espn.go.com/espnradio/play?id=7510545

Must listen.

David Thorpe's theory on nurturing players and proper coaching matters drastically in terms of how similarly skilled players turn out.

Basically you can basically smell the stink of this coming off Wes Johnson per Rambis's destruction of his game. I'm holding out hope that this will be the difference between what Adelman does with Williams.

Thanks for posting. A lot of thought provoking metaphoric comments from Thorpe. He is a smart man.

Raises the questions of what really creates a star/good player. How much of it is a product of situation, opportunity and luck? Could Wes/Flynn have been good if Rambis didn't kill them as you said? Would D Will be averaging 18 and 7 for Charlotte, Cleveland, etc? How much separation really exists in overall ability between the 1st pick and last pick in a draft to the point where increased opportunity and coaching can't create a good player out of most any middle-to-high ranking college player?

Kind of the whole nature vs. nurture thing.

I enjoyed the listen. I think the point is that some players (a very small few) are just better regardless of environment. These people create their own opportunities. Others will take advantage of opportunities afforded them but need a catalyst and the right environment to tap their potential.

Fixed below.

And yes, I couldn't help but think that this was the exact OPPOSITE approach that Rambis took with everyone. I wonder if the Rambis stink will wash off Wes eventually and he'll get a shot at a career as a decent role player.

Here's a better way to put it: while some players (a very small few) are just better regardless of environment- these people create their own opportunities- the vast majority of players will take advantage of opportunities afforded them but need a catalyst and the right environment to tap their potential.

That's what I meant to say.

Ahh, yes. I kept meaning to post this. I really enjoyed this and it takes a much more "power of the situation" type of perspective. Put in the right situation and around the right people at the right time and players are more likely to unlock their potential. This obviously has not been the case with Wes, although I'm not sure what situation WOULD be good for him.

daddyfatsax wrote: Wes would be good somewhere with a coach that tells him to not shoot threes and never dribble except when slashing to the hoop.

So maybe like the D-League.

College Wolf wrote:
He'd likely excel at this type of ball where his athleticism might come in handy...