NBAtv’s Rick Kamla knows Marcus Thornton is “Lil’ Buckets.” Gil and Bob from CST’s Cox Sports know it. Let’s face it, he knows it. The Hype has written about Marcus plenty, albeit, much of it last year. If you’ve been following him too, you know the nickname didn’t come out of thin air; MT5 can ball. Somehow, he and Darren “Lil’ Dimes” Collison had enough verve and pluck to make Hornets basketball watchable last year, in a season devastated by injuries, and losses abounding. After watching our Lil’ rook run over defenses across the League, I think just about everyone assumed Marcus would start at shooting guard for the Hornets this year.
Didn’t happen.
People at AtTheHive and Hornets247 are good people, and write the best Hornets-related content on the web. But many of the people over there are sick of hearing posters complain about Marcus’ minutes. Last year we talked about giving up too many layups and horrible defense every game. Seems fair to me to talk about the problems with each team, each game, each year. Regardless, we decided to help out our kindred bloggers. Send your Thornton fans our way, and have them SIGN THE PETITION FOR MORE MARCUS BUCKETS!
The fact is, opposing announcers always seem apprehensive when Marcus enters the game. Opposing defenders pay a little more attention to him than Belinelli, Green, or Jack. Kid can make shots. In a hurry. Just watch his flow, his explosion on the break, his quick release; he’s one of the few NBA players I just love to watch ball. The best part? It doesn’t matter if you’re in his face, in his way, or fouling him; he’s going to get to the rim, blow by you, or shoot over you. And he’ll score. In a hurry.
Some people think it’s childish to think Monty “doesn’t like” the kid. But can you think of one basketball reason why he’s not the best option at the 2 for New Orleans? Or for that matter, not at least the second best option at the 2? I can’t. Let me stop you right there. The parroted answer is “defense.” These are the same corporate yes-men that say Belinelli is in the game for his defense. [Record scratch - music stops] Wait, what? No. The Italian can shoot, no doubt, but let’s not get overeager–he’s never been known as a defender and isn’t this year. Or is it that he says he cares about defense? I’m not being facetious. Listen to every interview with every Hornets coach and player and count the times they answer a question having nothing to do with defense with some iteration of “it’s all about defense for us.”
I think Monty is so insistent on converting this squad to a defensive mindset, that if he calls you at 3AM, and you have the balls to answer “Hello?” instead of “Defense?” it’s back to the end of the bench. If that’s the case, and it’s Marcus’ expressed commitment, rather than actual play, I say we all need to shout at Marcus and call him a dummy. Because hecan fix that easy. Just eat, breathe, and sleep defense. Say “defense” when you roll out of bed in the morning, Marcus, whisper “defense” when you get in your car, and say it again as you walk into work. Damn, get “Defense” tattooed on the back of your hands, son, so you can’t forget. But, then again, maybe that’s not it.
Whatever “untouchable” point Monty is fussing over, every rule is made to be broken. So, Monty, I think you’re a great coach, but just play the ******* kid already. He’s the third most talented scorer you have, and absolutely has the most untapped potential of any player on your roster: meaning, he needs minutes to improve. Yes, Coach Williams needs to trust Marcus the way he’s trusted all his other players, and give him time to work out any issues he sees with his game. Otherwise, the kid will never improve.
And why let him get away, so he can succeed elsewhere, when he clearly has a strong bond with the New Orleans crowd, and has to love playing for his home team. (Um…tickets, anyone? People love him, they’ll pay to see him? Hello?!?) The people of New Orleans believe in Marcus. And more than a few of us know something about the game. So, coach, play the kid!
You know, I really meant this to be a one paragraph post, but here I am, still writing. I can’t help it. I love Marcus Buckets. If you’re gushing to talk about Thornton too, and other sites are becoming less receptive to your chatter, bring it here. Unleash whatever you have to say. As for the haters: feel free to post whatever you want; we won’t censor you. But, you post, you sign the Petition. So there’s that. Also, for those of you that like to read blogs and not post, that’s cool, but, if you care about Marcus, just put in your name and random words. Ball. 1. Freedom. Pink garters. Alkjdfl;kaewr! What happened to Ticktock6? Whatever does it for you.
So, come on down, folks, and sign the PETITION FOR MORE MARCUS BUCKETS by posting below:
Original Story:
http://hornetshype.com/wp/2011/02/16/...
