Kyrie's take on Bill Simmons.

[Levity]

Kyrie Irving ‏@KyrieIrving
Never played or coached a game but a so called expert at observing the game, huh?

Kyrie Irving ‏@KyrieIrving
No shots fired everybody lol relax just a thought

(i included the 2nd tweet to show there was no malicious intent behind the first one.)


haha if thats how he feels towards bill simmons, i could only imagine how he'd feel about ISH posters.

But these tweets by Kryie do spark an interesting question. Whats is your guys opinion on things like this? Is playing basketball/coaching it required in order to have a respected opinion in basketball? Or is knowledge of the game enough to warrant said respect?

[WillC]

Some of the most respected sports journalists of all-time have zero playing or coaching experience. Doesn't mean they can't be experts; they probably watch more games than anyone else on the planet and, as a result, seriously know their stuff.

[RoundMoundOfReb]

i guess people who have never been president shouldn't be allowed to vote then.

[iamgine]

Kyrie is young and ignorant.

One doesn't have to play or coach to be an expert observer.

Whether Bill Simmons an expert or not is another matter altogether though.

[Droid101]

haha if thats how he feels towards bill simmons, i could only imagine how he'd feel about ISH posters.

Most ISH posters play basketball.

[Levity]

i guess people who have never been president shouldn't be allowed to vote then.

im with you on that. Its like when actors say, "oh youve never acted in a movie?? then how can you criticize my performance?"

It just seems more like a defensive tactic than anything else.

[Levity]

Most ISH posters play basketball.

haah i dont know about that. I remember creating a thread about ISH posters who ball a few months back, and was surprised to see a lot of people replying saying they never play basketball, but just love the sport.

[Chicago Brawls]

[FireDavidKahn]

Your knowledge of the game has absolutely nothing to do with your ability to play the game.

[FireDavidKahn]

Most ISH posters play basketball.
Pick up basketball at the YMCA doesn't really count.

[AlphaWolf24]

Some of the most respected sports journalists of all-time have zero playing or coaching experience. Doesn't mean they can't be experts; they probably watch more games than anyone else on the planet and, as a result, seriously know their stuff.


- who?.....I would say 95% of the basketball fanbase doesn't know who any of these "well respected sports journalists who never played or coached" are.

- I would say 95% do respect the Jerry West's....Magic Johnson's.....larry Bird's.....Charles Barkley's....Phil Jackson's....etc...etc..

and nearly 100% would rather listen to them then some random sports journalists who never played or coached.

[Da KO King]

- who?.....I would say 95% of the basketball fanbase doesn't know who any of these "well respected sports journalists who never played or coached" are.

- I would say 95% do respect the Jerry West's....Magic Johnson's.....larry Bird's.....Charles Barkley's....Phil Jackson's....etc...etc..

and nearly 100% would rather listen to them then some random sports journalists who never played or coached.
Truly silly logic.

At the end of it all the NBA is still basketball. If you understand the game then who cares how you've come to understand it.

[knickswin]

I think David Halberstam had way more interesting things to say about basketball than Magic Johnson does

[bballer]

simmons has watched more NBA games that Kyrie could ever dream of playing in.

gtfo Dukie *******

[AlphaWolf24]

Your knowledge of the game has absolutely nothing to do with your ability to play the game.


- Not in the context you are trying use....Knowledge of the game to do what...Know how to coach?....Scout Players?.....

- You need ability to play basketball at many levels....you need to play basketball at many levels and get a complete understanding of how it's played...especially at the Pro Level.

[RRR3]

Alphapup's agenda is disgustingly obvious :facepalm
Give it a rest already

[Rake2204]

I think it depends upon who's saying what, how they're saying it, and their willingness to accept alternative viewpoints. I think there's a ton, a ton of things an outsider could pick up on from watching basketball for 30 years. That said, I truly do feel there are some things I experienced while playing basketball that I may have otherwise never picked up on had I merely been an outside observer. I'm not sure it's enough for me to automatically discredit anyone who did not play the game though.

That said, it can be a little frustrating sometimes to hear folks I know personally brooding over their favorite basketball team and talking as if they have some non-existent deep understanding of the game just because they've been watching a lot of Sportscenter lately. Obviously, I don't think that's the case with Simmons though.

May I ask, what was the piece to which Irving objected? I sometimes think analysts can rub a lot of folks the wrong way because they're paid to be certain about what they're saying. There's not a lot of room for, "I could be wrong..." It often always seems to be, "This is how it is!" and if that type of approach is coming from someone without a basketball playing background, I think it makes them an easy target.

That said, I think one's knowledge should be judged on a case by case basis. For instance, I think there's a vast difference between Skip Bayless and Bill Simmons, even if neither has an extensive basketball playing background.

[kurt_rambis]

simmons is generally in love with kyrie, what sparked the tweet?

[AlphaWolf24]

simmons has watched more NBA games that Kyrie could ever dream of playing in.

gtfo Dukie *******


so has Jack Nicholsen...

- Kyrie has played Basketball at nearly all top shelf levels....again I reephasize te playing part....

