After watching these playoffs helped me realize a sport fan PURIST is cut from a different cloth
Dirk has been through so much in his career. Battle after battle, highs and lows, harsh criticism of his character as a player, off the court issues, team trades....... many of them major, infighting with his owner, a few coaches come and go, devastating losses, 8 on 5 Finals...... on and on and on
And through it all he's competed at the highest level, remained loyal, and stayed hungry to win a Chip, leaving everything he has on the court.
No collusions, no making toasts at weddings during or after a season, no manipulation through his agent putting either his team hostage or trying to create some camp of power separate of his organization, no trade demands of himself or a teammate(at least not publicly), he's even supported troublesome teammates, no free agency hoopla/charade, no derailing of a team's season, no mailing in games, no playing for self, no selling out coaches...... Just a throwback competitor and a player who has earned my respect tremendously. One Team Only... A Man
The Grizzlies basically built their team from within. Zach is primarily the only player brought in as an outsider to become part of their core(via trade) but their core team was constructed via draft(Conley/Gasol/Gay/Mayo/Arthur/Young/Vasquez)-------->Henry to come along eventually. I'll add Allen as another outsider his was a Free Agency pickup. They essentially have their own kids and have raised/groomed them to fight to win on both sides of the ball.
Both stories have been a beautiful thing to watch and reminds me once again what's truly special about the game.
Good take. Add the Thunder to the list and maybe if you can get thru it Denver who will remain competitive at some level going forward.
Kirk survived his buddy Nash leaving and becoming MVP, and the big let down a few years ago. Im surprised like everyone they are kicking the lakers ass and im happy for Cuban. I don't like most things "Texs" but do admire Cuban for being self made and a good owner.
Nalod wrote:Good take. Add the Thunder to the list and maybe if you can get thru it Denver who will remain competitive at some level going forward.Kirk survived his buddy Nash leaving and becoming MVP, and the big let down a few years ago. Im surprised like everyone they are kicking the lakers ass and im happy for Cuban. I don't like most things "Texs" but do admire Cuban for being self made and a good owner.
Yeah forgot to add becoming league MVP rebounding from failure to maintain MVP status yrs later....he's like the last of the Superstar Dinosaurs. Not to mention he's played in a Conference that has probably been the best the past decade while getting his team consecutive 50win seasons for the duration.
He's a very special player and we'll probably never see anyone like him again
good take, I have really come to respect dirk. everything you said about him is so true. I think this is the mavs year, and I see them beating miami in the finals. Actually for guys like dirk, Terry, kidd and marion, a ring would be well deserved for all of those guys and the years of good competitive service they put in this league..
Bill Simmons had an interesting take on Dirk.: Would you rather have 8 years of Larry Legend's prime or 13 years of Dirk Nowitzki's? Bird played with superior talent, so it is an interesting question. And one that came from a Cs fan
tkf wrote:good take, I have really come to respect dirk. everything you said about him is so true. I think this is the mavs year, and I see them beating miami in the finals. Actually for guys like dirk, Terry, kidd and marion, a ring would be well deserved for all of those guys and the years of good competitive service they put in this league..
I could care less about Marion as he became very salty in Phx. The other guys you mentioned, throw in Chandler too, yep...well deserved as you said if they get the LO/Russell Trophy
SupremeCommander wrote:Bill Simmons had an interesting take on Dirk.: Would you rather have 8 years of Larry Legend's prime or 13 years of Dirk Nowitzki's? Bird played with superior talent, so it is an interesting question. And one that came from a Cs fan
Well Back willing I'd still take Bird because he could literally beat you in any way in particular during the clutch, but I tell you what Dirk is right there with the All-Time greats. His step backs off 1ft and sometimes turnarounds/fadeaways are absolutely Ridirkulous
So true about Dirk! I've never been big on him but he stuck it through old skool. I'm sure behind the scenes he's told/asked Cuban who (not) to bring, but still I respect him for the points you listed.
I remember reading about Dirk's first few years in the league, how he would practice taking off balance shots from difficult angles
with a trainer, going that extra mile to get an edge. The kind of things I hope Fields is doing in the off-season.
