The San Antonio Spurs VS ESPN, the NBA, and Spoiled Brats all over the League
by Sabrewulf on Feb 10, 2009 10:34 AM CST
43 comments
There's a reason that ESPN panned a San Antonio victory in the Boston to promote Lakers-Versus Cavaliers.
There's a reason that Spurs players with "bad reputations" are closely watched by league officials, while NBA Stars who throw punches, bark at the opposing team and curse fans, admit illegal drug use and disrespect their coaches are slapped on the wrist or ignored.
Ever since Gregg Popovich became successful in Alamo city, former Spurs Players and Front Office Members have won Coaching Spots and GM Spots across the League. Some do poorly. Others win Championships. All experience conflict with their star players and in some cases with their management, and there's a reason for that too.
It's the same reason that Avery Johnson didn't get along with Mark Cuban OR Josh Howard. It's the same reason that the Mavericks couldn't beat Miami in the Finals, and it's also the reason that Josh Howard and Company GAVE UP days before the NOOCH eliminated them from contention in the following year. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/050108dnspomavslede.b5a5f0b9.html
This is the same reason Danny Ferry and Mike Brown are terrified of a King James departure, a possibility which has nothing to do with Lebron's desire to win games. According to this article, being the first billionaire athlete is more important. http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-lebronjayz022508&prov=yhoo&type=lgns
It's also the reason for the long and terrible saga of the Phoenix Suns, who may very well let Steve Kerr go before he can truly transform their franchise. Amare Stoudamire could be an incredible player, but he and the Suns are also likely to part ways. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/121796-steve-kerr-must-trade-amare-stoudemire-to-complete-his-transition
This is the same reason that, even after leading Kevin Garnett to a championship, Doc Rivers can barely keep his star player under control. That's right: Doc Rivers stays up nights, wondering what to do the next time Kevin Garnett runs from the baseline to the bottom of the key on all fours. Win or lose, Garnett's lack of composure is a dangerous distraction that could prevent the Celts from repeating this year. So says Chris Broussard article on ESPN Insider (which is not worth the money that it would cost you to read).
You think this stuff can't cost a team the title? See the Kobe-versus-Shaq feud for a perfect example.
The National Basketball Association made a concious decision to glorify "individual achievement," "attitude," and "showmanship" (read: selfishness, petulance, and braggery) over performance. This is why Spurs Execs meet such determined resistance when they try to rehabilitate a team or educate a good player who could someday be great. This is why players rebel against good coaching and why owners often side with players over execs and coaches.
If the NBA isn't careful, it will end up like the hip-hop industry, with hundreds of self-absorbed entertainers who talk a good game, and thirty teams that SUCK.
Sabre
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I agree with you, but I’m not sure I care. As long as my team, Los Spurs, are winning and playing well while having character guys, I’m happy.
One man's toxic sludge is another man's popuri
by Big50 on Feb 10, 2009 11:58 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
This is the one thing I am afraid of. What happens when Pop and Tim are gone? If we end up with a team of guys like the Hornets or Suns or Nets or Sixers (not to mention the Warriors, Pacers, Celtics, Knicks, Kings, Clippers, Nuggets), I don’t think I’ll be a fan any more.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Feb 10, 2009 12:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Okay, first off…. that’s blasphemy. You’ll always be a SPURS fan and you know it. Second, we thought the same thing when DRob was lighting up the league in the mid-90s. Point being, howbeit eventually, there will always be someone to take up the character-mantle of Duncan and DRob. Third, the brain trust extends far beyond several individuals and more into the culture within the organization and the city; thuggery will never be tolerated.
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stephen Jackson, Rod Strickland, Alfredrick Hughes, Cadillac Anderson and Dennis Rodman.
It may be blasphemous, but I would do it in a heartbeat.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Feb 10, 2009 1:34 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I would pay to see that team play, I admit.
by Sabrewulf on Feb 10, 2009 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You’re inadvertently proving my point- how long did each of those guys stay around once it was clear that they were cancers? None of those, with the exception of Rod who only had a 3 yr stint, were kept long because of the commitment to character. Alf doesn’t even fall into the era of character, and Cadillac wasn’t truly that bad anyway.