- He has playedand has worked to aquire his skillset...he understands the game far more then someone who doesn't have the skill nor has played basketball at any leel compared to Kyrie

Kyrie knows what works...Simmons does not.

[Go Getter]

- Not in the context you are trying use....Knowledge of the game to do what...Know how to coach?....Scout Players?.....

- You need ability to play basketball at many levels....you need to play basketball at many levels and get a complete understanding of how it's played...especially at the Pro Level.
This. Why do you think the lion's share of coaches have played in the pros?


You don't get respect by talking about stuff you've never done in the sports world. Guys like Van Gundy don't get respect because frankly, how can you call out your players for not being active and energetic when you yourself are a lazy slob?

Experience is a better teacher than anything. A coach that has played AND studied the game is bound to be better than just someone who has studied the game all things considered.

Would you let a 450 lb smoker with poor hygeine train you? I think not.

[AlphaWolf24]

Alphapup's agenda is disgustingly obvious :facepalm
Give it a rest already


WTF?.......what agenda......some guy who never picked up a basketball in his life knows more about basketball then Pro Players??

go away kid..

[kurt_rambis]

doesn't have anything to do with anything, but it's funny that kyrie has a link to his twitter page on his twitter page

http://i48.tinypic.com/157mcz9.png

[RRR3]

WTF?.......what agenda......some guy who never picked up a basketball in his life knows more about basketball then Pro Players??

go away kid..
:kobe: Please, son, don't act like you're fooling anyone here.

[AlphaWolf24]

This. Why do you think the lion's share of coaches have played in the pros?


You don't get respect by talking about stuff you've never done in the sports world. Guys like Van Gundy don't get respect because frankly, how can you call out your players for not being active and energetic when you yourself are a lazy slob?

Experience is a better teacher than anything. A coach that has played AND studied the game is bound to be better than just someone who has studied the game all things considered.

Would you let a 450 lb smoker with poor hygeine train you? I think not.



- Van Gundy has been around basketbal his whole life...literally.....

- ...van Gundy actually played D3 basketball....

- Van Gundy's Father was a coach...Van Gundy has bee around basketball/coaching his entire life...and he has been playing basketball at different levels his entire life...

- Of course he doesn't have the talent to be a Pro...but he aquired the necassary knowledge throuh a Lifetime of expierience...and has played /aquired skill ( I seen his dribbling shooting videos) to understand the game.

- Bill Simmons has not...not even 1/90th the baqsketball knowledge of stan van gundy.

[AlphaWolf24]

:kobe: Please, son, don't act like you're fooling anyone here.


seriously ...you done interneted yourself retarded...log off and go outside..

[NattyPButter]

No one knows who Kyrie was talking about. At the same time Skip Bayless was making tweets also.

[goldenryan]

simmons has watched more NBA games that Kyrie could ever dream of playing in.

gtfo Dukie *******
I'll take sides with the guy making millions to play the game he loves over the guy who has an awkward feud with Magic.

[RRR3]

seriously ...you done interneted yourself retarded...log off and go outside..
http://i821.photobucket.com/albums/zz133/BeeKee_2010/kobe.gif

[chosen_one6]

Playing the game and having experience there while also having experience in studying and coaching gives you the full amount of "expert" analysis in my opinion. There are just certain things that you look for when you've played with the best as well as watched the best. When I watch basketball I can actually tell who is good and who is just athletic because I've watched for a while and I've played bball (not elite level, admittedly.)

[Go Getter]

- Van Gundy has been around basketbal his whole life...literally.....

- ...van Gundy actually played D3 basketball....

- Van Gundy's Father was a coach...Van Gundy has bee around basketball/coaching his entire life...and he has been playing basketball at different levels his entire life...

- Of course he doesn't have the talent to be a Pro...but he aquired the necassary knowledge throuh a Lifetime of expierience...and has played /aquired skill ( I seen his dribbling shooting videos) to understand the game.

- Bill Simmons has not...not even 1/90th the baqsketball knowledge of stan van gundy.


I made a bad comparison, but you went off on a tangent determined not to get my point.

In sports, high level athletes respect those THAT HAVE DONE IT. It holds true in every sport. And it is logical. Great players want to be coached by former great players, not egg heads.

[Go Getter]

Playing the game and having experience there while also having experience in studying and coaching gives you the full amount of "expert" analysis in my opinion. There are just certain things that you look for when you've played with the best as well as watched the best. When I watch basketball I can actually tell who is good and who is just athletic because I've watched for a while and I've played bball (not elite level, admittedly.)


This is what I was trying to say, lol

[Levity]

Alphapup's agenda is disgustingly obvious :facepalm
Give it a rest already

Im curious to know what you think his agenda is.

[RRR3]

Im curious to know what you think his agenda is.
Look, Pup is usually a funny guy and knows his shit more than he lets on at times, but he's still a Kobe troll. And his agenda here is acting like only former players know anything because a lot of former players have said things he clutches onto as "proof" that Kobe is one of, if not the GOAT. He wants to act like everyone on ISH couldn't possibly know anything about the NBA because people on ISH don't play professional ball, for the most part.

