Kobe & Shaq: The Dangers Of What If's

[@rustybuckets]

Click here bearmattress.com/Rustybuckets to get 35% for a limited time during their End of The Year Sale. If you miss this limited time offer, you can still get 30% off using my link! Offers subject to change.

[@ChrisJonesTCi]

Bro Rs I've been watching the channel for about 3 yrs now...I've missed those deep dives you was drooping(the pop and the loyalty dives are my favs) welcome back!!big Dawg dope vid fo'sho

[@EZ33377]

I get your looking at it practically but Kobe historically destroyed the spurs in the playoffs. I think a Lakers team w a still effective chance stood a wayyyy better chance than you gave them credit for against that team.

[@Tomtainius]

Putting that clip at the start, alongside 'The Dangers Of What If's' in the title, was such a great way of hooking viewers so early into the vid. Something tells me this video is gonna be a high performer!

[@franktuttor-ps3tc]

Stop glazing my boy

[@LetMeEatDem]

@@franktuttor-ps3tcstop hating my girl

[@NathanJakobMichaelThomas]

@legittaco5899 bro get that out of here. This isn’t a generational thing. This is a trendy thing. Like cringe is/was, it will go away soon. Quit being so judgmental.

[@Connor-wf2zn]

@@NathanJakobMichaelThomasbro is glazing glazing

[@Remorsefullyhumble]

Need some throat lotion?

[@redman6790]

Amazing content, genuinely love this transition by Rusty into long form less reactionary content because it will always be referred back to rather than being outdated after a week given the nature of the NBA. This is the reason I love the NBA, for timeless content like this so I can tap into eras I did not personally experience.

[@penlex28]

Great comment man!

[@fortynights1513]

Exactly. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: If all you do is talk about breaking news and react in the moment, then your channel might not stand out. His shorter videos weren’t bad in my book, but the deep dives definitely made his channel stand out for me.

[@hexmark21]

tying this to ever relevant topics is always good

[@PeazInAPodComic]

Rudy T. is also known for being the head coach of the Houston Rockets when they went back-to-back in 94 and 95. And he was a five-time all-star in his playing days.

[@fortynights1513]

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. I’d take him over Doc Rivers on the 75th anniversary team.

[@PeazInAPodComic]

@@fortynights1513 1000%

[@Romanus-]

Exactly. The disrespect is ridiculous

[@legendarywiimaster]

@@fortynights1513 Doc Rivers is a bum

[@moonshinei]

Love this. It points out a severe issue in all historical contexts, not just sports: revisionism. Some people really don’t think about how crucial certain events are to the future development of the world, and I think this video is a wonderful example of alternate history done well.

[@Renegade-kf8fp]

Same thing as music and movies/television

[@J420-x6p]

Facts I hope this video gets millions of views because of this.

[@jmckie45]

Kobe's individual dominance and Ron Artest's clutch game winner in the 2010 Finals is one of my favorite stories in the current reality of post-Kobe and Shaq. Outside of basketball, living in my own head is one of my toughest struggles. Yet, as a 26 year old I have to strive for positive, and progressive change. Not just individually, but collectively as well.

[@ammonhurst3026]

What are you even talking about? The artest game winner wasn't even Shaq-Kobe Era, it was Kobe-lakers 2.0 I'm glad you're positive individually and collectively, but is that relevant to Shaq and Kobe?

[@jmckie45]

Ron Artest was one of the complimentary pieces to Kobe/Lakers 2.0. If Kobe and Shaq didn't break up, Kobe wouldn't have been the focal piece to build around. If the Lakers didn't try to build Lakers 2.0 with Gasol as the 2nd option, and Artest fitting in his role then the game winner wouldn't have happened. My original comment was my overall opinion of Kobe and Shaq without the need for a "what-if scenario". My 2nd paragraph was my own reasoning outside of basketball, to not fall into what it's, living in the past, etc.

