Steve Nash: "I'm not going to retire because I want the money"

[truhooper]

If a player loves the game and is under contract, there isn't much reason for him to retire from basketball. There is also the fact that Nash is being paid $9.3 million this season and could bring in $9.8 million next year.

At 40 years old, Nash is old in NBA years, but he is still young in life. Basketball careers are short-lived, and there is often a lot of life to live after basketball is done. Nash was honest in discussion this, saying bluntly that there is a side of his decision not to retire that is about salary.

"On the other hand, it's just a reality, I'm not going to retire because I want the money," Nash said. "It's honest."

Bryant made a similar statement when he signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract that will kick in next season. There is not much logic in millionaires making concessions for billionaires. It only takes basic common sense to understand that, and Nash has it.

"At the same time, you're going to have people out there who are like, 'Oh, man, he's so greedy," Nash said, "'He's already made X amount of money in his career and he has to take that last little bit'. Yes, I do have to take that last little bit."




Dude is basically a cripple, but doesn't feel guilty about taking money. What a pos :coleman:

[Bob Dole]

Real ninja!

Plus he's my favorite player of all time so he can do little wrong in my eyes.

[DuMa]

people that criticize him for it wouldnt hesitate to do the same if you were him

KEEP GETTIN DEM CHECKS MV-STEVE

[miles berg]

At least he is honest. I can't blame him one bit. He can take next years salary, put it away, and retire without a need just on it.

[Jlamb47]

Honesty is awesome.

[Mass Debator]

If he gave everyone active on ISH $20,000 from next year's salary, he'd still have enough to buy him a Lambo or 2.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

even if nash retired, his contract would still count against the cap next year, correct?

[SHAQisGOAT]

Get that money Steve :applause:


This reminds me the time when Larry Bird retired. From 'When the Game Was Ours':


Larry Bird strode into Dave Gavitt's office on a humid August morning. He had been home from Barcelona only nine days, and there was one unfinished piece of business that had been nagging him.

"Dave", Bird said. "I'm done, I'm retiring."

"Larry, are you sure?" Gavitt said. "I think you should take a few more weeks to think it over a little longer.

Gavitt, who had watched Bird suffer in Barcelona, knew better than anyone that his star couldn't physically play anymore. Yet there was a reason why he wanted to put off Bird's announcement. If the franchise forward waited two more weeks, his contract for the following two seasons at $5 million each would kick in, and the Celtics would be obligated to pay him, even if he did retire. After everything number 33 had done for the Boston Celtics, Gavitt felt he deserved the money.

"I know what you are doing", Bird said. "I don't want the money. I didn't earn it, and I won't take it. Let's just get this over with."

[It's A VC3!!!]

People just making a big deal about it because it's not common for stars or ex-stars to say "it's about the money".

They usually say "I came here to win, it's about winning".

But seriously, why would fans expect anything otherwise? I applaud Nash and don't understand the hate in the video I watched earlier.

[Haymaker]

No one guarantees him he will have a successful life after basketball so I have no problem with that.

[oarabbus]

are you 23 or 13?

:coleman:

So you agree with OP that Nash is a POS?

[russwest0]

You madd at Nash or the Lakers?

[Quickening]

Kobe is also done... only reason he won't retire is because he is banking 30 mill a year to sit on his ass tweeting.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Get that money Steve :applause:


This reminds me the time when Larry Bird retired. From 'When the Game Was Ours':



after all these crooks in the nba right now making 10, 15, 20 mill, bet he thinks he deserves it now.

[oarabbus]

after all these crooks in the nba right now making 10, 15, 20 mill, bet he thinks he deserves it now.


:wtf:

How old are you man? Do you understand how a contract works? The Lakers organization offered old ass Nash a bad contract, they must hold to it. It's not his fault.

[TheReal Kendall]

One of my fav players and I respect his honesty.

It's all a business at the end of the day. If the owners are crazy enough to pay him after knowing he's old and injured then why not continue to take their money.

[truhooper]

people that criticize him for it wouldnt hesitate to do the same if you were him

KEEP GETTIN DEM CHECKS MV-STEVE

I think players should get as much money as they can.

Generally, I think opinions would be negative If a player not liked as much as Nash is said he's all about the money :confusedshrug:

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

:wtf:

How old are you man? Do you understand how a contract works? The Lakers organization offered old ass Nash a bad contract, they must hold to it. It's not his fault.
i'm talking about larry bird..

[oarabbus]

i'm talking about larry bird..

Oh my bad. Yeah I can see that.


I think players should get as much money as they can.

Generally, I think opinions would be negative If a player not liked as much as Nash is said he's all about the money :confusedshrug:


Gilbert Arenas? I don't think he "deserves" the money but I don't fault him for getting paid

[3peated]

if he cant get a ring he better get paid

[Railgun]

Keep buttfvcking the Lakers. Awesome.

[truhooper]

Oh my bad. Yeah I can see that.




Gilbert Arenas? I don't think he "deserves" the money but I don't fault him for getting paid

Gil never outright said he was playing for money though

[Marlo_Stanfield]

him and Kobrick should both retire to do the Lakers a favor:facepalm

[HoopsFanNumero1]

Get that money Steve :applause:


This reminds me the time when Larry Bird retired. From 'When the Game Was Ours':



Damn, respect to Bird :applause:

[navy]

Release him

[HurricaneKid]

LOL at anyone here that would give away $9.3M. Maybe you are all 10 years old. Thats generational wealth. His grandkids will never have to work.

[atljonesbro]

Lol you can't be mad at Nash for collect the money offered to him in the contract. Blame it on the Lakers for offering that.

[ihatetimthomas]

One of my fav players and I respect his honesty.

It's all a business at the end of the day. If the owners are crazy enough to pay him after knowing he's old and injured then why not continue to take their money.

To the Lakers defense, Nash was not injured and he was coming off a very productive season running the Suns offense. I never agreed with the amount given to him at his age, but he wasnt exactly damaged goods when he came. It all came from that knee injury.

[Akrazotile]

Kobe is also done... only reason he won't retire is because he is banking 30 mill a year to sit on his ass tweeting.


The difference between Kobe and Nash tho is that Kobe is still forcing his phony, contrived "I'm ALL about winning, that's all that matters. I want rings. I want championships no matter what it takes, that's my mindset. Anything to win. That's priority one, two, and three. Oh btw I'm gonna take up 40% of the salary cap"

:rolleyes:


Playin that corny hero persona. Dude loves it. Sheep love it. Match made in heaven.

[navy]

Keep getting dem checks.

[gts]

can you say stretch provision

[ArbitraryWater]

l

KEEP GETTIN' DEM CHECKS

[gts]

To the Lakers defense, Nash was not injured and he was coming off a very productive season running the Suns offense. I never agreed with the amount given to him at his age, but he wasnt exactly damaged goods when he came. It all came from that knee injury.


