George Karl on what's wrong with basketball (and the Blazers)

[SlyPokerDog]

Time will tell. I remember when people were calling Jose Canseco a liar for saying there were a shit ton of steroids in baseball.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Time will tell. I remember when people were calling Jose Canseco a liar for saying there were a shit ton of steroids in baseball.

Now that is some quality trolling.

 

[riverman]

Time will tell. I remember when people were calling Jose Canseco a liar for saying there were a shit ton of steroids in baseball.

turned Sammy Sosa completely white

 

[ripcityboy]

Now that is some quality trolling.

No THIS is some quality trolling.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

So what if it's just a little bit true? What if Lillard spends just little too much time on the road doing shoe unveils, high school rap concerts, and radio station interviews to promote his album? New shoe, new album, new season. That's a lot of new to try and achieve success at simultaneously. Not saying he shouldn't do all that. That's part of what makes Lillard so awesome. But what if by Karl saying something Lillard spends just a little bit more time focusing on basketball?

 

[SlyPokerDog]

And Karl has done a masterful job of promoting his new book.

 

[ripcityboy]

Idaho Stampede died before they could retire his and Luke Jackson's jerseys

Luke Jackson would have been a decent NBA player if injuries hadn't derailed his career. He was the more talented of the "Two Lukes." I was always sad his career never worked out. That was such a fun team to watch along with Freddie Jones.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

http://www.columbian.com/news/2012/...nt_id=440621602642452_4957159#f3497bc7bd5233c

Here is the article explaining the relationship between Karl and Stotts. As said, I doubt Terry said "Hey, while you are throwing the rest of the league under the bus, can you call out my franchise player?".

There is only so much you can do to get prepared for games. You have to have other interests. Just because Dame chooses to rap and build a brand does not mean he is neglecting his basketball career. Would it be better if he spent his time in strip clubs?

 

[PtldPlatypus]

Time will tell. I remember when people were calling Jose Canseco a liar for saying there were a shit ton of steroids in baseball.

Yeah, if Karl were actually claiming somebody had told him that Dame was a problem, that might be one thing. As it is, he's just baselessly talking out of his ass. The situations aren't even remotely comparable.

 

[dviss1]

Karl probably is going on a bit of a "fuck it" tour. But I find it interesting why he chose Damian as a target? Maybe Stotts confided to him some frustrations privately and Karl was trying to "help out" -- Which didn't help at all.

Maybe his comments did help though. We won't have evidence until Dame's return.

 

[dviss1]

So what if it's just a little bit true? What if Lillard spends just little too much time on the road doing shoe unveils, high school rap concerts, and radio station interviews to promote his album? New shoe, new album, new season. That's a lot of new to try and achieve success at simultaneously. Not saying he shouldn't do all that. That's part of what makes Lillard so awesome. But what if by Karl saying something Lillard spends just a little bit more time focusing on basketball?

All of that stuff is done during the off-season. Yes plenty of time to do all that stuff without it affecting basketball. During the season he doesn't do any of that.

 

[BBert]

Maybe his comments did help though. We won't have evidence until Dame's return.

Yeah, Dame seems to generally respond well to being challenged, or dissed, or otherwise called out.

Dame also appears to be a very introspective and level headed person. He may actually take the time to consider whether there is some grain of truth in what Karl is saying, rather than the knee-jerk reaction of some fans and media.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

There is only so much you can do to get prepared for games. You have to have other interests. Just because Dame chooses to rap and build a brand does not mean he is neglecting his basketball career. Would it be better if he spent his time in strip clubs?

I'm guessing that this is directed at me?

I didn't say he shouldn't have other interests. I said that I like that he does.

As far as preparing for games, that's exactly what I'm talking about. Look at the quotes from Myle about last night's game. This is exactly what we want Myle doing.

MEYERS LEONARD
On mentality playing Cousins:

“It’s something I’ve been trying to focus on – looking back at film and understanding how I’ve been successful in the past is being prepared mentally and physically like I am against Cousins for every game. Now clearly there’s probably more of a mental edge when it comes to trying to stop him. I mean, I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, he’s a very, very good player. The guy, we game plan for him and send two people at him and all these different things and he still puts up 28. I have to individually be ready for every game and I thought collectively we were very good tonight.”

What were you watching pregame?

