Two of the NBA’s best with two of Spain’s best
FC Barcelona would be a playoff team in the Eastern Conference.
Upon further review: Pau Gasol is the best big man in the NBA.
1. Kobe clearly isn’t ready: Kobe very looked sluggish in his 25 minutes of play against FC Barcelona. He missed 13 of 15 shots from the floor, and couldn’t connect on any of his six tries from beyond the arc. You have to be somewhat concerned if your a Lakers fan. Kobe is the best player in the NBA. I love watching him play more than any other athlete in the Association. Yet, with that said, I don’t know what to expect from him come the opener against the Rockets.
2. Kobe shows why it’s not about Kobe: True entertainer. Despite his struggles, it was great to see him play hurt and come back into the 4th quarter when Barcelona took the lead. He did this for the crowd in attendance. What a guy. Honestly, he is one of the best ambassadors for the game. Los Angeles isn’t the only place that loves the “Black Mamba”. Worldwide admiration for the NBA’s #1 superstar. Kobe understands the importance of the game not only in the States playing in America, but its importance internationally around the globe. It’s not about Kobe.
3. FC Barcelona would earn a Playoff berth in the Eastern Conference: I’m convinced of this statement. A spot in the West? I wouldn’t hold it against Juan Carlos Navarro and Ricky Rubio. What a sensational backcourt. They mesh so well together, and I think they would more than hold their own professionally in the U.S. We already know Navarro can (2007-08, Memphis, 10.9 ppg), and you have to believe Rubio would be able to as well. I don’t see why Ricky gets no love. It’s staggering to hear the critics speak on behalf of this Pistol Pete look-alike. You may not see him put up big numbers for his club overseas, but his impact goes beyond the box score. The team’s starting center Fran Vazquez is no slouch, as he was drafted 11th overall by Orlando in 2005. And I haven’t even mentioned the leading scoring from their 92-88 victory over the Lakers, Pete Mickeal, who just missed a triple double with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. He can get to the line with ease, going 12-16 from the charity stripe against L.A. Former Maryland Terrapin standout Terence Morris completes the starting five, and he can flat out ball too. All in all, they play well together as a team, get down and dirty physically, and can cash it in from downtown. Defensively, you hold the NBA champs to 34.1% and 0-14 from deep, that’s impressive. So, what’s not to like? I’m sold they would compete with Atlanta, New York, and New Jersey for the 6th seed in the East.
4. Ricky Rubio will be an All-Star in the NBA: Whenever this kid comes over to Minnesota, or wherever, watch out. His hoop IQ is out of this world, and is a passing wizard. Ricky can defend really well and I have no doubts about him running an NBA offense. The talk about him not having enough quickness, is bogus, completely untrue. He has the ability to make players around him better. He’s a true PG with an above-average trigger. When I watch him play, like I did against the Lakers, I can see the focus, determination, and skill set on display. Hopefully, you will see him starting a fastbreak in an NBA arena near you in the not-so distant future.
5. Juan Carlos Navarro could be the NBA’s best 6th man, a la Manu Ginobili: He has it all. A bag of tricks, he has a sneaky floater that’s straight up buckets. A sharpshooting mentality, he can light it up from the land of plenty. A knack to score, no matter what’s happening, he can put the rock in the cup routinely whenever, wherever, however. Navarro is not lacking in confidence whatsoever. There’s no question he can contribute for a championship-caliber team in the NBA. The question is, will he come back to the Association? Probably not, but I would be excited to see him return to the league.
In conclusion, I learned more about Kobe’s character than his play, more about FC Barcelona than the Lakers, and how much I truly cherish and enjoy the game of basketball and how much it has evolved internationally. It doesn’t get any better than this -I love this game.
Bonus -Note to supporters of the back-to-back NBA champions: Don’t take in too much from this loss to FC Barcelona, remember, they played your team tough at Staples two years ago, in a close 108-104 battle. What you can take in is this: Pau Gasol looks strong, playing the strongest he’s ever played, and he’s only going to get stronger.