Stop letting facts get in the way.. there's no room for that here on ISH :lol

[MVBallin2K]

It kind of confuses me and I don't know what some people said on the matter but how is it "No one would turn down the money" if it's Nash and "KOBE KILLED DA CAP WITH GREEDINESS" at the other end? :oldlol:

Obviously 9.3 million is not Kobe's salary but it's still a hefty chunk of change against the cap. Me though? I don't mind if Nash comes back and plays next year. He is what he is at this stage of his career but he can still provide when healthy. Let him get one more year to go out his way hopefully and then the Lakers can move forward after that. People overreact as if LA has this high threshold of free agents blossoming this year that we need every penny of cap for. We don't. Melo is the only real big option and who knows where he lands.

[ihatetimthomas]

Stop letting facts get in the way.. there's no room for that here on ISH :lol

I know, facts are considered trolling here on ISH lol

[Akrazotile]

It kind of confuses me and I don't know what some people said on the matter but how is it "No one would turn down the money" if it's Nash and "KOBE KILLED DA CAP WITH GREEDINESS" at the other end? :oldlol:




Nash: I'll be honest with you guys. I'm not going to retire because I'd like to collect all my salary.

Kobe: We need to win, NOW. At all costs. This performance by management is INEXCUSABLE, I demand winning. You know what an intense competitor I am, there aint no rebuilding here. I have a warrior mentality and I want EVERYONE to talk about it. Call me intense, call me superhuman, call me an assassin on the court who will sacrifice anything to win. I want you spewing every cliche there is about desire and competitiveness about me. And oh btw, I'm gonna ruin our cap situation so we can't compete. BUT I'M ALL ABOUT COMPETING DAMMIT!

[boozehound]

funny he calls the equivalent of a 50k salary (more than the average wage in the US) over 196 years a "little bit".

I do agree that there is no reason for him to retire and there is no good reason for fans to be salty about it, especially when kobe said the exact same thing.

[ihatetimthomas]

funny he calls the equivalent of a 50k salary (more than the average wage in the US) over 196 years a "little bit".

I do agree that there is no reason for him to retire and there is no good reason for fans to be salty about it, especially when kobe said the exact same thing.

Fans get salty because they want a good product on the floor when they watch and pay to see the games, and Nash certainly has not lived up to the contract. As a fan, you always want whats best for the team, so when guys dont live up to that, fans get angry or disgruntled. The thing fans shouldn't do is hold it against him for playing instead of retiring because just about anyone would do what he is doing.

[oarabbus]

Fans get salty because they want a good product on the floor when they watch and pay to see the games, and Nash certainly has not lived up to the contract. As a fan, you always want whats best for the team, so when guys dont live up to that, fans get angry or disgruntled. The thing fans shouldn't do is hold it against him for playing instead of retiring because just about anyone would do what he is doing.

What's best for the team was to not offer a 38 year old Nash a 3 year contract, though. Blame management, be angry and disgruntled at management.

[Smook A.]

As Jalen Rose would say... "KEEP GETTIN DEM CHECKS!"

[mr beast]

lol

i think most people would have made the same decision if you were in his shoes

sit on the bench watch games from court side and earn 9.8 mil or retire & start burning your savings

not very hard to make a decision eh?

[davehos]

people that criticize him for it wouldnt hesitate to do the same if you were him

KEEP GETTIN DEM CHECKS MV-STEVE

Agreed. The Lakers have handed out more than one terrible contract over the past couple of years.

:kobe: :kobe: :kobe:

[Denitron]

Nash :applause:

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

can somebody please explain to me what the lakers cap situation gains from steve nash retiring after this season?

[ihatetimthomas]

What's best for the team was to not offer a 38 year old Nash a 3 year contract, though. Blame management, be angry and disgruntled at management.

Hindsight is 20/20. Lakers were lacking a real pg for some time. Do you remember how much hate Derek Fisher was getting? About how he was the worst starting point guard in the game? Lakers went out and got Nash, who was playing at a very high level the previous year. He was also a All-Star that year and was voted in so it wasn't just a popularity vote. Was it too much money for a old pg? Yes, but there were a ton of positives when they went out and got him. They were all-in in 2013 going for that title. They basically paid him what they had to pay him to get him. They essentially just signed him to win a title with Dwight and Kobe that year.

[MVBallin2K]

Nash: I'll be honest with you guys. I'm not going to retire because I'd like to collect all my salary.

Kobe: We need to win, NOW. At all costs. This performance by management is INEXCUSABLE, I demand winning. You know what an intense competitor I am, there aint no rebuilding here. I have a warrior mentality and I want EVERYONE to talk about it. Call me intense, call me superhuman, call me an assassin on the court who will sacrifice anything to win. I want you spewing every cliche there is about desire and competitiveness about me. And oh btw, I'm gonna ruin our cap situation so we can't compete. BUT I'M ALL ABOUT COMPETING DAMMIT!


Have you watched Nash's ESPN special? He and Kobe aren't that different. They pride themselves on being competitors and being at their best no matter what their body says. Both of them right now are in a battle with their body and age over their mentality. Nash is truth in saying that he wants the money but you can also tell he really wants to go out the right way. Not be remembered as a injury prone old man who only played in a few games the last few seasons.

Can't fault him for that or Kobe nor them taking the money management offered. Both have the confidence within themselves that they still have something to give before they call it a career and it may turn out to be horrendous and a bad idea but no one will know until it happens next year and what free agency brings.

[navy]

can somebody please explain to me what the lakers cap situation gains from steve nash retiring after this season?
About 9.7 million I think

If they release him they can spread the 9.7 mil over 3 seasons.

They arent too bad cap wise either way.

[It's A VC3!!!]

Lakers are already going to have a boat load of cap next year (I think?). That's right when Nash comes off so the Lakers can splurge then.

[longtime lurker]

It kind of confuses me and I don't know what some people said on the matter but how is it "No one would turn down the money" if it's Nash and "KOBE KILLED DA CAP WITH GREEDINESS" at the other end? :oldlol:

Obviously 9.3 million is not Kobe's salary but it's still a hefty chunk of change against the cap. Me though? I don't mind if Nash comes back and plays next year. He is what he is at this stage of his career but he can still provide when healthy. Let him get one more year to go out his way hopefully and then the Lakers can move forward after that. People overreact as if LA has this high threshold of free agents blossoming this year that we need every penny of cap for. We don't. Melo is the only real big option and who knows where he lands.

Double standards, you gotta love them. Get that money Nash! None of these goofballs on this site that post from their parents basement would turn down the type of money these guys get offered. Just shows the hypocrisy of the clowns on this site. The same posters that were criticizing Kobe's contract are saying "Way to go Nash!"

[eliteballer]

When are you clowns going to learn to put links.

[Fire Colangelo]

I would do the same too. Maybe he would handle it differently if he was still with the Suns, but the Lakers pretty much done nothing to him. :confusedshrug: why not cash it all in

[kobeef24]

I don't get where the criticism is coming from. What would you do if someone offered you 10 mil?