I pegged you as more loyal. Don’t get me wrong, seeing a Latrell or KMart in a SPURS jersey would push me away somewhat, but I’d never abandon them. And I’m confident that the BT wouldn’t in the near future sacrifice the culture we’ve built now.
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 1:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I pegged you as more loyal. What?
I didn’t say “Let’s replace our current players with those guys.” Nor would I ever QUIT rooting for the spurs. I just think it’s interesting to watch our brand of competition compete with the NBA’s “Corporate-Approved” brand of play … especially when the corporate version has worked so badly for:
The Mavs
The Suns
The Knicks
The Nuggets
And many other teams that once considered themselves our rivals.
Sabre
by Sabrewulf on Feb 10, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s talking to me.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Feb 10, 2009 1:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Completely agree.
Unfortunately, so long as the Cavs, Celts and Lakers continue to be in the top 5 teams, the league gains credibility for this “Corporate-Approved” style of play regardless of the many failures. Only a SPURS trophy will save us now.
SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 1:56 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Only a SPURS trophy will save us now.
Recced.
THAT was exactly the point I wanted to get across with my post.
I didn’t want to express the thought myself tho. I wanted to see if anyone would put the comment out there.
Spurs Championship = A victory over the forces of evil
Sabre
by Sabrewulf on Feb 10, 2009 2:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I’d quite writing and watching as consistently and I’d be bummed that it had come to that place, but I would find other things to do with my life. I don’t have “The Spurs no matter what” attitude. I like them because I am from SA AND because they have class.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Feb 10, 2009 1:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Every time you spout such logic it only serves to confirm my insanity. Shame on you.
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 2:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m with you, SiMA.
Fandom is for life in Argentina. You pick a team and stick with it through everything. If you have to wait a decade for another good team to show up, so be it. The rings will be that much sweeter when they come.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
by LatinD on Feb 10, 2009 5:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, unfortunately it seldom seems ‘for life’ in the US, regardless of sport. It made our dynasty so rewarding for me to witness having spent so long in the trenches, and that’s my attitude about the future as well. The dry spells only enhance the eventual glory.
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 10:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
very good points sabre. i really want to see this clip of Garnett running around in a game on all fours. what a freak
What the Bowen giveth Horry taketh away. --LatinD (2008 Playoffs Round 2, Game 1)
the Spurs do not defeat you so much as they grind you into tiny shards of psychological wreckage.
-the Denver Post
by Hamer_SpursFan on Feb 10, 2009 12:46 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nice post. As usual flash over substance wins yet again.
It’s a commentary on our society as a whole and that is the bigger crime.
I am happy. I am proud. - Manu Ginobili
by bellasa on Feb 10, 2009 12:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Good post and good commentary.
SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 1:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
You crack me up, freak.
Latin
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
by LatinD on Feb 10, 2009 1:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Calm down, you two, or I’ll rec both of you!
I MEAN IT!
Don’t MAKE me come back there.
TITLEBOT 21 READY TO PERFORM MISSION. BANK SHOT CALCULATING.
- Goathair at theblowtorch.blogspot.com
by jollyrogerwilco on Feb 10, 2009 1:32 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Aren’t the Celtics the defending champs and on pace to win like 65 games this year? Isn’t that the epitome of performance?
by sungo on Feb 10, 2009 1:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
you’d never know it from reading the aftermath of Sunday’s game on the Celtics blog
a lot of those guys are reacting like they’re doomed after their last two losses
TITLEBOT 21 READY TO PERFORM MISSION. BANK SHOT CALCULATING.
- Goathair at theblowtorch.blogspot.com
by jollyrogerwilco on Feb 10, 2009 1:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Matthew's Absolutely Right
Yes, Matthew, they are. They SHOULD win.
If they lose, it’ll be because the thuggery and the whining eclipses the effort and the team play.
The Lakers will again be without Bynum. King James, though awesome, still often prefers to air-ball the occasional three than take it in and kick it out to a teammate.
The Spurs, though I love them, could be so much stronger. We’re still coming back from injuries … Tony plays great one night and then 7 points 7 assists versus the Celtics. Roger Mason is lucky, not consistent.
