NBA legend, Memphis native and friend to the site recently gave his insight on the 2015 Finals. Penny whom is a legend in his own right knows a thing or two or maybe three about basketball.
After a successful NBA career Penny returned to Memphis to coach and mentor the inner city youth.
When asked about LeBron James, Curry and the NBA Finals run Penny had this to say:
BR: What’s it like to be a young player on a stage as big as the Finals?
Penny Hardaway: You know, it’s amazing because you’re not really in tune. Back then, I wasn’t really in tune with what was at stake. You were just playing. I knew I was in the Finals, but there wasn’t a lot of pressure. I didn’t put a lot of pressure on myself. I just played as if I were playing another basketball game. That was the difference for me. Nowadays, guys understand the magnitude because of social media, because of all the awareness, it’s a different game. But when I played, I basically was just playing like it was a normal game, out there playing ball.
BR: What do you make of what LeBron’s done in these Finals as a point forward?
PH: It’s so hard to even pick anything out that LeBron is doing wrong because he’s averaging almost 40 points, 10-12 rebounds and almost averaging double-figure assists. He’s almost averaging a triple-double. The only thing that I would say is that I would love to see him not settle for so many one-legged fadeaways. That’s his game, that’s the freedom of his game, but with that strong, powerful body, he is unstoppable. That’s the only thing I would see: him get on the post more instead of catching the ball out so far. Maybe that helps. But who am I to say that to LeBron James? He’s a four-time MVP, two-time champion. It’s just, as a fan, when you see him shoot those fadeaways and stuff, it’s like, well, he bailed the defense out on that because there’s no way that guy could stop him if he really did what he had to do.
BR: If you had a say, would you give LeBron Finals MVP even if theCavs lost?
PH: No. I don’t ever believe in giving a guy, no matter how many points he averages, the MVP if he doesn’t win. It always has to go to the winning team, in my mind. LeBron’s put up unbelievable numbers, but if he doesn’t win, you don’t deserve MVP.
BR: If the Warriors win, who would you give it to?
PH: Steph [Curry]. I’d give it to Steph because he’s drawing so much attention for the other guys. Even if he’s not scoring, he’s the reason why that the other guys are scoring because they’re double-teaming him almost every time. They almost have to faceguard him to try not to get him the ball back. He’s allowing guys to play.
See full story here.
Credit: BR
Connect With Us:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/xclusivememphis
Twitter: http://twitter.com/xclusivememphis
Instagram: http://instagram.com/xclusivememphis