Grant Hill was a superstar from 1995 - 2000 prior to going down with injuries. During that 5 year span, he was 1 of 3 guys who was named 1st or 2nd team All NBA all 5 years. The other two were Karl Malone and Gary Payton...both superstars.
Phil Jackson: Duke Players Fail To Live Up To Expectations In The NBA
- Thread starter Smashcat
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Grant Hill was a superstar from 1995 - 2000 prior to going down with injuries. During that 5 year span, he was 1 of 3 guys who was named 1st or 2nd team All NBA all 5 years. The other two were Karl Malone and Gary Payton...both superstars.
Grant Hill was ABSOLUTELY a superstar. He seemed poised to be historic in terms of stardom. Check out the number of all star votes he got as a rookie.
His injuries were insane. I know it sounds funny, but purely as a basketball show his Oprah Masterclass show was fascinating. He was SO close to death... Even as a long time Duke fan (and classmate of Grant) I had NO idea how bad of a shape he was in. Would have loved to see what he could have done without injuries and with some good teams
I would argue that Kyrie is about to be in superstardom. I think how popular someone's jersey is is a great indicator, and Kyrie is like the fourth most purchased jersey in the league or something.
His injuries were insane. I know it sounds funny, but purely as a basketball show his Oprah Masterclass show was fascinating. He was SO close to death... Even as a long time Duke fan (and classmate of Grant) I had NO idea how bad of a shape he was in. Would have loved to see what he could have done without injuries and with some good teams
I would argue that Kyrie is about to be in superstardom. I think how popular someone's jersey is is a great indicator, and Kyrie is like the fourth most purchased jersey in the league or something.
A donut shop? Ugh. No he didn't. That's ridiculous. Do some research before you start with that nonsense.
It was a *cream puff* shop. And it was amazing.
Hah!
Actually cream puffs are really good. Sort of this small round hollow shell of pastry, usually very light and tasty. They then use this thing to inject them full of delicious light cream (TWSS!) and sometimes they have chocolate or whatever on top. They are GOOD if made right... Super sweet, but REALLY light.
Here is a story about his shop.
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/cho...sketball-ncaa-championship-dream-puffz-pastry
On a serious note, Zoubs was not a natural athlete. Combined with his first two years being a mess with injuries, he didn't really get rolling until his senior year, when his massive frame and bullish play made him a pretty perfect defending and rebounding center for the 2010 team. He got some BAD back injuries after that and was never really able to get a shot at the league. I think he actually would have made a serviceable third string big in the league, based just on his size, rebounding, and aggression. I remember reading a few articles where opposing players just said they hated playing against him because he was just massive, and massively strong.
Actually cream puffs are really good. Sort of this small round hollow shell of pastry, usually very light and tasty. They then use this thing to inject them full of delicious light cream (TWSS!) and sometimes they have chocolate or whatever on top. They are GOOD if made right... Super sweet, but REALLY light.
Here is a story about his shop.
http://www.thepostgame.com/blog/cho...sketball-ncaa-championship-dream-puffz-pastry
On a serious note, Zoubs was not a natural athlete. Combined with his first two years being a mess with injuries, he didn't really get rolling until his senior year, when his massive frame and bullish play made him a pretty perfect defending and rebounding center for the 2010 team. He got some BAD back injuries after that and was never really able to get a shot at the league. I think he actually would have made a serviceable third string big in the league, based just on his size, rebounding, and aggression. I remember reading a few articles where opposing players just said they hated playing against him because he was just massive, and massively strong.
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Grant Hill was ABSOLUTELY a superstar. He seemed poised to be historic in terms of stardom. Check out the number of all star votes he got as a rookie.
His injuries were insane. I know it sounds funny, but purely as a basketball show his Oprah Masterclass show was fascinating. He was SO close to death... Even as a long time Duke fan (and classmate of Grant) I had NO idea how bad of a shape he was in. Would have loved to see what he could have done without injuries and with some good teams
I would argue that Kyrie is about to be in superstardom. I think how popular someone's jersey is is a great indicator, and Kyrie is like the fourth most purchased jersey in the league or something.
