Mystique Through Avoidance

I'm taking a break from my yin/yang series. It's not because I'm stuck, because I have at least seven more parts to it, but rather so Money Mike and his form/function series can catch up. But before I get into my latest brainstorm, I must pay respect where respect is due. Alexander Ovechkin is, pound for pound, the most fake athlete in sports. But is it less fake or more fake when he has two similarly impossible goals? You be the judge. Anyway, to the post...

Before the chaos of the summer of 2010 gets underway, Basketball fans are anticipating next year's dunk contest; in which The Royal King James has apparently decided to descend from his throne and showcase his otherworldly athleticism in the spirit of fun. For those of you that are believing that fallacy, then allow me to save you some heartbreak. The odds of Lebron participating in a dunk contest are slim, if none. There are many reasons why, and you guessed it, they're outlined after the random pic...

Allow me to preface this with MJ. Those that believe Lebron's declaration cite that, "Jordan was in the dunk contest, and he was the G.O.A.T." True and true, but not even MJ had the same path towards stardom that Lebron enjoys. When Jordan entered the Association, he wasn't anointed as The One—primarily because Bird and Magic were at the peak of their titan-like rivalry and the League didn't need another torch-bearer just yet. Through uncanny work ethic and sheer will to be The Best, he bullied his way into the highest of Hoops echelons. Yes, he was blessed with natural gifts, but he had to snatch his crown.

Conversely, Lebron was anointed from his St. Vincent, St. Mary days. He forced the invocation of having high school games on national TV to justify broadcasting his games on Pay-Per-View. His nickname of The Chosen One was bluntly literal, and ever since 2003, he's been the face of the NBA for the new millennium—whether he was amazing or not. Of course he's amazing. And while until this season, Kobe has been the premier perimeter player and still leads in global jersey sales, it's obvious that James has been selected to be the definition of NBA.

So what does this have to do with the 2010 All-Star Weekend? Observe The Lebrons commericial in which they hold a backyard dunk contest. Athlete Lebron says, "He doesn't really do dunk contests," but it's Business who provides the true insight into how Lebron really feels about spontaneous displays of awesome. "Dunk contests are bourgeois." Lebron is building a genuine Baskeball empire, and anything that could hinder it—even slightly—is merely a distraction from his ultimate goal: global icon status. What's even more frustrating to fans is that in pre-game warm-ups, he puts on performances that leave us wondering, "Why not in February?"

The reason why I believe it won't happen is because he already has mystique. As I said, with MJ, he sort of had to create his greatness aura. Yes, he had accolades on his college resume, but he wasn't treasured as the rare gem until "The Layup." Lebron's mystique partly lies in the fact that he hasn't been in a dunk contest. As I heard on TV once, "He has the lure of being the greatest dunk contest dunker...without ever dunking." Does he feel that even he couldn't compete with those acrobatic free-spirits that love to spread their wings? Maybe.
Back on the Vince post, I stated that Carter's dunks are his exertion of dominance...in dunking. I feel that when Lebron takes flight, it's a physical declaration that his might is untouched—that he is a god among immortals. While Kobe and MJ are Almighty tacticians through repetition and acquiring of more skill, Lebron is a sculpted supreme being, crafted from the Heavens with the powers of every aspect of the Basketball Realm within arm's reach. Winning a dunk contest wouldn't add to his legacy because he's created a portion of his legacy through not competing. And that may be a little more gratifying. I'll believe it when they announce his name in Dallas.


Peace.

In Search of Yang...or Yin: Part (2+3)

In Part Four, I examined the discovery of yin/yang relationship through confrontation; using Allen Iverson and Ray Allen as the lead example. For the fifth installment, I will examine the player that made it possible to achieve equal basketball yin/yang harmony in one's self, without having another being as a complimentary force. More after the pic...

