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Sorry can't help myself. He can handle the ball and be a "point-forward" such as Paul Pressey did but he does not have the mindset to play point guard for extended periods. He might be able to play an average 5 today but if so that speaks more about the lack of quality centers than it does about Lebron's ability. The centers of the 70's-00's would have killed him. Lebron is a fabulous player and take him for what he is. I don't think either is the GOAT but great players. Regardless picture Lebron trying to guard Jabbar, Moses, Gilmore, Ewing, Hakeem, Ewing, Robinson, Duncan and Shaq, or even the Cartwrights, Mornings, Smits, or Daugherty. A possession or two caught on a switch maybe. Take an entire game and they all wear him out. I don't entirely disagree that he'd have trouble handling the centers with these crazy skillsets, but also consider his ability to outrun all of those centers and stretch the floor against any of those guys. Also: Jabbar = 225 lbs Malone = 215 lbs Gilmore = 240 lbs Ewing = 240 lbs Hakeem = 250 lbs Robinson = 236 lbs Duncan = 256 lbs Shaq = 325 lbs Lebron = 265 at "4" weight... I think we forget the only person on that list that would body him up is Shaq. Here's a video of Lebron killing Gasol who, by the way, weighs 254--40 lbs more than Malone, 10lbs less than Lebron (who is also at 5% body fat). He couldn't make Lebron move an inch. I think Lebron's weight is often forgotten in these arguments. Defense matters in the GOAT discussion, IMO. I know you love Magic, but he had some serious defensive liabilities against quicker guards and slow help defense when he was guarding shooters (John Paxon). Lebron is easily a Rodman-level defender with similar height and way more strength. Like I said, I wouldn't call him GOAT yet, but he's the only guy in my generation that I'd say is talented enough to pull it off. Don't get me wrong, I think Lebron is great player. That's not my point. You said many of those listed would have trouble running the floor with Lebron. He's a matchup problem in any era he plays but very few on my list would be guarding him (He's not outrunning Karl Malone and I hated Malone - rightfully dubbed one of the dirtiest players of all time). My point is another difference between today and the 80's & 90's is the depth of teams due to expansion. James did a great job of fronting Gasol on that one night but I don't see Pau Gasol as an all star in the 80's and 90's. Lebron is playing great tonight but it has just been shown he isn't big enough to guard Draymond Green on the block. let alone anyone on my list. Now since this is all subjective someone tell me Gasol is allstar material in the 80-90's. Know that you only get 4ish power forwards on the all star team every year and then tell me which one of these guys he bumps. Ralph Sampson - another guy who could run. Bad knees or he's one of the greatest of all time. And he was a 4 playing next to Hakeem Charles Barkley Kevin McHale Tim Duncan Kevin Willis Danny Manning Shawn Kemp Karl Malone (hated him) Dennis Rodman (hated him more) Guys like Cliff Robinson and Derrick Coleman rarely made the all star team. Gasol is a good but not great forward in those two decades. One of those players that were named later in the big trade. I seem to have distracted myself here about Gasol but I don't see anyone on that list that James (as good as he is) would have consistent success trying to guard on the low block. Edit: except of course Rodman who for most of his career had no interest in scoring.

Can you name the 3 Cornhuskers who played for Golden St.? If you guessed Dave Hoppen, Tony Farmer, and Mikki Moore you'd be right. I am rooting for the Warriors (always had a soft spot, Keith Wilkes ya know) plus I've NEVER been a LeBron fan and that was only cemented by the "Decision". High profile free agents have been switching teams for years and never had a TV show and bragged about 8 Titles when they haven't won one. I know it's a reflection of the times, but that doesn't mean I have to like it.

More food for thought, while LeBron has played for 5 straight titles, name the best team from the East he defeated to get there. Was it the Bulls with a banged up Rose? An aging Celtics squad? or Paul George and the Pacers? None of those teams are historically good and in fact are probably only above average. It's important to keep things in perspective when the superlatives start to fly...

A 4th Husker? Remember Ricky Marsh who played for the Huskers his freshman year in the late 70's? He transferred to college in NY, had a very good career, and was drafted and played for Golden State in 1977-78. Would have been nice to have him finish his career in Lincoln. Played alongside Jerry Fort I believe.

That said (outside of Columbus Crew getting a title in 2002), I do get slight enjoyment out the fact that the state of Nebraska has just as many professional championship teams as the state of Ohio over the last 25 years.

https://twitter.com/RobinWashut/status/606631025469456384

Pretty sure we only had 12 scholarship players last year unless you are counting Menke. We didn't use them all last year I thought for sure we gave it to Menke again but apparently not. Menke was on a schollie the past couple of seasons, and he helped boost the team APR in the process. Kye Kurkowski didn't have a schollie, though. Thats what I thought. Menke would've made it 13 last year then in that case. With all due respect to Menke, that was a scholarship awarded to him because we couldn't fill it. Granted at all times.

