All Time NBA: 1st Team

At Long Last, the self proclaimed Sports Doofus reveals his All Time NBA First Team!

Who made the All Time 1st Team for the Sports Doofus?

To see how we got to this point, click the links for:
All Time NBA:  3rd Team
All Time NBA:  2nd Team

Along the way, there have been a few surprises (Wilt Chamberlain 3rd team?... Larry Bird 2nd Team?), and some very difficult decisions have had to be made.

Just to reiterate, I am simply using my own opinion for these selections.  No hard and fast data that would raise one player above another.  Yes, I will use stats and awards and championships as my primary measuring stick, but when you get to this level, the best of the best of all time, you really just come down to personal preference, and I'm admitting that freely from the start.

Just a quick aside, what an NBA Finals we are currently enjoying right now.  As of this writing, the Spurs lead the Heat 3 games to 2, with the series heading back to Miami for game 6 on Tuesday.  It seems like this series is destined to go 7 games.  No one has won back to back games so far, and the Spurs would have to do so to prevent a game 7.  Can LeBron and company regroup to win their 2nd straight title, or will Danny Green continue his phenomenal shooting to clinch another title for the Spurs?  It's going to be very enjoyable to watch.

And back to the subject at hand...

The All Time NBA First Team!

Ervin "Magic" Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers, Point Guard

In four short years, Magic Johnson won a championship in High School, College, and the NBA (winning the Most Valuable Player in the NBA Finals as a 20 year old rookie).  How ridiculous is that?

Well, Michael Jordan didn't win his first Championship until his 7th year in the league, LeBron James didn't win his until his 9th season, Larry Bird did win his in his 2nd season...but Larry was a 5 year college player, whereas Magic only played 2 years of college basketball.  He was MUCH younger than Larry.

In fact, being a winner is really what separates Magic from most of the other all time greats.  It's not so much the number NBA Championships that he won (which is nothing to sneeze at, with 5).  In his first year in the league, the Lakers won the Championship.  In his last full season in the league (1990-1991) the Lakers lost in the NBA finals to the Bulls (the start of the "Jordan Dynasty").  

Magic was the NBA MVP 3 times, the NBA Finals MVP 3 times, and the All Star Game MVP twice (including the year when he was first diagnosed with HIV, and didn't actually play during that season, he was controversially voted in and played, and won the MVP).  In his 11 full seasons, Magic was named first team All NBA 9 teams (2nd team once), and was only left off his rookie season, in which he led the team to the Championship and won the Finals MVP.

The greatest thing about Magic wasn't his numbers, although they weren't terrible:  19.5 points per game, 11 assists per game, 7 rebounds per game.  Known for his passing, he only led the league in assists 3 times, and the highest he ever managed in scoring was 9th in the League (1987).  It was how he was able to raise the level of play of his teammates.

Magic made relatively unknown players into great players.  In his first team with the Lakers it was Norm Nixon and Jamaal Wilkes...with his later teams it was AC Green and Byron Scott.  It really didn't seem to matter who you put Magic on the floor with, simply by playing with Magic their level of play was elevated.  

Former teammate Kurt Rambis described it like this, "Magic is just this magnet... pulling everyone in, and if you get out and run, you are going to get to score".  And it wasn't just his play making ability, it was his personality and leadership.  Magic simply made everyone around him better, and made his teammates enjoy playing the game.

I think former Laker James Worthy described it best like this, "I don't think we'll ever see another 6'9" point guard, who smiles....while he humiliates you."

Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls, Shooting Guard

Michael "Air" Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.  In fact he was once described by Larry Bird as "I think he's God, disguised as Michael Jordan".

There are very few quantifiable measures in which you look at Michael's career, and can not make the argument that he is the greatest.  He won 6 NBA Championships, 6 NBA Finals MVP's, 5 League MVP Awards (and it should have been more...honestly, they started picking other players I think because they were bored), 3 Time All Star Game MVP, Defensive Player of the Year in 1988, Rookie of the Year in 1985, was named "First Team" all NBA 10 times (and 2nd team once...wonder who was picked ahead of him?), and "First Team" All Defensive Team 9 times.  Not many guys who lead the league in scoring are named to first team all defense.

