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Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
"He is not a natural jump-shooter" - When George Karl criticized LeBron James' shooting and lack of clutch
"He is not a natural jump-shooter" - When George Karl criticized LeBron James' shooting and lack of clutch originally appeared on Basketball Network. One of the things George Karl is known for is his penchant for sharing his unfiltered thoughts on certain issues in the NBA. During an interview back with Jim Rome in 2012, Coach Karl assessed LeBron James' shooting and unsurprisingly came up with an intriguing conclusion. According to Karl, James wasn't like most NBA superstars who were gifted with a reliable and consistent jump shot. For the veteran coach, it's also the reason why LeBron's form and moves weren't sexy. Moreover, Karl also criticized James' ability to take the biggest shot of the game. He broke down James' approach on scoring and ultimately reckoned that he had no clutch game at all. "He is not a natural jump-shooter," Karl said of James' game. "He's kind of a self-made jump shooter. He makes the ball go in, the ball goes in, but it's not pretty, his balance isn't perfect. It's not going to look like Kevin Durant or Ray Allen. It goes in but at the end of the game that extra extra special player." "Sometimes I don't know if he trusts his jump shot," Karl added. "He needs to get to the rim. If you take away the rim, he's probably going to pass the ball more often than not." Like any other NBA personality, Coach Karl will always be entitled to his own opinion. Though some may agree with him regarding his take on the holes in James' repertoire, many still put "The King" on the same footing as some of the best scorers and clutch players in NBA history, specifically Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. Over the years, James has improved his shooting and also has had his fair share of game-winning shots. However, like Karl, NBA Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen also thinks LeBron doesn't have what it takes to step up for his team and take the final shot. Pippen admires James' overall game but candidly speaking, he doesn't see LeBron joining the ranks of Jordan or Kobe in that category. "When I look at LeBron, he's not what Michael was as a player. He's not even what Kobe Bryant was as a player," Pippen once assessed. "So, when you talk about trying to compare Michael's instinct, his ability to take over games, his ability to want to have that last shot. LeBron doesn't have the gene. That's not in him. Kobe has that gene." "I am not taking it away that he don't know how to win and he's not willing to have the ball in his hands," Pippen added. "But the players that got that gene, they are going to get that ball." While player comparisons are very inevitable in the NBA, many believe that James is one of one. As opposed to his critics, those who admire James argue that his game is unique which invalidates comparisons such as Coach Karl's and Pippen's. For them, James came in and showcased a combination of skills that had never been seen. They recognize that his overall game is different from some of the all-time greats, as he could score, facilitate, and dominate on both ends of the floor. Many fans, however, insist that James is beyond comparison. If anything, they are convinced that LeBron is in a category of his story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Arkansas Coach John Calipari Hints at Possible Future Retirement Plans in Jim Rome Show Interview
Arkansas Coach John Calipari Hints at Possible Future Retirement Plans in Jim Rome Show Interview originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Arkansas Razorbacks enjoyed a resurgence last season as they won 22 games one year after a 16 win season with John Calipari steering the Razorbacks' ship to the Sweet 16. Advertisement The season showed that the former Kentucky coach is capable of putting together a strong, athletic and successful roster on short notice, a welcome development for Razorbacks fans. On Sunday, Calipari's interview with longtime radio show host Jim Rome surfaced on X, during which the popular and well known coach shared his thoughts on his future in the coaching profession and how long he might have before he decides to hang up his whistle. John Calipari coaches during a game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders on March 27, 2025. © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images "What's driving you at this you think about that amazing basketball life you've had, I mean, you've been in the Hall of Fame since your 50s, you don't need to do it, so why are you doing it?" Rome asked. Advertisement Calipari said he will continue to coach as long as he is helping kids and their families. "If it's transactional versus would I do it?" Calipari posed to Rome in question form. He then shared his raw thoughts on how many players he may see himself coaching going forward. "But I love doing what I'm doing, and so I'd like to help 20...25 more families, 30 more families, and then I'll be...'It's been a good run.'" Calipari's current contract includes a $50,000 bonus per tournament appearance, $100,000 bonus for reaching the round of 32, $250,000 bonus for reaching the round of 16, $350,000 for reaching the Final Four and $500,000 for winning the NCAA Championship. Advertisement Related: LSU's Derek Curiel Reacts to Beating Arkansas This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 16, 2025, where it first appeared.