This championship is up for grabs BECAUSE the Celtics lack composure, not because the other top teams are just so awesome.
Think how untouchable the Celts would be with Duncan, instead of Garnett.
Sabre
by Sabrewulf on Feb 10, 2009 1:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Whoa….. you had me then lost me at the “Mason is lucky” comment. Although it IS a game of inches, players like Rog always seem to find and get those inches. One or two game winners/prayers is “lucky;” nearly half a dozen speaks a little more. Now, if you’d called him “mojorific,” I could buy into that.
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 1:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey, it’s better to be lucky than good. I love that Pop picked him, and I am sure Mason will become more consistent but …
Read Stampler’s game summary … dude misses all sorts of shots during the game, then nails the one that matters. Shots that would make Stephen Jackson cringe, if I remember correctly.
Like Stampler said, would you want him to take that shot in a Game 7?
Sabre
by Sabrewulf on Feb 10, 2009 1:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, I would want him to take that shot. The same way I would want Manu to take the 3 that he took in the game 7 against the Mavs. Ballsy and fearless.
We specialize in misinformation around here. Facts and stats just get in the way.
by Wayne Vore (ATS) on Feb 10, 2009 1:36 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
YES
Ballsy and fearless — I may use that as my new signature!
TITLEBOT 21 READY TO PERFORM MISSION. BANK SHOT CALCULATING.
- Goathair at theblowtorch.blogspot.com
by jollyrogerwilco on Feb 10, 2009 1:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No more or less than Robert Horry I suppose. But on this team now, I put him solidly in the pole position for taking game winners or clutch shots, no doubt. And it’s because he’s proven to handle them…… not that he’s luckily stumbled into several. He does have inconsistent games. And I didn’t take from Stampler’s summary that Dagger is lucky….. just that he’s going through a tough stretch.
SiMA
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 1:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
What I disagreed with in your above post was the word “lucky.”
Roger Mason is lucky, not consistent.
As SiMA said, this is no different than pre-2007-08 Horry, when he could have horrible games, and then, when the pressure was on, he’d drop in the game winner, or go on a tear like he did at the end of G5 in the ’05 finals.
But just b/c he’s had a bad stretch or a bad game doesn’t mean that when he makes a game winner or a huge bucket, that he’s lucky. It just means that he’s one of those guys who are able to come through in the clutch, even if they’re not playing particularly well.
That’s one of the things I loved about Horry, and one of the things that’s causing me to get seriously geeked about the rest of Mace Windu’s career as a Spur.
TITLEBOT 21 READY TO PERFORM MISSION. BANK SHOT CALCULATING.
- Goathair at theblowtorch.blogspot.com
by jollyrogerwilco on Feb 10, 2009 3:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Stampler's Words, Not Mine
“True to his surname, Roger has been casting bricks in all manner of ghastly ways, launching early in the shot clock, chucking from several feet behind the three point line, or taking hideous turn around fades thinking he’s Kobe. We’re talking about the kind shots that would make Stephen Jackson blush.”
Wanted to get this in correctly.
Sabre
by Sabrewulf on Feb 10, 2009 1:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
As much as I agree with and love Stampler’s writing, I don’t typically immediately tag his words as gospel. He never said or inferred that Rog is lucky, just that he’s playing poorly as of late. I’d still give him the game winner or the clutch shot 6 days a week and twice on Sundays.
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 1:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great Post.....
The Spurs have THE three things it takes to win it all consistently barring injury or freak game deciding plays. They are as follows:
1.) A superstar or stars that are willing to defer to the head coach and or system.
2.)A head coach who is unafraid to treat everyone on the team as equals and set them straight when they go off course.
3.) A front office with unwavering support for said coach.
I’m not overly concerned about the future of the NBA in is regard. With the infusion of international talent and they’re team first attitudes there will be others pick up the mantle. Hopefully young Americans will learn from and try to emulate them. I’ll be concerned when and if we ever start to see star caliber international players with that me first, highlight reel attitude. Placing more importance on their induvidual performance thatn that of the teams……THAT will be a sad day
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius
by raynorschiene on Feb 10, 2009 1:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I agree with you to the extent that part of the reason I love the Spurs is for the team’s overall chemistry, demeanor, and style of play. I’m glad to be part of a group of fans who value those qualities, too.
