you look at that talent level, JR Smith...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TampaDude

To be fair, a lot of people used to say the same thing about Artest, and look at him now.

---

Even when Artest did things to hurt his team, he was still trying to be a team player. Smith is a me-first guy, and always will be.

That was a sick, sick 360 tonight, and he poured in some big 3-pointers. But he didn't score in the 4th quarter. I'll take Billups every day of the week over the talented Mr. Smith.

^I agree.

Physically talented: Sure. But I think mental ability/aptitude comes in to talent at some point, and JR is severely lacking in that. If you looked at Duncan's talent, you have to include the psychological aspect because it's part of his game. The same doesn't apply to JR.

He would definitely be phenomenal if he always had his head screwed on right though.

If he had half a brain he could really be a special player inn this league. Waste of talent. Sad.

As Crash Davis said to Nuke LaLoosh: "You've got a million dollar arm and a ten cent head."

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spurs1990

Put him under Popovich's tutelage and see what would happen.

---

The Barry trade that was (and then wasn't) remains an intriguing "what if". A few years ago might have been early enough in his career for Pop to turn him around or maybe there's just no helping that dope. Could have been the next SJax. Could have been the next Ron Mercer. I don't think there would have been any in between. He would have been a clear success or a spectacular failure here.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by slacker77

I don't think anyone has ever doubted his skill.It's his intelligence that always comes to question.

---

This.

That was an amazing shot last night. JR is a Human Highlight film, but he is a Grade A coach killer. I'm not sure Pop could corral that guy. He is probably one of two or three coaches that would have a chance.

George Karl has had some real head cases in his career with Payton and the baby maker Kemp in Seattle, I think he had Glen Robinson with Milwaukee (not sure on that), and Melo, KMart, JR Smith, Birdman etc. in Denver

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by spurs1990

Put him under Popovich's tutelage and see what would happen.

---

If the trade from NO had happened like 5 years ago, it might have worked, but he's acted too stupid for too long, and can't or won't change. It's a shame, because he probably has the raw talent of Kobe, but he's a fucking idiot.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TampaDude

To be fair, a lot of people used to say the same thing about Artest, and look at him now.

---

Uh, you're not helping your argument. Artest is, and will always be a dumb ass.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by guitardude27

he's a weedhead thug that should be the MVP of the prison leagues or at the very most an and-1 streetballer

---

u mad

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rapper

So what?

I give him no respect

---

u mad

Quote:

---

To be fair, a lot of people used to say the same thing about Artest, and look at him now.

---

Artest obviously came from tough circumstances and I don't see how you can compare the two. Artest was considered one of the best ballers in the NBA early in his career. He has brains, he was just out there as far as antics and media was concerned.