[Railgun]

Double standards, you gotta love them. Get that money Nash! None of these goofballs on this site that post from their parents basement would turn down the type of money these guys get offered. Just shows the hypocrisy of the clowns on this site. The same posters that were criticizing Kobe's contract are saying "Way to go Nash!"
You don't realize the difference do you? Kobe Bryant signed the contract this season knowing fully well of his injuries while also pressuring the franchise. Nash signed the contract in 2012 when the Lakers tried (and miserably failed) to make a run.

[NugzFan]

Every single person here does the same.

[buddha]

cut contracts shouldn't count against the salary cap but the team should still be forced to pay them. that way if a team wants to sign Nash for 10 mil a year and realize he sucks they can cut him and get someone else but have to decide if it is worth it to still pay him.

[red1]

Good job steve. Milk little jimmy for every last drop

[Akrazotile]

There's a lot of underlying racism going on. Had a black player said what Nash has, he'd be ostracised and Sprewelled. But with "making his teammates better" and "unselfish" Nash? "What a great guy!" .. "He's so honest"... "Get that money". Yep, no double standard here.


:facepalm

Holy retard.


The double standard has to do with track record and tact. Sprewell called 27 million dollars and insulting offer and claimed he "had a family to feed" which is a slap in the face to basically every fan. He's also a reputed dummy with a track record of selfishness.

Nash on the other hand is simply stating that he wants to earn the remaining money on the contract he has by finishing it out. He was frank but not artless like that moron Sprewell. If someone like Ray Allen had said what Nash said, nobody would have a problem. Even tho he's black! Oooooh.


Now you, you are a product of a lack of intelligence. You sense there is some kind of double standard. But because you're too STUPID to think of anything more complex than "hes teh black and its racisstttt!!!" you are forced to submit an opinion as fukctarded as the one you have. You aren't capable of analyzing things very deeply because you don't have a brain that works very well. That's ok. We are all different genetically. You happened to be dealt very low capacity for intelligence. Because you are so utterly stupid, you are only capable of seeing things in......


....black and white.



:yaohappy:



f@g

[OhNoTimNoSho]

Can he play basketball?? Then pay that *****

[red1]

:facepalm

Holy retard.


The double standard has to do with track record and tact. Sprewell called 27 million dollars and insulting offer and claimed he "had a family to feed" which is a slap in the face to basically every fan. He's also a reputed dummy with a track record of selfishness.

Nash on the other hand is simply stating that he wants to earn the remaining money on the contract he has by finishing it out. He was frank but not artless like that moron Sprewell. If someone like Ray Allen had said what Nash said, nobody would have a problem. Even tho he's black! Oooooh.


Now you, you are a product of a lack of intelligence. You sense there is some kind of double standard. But because you're too STUPID to think of anything more complex than "hes teh black and its racisstttt!!!" you are forced to submit an opinion as fukctarded as the one you have. You aren't capable of analyzing things very deeply because you don't have a brain that works very well. That's ok. We are all different genetically. You happened to be dealt very low capacity for intelligence. Because you are so utterly stupid, you are only capable of seeing things in......


....black and white.



:yaohappy:



f@g
What about the liberals? What is their role in all of this?

[Akrazotile]

What about the liberals? What is their role in all of this?


At least seven of them will be getting blowjobs from you this weekend.

[red1]

At least seven of them will be getting blowjobs from you this weekend.
Whoah. That was uncalled for.

[longtime lurker]

You don't realize the difference do you? Kobe Bryant signed the contract this season knowing fully well of his injuries while also pressuring the franchise. Nash signed the contract in 2012 when the Lakers tried (and miserably failed) to make a run.

There is no difference idiot. Both players signed a contract that was offered to them. How was Kobe pressuring the Lakers, they were in the position of power I'm pretty sure Kobe couldn't predict the future that he'd break is leg. Nash can't play, Nash can barely walk the Lakers will be paying him to do nothing, Kobe will be suiting up next year. Kobe brings in the Lakers more than twice what they pay him. You're absolutely clueless go back to watching tentacle rape weirdo :facepalm

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

You're absolutely clueless go back to watching tentacle rape weirdo

:roll:

[gts]

There is no difference idiot. Both players signed a contract that was offered to them. How was Kobe pressuring the Lakers, they were in the position of power I'm pretty sure Kobe couldn't predict the future that he'd break is leg. Nash can't play, Nash can barely walk the Lakers will be paying him to do nothing, Kobe will be suiting up next year. Kobe brings in the Lakers more than twice what they pay him. You're absolutely clueless go back to watching tentacle rape weirdo :facepalm


I'm dying here :lol

[Jailblazers7]

The Lakers make how much money every year? I'm pretty sure they can pay Nash his money without going bankrupt. He knows it's his last deal and wants to earn every dollar.

[inclinerator]

Get that money Steve :applause:


This reminds me the time when Larry Bird retired. From 'When the Game Was Ours':


:applause: larry legend

[Derka]

Go get yours Steve :applause:

[Railgun]

There is no difference idiot. Both players signed a contract that was offered to them. How was Kobe pressuring the Lakers, they were in the position of power I'm pretty sure Kobe couldn't predict the future that he'd break is leg. Nash can't play, Nash can barely walk the Lakers will be paying him to do nothing, Kobe will be suiting up next year. Kobe brings in the Lakers more than twice what they pay him. You're absolutely clueless go back to watching tentacle rape weirdo :facepalm
Nash was healthy when LA signed him. Kobe wasn't even back yet, and wanted even more than he got. Now he has the gall to complain about the team not being able to rebuild fast enough. What a joke. Kobe Bryant is a team cancer that was carried by a stacked FC.

[Bandito]

can somebody please explain to me what the lakers cap situation gains from steve nash retiring after this season?
If he retires his money doesn't count against the Lakers cap.

[TheMarkMadsen]

so it's ok for Nash to admit he's done but just wants the money, and take the money

but its not ok for Kobe who believes he can still get back to 100% and wants to compete for titles, to take the money

ISH :roll:

[MVBallin2K]

You don't realize the difference do you? Kobe Bryant signed the contract this season knowing fully well of his injuries while also pressuring the franchise. Nash signed the contract in 2012 when the Lakers tried (and miserably failed) to make a run.

He didn't pressure the franchise though. They came to him with the contract and it was stated as such. There's an LA Times article here (http://articles.latimes.com/2013/nov/26/sports/la-sp-ln-jim-buss-no-point-waiting-kobe-bryant-extension-20131126) that says so. Now if you don't wanna read it, here's a quote:

"We didn't see the point of waiting," said Lakers owner/executive Jim Buss. "As far as trusting Kobe coming back on the court, you're a fool if you don't think he's going to [play well]. I have 100% faith."

Are you telling me that if Jim Buss came up to you with that type of contract straight up and asked you to sign it, you're gonna sit there and say "Nah, I'm good"? Cause you must be one of the most unselfish people of all time to do that.

[Doranku]

so it's ok for Nash to admit he's done but just wants the money, and take the money

but its not ok for Kobe who believes he can still get back to 100% and wants to compete for titles, to take the money

ISH :roll:

This. The same people who are bashing Kobe for taking his last contract are defending Nash here.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

If he retires his money doesn't count against the Lakers cap.
i think you're wrong, but what do i know.

then again you might be right


62. What are the rules for retired players? What if the player suffers a career-ending injury?

There's nothing binding about a player announcing his retirement. The player can still sign a new contract and continue playing (if he's not under contract), or return to his team (if he is still under contract) and resume his career.