5 Things I Learned from Lakers Loss To FC Barcelona
Two of the NBA’s best with two of Spain’s best
FC Barcelona would be a playoff team in the Eastern Conference.
Upon further review: Pau Gasol is the best big man in the NBA.
1. Kobe clearly isn’t ready: Kobe very looked sluggish in his 25 minutes of play against FC Barcelona. He missed 13 of 15 shots from the floor, and couldn’t connect on any of his six tries from beyond the arc. You have to be somewhat concerned if your a Lakers fan. Kobe is the best player in the NBA. I love watching him play more than any other athlete in the Association. Yet, with that said, I don’t know what to expect from him come the opener against the Rockets.
2. Kobe shows why it’s not about Kobe: True entertainer. Despite his struggles, it was great to see him play hurt and come back into the 4th quarter when Barcelona took the lead. He did this for the crowd in attendance. What a guy. Honestly, he is one of the best ambassadors for the game. Los Angeles isn’t the only place that loves the “Black Mamba”. Worldwide admiration for the NBA’s #1 superstar. Kobe understands the importance of the game not only in the States playing in America, but its importance internationally around the globe. It’s not about Kobe.
3. FC Barcelona would earn a Playoff berth in the Eastern Conference: I’m convinced of this statement. A spot in the West? I wouldn’t hold it against Juan Carlos Navarro and Ricky Rubio. What a sensational backcourt. They mesh so well together, and I think they would more than hold their own professionally in the U.S. We already know Navarro can (2007-08, Memphis, 10.9 ppg), and you have to believe Rubio would be able to as well. I don’t see why Ricky gets no love. It’s staggering to hear the critics speak on behalf of this Pistol Pete look-alike. You may not see him put up big numbers for his club overseas, but his impact goes beyond the box score. The team’s starting center Fran Vazquez is no slouch, as he was drafted 11th overall by Orlando in 2005. And I haven’t even mentioned the leading scoring from their 92-88 victory over the Lakers, Pete Mickeal, who just missed a triple double with 26 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. He can get to the line with ease, going 12-16 from the charity stripe against L.A. Former Maryland Terrapin standout Terence Morris completes the starting five, and he can flat out ball too. All in all, they play well together as a team, get down and dirty physically, and can cash it in from downtown. Defensively, you hold the NBA champs to 34.1% and 0-14 from deep, that’s impressive. So, what’s not to like? I’m sold they would compete with Atlanta, New York, and New Jersey for the 6th seed in the East.
4. Ricky Rubio will be an All-Star in the NBA: Whenever this kid comes over to Minnesota, or wherever, watch out. His hoop IQ is out of this world, and is a passing wizard. Ricky can defend really well and I have no doubts about him running an NBA offense. The talk about him not having enough quickness, is bogus, completely untrue. He has the ability to make players around him better. He’s a true PG with an above-average trigger. When I watch him play, like I did against the Lakers, I can see the focus, determination, and skill set on display. Hopefully, you will see him starting a fastbreak in an NBA arena near you in the not-so distant future.
5. Juan Carlos Navarro could be the NBA’s best 6th man, a la Manu Ginobili: He has it all. A bag of tricks, he has a sneaky floater that’s straight up buckets. A sharpshooting mentality, he can light it up from the land of plenty. A knack to score, no matter what’s happening, he can put the rock in the cup routinely whenever, wherever, however. Navarro is not lacking in confidence whatsoever. There’s no question he can contribute for a championship-caliber team in the NBA. The question is, will he come back to the Association? Probably not, but I would be excited to see him return to the league.
In conclusion, I learned more about Kobe’s character than his play, more about FC Barcelona than the Lakers, and how much I truly cherish and enjoy the game of basketball and how much it has evolved internationally. It doesn’t get any better than this -I love this game.
Bonus -Note to supporters of the back-to-back NBA champions: Don’t take in too much from this loss to FC Barcelona, remember, they played your team tough at Staples two years ago, in a close 108-104 battle. What you can take in is this: Pau Gasol looks strong, playing the strongest he’s ever played, and he’s only going to get stronger.
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