He needed to work on his game. All that success he would’ve most likely thought he didn’t need to improve. At the end of the day he was a good/solid player but far from a special talent.
Yeah he never played with a good PG that could get him shots. Shaq had Penny and D-Fish and Mourning had Mugsy and Tim Hardaway. Laettner had to create his own shots.
Laettner was a beast but he was breaking into the League when there was still " Real Centers" like Hakeem, Ewing, Shaq etc. Even Ric Smits would be one of the best Centers today. He was just 20 years too early. He'd be great in today's game
Definitely a solid career. He just didn't get lucky like Draymond "Triple Single" Green and land in a perfect situation that fit his skill set. But Christian did maximize his opportunity none the less.
Nah dray didn't get lucky as much as warriors did He would thrive on any team with his defense and playmaking Would be a pain for the warriors if he was somewhere else
I agree, Christian Laetnerr Put Up Some Pretty Decent Numbers, Alot Of Seasons He Avaraged 16-17 points A game, definitely not a bust, Like u said, A Team Like The Utah Jazz Woulda Been Perfect for him, he woulda been there stretch 5 and gave Malone more room to work in the post
He had the misfortune as did so many other players who would absolutely thrive in the league today of being born too soon and thus had to play in a different era of basketball when certain positions and styles were very static.
@@samfranks9468 your right duke players outside of Grant Hill, Jason Tatum, Kyrie Irving and maybe Zion. They most times are just role players in the NBA.
He was a player I think was ahead of his time for the position the now stretch four…plus he came in when there was a power forward center combo on almost every team and if he had gone to a better teams than Timberwolves back in the 90’s he could have had a better career or maybe played in Atl for more of his career.
I always wondered what your thoughts were on him… definitely not a bust… just the wrong era… skill set under appreciated because he wasn’t a traditional center; and it didn’t help that he wasn’t an interior presence defensively… kinda like Keith Van Horn … could’ve been a franchise player if they put the right complimentary pieces around him…. But the Twolves are one of those teams that just never get it right; lots of individual talent, but never the right fit … that being said, hitting that game-winner, he’s forever linked to Kentucky…I think it’s time for a Jamal Mashburn video 👍🏼
@@Discipleofthelordandjesus Definitely. Mashburn was a really good NBA player, who would've been even better without the knee injury. Even with that, he was still a very accomplished scorer.
Thanks for mentioning Glen Rice...I feel he's been overlooked a lot. I wore 41 when I played ball in HS thanks to him along with molding my jump shot to his. He was a sniper and I wonder how he'd do in today's NBA...though being 6'8 and was a SG / SF in the era he played, they'd probably stick him at PF so hm..
His college career created unrealistic expectations for him in the NBA. Sometimes players carry that type of production over like Kareem for example and some don’t. That being said dude was a solid player. Not a super star but definitely not a bust.
In the case of Draymond, we celebrate and appreciate him because he’s contributing to winning basketball hence why his career bust numbers are ignored (same goes for Big Ben and Rodman and even Russell) players like these were in great situations and made the most out of them. Solidly productive players on mediocre teams like Laettner our forgotten because they didn’t contribute to winning at the highest level.
If he hadn’t been so widely hated in college he would be judged less critically. I believe. I saw him play at Duke. And yes, he’s the greatest I ever seen.
As life long Tarheels fan I have never 'liked' him but I did respect him. He was a real solid nba player but as you stated based on the college resume he was expected to be more. 13 years in the league is nothing to sneeze at. This happens alot with college players of the year.
The guy did not adapt quite simply. A lot of the Duke guys that are good there usually do not live up to their college careers. Some guys adapts and just work at more than others. Perfect example is JJ Reddick. Look at his last 2 years at Duke. Arguably the best player in the country both years. Was not the fastest, most athletic, and his defense was average at best. He looked like a top 3 pick, but went 11th. Got into the league and was very good for a long time and was pretty solid defensively as the years went on. He just really worked at it.
A lot of that has to do with the Duke system. In that system the offense is very well structured so the players never learn how to create their own shot. A skill that is imperative to achieve success on an NBA level.
And yet look at how you remember (and even praise) Reddick, despite Laettner averaging identical scoring numbers & better stats in other areas, despite not playing in such a forgiving era as JJ (who played from 2006-2021). Just because Laettner went 3rd instead of 11th, people act like he was a disappointment. It's just a bit unfair & kind of weird.
