WTMW.

W Ameryce też tańczą z gwiazdami! Właśnie zaczęła się nowa edycja, a występuje w niej weteran parkietów NBA Iman Shumpert. Ma chłopak poczucie rytmu, co? Przypominam, był to jego pierwszy taniec przed telewizyjną publicznością. Zgadnijcie co dostał od jednego jurorów. Czwórkę! Sędziowie uznali, że za mało były jive’a w jive’ie. No cóż, u mnie miałby 10/10.

Five Thirty Eight

Lubicie modele matematyczne? Amerykanie są w nich specjalistami. Tak więc biorąc pod uwagę wiek, zdrowie czy statystyki zawodników NBA, ich wartość w czasie i zestawiając z liczbami notowanymi przed laty przez graczy o podobnym profilu, ludzie z Five Thirty Eight (niegdyś pod egidą ESPN) od lat próbują miarkować jaką wartość przedstawia konkretny zawodnik i jaka przyszłość go czeka w lidze. Każdy jeden ma przy nazwisku przypisany status. Fajnie! Tylko że mam problem z kilkoma opisami. Statystyka owszem, jest pomocna, przekonuję się o tym często, ale obserwacji gry i tzw. testu oka nigdy nie zastąpi. Jak mówię w paru przypadkach przy opisie pozwoliłem sobie postawić ikonkę 😂.

Co ciekawe, graczy kalibru “MVP candidate” zgodnie z matematycznymi wyliczeniami mamy w lidze pięciu: Giannis, Luka, Joker, Harden i Embiid. Popatrzcie:

Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young – Future All-Star 😂
Bogdan Bogdanovic – Borderline All-Star
Clint Capela – Borderline All-Star
John Collins – Up-and-Comer
Kevin Huerter – Up-and-Comer
Delon Wright – Key Role Player
Danilo Gallinari – Rotation Player
De’Andre Hunter – Rotation Player
Onyeka Okongwu – Rotation Player
Cam Reddish – Rotation Player
Lou Williams – Offensive Specialist

Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum – All-Star
Jaylen Brown – Borderline All-Star
Marcus Smart – Borderline All-Star 😂
Dennis Schroder – Average Starter
Al Horford – Key Role Player
Josh Richardson – Rotation Player
Jabari Parker – Rotation Player
Aaron Nesmith – Rotation Player
Enes Kanter – Rotation Player
Romeo Langford – Rotation Player
Payton Pritchard – Rotation Player
Robert Williams III – Rotation Player
Grant Williams – Defensive Specialist
Luke Kornet – Defensive Specialist 😂

Brooklyn Nets

James Harden – MVP Candidate
Kevin Durant – Borderline All-Star 😂
Kyrie Irving – Borderline All-Star
Nicolas Claxton – Up-and-Comer
Joe Harris – Average Starter
Patty Mills – Rotation Player
Blake Griffin – Rotation Player
DeAndre’ Bembry – Rotation Player
Bruce Brown – Rotation Player
Jevon Carter – Rotation Player
Timothe Luwawu‑Cabarrot – Rotation Player
Paul Millsap – Scrappy Veteran
LaMarcus Aldridge – Way Past His Prime

Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo Ball – Future All-Star
Miles Bridges – Average Starter
Terry Rozier – Average Starter
P.J. Washington – Average Starter
Gordon Hayward – Rotation Player 😂
Kelly Oubre Jr. – Rotation Player
Mason Plumlee – Rotation Player
Cody Martin – Rotation Player
Ish Smith – Scrub

Chicago Bulls

Lonzo Ball – Future All-Star
Nikola Vucevic – Borderline All-Star
Zach LaVine – Average Starter 😂
DeMar DeRozan – Dubious Starter 😂
Patrick Williams – Up-and-Comer
Alex Caruso – Key Role Player
Javonte Green – Rotation Player
Derrick Jones Jr. – Rotation Player
Alize Johnson – Rotation Player
Tony Bradley – Rotation Player
Troy Brown Jr. – Rotation Player
Coby White – Project

Cleveland Cavaliers

Jarrett Allen – Up-and-Comer
Isaiah Hartenstein – Rotation Player
Lauri Markkanen – Rotation Player
Ricky Rubio – Rotation Player
Kevin Love – Rotation Player
Cedi Osman – Scrub
Collin Sexton – Project
Darius Garland – Project
Isaac Okoro – Project
Evan Mobley – Good Prospect

Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic – MVP Candidate
Kristaps Porzingis – Good Starter
Tim Hardaway Jr. – Average Starter
Dorian Finney‑Smith – Average Starter
Maxi Kleber – Rotation Player
Dwight Powell – Rotation Player
Reggie Bullock – Rotation Player
Frank Ntilikina – Rotation Player
Trey Burke – Rotation Player
Willie Cauley‑Stein – Rotation Player
Jalen Brunson – Rotation Player
Boban Marjanovic – Scrub
JJ Redick – Way Past His Prime
Moses Brown – Defensive Specialist

Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokic – MVP Candidate
Jamal Murray – Future All-Star
Michael Porter Jr. – Future All-Star
Facundo Campazzo – Key Role Player
Aaron Gordon – Rotation Player
Will Barton – Rotation Player
PJ Dozier – Rotation Player
Monte Morris – Rotation Player
Jeff Green – Way Past His Prime

Detroit Pistons

Isaiah Stewart – Up-and-Comer
Jerami Grant – Average Starter
Kelly Olynyk – Rotation Player
Josh Jackson – Rotation Player
Cory Joseph – Rotation Player
Rodney McGruder – Rotation Player
Trey Lyles – Scrub
Cade Cunningham – Great Prospect
Saddiq Bey – Project
Hamidou Diallo – Project
Killian Hayes – Project
Luka Garza – Marginal Prospect

Golden State Warriors

Stephen Curry – All-Star
Draymond Green – Borderline All-Star
Andrew Wiggins – Average Starter
Kevon Looney – Rotation Player
Otto Porter Jr. – Rotation Player
Juan Toscano‑Anderson – Rotation Player
Nemanja Bjelica – Rotation Player
Chris Chiozza – Rotation Player
Klay Thompson – Scrub 😂
Andre Iguodala – Way Past His Prime
James Wiseman – Project
Jordan Poole – Project
Jonathan Kuminga – Good Prospect
Moses Moody – OK Prospect

Houston Rockets

Jae’Sean Tate – Average Starter
Christian Wood – Key Role Player
Daniel Theis – Rotation Player
Dante Exum – Rotation Player
David Nwaba – Rotation Player
John Wall – Scrub
Eric Gordon – Scrub
Danuel House Jr. – Scrub
Kevin Porter Jr. – Project
Jalen Green – Great Prospect
Alperen Sengun – Good Prospect
Usman Garuba – OK Prospect

Indiana Pacers

Domantas Sabonis – Borderline All-Star
Myles Turner – Good Starter
Malcolm Brogdon – Average Starter
Jeremy Lamb – Key Role Player
Caris LeVert – Rotation Player
Torrey Craig – Rotation Player
Cassius Stanley – Rotation Player
Justin Holiday – Rotation Player
T.J. Warren – Rotation Player
T.J. McConnell – Rotation Player
Goga Bitadze – Rotation Player

LA Clippers

Kawhi Leonard – All-Star
Paul George – All-Star
Nicolas Batum – Key Role Player
Ivica Zubac – Key Role Player
Reggie Jackson – Rotation Player
Serge Ibaka – Rotation Player
Terance Mann – Rotation Player
Marcus Morris Sr. – Rotation Player
Eric Bledsoe – Rotation Player
Luke Kennard – Rotation Player
DeMarcus Cousins – Rotation Player
Justise Winslow – Defensive Specialist
Harry Giles III – Project

Los Angeles Lakers

Lebron James – All-Star
Anthony Davis – All-Star
Russell Westbrook – Dubious Starter 😂
Talen Horton‑Tucker – Up-and-Comer
Wayne Ellington – Rotation Player
Kent Bazemore – Rotation Player
Kendrick Nunn – Rotation Player
Devontae Cacok – Rotation Player
Wesley Matthews – Scrappy Veteran
Dwight Howard – Scrappy Veteran
Trevor Ariza – Scrappy Veteran
Malik Monk – Offensive Specialist
Carmelo Anthony – Way Past His Prime
Rajon Rondo – Way Past His Prime
DeAndre Jordan – Scrub

Memphis Grizzlies

Ja Morant – Up-and-Comer
Jaren Jackson Jr. – Up-and-Comer
De’Anthony Melton – Up-and-Comer
Dillon Brooks – Average Starter
Kyle Anderson – Key Role Player
John Konchar – Key Role Player
Steven Adams – Rotation Player
Kris Dunn – Rotation Player
Brandon Clarke – Rotation Player
Jarrett Culver – Rotation Player
Tyus Jones – Rotation Player
Sam Merrill – Rotation Player
Desmond Bane – Rotation Player
Xavier Tillman – Rotation Player