Kyrie is popular, and obviously a talented offensive player, but he benefits greatly from playing beside Lebron.
It's worth noting that Kyrie lost out as an All Star starter last season to John Wall and Kyle Lowry. I would say that he isn't quite as close to "superstardom" as you think.
That being said, it is a semantic argument. I have no problem with you calling Kyrie a superstar, if you want to give the same rank to guys like Wall, Lillard, Klay Thompson, etc.
If Kyrie is a superstar, then so are about 20 other guys.
Honestly I don't follow the NBA enough to be qualified to talk about who overall are superstars. I am just judging Kyrie by how often I seem to see him in popular culture and media... He seems to be everywhere. But I wouldn't really know the cut off for superstardom... The way I see it, if you are a starter in the NBA you are one of the best in the world, and that's pretty good
I've disagreed with a handful of them in this thread, and they're clearly wrong and just defending their program, but I want to point out something important: can you imagine this same thread, from a participation and debate standpoint, with fans of any other program that visits this board?
That's why I say Duke fans are, for the most part, welcome here. Even when they're terribly wrong about the quality of NBA player they turn out and even if I hope they only beat Louisville and Carolina for the rest of forever and lose to everyone else.
That's why I say Duke fans are, for the most part, welcome here. Even when they're terribly wrong about the quality of NBA player they turn out and even if I hope they only beat Louisville and Carolina for the rest of forever and lose to everyone else.
Out of curiosity, is it possible to do a Kentucky player analysis like this one above? I would be curious how Kentucky stacks up.
TIA
Prettty much sums up UK before the Cal era.
UK was hisorically the most successful college basketball program in the country before Cal got there. Yet, the lack of players who went on the NBA superstardom is pretty amazing. Especially in the 70s and 80s era. During this time UK was landing HS all-american after HS all-american. Similar to what Cal is doing now. The difference is that none of them became huge players on the NBA stage. Good college players? Sure. Very successful in collge, but not in the NBA. In contrast, North Carolina, who never recruited any better than UK during this era produced future superstars like Jordan, Worthy, Dougherty, Kenny Smith, etc.
UK was hisorically the most successful college basketball program in the country before Cal got there. Yet, the lack of players who went on the NBA superstardom is pretty amazing. Especially in the 70s and 80s era. During this time UK was landing HS all-american after HS all-american. Similar to what Cal is doing now. The difference is that none of them became huge players on the NBA stage. Good college players? Sure. Very successful in collge, but not in the NBA. In contrast, North Carolina, who never recruited any better than UK during this era produced future superstars like Jordan, Worthy, Dougherty, Kenny Smith, etc.
Jordan and Worthy, most definitely. Daugherty and Smith? Not so much. At least Daugherty was an all-star. Smith can't even claim that, though he did win 2 titles.
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Agreed, one of the more enjoyable threads to read in the long summer months. Also seemed to be the most level-headed group of fans last year when we were on our great run. Although 2010 and 2015 are literally the 2 most painful UK losses in my lifetime (yes they were, screw 1992) and Duke was the beneficiary, I can't complain too much about the fans.
This board has definitely helped pick up the slack for the lack of discussions elsewhere. The national board seems overrun with Big10 posters, and let's be honest, nobody wants to talk about the Big10, right?
AD needs more years?? Are you kidding me. Ray Charles could see he is the future of the NBA.
Just my opinion. I think he needs to lead his team to more than a first round playoff exit before he can be a bona fide superstar. Other than that, his "superstar resume" appears pretty complete in my book.
Mark, have you been out drinking with Joe Klecko? The same GM's who are signing our (UK) former players to huge contracts are all of a sudden brlliant because they draft your guys? You have contradicted yourself in these posts and I am not even 1/2 way through them..
Ok.. so, in other words, he single handedly leads a team with a horrible roster to the playoffs and you feel he isn't quite "superstar" yet? Ok buddy.
Again, just my opinion. I just think he needs to do more than make the playoffs, and that's even considering the relative lack of talent on that roster.