“I watched some stuff on DeMarcus Cousins from last game and then today while I was at home, I watched a couple of his previous games. And then the same thing, individually I watched our last game against him to just try to understand what he’s going to right now. In the past it was a lot more post ups. Of course he goes down there but right now it’s a lot of mid pick and roll, him popping back and bigs, Mason, Noah, Ed and myself, having to stay in front of him, take the contact and try to stop him from getting to the rim. Then of course, the three point threat that he’s added really more this year has made it that much more difficult to guard the guy. I mean, he is an offensive force, there’s no question about it. So slowing him down is all you can do. You’re never going to completely shut him down.”
​

And again, I'm not saying that Lillard isn't doing this. What I am saying is new shoe, new album, new season, new State Farm advertising campaign. That's 4 multi-million dollar endeavours. That's rough. That's some amazing time management. And yes, there are times when basketball falls to the bottom of the list. How could it not. I'm not saying it's a problem but it could be a concern.

Strip clubs? Actually I think that would be a good thing because Lillard isn't in the strip club business. I'm willing to bet that Lillard's phone is blowing up from the time he wakes up to the time he goes to bed. His agent, manager, producer, designers, calls and texts he has to answer. Taking a break to see some boobs... not a bad thing.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

All of that stuff is done during the off-season. Yes plenty of time to do all that stuff without it affecting basketball. During the season he doesn't do any of that.

That's BS my friend. Read his twitter and facebook accounts. He is insanely busy. He's burning the candle at more ends than a candle can have.

AND AGAIN, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS. Lillard is truly a modern day Renaissances man.

 

[Nikolokolus]

Maybe his comments did help though. We won't have evidence until Dame's return.

I don't know how you'd be able to tell if it helped or didn't. Damian was already playing at a very high level (at least on offense) and it seems that the team has shifted to a different defensive philosophy against Toronto and Sacramento that appears to be working better. If he slots back into the lineup, and they continue to execute that new philosophy, are we supposed to attribute an improvement on defense to George Karl's hot take?

 

[julius]

That's BS my friend. Read his twitter and facebook accounts. He is insanely busy. He's burning the candle at more ends than a candle can have.

AND AGAIN, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS. Lillard is truly a modern day Renaissances man.

Why are you hating on Damian? You're the reason we can't get any free agents to sign here and you're the reason why Walter Berry hated playing here!

You, sir, are a jerk!

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Why are you hating on Damian? You're the reason we can't get any free agents to sign here and you're the reason why Walter Berry hated playing here!

You, sir, are a jerk!

 

[handiman]

Yeah, Dame seems to generally respond well to being challenged, or dissed, or otherwise called out.

That's brilliant. Weekly rap battles in practice! That should solve all the team's woes.

 

[Charcoal Filtered]

And again, I'm not saying that Lillard isn't doing this. What I am saying is new shoe, new album, new season, new State Farm advertising campaign. That's 4 multi-million dollar endeavours. That's rough. That's some amazing time management. And yes, there are times when basketball falls to the bottom of the list. How could it not. I'm not saying it's a problem but it could be a concern.

My comments were not made to you directly. With all of the activities you listed, the rap thing is the only thing I see him doing that takes up a considerable amount of time. Still, everyone has to have a hobby.

Know what else takes a lot of time? Being a parent.

Should everyone stop having kids to dedicate fully to basketball?

 

[blue9]

Know what else takes a lot of time? Being a parent.

Should everyone stop having kids to dedicate fully to basketball?

Probably. Wait until your career is over at the ripe old age of 35 and then have kids. You'll have all the time in the world to be around, and maybe even have matured into a better person better capable of raising kids. And really, why even get married during your pro-sports career? Again, wait until you're retired.

 

[dviss1]

That's BS my friend. Read his twitter and facebook accounts. He is insanely busy. He's burning the candle at more ends than a candle can have.

AND AGAIN, I DON'T HAVE A PROBLEM WITH THIS. Lillard is truly a modern day Renaissances man.

Soooo, he's recording music now? No, no, he's touring and selling shoes now? Wait, no he's running his record company now? No....

What's he "insanely busy" doing?

After he's slept for 8 hours, how much of the remaining 16 hours needs to be spent on basketball after basketball duties are done? What about off days?

I mean Jesus, some in here are acting like he's doing something out of the ordinary. Shaq sold and made WAY more rap albums than Lillard.