The only exception to this is when a player is still under contract, wants to quit, and his team doesn't want to let him out of his contract. Under these circumstances the player can file for retirement with the league. The player is placed on the league's Voluntarily Retired list (see question number 78), forgoes his remaining salary, and cannot return to the league for one year. The latter requirement prevents players from using retirement as an underhanded way to change teams, and can be overridden with unanimous approval from all 30 teams. For example, guard Jason Williams signed with the LA Clippers in August 2008, then changed his mind the following month, announcing his retirement. He applied for reinstatement in early 2009, but his request was denied by a vote of 24-6. Williams later signed with the Orlando Magic once the one-year anniversary of his retirement announcement had passed.

Any money paid to a player is included in team salary, even if the player is no longer playing or has retired.

There is one exception whereby a player can continue to receive his salary, but the salary is excluded from team salary. This is when a player suffers a career-ending injury or illness. The team must waive the player, and can apply for this salary exclusion following a waiting period. Only the player's team at the time the injury or illness was discovered (or reasonably should have been discovered) can apply for this salary exclusion.

The waiting period depends on the number games in which the player played in the season:1

If the player played 10 or more games in a season, the team can apply on the one-year anniversary of the player's last game.
If the player played fewer than 10 in a season, the team can apply 60 days after his last game, or the one-year anniversary of his last game in the previous season, whichever is later.
The determination as to whether an injury or illness is career ending is made by a physician jointly selected by the league and players association. The determination is based on whether the injury or illness will prevent the player from playing for the remainder of his career, or if it is severe enough that continuing to play constitutes a medically unacceptable risk.

If the injury exclusion is granted, the player's salary is removed from the team salary immediately.

If the player later "proves the doctors wrong" and resumes his career, then his salary is returned to the team salary when he plays in his 25th game1 in any one season, for any team. This allows a player to attempt to resume his career without affecting his previous team unless his comeback is ultimately successful. If the 25th game was a playoff game, then the player's salary is returned to the cap effective on the date of the team's last regular season game (i.e., the returned salary counts toward the luxury tax).

There are a few additional nuances to the salary exclusion:

If the player resumes his career and his salary is returned to the team salary, the team can re-apply for the salary exclusion under the same rules (including the rules for the waiting period).
If a player retires, even for medical reasons, his team does not receive a salary cap exception to acquire a replacement player.
A team cannot apply for this salary exclusion if they have applied for a Disabled Player exception (see question number 25) that season, whether the exception was granted or not.
If this salary exclusion is granted, the team cannot re-sign or re-acquire the player at any time.
This salary exclusion can be used when a player dies while under contract.
1 They count only regular season and playoff games, and do not count preseason games. This was not specified prior to the 2011 CBA. During the 2008-09 season Darius Miles (whose salary was excluded from Portland's cap) played in 10 games for Boston and Memphis (the limit was 10 games at the time), which included preseason games. The league counted the preseason games toward the total, and returned Miles' salary to Portland's cap.

[Genaro]

The same people here that bash Kobe for taking 48/2 years contract are the ones saying Nash is doing well as he takes Lakers money and don't offer nothing in return.

[truhooper]

There's a lot of underlying racism going on. Had a black player said what Nash has, he'd be ostracised and Sprewelled. But with "making his teammates better" and "unselfish" Nash? "What a great guy!" .. "He's so honest"... "Get that money". Yep, no double standard here.

:applause:

[navy]

The difference is that Nash isnt complaining about the Lakers management . He knows he's part of the problem. Something Kobe has yet to acknowledge.

[longtime lurker]

If he retires his money doesn't count against the Lakers cap.

Depends. I think if he doesn't file official paperwork with the league the money still counts against the cap.... I could be wrong though

[oh the horror]

The difference is that Nash isnt complaining about the Lakers management . He knows he's part of the problem. Something Kobe has yet to acknowledge.


That's a ridiculous statement. Kobe Bryant has been with the lakers for almost 18 years now. Won several titles.


Steve Nash has been riding the pine since he's been here. Wtf can he say?

[Bandito]

Depends. I think if he doesn't file official paperwork with the league the money still counts against the cap.... I could be wrong though
Don't know about official paperwork but when players retire their cap doesn't count against the cap, one of the reasons Arenas still get his contract was because he never retired.

[The-Legend-24]

Don't blame him, everybody would do the same.

[navy]

That's a ridiculous statement. Kobe Bryant has been with the lakers for almost 18 years now. Won several titles.


Steve Nash has been riding the pine since he's been here. Wtf can he say?
Kobe has earned his money. Make no mistake. Hell, he is probably underpaid. But he cant sit there old and injured and pretend like he is 100% about winning while making the highest salary in the nba. He's a liability to winning at his age and price. He needs to keep getting his checks and shut up.

[DMV2]

Don't know about official paperwork but when players retire their cap doesn't count against the cap, one of the reasons Arenas still get his contract was because he never retired.
Arenas also fell under the amnesty clause, which meant his money got spread out but eventually get the full amount. It was supposed to expire this year but now it extended until 2016.

[Noob Saibot]

Steve Nash is a G.

[dazzer87]

Cant blame him, get that $$$$ Stevie.........:applause:

[The-Legend-24]

so it's ok for Nash to admit he's done but just wants the money, and take the money

but its not ok for Kobe who believes he can still get back to 100% and wants to compete for titles, to take the money

ISH :roll:
:oldlol: :oldlol:

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

Cant blame him, get that $$$$ Stevie.........:applause:
i been wondering who the douchebag was in your avi for the past couple days. finally did a google search :lol

[bdreason]

I wouldn't leave 9 million on the table either.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

One of the most overrated players ever. Overrated teammate couldnt make the finals with such a completely stacked roster. Just an overall piece of sht:facepalm

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

I wouldn't leave 9 million on the table either.
you're probably also broke as fck.

[TheMarkMadsen]

can he re structure the contract? I mean shit if he KNOWS he won't be close to 100% next year at least take a 3-4 million dollar pay cut

[JtotheIzzo]

If a player loves the game and is under contract, there isn't much reason for him to retire from basketball. There is also the fact that Nash is being paid $9.3 million this season and could bring in $9.8 million next year.

At 40 years old, Nash is old in NBA years, but he is still young in life. Basketball careers are short-lived, and there is often a lot of life to live after basketball is done. Nash was honest in discussion this, saying bluntly that there is a side of his decision not to retire that is about salary.

"On the other hand, it's just a reality, I'm not going to retire because I want the money," Nash said. "It's honest."

Bryant made a similar statement when he signed a two-year, $48.5 million contract that will kick in next season. There is not much logic in millionaires making concessions for billionaires. It only takes basic common sense to understand that, and Nash has it.