But I think there can be such a thing as being a showman or having an attitude while being a good teammate. It’s rare, but it can happen. And why use hip-hop as your example of bad character? Why not pop stars in general, or actors, or, to stray from the realm of entertainment, execs who doled out huge bonuses to themselves while their companies disappeared in the mushroom cloud of financial collapse? It makes me uncomfortable when people resort to the easy, overused (and in my opinion, unfair) equation of hip-hop = thug. And just now I see a new comment that the infusion of “international” talent will save the NBA from . . . young arrogant U.S. players? Who act like selfish hip-hop thugs? Let’s just say I don’t like the undertones I’m hearing, even if they are unintentional.
Another reason I like the Spurs, and Pop in particular, is that they have subtlety. They don’t think in absolutes. Them’s just my thoughts.
by Lauri on Feb 10, 2009 1:58 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
“Why use hip-hop as your example of bad character? Why not pop stars in general, or actors, or, to stray from the realm of entertainment, execs who doled out huge bonuses to themselves while their companies disappeared?” ~ Lauri
Lauri, I don’t see Hip-Hop = Thug. A lot of Hip-Hop stars reinforce that image tho, and several of the players that pretend to be hip-hop stars (See: Ron Artest).
I do see Hip-Hop = Braggarts. I would like to listen to a song that wasn’t literally about the singer, and I like to watch basketball games that aren’t about individual players.
"Only a SPURS trophy will save us now." ~ SiMA
by Sabrewulf on Feb 10, 2009 2:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Fair enough, and I understand your point. Maybe I’m thinking back too far . . . to A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, et al.
by Lauri on Feb 10, 2009 2:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
sigh Classic artists.
"When you fail to plan, you plan to fail." -Henry Ford
"It's not how you enter your sport, it's how you exit." - Dr. J
http://myspace.com/eme0916
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by dfjmed on Feb 10, 2009 2:44 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You can use the quotation mark icon to quote someone, Sabre. Will be easier.
Straight from the No-Stat Zone to your computer!
by LatinD on Feb 10, 2009 5:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Good to know.
Seriously, I don’t post on here a lot. Next time.
"Only a SPURS trophy will save us now." ~ SiMA
by Sabrewulf on Feb 11, 2009 9:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No Offense Meant
And I’m American….. when I stated “With the infusion of international talent and they’re team first attitudes there will be others pick up the mantle. Hopefully young Americans will learn from and try to emulate them.” I only meant that from day one, the media and NBA bombard our kids with flashy imagery of dunks and one on one ball. From the Slam Dunk Contest to And 1 competions to past Dream Team wannabe’s (prior to this years Olympic Gold Medal Team of course). The flash over substance mantra is hammered into their minds and that I would guess is not so much the case in foreign countries. Either way the most current version of Team USA shows that maybe/hopefully we as a people are starting to figure it out. We just need to keep that ball rolling.
Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Confucius
by raynorschiene on Feb 10, 2009 2:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
No offense taken. And it reminds me of when baseball started glorifying the home run . . . “chicks dig the long ball” . . . power was all that mattered, and everything else took a back seat. Pretty much ruined baseball for me at the time. What a shock to find that all those shattered records weren’t the result of talent and sound baseball skills after all, but made possible by the miracle of steroids.
Give me a team that knows how to get the lead-off man on base and advance him with stealing, sac flies, and bunts anytime.
And definitely give me the Spurs.
by Lauri on Feb 10, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
“And definitely give me the Spurs.”
THATS a great signature line right there.
by SgtinManusArmy on Feb 10, 2009 2:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
yup
and give them to me six times a week and twice on Sundays.
Wow, that’d be so much worse than any FOGAFINI — there’s no way that they could play that often. I guess that’s why sports blogs exist.
TITLEBOT 21 READY TO PERFORM MISSION. BANK SHOT CALCULATING.
- Goathair at theblowtorch.blogspot.com
by jollyrogerwilco on Feb 10, 2009 3:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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