Archive for Basketball
A Coach with Priorities
Posted by: | CommentsHead Basketball Coach of the Gonzago Bulldogs, Mark Few, seems to be a good example of a Coach with his priorities straight. No doubt he could have found a bigger coaching opportunity somewhere, but at Gonzago he has remained, especially, it seems, because of his family.
I found it refreshing to hear a good head coach talk like that. He is wise to recognize that the grass is not always (or even often) greener on the other side.
Jordan to James?
Posted by: | CommentsMuch thanks to my brother-in-law, Sean, for sending this along. It certainly got me thinking. I will offer some thoughts on Jordan and James tomorrow.
Watch Your Words
Posted by: | CommentsAll of us need to watch what we say, but for those in the spotlight, watching your words is particularly important. Here is another example why that is the case.
HT: Vitamin Z
Bill Simmons on the Heat
Posted by: | CommentsYou always have to set aside some time to read Bill Simmons of ESPN, but I usually enjoy it. His most recent commentary on the Miami Heat and in particular, Wade and LeBron, is one that left me quite impressed with his understanding of team dynamics and the mindset of superstars. He is much more insightful than most writers who write outside the athletic fold. Most like to think they really understand the dynamics of a team, but few really do.
In this instance, I think he is right on in regards to how Wade and LeBron can best team up to make the Heat the best team in the NBA, or at least the best team they can be. I am very curious to see how it goes, because what we are seeing in the Heat is very unique, namely, two superstar caliber players virtually at the top of their games, trying to team up and find a way to win together. No doubt we have had some great duos in the history of the game, but usually it has been pretty plain who needed to take a step back or play second fiddle in order for the team to succeed. In Miami, it is not so obvious.
Simmons thinks Wade needs to step back, because LeBron is the more talented player. In many respects I agree, but also think it is important to note that Wade has that special sort of drive and fire to win that may give him that extra edge in big games. Question is whether or not they can both maintain that edge when playing together. It is much harder that most people are inclined to believe. I am certainly looking forward to seeing it how it goes. Either way, I will enjoy more than my share of Miami Heat basketball games this season. And in that regard, I know I am not alone.
Iverson to Turkey
Posted by: | CommentsWell, it looks to be official that Allen Iverson will be headed to Turkey in order to compete with Besiktas in the TBL. I am very familiar with the league and that team as I spent a season and a half playing for Banvit, another great club in Turkey. We actually lost in the first round of the playoffs to Besiktas during my first season there.
A friend of mine, Gordie Jones, asked me some questions about the possibility of Iverson heading to Besiktas. This post by him over at phillysportsdaily.com contains many of my responses.
His signing and the many responses I have heard to his signing may lead to some reflections of my own on the vast difference between the NBA and European basketball. But for now, I would just say that in my own experience, the vast majority of Americans underestimate how difficult it is to compete well over here. So although I am hopeful for Iverson’s sake that he does well, I don’t think it is going to be easy, especially with the big expectations that will accompany him on his way to Istanbul. Interestingly enough, the expectations people will have of him there may be heavier than anything he has experienced thus far. For real. Yes, I know he has made upwards of 20 million and performed at MVP level, but the entire mindset is different here and usually very difficult to get used to. Again, I hope he does well. Only time will tell.
