Is Bill Simmons Albert Pujols/Lebron James Comparison on the money?

[HOoopCityJones]

“Anyone who thinks LeBron looks the same is fooling themselves,” Simmons said. “He doesn’t have the same impulsiveness. He looks 20 pounds lighter physically. Just his general force-of-natureness capacity — whatever you want to say — it’s not there. And he’s driving to the basket, and he’s under the rim now, and I don’t know what that means. I don’t know if he’s hurt, I don’t know if the big weight loss has affected his game or whatever. This is not a jump-to-conclusion thing. I have been watching this Cavs team since the preseason games started, and he does not look the same.”

Legit Comparison? He does seem different. :confusedshrug:

[HOoopCityJones]

Here's Mike Golic's response to Simmons comments.

http://youtu.be/-AIyr1tomHQ

[STATUTORY]

The signs were there last year. I remember there was a game after all star break where I saw Lebron visibly exit his prime right in front of our eyes and I called it.

He has no lift, no explosion off one foot now. He was always a bad two feet leaper and had a poor first step. The last thing to go will be his maximal topspeed but it's clear that he's in drastic decline mode and pretty much strictly below the rim

[HOoopCityJones]

I remember there was a game after all star break where I saw Lebron visibly exit his prime right in front of our eyes and I called it.

:roll:

[lilteapot]

The signs were there last year. I remember there was a game after all star break where I saw Lebron visibly exit his prime right in front of our eyes and I called it.

He has no lift, no explosion off one foot now. He was always a bad two feet leaper and had a poor first step. The last thing to go will be his maximal topspeed but it's clear that he's in drastic decline mode and pretty much strictly below the rim
lmao this forum is a joke

[SamuraiSWISH]

Here's Mike Golic's response to Simmons comments.

http://youtu.be/-AIyr1tomHQ
Mike Golic is a dumb football player, a lineman no less. The most idiotic of all the positions. Cavemen, or monkeys could do it.

He's totally ignorant to what he's talking about in response to Simmons.

I trust Bill's basketball opinion. And in this case he is right, he's a student of the game. He understands what he's watching unlike Golic. It's not just about LeBron's raw stats.

Physically LeBron does look way different.

You'd think with weight loss he'd be more explosive, but he's not. He's playing well below the rim, not finishing drives, isn't very quick, isn't very limber in his movements, has wraps below his knees. It all adds up visually to a player who looks extremely old at the relatively young age of 29.

It brings questions to the new HGH testing that's being done this season. Such a dramatic physical difference from how he looked in June is more than unusual.

[lilteapot]

Mike Golic is a dumb football player, a lineman no less. The most idiotic of all the positions. Cavemen, or monkeys could do it.

He's totally ignorant to what he's talking about in response to Simmons.

I trust Bill's basketball opinion. And in this case he is right, he's a student of the game. He understands what he's watching unlike Golic. It's not just about LeBron's raw stats.

Physically LeBron does look way different.

You'd think with weight loss he'd be more explosive, but he's not. He's playing well below the rim, not finishing drives, isn't very quick, isn't very limber in his movements, has wraps below his knees. It all adds up visually to a player who looks extremely old at the relatively young age of 29.

It brings questions to the new HGH testing that's being done this season. Such a dramatic physical difference from how he looked in June is more than unusual.
He doesn't look that much different at all.

FFS people.

[Droid101]

lmao this forum is a joke
You're a joke. Sorry your hero is declining.

[game3524]

This isn't a shock to anyone who has followed NBA history. Guys who come into the league straight out of high school age like dogs. Kobe and KG are really the only guys who managed to play at an elite level past age 30.

Lebron knows this and that is why he left for Cleveland, he knows he can't carry the team all 82 games and then have something left for the post-season.

[Droid101]

This isn't a shock to anyone who has followed NBA history. Guys who come into the league straight out of high school age like dogs. Kobe and KG are really the only guys who managed to play at an elite level past age 30.

Old school players with old school toughness.

[DatAsh]

He doesn't look all that much different to me. Just because we haven't seen him go above the rim yet doesn't mean he can't. How many times did we see him go above the rim last year? It's not like it was an every game thing. If we still haven't seen it come all-star break, then there may be an issue, 10 games in though? I just don't think we can definitively say one way or the other.