It's February 17th, Michael Jordan's birthday. As a semi-spoiler, I was saving him for the final piece in this series because of his perfectly equal mixture of uniqueness and discipline. But this is his day, and it would be coincidentally appropriate to let him be the turning point in my saga. What is the new direction, you say? Well, you'll just have to keep reading, now won't you?

The interesting thing about Jordan when it comes to every other player in history is that he has become the separator of Basketball Old and Basketball New. Jerry West may be The Logo, and Bill Russell is the sport's Ultimate Winner, but His Airness is the Christ-like landmark in the hoops timeline.

In my series, I have designated a player as a yin or yang. But no player can be fully one or the other because of the individuality of Basketball. Each person's configuration is unique to him and can never be duplicated. As I said, Jordan is the water in the pH balance scale. He was a perfectionist with pure footwork on both ends of the floor, but able to adjust on his whim—whether mid-air or mid-dribble.

His ideal fusion of yin and yang were one of his gifts and curses to Basketball (I'll examine the other one in a future post). He made it plausible for upcoming players to concentrate on both components of their configuration in hopes of achieving equal balance. This is a blessing for those that are able to handle the strain that comes with it. However, only Kobe Bryant has been able to withstand the journey of His Airness' Road Less Traveled and emerge successful. From Vince Carter to Harold Miner to Jerry Stackhouse, those that have fallen under that "next MJ" tag have been labeled as flawed because of it. It's nearly impossible to do because while someone like Kobe has Jordan as the blueprint, he would have to sacrifice his own individuality to follow it, thus hindering the perception of his place in the Basketball Realm. He becomes more cerebral and multi-faceted at a quicker pace, but loses some of the mystique that comes with being an unadulterated individual.

So far, one man—with one still teetering with the scales—has harnessed the two forces inside him and does not need another being as his compliment. Happy Birthday, Your Airness.



Peace.

Death From Above The Rim: Who Killed It?

(Note: This was supposed to be written during All-Star Saturday, but I had Love Day obligations which resulted in seeing the worst movie I've watched in at least 18 months. *Woo-Sah* On to the post.)

Flashback to this time, nine years ago. A young, upstart swingman named Vince Carter put on one of the greatest individual displays of athleticism in sports history. It was the kind of performance in which mere mortals realized why they aren't in the Association; and fellow NBA immortals showed their reverence to Vinsanity while he was in his airborne element. With his mouthed exclamation of, "It's over," he did more than just state he was champion of that night in Oakland. He, in fact, killed the dunk contest.

'll examine two tangents that stem from this initial idea. The first being Carter himself. The perception among Basketball observers is that he doesn't have the most passionate approach to the game. To detractors, he only plays basketball because he can and not because he loves to do it. Despite infinite talent, he placed a low, finite ceiling on his career through real or fabricated injuries and the inability to win in the postseason. But when Carter dunks, it's as if he's an entirely different being. Carter almost never shows emotion, but always gets amped whenever he does something spectacular. The dunk appears to be Vince's exertion of dominance—a way to reclaim his territory. He dares the opposition, both defenders in the paint and dunk contest competitors in 2000, to challenge him—to meet him at/above the rim. So for someone as standoffish as Carter to be the demise of such a timeless event is a testament to Basketball itself. A player who's been described as a shell of what he should be hollowed out an event, making it a shell of what it used to be.

This brings me to Dwight Howard. Yes, his past two performances—particularly the one in 2008—were refreshing and aethetically pleasing. He stole the show, but merely took the dunk contest's cadaver. To me, his 2008 performance overrates one aspect (The Superman Dunk) and underrates the other (all of his other dunks). This isn't to say that I wasn't impressed, because I was floored by the freakishness of it. However, considering the overall blandness of previous contests, save for a few flashes of brilliance, D-12 didn't have much as competition. He surpassed the level of post-VC slamfests as easily as he throws one down, but not even the Man of Steel can windmill life force back into the dunk contest.
So congrats to you, Nate Robinson. At least you brought something resembling winning to the Knicks. And for those of you anticipating Lebron's appearance in the 2010 edition in Dallas, don't count on it. He'd be four months away from the biggest individual payday in NBA history (including endorsements). Plus, I don't think the folks at the Swoosh would authorize it.