[AlphaWolf24]

I made a bad comparison, but you went off on a tangent determined not to get my point.

In sports, high level athletes respect those THAT HAVE DONE IT. It holds true in every sport. And it is logical. Great players want to be coached by former great players, not egg heads.


I got your point.....and I didn't mean to be seen as "going off on tangent"...

You made a great point....I was just trying to reemphasize ( spelling sucks)...that even with van Gundy's all world basketball knowledge forged in a Lifetime of playing/coaching upbringing.....he still gets slighted. ( for the things you mentioned)

[Levity]

Look, Pup is usually a funny guy and knows his shit more than he lets on at times, but he's still a Kobe troll. And his agenda here is acting like only former players know anything because a lot of former players have said things he clutches onto as "proof" that Kobe is one of, if not the GOAT. He wants to act like everyone on ISH couldn't possibly know anything about the NBA because people on ISH don't play professional ball, for the most part.

You should consider trying out for the NBA, cause you sure do have a long reach....

[Rake2204]

I made a bad comparison, but you went off on a tangent determined not to get my point.

In sports, high level athletes respect those THAT HAVE DONE IT. It holds true in every sport. And it is logical. Great players want to be coached by former great players, not egg heads.I think more than anything, players just want to be coached by people who know what they're doing, whether that stems from an extensive playing history or not. I've had some great coaches who were themselves also great players. Conversely, I've seen some great players also become terrible coaches. On the flip side, I've been coached by guys who were never as good at the game as I am, but I still respected their words because it was clear they knew what they were talking about.

All that said, I think a coach being a formerly great player makes it much easier to access all of your players, but it's not a necessity, even on the NBA level. I think it's just less common for people to randomly decide to take up coaching (especially at a professional level) if they didn't have some sort of passion for a large portion of their life that led them to playing the game at some point.

[RRR3]

You should consider trying out for the NBA, cause you sure do have a long reach....
:coleman: C'mon son

[Go Getter]

I think more than anything, players just want to be coached by people who know what they're doing, whether that stems from an extensive playing history or not. I've had some great coaches who were themselves also great players. Conversely, I've seen some great players also become terrible coaches. On the flip side, I've been coached by guys who were never as good at the game as I am, but I still respected their words because it was clear they knew what they were talking about.

All that said, I think a coach being a formerly great player makes it much easier to access all of your players, but it's not a necessity, even on the NBA level. I think it's just less common for people to randomly decide to take up coaching (especially at a professional level) if they didn't have some sort of passion for a large portion of their life that led them to playing the game at some point.


Evidence points to pro players being more found of coaches with playing experience. ESPECIALLY FOOTBALL. In basketball too though it's hard to communicate with someone that hasn't done what they are telling you to do.

It makes you more effective and makes your words hold more weight.

[boozehound]

Pick up basketball at the YMCA doesn't really count.
besides, based on his podcast references, simmons is a ymca baller as well

[Go Getter]

I got your point.....and I didn't mean to be seen as "going off on tangent"...

You made a great point....I was just trying to reemphasize ( spelling sucks)...that even with van Gundy's all world basketball knowledge forged in a Lifetime of playing/coaching upbringing.....he still gets slighted. ( for the things you mentioned)


It comes with the territory. When you coach the same players for a goodly number of years you develop a bond. It's human nature to think, "damn Van Gundy is riding me for my conditioning when he's a slob."

I'd have more respect for Jim Harbaugh than Andy Reid (Who can't control his eating urges or his kids)....just an example. Coaching has a lot to do with life and when your life isn't right you can't be a highly effective coach and leader.

[AlphaWolf24]

Look, Pup is usually a funny guy and knows his shit more than he lets on at times, but he's still a Kobe troll. And his agenda here is acting like only former players know anything because a lot of former players have said things he clutches onto as "proof" that Kobe is one of, if not the GOAT. He wants to act like everyone on ISH couldn't possibly know anything about the NBA because people on ISH don't play professional ball, for the most part.


:facepalm


- because I responded to 1 Kobe Bashing thread about FG%!!!....that's why you are so Buthurt?


- I was responding to Bill Simmons....who is acting like he knows more about Basketball then Magic F'ing Johnson....

- If me explaining why a guy who barely ever played basketball shouldn't be taken seriously vs "real Players"...makes you insecure.....then I totally understand.....

- You and Bill are 1 in the same......2 guy's with no understanding of basketball....just bashing other players to get points.

tired and silly........seriously...log off and get some sun you pale bastard.

[ZenMaster]

Evidence points to pro players being more found of coaches with playing experience. ESPECIALLY FOOTBALL. In basketball too though it's hard to communicate with someone that hasn't done what they are telling you to do.

It makes you more effective and makes your words hold more weight.

Sure, but there are still plenty of good basketball coaches who haven't played professionally themselves.

[AlphaWolf24]

Sure, but there are still plenty of good basketball coaches who haven't played professionally themselves.