 

[dviss1]

Probably. Wait until your career is over at the ripe old age of 35 and then have kids. You'll have all the time in the world to be around, and maybe even have matured into a better person better capable of raising kids. And really, why even get married during your pro-sports career? Again, wait until you're retired.

Sure. Because having kids hurt the careers of... No one ever. Not even Kemp. And he has more Baby mama drama than the whole NBA. Nope something different hurt his career.

 

[riverman]

For once we get a star and leader who brings Blazer basketball to the world and we want to curb his ambitions? I don't get this at all......Dame is about the only real draw we have to lure free agents at this point...if Boogie loves his albumn and wears his shoe....it doesn't really hurt the Blazers...Dame has put up some insane numbers this season...often taking on the brunt of the scoring load...I think he deserves some respect for all that. Music is a great way to unwind from the stress of competition...good therapy..it doesn't get in the way....until he marries a Kardasian, I'm fine with his interests

 

[blue9]

Sure. Because having kids hurt the careers of... No one ever. Not even Kemp. And he has more Baby mama drama than the whole NBA. Nope something different hurt his career.

Oh, I'm not so concerned about families interfering with pro athletes careers - that never happens, because they clearly put their career above their family. I just don't understand why, as a 22 year old millionaire, you want to get married and have children. Enjoy being young and rich and being able to sleep with nearly anyone you want, stay out late, not having to answer to anyone. Now of course there are exceptions like AC Green, but by and large it just seems like a dumb path to take.

 

[Minstrel]

I just don't understand why, as a 22 year old millionaire, you want to get married and have children. Enjoy being young and rich and being able to sleep with nearly anyone you want, stay out late, not having to answer to anyone.

You don't have to be AC Green to not want a constant singles life. Just like anyone else, athletes can fall in love and want to settle down with someone. You take "unattached" to be a universal positive for anyone young and rich, but it isn't. It is for some, not for others. It depends on personality type and what you value.

 

[blue9]

You don't have to be AC Green to not want a constant singles life. Just like anyone else, athletes can fall in love and want to settle down with someone. You take "unattached" to be a universal positive for anyone young and rich, but it isn't. It is for some, not for others. It depends on personality type and what you value.

Of course. But by and large, young, rich, and famous people generally aren't the settle-down type. Athletes, actors, musicians - not exactly known for having successful monogamous relationships at a young age (or any age). Sure, that could be said about 50% of the general population, but that number seems to skyrocket for the previously mentioned population.

 

[rasheedfan2005]

anyone who can even come up with a theory on lillard being our problem doesnt know basketball. you act like just because espn broadcasters dont say his name every 3 seconds like a curry/westbrick that he's just not good enough. it's fucking stupid. stop it. dame is the shit. he's really fucking good.

even people wanting to trade him for anthony davis are idiots. how many playoffs series has anthony davis won his team? how about lillard? thanks, but ill keep lillard.

we all hated lamarsha for having no loyalty and lillard has shown nothing but loyalty to portland and you want to wash your hands of him because he doesnt shoot 100% from the field and average 148 steals a game?

 

[blue9]

we all hated lamarsha for having no loyalty

That was his only semi-redeeming quality, IMO. Okay, it's not redeeming - but I'm happy that one of his many character flaws worked to our advantage.

 

[riverman]

Athletes, actors, musicians

Actually most of those folks do have relationships and normal lives....it's just that most of them aren't famous with tabloid press pasting their mugs all over the world daily...politicians, same....that kind of wealth can be a real prison for famous folks in any walk of life...I've been a musician and held a normal job all my adult life...been married for almost 30 years happily...not that uncommon. Substance abuse is the culprit in the entertainment world...if you have discipline...it's not an issue per say....touring the world non stop doesn't help but soldiers have done that for thousands of years

 

[riverman]

anyone who can even come up with a theory on lillard being our problem doesnt know basketball. you act like just because espn broadcasters dont say his name every 3 seconds like a curry/westbrick that he's just not good enough. it's fucking stupid. stop it. dame is the shit. he's really fucking good.

even people wanting to trade him for anthony davis are idiots. how many playoffs series has anthony davis won his team? how about lillard? thanks, but ill keep lillard.

we all hated lamarsha for having no loyalty and lillard has shown nothing but loyalty to portland and you want to wash your hands of him because he doesnt shoot 100% from the field and average 148 steals a game?

This...except for the Anthony Davis part....but that's more of a CJ proposal than a Dame idea