Peace.

In Search of Yang...or Yin: Part 4

In Part 3, I examined how the circumstances of some yin/yang relationships have made it so the two entities are on the same team, able to harmonize for the betterment of their franchises. Now it's on to the next level of the balance of yin and yang.

Sometimes, yin/yang relationships are revealed through the crossing of paths. For example, Bird and Magic discovered each other through their epic matchup in the 1979 NCAA Championship Game (Side Note: Money Mike has an outstanding piece on their relationship through the form/function lens). The rest is, as they say, history. Almost two decades later, two players were able to meet each other as basketball soulmates in virtually the same collegiate stage. For more, you know where to meet me...

Before the incarnation of Chris Paul, Allen Iverson unquestionably ruled as my favorite basketball player for the past decade. With diminutive stature and gargantuan willpower, AI was my Answer to MJ's retirement. It was more than his crossover, but rather his ability to bring a rebellious style to the Association, and force its acceptance of him as an all-time great in the sport. Besides Kobe, Lebron, and Wade, no player intimidates more when he has the ball in a perimeter isolation situation than Iverson. But back in his Georgetown days, he came face-to-face with his UConn counterpart: Ray Allen.

Jesus Shuttlesworth looks like he's done nothing wrong in his life. He's a gentleman with a clean-cut persona and a perfectly constructed jump shot. He and Iverson had battles during their conjoined times in the Big East, none more famous than their 1996 Big East Tournament duel in which Ray hit the game-winner. Their destinies have been linked since. After being cornerstones to franchises, they have each been traded in hopes of pairing them with a budding small forward—Iverson with 'Melo and Ray with Rashard Lewis. After those respective experiments failed, both have been on the move again, landing with contenders in hopes of getting that elusive championship glory. Ray was successful last season in Boston, and Iverson is struggling to fit in with Detroit; coincidentally, with another systematic player in Rip Hamilton. Both have also maintained a surprisingly high level of productivity despite double-digit years in the Association.

The differences in their respective personalities and visions of Basketball are obvious. While Ray hasn't had the off-court obstacles that Iverson has had, he has had to endure tumultuous periods of his life as well. Both have had bouts with injuries, but it's Iverson that gets praised for his toughness. Everyone designates Iverson with the definition of the crossover dribble and Ray with the blueprint of the perimeter stroke. However, Ray was once a do-it-all highflyer; and AI is an underrated shooter (Note: shooting doesn't equal shot selection). Another interesting difference is that each of their best seasons were under coaches naturally opposite of their basketball souls. AI played under Larry "Play The Right Way" Brown, and Ray had George Karl in Milwaukee. They dueled again in the 2001 Eastern Conference Finals, with Iverson's 76ers besting Allen's Bucks in seven games en route to a Finals loss to the Lakers.

Where these two differ most is how they've altered their visions of Basketball as they've gotten older. Ray has chosen to add structure to his naturally rigid game, while Iverson still has remained steadfast in his nonconformity. This is what intrigues me about AI, seeing as though while he isn't quite the same player as he was in Philly, he can still dominate. He can't carry a team on his back anymore, but is still capable of being a number one option. Normally, with age comes an understanding and harnessing of all that youthful exuberance great players showcase in the beginning of their careers. For example, MJ was a gold-chain wearing, dunk contest winning skywalker in gorgeous sneakers. After the first retirement, he came back more neurotic with an impeccable weapon in the mid-range shot. AI hasn't deviated from being free-flowing one bit, even as his importance on a team gradually dwindles. Even though this season's stats aren't what we're used to from him, they're still better than any point guard not named Paul, Williams or Harris.
Ray Allen, coming off an incline in numbers in then-Seattle, still saw the logic behind sacrificing his self for the ultimate team goal, and was rewarded for it. This isn't to say that Ray is more mature than Iverson, but perhaps AI should consider shrinking his demand for the ball at the top of the key and look to get others involved around him—something which is still an underrated ability he possesses (He gave Aaron McKie a career).