True....but I'm pretty sure they all Played basketball at many levels and were around coaching most of thier lives.

[Pushxx]

doesn't have anything to do with anything, but it's funny that kyrie has a link to his twitter page on his twitter page

http://i48.tinypic.com/157mcz9.png

Hahaha great find. :lol

[Go Getter]

Sure, but there are still plenty of good basketball coaches who haven't played professionally themselves.


Sure, and when there is anything to scrutinize, an NBA player will point out that they do not have NBA experience. It is what it is.

Lawrence Frank and Tom Thibs have a harder road than most NBA coaches and it should be like that because they need to pay dues.

[FindingTim]

unfortunate... I love Bill Simmons and I love Kyrie Irving, too bad Kyrie's being a little B

[kNIOKAS]

Well good players don't neccessarily make good critics, eh? Hence Shaq and half of the of crews on pre-game shows.
Well good coaches don't neccesserily have had outstanding careers as a players, right?
And vice-vice-versa.

[I<3NBA]

judging an analyst shouldn't be based on their background but on what they actually had to say. a lot of player-analysts that "played the game" and should therefore "know more than the non-players" spouts a lot of nonsense while a lot of non-player analysts give a lot of deep insights.

being a player or non-player shouldn't be a factor when criticizing analysts. it's what they say that should be judged.

[Bodhi]

- Van Gundy has been around basketbal his whole life...literally.....

- ...van Gundy actually played D3 basketball....

- Van Gundy's Father was a coach...Van Gundy has bee around basketball/coaching his entire life...and he has been playing basketball at different levels his entire life...

- Of course he doesn't have the talent to be a Pro...but he aquired the necassary knowledge throuh a Lifetime of expierience...and has played /aquired skill ( I seen his dribbling shooting videos) to understand the game.

- Bill Simmons has not...not even 1/90th the baqsketball knowledge of stan van gundy.

What about Sam Presti and Daryl Morey? Neither played college basketball, neither had a basketball family, and both built cheap, young, playoff teams.

The idea that you need to have played basktball at a high level to understand the game is what leads GMs like MJ and McHale

[AlphaWolf24]

What about Sam Presti and Daryl Morey? Neither played college basketball, neither had a basketball family, and both built cheap, young, playoff teams.

The idea that you need to have played basktball at a high level to understand the game is what leads GMs like MJ and McHale


- I would say Bieng a GM is apple/oranges....especially when they aren't the ones scouting the players 100% of the time.

and really?....Taking KD wasn't Rocket science....

- now put Sam Presti on the sidelines and let him tell Pro Players how to play every possesion....

- just as any sport...he prolly had a great team of scouts and plenty of people who know basketball to help them build the team they currently have.

- When Sam Presti picks the next Dirk from a bunch of highschool kids overseas...then holla at me.....until then he is just relying on people much more knowledgable then him to guide him.

[fsvr54]

You don't realize how hard a lot of things in basketball are until you play it.

[SevereUpInHere]

This. Why do you think the lion's share of coaches have played in the pros?


You don't get respect by talking about stuff you've never done in the sports world. Guys like Van Gundy don't get respect because frankly, how can you call out your players for not being active and energetic when you yourself are a lazy slob?

Experience is a better teacher than anything. A coach that has played AND studied the game is bound to be better than just someone who has studied the game all things considered.

Would you let a 450 lb smoker with poor hygeine train you? I think not.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-GoR28LILo


Probably got better handle than you. :coleman:



Seriously tho, for a middle aged man, he's really not that massive, fat, sure, but not morbidly obese or anything.

[KungFuJoe]

I don't think you have to play the game to know it.

Boxing is my favorite sport, by far, to watch and analyze. I can go back and forth with anyone when discussing strategy, styles, outcomes, etc. I've won money betting and I can't remember the last time I made a pick with any type of confidence and was wrong. Even when I lose the occasional wager, it's not because my guy lost, it's because I picked the under and he didn't get the KO (other guy fought scared or not to get KO'd, etc).

I've never stepped in a ring in my entire life.

Basketball, on the other hand...that's MY sport. I played it most of my entire life and dare I say it, for my size, I was pretty damn good at it. I can't call a game for shit and every time I say a rookie is gonna be a bust, he ends up being all world.

[bdreason]

I've always preferred the opinions of people who have played/coached the game at an elite level. Even when they say stupid shit, it's still more insightful than a stat digging journalist most the time.




As for Bill Simmons, I'm sure his bball knowledge would put me to shame, but I still find myself disagreeing with him more often than not.

[poido123]

You should consider trying out for the NBA, cause you sure do have a long reach....

I don't see he's reaching...Alphapup is a known Kobe troll and Bill Simmons is after all a diehard Celtic fan to boot.

[G-train]

Kyrie Irving ‏@KyrieIrving
Never played or coached a game but a so called expert at observing the game, huh?


LAME.

[TheBigVeto]

As for Bill Simmons, I'm sure his bball knowledge would put me to shame, but I still find myself disagreeing with him more often than not.

THat's because you're a lakerfan.