[@damonroyal2821]

​@@jmckie45Kobe did not dominate the 2010 finals you guys are in love with Kobe making up shit he played decent but dominate is a stretch

[@Benislionheart]

The Rusty glowup we all wanted and that you deserved. You didn’t just slug this one out of the park, it’s fizzing its way off out of the solar system

[@matthewthayer9316]

I think an important part of the hypothetical is what if Shaq had taken better care of his body and had taken steps to prolong his career. It was not just them staying together that Kobe was talking about, but what might have been if Shaq had had a better work ethic and had taken his career more seriously.

[@JimboCruntz]

I know it's a what if but I think Kobe was spot on when he said Shaq would've been the GOAT with Kobe's work ethic. He probably could've been it if he'd even just had a better work ethic.

[@pedroalexandrecorreiafigue2199]

The problem with that is that a Shaq that cares of his body and works to prolong his career isn't Shaq. It's a fundamentally different person. One of his most defining traits is him being a happy-go-lucky, live in the moment, unserious goofball. When you strip that part away, you get a fundamentally different man and player.

[@fortynights1513]

@@pedroalexandrecorreiafigue2199True, one thing still could probably be the same though: He still could’ve been a center with the same skills (maybe the work ethic makes him a better defender and free throw shooter), but other than that.

[@pedroalexandrecorreiafigue2199]

@@fortynights1513 Yeah, I think if you want a Shaq with work ethic, you get pretty much another Kareem. Different playstyle, but a similarish outcome in regards to accolades probably.

[@GarkKahn]

I wonder if he didn't started his carrer as... Well shaq! maybe he could develop a work ethic in order to become the player we know? It's like the story of the prodigy kid becoming an adult

[@OhHiYessica]

This perspective makes me appreciate Kobe even more than I already do. Mamba knew it was his time to have the keys to the team and he rightfully ascended into the greatest ever to wear the purple and gold 💜💛

[@RemoWilliams1227]

I agree, and out of all teams that's no small thing.

[@rxtsec1]

Magic is the greatest in my opinion

[@legendarywiimaster]

He’s not the greatest, I have Magic and Kareem over him

[@sebastianpineda8601]

Loving to see Rusty entering his prime

[@penlex28]

And he’s only 19

[@sebastianpineda8601]

@@penlex28 I thought he was 17

[@penlex28]

@@sebastianpineda8601 oh yeah right!! It’s the beard that confuses me

[@dkthg]

@@penlex28 Lebron is better. Check the stats.

[@richborn6700]

Lmao he's not even 20 and was crying about weed addiction. This dude ain't primed for NOTHING

[@colton624]

Chapter 3 went a lot deeper than I expected

[@JakeKoenig]

Nah, it was the opposite of deep, actually. Wokeness is a perfect example of being plugged into the Matrix, since actual facts and statistics don't support ANY of the alleged grievances these low IQ athletes have been protesting over the years. Telling everyone on KZbin how much you care about these bullsh:t grievances isn't "deep." Chastising subscribers who have actually done the research on these cases and are rightly criticizing ignorant athletes for their protests isn't "deep." "Burying your head in the sand" is what HE is doing, not me. The second I point out the preposterous nonsense of LeBuffoon's "I can't breathe" t-shirt seen in this video, he'll call me a bigot and stick his head right back in the sand rather than acknowledge my evidence opposing the narrative. He's the one "disengaging with reality," not me. The George Floyd narrative has been debunked countless times, and anyone still peddling that crap in 2024 has no relationship with reality whatsoever. So Chapter 3 wasn't deep, it was just surface-level virtue-signaling about how great a person he is because he supports the #CurrentThing. He probably shoehorned Ukraine and Palestine into other videos since those are trendy topics.

[@donzhang3444]

This video deserves way more views, this is more than sports commentary/analysis, this is pure art.

[@KodiFootball]

I love sports content that applies to real life. For me, that's what makes sports so meaningful. I'm currently going through a tough "what if" time in my life rn (you can probably guess what it is) and this video really gives me perspective. I have to move on and see what's next in my life instead of beating myself up about what we could have done. Easy to say, hard to do.

