[such sweet thunder]

How do I say this diplomatically not to offend my fellow Bulls fans ... Although there is the real posibility that new players will emerge, as of right now the best player drafted each of the last two years has been European. I think it would be hard to argue against Pao Gasol and Turkoglu being the most developed in their draft classes. What impresses me most about both of these players is that in addition to that European elegance they both have that American street thing. It's aparent that Europe is no longer just a bastion of tall guys who can shoot. A perfect portrayl of the new Euro reality, would be Toni Parker. Incredible off the dribble, brings lot of excitement, but has the saddest looking jump shot this side of Dennis Rodman. This brings us to Tsika, I know it is incorrect to use a positive stero-type now (just like it was incorrect to use a negative stero-type a couple of years ago) but this is a reasonably strong trend. Even if you go back to 1999, Kirilenko was drafted late int the first around a number of players who aren't contributing on his level. I would love to have a fundamentally sound, young, SF, who would bring a complete game.

 

[dkg1]

In a related matter, what do you guys think about the performances of European players in the playoffs this year? I know Europeans are relatively new to the NBA, but has there been a European who has ever come up big in the playoffs? The performance by the Kings (I know Peja was hurt) made me sick and this thought popped into my mind. Am I being too rough on Europeans? In my mind, there is a big difference between playing big in the regular season and stepping up in the playoffs.

 

[such sweet thunder]

I was so disheartend when Stokovic missed that shot...he is billed as a sharpshooter and then air-balls a wide open three in the biggest game of the season. Definitely not money! Its still probably unfair to stereo type all Euro's with this pathetic display of pressure playing. Somebody help me out here- my mind is going I sware to god- but, didn't Drazen Petrovic hit a number of buzzer beaters in the playoffs for the Nets in the early 90's.

 

[Songcycle]

Gasol was clearly the best rookie, but TurkeyGlue? I think not. Talented with a future, but don;t get carried away.

 

[TheRifleman]

I was so disheartend when Stokovic missed that shot...he is billed as a sharpshooter and then air-balls a wide open three in the biggest game of the season. Definitely not money! Its still probably unfair to stereo type all Euro's with this pathetic display of pressure playing. Somebody help me out here- my mind is going I sware to god- but, didn't Drazen Petrovic hit a number of buzzer beaters in the playoffs for the Nets in the early 90's.

I remember the nets doing nothing, winning like 17 games(89/90) with Reggie Theus(sharp shooting combo pg/sg Coleman, Mookie Blaylock, Sam Bowie, and Terry Mills(3 point shooting BIG man)

Then they get Drazen mid season and go up to 26 wins in 90/91, and then in 91/92, they go to 40 wins and 3rd in the Atlantic and make the playoffs. Drazen had 20 PPG during the season, but a good playoffs. Then in 92/93, they go to 43 wins, make the playoffs again and Drazen was getting 22/23 PPG that season and shot lights out in the playoffs. Then he died that siummer.

That is about what I remember - pure shooter, but also a scorer. He was on his way to being something special.