Definitely a solid player in the league. I’ve been screaming this for years. He just wasn’t, career wise, what you would think a Top 3 pick would have but bust. Far from it. He needed to be on a team with a dominate center if not in todays era. The narrative around him & Duke at the time didn’t help. People were basically waiting on his downfall or for him to not be great .
Christian Laettner was the poster boy for College basketball he was a beast as stated also he took and made some clutch shots for duke his first 5 years for the wolves he was putting up solid numbers the team was crappy. He had a solid career in my opinion and if he played in this modern times he would fit right in he was a finesse player who could shoot the mid range and in the right match up get to the basket and finish. Coaches ( well most of them) back then made players adjust to their coaching style instead of adjusting to the players strength and skill sets
Like Grayson Allen, Laettner was a marked man as soon as he got in the league for his dirty play in college. He was supposed to be the next Lambeer but there was no MaHorn or Edwards around to protect him. Plus Minnesota just sucked there first 10 years in the league and as soon as Garnett showed what he could do Laettner was no longer needed.
Laimbeer could handle himself in fights anytime against anyone. I always get the impression that the rubbish teams of the 90s weren't as dirty cause it wasn't worth getting into fights on a losing team. All the best teams at the time the bulls,knicks,pacers,heat and jazz where known for playing rough and dirty
I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American. A stiff, who didn't have cable TV until I was 18, so my NBA viewing wasn't limited to Sonics games, and national TV games. I first learned James Edwards was a fight-happy punk, in Charles Barkley's autobiography. Sounds like you can attest, that Edwards had a hot temper on the court?
Laettner played for over 10 years and averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds and dealt with injuries. Laettner was used incorrectly. He was played as PF/C when he was a stretch 4 that needed space to score. Laettner would be a star in today's game.
Sometimes the college game doesn’t translate to NBA success. The NBA is based on more one-on-one skill set. It will expose your weaknesses and make you an average player if you can’t adapt.
I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American. Being a decent 5'10" height, for a Japanese-Amerecium of my generation, in church pickup basketball, I would try to play a Christian Laettner-type game.
Man, I gotta agree. If he were playing in the current era he’d be an all star every year. Regardless of his NBA career or how it went, he was far and away the greatest college basketball player I’ve ever seen. And he earned his spot on the Dream Team.
That is a terrible comparison to even put Draymond and Laettner in the same convo makes no sense. Dray is like Rodman defensive player the year perennials
I mean this seriously: I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up, Sonics and Blazers fan, and Japanese-American. Keep in mind I was only 21 at the time: I wanted the Seahawks to draft Charlie Ward! National Championship winner, Heisman trophy winner. For BASKETBALL, I used to buy cards (around 1993, when they became SO expensive, but overpriced, for their real value), and was SO pumped that I got a golden Charlie Ward rookie card (Classic Cards). I thought, first round pick, I KNEW Charlie Ward would pan out! Charlie Ward Song: "He eat all our things, to say the least. He laughed to see the Onna Fide. Ha Ha!!"
@@death2denemy not trying to be rude, but there's videos and articles on how much of an ass he was.. There's a reason Keith Van Horn is more remembered... He was an arrogant ass
@@grammysworld5449 nah…he was selected to the Dream Team over Isiah Thomas and stars within the league could never get over it and forever held a grudge. This is why he played for teams without other stars…he was essentially blackballed from the league
@@stevescott3735 he wasn't "selected " over IT.. They implemented a rule where there needs to be at least 1 college player representing the country.. Nobody blackballed him at all.. Blackballed players don't get huge contracts for a decent team like Atlanta
Ya gotta think that being a part of the '92 Dream Team stunted Laetner's growth. Imagine that being your introduction to an NBA roster. I'd straight up be like - "Nope. This ain't for me. I'm goin back to college to get my Master's."
I've been thinking lately.... I think, because the NBAHOF inducts players with success in College, Internationally etc., Leattner definitely should get his solo nod sometime during his lifetime. Dude was easily top 10 college player ever
Draymond was a second round pick so the fact that he's even still in the league says something. Laettner on the other hand was selected 3rd overall and was college player of the year, the expectations were much much different. Draft position + potential + contract determines whether or not a player is considered a bust or not. If Laettner was drafted outside of the lottery or in the late first round, he would have been thought of as a solid NBA pro.
