Players that could have been special...?

[callo1]

So as it has slowed down a bit, and I am sitting here watching Hardwood Classics, and a question came up that I would like too ask the members of the forum.

What player past, or present, do you think could have truly been special if they either had the work ethic, or simply had it between the ears so to speak?

I think Josh Howard could have been really special...gave the Spurs fits, but never seemed dedicated to the game, and thus is mostly forgotten.

Post your thoughts on other players. I have a lot of other players in mind, but want to see what you guys and gals think.

[High Plains Drifter]

Dwight Howard. Easily one of the most physically gifted players of his generation, but his approach to the game and mental limmitations kept him from maximizing his potential. Even with that said, he was dominant for a couple of years. If he had the heart and mind, he could have been very special. As is, he’s one of my least favorite players.

[SpurPadre]

Dwight Howard. Easily one of the most physically gifted players of his generation, but his approach to the game and mental limmitations kept him from maximizing his potential. Even with that said, he was dominant for a couple of years. If he had the heart and mind, he could have been very special. As is, he’s one of my least favorite players.

https://i.gifer.com/Wy2p.gif

[Spurtacular]

Dwight Howard and Josh Howard were lazy thugs. If you ask me, they overachieved.

[Spurtacular]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPMaEbegWo4

[Kobe'sAchilles]

If Michael Beasley wasn't all drugged up I think he would have had a better career. Also whatever happened to Isaiah Rider? I remember a lot of people being high on him. But my number 1 would be Vin Baker. I met the dude a year ago (sidenote- it's unreal how tall he is) at a sports camp and he is in a really good place right now, but alcohol really did him in. He was all set to be a sure-fire hall of famer and then he ends up broke at a starbucks. Though last I heard he was coaching Giannis in Milwaukee teaching him how to post up.

[sasaint]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPMaEbegWo4

:tu Was about to post Len. His tragic death sent the Celtics reeling for about a decade.

[sasaint]

Roy Tarpley.

[High Plains Drifter]

Let’s add a 2nd question. Same set up on approach to the game limiting their career.

1.) player who could have been truly special league wide past or present?

2.) player who could have contributed meaningful rotation minutes to the Spurs past or present? Not necessarily truly special, but could have been around longer and done more.

[High Plains Drifter]

Len Bias is probably the best possible answer to number 1.

The Howards being a lazy thugs and over achieving is exactly why they are good choices. Had they not been punks, they could have achieved so much more.

My answer to number 2 is Devin Brown. I really liked what he brought to the game for the Spurs when he played, but he didn’t seem to have the work ethic or focus necessary to succeed.

[Spurtacular]

Reggie Lewis. Should've been on Dream Team I, tbh.

[Spurtacular]

Len Bias is probably the best possible answer to number 1.

The Howard’s being a lazy thugs and over achieving is exactly why they are good choices. Had they not been punks, they could have achieved so much more.

My answer to number 2 is Devin Brown. I really liked what he brought to the game for the Spurs when he played, but he didn’t seem to have the work ethic or focus necessary to succeed.

Yea, but it was part of their DNA all along. Shaq could've probably won eight rings or more if it wasn't part of his DNA for instance. He wasn't less gifted than Hakeem; but Hakeem handed him his ass in 94.

[High Plains Drifter]

Fair enough. I guess I hadn’t thought of the question quite that way.

[Since89]

Kawhi Leonard. He a bitch instead.

[Gagnrath]

I am going to look at things another way,

Having seen him quite a bit in college I am going to say Greg Oden, he was set to be a dominant big man, and his knees and body just went on him.

Grant Hill and Penny Hardaway were both low tier special but both went from going to be wow level amazing to pretty good.

[Jimmer Fredette]

Me honestly. But NBA is racist and can't have an undersized white guy showing niggas up. I otherwise would've made three or four all-star teams already.

[szkorhetz]

Jonathan Bender, TBH.
The first coming of KD.

[daslicer]

Jermaine O'Neal. I felt he was never the same after the Malice in the Palace Brawl.

[TDMVPDPOY]

no mention of greg oden? can play with either hand, but 2 bad knees did him in...

[KDKSpurs24]

If we’re gonna start bringing injuries into the subject.. I’m going with Brandon Roy. He was easily going to be a top player in the league during his prime.

[hombre]

That's cool. Anyways, ifit's probably Bias, but damn Eddy Curry come on, all you had to do was take some shit serious and you would have made so much more money.

[Keepin' it real]

Kawhi Leonard. He a bitch

https://i.makeagif.com/media/5-27-2016/r82PlH.gif

[tbdog]

If we’re gonna start bringing injuries into the subject.. I’m going with Brandon Roy. He was easily going to be a top player in the league during his prime.

Roy was the Duncan of guards. So fundamentally sound. Deceptively athletic without relying on it. Clutch as fuck.

