Just by looking at these two big men you can tell the difference between European and American style of play. These are two big men take lot's of jump shots and rarely play with their back to the basket. Dirk has made his career off his midrange game and he shoots tons of threes! Compare these big guys to the likes of Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum who can't shoot the ball to save their lives but are just as (probably more) effective using strength and post moves. If I had a basketball team, I'd go for an aggressive big man. I prefer it to the "european" style and find it more entertaining
Good point! There's definitely a difference between style of play, and there are differences in rules and regulations (closer three-point lines, pure zone is legal, and games are 40 minutes in Europe). Also the mentality of European basketball is much more team than individual focused. Even commentary in basketball video games (think nba 2k) refer to european style of play.
I agree, European big men such as, Dirk and turkish Mehmet Okur, have made their livings shooting the ball from deep but both of them have in fact been a part of great teams. Dirk won Finals MVP last year and also won league MVP in 05 and Okur was a part of several Utah Jazz playoff teams. Therefor, these types of big men have had success but there are just very few of them in the NBA. On the other hand, when the NBA lockout was going on and several U.S. players went overseas to play, none of those players were big men, only guards. Maybe the European finese game for big men has something to do with the foul calling in Euroleague.
Just by looking at these two big men you can tell the difference between European and American style of play. These are two big men take lot's of jump shots and rarely play with their back to the basket. Dirk has made his career off his midrange game and he shoots tons of threes! Compare these big guys to the likes of Dwight Howard and Andrew Bynum who can't shoot the ball to save their lives but are just as (probably more) effective using strength and post moves. If I had a basketball team, I'd go for an aggressive big man. I prefer it to the "european" style and find it more entertaining
ReplyDeleteGood point! There's definitely a difference between style of play, and there are differences in rules and regulations (closer three-point lines, pure zone is legal, and games are 40 minutes in Europe). Also the mentality of European basketball is much more team than individual focused. Even commentary in basketball video games (think nba 2k) refer to european style of play.
Delete- Michael Spetner
I agree, European big men such as, Dirk and turkish Mehmet Okur, have made their livings shooting the ball from deep but both of them have in fact been a part of great teams. Dirk won Finals MVP last year and also won league MVP in 05 and Okur was a part of several Utah Jazz playoff teams. Therefor, these types of big men have had success but there are just very few of them in the NBA. On the other hand, when the NBA lockout was going on and several U.S. players went overseas to play, none of those players were big men, only guards. Maybe the European finese game for big men has something to do with the foul calling in Euroleague.
Delete-mikey mintz
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