He's playing off the ball a lot more - even more than he was last year, that I can say.

[Smoke117]

He doesn't look all that much different to me. Just because we haven't seen him go above the rim yet doesn't mean he can't. How many times did we see him go above the rim last year? It's not like it was an every game thing. If we still haven't seen it come all-star break, then there may be an issue, 10 games in though? I just don't think we can definitively say one way or the other.

He's playing off the ball a lot more - even more than he was last year, that I can say.

What the **** is wrong with you?! Using commonsense on this forum...

[KingPush]

He's been looking better every game :confusedshrug:

[SamuraiSWISH]

He doesn't look all that much different to me. Just because we haven't seen him go above the rim yet doesn't mean he can't. How many times did we see him go above the rim last year?
Alot. And he got up on his dunks too. Some highly athletic plays. Head at rim level stuff. The ones we've seen him do this year have been kind of weak. Looks like an old man with a bad back, safe landings, etc.


If we still haven't seen it come all-star break, then there may be an issue, 10 games in though? I just don't think we can definitively say one way or the other.
We're just commenting on what is happening, right now. Don't get your undies in a jack twist. You're not some voice of reason. We're not talking about Feb.

November 2014, that's what we're discussing.

[HOoopCityJones]

He's been looking better every game :confusedshrug:

If by better you mean leaning on Andy to bring em home , then yea.

[lilteapot]

Alot. And he got up on his dunks too. Some highly athletic plays. Head at rim level stuff. The ones we've seen him do this year have been kind of weak. Looks like an old man with a bad back, safe landings, etc.


We're just commenting on what is happening, right now. Don't get your undies in a jack twist. You're not some voice of reason. We're not talking about Feb.

November 2014, that's what we're discussing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrCFaO5Ld10

He looks just fine in this game that was only a week ago. and he got a monster chasedown block

stop overblowing shit.

[PleezeBelieve]

He certainly is not playing at a physical level that he was at even 8 months ago. His finishing % at the rim has to be at it's lowest point since his first couple seasons.

The fact is, he doesn't display consistent ability to go around even average defenders in 1 on 1 situations. He is about 65-70% of his physical peak. If you disagree, you are a moron. No amount crying about "he looks just about the same to me" posts will change facts.

[KingPush]

If by better you mean leaning on Andy to bring em home , then yea.
Lebron is averaging 26/7/7 on 47% with a bad back and very little athleticism


Damn I wonder whats gonna happen when he gets his legs back under him :lebronamazed:

[SamuraiSWISH]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZrCFaO5Ld10

He looks just fine in this game that was only a week ago. and he got a monster chasedown block

stop overblowing shit.
I'm not the only one who has noticed it, it isn't over blown.

Whether it's just a case of dead legs, or bad back, etc it's still there. And to anyone who understand what they're watching ... it's noticeable.

He's even told his coach he's not in his typical game shape yet, so Bron is essentially admitting his physical state.

[HOoopCityJones]

Lebron is averaging 26/7/7 on 47% with a bad back and very little athleticism


Damn I wonder whats gonna happen when he gets his legs back under him :lebronamazed:

It was a joke.

[KingPush]

I'm not the only one who has noticed it, it isn't over blown.

Whether it's just a case of dead legs, or bad back, etc it's still there. And to anyone who understand what they're watching ... it's noticeable.

He's even told his coach he's not in his typical game shape yet, so Bron is essentially admitting his physical state.
i think he slacked off this off season with all the coming home drama/bs. plus his new kid being born

His shooting has improved though

[masonanddixon]

Simmons has such a hardon for Lebron. I'll never understand it.

One of the greatest players ever, my ass. He's barely a top 10 player since MJ retired.

[SamuraiSWISH]

One of the greatest players ever, my ass. He's barely a top 10 player since MJ retired.
:facepalm

[masonanddixon]

:facepalm

Oh well that settles it. I'm sure his abysmal Finals record coming out of the freaking East and with 2 other superstars attests to his 'greatness'.

[SamuraiSWISH]

Oh well that settles it. I'm sure his abysmal Finals record coming out of the freaking East and with 2 other superstars attests to his 'greatness'.
No, that just takes him out of GOAT running.