[brandonislegend]

Bill Simmons is a ****ing idiot. Nothing to see here folks.

[Gotterdammerung]

You do not need to be a chef to know that the food tastes bad.

It is that simple, but human psychology isn't.

[poido123]

Bill Simmons is a ****ing idiot. Nothing to see here folks.

Read any of his books? He's not an idiot.

[Breezy]

I really don't see how being an Nba player automatically gives you credibility, especially when so many players demonstrate over and over again how little they know about the game outside of their little bubble. Shaq thinks Brook Lopez is better than howard. After Kobe's 2006 season Mark Jackson said he was the best player of all time. Barkley being critical of Mike Brown and the Princeton offense then A. It's very similar to the triangle and B. Kobe was the one pushing for it. Jay Williams on the NBA today podcast a couple weeks ago had about an hour long non stop rant proving he knew very little.

Players know the plays their team runs, They know the scouting report on their defensive assignment, and they know the best strip clubs in each city. There are players who opinions I would value (Cp3, Jason Kidd, gasol,) Dirk Derek Fisher.) But on a whole they clearly know much more about their little bubble than the basketball world at large. For instance it would be better to as an anthropologist about a remote south american tribe than it would be to ask the tribe members themselves. They're to wrapped up in their own world to give you a clear perspective.

Why is it that everyone fan knows Lamarcus Aldridge should be playing more back to the basket but he doesn't seem to know it.? How come Kobe is the only person that doesn't know iso Kobe ball doesn't work? How come the whole world was screaming at lebron for years to get a post game before he listened? How come I, a lowly fan, was yelling at my T.v. for westbrook not to lose Parker on the last shot of the spurs game moments before he did lose parker and subsequently lost the game. How come I know when Chris Paul is about to go to the elbow jumper but half the time his defender doesn't?

Simmons might not be right, I have no idea what he said. But Ad Hominem attacks don't help your case a bit.

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go finish Tommy Heinsohns book: A Fair and Balanced Perspective on the Celtics Place in History.

[Rockets(T-mac)]

im with you on that. Its like when actors say, "oh youve never acted in a movie?? then how can you criticize my performance?"

It just seems more like a defensive tactic than anything else.This. Calling someone an idiot, because their analysis is wrong is one thing, but just dismissing their opinion, because they haven't excelled playing the sport is stupid and seems to be just a way of deflecting criticism.

[brandonislegend]

This. Calling someone an idiot, because their analysis is wrong is one thing, but just dismissing their opinion, because they haven't excelled playing the sport is stupid and seems to be just a way of deflecting criticism.
Yes having what was the best if not best rookie years in a decade and having the year he is having so far he must be trying to reflect criticism

[bmulls]

I only played high school basketball, does that mean I'm only qualified to discuss high school ball or can I still post here?

[knickswin]

I really don't see how being an Nba player automatically gives you credibility, especially when so many players demonstrate over and over again how little they know about the game outside of their little bubble. Shaq thinks Brook Lopez is better than howard. After Kobe's 2006 season Mark Jackson said he was the best player of all time. Barkley being critical of Mike Brown and the Princeton offense then A. It's very similar to the triangle and B. Kobe was the one pushing for it. Jay Williams on the NBA today podcast a couple weeks ago had about an hour long non stop rant proving he knew very little.

Players know the plays their team runs, They know the scouting report on their defensive assignment, and they know the best strip clubs in each city. There are players who opinions I would value (Cp3, Jason Kidd, gasol,) Dirk Derek Fisher.) But on a whole they clearly know much more about their little bubble than the basketball world at large. For instance it would be better to as an anthropologist about a remote south american tribe than it would be to ask the tribe members themselves. They're to wrapped up in their own world to give you a clear perspective.

Why is it that everyone fan knows Lamarcus Aldridge should be playing more back to the basket but he doesn't seem to know it.? How come Kobe is the only person that doesn't know iso Kobe ball doesn't work? How come the whole world was screaming at lebron for years to get a post game before he listened? How come I, a lowly fan, was yelling at my T.v. for westbrook not to lose Parker on the last shot of the spurs game moments before he did lose parker and subsequently lost the game. How come I know when Chris Paul is about to go to the elbow jumper but half the time his defender doesn't?

Simmons might not be right, I have no idea what he said. But Ad Hominem attacks don't help your case a bit.

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go finish Tommy Heinsohns book: A Fair and Balanced Perspective on the Celtics Place in History.

I have to say, that was a very good post.

I remember reading this article about Patrick Ewing by David Halberstam (the guy who wrote the preface to that top 50 NBA players book that came out in the 90's). I don't think the guy ever played basketball, but it was a really interesting, insightful look at Pat and different from anything I'd ever heard before considering my family was all big Patrick fans.

and then you have Shaq--who was actually a very intelligent who understood the concept of making his teammates better--saying dumb nonsense all the time.

[Miller for 3]

This. Why do you think the lion's share of coaches have played in the pros?