[sananspursfan21]

I don’t know about all star caliber or anything but as far as former Spurs go, I thought James Anderson could have really become something if not for the injuries

[BSfromTX]

Boris Diaw could have been a lot better if hadn’t been so nonchalant... and he was almost too unselfish

[sasaint]

no mention of greg oden? can play with either hand, but 2 bad knees did him in...

I read OP's post to exclude players who were done in by physical issues/injuries. He was focusing on lack of "work ethic" or what was "between the ears."

[daslicer]

I read OP's post to exclude players who were done in by physical issues/injuries. He was focusing on lack of "work ethic" or what was "between the ears."

Elden Campbell is a guy who I feel that fits that criteria. I always thought he could be a 20-10 player and an all-star if he actually cared.

[ivanfromwestwood]

Dejuan Blair. Once he started fucking with that Whataburger it was game over.

[sasaint]

Elden Campbell is a guy who I feel that fits that criteria. I always thought he could be a 20-10 player and an all-star if he actually cared.

I don't know much about his career since he played mostly for the hated Lakers. He was great in college but drafted late. I don't know what I expected of his career. Maybe a little like Lamar Odom. Or another Laker - Andrew Bynum.

[sasaint]

So as it has slowed down a bit, and I am sitting here watching Hardwood Classics, and a question came up that I would like too ask the members of the forum.

What player past, or present, do you think could have truly been special if they either had the work ethic, or simply had it between the ears so to speak?

I think Josh Howard could have been really special...gave the Spurs fits, but never seemed dedicated to the game, and thus is mostly forgotten.

Post your thoughts on other players. I have a lot of other players in mind, but want to see what you guys and gals think.

I agree about Josh. He was a guy I wanted on the Spurs at one time.

[Maddog]

Roy Tarpley.


Boris Diaw could have been a lot better if hadn’t been so nonchalant... and he was almost too unselfish
I've got to agree with those two, though Boris is quite different from Tarpley. Boris had a good to very good career. Tarpley flamed out just as he was getting there due to drugs.


Jermaine O'Neal. I felt he was never the same after the Malice in the Palace Brawl.
Jermaine had chronic knee problems that limited his later career.

[rudwick]

Lloyd “Sweet Pea” Daniels

He had incredible talent.

[Roscoe P. Coltrane]

Sultan Kosàn

[superbigtime]

cris carter

fkn muppet

[Strategic]

Sam Bowie

[daslicer]

Ricky Davis.

[Proxy]

Jackie Butler

edit: holy shit lol, he's only 33

[HWoodNixon]

Gong to keep my fingers crossed and say Kawhi Leonard. Hoping his uncle screws him over so badly it jacks up his career.

[BillMc]

Lamar Odom.

[dbestpro]

Not the worst, but belongs on the list - Sprewell, John Lucas, Chris Washburn, and Michael Ray Richardson.

[tdominate21]

My answer to number 2 is Devin Brown. I really liked what he brought to the game for the Spurs when he played, but he didn’t seem to have the work ethic or focus necessary to succeed.[/QUOTE]

That's a good one. I remember rooting for him cuz i would see him in the hallways at UTSA before he was a spur. I later remember hearing that he was a slacker at the spurs facility so that's why they let him go. But I can't find any concrete story to back it up. Anyone remember?

[tdominate21]

John Starks

[tdominate21]

Richard Dumas

[callo1]

Agreed on Beasley and Roy. Had them in my mind as players I wanted to mention.

[SpurOutofTownFan]

no mention of greg oden? can play with either hand, but 2 bad knees did him in...

This

[Gagnrath]

This

I mentioned him before either of you in like the 4th post.

J.R. Smith is another character that is going to end up with a nice career but the dude if head was on straight had/has the attributes/ability to develop into a perennial All-Star. However he had to be more concerned about Thug Life and whatever the hell goes on in JR Smith head then being the best basketball player. His longtime teammate Carmelo is another one of those guys that because of what goes on in his head minimized his career.

[sasaint]

Not the worst, but belongs on the list - Sprewell, John Lucas, Chris Washburn, and Michael Ray Richardson.

Yep, that's a good trio for this thread. I expected Washburn to be great - much like my nominee, Tarpley.

[sasaint]

I mentioned him before either of you in like the 4th post.

J.R. Smith is another character that is going to end up with a nice career but the dude if head was on straight had/has the attributes/ability to develop into a perennial All-Star. However he had to be more concerned about Thug Life and whatever the hell goes on in JR Smith head then being the best basketball player. His longtime teammate Carmelo is another one of those guys that because of what goes on in his head minimized his career.

I have always wondered how he would have turned out if the trade for Brent had gone through.

[boutons_deux]

Jermaine O'Neal. I felt he was never the same after the Malice in the Palace Brawl.

and he got really fat

[DJR210]

Jermaine O'Neal. I felt he was never the same after the Malice in the Palace Brawl.