He said "and stuff" a lot.... HE LIKES STUFF! That being said, He will be a key member on this team whether he is ready or not. I hope he has school/sports figured out. It can be a lot to juggle.

Sorry can't help myself. He can handle the ball and be a "point-forward" such as Paul Pressey did but he does not have the mindset to play point guard for extended periods. He might be able to play an average 5 today but if so that speaks more about the lack of quality centers than it does about Lebron's ability. The centers of the 70's-00's would have killed him. Lebron is a fabulous player and take him for what he is. I don't think either is the GOAT but great players. Regardless picture Lebron trying to guard Jabbar, Moses, Gilmore, Ewing, Hakeem, Ewing, Robinson, Duncan and Shaq, or even the Cartwrights, Mornings, Smits, or Daugherty. A possession or two caught on a switch maybe. Take an entire game and they all wear him out.

The man has never gotten into legal trouble or had a scandal, despite being in the national spotlight since he was in high school. By all accounts he's highly intelligent, an active father, and an overall solid role model. Compare that with the average professional athlete today who does far worse while under a much smaller microscope. And you want to complain about a one-hour TV broadcast, which he agreed to do in exchange for raising $6 million for charity? It always amazes me how many sports fans are able to separate on- and off-field performance for everyone other than LeBron. They can literally cheer for criminals, and yet hold a grudge against a guy for a couple arrogant statements made five years ago. Being a good Father, staying out of jail, and not beating your wife is what you're SUPPOSED to do, and shouldn't be overly celebrated. He's freakishly athletic, big, but I've always considered him an average shooter and highly overrated. I hope the Warriors take 'em in 4.

Is Patton still going to JUCO first?

The man has never gotten into legal trouble or had a scandal, despite being in the national spotlight since he was in high school. By all accounts he's highly intelligent, an active father, and an overall solid role model. Compare that with the average professional athlete today who does far worse while under a much smaller microscope. And you want to complain about a one-hour TV broadcast, which he agreed to do in exchange for raising $6 million for charity? It always amazes me how many sports fans are able to separate on- and off-field performance for everyone other than LeBron. They can literally cheer for criminals, and yet hold a grudge against a guy for a couple arrogant statements made five years ago.

I grew up watching Jordan. Lebron is the 2nd best player I've ever seen, and will close in on MJ if he gets more rings in Cleveland. I say this because he can play positions 1-5 effectively on both ends of the court, which is insane. As for The Decision, it was a hugely dumb move from a PR standpoint, but he's also the first person to turn a free agency decision into $6 million for charity, this in addition to already being among the leagues most charitable players. I really like Golden State as well. I think they're the favorites. Should be a great matchup.

Sorry can't help myself. He can handle the ball and be a "point-forward" such as Paul Pressey did but he does not have the mindset to play point guard for extended periods. He might be able to play an average 5 today but if so that speaks more about the lack of quality centers than it does about Lebron's ability. The centers of the 70's-00's would have killed him. Lebron is a fabulous player and take him for what he is. I don't think either is the GOAT but great players. Regardless picture Lebron trying to guard Jabbar, Moses, Gilmore, Ewing, Hakeem, Ewing, Robinson, Duncan and Shaq, or even the Cartwrights, Mornings, Smits, or Daugherty. A possession or two caught on a switch maybe. Take an entire game and they all wear him out. I don't entirely disagree that he'd have trouble handling the centers with these crazy skillsets, but also consider his ability to outrun all of those centers and stretch the floor against any of those guys. Also: Jabbar = 225 lbs Malone = 215 lbs Gilmore = 240 lbs Ewing = 240 lbs Hakeem = 250 lbs Robinson = 236 lbs Duncan = 256 lbs Shaq = 325 lbs Lebron = 265 at "4" weight... I think we forget the only person on that list that would body him up is Shaq. Here's a video of Lebron killing Gasol who, by the way, weighs 254--40 lbs more than Malone, 10lbs less than Lebron (who is also at 5% body fat). He couldn't make Lebron move an inch. I think Lebron's weight is often forgotten in these arguments. Defense matters in the GOAT discussion, IMO. I know you love Magic, but he had some serious defensive liabilities against quicker guards and slow help defense when he was guarding shooters (John Paxon). Lebron is easily a Rodman-level defender with similar height and way more strength. Like I said, I wouldn't call him GOAT yet, but he's the only guy in my generation that I'd say is talented enough to pull it off.