When you consider the fact that Dirk is injured, and he's in a shooting slump, he needs all the help he can get.

Nash and Walker(probably Jamison too) need to carry this team until Dirk plays better and Finley returns from his injury.

It is funny... because I took it the other way. Finley saying that sounds like he doesn't believe Dirk can handle the responsibilty of carrying this team. Pretty insulting and not great for Dirk's confidence. I mean it isn't like there weren't three other all-star caliber players around Dirk. And we barely lost a lot of those games. And one of them was without Nellie.

[kg_veteran]

That is why when we trade Fin he should be replaced by a defender or a great passer.

Big assumption there. Finley's not going to be traded. We established yesterday that he was not "redundant", but rather a necessary component to this team's success.

[ReDIRKulous]

Originally posted by: kg_veteran

Semantics. Here are your words:

It sounds like Finley just wants to be perceived as being as valuable as Dirk to carry this team

So Finley said he's going to "relieve some pressure" off of Dirk, and that means Finley wants to be perceived as "being as valuable as Dirk"? It has nothing to do with Finley wanting to win, I guess. It's just that Finley wants to make sure that people perceive him as more important than he really is.

Do you realize how silly that sounds? If Finley wanted to enhance his own image and make himself look important, he could have done that at Dirk and Steve's expense on many occasions in the past. He hasn't. In fact, he's done the opposite. He's allowed them to take the "All-Star" spotlight on this team even though he probably could have easily demanded enough shots and touches to put up better numbers, which would have ensured that he went to the All-Star game instead.

Finley is the epitome of unselfishness. What you're accusing him of is putting his own reputation and media perception ahead of the success of the team. And I think that is completely ludicrous and shows a lack of understanding of Finley as a player and as a person.

No, Finley just wants to win. He never said he was going to start carrying the team. He just said he's going to "relieve some pressure" off of Dirk.

The only reason you reacted to his comments the way you did is because you have this misguided perception that everyone is out to hold Dirk back and hamper his game. Mike's comments actually indicate that he wants to make things easier for Dirk so that his game can thrive and return to the level it was at last year.

You are totally misconstruing my comments. I never said Finley was being selfish. You did. Then I correct you and you call it semantics. lol Absurd.

I wonder how you became a moderator with the attitude you display on here .

My point... that Finley is relaying the worst possible message to Dirk. And it is probably a big reason why Dirk isn't further along as a leader of this team. Dirk needs to get used to that kind of responsibilty. Fin should have taken that responsibilty agaisnt the Lakers in that home game. This is the laid back leadership approach that really bothers me about Fin.

[kg_veteran]

It is funny... because I took it the other way. Finley saying that sounds like he doesn't believe Dirk can handle the responsibilty of carrying this team. Pretty insulting and not great for Dirk's confidence. I menba it isn't like there weren't three other all-star caliber players around Dirk. And we barley lost alot of those games. And one of them wasw without Nellie.

Of course you look at it that way.

He said Dirk's been putting too much pressure on himself. He didn't say Dirk couldn't carry the team.

Anyone who has watched Dirk play in the past few games knows he's "pressing" too much to try and make things happen. Finley's presence on the court has always been a positive influence for Dirk. Dirk has a comfort level with Mike that he doesn't yet have with Jamison or Walker. I think Finley's comments make perfect sense and have nothing to do with a change in the "pecking order".

[ReDIRKulous]

Of course you look at it that way.

And of course because YOU disagree my opinion means nothing right? lol

You are quite the moderator.

He said Dirk's been putting too much pressure on himself. He didn't say Dirk couldn't carry the team.

He implied it.

Anyone who has watched Dirk play in the past few games knows he's "pressing" too much to try and make things happen. Finley's presence on the court has always been a positive influence for Dirk. Dirk has a comfort level with Mike that he doesn't yet have with Jamison or Walker. I think Finley's comments make perfect sense and have nothing to do with a change in the "pecking order".

It is an example of Finley's soft leadership and imo is a reason why this team has shown a lack of killer instinct. But hey... that is just one guys opinion. It isn't like I am a moderator or a guru here or anything. Apparently that means I am not allowed to express my opinion without being mocked and insulted. Unless of course my opinion is that Don Nelson sucks.