[@railenherman6482]

This was really eye-opening. I really appreciate the effort and production you put into this one, Rusty. It really made me think, and I didn’t expect to think this hard over a Kobe and Shaq video.

[@RomaroBrandon]

Andy Hoops did a similar video about 6 years ago and he also believed realistically Kobe & Shaq would have lost the finals in 2005 and won in 2006, but Andy Hoops also thinks they would have also won in 2007 and that would be their last championship together because Shaq would retire due to wear and tear on his body.

[@alfieday6896]

I really appreciate videos like this in an age of youtube shorts and 5min long videos, something I can sit down, relax, and really pay proper attention to for a meaningful period of time. Thanks for the effort Rusty and Rudy, another great video

[@kylejohnson4615]

This went so hard Rusty, congrats on this shift, loving the deep dove video essay format!

[@mattp3930]

You went deep at the end of the video and I really appreciate that. Focusing on the now is an important lesson that everyone should learn

[@fortynights1513]

Great video Rusty! If you ask me, 2005 was the last year where you could argue Shaq was one of the best players in the league. I say the 05 team makes the conference finals and 06 wins it all. Your prediction is fair.

[@hiramsicles5580]

I think kobe kept shaq in shape, I feel like the drop-off would not have been as significant if kobe was keeping him in line

[@TheTyranex]

I mean that's why Shaq left. If you do this what if, it will have to be with the concensus that Shaq will be allowed to do what he wants

[@hiramsicles5580]

@@TheTyranex shaq said he left because he wanted more money, maybe they just move pieces to free up cap

[@lynnerose7891]

@@hiramsicles5580 Which pieces do you move though, that get you the NBA FINALS?

[@mr.a1819]

@@TheTyranex Knowing kobe's determination to win championships above all else, he would never cave into tolerating shaq being lazy. Kobe never deviated from the high standards he had for his team mates. If shaq did not improve his worth ethic, kobe would have left instead. but the lakers were unlikely to let go of kobe, given that he was entering his prime and becoming the best player in the league. It's likely that lakers would still have traded away an uncooperative shaq to keep kobe.

[@BrandonRadtke]

Great writing on both the basketball and life sections, and a really great job with the delivery and voice, I love that you will be doing these higher quality videos more now, thank you and good luck

[@midnightlumina7]

The Breakup needed to happen because both of them needed a lesson. They wouldn't be learning that lesson if they stayed together. It is sad that they did break up, but it was needed for Kobe to reach that new level of maturity and being a leader. Shaq also needed to learn that he really was relying too much on his talent instead of honing said talent, so he didn't win immediately, He won because Wade carried him.

[@kenw2225]

Seems like Shaq either fell off at a record level or he never used his top peak after say 01 finals and got lazy

[@OlSCrabs]

These last two videos have been amongst my very favorites to appear on this channel. I dropped a like because it only took one second, and it makes a MASSIVE difference in the KZbin algorithm.

[@expr3sso132]

man, what an amazing video, keep it up Rusty, your content is making the world a better place

[@eotrizzle]

My most favorite vid of yours so far, the quality speaks for itself but for anyone to publicly hold themselves to a higher standard and execute in real time is admirable. Hats off to you Rudy, and mad respect for all the positive changes you've been implementing for real. Grown man shit right there

[@jxnnydxvth]

really loving this return long form content, execution is perfect and they’re so well written👾so cool to see Jacob turn into the hbomberguy of NBA youtube

[@TheRBCatcher32]

Love all the heads up timing on Also Rusty Buckets. Gets me ready to tune in for the hard work you and Rudy been putting in 💯

[@martinhurtado8542]

Speaking life through sports. Connected like all things. Thanks for such an amazing video Rusty 🙏🏽

[@Frequencyyz]

Loved this video and this type of content, specifically how you framed it historically, compared the hypothetical, and related it to the philosophical what ifs of life and the power of what is real. Super profound video rusty

[@hendude127]

I'm so glad you're happier now and doing what you love Rusty. Great video by the way!

