What NBA Player do you admire?

[bestplaya]

dwyane wade the unselfishness he has and still hes a great scorer

[Tyler]

Steve Nash = Captain Canada

[el badman]

I forgot to mention Clyde Drexler, one of the classiest players ever I think.
I'd also add Ray Allen to the list for the same reason.

[Vintage]

Clyde was truly admirable.

If I had to choose a player I admire from the recent past, then I would have to go with John Stockton.

I always wondered how such a midget of a man could have such a quiet impact in a game populated by athletic freaks ... To say nothing about his steadiness and durability. You never really had news of him outside the court, a rare thing these days.

Also admirable, IMO, were his tough, nasty ways that would go unnoticed for everybody else, but not his oponents who knew enough of him not to fall for his choir boy look that fooled everybody else. He was another shark in the pond, allright!

If I had to pick one of the current players, then I would have to go with Steve Nash, and his never say die mindset. He's quiet on the court letting his game do the talking.

[Matthew]

I most admire players who are professional, hard-working, humble, and not in it just for the money. This doesn't include constant whiners, cocky assholes, and quitters.

And you can tell this how?

[NovU]

for me it'd be tim duncan atm
he's been the best and most consistent player for awhile yet he remains to be humble and always willing to share credits
gets into no trouble both on and off court and maintains great relationship all the time with players and owners
yet he's proven he's the most dominant pf in the history of nba
for most of his career, he led the spurs as championship favorite

[shadowgrin]

Michael Jordan: 6 rings, member of the 72-10 championship Bulls, which was, arguably, the best NBA team ever. To quote Larry Bird: "He's God disguised as Michael Jordan."
Great player offensively and very underrated defensively

If you consider MJ's defense as underrated, I wonder what you think about Duncan.

[rdelizo35]

Shadowgrin,

Not to say that MJ was a terrible defender, because he actually was a good one. His defense was always overlooked, especially early in his career, since MJ was so prolific offensively. Put it this way, MJ gave the time whatever it needed: leadership, scoring, rebounding, and even lockdown D when called upon.

Now take, for example, Kobe. His defense has always been suspect and yet he manages the All-Defensive team. I mean, he's not even the best defender on his team, but granted, that's not always his primary role. Guys like D-Fish and even Ariza are considered better at defense than Kobe. Kobe just takes too many chances on defense, opting to go for way too many suicide steals, which leaves his team vulnerable at the defense end.

In terms of Duncan, he's a totally different case. He is usually the Spurs' last line of defense usually called on to guard players like Shaq, Garnett, etc. In terms of his defense, I would consider him a good defender, especially in team defense. As a one-on-one defender, though Duncan is not as acclaimed for his defense prowess, as say, Ben Wallace.

[cyanide]

I most admire players who are professional, hard-working, humble, and not in it just for the money. This doesn't include constant whiners, cocky assholes, and quitters.

And you can tell this how?

A lot of ways.

Players who aren't constantly in trouble in the news, who work their asses off on both ends of the court, and who doesn't keep bitching at the referees. Players who are underpaid than than be considered overpaid, or demand more money, or quit playing because of money. Players who don't refer themselves in third person, or think they're the greatest player who ever stepped on the court, or who can't take criticism. Players who are respectful to other players, management, and fans, who do charity work, and act like a true professional.

I don't even have to know these players to get information about them.

Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

[shadowgrin]

Shadowgrin,

Not to say that MJ was a terrible defender, because he actually was a good one. His defense was always overlooked, especially early in his career, since MJ was so prolific offensively. Put it this way, MJ gave the time whatever it needed: leadership, scoring, rebounding, and even lockdown D when called upon.

Now take, for example, Kobe. His defense has always been suspect and yet he manages the All-Defensive team. I mean, he's not even the best defender on his team, but granted, that's not always his primary role. Guys like D-Fish and even Ariza are considered better at defense than Kobe. Kobe just takes too many chances on defense, opting to go for way too many suicide steals, which leaves his team vulnerable at the defense end.

In terms of Duncan, he's a totally different case. He is usually the Spurs' last line of defense usually called on to guard players like Shaq, Garnett, etc. In terms of his defense, I would consider him a good defender, especially in team defense. As a one-on-one defender, though Duncan is not as acclaimed for his defense prowess, as say, Ben Wallace.

I wasn't questioning Jordan's defense, I was questioning where did you get such an idea that Jordan is underrated defensively. If Jordan is underrated defensively, then Tim Duncan is a bum. Tim Duncan is more underrated than Jordan was, even though I don't think MJ was ever underrated defensively.

[rdelizo35]

Shadowgrin,

Good point about MJ and Duncan. I think maybe I was trying to convey that, as a player, MJ's exploits on the offensive end got more attention than his defensive skills did.

[The X]

Cy, I personally try to exclude money from the equation....the way I look at it is when a player gets to the pros, he is getting paid to do a job....in the end, a worker just wants their fair market value (obviously some over-value themselves, but that's where the open market dictates it)....as a worker, if you see other workers, with less skill & experience (but maybe more "potential") getting more money than you, I know as a worker, I'd be a bit disgruntled....