Not top 10 since MJ?

:oldlol:

Shaq lost w/ Kobe in 2003
Shaq lost w/ Kobe, Malone, and Payton in 2004
Shaq lost w/ Wade in 2005
Duncan lost w/ Manu, and Parker in '06, '08, '09, '10, '11, '12, and '13
Kobe lost w/ Gasol in 2011, and 2012
Kobe lost w/ Dwight, Gasol, and Nash in 2013

What's your point?

[plowking]

Simmons has such a hardon for Lebron. I'll never understand it.

One of the greatest players ever, my ass. He's barely a top 10 player since MJ retired.

A good way to know if you're basketball opinion is a decent one and somewhat valid is to have a completely opposite one to this idiot.

[Hamtaro CP3KDKG]

He doesn't look that much different at all.

FFS people.
horizontally his game doesnt look much different
vertically theres a massive difference, just look at the dunks hes had hes barely hitting them

[#number6ix#]

Has there ever been a player in nba history that didn't decline athletically after 12 years in the league???

[masonanddixon]

No, that just takes him out of GOAT running.

Not top 10 since MJ?

:oldlol:

Shaq lost w/ Kobe in 2003
Shaq lost w/ Kobe, Malone, and Payton in 2004
Shaq lost w/ Wade in 2005
Duncan lost w/ Manu, and Parker in '06, '08, '09, '10, '11, '12, and '13
Kobe lost w/ Gasol in 2011, and 2012
Kobe lost w/ Dwight, Gasol, and Nash in 2013

What's your point?

You mean an old Shaq and Kobe against the Celtics (a good championship squad and without Bynum)?

Lebron got humiliated by a Spurs team that should have lost to a Mavs team that was basically Dirk, Monta, and scrubs.

Lebron got humiliated by Dirk + filler in 2010-2011

Lebron got humiliated by the Spurs en route to the worst Finals performance ever by a supposed superstar

he's not half the player Duncan, Shaq, and Kobe are and he's maybe 2/3rds the player Dirk, Garnett, and prime Wade were.

His legacy is going to be even further tarnished when the Cavs implode and get humiliated in the postseason.

[masonanddixon]

A good way to know if you're basketball opinion is a decent one and somewhat valid is to have a completely opposite one to this idiot.

a Queenslander talking basketball (and a HEAT one at that!) is hilarious. Tell us all about your 40'' vertical and 4 minute mile again, man.

[Nash]

Lebron lost his athletic game like 3 years ago. What are people going on about?

[plowking]

a Queenslander talking basketball (and a HEAT one at that!) is hilarious. Tell us all about your 40'' vertical and 4 minute mile again, man.

Which 4 minute mile? Find me a post where I have ever claimed it. :oldlol:

40 inch vertical? Yeah okay. :oldlol:

And that's your way to try and get at me? Talk about where I live? You're the one that talked about how much you love it here, and how life is great in Australia. :oldlol:

[masonanddixon]

Which 4 minute mile? Find me a post where I have ever claimed it. :oldlol:

40 inch vertical? Yeah okay. :oldlol:

And that's your way to try and get at me? Talk about where I live? You're the one that talked about how much you love it here, and how life is great in Australia. :oldlol:

Wow, that went way over your head. The point was an Australian talking NBA is like an American talking about footy. It's comical.

You don't know anything about the sport because the only thing you get fed is about Lebron and maybe Durant and some of the other young players on occasion. If every highlight that gets fed to you is about one player, of course you're going to start believing he's the greatest.

[VengefulAngel]

Wow, that went way over your head. The point was an Australian talking NBA is like an American talking about footy. It's comical.

You don't know anything about the sport because the only thing you get fed is about Lebron and maybe Durant and some of the other young players on occasion. If every highlight that gets fed to you is about one player, of course you're going to start believing he's the greatest.

This is so asinine. I'm from the UK, and probably have forgotten more about the NBA then you ever will know. The fact that you believe the area from which you are from dictates your knowledge about something is so naive, that I considered whether it was worth responding. Your assumption/ assertion is just as ridiculous as the one you believe you're mocking.

You know what's really comical...

Your opinion.

Plus, Plowking is actually one of the most level headed posters on here. Pick your battles.