Even though Iverson is frowned upon by some basketball purists, he's more of a lock for the Hall of Fame than Ray Allen; and the one with the bigger casual fan base. AI is the transcendant talent, While Ray—due to his structure—is the borderline great player. More people can instantly appreciate an Iverson crossover than Ray coming off a stagger screen for a three; each are beautiful in their own way. Ray does have the ring AI wants, and that is the awkward game-winning jumper in the Big East Tourney that the former Husky has over the former Hoya.

Peace.

Political Inactivism: No More Ali's In Sports...Ever

Muhammad Ali is my favorite person in the history of people. As a young champion, he was brash, arrogant, and eloquent. At the same time, he was passionate about real human rights issues, and not something as lame as not having enough millions to provide for his family. Back on the Lebron yin/yang post, I made a mention that he and Wade aren't exactly outspoken when it comes to today's crises. I believe the main reason is they have a new driving force that they cherish more than what some would view as doing the right thing. More after the random pic...

I'll use Lebron for this example because he is the most visible face of the most globalized sport this side of soccer. He's already stated his goal of being, "a global icon," and in order to achieve that he needs a certain characteristic that even eluded Ali during his prime: crossover appeal. People of all cultures and races love Lebron. Don't think for a second that his "powder" thing he borrowed from KG and Jordan was spontaneous. He recognized that he needed more than just on-the-court ability that will allow him to be exalted in the minds of the fans. It's his MJ tongue-wag. If he ever switches logos on his merchandise, I guarantee that the silhouette will be of him with his arms outstretched.

What also comes with crossover appeal is an exponential increase in financial stability (read: Mo' Money). As His Airness himself once famously (or infamously) said, "Republicans buy shoes, too." This set the precedence for all superstar athletes post-Jordan to not be forced to take sides and stir any extra controversy from any one group—more importantly, any one potential sales demographic. Today's athlete is more concerned with endorsement deals than making a difference outside of mandated community service projects. This isn't to say that there aren't athletes that don't care about situations like Darfur or Katrina, but rather this is to say that you won't dare catch them saying anything that isn't politically correct. Etan Thomas is politically active; but with respect to him, most people wouldn't Etan Thomas if they saw him in NBA gear; and he's 6'9". It even took me a couple seconds when I met him a few years back at The Run 'N' Shoot Capital Sports Complex in the DC Area.

That's why Ali is my favorite person and the Greatest Of All Time. Not only was he the best at his craft, but he still managed to keep his true self without converting through the pressures of celebrity. Now, he's the most celebrated living Black athlete, if not overall athlete, in the world. I'm not bashing the modern pro athlete for it because they are not champions of our struggles. Yes, someone like Lebron or Tiger could use that mass appeal to bring light to those troubles that certain media outlets choose to ignore. And yes, "regular" people have virtually no chance of influencing a newspaper or TV network to give their cares some real air time, regardless of need or sincerity. But in an age where every second of celebrities' and athletes' lives are invaded, we have to respect them if those with a bit of fame don't want to create any added backlash. Ali was a special human being in a different time period. No superstar has to endure any of the harshness that he did during his rise to prominence. And there will never be an athlete with that combination of superstar aura and a desire to be vocal about injustice again.

Peace.

Re:Sending The Memos

Taking a quick break from my yin/yang series, and I need to address a minor grievance with Basketball. Before I do, know of that old adage about someone who doesn't, "get the memo?" Well, I'm going to resend those memos that certain people in Basketball apparently haven't received the first time. For example, Tracy McGrady sent out a message to all his haters out there. I didn't know said haters existed, with him still being among the top all-star vote-getters; but I guess haters exist. Anyway, Tyrus Thomas must be one of them. The memos are after the pic...