Watching him when I was growing up, the t-wolves we're a terrible fit for him. He just didn't have the size to play the 5. Had he played next a legit center for a decade I think he would've lived up to the hype.
His reputation was his issue. The only thing people seem to focus on is how hated he was when he was putting up numbers any team would be happy to see.
@@aaronhutchinson885 Rip definitely got Kobe back in the league! That NBA chip was even more a special victory for Rip because Kobe always beat Rip in their high school duals. Rip was one of the smoothest Big East players ever. Very underrated.
James, I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan, and Japanese-American. I also would love a Harold Miner (since done), Don MacLean (say it "MACK-lean") and Tracy Murray too! Was I the ONLY person who compared Tracy Murray to Reggie Miller? Both Miller and Murray were 6'7", shooting guard or small forward, pretty boys, UCLA, and pure shooters! I was SO pumped when Portland stole Murray for Alaa Abdelnaby.
I had to look for myself... Laettner really did average 17/8/3 his first 7 seasons.... that's really good. Makes me wonder why Minnesota got rid of him... while there he was playing his best basketball. Maybe the third option to KG and Marbury would've worked out too or maybe they got rid of him bc of drafting KG...? I really don't remember.
Maybe he got traded because a certain Tom Gugliotta... similar height, position and skill sets was on the team, and they need to make room for KG. Even Gugliotta didn't last long after KG began hitting his prime and got traded away. That short stint of Laettner and Gugliotta starting together looked interesting. I also think Laettner demanded the traded seeing as how Minnesota was never a playoff team while playing for them.
@@mr.sinjin-smyth Googs was nice for a little while! Yeah Minnesota was terrible. When I looked I think they won 19, 20 then 21 games while Laettner was there.
He more got traded because they drafted Kevin Garnett, and the two of them were basically the same position. There also weren't stretch 5s back then, so they never entertained the idea of really playing them together. Leattner also wasn't big enough to play the 5 consistently at that time.
Its not that complicated! he was a good but not great player who game for that area wasn't a perfect fit. But he was productive he was a guy that if he was your third best player on your team you was a decent team in the nba. There are some players who are better and there games fit better in college more so than the nba and some players who fit better in the nba than college. He wasn't a bust but he wasn't a star had nothing to do with race or anything like that. And i am a black guy saying that.
It was still a league where a Detlef Schremph was a three time all-star as a 6th man. Coming off the bench as a Forward for deep 2 pointers , FT % , fundamentals and high IQ play. He was just thrown into the 90s meat grinder. Total waste.
Laettner was a system player! And was surrounded by a good system team at Duke! I've seen Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan not be able to do it all by themselves at Chicago bulls, ive seen LeBron James not be able to do it all by himself! If he would have been on some good system teams in the NBA, he would have perform just as well as he did at Duke...
What do you think of Laettner's NBA career? Would he be better in today's game?
Been waiting on this One !
I've been requesting this one for a minute. 💯🔥
Without a doubt
Definitely, since u brought up rip Hamilton he would be a good one
He needed to work on his game. All that success he would’ve most likely thought he didn’t need to improve. At the end of the day he was a good/solid player but far from a special talent.
You hit the nail on the head. If Laettner some how would have made it to the Jazz early in his career, he would have killed with Stockton and Malone.
Yeah he never played with a good PG that could get him shots. Shaq had Penny and D-Fish and Mourning had Mugsy and Tim Hardaway. Laettner had to create his own shots.
Draft him now he probably wouldn't need that help
@@henny6566😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 y'all so funny dude was a bust
Laettner was a beast but he was breaking into the League when there was still " Real Centers" like Hakeem, Ewing, Shaq etc. Even Ric Smits would be one of the best Centers today. He was just 20 years too early. He'd be great in today's game
Feel exactly the same way
If Christian Laettner (or even Tom Gugliotta) played in today's NBA... he'd be raining triples and still be a solid rebounder just like Kevin Love
@@mr.sinjin-smyth facts
I wouldn't even say he was 20 years to early, he couldn't really stretch the floor either
@@mr.sinjin-smyth I think Keith Van Horn also would have dominated today's game.
Definitely a solid career. He just didn't get lucky like Draymond "Triple Single" Green and land in a perfect situation that fit his skill set. But Christian did maximize his opportunity none the less.
You play fantasy sports, don’t you?