Miami Heat

Jimmy Butler – All-Star
Kyle Lowry – Borderline All-Star
Bam Adebayo – Up-and-Comer
Tyler Herro – Up-and-Comer
Duncan Robinson – Average Starter
Victor Oladipo – Rotation Player
Dewayne Dedmon – Rotation Player
Gabe Vincent – Rotation Player
Max Strus – Rotation Player
Caleb Martin – Rotation Player
Markieff Morris – Scrub
P.J. Tucker – Defensive Specialist
Udonis Haslem – Way Past His Prime

Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo – MVP Candidate
Jrue Holiday – All-Star
Khris Middleton – Borderline All-Star
Brook Lopez – Key Role Player
Donte DiVincenzo – Key Role Player
Bobby Portis – Rotation Player
Pat Connaughton – Rotation Player
Jordan Nwora – Rotation Player
Grayson Allen – Rotation Player
George Hill – Scrappy Veteran
Jeff Teague – Scrub
Rodney Hood – Scrub

Minnesota Timberwolves

Karl‑Anthony Towns – All-Star
Anthony Edwards – Future All-Star
Jarred Vanderbilt – Up-and-Comer
Patrick Beverley – Key Role Player
D’Angelo Russell – Rotation Player
Malik Beasley – Rotation Player
Josh Okogie – Rotation Player
Taurean Prince – Scrub

New Orleans Pelicans

Zion Williamson – All-Star
Jonas Valanciunas – Good Starter
Devonte’ Graham – Good Starter
Brandon Ingram – Up-and-Comer 😂
Kira Lewis Jr. – Up-and-Comer
Josh Hart – Rotation Player
Jaxson Hayes – Rotation Player
Willy Hernangomez – Rotation Player
Tomas Satoransky – Rotation Player
Nickeil Alexander‑Walker – Rotation Player
Garrett Temple – Scrappy Veteran

New York Knicks

Kemba Walker – Borderline All-Star 😂
Julius Randle – Average Starter 😂
Immanuel Quickley – Up-and-Comer
RJ Barrett – Up-and-Comer
Derrick Rose – Rotation Player
Evan Fournier – Rotation Player
Alec Burks – Rotation Player
Nerlens Noel – Rotation Player
Mitchell Robinson – Rotation Player
Obi Toppin – Rotation Player
Taj Gibson – Scrappy Veteran
Kevin Knox II – Project

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous‑Alexander – Up-and-Comer 😂
Luguentz Dort – Up-and-Comer
Derrick Favors – Key Role Player
Mike Muscala – Rotation Player
Kenrich Williams – Rotation Player
Gabriel Deck – Scrub
Paul Watson – Scrub
Darius Bazley – Project
Jaylen Hoard – Project
Ty Jerome – Project
Theo Maledon – Project
Aleksej Pokusevski – Project
Charlie Brown Jr. – Project
Isaiah Roby – Project
Josh Giddey – Great Prospect
Vit Krejci – Good Prospect
Tre Mann – OK Prospect

Orlando Magic

Jonathan Isaac – Up-and-Comer
Terrence Ross – Rotation Player
Wendell Carter Jr. – Rotation Player
Michael Carter‑Williams – Rotation Player
Moritz Wagner – Rotation Player
Robin Lopez – Scrub
E’Twaun Moore – Scrub
James Ennis III – Scrub
Gary Harris – Scrub
Chasson Randle – Scrub
Markelle Fultz – Project
R.J. Hampton – Project
Cole Anthony – Project
Mo Bamba – Project
Jalen Suggs – Great Prospect
Franz Wagner – Good Prospect

Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid – MVP Candidate
Ben Simmons – Borderline All-Star
Tobias Harris – Average Starter
Matisse Thybulle – Up-and-Comer
Danny Green – Key Role Player
Andre Drummond – Key Role Player
Furkan Korkmaz – Key Role Player
Seth Curry – Rotation Player
Shake Milton – Rotation Player
Georges Niang – Rotation Player
Tyrese Maxey – Project

Phoenix Suns

Devin Booker – Borderline All-Star 😂
Chris Paul – Borderline All-Star
Deandre Ayton – Borderline All-Star
Mikal Bridges – Borderline All-Star
Jae Crowder – Key Role Player
Cameron Payne – Key Role Player
Frank Kaminsky – Rotation Player
Cameron Johnson – Rotation Player
Dario Saric – Rotation Player
Landry Shamet – Rotation Player
JaVale McGee – Rotation Player
Elfrid Payton – Scrub