The statistics are basically unmatched:  30.1 points per game (which is first all time), 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals a game.  And he raised his level of performance when the games counted... his playoff averages:  33.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists.  He played better on the biggest stage.

Here is how dominant Jordan was, he won 3 straight NBA championships and then decided to "retire" and try baseball for a year.  After that didn't work out, when he re-entered the NBA and played a full season, the Bulls won 3 more straight Championships.  If you think about it, they possibly could have won 8 straight titles, I mean that isn't out of the question...it's more likely than not.

(How difficult is this?  Well, LeBron has made 3 straight finals with the Heat...imagine him "retiring" now, and missing 2 seasons, when he came back would his his team be the "favorite" to win the title?  Let alone win 3 in a row?)

Personally, I like to think that the way to compare "greatness" is the company you keep when you are discussed.  Every time a new player comes along with great abilities (Kobe, LeBron) who are they compared to?  Well, they are compared to Michael Jordan.  That's really all you need to know.

LeBron James, Miami Heat/Cleveland Cavalier, Small Forward

As I wrote when discussing Larry Bird, up until this current season, I would have had Larry here.  However, the accomplishments of LeBron over the past season have pushed him past Larry Legend in my opinion.

LeBron James was drafted out of high school by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003.  In his 10 seasons in the League he has averaged:  27.6 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, and 6.9 assists per game.  So he is certainly what you would call a "stat sheet stuffer".  He does everything.

The biggest criticism of LeBron has been that he wasn't a "winner".  Last season he won the NBA Championship and got that "monkey" off his back.  However, I'm not sure if this is a fair criticism.  In 10 years in the League he has led his team to the NBA Finals 4 times, and it's possible that his team could win back to back Championships this season (although his Heat trail the Spurs 3-2 currently).

In his short time (remember he's only 28 at this writing) in the league, he's won 4 Most Valuable Player Awards (only Michael Jordan, Bill Russel, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Wilt Chamberlain have accomplished this), 2 All Star Game MVP's, 1 NBA Finals MVP, and was the 2004 Rookie of the year.  He's been named First Team NBA 7 times (2nd team twice), and 5 times name First Team Defense.

Although he has more than his fair share of "Haters" stemming from "The Decision" to leave Cleveland and "take his talents to South Beach", LeBron is simply a combination of size, skill, and talent that is amazing to watch.

There probably hasn't been a man of his size who can run the floor and pass like LeBron since Magic Johnson.  There are few players in the history of the league who can just take it to the hoop and score on literally anyone as well as LeBron.  And I don't believe the league has ever seen a man who is such a versatile defender.  LeBron can guard every position on the floor.  From the opposing team's post player, to their point guard...and not only guard them, but shut them down, and take them out of the game.

As far as his physical talents go, there are no limits to what LeBron can do.  He belongs to the "Freak of Nature" team with Wilt Chamberlain.  There is just no one like him, not just currently, but there has NEVER been anyone like him.  He's a tremendous talent, and I really wish that many fans would stop with the hating, and start appreciating how good he actually is.

Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs, Power Forward

In his 16 years in the League, "Timmah" has been the definition of 2 things:  consistency and winning.  

In his rookie season in the League (97-98) Duncan averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds per game.  In his 16th season... 18 points and 10 rebounds.  And he plays less minutes now.... in fact if you looked at his "36 minutes average" he actually has BETTER stats now than when he was a rookie!

He won his first Championship in his second year in the League (1999), along the way won 3 more (2003, 2005, and 2007), and here he is in the finals for a 5th time in 16 years.  At this moment with the Spurs leading 3 games to 2, it looks very possible that he could win another and go 5-0 in NBA championship series.

You want some accolades?  Well, how about these:  Duncan is a 2 time MVP, 3 time NBA Finals MVP, All Star Game MVP (2000), and Rookie of the year (1998).  In that time he has been named to 10 All NBA First Teams (and 3 second teams, and a 3rd team thrown in), and made All NBA Defense either 1st or 2nd team in 14 of his 16 seasons.

