deconstructing

Sporting News, The, March 22, 1999 by Ken Amos

"If he were to get into the best shape of his life, the best condition ... so that he could have endless stamina, then I don't think anyone could play with him," Ray says. "He could wreak havoc on a team. There's nobody in this game who runs the floor as well as Shawn Bradley when he is in condition. He's just got to believe in Shawn."

Ray almost sounds in lock step with the Mavs' utilization of Bradley this season as he says, "What I try to teach young centers is that they have to do what it takes to win ballgames vs. trying to get their (numbers)."

But Ray soon parts company with the team and the rest of the NBA hierarchy. Given the tremendous investment by teams in players' salaries, Ray thinks it is a shame that teams don't hire someone to tutor a big man like Bradley.

"To me it would seem worth it to pay someone who has played the position, just to work individually with developing big men," Ray says.--K.A.

Ken Amos is senior editor for THE SPORTING NEWS.