[@briancordry8165]

unquestionably your best video, and i love the turn it took at the end. well thought-out and well written. great work

[@FahmeedRokon]

I just broke up with my girlfriend of 7 years. Thank you! The whole “what if” vs “what is” is an eye opener. I’m hurting now :)

[@LoudSystem1]

Rusty becoming the Hbomberguy of NBA KZbin was not on my bingo card, but i’ll take it.

[@WOWZAWOW-qy5zo]

Im loving your transition to these longer vid; this one was an absolute BANGER

[@lukekiefer5964]

Loving the new content Rusty. I wish all the best for you in this turn of the page in your life brother!

[@bucketbence7466]

nah rusty taking that leap this coming year, love to see it

[@xboxpenguin8705]

What a fantastic video Rusty, i CAN'T WAIT for the next one, please do more

[@sheyarjames4904]

Your content has matured so well, linking those trends such as what ifs to societal and psychological phenomenas is a genius way of tackling the root and causes of these trends, keep up the good work.

[@MrEOM41]

Nice Spurs vintage tee 😌 🖤 🩶

[@ALOSOOON]

The truth is "Shaq" is one of the biggest "What If's" in NBA history, and that's saying a lot for someone with his career. Orlando Shaq was a different animal. He was giant, athletic, and graceful like a gazel in the open court. He had a more stoic killer mentality. He played the game to play, not just using it as an avenue to be a celebrity. Orlando Shaq had athleticism and strength that defied logic in a human that size. If he stayed in that type of shape, he wouldn't have had injury problems. He would've played longer and would've probably been fighting Jordan for goat status. We'd be saying "LeBron who". LA changed him and he lost that strive and love for the game.

[@Ben-zr4ho]

LA didn't "change him" as going to LA to be a basketball player / movie star / rapper / celebrity was a conscious decision.

[@giocalzada2023]

Let’s go!!!!!! Love the new content bro

[@ketchuphater445]

what a great video ! rusty being existential is probably my favorite i’ve seen in awhile ! hope this video blows up and more people watch cause it’s truly fascinating!

[@reubengarza3089]

22:44 you fr got me

[@mbcudatree]

I originally found you through one of several of your videos you had ranting on Jim boylen as the bulls coach during that era. I got to say this whole video is such a breath of fresh air. You're really restoring the feeling back to the KZbin shit.

[@Shokolokobangoshi]

This is the first Rusty video I can remember that I coming back to finish. I am loving the new direction with these videos!

[@marshallhanlon1872]

Brilliant dissection of the fallacy of What ifs while not condemning them outright. Very nuanced. These video essays are maybe my favorite in all of sports KZbin and easily my favorite in the realm of basketball. Wishing your continued success

[@H3R0_]

Woah. I typically don't comment on videos but this video got me is way deeper than I expected but man is it amazing. Good job Rusty Buckets!

[@coleparke3763]

Gotta admit I wasn’t entirely sold immediately on some of the dangers but this video did open my eyes to a lot of things. The way we use escapism to avoid what the reality of a scenario is. The way our disappointment in reality allows someone who may or may not have ulterior motives to sell us on an idea of what “could have been” instead of what is. While basketball likely isn’t that big of a deal, when you put the same logic on a more serious scenario, it’s kinda startling how easily people accept hypotheticals as fact and ignore what actually happened. Sometimes these what ifs lead directly to people putting asterisks on reality. Once you set up reality is unimportant to the narrative, you can say really anything you’d like.