If consistency is the mark of excellence, then Duncan certainly qualifies.  He has been a top 10 rebounder in the League in 14 of 16 seasons.  Top 10 in Blocked Shots in 13 seasons, he's just a model of efficiency.

The least "flashy" of any of my selections, there was a reason Shaquille O'Neal once called Duncan "The Big Fundamental".  He just does everything right.  He makes the correct post move, whether that be a power dunk, a fall away bank shot... makes the correct pass to the open man.  Always hustling and running the floor, it was just unreal to watch him play the Grizzlies this post season and consistently beat the younger Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph down the floor for easy baskets.

Another thing sometimes forgotten about Duncan, is his ability to hit a perimeter jump shot.  People think "big guy" and "Big Fundamental" and imagine the class "back to the basket" post up game.  Well, he can do that, but he is very efficient at catching the ball in the 18 foot area on a "pick and pop" play, and knocking down that jumpshot.  

Duncan doesn't really care about statistics, he's only cracked the top 10 in scoring 4 times in his career.  But his team is always competitive, and despite the changes around him in San Antonio...multiple players have come and gone, his team continues to be one of the best teams in the League.

Bill Russell, Boston Celtics, Center

Anchoring the team in the Post, the greatest winner in the history of the game, Celtic legend Bill Russell.

You want to win games?  Well, you can't do better than "Russ".  In 13 seasons, he won 11 Championships.  He also won the NCAA Championship in his final season at San Francisco in 1955... so he won 12 Titles in 14 years.  Not bad.

The definition of a "team first" player, Russell only averaged 15 points per game throughout his career (peaking with 18 ppg in 1960).  However, he averaged 22.5 rebounds per game throughout his career (leading the league in rebounds 4 times).  Blocked shots were not an official stat when Russell played, but he certainly would have been near the top in most seasons.

Known as the best defensive player of his generation (and perhaps any generation) Russell was the key to the Celtics dominance from the late 50's and throughout the 60's.  Russell shut down the paint for anyone who tried to get high percentage shots, and was then usually able to corral the rebound and make a great outlet pass to get the Celtics fast break started.

Russell was a 5 time MVP of the League, and the all star game MVP once (They did not give a Finals MVP at the time, although he would have won a few of those to be sure).  Russell played his career alongside Wilt Chamberlain, and those two are always compared against each other.  While Chamberlain often had the advantage in numbers (points, sometimes rebounds, assists, etc...) Russell almost always had the advantage on the scoreboard.

You want a leader for your team?  Russell was such a great leader that when Coach Red Auerbach retired, he named Russel to be a "Player-Coach".  How did that work out?  Well, the Celtics were able to win the Championship in 2 of the 3 seasons that Russell ran the team as "player-coach".

A true dominating force in the paint, with a lack of regard for personal statistics and the ability to play great defense and get the fast break started, Russell would be the perfect "centerpiece" to finish out our starting five.

So, how would this team fare on the court?

Russell and Duncan patrolling the paint, and absolutely owning the boards, outletting the ball to Magic Johnson running the fast break with Jordan and LeBron on the wings?  Nearly unstoppable.  

In the half court, they would be equally difficult to stop.  Jordan and LeBron can score on anyone, Duncan can score on anyone in the post, Russell would not mind to simply set screens and rebound... you'd never have to run a play for him...he'd simply score on "2nd chance" points.  Magic, with his size and passing ability, would be able to carve up a defense... getting Duncan the ball in his sweet spots, throwing alley oops to well... really everyone on this team.

And on the other end of the court, good luck scoring.  You have possibly the 2 best perimeter defenders ever, with 2 of the greatest post defenders (and rebounders ever).  Magic is really the only guy who wasn't a phenomenal defender, and with his size (6'9") you're going to have trouble shooting over him and getting around him.

Also, best of luck in the rebounding department!  Between Russell and Duncan, there aren't going to many left to go around, however... our smallest starter is Jordan at 6'6", and both Magic and LeBron are well known for their ability and willingness to rebound the ball.

This team would win easily against any other team you could throw together.  Championships, Leaders, Multifaceted players, Size, Athleticism, Will to win, Team First.... I just can't see them being beaten, by anyone... even the 2nd or 3rd team.

