The NBA Playoffs are here yet again, and much like every other year, the constant suckling of Robert Horry carries on. The life or death stories of Horry's incredible postseason shots are once again told to large audiences. People gasp at the man who now has seven NBA titles.But it's all overhyped. It's all blown out of proportion because when you really look at Robert Horry's career, you see Big Shot Rob was nothing more than an average player on some very good teams. In my mind, I see him as a leech.
In 16 seasons, Horry's career numbers are about 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game Of course, we have to add in his staggering playoff numbers, where Horry has averaged 9 points and 6 rebounds.
Horry has been an incredible clutch shooter in playoff time, but let's stop putting him in the same paragraph as playoff legends Michael Jordan, Larry Bird and Jerry West. Horry's name should probably be mentioned alongside someone such as Bill Laimbeer.
If that.
Simply put, Horry made a living by jumping on teams on the rise. He was drafted by the Houston Rockets, where he stayed for four seasons. It was there Horry was his most dominant (10.6 points, 5.5 rebounds in the regular season; 12 points and 6.3 rebounds in the postseason).
Horry won two titles with Hakeem and Co. Following a brief stop in Phoenix, Horry latched on with the Lakers, where he helped win three titles. Horry then jumped ship and landed in San Antonio where he has already won two titles.
After leaving Houston, Horry made a smaller impact on games. From the 1996-97 season to the present day, Horry's stats are around 6 points and 5 rebounds per game, with a slight increase at playoff time.What is Horry's next move? In a couple of years, Boston may be his next stop to win two titles and further embellish his career. Again, his name will be thrown around with legends such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Horry will be remembered for his countless big shots—but remember, Big Shot Rob was never the focal point on any of his championship teams. He was never the dominant player.
The media loves embracing the fact that there is a player who has seven rings. Robert Horry is nothing more than the most infamous, average ballplayer we have ever seen.
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2 months ago
I think you might be downplaying Horry's roles on those teams.
That said, no matter how many big shots this dude hits, I'll always remember him for throwing a towel in Danny Ainge's face and the split screen with his "twin" Will Smith every time he did something moderately good.
from 2 months ago
Wow! I thought I was the ONLY person who noticed Horry looks exactly the same as Will Smith. I've been getting confused looks from friends for almost a decade now.
2 months ago
"Horry's career has always been a nice litmus test for the question, "Do you understand the game of basketball or not?"
-Bill Simmons 2005
Chris Ballay does not understand the game of basketball. It's that simple. Robert Horry is one of the most important playoff basketball players of all time. For more info, and this was written two years ago before he hit big shot in Denver last year to help get Spurs out of first round, check out a real journalist:
http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/page2/story?page=simmons/050620
from 2 months ago
Looks like you pressed the enter key a few seconds before I did. And your links and comments are spot on.
2 months ago
...sigh. Every month or so, an article comes around that challenges for the title of worst article ever. I think this one is the frontrunner for May. Too bad ball reversal, versatility, help defense, individual defense, rebounding, and incredibly clutch shooting aren't traits Mr. Ballay cares about.
So I dub Chris Ballay, "The Infamous Average Sports Writer."
from 2 months ago
I think one characteristic of Robert Horry you forgot to mention is "gutless, no-class basketball player"
That move on D. West was uncalled Erick "Get a New Picture" Whateveryourlastnameis.
from 2 months ago
You're right Chris...all backscreens in the NBA should now be illegal. Come to think of it, let's outlaw all physical play whatsoever and turn the NBA into two-hand touch. Give me a break Chris, it was a legit screen which aggravating a freak, preexisting nerve-injury in West's back. Unfortunate, of course, because West is quickly rising up the ranks of elite big men today (He's already surpassed Carlos Boozer, and Rasheed Wallace, and has battled Tim Duncan to an even par for the series), and the thought of West in Game 7 is tremendously exciting to think about...
...But this wasn't hip-checking Steve Nash, this was basketball. Basketball is a physical sport where injuries happen. Get over it.
from 2 months ago
Never said backscreens should be illegal, just stated that was a cheap shot. To think otherwise isn't looking at the entire play. Horry didn't just set a pick, he purposely leaned in with his shoulder. I don't know how you can't possibly see how Horry didnt just set a pick, he set a pick WHILE driving his shoulder into West's back. Yes, West is a top level player and yes NBA basketball is very intense, but that doesn't take away from the fact Horry was blatantly (given his Nash history) trying to injure West.
He has that reputation.
from 2 months ago
I think the rest of the comments in this article and Patrick Gallen's article support me. Horry was trying to screen the baseline on the play for a Manu Ginobli drive. West is dropping down from the wing quickly. Because there was a pass over West's head, he leaped in the air as Horry was setting the screen, putting him in horrible position when Horry made contact.