[@heatcheckchuk7878]

Great deep dive. I really liked that you mentioned what nobody will (mamba mentality kobe lost a 3-1 lead to Steve Nash without Stoudemire). I will say that JJ Reddick recently talked about systems regarding James Harden's comments. I think at least 20 role players could average 25+ if the system revolved around them, it just wouldn't be efficient. How much of Shaq falling off was the conscious decision to not run plays through him? Pat Riley led teams seem to be aware of the bigger picture. I think part of heat culture is everyone being on board with their role. They told Shaq it was Dwyane's team and half a decade later they told Dwyane it was LeBron's team.

[@fortynights1513]

Ergo (apart from execution of course), higher raw per game averages are put up because the player is simply told to score more often?

[@sautter09]

Wow that was a really good movie! Loved your takes and also how you made the video. Good way to get your points across. One can take away more than basketball from this video. Thank you so much!

[@menrvatrainingsolutions6333]

I'm absolutely loving the new content! I think it's great that you guys are tying in sports to actual ideas and concepts. These videos are hands down my favorite on basketball KZbin. I have never really considered the dangers of escapism and the importance of grounding yourself in reality. I know you previously mentioned video ideas and I would be interested to see a video on a topic I recently made an assignment for in college - Diving deep into Mamba mentality, and more specifically the dangers associated with this and society's unhealthy idolization with a poor work-life balance. This is seen through popular figures like Kobe, Goggins, gym bros, etc.

[@menrvatrainingsolutions6333]

Building on to that I also tied the concept in with toxic masculinity and mental health within sports.

[@giladgur1703]

I don’t know why, but I really like your voice and your accent and the way you pronounce words. Also your intonation is soothing to listen to. You calm me down while talking about basketball so it’s an all around win

[@BIGPLAYMAY]

The beginning is what I wanted to watch but the end was what I needed to hear. This is not only one of the best basketball videos I have seen, it might be the best video essay I've watched period. I appreciate the amazing content

[@kalaikful]

Great video man. Well scripted, funny, engaging, very well thought out. Good shit

[@anotherdayinparadise6006]

If there’s one thing this video proved it’s that anyone with a mic and laptop can produce a convincing case that they don’t know basketball like that 🔥🔥🔥

[@Obfluss.S]

The temptation of "what-if"s stem from the lack of appreciation of reality. Great work, R!

[@seanjjpaul]

This is a phenomenal video well done Rusty

[@yaredsotomayor4542]

Bro turned this from a what if to a philosophy lesson😭 great video man

[@Puppies_Inbound]

Part 3 or this video is so powerful, it’s almost beautiful in its presentation and representation of the human condition. Thank you, I needed to hear it.

[@kennethxu1789]

In my opinion, you could say that being optimistic means getting pau. Pessimistic does not get pau. Then 2009 and 2010 could be wins, although the celtics would most likely win and it becomes much more arguable. In reality, if they decide to trade for pau, shaq is probably gone in the what if. And they would most likely decide to at that point, since they traded shaq in the first place.

[@fortynights1513]

They could’ve had Pao, but they also wouldn’t have had Bynum and Odom because the former was a lottery pick, and the latter was the guy they got in 04 from trading Shaq. If they traded Shaq after 08, they wouldn’t have gotten anyone as valuable in all likelihood.

[@Ben-zr4ho]

Pretty unrealistic to say they would have traded for Pau if they had Shaq. Probably would have gotten someone else. But not Pau.

[@spencerbrtn]

loving the longer videos we appreciate the effort you’re putting in, hope you’re still doing well man

[@UnholyChurchboy]

I love how you use a common shaq& kobe trope and turned it into a life lesson. Sports is a metaphor for life in general. It teaches you things such as how to interact and work with people as well as how to push through pain among other things. At the same time i love that you stressed the dangers of escapism. It disillusions you from life and could make you do things you thought you would never do (like try to take over a government lmao)

[@flame838]

Damn that second half of the vid gave me an existential crisis

[@Clay-zj3wd]

Great video!! The production and content was just amazing.

[@mpy3000]

grate upgrade for the channel, im def watching this

[@derekp3820]

Very much appreciate you going back to the in depth stuff. You’re a smart dude that can think things through well and you’re better than just hot takes. Glad to see you’re doing that again.