@@adgee5401 nope, I just know the difference between a great role player and a great player
Lol why u gotta do my guy green like that 😂 😂 😂
Average career
Nah dray didn't get lucky as much as warriors did
He would thrive on any team with his defense and playmaking
Would be a pain for the warriors if he was somewhere else
Laettner looked like a spoiled son of a Billionaire but after watching the 30 for 30 docu, I'm just blown away.
24th View
5th Like
3rd Comment
I agree, Christian Laetnerr Put Up Some Pretty Decent Numbers, Alot Of Seasons He Avaraged 16-17 points A game, definitely not a bust, Like u said, A Team Like The Utah Jazz Woulda Been Perfect for him, he woulda been there stretch 5 and gave Malone more room to work in the post
Would’ve been a nice spot for him
I remember he did pretty well as the Hawks 5 before they got Mutombo and moved him to the 4
U gotta do Jamal Mashburn now
His Post NBA career though.... 🤑🤑🤑
He had the misfortune as did so many other players who would absolutely thrive in the league today of being born too soon and thus had to play in a different era of basketball when certain positions and styles were very static.
Yes! Y’all better appreciate this man and his channel. The people requested and he delivered! Much respect my G
Laettner is a perfect college player. Big, talented, and fully grown in college. His best years were at Duke not the nba
I can count on one hand how many Duke players are good in the NBA
@@samfranks9468 naa, more than 1 hand, and I'm a Tar Heel fan. Let me hear only five?
@@samfranks9468 your right duke players outside of Grant Hill, Jason Tatum, Kyrie Irving and maybe Zion. They most times are just role players in the NBA.
@@rooseveltdarbey9493 I think JJ might be the best player to come out of Duke
@@samfranks9468 better than grant Hill are you mad
He was a player I think was ahead of his time for the position the now stretch four…plus he came in when there was a power forward center combo on almost every team and if he had gone to a better teams than Timberwolves back in the 90’s he could have had a better career or maybe played in Atl for more of his career.
Honestly your take was perfect could’ve said it better myself
He failed to mention Laettner's snotty attitude!
I always wondered what your thoughts were on him… definitely not a bust… just the wrong era… skill set under appreciated because he wasn’t a traditional center; and it didn’t help that he wasn’t an interior presence defensively… kinda like Keith Van Horn … could’ve been a franchise player if they put the right complimentary pieces around him…. But the Twolves are one of those teams that just never get it right; lots of individual talent, but never the right fit … that being said, hitting that game-winner, he’s forever linked to Kentucky…I think it’s time for a Jamal Mashburn video 👍🏼
Lmaooo mashburn stunted? Multiple 20 ppg seasons and career average of 20 doesnt deserve a stunted
Mashburn scored to well to be on here man. Like dude said he dropped 20 all the time
@@Discipleofthelordandjesus agree dude was basically a 20 point scorer in my book. He not stunted at all
@@Discipleofthelordandjesus Definitely. Mashburn was a really good NBA player, who would've been even better without the knee injury. Even with that, he was still a very accomplished scorer.
Please do Carlos Boozer and Ron Brewer!!!
Thanks for mentioning Glen Rice...I feel he's been overlooked a lot. I wore 41 when I played ball in HS thanks to him along with molding my jump shot to his. He was a sniper and I wonder how he'd do in today's NBA...though being 6'8 and was a SG / SF in the era he played, they'd probably stick him at PF so hm..
@Stunted Growth appreciate you doing the video 💯🙏🏽
Likewise. Appreciate the request. 💯
His college career created unrealistic expectations for him in the NBA. Sometimes players carry that type of production over like Kareem for example and some don’t. That being said dude was a solid player. Not a super star but definitely not a bust.
It was a combination of Minnesota and also being on that dream team. Good video
In the case of Draymond, we celebrate and appreciate him because he’s contributing to winning basketball hence why his career bust numbers are ignored (same goes for Big Ben and Rodman and even Russell) players like these were in great situations and made the most out of them. Solidly productive players on mediocre teams like Laettner our forgotten because they didn’t contribute to winning at the highest level.
Best college basketball player I've ever seen!! Side note someone from Duke was keeping the clock during that game
Thanks for doing the video, J.C.!
Stunted growth ...I like your channel always st8 facts
Dope Video you should do Corey Brewer next!!
If he hadn’t been so widely hated in college he would be judged less critically. I believe. I saw him play at Duke. And yes, he’s the greatest I ever seen.