Of course Horry leaned in slightly, he placed all his momentum forward expecting contact, and because West jumped, he didn't get there in time. Horry had to lean forward or else West lands on him. Stop trying to find controversy in bad luck, because of somebody's reputation.
from about 1 month ago
You sir have a habit of taking things out of context and arguing the absurd to bolster your point. Nice effective tactics.
I dub thee "worst poster ever"
jackass.
from about 1 month ago
What did I take out of context? The "Robert Horry is a gutless no-class basketball player," or the incorrect assertion that Horry was "blatantly trying to injury West?"
Answer that and then I'll respond.
2 months ago
after reading these comments i guess i wont be too hard on "the infamous average sports writer." my only question is who would waste their time writing such a useless article.
2 months ago
Robert Horry,
There are certain roles, for certain players, and no one can modify Big shot Rob's. The accomplishments, can never be diminished, to my understanding, none of his team mates recent, or retrospective, mentions anything derogatory. Only construction, and advocate, to accomplishing team goals, and objectives, lasting sixteen years, is a confimation, of his diligence. Seven championships, speaks of the fact, this man, is truly a blessed, and gifted athlete. Sam Jones
2 months ago
Todd/Erick FTW!!!
2 months ago
Ditto to all the criticisms of this article. The thing I least respect Horry for (hip-checking Steve Nash in last year's playoffs) helped his team! He's a very smart, multi-skilled role player who keeps losing a step, 'cause he's getting older, like the rest of us! He's a story! The media needs fodder. He gets mentioned with Jerry West because he's clutch. Kareem had enough class to compliment him.
2 months ago
How many rings does the author Chris Ballay have? Sounds like ring envy to me.... Basketball is a team sport. Robert Horry is a team player. He has had a great career. Thanks for every thing Big Hot Rob!!
2 months ago
Bill Laimbeer was a far better player. Horry is a solid roll player though. And he has hit big shots, while shooting a horrible FG%. For that I give him credit. be he is a horrible rebounder for his size. Id take Horrace Grant over him as well.
If Horry makes the Hall, guys like Dennis Rodman, Jack Sickma, and Bill Laimbeer among a few others should be downright outraged.
from 2 months ago
It depends on the team, but yeah, if you needed a starting power forward, Horace Grant is a fine place to go. If you needed a backup combo-forward though, and outside shooting, passing, cutting, and lengthy rotations were emphasized, then Horry fits in better because of his athleticism.
I doubt Horry makes the hall, but there is a reason why the guy has so many rings. He's almost an epic role player who'd never ever make the cut as a low-grade star. I wouldn't vote for Horry in the hall, but he does have my respect for his play.
2 months ago
I generally agree - Horry is over rated. He is a good solid basketball player that hit some clutch shots in his career. I will give him credit for showing up when it counted, but everyone has gone overboard on his effectiveness. Solid - but not difference maker.
2 months ago
Dear Chris Bailey,
Why don't you stick to writing about things that don't make you sound like a moron. This article is insulting at the least. It sounds like you spent about 5 minutes on Google searching for Robert Horry statistics and teams he played for, because you obviously have no concept of how valuable this man was for the Rockets, Lakers, and Spurs teams. Why don't you consult some of his teammates, or his coaches, or NBA insider/analysts who have actually watched Robert Horry ever since he was drafted in '92 and they will tell you to your face that you are way out of line by calling Horry a "leech". Actually, they will probably just laugh at your stupidity. People who understand that the game of basketball is not all about stats (aka future hall of fame coach Greg Popovich) will tell you that, if anything, Horry is one of the most UNderrated players over the course of his career. I could go on for hours spouting off millions of reasons why you should go sit in a corner and punch yourself for being so stupid, but I'm sure you will do that anyway given that a majority of people on this thread actually have some clue about Horry and have already grilled your stupid ass for it.
from 2 months ago
Contrary to your daily life, I do have a job so as far as spending 15 hours writing an article, well, I might not have the time for something like that.
Furthermore, you pulled an ad hominem logical fallacy, attacking me as a person instead of the issue, therefore undermining your credibility
from 2 months ago
he pulled all kinds of an "ad hominem logical fallacy". I'm am surprized that you weren't able to land interviews with all of Horry's current and former coaches as well as teammates. I also know those guys and their sense of humor and they would laugh at you
from 2 months ago
NO, my attack was two-fold. First, you are correct in that I personally attacked you for saying Robert Horry is a leach. That may be your personal opinion, but by saying that in effect you are undermining his the gravity of his contributions to each of the teams he's played on.
