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As a Basketball Fan From NJ, I've Always Felt This Way

Sep 14, 2005 2:05 PM
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And now Bill Simmons Vindicates me:

Who do you think is the biggest waste of talent in the history of sports (preferably the last 50 or so years). Not who died young due to drugs or got killed or anything like that, but who just dogged it so much during their career that they literally wasted all of their God-given ability? Also, who is the biggest waste of talent currently? --Adam Harrington, Washington, D.C.

SG: No question: Derrick Coleman. He could have been the best power forward of all-time, and he just didn't give a crap.

I agree wholeheartedly. I mean for the ten-second intervals when he put in a modicum of effort, DC looked like a faster, stronger Tim Duncan. Then again, he does have more rings than Karl Malone and Charles Barkley combined.

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Comments: As a Basketball Fan From NJ, I've Always Felt This Way

Amen.

DC could've revolutionized the game. He was 6'-10". Could shoot from anywhere. Had a back-to-the-basket game. Good passer. Could run the floor. The list goes on and on....
He should've averaged 25 pts, 12 boards, 5 assists for his career (easily).
Instead, 16.5 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 2.5 apg.

Posted by: Daffy on September 14, 2005 3:46 PM | permalink

While I find it odd to come to DC's defense. You people have lost your mind. I will give you that his attitude was terrible for much of his career. But, remember he came out with JR Reid. Remember that achiever. He averaged 8.5 ppg and 5 rpg. Terrible given all his hype.

Secondly, DC had a very good career. Rookie of the year. He averaged 16.5 and 9.3. In his first six years he was a 20/10 guy. Compare those stats to Jermaine Oneal. He's 12.5 and 7.5.

DC's biggest problems were the unfair expectations put on him and his bad attitude.

Posted by: EricG on September 14, 2005 5:57 PM | permalink

20/10 for his first 6 years. After 6 years in the league, he should have been entering his prime.

He should have gotten better. Not worse.

He won his ring riding the pine for the Pistons. Nice use of his talent....

Posted by: Daffy on September 15, 2005 7:45 AM | permalink

No more comments! Either someone has violated Godwin's Law, I'm tired of the discussion or, most likely, the ten-week window has closed. You can, however, contact me through email.