As life long Tarheels fan I have never 'liked' him but I did respect him. He was a real solid nba player but as you stated based on the college resume he was expected to be more. 13 years in the league is nothing to sneeze at. This happens alot with college players of the year.
He’d be close to Sabonis production in today’s league
Thanks for this One 🔥
Salute homie 💯
Salute💯
Damn you fast lol. I seen the comment requesting this ! Salute
Laettner would be a star today
The guy did not adapt quite simply. A lot of the Duke guys that are good there usually do not live up to their college careers. Some guys adapts and just work at more than others. Perfect example is JJ Reddick. Look at his last 2 years at Duke. Arguably the best player in the country both years. Was not the fastest, most athletic, and his defense was average at best. He looked like a top 3 pick, but went 11th. Got into the league and was very good for a long time and was pretty solid defensively as the years went on. He just really worked at it.
A lot of that has to do with the Duke system. In that system the offense is very well structured so the players never learn how to create their own shot. A skill that is imperative to achieve success on an NBA level.
Grant Hill was good in college and even better in the league until injuries took over .
@@AT3374 Yes, but remember Grant Hill could create his own shot. That's why JJ Reddick failed at first. It took him time to adjust to that.
@@AT3374 Also I never thought Grant Hill belonged in the Naismith Hall of Fame just the College Basketball Hall of Fame. His NBA career was too short.
And yet look at how you remember (and even praise) Reddick, despite Laettner averaging identical scoring numbers & better stats in other areas, despite not playing in such a forgiving era as JJ (who played from 2006-2021). Just because Laettner went 3rd instead of 11th, people act like he was a disappointment.
It's just a bit unfair & kind of weird.
I love that background music man!!
He wasn't selected over thomas on the dream team. Had nothing to do with Thomas. They wanted one of the best college players on the team.
Ty for mentioning the 13yrs he played. That right there sets him apart from 90% of all
I hope a James Wiseman vid is never made. I’m rooting for him.
For a third overall pick and being selected to the Dream Team over Shaq, he was a bust.
I see how you snuck that "foot stomp"🦶 in there @2:56!🤣
Great vid as always JCSG. You ain't have to throw in Jimmy's lil dig at Grant Hill at the end though 😂
Definitely a solid player in the league. I’ve been screaming this for years. He just wasn’t, career wise, what you would think a Top 3 pick would have but bust. Far from it. He needed to be on a team with a dominate center if not in todays era. The narrative around him & Duke at the time didn’t help. People were basically waiting on his downfall or for him to not be great .
Brutal truth, hey you already do John Wallace video???
not yet. I wanna see that one too.
Its a crime He's not in HOF, for those who don't know its your whole B-Ball career not just NBA to make it in the Hall
Christian Laettner was the poster boy for College basketball he was a beast as stated also he took and made some clutch shots for duke his first 5 years for the wolves he was putting up solid numbers the team was crappy. He had a solid career in my opinion and if he played in this modern times he would fit right in he was a finesse player who could shoot the mid range and in the right match up get to the basket and finish. Coaches ( well most of them) back then made players adjust to their coaching style instead of adjusting to the players strength and skill sets
Like Grayson Allen, Laettner was a marked man as soon as he got in the league for his dirty play in college. He was supposed to be the next Lambeer but there was no MaHorn or Edwards around to protect him. Plus Minnesota just sucked there first 10 years in the league and as soon as Garnett showed what he could do Laettner was no longer needed.
Laimbeer could handle himself in fights anytime against anyone. I always get the impression that the rubbish teams of the 90s weren't as dirty cause it wasn't worth getting into fights on a losing team. All the best teams at the time the bulls,knicks,pacers,heat and jazz where known for playing rough and dirty
I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American. A stiff, who didn't have cable TV until I was 18, so my NBA viewing wasn't limited to Sonics games, and national TV games. I first learned James Edwards was a fight-happy punk, in Charles Barkley's autobiography. Sounds like you can attest, that Edwards had a hot temper on the court?
His pretty white guy image didn’t help
Facts
Reggie Freeman (Texas), Erik Barkley (st johns), Elijah Ingram (St. John's), Marcus Williams (Uconn), Kareem Reid (Arkansas)
Laettner played for over 10 years and averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds and dealt with injuries. Laettner was used incorrectly. He was played as PF/C when he was a stretch 4 that needed space to score. Laettner would be a star in today's game.