Come again? When did I disparage NBA GMs for giving big contracts to former UK players? My point was ultimately that if all Duke players are overrated, why do they keep getting drafted?
No doubt, but that contract isn't even a month old yet. Again, not saying Davis isn't amazing. I just think he needs to do more than make the playoffs before he's put on the same line as LeBron, Durant, etc.
Jmo again but I'm sure glad you aren't grading my papers if I was writing any and may be very glad you "ain't" my daddy as you "is" a tough to please sob.... Just messing with you...
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not superstars. however for the other poster...they did play 10+ years each getting a ring in the process. i think only walker didn't start. but at least he did in the playoffs in his prime. conference finals or close iirc.
Can't have the phony in Durham exposed. Wouldn't go well with his fabricated image.
AD's PER last season was the 11th highest in NBA history.
The only players with more efficient single seasons were Wilt, MJ, and Lebron.
He was college player of the year, national defensive player of the year, and a national champ. Then he went and won an Olympic Gold.
In addition to his historically efficient season, he was among the top all star vote getters, was first team all-NBA, and top 5 in MVP voting. Plus, he carried a team that no one gave any chance at making the playoffs into the playoffs.
Frankly, I find it bizarre when anyone considers him less than a Superstar. Clearly, there are some outliers.
Not sure...
A) it is really that big a story beyond message board arguments, and...
B) that this single question/quote will somehow "expose" Coach K as a phony... Whatever you think he is.
College and Olympic accomplishments should not really factor into NBA superstar discussions. There's no doubt that he was a college legend. His contributions to Team USA were outstanding, but he wasn't the focal point of that team. First team All-NBA and top-5 in MVP voting are very important, however.
Let me ask you this: is Derrick Rose a superstar?
Gotcha. Not trying to imply that "once a superstar always a superstar," but his resume is much better overall than Davis', at least at this point.
If you're a top 5-7 player I consider you a superstar. The current superstars imo are LeBron, Durant, Westbrook, Curry, Harden, Davis, Cp3. Some people may add a few players to that list and that's fine, it's pretty subjective.
Even though he's on the decline, I think you have to keep Kobe on any list of superstars. Same goes for Tim Duncan. And I think Carmelo Anthony would be in the discussion as well.
Before suffering so many injuries, yes he was. If AD gets hurt and misses most of the next three seasons, then his star would be diminished.
I was showing the progression of his career. Anyone who dominates in college has a leg up on being considered a Superstar. Because superstar status is a combination of what you do on the floor, and how you are viewed by the public.
Honestly, you should probably stop with this nonsense. This board has been very cordial to you and your fellow Duke fans. Picking, "Anthony Davis is not a superstar" as your pet battle is going to shorten your leash.
It just isn't a very smart take. If it's that important to you, post the question on your own board and see how it goes. I doubt you'll get many takers there either.
This is far from a "pet battle" of mine. Merely talking opinions on a messageboard. Being a "superstar" is not an objective fact. It's open to interpretation and varying opinions. Not to mention, I have been nothing but complimentary of Davis. I simply believe he needs to do more than make the playoffs before he belongs on the same level as LeBron, Durant, etc., who have had much more success and for a much longer period of time.
![[winking]](http://l.yimg.com/j/assets/img/emoticons/classic/wink.r191677.gif "Winking [winking]")
Yes, it's subjective. But a Duke fan, coming on a UK message board, posting in a thread about underachieving Dukies that UK's best player ever isn't really a superstar - well, that feels a little biased.
It's annoying, really.
Rondo is a 4x All Star and has a ring. He led the league in assists, steals and triple doubles for 3 years before the injury.
That is a better resume than some of the "stars" that have been mentioned.
As for Davis, he is one of the top 3 players in the world and would be the 1st player chosen in a draft of current NBA players.
That is a better resume than some of the "stars" that have been mentioned.
As for Davis, he is one of the top 3 players in the world and would be the 1st player chosen in a draft of current NBA players.
Phil basically contradicts himself when he mentions Grant Hill but fails to mention Elton Brand.