The second part of my attack is on your perceived knowledge of Horry's career. You say "After leaving Houston, Horry made a smaller impact on games" and you attempt to back up your claim by using diminishing offensive statistics. Horry probably made a BIGGER impact on games when he was with LA, and this is because of his defense and all of the intangibles (passing, taking charges, general basketball IQ) just as much as his clutch performances. Horry didn't need to score more than 7 points per game because Shaq and Kobe were better pure scorers. It would probably have hurt the team for Horry to assert himself on the offensive end more than he did. The reason he scored more in Houston is because there was only one dominant "scorer" in Hakeem Olajuwon. The fact of the matter is, I can tell by your post that you have not payed much attention to Horry's basketball career because of how you describe him (as a leech) and your use of offensive statistics to back up your claims. Also, I am probably correct in assuming that bulk of your knowledge and familiarity with Horry's career is an accumulation of his last couple diminishing years in the league rather than his career as a whole. Am I right or am I right? Do I dare break out the Bill Simmons article (aka someone who KNOWS what they are talking about?) You are just pissed off that most people on this thread are denouncing your critisims (thank you Elgin). I don't care if you spent 15 hours writing this article, the fact is that you ARE a moron. Now just take your shame and admit it instead of trying to throw this "logical fallicy" BS at me. Fire back if you dare! I will rip your argument to shreds and you know it.
from 2 months ago
Kevin -
A typical cheap shot from someone who obviously has nothing substantial to say about the topic. Obviously Chris Bailey doesn't have the credentials to interview Horry's teammates and coaches, but that doesn't prevent him from having knowledge of what NBA players, coaches, analysts, play-by-play announcers have said over the years about Horry's game. The reality is that most people who criticize Horry's know little or nothing about him other than what hes done over the past several years, which is continue to hit big shots and have one incident where he lost his cool and hit Steve Nash. Now people are trying to take shots at Horry whenever possible because of the Nash incident, and they use something like the back-pick on West to fuel there argument. When you watch the D. West pick in real time instead of just looking at a still photo or slow mo, you will notice that Horry makes a purely legal pick and it probably should not have even been a foul. JVG and Mark Jackson both commented on the play (as they were calling the game) and said it probably shouldn't have even been a foul. Who better to offer their opinion than the play-by-play guys that actually saw the game and know a thing or two about NBA basketball. These forums and threads are littered with people who cast judgement before seeing the entire play in real time. I know this is true, otherwise this would be a non-issue
from 2 months ago
Dear NBA,
I agree with most of your take on Robert Horry. However, instead just tring to make a counter point you got so excited about the opportunity to act like a smart ass that you insulted the kid that wrote the article said something dumber then anything written in the article. I called you on it. Deal with that.
With regard to Horry. He has been a very solid role player in his career. In his earily years I thought he might develope into more of a allstar type player. He didn't but has still had a long and solid career hightlighted by some huge moments.
With regard to the idea that he is "dirty" or "cheap". Well I think thats BS and that they might be the most over used words in regard to the NBA today. The Nash play last year was out of line. However, the fallout from it was created by the league who easily could have ruled that the Suns players did not leave the vincinity of the bench or that they play itself did not warrent being seen as an incident as there were no additional calls (tech or ejections) resulting from what happened "after" the play. As for the West play, I disagree and think it warrent a foul call. Horry took a step in and leaned after he had set for the screen. Thats a moving pick. Its a foul that you get away with alot and not dirty in anyway. The fact that David West was hurt was unforunate. I like that kid alot and will be rooting for him in game 7
from 2 months ago
Kevin -
I see you have gone buddy-buddy with Chris, but my argument is not with you. I don't really care that you call me on "insulting the kid who wrote the article", because that is exactly what I did. Deal with THAT.
BTW, you were obviously so excited to respond to my last post that you forgot the "and" in your personal attack here - > "article (AND) said something dumber then anything written in the article". Haha, who's the dumbass now?
If you were referring to the following quote I made,
"Why don't you consult some of his teammates, or his coaches, or NBA insider/analysts who have actually watched Robert Horry ever since he was drafted in '92 and they will tell you to your face that you are way out of line by calling Horry a "leech""
then thats fine with me if you think its a stupid comment. You assume that I literally meant he should talk to the players and coaches. I will admit that I said it incorrectly, but you know damn well what I meant (explained in previous post) so its pretty bush league for you to turn that around on me.
If you want to continue this enjoyable debate, you can view my response to Chris in a post below.
from 2 months ago
I also hope D West plays in game 7, otherwise it won't be nearly as exciting. It sounds like he's going to be ok.
2 months ago
that is not even a logical fallacy
I teach college English. A logical fallacy would be in how the connected points are circular or not connecting in a logical progression.
So, sorry. Wrong
And an article just attacking Horry without digging deeper into all the highlights of his long career and the many available comments and admiring articles by coaches and other players is just stupid and is not journalism but a cheap shot.