I wonder what he could have been in boxing..

[daslicer]

I wonder what he could have been in boxing..

:lol his punching reminded me of Balrog from Street Fighter.

[DJR210]

:lol his punching reminded me of Balrog from Street Fighter.

You're right tbh
https://vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/streetfighter/images/1/16/Balrog-crazybuffalo.gif/revision/latest?cb=20100716181921


https://media.giphy.com/media/MUEO7dshNcrRYNhFsX/giphy.gif

[BSfromTX]

Westbrook will be at the top of the list once his career is over

[Biggems]

Johnny Moore.....damn desert fever really altered his career. He had the potential to be a multi-time all-star.

Reggie Lewis was a great young player and only getting better. Unfortunately his heart condition destroyed his career by taking his life. He is my favorite Celtic.

Danny Manning was an all around player. Had he started with a good team, instead of LAC, he might have been an all-star many times.

Grant Hill had a very good career, but minus the injuries, he most likely has a great career, same as Penny Hardaway.

[rastaspur]

Richard dumas. Cocaine is a hell of a drug.

[rastaspur]

Earl manigault

[Since89]

I don't know much about his career since he played mostly for the hated Lakers. He was great in college but drafted late. I don't know what I expected of his career. Maybe a little like Lamar Odom. Or another Laker - Andrew Bynum.

He had small hands. He was like 6'10 wirh the hands od a 5'8 person.

[Since89]

Stacey Augmon
Bynum
Sabonis

[TDMVPDPOY]

Not the worst, but belongs on the list - Sprewell, John Lucas, Chris Washburn, and Michael Ray Richardson.

i thought spree peaked when he went to the knicks...when he went to the wolves, he was not the same player

[Seventyniner]

Elden Campbell is a guy who I feel that fits that criteria. I always thought he could be a 20-10 player and an all-star if he actually cared.

Weird, I was just thinking of Derrick Coleman.

[playblair]

dejuan blair............blair had 3 20/20 games before popovich benched him for dyese & tried to turn him into a jump shooter...........

[TDMVPDPOY]

dejuan blair............blair had 3 20/20 games before popovich benched him for dyese & tried to turn him into a jump shooter...........

i believe he didnt play in the playoffs in his rookie year

same with ghill who didnt even get to play playoffs in rookie year also...

those 2 showed they could play during the rs against that same team that defeated the spurs in the playoffs

[wildbill2u]

Gerald Green? Lloyd Wnathisname that came to the Spurs after being the playground King of the World.

[wildbill2u]

All time Spurs bubble bust was that guy who came in and hit 6 3s in his first game in limited minutes and coulldn't hit the side of the arena after that.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

dejuan blair............blair had 3 20/20 games before popovich benched him for dyese & tried to turn him into a jump shooter...........

Yep, Blair proved himself after moving on from the Spurs. Too bad Pop was holding him back because you really saw him blossom after that.

[TimDunkem]

Lonnie Walker will end up here.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

I was a fan of Charles "Spider" Smith. He just seemed like a guy with all the tools to be a really good NBA player. Good shooter...long wingspan...athletic. I remember him lighting up a couple of teams during his stint in SA. He seemed like a guy that "could have been" special.

[clambake]

Roy Tarpley.

this

[ginobilized]

I always thought Derek Anderson could've been a special player for the Spurs if not for that clothesline by Juwan Howard.

Len Bias and Reggie Lewis were 2 sure fire special players derailed by death.

[ducks]

jr smith without drugs

[DAF86]

Pops Mensah Bonsu.

[bigfan]

Javtokas. Hell, we could still use him.

[lmbebo]

Yep, Blair proved himself after moving on from the Spurs. Too bad Pop was holding him back because you really saw him blossom after that.


So good he's playing in China now?

Blair didn't have the mental tools to go anywhere, let alone knees.

[Nivek_ogre]

Rasheed Wallace. Could of been one of the best of his generation. A damn good player but could have been in the conversation with Duncan, Garnett and Novitzki.

[Phenomanul]

Stacey Augmon
Bynum
Sabonis

I second Arvydas Sabonis and add Oscar Schmidt... if they would've played the prime of their careers in the NBA... they would be multiple decorated all-stars.

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

So good he's playing in China now?

Blair didn't have the mental tools to go anywhere, let alone knees.

My point exactly. I forgot the blue font in my previous post.

[playblair]

Yep, Blair proved himself after moving on from the Spurs. Too bad Pop was holding him back because you really saw him blossom after that.

see 2014 playoffs...............blair single handedly took the spurs 7 games

[Ed Helicopter Jones]

see 2014 playoffs...............blair single handedly took the spurs 7 games

True. He would have carved out a nice career if he could have battled the Spurs every game. Carlisle must have not seen his potential just like Pop, and just like every other NBA coach after he was done on the Mavs. Point is, if he was NBA material he might actually be in the NBA.