"At the same time, you're going to have people out there who are like, 'Oh, man, he's so greedy," Nash said, "'He's already made X amount of money in his career and he has to take that last little bit'. Yes, I do have to take that last little bit."




Dude is basically a cripple, but doesn't feel guilty about taking money. What a pos :coleman:

How dare he build his career and then cash in.

WHAT A SCUMBAG.

I mean really, this muthaf*cka wants the people who offered and signed his contract to honour it.

POS!

[Keno]

good. certain other players are stealing money from the franchise without saying anything about it, at least nash is being honest.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

can he re structure the contract? I mean shit if he KNOWS he won't be close to 100% next year at least take a 3-4 million dollar pay cut
im probably wrong, but i dont think you can restructure your contract under "new" cba.

[houston]

steve keeping it real

[oh the horror]

Now imagine if this was Lebron saying this.



Reactions would be a tad different.

[Artillery]

Of course he's not going to retire. Still has plenty of child support to play.

[RaininThrees]

[QUOTE]

[bagelred]

I said this a long time ago. Nash loves money. He would never ever leave money on the table.

[ImKobe]

**** Steve Nash, he knows he's ****ing done and could have still received his money by not playing the 10 games, now he will eat our cap for 10 mil for either one year or by 3 mil for the next 3 seasons by stretch provision, ****ing hell.

[tmacattack33]

No sh*t.

The reason i go to work every day is because i want the money.

If this is newsworthy, it is a terrible sign of how politically correct players have to be these days. Someone finally says something slightly truthful and it becomes news.

[chocolatethunder]

One of the most overrated players ever. Overrated teammate couldnt make the finals with such a completely stacked roster. Just an overall piece of sht:facepalm
No what he did is take a team who didn't have their best player and took them deep into the playoff and scored a bunch and played out of his mind. But he's not black so he must suck.

[DMAVS41]

No what he did is take a team who didn't have their best player and took them deep into the playoff and scored a bunch and played out of his mind. But he's not black so he must suck.

He certainly doesn't "suck", but he was pretty over-rated by a lot of fans. I love Nash..thought he was great, but you start putting him on the elite level of Shaq, Duncan, Kobe, Dirk, KG, Wade, Lebron...etc. from this era.

And he falls way behind.

You'll notice how he rarely receives criticism. Why is that? Well for one he's likable and more identifiable for fans because he's normal sized, but another part of it is that he's actually not thought to be on that level.

Take Wade for example. Imagine if Wade got to play with beginning of prime Dirk for 3 years...and then got to play with all those loaded Suns teams...and he never made the finals once in his career. People would kill him...absolutely kill him. They'd laugh at him winning MVP's etc...yet you don't see that very often, if ever, with Nash. And it's because most fans realize...even if it's deep down...that Nash was never on that truly elite level.

[OhNoTimNoSho]

No sh*t.

The reason i go to work every day is because i want the money.

If this is newsworthy, it is a terrible sign of how politically correct players have to be these days. Someone finally says something slightly truthful and it becomes news.

This just in: Man works at job for money. More at 11

[chocolatethunder]

He certainly doesn't "suck", but he was pretty over-rated by a lot of fans. I love Nash..thought he was great, but you start putting him on the elite level of Shaq, Duncan, Kobe, Dirk, KG, Wade, Lebron...etc. from this era.

And he falls way behind.

You'll notice how he rarely receives criticism. Why is that? Well for one he's likable and more identifiable for fans because he's normal sized, but another part of it is that he's actually not thought to be on that level.

Take Wade for example. Imagine if Wade got to play with beginning of prime Dirk for 3 years...and then got to play with all those loaded Suns teams...and he never made the finals once in his career. People would kill him...absolutely kill him. They'd laugh at him winning MVP's etc...yet you don't see that very often, if ever, with Nash. And it's because most fans realize...even if it's deep down...that Nash was never on that truly elite level.
It's Nash's fault that Amare got hurt? It's his fault that there was a fight and a suspension? Of course the dude gets slagged all the time for his defense so yeah people talk about him. Dude played out of his mind in the playoffs and when amare went down. If you wanna say he couldn't win w Dirk then you can say the same about Dirk not winning with Nash. Yes I can imagine Wade losing and everyone would still love him. His stacked team got beat by a far inferior Dallas team and everyone thinks he's great. Too much is made about getting to the finals or winning the finals. Sometimes you go up against teams and organizations you're just not gonna beat and that's life. Lots of stacked teams never did shit. Look at Milwaukee w big dog and ray and cassell. Seattle w kemp and Payton got bounced in the first round. Shit happens. And stacked is not how I would refer to those phoenix teams. Defensively they were a joke.

[BlackVVaves]

He certainly doesn't "suck", but he was pretty over-rated by a lot of fans. I love Nash..thought he was great, but you start putting him on the elite level of Shaq, Duncan, Kobe, Dirk, KG, Wade, Lebron...etc. from this era.

And he falls way behind.

You'll notice how he rarely receives criticism. Why is that? Well for one he's likable and more identifiable for fans because he's normal sized, but another part of it is that he's actually not thought to be on that level.

Take Wade for example. Imagine if Wade got to play with beginning of prime Dirk for 3 years...and then got to play with all those loaded Suns teams...and he never made the finals once in his career. People would kill him...absolutely kill him. They'd laugh at him winning MVP's etc...yet you don't see that very often, if ever, with Nash. And it's because most fans realize...even if it's deep down...that Nash was never on that truly elite level.

Loaded? Please explain

[BlackVVaves]

I think we can all agree that the league office tremendously screwed the Suns with their suspensions, and it cost them a Finals appearances. There have been fewer moments in sports where I have been more disgusted, and I didn't really begin to allow myself to like the Spurs again until a couple of seasons ago.

That was horrible man. Pop sends a mercenary out there to **** up the engine of their opposition, too take out the Suns best player. And somehow Phoenix gets penalized the most?

Bullshit.

[beastmode]

lol

[chocolatethunder]

I think we can all agree that the league office tremendously screwed the Suns with their suspensions, and it cost them a Finals appearances. There have been fewer moments in sports where I have been more disgusted, and I didn't really begin to allow myself to like the Spurs again until a couple of seasons ago.

That was horrible man. Pop sends a mercenary out there to **** up the engine of their opposition, too take out the Suns best player. And somehow Phoenix gets penalized the most?

Bullshit.
My point exactly. In addition, Nash made a bunch of shit players look good when Amare went down. And I'm no suns fan or Nash nut rider but god damn everyone thinks they can't be hard if they think a white dude can ball.

[MavsSuperFan]

Larry Bird strode into Dave Gavitt's office on a humid August morning. He had been home from Barcelona only nine days, and there was one unfinished piece of business that had been nagging him.

"Dave", Bird said. "I'm done, I'm retiring."

"Larry, are you sure?" Gavitt said. "I think you should take a few more weeks to think it over a little longer.