[/LIST]

Lmao, like 95% of NBA coaches are horrible. Most high school girl coaches know more about the game than them. Give me a break, you act like Scott Brooks and Mark Jackson are basketball savants. LOL

[swi7ch]

Bill has been around basketball longer than Kyrie has lived. And when I say around basketball I don't mean just watching it on TV.

[bingoa]

Think Kyrie might be upset about BS calling Tristan Thompson a bust, whenver he mentions kyrie he also mentions Cavs blowing the 4th pick on TT.

[AngelEyes]

I don't like Simmons but still a silly statement from Irving.

[Jolokia]

He'll never know how it feels to dribble up the court to a bunch of 6-7ft guys protecting the basket like their own wife's hole with thousands of people watching you attack it.

He can only analyze it but no way does he know how it feels. There's two sides to the story.

Also, Irving will never know how it is to get a master's in journalism and analyze from an outsider's point of view as a professional.

[Go Getter]

He'll never know how it feels to dribble up the court to a bunch of 6-7ft guys protecting the basket like their own wife's hole with thousands of people watching you attack it.

He can only analyze it but no way does he know how it feels. There's two sides to the story.

Also, Irving will never know how it is to get a master's in journalism and analyze from an outsider's point of view as a professional.
Going to Duke (for even a year) I'd say he has a better grasp than you give him credit for.

[BlueandGold]

love it, I love kyrie irving.. some people call it arrogance/youth but I see a lot of confidence and intelligence behind it too.

Kyrie is making an astute observation about the nature of commentating.. most color commentators//announcers/analysts have in fact never played professional ball, they just watched/covered a lot of it and possess the literature/journalism education/background to communicate it to an audience. I think Irving is one of the smart individuals (educated at Duke) who is making a broader statement about the nature of the business vs just attacking one specific commentator.

[AlphaWolf24]

I really don't see how being an Nba player automatically gives you credibility, especially when so many players demonstrate over and over again how little they know about the game outside of their little bubble. Shaq thinks Brook Lopez is better than howard. After Kobe's 2006 season Mark Jackson said he was the best player of all time. Barkley being critical of Mike Brown and the Princeton offense then A. It's very similar to the triangle and B. Kobe was the one pushing for it. Jay Williams on the NBA today podcast a couple weeks ago had about an hour long non stop rant proving he knew very little.

Players know the plays their team runs, They know the scouting report on their defensive assignment, and they know the best strip clubs in each city. There are players who opinions I would value (Cp3, Jason Kidd, gasol,) Dirk Derek Fisher.) But on a whole they clearly know much more about their little bubble than the basketball world at large. For instance it would be better to as an anthropologist about a remote south american tribe than it would be to ask the tribe members themselves. They're to wrapped up in their own world to give you a clear perspective.

Why is it that everyone fan knows Lamarcus Aldridge should be playing more back to the basket but he doesn't seem to know it.? How come Kobe is the only person that doesn't know iso Kobe ball doesn't work? How come the whole world was screaming at lebron for years to get a post game before he listened? How come I, a lowly fan, was yelling at my T.v. for westbrook not to lose Parker on the last shot of the spurs game moments before he did lose parker and subsequently lost the game. How come I know when Chris Paul is about to go to the elbow jumper but half the time his defender doesn't?

Simmons might not be right, I have no idea what he said. But Ad Hominem attacks don't help your case a bit.

Now if you'll excuse me I have to go finish Tommy Heinsohns book: A Fair and Balanced Perspective on the Celtics Place in History.


- You are way off on your silly tangent...

- Ask an anthropologists about a certain tribes history (ones that he studied) and he may give you some great answers.....

But ask him how to live in the Jungle.....survive off the land......get water.....hunt?.....who's advice would you want?...

someone from the tribe who's been living in the jungle thier whole life....or an anthropologists who lived in the jungle maybe 2 weeks.

- Players are the ones Playing the game...they know what works....they know to attack 1' away from the defenders reach or 2'...they know how the game's soul and how it's bieng played at that time....

- No way someone who barely plays basketball and just watches knows more then those who spent thier whole lives playing......they might know the history and can resite certain plays....but they


- The tribes men know how to live and thrive off the Land....not an anthropologists...Kobe knows how to play basketball at a level 2nd to no one....and thrive on a basketball court......not Bill Simmons.





:facepalm .....@U......taking advice how to swim from someone who never been in the water......but watched Michael Phelps once on TV.

[Jolokia]

- You are way off on your silly tangent...

- Ask an anthropologists about a certain tribes history (ones that he studied) and he may give you some great answers.....

But ask him how to live in the Jungle.....survive off the land......get water.....hunt?.....who's advice would you want?...

someone from the tribe who's been living in the jungle thier whole life....or an anthropologists who lived in the jungle maybe 2 weeks.

- Players are the ones Playing the game...they know what works....they know to attack 1' away from the defenders reach or 2'...they know how the game's soul and how it's bieng played at that time....

- No way someone who barely plays basketball and just watches knows more then those who spent thier whole lives playing......they might know the history and can resite certain plays....but they


- The tribes men know how to live and thrive off the Land....not an anthropologists...Kobe knows how to play basketball at a level 2nd to no one....and thrive on a basketball court......not Bill Simmons.





