Forget football. The game to which I devoted so much time, energy, and money for pitchers has broken my heart and left me for dead. As if it wasn’t bad enough that I went to the final game at the Vet expecting to tear up the seats as the final whistle blew, I had to then sit through a boring three-hour craptacle some people call the Super Bowl. So, I’ve got sour grapes and the only cure is a fresh new Bowl season next September. Until then, I’m on the NBA bandwagon, baby: This game is faaaaaan-tastic.
If you haven’t been paying attention to the NBA season thus far, you have no excuses now. Watch closely and you’ll see that you’re watching the future of the NBA. Forget MJ and the glory years of the 80’s and 90’s. It’s time for the Ming Dynasty and the reign of King James.
In the past two years, the guard has changed in the NBA. The draft classes of ‘96, ‘97 and ‘98 are finally paying dividends with the emergence of some lesser-known players. I’m thinking of Al Harrington, Bonzi Wells and Bobby Jackson. Rarely do these guys get ink, but while the superstars put people in the seats, these guys keep them there.
The aforementioned scrubs are essential to the two-and-a-half player theory, or what I like to call the championship recipe. To win a championship, a team needs two great players. What they also need is that half a guy who does something no one else on the floor does.
Want examples? We can start with the great Lakers and Celtics teams of the 80’s. With “Showtime” it was clearly Magic and Kareem, but James Worthy always did the things to make his team win. Ditto Robert Parish for Bird and McHale. Moving right along we get to the Pistons, armed with Isaiah Thomas, Joe Dumars/Vinny Johnson and Dennis Rodman/Bill Laimbeer. The Bulls had Jordan, Pippen, and a different decently-shooting white guy for a few years, until they replaced with him Rodman for three more rings. The Rockets had Hakeem, Cassell (ugh!), and Robert Horry. The Lakers have Kobe, Shaq, and Horry.
The two-and-a-half player theory combines with the Ewing theory to ensure that Patrick Ewing never wins a championship and the world stays a safe place.
What’s the point of this drivel about young players, championship theories, and ragging on Ewing? I’ll tell you the point: In a few years these guys will own the league and you’ll be thanking me the heads-up. So here it is, a list of five young, up-and coming NBA players who will win championships. You’ll notice a few big names omitted (cough, Vince, cough), but that’s because they’re whiny punk bitches.
Jermaine O’Neal, PF, Indiana Pacers—I can’t say enough about this guy because he’s so damn good. The dude averaged five blocks a game last week including 10 against the Raptors and 8 against the Clippers. He’ll win rings because he’s in a unique position to control the game from inside the key on the defensive end. O’Neal could be a defensive force like Mutombo, but with some serious offensive skills.
Paul Pierce, SF, Boston Celtics—I love a guy who can drop 50 at will in Live 2003, but Pierce makes the list because soon he’ll get rid of ‘Toine. When that happens, Pierce is going to blow up big time and bring some respect back to Beantown.
Baron Davis, PG, New Orleans Hornets—He’s hurt now, but this guy does it all. He simply makes any team he plays for that much better. He’s young, too, so as long as management takes care of him it’ll be high times in N’awlins.
Andre Miller, PG, Los Angeles Clippers (not for long)—Miller runs a team as good as any point in the league. When he signs with a good team, they’ll surround him with playmakers and he’ll average something like 20 assists a game on his way to a ring.
LeBron James, PG, Akron St.Vincent-St.Mary’s High School—Is he really as good as the hype? I think so. What sets King James apart is his ability to play within the team game and make everyone else better. His passing ability is on par with Magic and at 6-7 he towers above any point guard in the L. Plus, the kid’s got his head on straight, at least for a 17-year old who gets into an accident two weeks after getting his car.
With half the season left, it’s time to tune into the NBA. The Hoyas don’t get on TV much, and after that it’s hockey, so lace up your Chuck Taylors or pump up your Reeboks. The NBA is back.