Gavitt, who had watched Bird suffer in Barcelona, knew better than anyone that his star couldn't physically play anymore. Yet there was a reason why he wanted to put off Bird's announcement. If the franchise forward waited two more weeks, his contract for the following two seasons at $5 million each would kick in, and the Celtics would be obligated to pay him, even if he did retire. After everything number 33 had done for the Boston Celtics, Gavitt felt he deserved the money.

"I know what you are doing", Bird said. "I don't want the money. I didn't earn it, and I won't take it. Let's just get this over with."
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5kaRbokoo8

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5kaRbokoo8
:roll:

is that nick kroll?

[DMAVS41]

Loaded? Please explain

In my opinion...a team of Joe Johnson, Amare, Marion, and Nash is loaded...

maybe it isn't in your opinion.

So was the the team (07 iirc) which featured Marion, Amare, Nash...and then had guys like Bell, Diaw, and Barbosa

And even the Shaq year...in 08...Shaq was still a very good player.

So if Nash is really graded on the Kobe/Dirk/Wade...etc. level....it's fair to criticize him for never making the finals. Same thing in Dallas...if he's really graded on those levels. It's fair to say from 02 through 04 he should have done more.

But of course he wasn't on those levels...so it's no big deal. My post was that people used to claim he was...when it was clear he was held to different standards. And for good reason! Nash wasn't as good as the guys I mentioned...

[DMAVS41]

It's Nash's fault that Amare got hurt? It's his fault that there was a fight and a suspension? Of course the dude gets slagged all the time for his defense so yeah people talk about him. Dude played out of his mind in the playoffs and when amare went down. If you wanna say he couldn't win w Dirk then you can say the same about Dirk not winning with Nash. Yes I can imagine Wade losing and everyone would still love him. His stacked team got beat by a far inferior Dallas team and everyone thinks he's great. Too much is made about getting to the finals or winning the finals. Sometimes you go up against teams and organizations you're just not gonna beat and that's life. Lots of stacked teams never did shit. Look at Milwaukee w big dog and ray and cassell. Seattle w kemp and Payton got bounced in the first round. Shit happens. And stacked is not how I would refer to those phoenix teams. Defensively they were a joke.

Fault? Never said it was.

What I said was simple.

If Nash is graded the same as the truly elite level like the guys I listed...he would got more criticism for never making the finals once in his career despite playing on very good teams from 02 through 08. Guys like Kobe, Wade, Lebron, Shaq, Duncan, Dirk, KG...etc. aren't getting passes for playing on that many teams with that many real star/all nba type guys for like 6 or 7 years of his prime...and never making the finals.

I never said it was Nash's fault...I simply said he was a clear tier below those guys.

Defensively they were a joke, but the problem is with that statement...Nash was the worst defender on the team! He is a truly horrible all time defender...he does nothing well defensively. So it's hard to say that and not hold Nash partly responsible because he actually is a pathetic defender.

Take a look at some other things.

The 03 Mavs absolutely were loaded around Dirk. You had Nash (pre peak), Finley, Van Exel, LaFrentz, Najera, and Bell. That team isn't the best team ever or something, but that is a loaded team around Dirk. And I'm a Dirk fan and it's not like I can deny that it was loaded.

But take a look at the Suns team. Marion was better than Finley. Amare was better than Nash. Bell was a better version of himself. Barbosa was slightly worse than Van Exel. Diaw was as good or better than Lafrentz.

Now, if you are telling me that the 03 Mavs aren't loaded. Then we just have different definitions and it's a semantics issue.

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

i hope lakers win championship next year, nash doesn't play a single game and the lakers do not give him a championship ring.

also do you guys think it's possible to trade nash?

[Demitri98]

i hope lakers win championship next year, nash doesn't play a single game and the lakers do not give him a championship ring.

also do you guys think it's possible to trade nash?
A tanking team will take him. Bloated contract for creating empty cap sapce and he'll be injured so he can sit out and they can lose easier.

[aboss4real24]

Lakes will never win a championship again

[BlackVVaves]

In my opinion...a team of Joe Johnson, Amare, Marion, and Nash is loaded...

maybe it isn't in your opinion.

So was the the team (07 iirc) which featured Marion, Amare, Nash...and then had guys like Bell, Diaw, and Barbosa

And even the Shaq year...in 08...Shaq was still a very good player.

So if Nash is really graded on the Kobe/Dirk/Wade...etc. level....it's fair to criticize him for never making the finals. Same thing in Dallas...if he's really graded on those levels. It's fair to say from 02 through 04 he should have done more.

But of course he wasn't on those levels...so it's no big deal. My post was that people used to claim he was...when it was clear he was held to different standards. And for good reason! Nash wasn't as good as the guys I mentioned...

I agree with the majority of your earlier post. I wouldn't say Nash was overrated, because he really was tremendous on those Phoenix teams. But, he wasn't the best player in the league by any stretch.

I just don't think those teams were stacked. Joe Johnson in 2004/2005 was nothing compared to his final seasons in Atlanta. Marion's production was more a product of the SSOL system than anyone else on that team (as proven by his decreased offensive production as soon as he left).

Bell. Barbosa. Eh. Don't equate stacked with their additions either.

To me, a stacked roster comprises of talent that, even on a individual basis, is quite formidable. I look at those Suns' rosters and I don't think stacked. I just think they were properly placed talent next to an elite point guard in an opportunistic offense.

[Harison]

Thats a bit low on Nash part, but I would probably do the same.




This reminds me the time when Larry Bird retired. From 'When the Game Was Ours':

"I know what you are doing", Bird said. "I don't want the money. I didn't earn it, and I won't take it. Let's just get this over with."


Didnt even heard this story before, mad respect to Bird :applause:

[DMAVS41]

I agree with the majority of your earlier post. I wouldn't say Nash was overrated, because he really was tremendous on those Phoenix teams. But, he wasn't the best player in the league by any stretch.

I just don't think those teams were stacked. Joe Johnson in 2004/2005 was nothing compared to his final seasons in Atlanta. Marion's production was more a product of the SSOL system than anyone else on that team (as proven by his decreased offensive production as soon as he left).

Bell. Barbosa. Eh. Don't equate stacked with their additions either.

To me, a stacked roster comprises of talent that, even on a individual basis, is quite formidable. I look at those Suns' rosters and I don't think stacked. I just think they were properly placed talent next to an elite point guard in an opportunistic offense.

Then we agree...it's just semantics.

Because I consider the 03 Mavs "loaded" or "stacked"...and Nash certainly had teams better than that around him on the Suns.

I'm not saying it's the same thing as having Shaq/Kobe, but it's my opinion that you sell a guy like prime Marion pretty short. His offensive output may be a little inflated, but the dude was a legit rebounder/defender to go along with it.

I also agree that JJ wasn't at his peak yet, but again, he was still really ****ing good to have as the third or 4th best player on a team.

[chocolatethunder]

Then we agree...it's just semantics.

Because I consider the 03 Mavs "loaded" or "stacked"...and Nash certainly had teams better than that around him on the Suns.

I'm not saying it's the same thing as having Shaq/Kobe, but it's my opinion that you sell a guy like prime Marion pretty short. His offensive output may be a little inflated, but the dude was a legit rebounder/defender to go along with it.