Christian Laettner definitely had game. I feel that he was ahead of his time. I believe he would dominate in this era.
Sometimes the college game doesn’t translate to NBA success. The NBA is based on more one-on-one skill set. It will expose your weaknesses and make you an average player if you can’t adapt.
I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan. Japanese-American. Being a decent 5'10" height, for a Japanese-Amerecium of my generation, in church pickup basketball, I would try to play a Christian Laettner-type game.
Some guys peak with their abilities at different levels. Some in high school, college or NBA.
Man, I gotta agree. If he were playing in the current era he’d be an all star every year. Regardless of his NBA career or how it went, he was far and away the greatest college basketball player I’ve ever seen. And he earned his spot on the Dream Team.
You gotta do one on Ralph Sampson
That is a terrible comparison to even put Draymond and Laettner in the same convo makes no sense.
Dray is like Rodman defensive player the year perennials
Do Charlie ward next……
Why? No one realistically thought he would be a star NBA player. A lot of people thought he should've played football.
I mean this seriously: I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up, Sonics and Blazers fan, and Japanese-American. Keep in mind I was only 21 at the time: I wanted the Seahawks to draft Charlie Ward! National Championship winner, Heisman trophy winner. For BASKETBALL, I used to buy cards (around 1993, when they became SO expensive, but overpriced, for their real value), and was SO pumped that I got a golden Charlie Ward rookie card (Classic Cards). I thought, first round pick, I KNEW Charlie Ward would pan out! Charlie Ward Song: "He eat all our things, to say the least. He laughed to see the Onna Fide. Ha Ha!!"
Matt Carroll Stunted Growth vid request.
“And I thought Grant Hill was a bitch”
What a way to end the video 🤣
I just thought the EXACT same thing 😂
All and all, I agree more productive on this era Strecth Big!!
I think being named to the Dream Team was a negative. Put a massive target on his back along with unreal expectations.
You must've never heard this man speak.. He put his own foot in his mouth..
@@grammysworld5449 what do u mean? What did he say or do?
@@death2denemy not trying to be rude, but there's videos and articles on how much of an ass he was.. There's a reason Keith Van Horn is more remembered... He was an arrogant ass
@@grammysworld5449 nah…he was selected to the Dream Team over Isiah Thomas and stars within the league could never get over it and forever held a grudge. This is why he played for teams without other stars…he was essentially blackballed from the league
@@stevescott3735 he wasn't "selected " over IT.. They implemented a rule where there needs to be at least 1 college player representing the country.. Nobody blackballed him at all.. Blackballed players don't get huge contracts for a decent team like Atlanta
Ya gotta think that being a part of the '92 Dream Team stunted Laetner's growth. Imagine that being your introduction to an NBA roster. I'd straight up be like - "Nope. This ain't for me. I'm goin back to college to get my Master's."
I've been thinking lately.... I think, because the NBAHOF inducts players with success in College, Internationally etc., Leattner definitely should get his solo nod sometime during his lifetime. Dude was easily top 10 college player ever
He was never the same after his hip injury... but as a skilled big, he was a top PF before the injury
......and part of the GREATEST team ever assembled, The Dream Team!
This one has been a long time coming
Draymond was a second round pick so the fact that he's even still in the league says something. Laettner on the other hand was selected 3rd overall and was college player of the year, the expectations were much much different. Draft position + potential + contract determines whether or not a player is considered a bust or not. If Laettner was drafted outside of the lottery or in the late first round, he would have been thought of as a solid NBA pro.
So in that draft centers went #1,2,3 crazy
Watching him when I was growing up, the t-wolves we're a terrible fit for him. He just didn't have the size to play the 5. Had he played next a legit center for a decade I think he would've lived up to the hype.
It was either Jordan or Thomas. Said by Jordan. Christian was the throw in. Great video and insight as always. Thank you
My favorite basketball card is my autographed Christian laettner rookie card
On "I Hate Christian Laettner," Jalen Rose had little to say against Laettner. Rose actually spent more energy talking about his hate for Grant Hill!
His reputation was his issue. The only thing people seem to focus on is how hated he was when he was putting up numbers any team would be happy to see.
Getting drafted in the era of the 90s Bulls was a hard time to be a star player.
