I don't blame any star reallty for not taking charges. I cringe anytime I see Pierce take on, and cringed the 2 times Kg took them this year(his only 2 of his career).

One of the most important factors for.an NBA player is longevity. Part of that is playing smart. Some people may disagree but people talk about McGrady or Vince Carter being "unlucky" with injuries. Same with Bynum. Ironically these guys don't take charges really but they are always getting injured for stepping on other players feet and rolling their ankles, they don't know how to brace their falls.

Isn't it kind of like a receiver in football constantly going down the middle of the field and getting cracked?

I'm rather indifferent to Kobe's comments.  I think it's fine if he doesn't want to take charges.  He's too important to any team to take one for the team.  That's what bench players are for.

However if it's the last possession in a crucial play-off game with a lot on the line- take the charge buddy.

Yeah IP its definitely selfish

But in a given game or year where you need to be healthy or on the floor (not taking a foul when someone is going for a dunk) I can understand it.

The problem is that if you have that sort of attitude your team picks up on it, and every team needs someone to take charges and dive for loose balls. If you don't do it as a leader, who will?

Depends whos saying it...if its a role player, they should be out of the league...Kobe Bryant? agree with him and I think KG would too...what has he taken 1 charge since hes been here? he wants nothing to do with them and you can tell

Here's a quote from a current NBA star:

Quote

I don't take charges. ... "I learned from my predecessors. ... [Scottie] Pippen had a [messed] up back taking charges. [Larry] Bird had a [messed] up back taking charges. I said, 'I'm not taking charges.' I figured that ... out at an early age."

[The star] said that Pippen and Bird didn't share their charge-taking horror stories with him to influence his decision, he merely noticed through observation. He also picked up on other legends who benefited from not taking charges.

"I've seen Michael [Jordan] not take one ... charge and he's healthy his whole career and the same thing with Magic [Johnson] ... I might not be the smartest guy in the room, but I can figure that ... out."

What do you think?  Is that smart basketball, or is it poor defense?  Is it a player making a selfish decision, or somebody trying to help his team in the long run by staying healthy?

  What are the odds that same player refuses to go to the ground to sell a foul and get a trip to the line? 1 in 20?

Quote from: IndeedProceed on May 16, 2012, 10:08:43 AM

Selfish decision. That's like saying "I don't dive after loose balls because it might hurt my back."

Its one thing to be smart about it, and play under control, but its another thing to flat out not take charges.

I can appreciate not flopping around like a fish on the ground, hitting the deck every time there is contact, but standing your ground defensively is part of the game. If someone's got a head of steam and you're not even going to stand your ground, that's a problem for me.

Neither Kobe nor KG shy away from contact or diving onto the floor for loose balls.  Ever.  They both play with intensity.  Taking a charge means you're just playing a different kind of defense.  If you're athletic enough to actually affect a play defensively you needn't risk your body by putting yourself in harm's way.

Kobe shys away from defense now-a-days. Rarely closes out on shooters or does much work on that end off the ball.

Gives up an awful lot of open jump shots with bad close outs unless its someone like Ray Allen or a guy he really respects.

Probally  a little of both .  Using MJ as an excuse for not taking charges . Thats lame. But, he probally is just more worried about potential injuries.  Its a head thing. Kobe is not as wreckless with his body as some greats have been.

But, I have ALWAYS thought .... Kobe is selfish player , in that , he seems to always be going half speed on Defense in order to save "ALL" his energy for scoring. Kinds sucks to be his teammates I would think.

He gets his share or steals , but that again is a way to get another score for his effort . 

Kobe is not a good team player , he'll throw 100% energy into winning as long as its taking or getting shots for his team.

I'm more impressed with wellrounded players than one trick shooters ( MELLO, KOBE)

MJ might have not taken alot of charges , but he played defense 1000X better than Kobe.