To: The Rest of The Association

Cc: Help Defenders

Subj: Rajon Rondo's Ball Fake

Look, Rajon Rondo is as quick as they come, and he uses that deception to continuously get into the lane and get out in transition. However, that fake behind-the-back is not unstoppable. When he first used it, I could see its effectiveness given his offensive limitations; but he's done it so much that NBA players should have caught on by now. The only move I've seen that can't be stopped is the Sam Young pump fake aka, "The Grizzle Fake." Rondo's move shouldn't be bought anymore. NBA, you've been warned...again.

To: Lebron Detractors

Cc: Wizards Fans

Subj: The "Crab Dribble"/Wiz-Cavs "Rivalry"

Fans in the Phone Booth had a good time in seeing some semblance of justice served to The King. And after Lebron's explanation of the move, Wizards supporters were getting more than their seven laughs in over it. Well, while Lebron did blatantly travel, the crab dribble is a defined basketball technique. So yes, Lebron did execute the crab dribble, but he took four steps after it.

This brings me to the so-called rivalry between the Wizards and the Cavaliers. Just because a team gets fake tough for a series, and still gets dumptrucked by one man, doesn't make this a rivalry. How many series have the Wizards won against Cleveland? Right. In fact, in the three series, the total numbers of wins is in Lebron's favor 12 to 4. DeShawn Stevenson seems to be the one headlining the Wizards' smack talk. Lebron is the best player in the world, and Deshawn Stevenson is the worst off-guard in the Association. It's about time they freed Nick Young (end brief rant). Wizards fans, worry about whether or not you get Blake Griffin next year and not Lebron's footwork.

To: Rest of NBA

Cc: Defenders In The Paint

Subj: Fouling Lebron James

Readers may have initially thought that this would be a memo regarding allowing Lebron to draw fouls on minimal contact like Jordan once did. Something to the effect of, "touching him in the air being a foul," as I once heard during a pickup game. But this is quite the contrary. While we're on the subject of Lebron, it's no secret that he's a large human being. Since he is such, he brings a lot of momentum with him when going to the rim. So why is it that defenders continue to attempt to simply make slight contact with him, particularly while he's in the air? Anything that isn't borderline flagrant will not cease Lebron's ascenstion to the basket. This particular memo must get lost in the spam folder, because it still happens six years into Lebron's career. And if you're smaller and haven't blocked a layup since middle school, just get out of the way, or this will happen to you. I'm sure the coach will understand.

To: All Guards In Transition Defense

Cc: Steve Nash

Subj: Taking Charges Under The Basket

I'm not a firm believer in taking charges under the basket during an opponent's fast break. The refs never call it, and it almost always ends up in a basket and the foul. But more importantly, the result is usually something thunderous...and the foul. Duke's Greg Paulus found out the hard way yesterday. If you think it's reserved for players with college experience, then you're wrong. Manu Ginobili once didn't heed the warning. But the main culprit of this basketball unwritten warning is Canada's own Steve Nash. He is The Maestro, and has gotten a bunch of players unwarranted big-time paydays (I'm looking at you, Q); but he is not a stalwart on defense. He keeps getting dunked on trying to set up for the charge. And you would think someone with as high a basketball IQ as Nash's would learn to avoid such situations. But alas, no dice. Nash has harnessed court vision, but he just can't seem to see dunkers preparing to take off over him. Oh well, more entertainment for me.

Hopefully, the recipients of these memorandums will pay attention to them and learn from their previous mistakes. I don't want to have to do this again.

Peace.

In Search of Yang...or Yin: Part 3

In Part Two, I analyzed the beings of Dwyane Wade and Brandon Roy, and discovered the yang to their respective yin in the persons of Gilbert Arenas and Nick Young. Now, I'll make a slight deviation. After the picture, let's see what door the Realm of Basketball wants to be opened next...