[@coopermcneil5552]

Rusty the level of improvement in the videos is fucking insane. Idgaf man keep doing what you doing you’re killin it bro

[@pauloigbokwe]

Rusty turned into a philosopher for the last 17 mins of the video

[@MEEZLEMONSTER]

Wow -- this video was waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay deeper (and more personally relevant) than I thought it would be... Subbed.

[@Poopdedoop2]

I’m a little later than release and not even fully finished yet but it’s been an amazing watch and I’m about to rewind it 30 seconds to catch what I just missed. Keep it pushin

[@rustybuckets]

Thank you! -rudy

[@Poopdedoop2]

@@rustybuckets of course. You and Rusty both kill this KZbin shit.

[@imsaberz5618]

can’t lie i’ve loved this new video format

[@BARFVADER420]

This is probably your best video so far. Super proud of you bro

[@Chaithoast]

this reminds me of that nba deep dive you did, that scene with you watching old d rose highlights as it fades into the title card is one of the best sis i've seen in a yt video ever. i still think it

[@michaelw6277]

I feel like a thing that’s worth exploring is the reason why they separated and the “what if” reason why they stayed together. Because how well players on a team gel together has a huge impact on their ability to perform as a team.

[@RedToyman]

This has to be my favorite Rusty version oat! Keep up the amazing content and hard work!

[@ZargX76]

Definitely not where I expected that to go, but a welcome surprise. Good work!

[@thekevmedia]

Thanks from stopping me getting into a rabbit hole! Massive respect for you man!

[@ajaniscott5735]

One of the best vids you've ever made bro, keep cooking up these longer video essays🙏🏿💯

[@LectricVonThunder]

Dang, Rust! These long form videos have been heat!! Looking forward the next.

[@salvadorvielmas9985]

This might be my favorite video you’ve ever made.

[@alyusnelson1764]

Is this the 06 Kobe version of Rusty Buckets?! Great content and looking forward to the next one!

[@naborss]

Holy shit rusty you were not kidding about the increase effort, it is truly felt! Great analysis and what an evolution of the topic.

[@arlopaden9794]

Another great video rusty. Keep up the great work!

[@benjaminguzmanuribe7680]

Man, chapter 3 was art. Made me reflect a lot. Awesome hidden gem.

[@Toad22484]

The quality of these videos is chefs kiss

[@zacharybirkle5296]

Rusty Buckets: The Intellectual of the NBA YT community. Great video keep up the good work man!

[@emersonbessler5686]

Long vids have been fantastic, huge fan, watch everything you post, keep it up!

[@hunterepsi]

very cool concept. glad this wasnt just another video talking about their beef

[@ClaudWilliams]

The second half of this video was unexpected but well delivered. Well done.

[@danielwalker6909]

Loving these longer more in depth vids rusty keep that shit up love from the uk

[@slackerofhell]

This would be a really interesting series about a number of topics! Fantastic video, dude.

[@EZ33377]

Rusty teaching life lessons. Love it.

[@woc_levievan2097]

Loving the new content!! Commenting for the algorithm keep it up rusty you’re the man

[@marcus_jb]

I was not prepared for existential dread today

[@knnkidss]

This one of your best video rusty love it man it was well put together

[@graysonschutzman4853]

honestly didnt have anything to comment just wanted to help with the algorithm to promote your new style

[@Lubetza]

Great video!! All the best to and your channels for 2024!

[@CreamyCone]

I was not expecting that chapter 3 with the deeper message about escapism, that was really really good

[@Sup4ast4r]

Great content Rusty. Chapter 3 really hit home for me as I disengaged with reality due to my extreme depression and caused me a lot in my personal and financial life. I hope others who are looking to drown in escapisms can seek therapy.

[@pedroramirez0824]

You wouldn’t even have to argue about being the greatest duo of all time, they WERE the GREATEST DUO of all time !!!