I also agree that JJ wasn't at his peak yet, but again, he was still really ****ing good to have as the third or 4th best player on a team.
I get what you're saying but I guess I just don't agree. He was a shit defender for sure but lots of guys have been. He carried a team and made everyone around him better. He may have not been the best player in the league it on his team but he was the most important guy on his team for sure. He could score a ton when he had to. I don't think the Shaq version of the suns was anywhere near as good as the other teams. I'll agree, Marion is kind of underrated and overlooked. To me, Nash is on the level of really great point guards. All players are different and serve different needs for their teams. I don't get too involved w this guy is better than that guy or whatever or ranking or any of that bullshit. I'll say that Nash is on the level with the best point guards of his era and def a hall of famer. His shooting seems to get over looked because people talk about his passing all the time but he's gotta be the best shooting PG ever and just a great shooter overall. When he needed to make a bucket he always did. But damn I think he's one of the most slagged players for his D so yeah, I think people talk about him all the time.

[SpecialQue]

http://cdn.pimpmyspace.org/media/pms/c/cf/n1/ua/2z6v0qc.gif

[Soundwave]

Good for him for being honest.

I wouldn't walk away from that money either even if I had a ton of money.

First off, taxes take away 1/3-1/2 of your career earnings straight away. Then you have family and friends to take care of. If you get a divorce (ahem Kobe) your wife could easily take half in the future. If you have multiple divorces ... uh yeah. A few bad investments can happen. The market can sour. And that money has to be able to sustain your lifestyle for the rest of your non-playing days and I assume you also would want to pass down money to your kids.

$18 million is nothing to scoff at. Blame the team that signed him to that contract, they knew full well what his age was.

[FLDFSU]

There's a lot of underlying racism going on. Had a black player said what Nash has, he'd be ostracised and Sprewelled. But with "making his teammates better" and "unselfish" Nash? "What a great guy!" .. "He's so honest"... "Get that money". Yep, no double standard here.

Lettuce be serious. A couple of years ago, after a lock out that already pushed the start of the NBA season back a couple of months, Dirk, a the recent Finals MVP, leader of the world champion Mavs, NBA superstar came back from the off season SO out of shape that he needed to take an additional 2 weeks off just to get into game shape. He completely admitted it and not one person gave a damn.

How many people's heads would explode if Lebron even came into to this season SO out of shape that he needed to miss a chunk of the regular season? This is coming off of 3 Finals and the Olympics. Lebron would be almost universally buried.

Lebron was criticized for missing the Bulls game earlier this year after getting his nose broken. Dirk? Defending NBA champion Dirk? Nothing.

Forget Lebron. What if Dirk was Carmelo? How many people would be calling Melo lazy and unprofessional? Or Wade or Durant or Westbrook or Paul...

Dirk? Not one article written taking issue with him being paid millions while admitting to not being prepared in an already delayed NBA season.

[DMAVS41]

I get what you're saying but I guess I just don't agree. He was a shit defender for sure but lots of guys have been. He carried a team and made everyone around him better. He may have not been the best player in the league it on his team but he was the most important guy on his team for sure. He could score a ton when he had to. I don't think the Shaq version of the suns was anywhere near as good as the other teams. I'll agree, Marion is kind of underrated and overlooked. To me, Nash is on the level of really great point guards. All players are different and serve different needs for their teams. I don't get too involved w this guy is better than that guy or whatever or ranking or any of that bullshit. I'll say that Nash is on the level with the best point guards of his era and def a hall of famer. His shooting seems to get over looked because people talk about his passing all the time but he's gotta be the best shooting PG ever and just a great shooter overall. When he needed to make a bucket he always did. But damn I think he's one of the most slagged players for his D so yeah, I think people talk about him all the time.

I don't think we even disagree. I think I agree with most of the above actually.

Nash was a great player. Fantastic...I was pissed when Dallas let him go...I just understood the reasons for it and it made sense...but I loved him.

Still do...he's an all time great player. I just think he's a tier below the guys I mentioned.

And again, if the 03 Mavs aren't that stacked in your opinion...then it's just semantics and we agree...because you have a higher standard for stacked or loaded...and going by your definition I would agree that the Suns weren't stacked.

That is why we have to define these terms when we talk about this stuff.

[DMAVS41]

Lettuce be serious. A couple of years ago, after a lock out that already pushed the start of the NBA season back a couple of months, Dirk, a the recent Finals MVP, leader of the world champion Mavs, NBA superstar came back from the off season SO out of shape that he needed to take an additional 2 weeks off just to get into game shape. He completely admitted it and not one person gave a damn.

How many people's heads would explode if Lebron even came into to this season SO out of shape that he needed to miss a chunk of the regular season? This is coming off of 3 Finals and the Olympics. Lebron would be almost universally buried.

Lebron was criticized for missing the Bulls game earlier this year after getting his nose broken. Dirk? Defending NBA champion Dirk? Nothing.

Forget Lebron. What if Dirk was Carmelo? How many people would be calling Melo lazy and unprofessional? Or Wade or Durant or Westbrook or Paul...

Dirk? Not one article written taking issue with him being paid millions while admitting to not being prepared in an already delayed NBA season.


Because it was special circumstances. He played internationally and was sick in the off season...and he had his agent and owner telling him there wouldn't even be a season.

LOL...that is a terrible example of the kind of criticism you are talking about.

Also, talk about you making a mountain out of nothing...

Dirk played 62 of the 66 games. Played 34 minutes a game and averaged like 22/7/3 56% TS iirc.

Also, it's simply natural to relax a little after winning, playing internationally, being sick, expecting there not be a season....and having your title team traded away...

Come on now...

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Lettuce be serious. A couple of years ago, after a lock out that already pushed the start of the NBA season back a couple of months, Dirk, a the recent Finals MVP, leader of the world champion Mavs, NBA superstar came back from the off season SO out of shape that he needed to take an additional 2 weeks off just to get into game shape. He completely admitted it and not one person gave a damn.

How many people's heads would explode if Lebron even came into to this season SO out of shape that he needed to miss a chunk of the regular season? This is coming off of 3 Finals and the Olympics. Lebron would be almost universally buried.

Lebron was criticized for missing the Bulls game earlier this year after getting his nose broken. Dirk? Defending NBA champion Dirk? Nothing.

Forget Lebron. What if Dirk was Carmelo? How many people would be calling Melo lazy and unprofessional? Or Wade or Durant or Westbrook or Paul...

Dirk? Not one article written taking issue with him being paid millions while admitting to not being prepared in an already delayed NBA season.

Miss me w/ this BS. People DID get on Dirk. I remember posters jokingly saying, he partied too hard in the off-season, questioning his competitive drive.

Hell, I still think Dirk is content w/ ONE ring.

[jbryan1984]

So what if he takes the money, Nash is one of the guys who has earned it the whole way through.

[JUDGE WITNESS]

cap'ism

[DMAVS41]

Miss me w/ this BS. People DID get on Dirk. I remember posters jokingly saying, he partied too hard in the off-season, questioning his competitive drive.