I liked Blair a lot, and I rooted for him to make it in this league, but you can’t blame Pop for his lack of NBA success.

[DMC]

Blair's issue wasn't being benched, but being trained. He was a numbers guy when he was left alone to do shit against the grain of the offense, to just float around. He had a knack for getting good positioning for rebounds because he was never where he was supposed to be prior to the shot. He couldn't guard a sandwich. Once the trainers showed him how to shoot a FT and how to do some modicum of post work, he became useless. He was always a foul magnet but at least he was entertaining. People here gave him too much credit for a few gaudy stat games but the dude was too dumb to play a team game.

[callo1]

Bonzie Wells

[cool cat]

Well Kawhi is “Special” in one sense of the word.

[BSfromTX]

Rasheed Wallace. Could of been one of the best of his generation. A damn good player but could have been in the conversation with Duncan, Garnett and Novitzki.


Good call

[Horse]

Lloyd Daniels

[TrumpLovesPop]

Richard Dumas. 1993 finals played amazing against the Bulls.

[Mr. Body]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPMaEbegWo4

Len Bias is overrated. Just typical Boston fan wankery.

[SupremeGuy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPMaEbegWo4Wonder how much coke he did that night?...

[Spurtacular]

Wonder how much coke he did that night?...

I don't think the full story is being told. The official story was he tried it that one time. I've heard he was pretty street in other places.

[Since89]

Wonder how much coke he did that night?...
Enough to kill him.

[TDMVPDPOY]

derek anderson
willie anderson
james anderson
fat head

all fkn shit that didnt pan out

[Twisted_Dawg]

Jermaine O'Neal. I felt he was never the same after the Malice in the Palace Brawl.

His career was never the same after he turned down signing with the Spurs, tbh.

Does anybody else think The Truth also under achieved?
His game just did not consist of fundamentals.

[rascal]

James Silas

Had he not gotten injured the Spurs win a title in the 1970s.

[NameLess Scrub]

Kawhi Leonard!!!

Amirite amirite?

[spurraider21]

TJ Ford was gonna be the best backup pg in NBA history

[SAGirl]

Bobo Diaw ... could have been a better Ben Simmons type (since he was a better shooter) and I hear tell he was very athletic in his youth... instead he was never a franchise player.

[Since89]

Kevin Durant is another.

[BillMc]

Given that Boris retired today one wonders what he might have been if he had a mega-motor. But Bobo had too wide a range of interests to be 'just a basketball" player.

[dbestpro]

James Silas

Had he not gotten injured the Spurs win a title in the 1970s.

This is probably the greatest unknown that should be known by Spurs fans. Silas should have been an all time great.

[Holden_Caulfield]

beno udrih. i thought he was gonna be way better than parker :lol

[Larry O]

Since this thread is dedicated to players that could have been speical, & Bobo was truly one of those players, while I was waching Hardwood Classics last night where they were featuring the 2006 Playoffs with the Lakers vs the Suns, of coarse Bobo was playing, but I was reminded of a couple of players that stood out in that game that may be taken for consideration in this thread, & that is Lamar Odom & Kwame Brown. Odom, like Bobo, was a Swiss Army Knife who could play multiple positions as well as score from the outside as well as in the paint, & he could play good defense as well. I'm going out on a limb here, but he could have been LeBron before LeBron, especially with his skills set being simular to Bron's. And as for Brown, this number one draft pick out of high school back in 2001, just didn't live up to the hype/potential as he should have, & has been compared with other number one drafts who became busts such as Anthony Bennett & Greg Oden, who also deserve to be on the list as players that could have been special. GSG!!!

[Gobigorgohome]

the early 90 teams could have been special if they had one more guy to help 50

[mrose31]

This exactly first guy I thought of.

[Gobigorgohome]

Lebron james could have done more if he had a good coach look how long it took him to get The first one

[rogcl1]

James Silas

Had he not gotten injured the Spurs win a title in the 1970s.

James Silas, Captain Late, was indeed a very special player before the injury. We were college kids then and went to most of the games and sat close to the court for next to nothing. Fun times.

[rogcl1]

This is probably the greatest unknown that should be known by Spurs fans. Silas should have been an all time great.

Yes.

[SupremeGuy]

Enough to kill him.I've seen hundred and ten pound girls go through multiple 8 balls during a binge. He must have done over a grands worth of coke.

[spurraider21]

beno udrih. i thought he was gonna be way better than parker :lol
dragic became the player udrih was supposed to be

[DMC]

Lebron james could have done more if he had a good coach look how long it took him to get The first one

Spo isn't any better of a coach than Mike Brown. Lebron just had better teammates in Miami.

[Gobigorgohome]

:smokin That is 100% right spo could not do shit with out jamss