Portland Trail Blazers

Damian Lillard – All-Star
CJ McCollum – Borderline All-Star
Robert Covington – Borderline All-Star 😂
Jusuf Nurkic – Key Role Player
Dennis Smith Jr. – Key Role Player 😂
Norman Powell – Rotation Player
Larry Nance Jr. – Rotation Player
Cody Zeller – Rotation Player
Rondae Hollis-Jefferson – Rotation Player
Marquese Chriss – Defensive Specialist 😂
Anfernee Simmons – Offensive Specialist 😂
Tony Snell – Scrub
Ben McLemore – Scrub
Patrick Patterson – Scrub

Sacramento Kings

De’Aaron Fox – Borderline All-Star
Buddy Hield – Average Starter
Harrison Barnes – Average Starter
Tyrese Haliburton – Up-and-Comer
Alex Len – Rotation Player
Richaun Holmes – Rotation Player
Terence Davis – Rotation Player
Maurice Harkless – Scrub
Tristan Thompson – Scrub
Marvin Bagley III – Project
Davion Mitchell – OK Prospect

San Antonio Spurs

Jakob Poeltl – Borderline All-Star 😂😂
Derrick White – Borderline All-Star
Dejounte Murray – Good Starter
Devin Vassell – Up-and-Comer
Thaddeus Young – Key Role Player
Al‑Farouq Aminu – Rotation Player
Bryn Forbes – Scrub
Doug McDermott – Scrub
Zach Collins – Defensive Specialist
Drew Eubanks – Project
Lonnie Walker IV – Project
Keldon Johnson – Project
Luka Samanic – Project

Toronto Raptors

Fred VanVleet – All-Star 😂
Pascal Siakam – Average Starter 😂
OG Anunoby – Up-and-Comer
Chris Boucher – Key Role Player
Gary Trent Jr. – Rotation Player
Khem Birch – Rotation Player
Yuta Watanabe – Rotation Player
Isaac Bonga – Rotation Player
Precious Achiuwa – Defensive Specialist
Goran Dragic – Scrappy Veteran
Svi Mykhailiuk – Project
Scottie Barnes – Great Prospect

Utah Jazz

Rudy Gobert – All-Star
Donovan Mitchell – Borderline All-Star
Mike Conley – Borderline All-Star
Royce O’Neale – Good Starter
Jordan Clarkson – Rotation Player
Joe Ingles – Rotation Player
Ersan Ilyasova – Rotation Player
Bojan Bogdanovic – Scrub
Eric Paschall – Scrub
Rudy Gay – Scrappy Veteran

Washington Wizards

Bradley Beal – Borderline All-Star
Daniel Gafford – Up-and-Comer
Deni Avdija – Up-and-Comer
Davis Bertans – Key Role Player
Montrezl Harrell – Key Role Player
Raul Neto – Key Role Player 😂
Kentavious Caldwell‑Pope – Rotation Player
Spencer Dinwiddie – Rotation Player
Aaron Holiday – Rotation Player
Kyle Kuzma – Scrub 😂
Rui Hachimura – Project
Thomas Bryant – Project

MJ vs Kobe

Pamiętacie gracza o dziecięcej twarzy BJ Armstronga? Point guarda w systemie Phila Jacksona operującego raczej jako strzelec w rogach boiska? Trzykrotnego mistrza ligi w barwach Chicago Bulls 1991-1993? Czy wiecie, że po odejściu Michaela Jordana na pierwszą emeryturę w 1994 roku BJ wraz ze Scottiem Pippenem i Horace Grantem dostali powołanie do All-Star Game?! Armstrong zakończył karierę zaliczając skuteczność 42% zza łuku.

To były jednak inne czasy, trójek oddawał po dwie w meczu więc próżno go szukać na listach najlepszych strzelców. Nie w sytuacji gdy grasz w jednym zespole z najwybitniejszym koszykarzem w dziejach. Czy wiecie, że BJ po zakończeniu kariery zawodniczej w 2000 roku wszedł w buty doradcy Jerry’ego Krause’a oraz skauta Bulls? Od 2006 roku pracuje w branży agentów sportowych. Jego klientami obecnie są między innymi: Derrick Rose, Bismack Biyombo, JaVale McGee czy Josh Jackson.

Nie o tym jednak chciałem. 54-letni BJ (wciąż wygląda młodo!) był w zeszłym tygodniu goście audycji Legends of Sport, gdzie opowiadał o pamiętnej kolacji podczas której Michael Jordan i Kobe Bryant rozgrywali mentalny pojedynek koszykarski. Armstrong określił to “spotkaniem dwóch geniuszy” no cóż, pozostaje przyznać mu rację. Posłuchajcie:

To wszystko co przygotowałem na tę chwilę. Zapraszam wieczorem na felieton pióra BLC.

Dobrego dnia wszystkim. B

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