1038:Chris. Paul's Last Chance (1/5)
Link had just returned to Memphis when he found himself the subject of heated discussions.
But it's not his last game performance that's being discussed, it's the all-time rankings of a basketball contributor.
Link in Bill. Simmons' sixth-place place in the "Hall of Fame Pyramid" caused a huge sensation.
Not only is he the highest-ranked player on the active roster, but he's also the highest-ranked player who debuted after the 90s!
Kobe Bryant, Duncan, James, O'Neal and other thunderous names were all pressed under Link.
Link himself was a little surprised, he didn't expect Bill. Simmons would have held himself so high.
After all, Bill. Simmons's ugly bald head was all because of Link. They are more enemies than friends.
But then again, since seeing Link win all of Player of the Month for a season, Bill. Simmons never looked for Link's stubble again.
Even, he often helps Link speak.
As Simmons himself said, he acknowledged Link's greatness. And this time, he expressed this recognition through rankings.
Bill. Simmons' "Hall of Fame Pyramid" is still quite influential in the basketball world.
Although it is not an official ranking, it is still very high for Link to get such a high ranking on this list.
It's just that he doesn't have time to discuss it now, because the Grizzlies players who have just returned from Milwaukee have to face their old rival Los Angeles Clippers non-stop today.
The Clippers remain a force to be reckoned with in the West this season, and this back-to-back game is also considered likely to be the Grizzlies' first defeat of the season.
The performance of the Los Angeles Clippers in recent years has actually been quite disappointing, and the combination of Paul + Griffin + Jordan Jr. + champion coach Rivers was rushing to win the championship at the beginning.
As a result, for so many years, the Clippers have not even played the Western Conference Finals. In the '15 playoffs, they were even humiliatingly reversed by the Trail Blazers with a 3-1 lead.
But even so, no one would think that the Clippers were underdogs. After all, their configuration is there, and there is Chris. Paul's team will never be an underdog.
At the start of the season, the Clippers had an excellent 4-1 record. In five games, except for the Thunder when he was beaten by Russell. Except for Westbrook's stunner, the other four games were all big wins.
And among these four opponents, there is no shortage of Western powerhouses such as the Trail Blazers and Spurs.
Encountering an opponent like the Clippers in back-to-back games is undoubtedly a huge test for the Grizzlies.
Therefore, Link has no scruples about controversy such as the "historical player pyramid".
In response to questions from reporters, Link always said, "I'd rather talk to you about tonight's game." ”
Link's attitude, naturally, embarrassed the reporters very much.
It was supposed to be an opportunity to make big news, but Link turned out to be so cold, which obviously did not meet their expectations.
But in any case, they have to quarrel on this topic.
As a result, there are more and more voices about Link's "not daring to face super high rankings".
Of course he didn't dare to face it, what is the concept of sixth place? He's really better than Wert. Was Chamberlain better? ”
"Link only has three championship rings, but he's on the top of Kobe Bryant, who has five championship rings, seriously?"
"Bill. Did Simmons update the rankings when he was drunk? I'll admit Link deserves a higher ranking, but sixth all-time? That's a bit too much, isn't it? ”
The Grizzlies and Clippers battle is coming, but people don't care about it at all.
All the forums and social media are talking about whether Link is qualified or not.
Some people admit that Link, while others think that Link is not qualified. The bickering of the fans had no intention of ending at all, and the matter even put Bill Murphy, who was only the author. Simmons was involved.
Bill. Simmons has always been a controversial figure.
But none of his op-eds have been as controversial as they are today.
Huge sensations and quarrels led to the afternoon when Bill. Simmons had to respond to the fandom's buzz on his social media.
"First of all, I think Link fully deserves such a ranking. Just by one point, he's done things that many people haven't done, and it's dazzling to write down all the records he has broken. His strength, his versatility, is also unmatched by many great players. ”
"Of course, some would say that he only has three championship rings. God, three rings are enough, as great as Hakim. There are only two players like Olajuwon! And these three rings have been obtained for three consecutive seasons. Isn't a player who has built a dynasty worthy of praise? Count on your fingers, and there are a few people in the entire history of the NBA who have led the team to three consecutive championships. ”
"Besides, Link's career isn't over yet. I'm pretty sure he doesn't have three rings in his hand. Any idea why I only ranked him sixth? Because he has not yet reached his final form. If Link gets a few more rings in the future, let alone surpassing Kobe, I might rank him ahead of Michael! ”
"Also, this is my leaderboard, I can rank it however I want, don't look at it if you don't like it!"
Simmons' response was very tough, and he didn't mean to "kneel and lick" the fans at all.
Actually, Link and Simmons are quite similar in some ways.
Link is a "big villain" in the league, and Simmons is also considered the most difficult writer to discipline in all of ESPN.
He has always done his own thing, and he has no way of holding back. Whether it is to the fans or to the stars, he never shows mercy.
Because in his concept, there are few people in this world who know the NBA better than him.
If what he says is not authoritative, then what others say is even more farting.
Simmons didn't take the fans' advice at all, stubbornly believing that Link wasn't ranked high at all.
Rather than quelling the controversy, this has only escalated the situation.
As a result, the sprouts were even led to Link's opponent, Chris. Paul's head.
"I don't care what he is, I don't care. No matter where he stands, we're going to give it our all today and try to get a win. Paul's expression was serious, and he didn't want to join the argument.
Before you know it, Paul has been with the Clippers for five years. When he first joined the Clippers, expectations were very high for him and Griffin.
But in the past five years, Paul's career achievements have been almost at a standstill.
Not to mention the championship, he and the Clippers have not even touched the edge of the Western Conference championship.
And how many five years can a player's career be delayed?
Previously, Paul could have said that he still had a long way to go. But now, Paul will be 32 years old in half a year!
For a professional footballer, his road is really not long.
If he wants to lead the team to win the championship, he can only take advantage of these few years.
If he can't do it in the past few years, then there is a good chance that he will become the next John. Stockton or Steve. Nash - No crown for life!
Paul knew it was a season he had to give it his go. If the Clippers remain stagnant this year...... Paul may have chosen to find another way!
Paul is also well aware that the Clippers management is actually starting to lose patience. They've got great rosters every year, they've been a strong team every year, but they just can't make it further in the playoffs.
If the Clippers continue to stumble in the playoffs this year, management may tear down the entire team and rebuild it.
Jordan Jr., Griffin and Paul are all past their prime, and it doesn't make sense for the team to continue to spend it like this. So once the Clippers decide to push to the rebuild, the three of them will definitely go their separate ways.
So, Paul was clear. This year, it's their last chance!
If we don't get any more results this year, everything will change.
And if you want to make a performance in the playoffs, you need to pass the Warriors and Grizzlies!
In today's game, the Clippers and Paul are going to win no matter what!
"You mean, you also think Link's ranking is a bit inflated?" Journalists don't let Paul go easily, and every question they ask is pointing Paul up Link's ranks.
"I don't know, but after this game, everyone should know. If Link is really as good as he is in the rankings, then he should be able to win the game. With that, Paul turned around and walked towards the players' tunnel.
Sixth all-time?
Well, if you can beat Link, who is sixth, then you will definitely be able to prove that you still have the ability to win the championship!
While the Grizzlies are back-to-back and physically inferior, who cares?
A winner is a winner, and no one is going to figure out how the loser loses.
Paul clenched his fists, and he thought it might be an opportunity to his advantage.