Mike Dunleavy was another one that fell short
I agree with you about him being on the wrong era, and definitely being on the wrong team as well. The Jazz would have made more sense indeed.
You so petty for that ending grant hill comment 😅🤣🤣
Richard Hamilton is absolutely HOF.
Very close. Uconn fan here. I hope he gets in..it's the bball HOF.
@@aaronhutchinson885 Rip most likely would have won the 96’ high school state championship, but was defeated by Kobe Bryant in the district semis.
@@chrisgarrett5942 Rip got him back in the league. That '99 UCONN chip, I watch that game often.
@@aaronhutchinson885 Rip definitely got Kobe back in the league! That NBA chip was even more a special victory for Rip because Kobe always beat Rip in their high school duals. Rip was one of the smoothest Big East players ever. Very underrated.
He would destroy in this era
“And I thought Grant Hill was a bitch”! 😂😂😂😂
The last dude at the end "and I thought Grant Hill was a bitch" 😭😭😭😭
Do Don McLean, who was in that same draft class with teammate Tracy Murray
James, I was born in Seattle in 1973, where I grew up. Sonics and Blazers fan, and Japanese-American. I also would love a Harold Miner (since done), Don MacLean (say it "MACK-lean") and Tracy Murray too! Was I the ONLY person who compared Tracy Murray to Reggie Miller? Both Miller and Murray were 6'7", shooting guard or small forward, pretty boys, UCLA, and pure shooters! I was SO pumped when Portland stole Murray for Alaa Abdelnaby.
Gotta do Danny Ferry. He was the other great white hope from duke.
As a UNLV Runnin Rebel fan, he was not one of my favorite basketball players.
Jalen Rose went soooo hard
If it wasn’t for Shaq he would won rookie of the year
I had to look for myself... Laettner really did average 17/8/3 his first 7 seasons.... that's really good. Makes me wonder why Minnesota got rid of him... while there he was playing his best basketball. Maybe the third option to KG and Marbury would've worked out too or maybe they got rid of him bc of drafting KG...? I really don't remember.
Maybe he got traded because a certain Tom Gugliotta... similar height, position and skill sets was on the team, and they need to make room for KG. Even Gugliotta didn't last long after KG began hitting his prime and got traded away. That short stint of Laettner and Gugliotta starting together looked interesting. I also think Laettner demanded the traded seeing as how Minnesota was never a playoff team while playing for them.
@@mr.sinjin-smyth Googs was nice for a little while! Yeah Minnesota was terrible. When I looked I think they won 19, 20 then 21 games while Laettner was there.
Not a bust
@@lordoffaiyum9727 agreed
He more got traded because they drafted Kevin Garnett, and the two of them were basically the same position. There also weren't stretch 5s back then, so they never entertained the idea of really playing them together. Leattner also wasn't big enough to play the 5 consistently at that time.
Austin Daye next
He was not selected over Isaiah Thomas. USA Basketball wanted to put one college basketball player on the team. They chose Lattner.
Draymond is a generational defender tf are you talking about
Most of the blame should be on GMs who never get guys help n then demonize them for leaving
Its not that complicated! he was a good but not great player who game for that area wasn't a perfect fit. But he was productive he was a guy that if he was your third best player on your team you was a decent team in the nba. There are some players who are better and there games fit better in college more so than the nba and some players who fit better in the nba than college. He wasn't a bust but he wasn't a star had nothing to do with race or anything like that. And i am a black guy saying that.
It was still a league where a Detlef Schremph was a three time all-star as a 6th man. Coming off the bench as a Forward for deep 2 pointers , FT % , fundamentals and high IQ play. He was just thrown into the 90s meat grinder. Total waste.
Kevin love with a little more vertical.
He's Kelly Olynyk in the nineties
You can say "p--sy," like Jalen Rose could, even on cable TV? And, did you see that clip of Christian Laettner doing the "f you" chin rub gesture?
If that was a white man on the floor I wonder if he woulda stepped on them too?? 🧐
Basketball version of the QB from The Program
Laettner was a system player! And was surrounded by a good system team at Duke! I've seen Scottie Pippen and Michael Jordan not be able to do it all by themselves at Chicago bulls, ive seen LeBron James not be able to do it all by himself! If he would have been on some good system teams in the NBA, he would have perform just as well as he did at Duke...
I forgot he was in the league 😭
Damn one day after my birthday lol
What is this theme called?