Thanks for reading!  I hope you have enjoyed my All Time NBA teams!  It's been a fun process!

All Time NBA: 2nd Team

Last Saturday, I started breaking down my top 3 All Time NBA teams starting with the 3rd Team.

Without further adieu... let's get to the all time 2nd team.

(Note:  I just used my own personal opinion for these rankings... so go ahead and disagree, if you must)

And the All Time NBA 2nd Team leads off with:

Bob Cousy, Boston Celtics, Point Guard

In 13 seasons with the Celtics, Cousy made 10 All NBA first teams (and 2 second teams), won 1 MVP and 2 All Star Game MVP's.  Averaging 18 points and 7.5 assists a game (he led the league in assists 8 straight years), Cousy was the original driving force behind the start of the Celtics Dynasty.

Cousy was the point guard leading the attack that won 6 NBA Championships in 7 years(the last 5 in a row).  Then he retired (I'm ignoring his attempted 7 game 'comeback' in 1969 with Cincinnati).

Sure, those teams were loaded with Hall of Fame type players like Sam Jones, KC Jones, Tom Heinson, and of course Bill Russell.  But someone had to make that engine go.  Cousy was the guy who kept everyone happy distributing the ball at will, and was a wizard with the basketball in his hands.  He would definitely keep the shooters and scorers on the 2nd team happy.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers, Shooting Guard

One of only 4 current players who made my top 3 All Time teams, Kobe Bryant has a remarkable career over 17 seasons (so far) with the Lakers.

In his time in the Purple and Gold, Kobe has won 5 NBA Championships, 2 NBA Finals MVP's, 4 NBA All Star Game MVP's, and 1MVP award.

An 11 time All NBA First Teamer (and 9 time First Team Defense, as well), Kobe has averaged 25 points per game, leading the league in scoring twice.  He currently stands 4th all time in NBA scoring with 31, 617 points.

Despite all his accolades, awards, and championships, the thing that sets Kobe apart from other "greats" is his indomitable will.  Not saying that all players don't want to be great, but Kobe has a drive that is just unreal.  In 2009's The Art of a Beautiful Game author Chris Ballard dedicated a chapter to Kobe's will.  Highly recommend this book to anyone who hasn't read it and loves basketball.

Larry Bird, Boston Celtics, Small Forward

Larry "Legend" played 13 seasons with the Celtics, compiling 3 NBA Championships, 3 MVPs, 2 Finals MVP's, and one All Star Game MVP.

He made 9 "All NBA" first teams, playing in 12 All Star games.  He averaged 12 points and 10 Rebounds, along with 6 assists a game for his career.

A tremendous outside shooter, as a fan of the opposition I can say with honesty that no one was more terrifying with the ball in his hands in the closing seconds of a game than Larry.  He could literally hit from anywhere on the court, regardless of whether he was well guarded or not.

Larry was unconventional player, to say the least.  In that time, there weren't many 6'9" players who were stroking 3 pointers... in addition to his shooting, Larry was a great ball handler and tremendous passer who made the opposition pay for double teaming him.

In fact, it was very difficult for me to put Larry on the 2nd team.  Up until this past season, he would have been solidly on the first team.  If there is an argument to be made with my list, I would start with this one.  It was a difficult decision, but I feel the correct one.

Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves/Boston Celtics, Power Forward

KG has played 18 seasons (so far) averaging 19 points and 10 rebounds a game, while appearing in 15 All Star games (in which he won the MVP once).

He was the NBA MVP in 2004, the defensive player of the year in 2008, and has been name NBA First Team 4 Times, and First Team All Defense 9 times.  And to be honest, he would have had more if he wasn't playing in the same era as our first teamer at his position.

One of the first players to come directly from High School to the NBA and have success, Garnett is known for his intensity on the court.  He is not averse to doing any "dirty work" that needs to be done.  A complete player, Garnett can impact the game on both ends of the court.  At 6'11, Garnett has shown abilities that few men his size could match, including a pretty reliable (until recent years) jumpshot.  A true leader in every sense of the word, KG is deserving of his spot on the 2nd team.

Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks/Los Angeles Lakers, Center

Manning the middle, the "Captain" of the team, is the NBA's all time leading scorer, Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

My goodness, where to begin with the accolades for Kareem?  He played 20 seasons in the League (14 with the Lakers), won 6 Championships, was named NBA MVP 6 times, and NBA Finals MVP twice.

Averaging 24.6 points and 11 rebounds per game, Kareem made 10 All NBA First Teams, and 7 All NBA Defense First Teams.

When lists mentioning the "greatest players of all time" are listed, Kareem seems to be the person most often left out, for some reason.  In fact, most lists I've seen have him listed as the 3rd best Center all time, behind Russell and Chamberlain.  I have him as second team because Kareem was a better all around player than Chamberlain, in my opinion.  He was a better defensive player, he won more championships, and played longer (and was still relevant late in his career).

With perhaps the most unstoppable shot in the history of the game, the "Sky Hook", Kareem could score on anyone, and hold his own on the defensive end as well.

This team would be pretty tough to stop, with Kobe's slashing ability, Bird's shooting... Cousy distributing the ball to Cap in the paint, or running the Pick and Roll or Pick and Pop with Garnett.  They could pretty much get any shot they wanted, and on the defensive end...good luck trying to run anything.  This group of 5 is possibly better defensively than the first team is.  It would certainly be a good matchup.

My next post will break down... the starting five... the top All Time NBA team.

All Time NBA: 3rd Team

So, the NBA finals are upon us...with the Spurs currently leading the Heat 1 game to 0.

Not only is this finals one of great anticipation and contrasts, it also contains two of the greatest players in the History of the League.  LeBron James and Tim Duncan are not only great players now, and great players of this generation, but arguably, they are among the greatest to ever play the game.

When LeBron won his 4th MVP this season, you heard all the discussions and talking about how he compares to Michael Jordan, as the all time greatest player.  To me, that's a ridiculous argument, as they play different positions, at a different time in NBA history.  We can't possibly know who would be considered had they played at the same time.

So, in the interest of discussing some of the all time greats, a friend and I got to talking the other day about who we'd have on our all time first team, all time second team, etc, etc...

I decided to break them down, officially, sports doofus style.  As usual, I am using my own personal specific set of standards to apply to this list... more specifically... my opinion.

So, without further adieu... the All-Time All NBA Team!

Today, we are starting with the 3rd team.  This was a difficult list to decide but I feel confident in my selections.

Starting off with:

Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons, Point Guard

-Although Isiah has become known for negative things, such as running the NY Knicks into the ground, and destroying the CBA, most people forget how good of a player he actually was.

Isiah played 13 season with the Pistons, winning 2 NBA championships, making 12 All Star teams, he averaged 19 points and 9 assists a game in his career.

He was named the All Star game MVP twice (1984 and 1986) and was named the NBA Finals MVP once (1990).

Jerry West, Los Angeles Lakers, Shooting Guard

-I didn't want to put Jerry on here, because I want to avoid this list being too "Laker Centric" (with me being a Lakers fan), but I just couldn't do it.

Jerry West was nicknamed "Mr. Clutch" and became the NBA Logo.  He played 14 season with the Lakers averaging 27 points per game in his career.  He was an all star game selection all 14 seasons he played in the league, winning the All Star MVP once, and the NBA finals MVP once as well.

Last Winter I read this book about Jerry West by Roland Lazenby, and was blown away by the man.  Not just his accomplishments and his wondrous talents, but by how dedicated and his insatiable desire to succeed.  It was a tremendous book for any basketball fan.

Scottie Pippen, Chicago Bulls, Small Forward

This was a tough call, I could have picked Dr. J, or Dominique Wilkens, or James Worthy, or Elgin Baylor...but in the interest of great "all around" play... I had to go with Pippen.

Scottie played 17 seasons (12 with the Bulls) and won 6 championships as Michael Jordan's "Wingman".  However, Pippen was much more than just the "2nd best player" on the Bulls.  He was their best perimeter defender and also their best ball handler...this is according to their coach Phil Jackson in his new book, "Eleven Rings".  Scottie was at his best in the open floor, but was able to adjust his game to run Jackson's famous "Triangle Offense"...which is not an uptempo system.