Certain yin/yang relationships have worked out so that the two forces are on the same team; allowing for their powers to form a closer bond and help each of them achieve their respective basketball potential. In short, they need each other to be the best. For example, Walt "Clyde" Frazier and Earl "The Pearl" Monroe combined to be the greatest Knicks backcourt. The Pearl played with flash and flare, while Clyde was the coolest man in NBA history (he never got a technical foul). After yet another random picture, I'll examine a few of the present-day Clyde/Pearl relationships...

Yin: Joe Johnson

Yang: Josh Smith

Joe Johnson is one of my favorite players to watch—even more so than one Kobe Bryant. Now, that definitely doesn't mean I think he's better, because he isn't. But the reason why Johnson is so aesthetically pleasing is because he has a flawless offensive game; and that takes residence in the heart of basketball purists such as myself. He scores from the perimeter and the post, and can play the point if needed. Josh Smith, one of the last prep-to-pro players, is pure kinetic energy at the forward position. With youthful exuberance, he wreaks havoc on rims while finishing Hawks' fast breaks and on defense when opposing players attempt to score. As Joe Johnson does everything on offense, Smith is the same on defense. He's the youngest player to reach 500 blocks, and averages close to three a game...at small forward.

Each one of these Hawks helps each other to thrive in their own elements. While Johnson is a solid defender, having Smith takes the pressure off him to be that, letting him to provide more on offense. Smith's offensive abilities are developing, and Johnson allows him to expand his arsenal at a more comfortable rate. Smith occupies the starlight for Johnson, who is a naturally unassuming person. Smith is embraced as a Hometown Kid in Atlanta, and Johnson is able to be that integral part without having to be the "star." They have attained perfect harmony.

Yin: Tracy McGrady

Yang: Ron Artest

Every hoops fan knows the path that Tracy McGrady has taken through the Realm of Basketball. A meteoric rise from Toronto to Orlando has been hindered by constant injury-laden obstacles in Houston. Some have even questioned his passion for the game, citing that he--like cousin Vince Carter--only play because they're naturally gifted at it. I disagree on the McGrady side of that, mainly because I think he's easy-going as opposed to Vince being a little lazy. Casual fans tend to forget that a fully healthy T-Mac is Joe Johnson with a mean streak. There's nothing on the perimeter that is out of his reach, but due to what can only be described as, "freak accidents," he falls into that "What If?" category.

Similar to McGrady, everyone knows of Artest's past transgressions throughout his career. Volatile and unstable, Artest was brought to Houston to instill some fire into tranquil personalities like Yao and McGrady as the baking soda to their vinegar. Like McGrady, Artest has had his own falls during his stay in the Association, with most of them being creations by his own ignorance. But when he's focused, Ron-Ron is the best defender on the planet, and an underrated scorer at the three.

The reason they are yin/yang is because of their inner spirits. McGrady is too calm to maintain consistent passion for the game, and Artest is too combustible to maintain consistent focus. Hopefully, they rub off on each other so that we may see the culmination of their complimentary talents.

Yin: Rashard Lewis

Yang: Hedo Turkoglu

I'll start with Hedo. He, like Joe Johnson, is the do-everything player for Orlando at the swingman position. He plays with a little bit of flare; something that's rarely seen from European players. Most are just standstill shooters, but Hedo is an outstanding playmaker. He doesn't have that typical "Euro" game, and has a flair for the dramatic.

Rashard Lewis does. He shoots threes, plays the perimeter power forward, and has a bit of a mid-post game. It's as if he and Turkoglu are living each other's lives, or were misplaced at birth.

There may be other pairings among today's Association, but these three are the most compatible. With them being on the same team, they can use their forces for the betterment of their teams, and not just for individual juxtaposition

Peace.