[plowking]

Wow, that went way over your head. The point was an Australian talking NBA is like an American talking about footy. It's comical.

You don't know anything about the sport because the only thing you get fed is about Lebron and maybe Durant and some of the other young players on occasion. If every highlight that gets fed to you is about one player, of course you're going to start believing he's the greatest.

Yeah, good one.

Once again with your xenaphobic comments. You just sound like a scared individual. :oldlol:

Yeah, I can't comment on basketball simply because I live in Australia. Dude, do you know how much you reek of idiot with a comment like that? Even if you're saying it as a joke and trying to rile me up and don't actually believe it... You won't, it's a forum, I don't take anything seriously. :oldlol: You just look stupid.
I have as much access as anyone to games. In fact, I'm probably more approved to talk about it than you, seeing as I've played ball at a higher level, and I can guarantee that. :oldlol:

[VengefulAngel]

Yeah, good one.

Once again with your xenaphobic comments. You just sound like a scared individual. :oldlol:

Yeah, I can't comment on basketball simply because I live in Australia. Dude, do you know how much you reek of idiot with a comment like that? Even if you're saying it as a joke and trying to rile me up and don't actually believe it... You won't, it's a forum, I don't take anything seriously. :oldlol: You just look stupid.
I have as much access as anyone to games. In fact, I'm probably more approved to talk about it than you, seeing as I've played ball at a higher level, and I can guarantee that. :oldlol:

Pretty much what I posted haha. :)

[lilteapot]

Wow, that went way over your head. The point was an Australian talking NBA is like an American talking about footy. It's comical.

You don't know anything about the sport because the only thing you get fed is about Lebron and maybe Durant and some of the other young players on occasion. If every highlight that gets fed to you is about one player, of course you're going to start believing he's the greatest.
I'm not sure what should get you banned first, your stupidity or your blatant xenophobia

[plowking]

This is so asinine. I'm from the UK, and probably have forgotten more about the NBA then you ever will know. The fact that you believe the area from which you are from dictates your knowledge about something is so naive, that I considered whether it was worth responding. Your assumption/ assertion is just as ridiculous as the one you believe you're mocking.

You know what's really comical...

Your opinion.

Plus, Plowking is actually one of the most level headed posters on here. Pick your battles.

:oldlol:

It is always hilarious seeing people step in and call him out for his blatantly xenophobic and racist posts.

Watch how you'll get called my alt now. :oldlol:

[VengefulAngel]

:oldlol:

It is always hilarious seeing people step in and call him out for his blatantly xenophobic and racist posts.

Watch how you'll get called my alt now. :oldlol:

This might be the first time an Australian and an Englishmen actually agree on something sport's related.

[masonanddixon]

I'm not sure what should get you banned first, your stupidity or your blatant xenophobia

Wow now I am XENOPHOBIC!

Hilarious.

[plowking]

Wow now I am XENOPHOBIC!

Hilarious.

Great at deflecting bro.

[magnax1]

He doesn't look all that much different to me. Just because we haven't seen him go above the rim yet doesn't mean he can't. How many times did we see him go above the rim last year? It's not like it was an every game thing. If we still haven't seen it come all-star break, then there may be an issue, 10 games in though? I just don't think we can definitively say one way or the other.

He's playing off the ball a lot more - even more than he was last year, that I can say.
Hes gone to the rim as much as he always has, but he isnt as productive there. Hes shooting 63% at the rim vs 80% last year.

[masonanddixon]

Great at deflecting bro.

Which one is it? Am I racist or am I xenophobic? or is it both?

Australian 'NBA fans' can't even name more than a handful of players in the league. Every time I see someone sporting the jersey of a superstar it cracks me up.

[VengefulAngel]

Which one is it? Am I racist or am I xenophobic? or is it both?

Australian 'NBA fans' can't even name more than a handful of players in the league. Every time I see someone sporting the jersey of a superstar it cracks me up.

Stop posting please.


:wtf: :

[plowking]

Which one is it? Am I racist or am I xenophobic? or is it both?

Australian 'NBA fans' can't even name more than a handful of players in the league. Every time I see someone sporting the jersey of a superstar it cracks me up.

http://commitnesstofitness.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/deflecting-bullets.gif