Scottie played in 7 all stars games and won the MVP award in that game once.  He did not win a finals MVP, as he had Mr. Jordan on his team.  He made the All NBA Defensive Team 10 separate occasions.  He's also a true "team player" and would do whatever was needed for his team to win.  He'd fit right in with this team.

Karl Malone, Power Forward, Utah Jazz

-The "Mailman" was a constant pain in my side throughout many, many seasons of NBA action.  As a Lakers fan, I was always worried about the Jazz, and Karl Malone going off on my team (as the Lakers were usually weakest at his position).

Malone played 18 seasons (17 with the Jazz), won the MVP award twice (1997 and 1998), played in 13 All Star games (winning the ASG MVP twice), and made 11 "All NBA First Teams".

He averaged 25 points and 10 Rebounds per game throughout his illustrious career.  A true Power Forward, Malone played in an age where the big guys patrolled the middle...dominated the paint, and basically made life miserable for any little guy who wanted to go inside.  Not only a great defender and enforcer, Malone presented an intriguing display of offensive talents with a variety of post up moves, power drives to the hoop, and a pretty consistent jumpshot from the 18 foot area.  He was a true matchup nightmare.

Wilt Chamberlain, Warriors/Sixers/Lakers, Center

I suppose this could be considered "under ranking", because Wilt Chamberlain was one of the all time greats.  I can't possibly list all his accomplishments and awards, but I suppose I'll have to name a few.

In 16 seasons, Wilt won 4 Most Valuable Player Awards, 1 NBA Finals MVP, and made 9 All NBA Teams.  He averaged 30 points and 22 rebounds a game for his career.  Let me repeat that... he averaged 30 points and 22 rebounds, every time he took the court, for 16 seasons.
Wilt was a force of nature that had never been seen before, and has never been seen since.  Let's put it this way, because he led the league in scoring 7 times, in rebounding 11 times, and just to show he could do everything... in 1968, he led the league in Assists!

He's most famous for his 100 point game, and probably 2nd most known for losing to Bill Russell's Celtics in the NBA finals, and 3rd most known for the fact that he NEVER fouled out in a single game.

So why isn't he higher?  Why isn't he first?  Or perhaps 2nd to Russell?  Well, it's because Wilt was kind of a flake.  I don't mean that in a bad way, just trying to tell the truth.  What 7'1" beast that can score at any time leads the league in assists? Wilt, that's who.  How can you play defense in the middle...locking down the paint, and never foul out!

As great as he was... and believe me.... I don't think there's ever been a player to dominate the game as much as Wilt.  He could have been better.  For all his accomplishments and accolades, he only won 2 championships.  How can you be THAT dominating... and continually come up short?  That's why Wilt is 3rd team.  Now if this was strictly "talent based" rankings.... I'd rank Wilt 1st all time, even above Jordan.  The things he could do were bewildering.  He was the biggest man in the League, but with small forward skills.  Don't believe me, watch this Youtube clip.  He just made it look so easy.

I like this team.  I think they would "hold their own" in any era of the NBA.  You've got Isiah running the point  looking to penetrate, and if you help off he can dump it off to Wilt, or kick it out to West or Pippen.  Let's not forget about Isiah and Malone running the pick and roll with West on the Wing and Wilt patrolling the weakside of the pain... try to defend THAT.  And don't even think of trying to score on this team.... Yes, Wilt was a bit "soft" as a defender (never fouling out", but we've got The Mailman on weakside help, and West and Pippen on the wings, cutting down passing lanes, getting out in transition.

In fact, there are only two imaginary teams I could imagine beating them, and they are coming up next!

However, I would be remiss if I left out our "Honorable Mentions" for the guys who almost made the 3rd team.
Point Guard-Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, Oscar Robertson, John Stockton, Chris Paul
Shooting Guard-Allen Iverson, Clyde Drexler,
Small Forward-Julius Irving, Dominique Wilkins, James Worthy, Elgin Baylor
Power Forward-Dirk Nowitski, Elvin Hayes, Charles Barkley
Center-Shaquille O'Neill, Hakeem Olajuwan

Stay tuned... we'll be unveiling the 2nd and 1st teams in the coming days.

