Clean wrote:by the way Brunson was talking about the cap penalties on the free agency podcast. Most players don't care about that stuff nd just want the max they can get. The fact that was on his mind also is a very small sign he might take the extention early.
Brunson is different. He grew up in and around the NBA and grew up not financially needy.
He also might understand "the benchmark of success is accomplishing ones goals". Max money is not a goal. Its not a destination, its an event. He sees that DDV took long term security and the security of a long term contract allows for injuries to heal and allow a player to get his shit together if something goes wrong. DDV outplayed his contract in part because he was free from worrying about playing time, injury, and relocations.
Some of those performances on the court with 19k fans cheering you had to be a priceless moment that transcends money and ego! No money can replace that. What a joy it was to see that occur as a fan!!
Paul George plays for money, respect, and I assume wants to win. His career has been marked by his desires and not always the simpatico/Karma that is being part of a successful organization. He and Kawahi had a desire to play in LA. They achieved that, but they did not see how it all can come together if financial restrictions. Melo did not either when he came to NY. He got what he wanted but team was not able to execute a longer talent acquisition phase. PG13 is a very successful person, just not sure he has found a level of being content career wise. Philly gave him the money and chance to play with talent. If it works out I hope he finds it. If injury riddled and they don't succeed its gonna be miserable.
I was taken back a bit on Klay's decline and how he did not extend last year. It fucked him up further on the court. his last game for GSW he went 0-10. Was it just the money? No, it was his decline and he openly discussed it. Good for him. Bad for him that getting money and love from another team seemed to fuel his anger attitude about Warriors. That they gave Dramond an extension before him? Etc. Seemed like the ego got in the way a bit?
Kobe? He signed a big contract which hamstrung Lakers in time. His ego needed it. He earned it and I don't blame him. He wanted to be the man. That was the issue. He was, then tore his achilles. Sat out along time, then did one more season on that contract and it was all about him. Was that fun for him? Maybe in very end it was, but his teams declined and his contract was an issue. All the while his marriage, family life was a mess. Kudo's to the way he pulled it all together in the end and he really grew as a man over time. He had to learn along the way.
Brunson might have grown up with seeing all this and a hell of a lot more and maybe does deal that makes sense FOR HIM, not just his ego. His path was he had to scratch and claw his way to reach the top. At some point can one have both the money and sustained team success? If the individual success drops off the scrutiny and karma is awful when it goes wrong.
Jalen seems to be finding balance in many ways. I think we like him a lot for this.
The flip side to all this is the petulant entitlement that surrounds Ben Simmons career. The money, the bad karma and manifestation of that into a chronic real bad back. I almost feel sorry for the kid. I root not for his play to improve, but that he is able to rise above that very bad place he seems to be in.
The worst NBA misery's? Look at Kris Humphries, Lamar Odom and Tristin Thompson and the succubus effect the Kardasians have had on them! Bad pussy can kill a man!!!! Devon Booker seems to have escaped the curse but that might be more about Kendall than the other fat lipped/big ass sisters.
Kim? not that Kanye was playing with full deck but look at what that marriage did to melt the remains of his mind.
His dealings with Adidas need to be made into movie. Only Tracy Morgan is fit to play the role of Kanye.