:facepalm .....@U......taking advice how to swim from someone who never been in the water......but watched Michael Phelps once on TV.

:applause: :rockon: :cheers:

[Snoop_Cat]

Simmons is an expert... but he's still blinded by homerism all the time and he's incredibly annoying on television.

[OhNoTimNoSho]

You guys are naive as hell. You dont need a second of basketball playing time in order to understand basketball. I am not too familiar with Bill Simmons.. but basketball is not very complicated. Anyone who studies it for an extended period of time will be able to understand it. Stan Van Gundy can be a fat diabetic slob and still know that a player needs better conditioning to improve his game. Wether the player chooses to listen is on him.


I find it amusing how u guys saying u cant be a good coach without having played... when none of you have coached or played in the NBA. How would you know what it takes to be a good coach? Or even what a good coach is?

[Timmy D for MVP]

You don't need to play a single second of the game in the NBA or college, or shit even high school to be able to evaluate it.

Simmons grew up watching the game, he is very close to it, and he writes like a fan. Granted a very involved, almost OCD "Monk" like fan, but still a fan.

The other thing that Simmons and his cronies, have, that a player or coach might not, is the sabermetric stuff. A GM would have this and I'm certain some coaches do as well but I'm not sure how many of these players are into like these guys.

On that note a GM as an analyst would seem to be the best, save for a general lack of big names in that field.

[ZaaaaaH]

Truly silly logic.

At the end of it all the NBA is still basketball. If you understand the game then who cares how you've come to understand it.

I think you are the Silly one.

These players and Coaches put their life for the game as for the Fans its just a hobby.

If it was that simple game of Basketball why are you here and Not coaching?

[ZaaaaaH]

You guys are naive as hell. You dont need a second of basketball playing time in order to understand basketball. I am not too familiar with Bill Simmons.. but basketball is not very complicated. Anyone who studies it for an extended period of time will be able to understand it. Stan Van Gundy can be a fat diabetic slob and still know that a player needs better conditioning to improve his game. Wether the player chooses to listen is on him.


I find it amusing how u guys saying u cant be a good coach without having played... when none of you have coached or played in the NBA. How would you know what it takes to be a good coach? Or even what a good coach is?

How are you going to say that and say Basketball is not Complicated. :facepalm

Trust me Kid Basketball is Complicated then you think in the Higher level.

[Timmy D for MVP]

I think you are the Silly one.

These players and Coaches put their life for the game as for the Fans its just a hobby.

If it was that simple game of Basketball why are you here and Not coaching?

So then it becomes even MORE important to have fan based experts in the sport. Otherwise it just becomes people talking about shop, and talking in a way that we can't relate to. A fan writing about a fan's experience is the best option for us no?

And it really is a simple game. I'm not sure why we'd argue this, this is part of it's beauty. Sure it gets more complex, but it's based in simplicity.

[IGOTGAME]

Bill Simmons doesn't know what he is talking about x and o wise. If you sit him down and go through tape with him he would be lost. He does know the history of tube well. But he cannot analyze what is happeningi the game at any given time. You don't have to learn the game through playing. But you do have to learn the game. Most people just don't understand what is happening on the court and why.

[ZaaaaaH]

So then it becomes even MORE important to have fan based experts in the sport. Otherwise it just becomes people talking about shop, and talking in a way that we can't relate to. A fan writing about a fan's experience is the best option for us no?

And it really is a simple game. I'm not sure why we'd argue this, this is part of it's beauty. Sure it gets more complex, but it's based in simplicity.


Yes its a simple game to people who have played the game but for someone who thinks they can just WATCH and understand the game :no:

For example I watch Football every season but only played on a High school level as for Basketball I have played on a higher level and Trust me there is so much more to learn then you kids think.

[chocolatethunder]

Yes its a simple game to people who have played the game but for someone who thinks they can just WATCH and understand the game :no:

For example I watch Football every season but only played on a High school level as for Basketball I have played on a higher level and Trust me there is so much more to learn then you kids think.
Trust me kid, you have much more to learn about grammar which in turn makes it hard to take you seriously when talking about how knowledgeable you are about basketball.

[OhNoTimNoSho]

How are you going to say that and say Basketball is not Complicated. :facepalm

Trust me Kid Basketball is Complicated then you think in the Higher level.
Coaching basketball (ie. managing people) is extremely complicated. Playing basketball is not.

Theres a lot to learn and there are many different concepts, but none of them are complicated...

[elementally morale]

Bill Simmons doesn't know what he is talking about x and o wise. If you sit him down and go through tape with him he would be lost. He does know the history of tube well. But he cannot analyze what is happeningi the game at any given time. You don't have to learn the game through playing. But you do have to learn the game. Most people just don't understand what is happening on the court and why.

Great post.

[CelticBaller]

You guys are naive as hell. You dont need a second of basketball playing time in order to understand basketball. I am not too familiar with Bill Simmons.. but basketball is not very complicated. Anyone who studies it for an extended period of time will be able to understand it. Stan Van Gundy can be a fat diabetic slob and still know that a player needs better conditioning to improve his game. Wether the player chooses to listen is on him.


