luther

Lloyd Daniels has always intrigued me. One, his story is amazing.

(Brief summaries for those who don't know it: http://www.amazon.com/SweePea-Other-...0250054&sr=1-2.)

But two, he actually was still able to make the NBA and play enough that we got to see what he could and couldn't do.

http://basketballreference.com/playe...lkid=DANIELL01

He's one of my favorite players, probably the guy who Tark held in higher regard than anyone (although he sure seemed to love Winfred Walton a decade later, until he also fizzled). Anyone else a fan? Thoughts on his career, or his could-have-been career?

BadBaronRudigor

Do we need to celebrate yet another of these type of players:

From Publishers Weekly
Despite impressive raw talent as a basketball player, Lloyd (Swee'pea) Daniels hasn't made it to the NBA... Daniels, who did not finish high school and can barely read, attended the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where he was arrested in a drug raid. He also put in a stint with the Continental Basketball Association's Topeka Sizzlers and, most dramatically, nearly died after he was shot in a $10 drug deal. Coaches and colleagues tried to discipline him, yet Daniels emerges as a man whose skill is exceeded by his laziness and arrogance, a player who cuts practice, "blaming poor performance on injuries or on teammates, but never on himself." This career could never end with a bang--only a self-centered whine.

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luther

No celebration has to be involved. And what I want to talk about is his game, which I personally would celebrate, because Lloyd could play the right way. Believe me, I'm not infatuated with his drug use, drug dealing, illiteracy or any of that. I'm impressed with his skills, first of all. And second, I do wonder about his potential had he not undergone his various problems. Only third, although less interesting to me because it's the game itself I am most curious about, I am interested that he went through what he did and still made it--and I don't just mean making the NBA. I mean reportedly kicking his various bad habits, becoming a strong family man and carving out a solid career for himself.

BadBaronRudigor

If he actually has, that's worth listening to then. Great . . . that wasn't at the link I checked and I didn't know anything about Daniels much after his basketball career.

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