Post#31 » by Pimpwerx » Tue Aug 14, 2012 10:34 pm
Wade has been a better player than Kobe for years now. At least since 2008, and probably earlier. Kobe being a better shooter forsakes the fact that he takes a lot of bad shots and doesn't actively look to get his teammates involved. We wouldn't have won our first ring if Wade wasn't as unselfish as he is.
As for his jumpshot, he hasn't worked on it because he hasn't had to. He's so effective getting to the rim that shooting is secondary. Now, teams pack the paint so much against us that he has to. That and his role is no longer as primary playmaker, but as a secondary one. So it's important for him to provide floor spacing and be able to his the catch and shoot jumpshot.
He shot well in the '06 playoffs, but that's looking more and more like an anomaly. I hope it has to do with his lack of practice/coaching, and I hope this summer sees him return to that '06 form. Well, he shot well in '08 too, so maybe it's not such an anomaly. Still, a return to good shooting form would be beneficial for the team and his longevity. I don't believe in the notion that Kobe in his 30s will be a better player than Wade in his 30s because Wade does a lot more things well than Kobe. If you want to limit it just to perimeter shooting, sure. However, even when he loses a step, Wade will still be able to get to the rim. That's really about timing and savvy. Look at Paul Pierce. He can still get by guys, and he's definitely lost a step. It will be a smaller part of Wade's game, but it will still be useful.
His mechanics aren't broken or anything, so I have faith he'll just need focus and practice to get his jumpshot where it needs to be. He may never be a great 3pt shooter, but that's not even necessary. If a career brick-layer like Kidd can turn into a good 3pt shooter, Wade can too. He's never been as bad a shooter as Kidd, so it's within his reach. I say let time tell the story, and don't just jump to conclusions because you think his game is predicated on one thing. Jordan didn't develop a reliable 3pt shot until the Portland shrug. It's never too late for great players to get their stroke working. PEACE.