The REAL Arvydas Sabonis-Before Injuries 1986

[Lakas Fan Yo]

I'm from Europe too and followed Sabonis in his prime. He was considered the best in EU by many fans and specialists, even one of the best in the World, including NBA.

And you are just another kid spreading this Sabonis myth around. It's really getting old.

[elementally morale]

And you are just another kid spreading this Sabonis myth around. It's really getting old.

Come on. Sabonis WAS considered the best European player pre 1986-87. After the first injuries came that Yugoslavian team with Kukoc/Radja/Petrovic/Divac/Paspalj took over but that was 87ish. And there were the Greeks with Gallis/Yannakis/Fassoulas.

After 1988 Sabonis was not considered the best European player, sure. But 1985-86 Sabonis? He was by far the best player. (I happen to be European as well and old enough to have been able to watch those games live.)

[Round Mound]

Very underrated post. Check it out for those who never saw him play before injuries

[FCN]

Sabonis > Kobe

Seriously though, I have always been a big fan of Sabonis. I know Big Z looked up to him, and considered him a mentor/idol. I remember comments Z made years back about how much he idolized Sabonis.

Sabonis was a pleasure to watch even in the latter years of his career when he could barely walk. The guy was so skilled that even as a cripple he could still not only contribute, but oftentimes dominate.

[godofgods]

If he wasn't injured, it's not like he could've been a top 5 Center of all time. He will definitely be in top 3 along with Russell and Alcindor.

[ShaqAttack3234]

Anyone who wants to see Sabonis, check out this site. http://descargasbasket.blogspot.com/.../label/Sabonis

Complete games available for full download. Highlight mixes don't tell you much about how good a player was, but these complete games do.

Even after all of the injuries, Sabonis averaged 16/10/3 in '98 on a good team. Anyone who doubts that he had hall of fame potential doesn't know anything about Sabonis.

[rfoster24]

Are u an Idiot?

What has Oden Prooved Against....Shaq, Duncan CF, Howard, Ming?

Nothing

In Those Clips The Dude Was 22 Years Old and Not Out Playing but [COLOR="Blue"]Totally Demolishing David Robinson [/COLOR]Who Was [COLOR="Red"] 8 months younger only[/COLOR]...

Wow you can tell that he demolished Robinson all the time just from a couple of clips from a 1:56 youtube video? Dam son your smart.

Oh and not one time did i see him beat Robinson one-on-one in that video. I did see him dunk on Robinson when he was out of position though. Does that make him the most dominant center ever?

[rfoster24]

He made D-rob look like a small kid

how tall was Sabonis? 7'3? the way he jumped out of the gym for his size was scary.

You're joking right?

[Samvt]

Man, love that hook shot. No body has that these days.. Dwight tries it but is way too robotic.

[FCN]

Anyone who wants to see Sabonis, check out this site. http://descargasbasket.blogspot.com/.../label/Sabonis

Complete games available for full download. Highlight mixes don't tell you much about how good a player was, but these complete games do.

Even after all of the injuries, Sabonis averaged 16/10/3 in '98 on a good team. Anyone who doubts that he had hall of fame potential doesn't know anything about Sabonis.

He really should be in the HOF

[Disaprine]

damn, he was owning robinson it would have been great seeing him in his prime in the NBA.

[eliteballer]

You forgot to mention ROIDED UP. No coincidence why he had physical problems later



"I must break you"

[ShaqAttack3234]

You forgot to mention ROIDED UP. No coincidence why he had physical problems later



"I must break you"

gotta rep you for the Rocky 4 pic. Man, if seeing a guy take down a guy 6 inches taller and some 70-80 pounds heavier in Russia in the mid 80's while Russia cheers for an America doesn't make you patriotic then what will?

[RoseCity07]

I'm on board with Sabonis being an all time great healthy wise. But sometimes I wonder if their game will translate to the NBA. Like Sabonis dominating in the NBA on a team like Portland would not be allowed. They'd start calling fouls on everything he was doing to D-Rob in the olympics.

The things great Euro players get away with overseas doesn't happen in the NBA unless they go to LA or Chicago, or a big market. Look at Gasol.

Went from a Memphis all star, to a Laker god.

[ShaqAttack3234]

I'm on board with Sabonis being an all time great healthy wise. But sometimes I wonder if their game will translate to the NBA. Like Sabonis dominating in the NBA on a team like Portland would not be allowed. They'd start calling fouls on everything he was doing to D-Rob in the olympics.

The things great Euro players get away with overseas doesn't happen in the NBA unless they go to LA or Chicago, or a big market. Look at Gasol.

Went from a Memphis all star, to a Laker god.

Gasol improved in LA because he could be the 2nd option which suited him more, he was playing with a top 3 player and arguably the best coach in NBA history plus he toughened up after the beat down in 2008 finals.