Quote: (04-12-2012 02:26 PM)Moma Wrote:
Stockton was boring to watch! He was a HOF but he reminds me of watching WNBA, great fundamentals but no fast bursts! It's like watching my Maths teacher play!
Boring to watch for the average fan. Of course the average fan knows very little about the finer points of the game. I though he was boring to when I was a kid but as I got older I realized how uncanny his vision, awareness, and passing abilities were. He was also a great shooter and tough defender, even for his size.
No fast bursts???
Not true, he had one of the quickest first steps in the league. But, he rarely used a full explosion because he didn't need to. His game was more mental then physical yes, but, when he needed to, he could accelerate with anyone at the pg position. It's just that he rarely used it, he didn't have too, he beat you in subtle little ways. He would accelerate, get a half step on you, and then slow down to make a perfect pass. He didn't play a fast game, but he was fast when he needed to be. I've seen interviews with Gary Payton, Magic, Isiah and they say he was an amazing athlete. Steve Nash was very similar, He doesn't look fast, but when you try to pressure him he goes by you effortlessly, they only use enough speed to beat you, nothing more, nothing less. I'm not saying he was as fast as Tony Parker or Iverson or D-rose, but, for that first step or 2 he could get by you. And, as you know, the first step is the most important and usually the one that creates your advantage!
Stockton was fascinating to me. 5'10 165 pound guy who was a dominate player. Still the all time leader in assists and steals. Missed like 9 games in over 20 years. He was a freak of nature really. I talked to a guy who played high school ball with him. He said he has never seen Stockton get tired ever in his life!
My favorite games were when was in his mid to late 30's and younger guts would try to pressure him full court. Even at that age he would go right by guys in there early 20's.
His son plays for Gonzaga now and has that same "sneaky" quickness. Derron Williams and Chris Paul are also "sneaky" quick. Westbrook, Rose, Parker, etc. are just flat out speed demons who are faster then these guys, but, knowing WHEN to go is often more important then how fast you go. One step is all it takes to get your advantage.
If you ever see any of his old games, watch the short bursts of acceleration. Very subtle but deadly.
And, I know you loved his shorts!