For the Love of Bean

No, not Mr. Bean!  Although he is quite hilarious.

 (Even though Mrs. Coach, and all four versions of the little coach's disagree with me.  They are wrong.  Mr. Bean is genius.)

No, I'm talking about Kobe Bean Bryant.

Note:  I am not discussing Kobe's Sexual Assault case in Colorado.  All I'm looking at is his body of work as a player.  If you can't overlook that, I understand...but philandering athletes is hardly anything new.  And   no one knows exactly what went on in that Colorado hotel room but the two people involved.  But, I digress.

I'm sure that most people have heard that he tore his Achilles Tendon.  But did you know that AFTER he tore his Achilles tendon, he went to the bench, walked back out to the court...shot (and made) 2 free throws, and then walked off the court under his own power!  Watch for yourself.

In this, his 17th season, Kobe Bryant is finally becoming embraced by fans of other teams as he is by Laker fans.  It's about time.

You see, fans of other teams didn't get it, they hated Kobe.  In fact, until LeBron spurned Cleveland to go to Miami, Kobe was far and away the most hated player in the league.  I wish I would have collected a nickel for every time that I heard Kobe was "overrated"...  Or how "the refs bail him out"...  Or how he was a "bad teammate"... or how he was "a jerk".

When the Lakers decided to part ways with Shaquille O'Neal and keep Kobe, the critics howled.  They said it was a mistake.  When Shaq subsequently won a title with the Miami Heat, they howled even louder.  When the Kobe-led Lakers lost to the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals... the critics reached a deafening level.  "Kobe never won anything without Shaq".  And the narrative continued to grow.

The fact the Lakers then won 2 straight titles following that, still did little to quiet Bryant's critics.  Sure he had finally won without Shaq, but he was still considered a jerk, and arrogant, and yes even overrated in some circles.

However, over the past two years, there has been a slight "change" in the tone of the story.  Fans of other teams are starting to understand.  They are beginning to see how Kobe brings it every night.  For 17 seasons now, he gives it everything he has.  He has played through multiple injuries, multiple head coaches, in different systems, and yet he still comes ready to rock every night.

Even noted Celtics fan and Laker Hater Bill Simmons has been converted.  In Simmons career he has made 2 things abundantly clear:  1.  He hates the Lakers (and) 2.  He hates Kobe Bryant.  Or at least he did.  You can go over the archives of his columns and his podcasts, but over the past 2 seasons there has been a remarkable shift in tone from the Editor of Grantland.com.

Maybe it's the fact that the other players of Kobe's time have come and gone.  Do you remember Tracy McGrady?  He was drafted a year after Kobe.  Maybe it's because other players near his age are struggling to stay healthy, with injuries hampering them every season. (see Kevin Garnett who has only played 70 games once in the past 5 years).  But Kobe continued to bring it night after night after night (playing all 58 games last 'strike shortened' year, all 82 games the year previous...and 78 games this year), right up until the point that literally couldn't.  The game before he tore his Achilles he played all 48 minutes.

How many guys in the league could even play 48 minutes of average basketball in their 17th season?  Much less to do it at the level that Kobe has.  He's taken over the point guard role at times this season.  Earlier this season it was announced that Kobe would just go ahead and guard the other team's best offensive perimeter player, if that was a quick little point guard, fine.  If it was a slashing, muscular 2 Guard, fine.  If it was a sweet shooting small forward, fine.  Didn't matter.  Put Kobe on him, he'll handle it.

Why do you think the Laker fans started the "MVP" chant when he went to the free throw line?  (and that started back when they had Shaq).  Why when the whole world was against them when they kept Kobe instead of Shaq...why were the Laker fans happy?  Seriously, did you know a Laker fan who said, "We kept the wrong guy".  Because I've never met one, and although I'm sure they exist...they probably don't brag about it.