Hell, I still think Dirk is content w/ ONE ring.

Dirk is definitely not content with just one...just look up any interview with him about it. He's absolutely relieved and thrilled he finally got one, but he's also not an idiot...and he knew that winning again in 12 was beyond a long shot.

And yes, at this stage of his career, it's hard to go all out with no chance to win.

But have you watched him at all recently? He actually played great in 12 once he got going. Was great last year after his injury...and has been amazing this year so far.

Like, what more do you want over the last 3 years from Dirk? And he's been doing it by himself yet again until this season. I mean...hard to blame him for getting hurt last year...it happens when you are old. that is the first time in his career he's missed more than like 9 games in a season. He's been amazingly durable and consistent...

[gts]

Nash wants to play, he's under contract so he's going to give it a go...

I doubt he's still a Laker next fall but that's another topic

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Dirk is definitely not content with just one...just look up any interview with him about it. He's absolutely relieved and thrilled he finally got one, but he's also not an idiot...and he knew that winning again in 12 was beyond a long shot.

And yes, at this stage of his career, it's hard to go all out with no chance to win.

But have you watched him at all recently? He actually played great in 12 once he got going. Was great last year after his injury...and has been amazing this year so far.

Like, what more do you want over the last 3 years from Dirk? And he's been doing it by himself yet again until this season. I mean...hard to blame him for getting hurt last year...it happens when you are old. that is the first time in his career he's missed more than like 9 games in a season. He's been amazingly durable and consistent...

I don't know Dirk like you do. Never questioned his effort either. However, me thinking he was "content" with ONE ring has more to due with his elation and the stigma he shed post 2006 finals.

If anything, Dirk has over-achieved this year. I've been very impressed with his play.

[FLDFSU]

Because it was special circumstances. He played internationally and was sick in the off season...and he had his agent and owner telling him there wouldn't even be a season.

LOL...that is a terrible example of the kind of criticism you are talking about.

Also, talk about you making a mountain out of nothing...

Dirk played 62 of the 66 games. Played 34 minutes a game and averaged like 22/7/3 56% TS iirc.

Also, it's simply natural to relax a little after winning, playing internationally, being sick, expecting there not be a season....and having your title team traded away...

Come on now...

DMAVS, your generally a reasonable person. Carmelo wins a ring as finals MVP, is the franchise player, there is already a lockout delaying the start of the season, the defense of the title is already not going so well...

And Carmelo, the leader of the defending champions, causally admits he did not come into the season...the defense of his title season, prepared, yet he is the Star and the highest paid player (also the one of the highest in the league) on the team.

Be real DMAVS, how much blood would the media, his fanbase, and the NBA fanbase in general seek from Carmelo? How many articles, endless TV commentary, or even books? How many nasty names?

[oh the horror]

http://cdn.pimpmyspace.org/media/pms/c/cf/n1/ua/2z6v0qc.gif



Most appropriate gif in context ever

[IncarceratedBob]

stevie should have taken the medical retirement this season so that he would still get all his dough but it wouldnt count against the lakers cap

what a little piece of garbage, why cant he understand that he's done?

[DMAVS41]

DMAVS, your generally a reasonable person. Carmelo wins a ring as finals MVP, is the franchise player, there is already a lockout delaying the start of the season, the defense of the title is already not going so well...

And Carmelo, the leader of the defending champions, causally admits he did not come into the season...the defense of his title season, prepared, yet he is the Star and the highest paid player (also the one of the highest in the league) on the team.

Be real DMAVS, how much blood would the media, his fanbase, and the NBA fanbase in general seek from Carmelo? How many articles, endless TV commentary, or even books? How many nasty names?

If Carmelo played internationally over the summer, got pretty sick for like a month (according to reports in Dallas Dirk was really sick for a while), and was told by his agent and owner that there was likely not going to be a season...and had his title team completely transformed with no real chance to defend...

And then still played 62 of 66 games and put up like 22/7/3...down from 23/7/3 the previous year on worse efficiency...though that probably had to do with the team more than anything. I don't think I'd say much...

Like...what are you expecting there? That he's going to come back even better even though he's a year older with a worse team after a brutal summer with basically no training camp...having to play an absurd number of games in a short time

Really? 22/7/3 56% TS...down from 23/7/3 61% TS

I mean...I really don't get the point. I know his first 19 games were not very good on his standards, but again...it's not like we sucked or something. We were 11-8 during his rough stretch.

I just think you are either making a big deal out of nothing...or just didn't really know the facts and just talked out of your ass

You act like Dirk was the problem with that team.

With Dirk on the court the Mavs had a plus 5.8 scoring differential.
With Dirk on the bench the Mavs had a minus 7 scoring differential.

Compare that to Durant, for example...

With Durant on the court they had a plus 7.1 differential
With Durant on the bench they had a plus 5.2 differential

So Durant's bench was 12.2 points better per 100 possessions...and he had a better starting unit as well. Crazy difference.

LOL...give Dirk a plus 5.2 bench differential and we would have won a lot more games and probably would have been the 3rd seed.

That is pretty damn hard to overcome. The fact that we even made the playoffs with a numbers like that is pretty damn impressive.

[DMAVS41]

I don't know Dirk like you do. Never questioned his effort either. However, me thinking he was "content" with ONE ring has more to due with his elation and the stigma he shed post 2006 finals.

If anything, Dirk has over-achieved this year. I've been very impressed with his play.

Oh for sure.

I think he's "content" in that he's not thinking about jumping to a contender like he might have been if we had lost in 11. So in that I think we agree.

I just think Dirk is a really honest person. And he's not fighting for a title right now. He of course wants one, but he knows the teams since 11 weren't really capable of that. I think he thought 12 was before we found out Odom had quit...I did too actually. I think that 12 team is really under-rated. If Odom had played average we would have been right back into the 11 role as fringe contender and capable of getting hot and making a run. Take a look at that Thunder series in the playoffs. We lost the first 2 games by a combined 4 points. And then lost game 4 by 6. I know we got swept, but we really were 1 good player away from being a really tough out. I still don't think we had enough to think a repeat was likely, but the title in 11 was hardly likely as well.

So I think Dirk knows he's merely fighting for the playoffs and not titles since 11. Now, that is no excuse for anything, but I understand how it's hard to get up for being just first round at best...

Yea, to date, Dirk is definitely over-achieving this season. Especially since he's had to work his ass of on defense as well. Now, I'm not saying he's been a great defender or something, but the other bigs on our team have been awful and he literally has no support...and our guards are poor defensively as well...at least with Harris back we are not truly terrible.

So yes, I'm super impressed that he's having a near 50/40/90 season..in fact, he's at 49.5, 39.8, and 91.7...and he's putting up 22/6/3...while leading us to 12 games over .500. Better than I imagined he'd be easily...

[NoGunzJustSkillz]

stevie should have taken the medical retirement this season so that he would still get all his dough but it wouldnt count against the lakers cap

what a little piece of garbage, why cant he understand that he's done?
this is what happens when you bring a hated rival on board.