Seriously.
The cheap shot was this poor excuse for a story on basketball.
from 2 months ago
NO, my attack was two-fold. First, you are correct in that I personally attacked you for saying Robert Horry is a leach. That may be your personal opinion, but by saying that in effect you are undermining his the gravity of his contributions to each of the teams he's played on.
The second part of my attack is on your perceived knowledge of Horry's career. You say "After leaving Houston, Horry made a smaller impact on games" and you attempt to back up your claim by using diminishing offensive statistics. Horry probably made a BIGGER impact on games when he was with LA, and this is because of his defense and all of the intangibles (passing, taking charges, general basketball IQ) just as much as his clutch performances. Horry didn't need to score more than 7 points per game because Shaq and Kobe were better pure scorers. It would probably have hurt the team for Horry to assert himself on the offensive end more than he did. The reason he scored more in Houston is because there was only one dominant "scorer" in Hakeem Olajuwon. The fact of the matter is, I can tell by your post that you have not payed much attention to Horry's basketball career because of how you describe him (as a leech) and your use of offensive statistics to back up your claims. Also, I am probably correct in assuming that bulk of your knowledge and familiarity with Horry's career is an accumulation of his last couple diminishing years in the league rather than his career as a whole. Am I right or am I right? Do I dare break out the Bill Simmons article (aka someone who KNOWS what they are talking about?) You are just pissed off that most people on this thread are denouncing your critisims (thank you Elgin). I don't care if you spent 15 hours writing this article, the fact is that you ARE a moron. Now just take your shame and admit it instead of trying to throw this "logical fallicy" BS at me. Fire back if you dare! I will rip your argument to shreds and you know it.
from 2 months ago
Yes, your argument had 2 sides, but for you in the end to resort to attacking the credibility of the person writing it, rather than attacking the argument itself, completely loses everything you just typed. Yes, again, there were 2 sides, but your resorting to personal attacks loses everything in your argument. Reread that.
Again you make some good points. But, I never stated Horry wasn’t important on those teams, I simply stated he seems to be a player who’s career (aside from the big shots he’s made in games) has been embellished. He’s an important player who was on some teams that fit his roll.
Yes, I’ve read the Sport’s Guys opinion you are referring to. Judging from your latest comments I can assume that when I read his stuff that is the only way to view something. Am I right?
I’m glad you think I haven’t watched basketball. Don’t know how I communicate to you on that subject. And sorry to disappoint you but my thoughts aren’t based on the last couple of years of Horry’s career. It deals with many.
Your issue is you can’t stand someone disagreeing with you. So, like last argument you resort to personal attacks…again. Which is known as an ad hominem. “The fact is that you ARE a moron.” Why you constantly do that confuses me.
from 2 months ago
Haha, ok go ahead and keep trying to convince yourself that my argument "completely loses everything I just typed", but you wouldn't be responding to it unless you felt threatened by someone making a good point. Reread that....and reread that again. Look, you personally attacked Robert Horry by calling him a leech, and now it seems that you are trying to reshape your opinion is some ways based on your last post. I called you a moron because that is something a typically ignorant NBA fan would say about Horry, regardless of YOUR actual basketball IQ. Your opinion? Absolutely. Are you entitled to it? Absolutely. But it IS a very controversial and very negative opinion, and it takes some strong evidence to back up a strong statement, and you fall woefully short of providing such evidence. I am not just going to let you say that without getting ripped for it, because otherwise I wouldn't be making you re-think what you have said and that is my job as an opposing voice. Sometimes that takes a little "personal attacking" as a tactic to make you defend yourself, and it has obviously got your attention. As far as the Sports Guy's opinion? You don't have to believe all or any of it, but I'm pretty certain he has more credibility than you. So does ESPN senior writer Mark Stein.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2005/columns/story?id=2090270.
It's not that I can't stand you disagreeing with me, it's that I can't stand that you have such opinions and don't have any backbone behind them, which seems to be an all to common occurance regarding Horry. I can have an opinion about the mating habits of tree squirrels, but that doesn't mean I know a substantial amount on the subject matter. And if I decide to be bold and write a controversial post about it? Then I should probably expect that those with more knowledge than I will put me in my place.
2 months ago
and how do two plays make a "reputation"?
especially when all the great clutch shots (a far higher number) do not?
how is that logical?
and he is a "gutless" player?
have you ever seen any of the games he played in? ever heard of Kurt Rambis?
what about role players?
and if you want to talk about member pictures.....batman?
how old are you?
2 months ago
Why are we discussing on Robert Horry? I think he is OK - and need to be discussed at game level when he makes cluch plays. At career level we will discuss when he retires from NBA, is he retiring this year?
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