I find it amusing how u guys saying u cant be a good coach without having played... when none of you have coached or played in the NBA. How would you know what it takes to be a good coach? Or even what a good coach is?
:applause:

[G-train]

I think you are the Silly one.

These players and Coaches put their life for the game as for the Fans its just a hobby.

If it was that simple game of Basketball why are you here and Not coaching?

He does coach.

[7_cody]

You guys are naive as hell. You dont need a second of basketball playing time in order to understand basketball. I am not too familiar with Bill Simmons.. but basketball is not very complicated. Anyone who studies it for an extended period of time will be able to understand it. Stan Van Gundy can be a fat diabetic slob and still know that a player needs better conditioning to improve his game. Wether the player chooses to listen is on him.


I find it amusing how u guys saying u cant be a good coach without having played... when none of you have coached or played in the NBA. How would you know what it takes to be a good coach? Or even what a good coach is?

Not saying you're wrong or right, but you just contradicted yourself. You said that you don't need to play in order to understand the game, then you asked how any of us can know how to coach without actually coaching or playing

If you can't be an expert in basketball without playing it, then you probably can't be a coach in the NBA or even know what it takes to be a coach without playing either

[chips93]

so what exactly did simmons say/do to make irving tweet this?

seems weird for irving to just throw this out unprovoked.

[RoseCity07]

How much experience do you need to be an expert? Michael Jordan was the best but he can't coach and he certainly can't pick out star talent.

I play the game and watch it. I don't need to be an NBA player to see if someone is a bum.

[ZaaaaaH]

Trust me kid, you have much more to learn about grammar which in turn makes it hard to take you seriously when talking about how knowledgeable you are about basketball.


Basketball and Grammer?

Nerd mad?

[Joshumitsu]

Fyi, Uncle Drew has been playing basketball since Bill Simmons was in diapers.

[Breezy]

- You are way off on your silly tangent...

- Ask an anthropologists about a certain tribes history (ones that he studied) and he may give you some great answers.....

But ask him how to live in the Jungle.....survive off the land......get water.....hunt?.....who's advice would you want?...

someone from the tribe who's been living in the jungle thier whole life....or an anthropologists who lived in the jungle maybe 2 weeks.

- Players are the ones Playing the game...they know what works....they know to attack 1' away from the defenders reach or 2'...they know how the game's soul and how it's bieng played at that time....

- No way someone who barely plays basketball and just watches knows more then those who spent thier whole lives playing......they might know the history and can resite certain plays....but they


- The tribes men know how to live and thrive off the Land....not an anthropologists...Kobe knows how to play basketball at a level 2nd to no one....and thrive on a basketball court......not Bill Simmons.





:facepalm .....@U......taking advice how to swim from someone who never been in the water......but watched Michael Phelps once on TV.


You are making my point for me. A primitive tribesmen (like an nba player) does have valuable information on their own small circle. But on a whole they have quite clear tunnel vision and outright false views of how the world they live in works.

Hey Chief, Why aren't the crops growing? Chief - "We didn't pray to the rain god enough."

Hey Jordan, Where does Kobe rank all time? Jordan - " For guards, He's probably top 10."

Math has proven that being "On Fire" is a myth, and that having one guy going iso on the last possession to win the game is one of the lowest % shots you can have but Players still "feed the hot hand" and in a tie game with the shot clock off Every team just has their best player go one on one for a win. Despite all of the evidence to the contrary, Nearly ALL players buy into these ideas. You're a big Kobe fan, I suppose you reluctantly agree with him when when he says Jerry west is the best Laker of all time? No, of course you don't.

Have you ever watched the news when someone gets charged with murder and they interview the mother..."Oh no, not my boy. He's so sweet and he would never hurt anyone. You don't know him like I do." then a few months later, Convicted of murder in the first degree.

The obliviousness of players gets even more ridiculous when they are dealing with criticism. They (like most people) just can't come to terms with the fact that they might be screwing up and some of the dumbest things come out of their mouth.

It all depends on the questions you have. If you want to know the best way to defend OJ Mayo, you should probably ask another western conference shooting guard, if you want to know why the hell the Blazers haven't benched JJ Hickson so they can have some scoring off the bench. Probably the worst person to ask would be Hickson.

Don't put yourself in the position of having to defend what Nba players say. Especially when so many of them can't tell their ass from a hole in the wall.

[Breezy]

Oh and I can't believe I missed it


The tribes men know how to live and thrive off the Land....not an anthropologists...Kobe knows how to play basketball at a level 2nd to no one....and thrive on a basketball court......not Bill Simmons.

Hey Kobe! What's your opinion on shooting contested 3's over double teams?

Kobe: Take at least 5 a game and you'll be in good shape

Seriously though, Kobe is great and I've seen interviews with him where he actually does have really good advice, not to knock him, but he is the perfect example of someone who has the most hilariously retarded answers when he's trying to defend his litany of boneheaded plays.