[Intruder]

IMO, It's the system. Lets use the Spurs as an example. Bowen is the only one that can play pretty good 1 on 1 defense. TEAM defense is the key in SA. If somebody misses a defensive assignment, Pop will get on their face even yank them out of the game, except for TD. I think the Mavs are athletic enough to improve on their team defense. The question is, is Nelly ready to change the scheme?

Like I said, this is just my opinion. I don't watch the Mavs games as much as some of you do.

Intruder

[kg_veteran]

You are totally misconstruing my comments. I never said Finley was being selfish. You did. Then I correct you and you call it semantics. lol Absurd.

I'm not misconstruing your comments. When you say Finley is trying to be perceived as being as important as Dirk, you ARE accusing him of being selfish, because that would clearly be putting his own reputation and perception ahead of the good of the team.

Backpedaling doesn't work.

I wonder how you became a moderator with the attitude you display on here .

I know it must be annoying for you. You try so hard to get me to respond to you and to lash out at you. You don't have a basketball point, and so you try and stir up trouble.

Until and unless you start contributing to the board and stop acting like a troll, I'm just going to continue to undress your unfounded and insupportable comments.

My point... that Finley is relaying the worst possible message to Dirk. And it is probably a big reason why Dirk isn't further along as a leader of this team.

Your "point" has been refuted.

If Dirk isn't further along as the leader of this team, it's because Dirk hasn't taken on that role. The Mavericks are waiting and hoping that he will. Mike's trying to help him in any way he can. But ultimately, it's Dirk that has to make some changes to his on-court mentality for that to happen.

Dirk needs to get used to that kind of responsibilty. Fin should have taken that responsibilty agaisnt the Lakers in that home game. This is the laid back leadership approach that really bothers me about Fin.

Wait a minute. Just a minute ago Finley shouldn't try and take on that responsibility, and now he should have done it against the Lakers? Try and be consistent.

[kg_veteran]

And of course because YOU disagree my opinion means nothing right? lol

Not because I disagree but because your opinion has no basis in fact.

You are quite the moderator.

I'm not sure where you got the impression that moderators weren't allowed to participate in the debates that take place on this board, but you're wrong.

I've been completely courteous and civil to you. But that doesn't mean I won't call you on something when I think you're wrong.

He implied it.

In your opinion.

It is an example of Finley's soft leadership and imo is a reason why this team has shown a lack of killer instinct. But hey... that is just one guys opinion. It isn't like I am a moderator or a guru here or anything. Apparently that means I am not allowed to express my opinion without being mocked and insulted. Unless of course my opinion is that Don Nelson sucks.

Obviously, you're being allowed to express your opinion. But if you thought that this was a place where opinions won't be debated, well, you're wrong.

[Nash13]

It is an example of Finley's soft leadership and imo is a reason why this team has shown a lack of killer instinct.

Explain how he's a soft leader? If Finley is a soft leader, what is Dirk?

[ReDIRKulous]

Edit

[ReDIRKulous]

Originally posted by: Nash13

Explain how he's a soft leader? If Finley is a soft leader, what is Dirk?

A soft leader just like his his leader: Fin.

[dirk2003]

As much as I hate fat Barkley... he is right. We are the most one dimensional team in the nba and possibly in all of sports.

[MavsFanFinley]

I wonder how you became a moderator with the attitude you display on here .

ReDirk you'll lose what little credibility you have left with this statement.

KG, besides a solid moderator, is probably one of the top 5 respected posters on this site when it comes to talking hoops. And he's definitely at the top when it comes to posters that are liked most.

He doesn't display attitude or attack another unless he's been attacked and needs to put someone in their place.

[Max Power]

Originally posted by: ReDIRKulous

A soft leader just like his his leader: Fin.

If you truly believe that then Dirk is ruined as a potential leader for the Mavs and should be traded. If you believe that Finley is a soft leader and can't change then Dirk can't change either.

[EricaLubarsky]

Originally posted by: ReDIRKulous
Essentially... yes. IF Dirk doesn't take his game to the next level we aren't going to win a championship. It is that simple.

thats the most reDirkulous thing I have ever heard.

[Turkey]

If the mavs wanted to build a shooting team, why can't they build it right?

[Murphy3]

Right now, the mavs aren't even one dimensional.