Now we are finally hearing from the "haters" and the "fans" of other teams an admiration for how hard Kobe plays, and how he brings it every night.  So much so, that he gets the MVP chant in every arena.  (And yes, the Boston Celtics crowd is on there too)  That would have been unthinkable just 4 years ago.  Now, the respect that has been earned year after year, is finally being shown.

The thing about that is, Laker fans aren't surprised.
We already knew.

(BTW, I can't help but get one, small, itsy bitsy, shot at the Celtics on here.)

Celtics fans....Remember this?

Paul Pierce in a Wheel Chair after rolling his ankle in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.

(He'd go on to return in this game, and ... play in the rest of the games in the series).

Once again for Clarity.... Paul Pierce after rolling his ankle (and then returned)

OMG, OMG, OMG....Carry Me!

Kobe Bryant after tearing his Achilles, missing the rest of the season, and having surgery the next day.

I got this.

Welcome Back NBA

So, the NBA season has begun again, and I'm excited for it.  The NBA is coming off one of the greatest seasons in recent memory, with an abundance of young talent and many interesting story lines to keep our eyes on.

Such as:

• The continuing journey of the Miami Heat "Dream Team", who came up short in the finals last year.
• The Dallas Mavericks are the defending champions, but lost a few key pieces(JJ Barea, Tyson Chandler) from last season
• The "Lob City" tandem of Chris Paul and Blake Griffin for the LA Clippers
• The continuing maturation of the Chicago Bulls and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who both had great seasons a year ago, but failed to make the finals.
• The "Up and Coming" teams like the Indiana Pacers and the Memphis Grizzlies.
• The "Old and Grizzled" veteran teams like the Lakers and the Celtics.  Can they continue to stay competitive in a strike shortened, compressed, 66 game schedule?

I actually used to be a much bigger college basketball fan than I was of the NBA.  But that started to change a few years ago.  Having had numerous discussions with many of friends about this, I thought I'd lay down my case as to why I now prefer the professional game.

1.  The 24 second shot clock.  I know there's a shot clock in the college game, and it works fairly well, but the shorter shot clock in the NBA contributes in a couple of ways.  First, it puts a premium on offensive execution. When you only have 24 seconds per possession to get a shot up, you have to execute your options quickly and adroitly.  Secondly, it puts pressure on the defense.  You've got to be up and ready to play defense immediately, there's no backing off or dropping back into a lazy zone to take some time off.  

2.  The level of play is much higher.  How many times have we seen guys who were just dominant at the college level (Adam Morrison and Michael Beasley come to mind) who struggle to even play in the NBA.  Guys who own the court in college, just can't get their own shot off in the NBA.  You had better be able to defend one on one, and you had better be able to knock down an open jump shot (yes, even post players).

3.  The officiating is much better.  And yes, I know all about the Tim Donaghy scandal, and I know that there are quality officials working NCAA games.  I'm just saying consistently, game after game, night in and night out, the quality of the officiating is much higher in the NBA.  A personal complaint about the college game is that the coaches are the superstars.  Coach K gets upset and starts riding the refs, and Duke starts getting a bunch of calls.  And to be fair, as I'm a Carolina fan, Roy Williams gets away with the same thing.  It's common at the college level.  In the NBA there are very few officials who are swayed by coaches. 

4.  The deeper 3 point line.  It actually helps shooting.  How many times have you seen a big college post drift out and pick up a loose ball and throw up an ugly looking jump shot and knock down a 3 pointer?  In the NBA, the guys that are shooting 3's are the guys that should be shooting 3's.  It's simply better, and the college game should look into moving their line back to NBA range.  You have your better shooters shooting the tougher shot, and it spreads the floor out more leaving more space for posts and penetration.

5.  The Playoffs are better.  It's a much better way to choose your champion.  Anyone can beat anyone on a given night, especially when you are playing at a high level.  When you have to win a 7 game series, the better team is going to win a much higher percentage of the time.  One thing I would change about the NBA is to change the first series of the playoffs back to best of 5 games.  That was more efficient.

So, there are a few thoughts on why I enjoy NBA basketball more than NCAA hoops.  Not that I don't enjoy college hoops mind you, I still do, I just find the professional game more satisfying.