James would have been a 27-32 ppg scorer on a team in which he was the first option; think Wilkins or Bird or Malone. For his first eight seasons BGJ shot 53.1 to 57.9% from the field, thats incredible accuracy and for God sake those are Jordan/Kobe/Erving/Drexler moves that James is pulling off
Damn right he did. If he had you post up under that rim, he's spinning on you with the quickness. Showtime Lakers. And I'm a die-hard 76ers fan. But you can't ignore "GREATNESS"
I was a big Celtics fan in the 1980s. James Worthy was one particular Laker that scared me. Hated to see him coming down the court on a fast break. A definitely underrated player, and a pleasure to watch.
It's funny how we used to dislike players from our rival teams back in the day, I used to hate Larry Bird but as I grew older I realized how much I really appreciate his game and where he stands in NBA history. He was truly one of the greats
Fans (like me) root hard for their favorite team, but if you love the sport, you praise whoever has talent, regardless of the team. I think the greats like Bird and Worthy do that. Of course, it’s easier for them to praise each other after they retire and stop competing against each other.
Yeah def not a leaper although he looked a little bit more explosive in college. it was that incredible first step that enabled him to be so effective.
The only Laker player from that era I liked. I called him the "Silent Assassin", because he would quietly get his points and make you pay for it. He also was a clutch guy when you needed points.
the best glue guy in NBA history, imo. guy could do it all and it takes a certain kind of player to accept a backseat role his whole career with the talent he had.
James Worthy could take control of the momentum of the game in a heartbeat. As a Celtic fan he terrified me. No one could drive to the basket or finish a fast break like worthy. Love seeing him again.
People forget that when JW and Jordan were in college together, Jordan was NOT the guy. It was James Worthy. JW has been one of the best to play the game at every level he's played at, and the fact he does not get the recognition that he duely deserves is beyond me. Top 5 small forward of all-time, no question.
I was as much a fan of Worthy as any, but let's not get carried away here. The problem with claims that "x belongs in the top 5" in anything is that people saying this forget who they'd leave out. Are you really saying that Worthy would above any of the following small forwards? Consider: LeBron James, Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, Elgin Baylor, and Julius Erving. I see no argument for putting Worthy over any of them. None.
Se me caen las lagrimas! Que juego maravilloso de pies al poste bajo! Que manera de finalizar contraataques! Uno de mis jugadores favoritos de siempre❤
Couldn't no one take the rock from Big Game James. Had a childhood friend back in the mid 80's whose name was James Worth. Man, nobody could tell that dude that he wasn't James Worthy's son. Nobody!!😂
You can just spot the brilliance of the Lakers in a lot of these plays, getting everyone involved, keeping the opposing team guessing as to who would make the shot. They'd possess the ball and pass back and forth every which way before getting the bucket.
Guarded one on one, back to the basket, you new it was coming. And no one could stop it. Like an electron doing a quantum leap, he'd reach his leg around that defender and stop being there and instead be at the hoop and you weren't really sure what you just saw, if you saw it at all, and just wondered why it looked so easy. Like he had been guarded by a mannequin instead of an NBA small forward or guard. He'd be more remembered if it hadn't looked so easy.
The Lakers were so loaded. Its amazing that the league had so much concentrated firepower in 2 teams during the 80s. Thats not even including the talent lost with Bias.
Not taking nothing away from Magic, but he was very fortunate to have Worthy & Kareem on the same squad together. It was unfair. That’s like how GSW had Steph, KD, & Klay for 3 years 😂😂😂
En la final del basket universitario (NCAA) de 1982 el fue el mejor jugador. Gracias a Worthy, North Carolina se coronó. Ahí también estaba Michael Jordan, novato. Jordan metió el último tiro para dar la vuelta al marcador, como siempre. Increible. Pero Worthy durante todo el juego fue el que mantuvo a NC en la pelea. Georgetown, los rivales, eran un equipo bestial, alucinante, Durisimos a la defensiva, ahí estaba Patrick Ewin, el mejor de todos (incluyendo los de NC). Que final
James Worthy was just as good as Dr. J, and two inches taller, but he played with superstars like Magic and Kareem, so he didn't get the full credit that he deserved.
IF he hadn't had a severe leg injury in '83 he could have been like peak Bernard King over his first 8 years. How in the heck did the Lakers get him and Magic?
People forget that Worthy had a bad ankle in the ‘92 Finals. Not saying the Lakers would have won.. But a healthy Worthy would have made it much more interesting.
I think a lot of kids today don't realize that James Worthy was a *Superstar* player just overshadowed by Magic. (Like Pippen with Jordan but Pippen was still a Superstar Player)
Back when forwards actually played their position in the low post, unlike today’s players where they are all just doing playground basketball moves and no passing.
Because he played on a team featuring Magic & Kareem...James Worthy didn't get his props as an all timer. James Worthy is like the rap group Gangstarr, The model of consistency.
