Kareem WAS right -- the guy LEARNED from his college coach (I think it was some bum from off the street).
You know what Wooden had them do the FIRST day of practice (EVERY year)? He had them take off their shoes and socks and he taught them how to put on their shoes and socks properly. Spent 20 minutes doing this -- and then went on to tell them that it's the fundamentals of basketball that win basketball games (who is going to argue with Wooden's success?).
There is a DEFINATE lack of fundamentals in the game today -- and a lack of listening to coaches. Sure, there are some coaches that players will listen to (PJ, Pop, Brown, etc.) because they have earned their badges -- but the fact is that superstars KNOW that the game is built around them and they are the ones making the money (not the coaches) -- therefore, they begin to feel like they are the ones who can call the shots (see Kobe, Shaq, AI, etc.).
I don't know how good a mentor Kareem is -- but if he can help teach some of the young big players fundamentals and a team first concept, the Lakers can't pay him enough money (of course, I'm not holding my breath either).
