Doc sees traits of Bill Russell in Deandre Jordan

[sed522002]

“I genuinely see traits of Bill Russell,” the Clippers coach stated without hesitation or deep, deep regret.

“Listen, it’s nice to be compared to Bill Russell,” Rivers said. “I don’t see a negative in that.”
Of course not. There are no negatives to be compared to the definition of winning and the epitome of a center who casts a defensive shadow that can blot out the sun.
It’s insane, though.
“I don’t know why,” Rivers said. “Why can’t you want to be the best? I don’t see why it’s insane.
“I genuinely see traits of Bill Russell. I didn’t say he was Bill Russell. I just think that’s a good thing. What do you see? You see block shots, he’s the (leading) rebounder in the league, he’s blocking everything that comes his way and he changes shots. That’s what Bill Russell does. So that’s been a good thing.”
But… but… but… Bill Russell!
“Again, I think it’s a good thing to say,” Rivers said. “The guys you talk to, they’ll say that and say, ‘Yeah.’ But there’s a lot of guys that have had the potential. There’s a lot of guys that have had the potential to be Kobe or Michael. And DJ’s following through. He’s really focused on that end and he really believes that that’s his impact. And it really has been. He’s been great.”

...

Another is that the comparison motivated him to watch Russell in action more intently than before, leading to another possible impact for the Clippers. Where he once tried to swat shots to the rafters in a statement for opponents, Jordan learned from the old movies that controlling the rejection or directing the ball to a teammate is the better play and more hurtful to the other team. He has specifically been working on that move while already totaling 16 more blocks in 1,937 minutes and 54 games than last season in 2,010 minutes and 82 games.

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2014/02/10/deandre-jordan-driven-by-russell-comparison/?ls=iref:nbahpt6e

[LooseCannon]

I see two black guys who are tall.

[rondohondo]

 

[sed522002]

I see two black guys who are tall.

LOL...listen, Doc is the ultimate motivator. I remember earlier in the season when he said he told Deandre he didn't want him traded for KG 

Also, if Tommy can compare Stiemsma to Russell then we'll give Doc a pass...LOL

[BballTim]

  I think he's angling for Tommy's job after he retires. Gotta get that hyperbole up and running.

[barefacedmonk]

I was just about to post this.

I can't really fault Doc for trying to motivate his player because it is apparently working. Jordan has been very good this season (just looking at raw numbers, I have hardly watched any games this year). I don't agree with the comparison though.

[Roy H.]

Nonsense.

[sed522002]

  I think he's angling for Tommy's job after he retires. Gotta get that hyperbole up and running.

Somewhere Tommy is reading what Doc said and he's saying "That is BOGUS!!"

[2short]

Funny thing is I always saw traces of Cousy in Glenn rivers 

[rondohondo]

remember when KG said Jeff Green could be the best NBA player ever ?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m59MdxUePIU

Bwahahahahaaha

we are going to trade the potential "best player ever" for DeMarre Carroll and a late draft pick 

[RebusRankin]

I can see it, both guys have grabbed rebounds in the NBA.

[TitleMaster]

If you recall, I'd tried to encourage Jeff Green to become Bernard King.

http://forums.celticsblog.com/index.php?topic=67561.0

[SparzWizard]

I see traits of Mike D'Antoni in Doc Rivers.

[fairweatherfan]

I can see it, both guys have grabbed rebounds in the NBA.

To be honest it's not really a fair comparison for DeAndre - he's got hundreds more blocked shots than Russell ever did.  People should look up basic stats before getting all huffy.

[2short]

I can see it, both guys have grabbed rebounds in the NBA.

To be honest it's not really a fair comparison for DeAndre - he's got hundreds more blocked shots than Russell ever did.  People should look up basic stats before getting all huffy.

Good point.  Don't see this Russell fellow anywhere in blocked shot stats