C Byron 'B.J.' Mullens (Levanga Hokkaido Sapporo - Japan)

[MrsB]

sure, it's more about the natural shot-blocking abilities of the player than it is just about the height of the player. all things being equal, though, 2 extra inches are 2 extra inches. i don't think it's unreasonable for a few fans to be hopeful that mullens does grow a couple more inches. it would positively impact his effect.

discussing height without talent and ability has absolutely nothing to do with mullens.

It didn't help Oden in the NC game as he was blocked himself a few times.
And I agree that Mullens has all the talent he needs

 

[OSU_Buckguy]

It didn't help Oden in the NC game as he was blocked himself a few times.

how do you know? during what part of the game did the 6'10" oden play, as opposed to the 7' oden? gal, i think you're missing the point. no one is claiming that mullens increasing his height by 2 inches will make him a much better player. if his athletic ability is simply as good as it is now (and it will likely get better), there is absolutely no doubt that added height is a positive thing. that's all that is being pointed out.

end of discussion. let's move on.

 

[MrsB]

I just makes your arms be able to go that much higher, when effecting shots on the defensive end, also allows you to get to more rebounds.

It is the same thing as being 6'9' to being 6'11''/7 foot...There is a big difference...Heck at 7'3'' if his body continues to develop the way it has he could become like shaq at 7'3'' and just being able to dominate...
quote]
This implies it .now look ! you made me cry , you big meanie :(

 

[LitlBuck]

[This implies it .now look ! you made me cry , you big meanie :(

It used to be that everyone jumped for joy when we got a 7' player and I was just having fun with the inches. I certainly hope he didn't make you cry I didn't mean to start a fight between you two

 

[jimotis4heisman]

Just havin a little fun with everyone quibbling over 7' 1" or 7' 2" or.... People have to remember that the best shot blocker of all time was a guy that was not even 6' 10" by the name of Bill Russell. Shot blocking and rebounding is more about timing and position but I know you know that:)

bill russell is about 55 years younger than mullens. people are a little bigger today...

and im not sold hes the greatest shot blocker ever...

 

[GrizzlyBuck]

Russell was definately someone who the term "length" applies, he was usually listed at 6'9" but it certainly appeared that he had an arm span that was at least 7', he was also a fabulous athlete so although "shorter" he played like a 7'

I have never seen Mullens play, but it sounded that even from an early stage (offered so early)he was coordinated and had good feet. I think these things are more important than a few more inches, altough keeping these and being taller is good too

 

[BB73]

bill russell is about 55 years younger than mullens.

I believe that Matta has given his Grandparents an early offer on his behalf, for the class of 2063.

 

[MrsB]

It used to be that everyone jumped for joy when we got a 7' player and I was just having fun with the inches. I certainly hope he didn't make you cry I didn't mean to start a fight between you two

He didn't make me cry hun , I eat his kind for lunch. I was just pointing out that height isn't necesarily a cure. Just think about all the big men we have had that couldnt even jump let alone block shots.
I am curious as to who jimotis does think is the best shot blocker of all time.
Shak? Alajuan? Robinson? There were a lot of good ones but only one could stop Wilt. I'm not sure that anyone else could have. Kareem? Wow we are talking timber here.

 

[jimotis4heisman]

I believe that Matta has given his Grandparents an early offer on his behalf, for the class of 2063.

err, older...

 

[LitlBuck]

I am curious as to who jimotis does think is the best shot blocker of all time. .

As am I. I can remember watching all of the Celtics and 76ers games on TV and you are correct when you say that Russell was the only guy who could hold Wilt down and he is considered by many to be the best scorer to ever play in the NBA. I will grant that Russell had length which helped him but he also had great athleticism.

 

[zincfinger]

sure, it's more about the natural shot-blocking abilities of the player than it is just about the height of the player.

There is no question that height is the most important single factor in being a great shot blocker.

I am curious as to who jimotis does think is the best shot blocker of all time.
Shaq? Olajuan? Robinson? There were a lot of good ones but only one could stop Wilt. I'm not sure that anyone else could have.

Russell was the most effective at guarding Chamberlain, but it wasn't because he was blocking Chamberlain's shots. When centers defend against centers, the outcome is largely determined by strength, quickness, and defensive technique. But great shot blockers don't pick up many of their blocks against opposing centers, they pick them up against positions 1-4. And they do it largely through height advantage. Two additional inches for Mullens, if not accompanied by a loss in dexterity or quickness, would be a certain plus.

 

[OSU_Buckguy]

There is no question that height is the most important single factor in being a great shot blocker.

notice that i included the word "just."

 

[zincfinger]

sure, it's more about the natural shot-blocking abilities of the player than it is just about the height of the player.

notice that i included the word "just."

I did notice it, but assumed that "natural shot blocking abilities of the player" referred to attributes other than height. Otherwise you're saying "height plus other advantages is preferable to height minus other advantages", which I doubt was ever in dispute.

 

[OSU_Buckguy]

i think post #227 makes my point clear.

 

[zincfinger]

That's a slightly separate point, and another one easily agreed with. All other things being equal, taller is better. And height plus other advantages is better than height minus other advantages. What I'm saying, which isn't really in contradiction to any of your points, is that, as far as shot blocking goes, height is, by far, the single most important advantage.

Your bottom line is dead-on. If Mullens gains a couple of inches, without any loss in coordination or quickness, that will make him a better player. There's really no rationally disputing that, as you imply.