He was a star in high school, college, and very solid in the NBA for a long time. But what was he great at? He was fortunate to be 6’10. He was never the most athletic or explosive athlete. Even his jumper and post moves at times seemed awkward or at least a little deliberate. But at an early age I’m betting he realized all this. ‘I better hold the ball really high when I shoot bc I’m not jumping over many people.’ And ‘I gotta become a technician with footwork on both ends of the court.’ He was such a throwback player - but he found ways to excel. He knows how Davis and Dickinson feel in their bodies. He can help a guy like Livers develop more of an attack game rather than scoring off other action. So he’s a pro player turned coach - but more a blue collar type that got the best out of what he had. A previous post got me thinking about this. He understands the struggles of more limited guys and thus is really becoming quite the coach. Anyone remember the game in Bloomington his freshman year? We lost a tough one but that his breakout game. At that point, people were wondering about all the hype. But Juwan had figured out big ten Bball and he put on a show. I think sometimes guys who are just naturally talented have a hard time helping those who are not succeed.
