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Old 02-06-2009, 08:34 PM
pgardn
 
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Quote:
Originally Posted by King Glorious
True. In the case of both of those guys, especially Russell, I think they could be equally comfortable at the big forward spot. Russell was a center during his era but could not be one in today's NBA, I don't think. Guys like Bynum, Howard, Ming, Shaq, Ilgauskas......they are just too big and strong for him. I believe Russell was around 6-9, 220 or so. He fit in well with other big men of his era but would be way undersized today. I see him in today's game as something like a Rodman type but a better shot-blocker. I've always wondered what Shaq and Hakeem's numbers would look like if they were playing in Chamberlain and Russell's spots and vice-versa. I think Shaq and Hakeem would have dominated even more than the older guys did and I don't know if Chamberlain and Russell could have matched the numbers of the younger guys.

That brings me to another question. Which players from pre-1970 do you all think could have played successfully in today's game and how well do you think they would do? I think a guy like Robertson could play but I doubt he'd be going for 30-10-10 a year like he did then. Maravich could definitely play and be a great player now. Baylor and West could play but I don't think they'd have close to the same numbers they did then, especially Baylor. It's hard for me to see a 6-5 guy going for 17 boards a game. No way Chamberlain or Russell would come close to the numbers they did then but both could play and be really good. Who are some others?
I think Russell could certainly play but agree on the numbers. His timing on D cant be taught. Roberston absolutley. West... I swear I dont think the guy ever dribbled with his left hand. His handles going left... bad. Chamberlain could play, but not dominate, which I think is very obvious. Baylor definitley played a modern game. Seeing he is not Barkley, the boards would not come as easily.
Speaking of... Barkley is really the freak. A 6' 5" power forward. Never seen a guy that "small" with that strength. Rodman is mentioned but he really was a specialist. Barkley could do about everything.
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