When I look at players to admire, I'd look out how they conduct themselves when negotiating contracts, dealing with bad situations....I look at Kevin Garnett as an example....he was overpaid yes, but the team was willing to pay it, so I'm not concerned....when team was mediocre, he wasn't out demanding trades, holding them to ransom, he kept bringing it night in & night out....so for me, regardless of money, that's admirable....

I do believe the vast majority of NBA players are in it for the love of the game, but they just want what they believe is their fair due....

I too like the professional, hard-working & humble players, hence why I like players like Brandon Roy & David Lee....then again, it's hard not to like them....

As for the three areas you don't like, I wholeheartedly agree on you dislike of whiners/whingers (I do IRL team as well, I hate players just complaining to refs constantly, whether it's bball, soccer or any other sport, just play the game. Plus I do hate quitters in any sport too, although whilst I can see it in some teammates when playing, it seems a little tough for me to judge them in the NBA.

[cyanide]

The X: I completely agree with you in commanding fair market value. The point I was making though, and I emphasize what I said, players who are in it just for the money and players who want to be paid higher than their fair market value. Granted, we can't always blame players who are overpaid if the organization is willing to overpay them, but something like what Gilbert Arenas did is certainly admirable. I agree with fair market value, but I don't agree with players thinking they're worth more than what they deserve, or unwilling to play because they want to be paid more than they deserve.

[Matthew]

I most admire players who are professional, hard-working, humble, and not in it just for the money. This doesn't include constant whiners, cocky assholes, and quitters.

And you can tell this how?

A lot of ways.

Players who aren't constantly in trouble in the news, who work their asses off on both ends of the court, and who doesn't keep bitching at the referees. Players who are underpaid than than be considered overpaid, or demand more money, or quit playing because of money. Players who don't refer themselves in third person, or think they're the greatest player who ever stepped on the court, or who can't take criticism. Players who are respectful to other players, management, and fans, who do charity work, and act like a true professional.

I don't even have to know these players to get information about them.

Durrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

But you're not around the players 24/7. You don't know if they're playing hard. You don't understand what goes through their minds when they complain to officials or about money, or think they are the greatest players ever. You're just judging based off a very limited sample of information yet you're so quick to call certain players arrogant, but whatever. Keep doing it if it makes you feel better about yourself (L)

[cyanide]

But you're not around the players 24/7.

So?

You don't know if they're playing hard.

Coaches know. And coaches are vocal.

You don't understand what goes through their minds when they complain to officials

Does it matter what goes inside their head? If they bitch about every single foul call, then they're not willing to take accountability for committing those fouls.

or about money, or think they are the greatest players ever.

So if Mike James thinks he's the greatest player ever, what does that say about Mike James? He's a humble guy? A tad bit overconfident maybe? What goes on in his head is subjective, but let's take a look at it objectively.

You're just judging based off a very limited sample of information yet you're so quick to call certain players arrogant, but whatever.

Yeah, so when Latrell Sprewell says he needs $15 million to feed his kids, then that says absolutely nothing.

[NovU]

well...
u can sorta tell players' chracteristics thru medias and such
so i get what cyanide is saying
sometimes it may not be 100% accurate but media gives us just enuf to know what kind person a player is. after all they're public figures and can't hide every privacy to themselves.

[Cool2Fool]

Brandoy Roy- Humble like meeeee
LeBron James- He's the King so that makes Kobe God?!?

[Matthew]

Seeing you want to turn this into a quote fest

So?

You're judging players based off a very limited sample into their personality and you don't think that's a flawed way of judging someone?

I hate to break it to you, but perception is not reality.

Coaches know. And coaches are vocal.

How do you know coaches know? Do coaches have a direct connection to a players brain and body and know if those players are half arsing it?

Does it matter what goes inside their head? If they bitch about every single foul call, then they're not willing to take accountability for committing those fouls.

Show me one player who bitched or bitches about every single foul call? And how do you know its them not taking accountability? Players can try to work officials by complaining.

So if Mike James thinks he's the greatest player ever, what does that say about Mike James? He's a humble guy? A tad bit overconfident maybe? What goes on in his head is subjective, but let's take a look at it objectively.

It doesn't say anything about him. You judging players personalities without knowing them is much more arrogant then a professional believing he is the best at his profession.

Yeah, so when Latrell Sprewell says he needs $15 million to feed his kids, then that says absolutely nothing.

This is my point altogether: You can take one quote and twist it out of context all you like, but the fact remains you're judging someone off one quote. You probably have a really high opinion of yourself considering how you judge those players, have you ever said something that could be taken out of context and not be a true representation of who (you believe) you are? Of course. So why is it different for these players?

It's not.

[CMJ3]

I admire Kevin Garnett the most. To stay with the T-Wolves for how long he did no matter how shitty they were is something special he never complained night in and night out he played with the same heart and passion everytime no matter the circumstances. I was so glad to see him get a ring he is one of the most deserving players to receive one in my book. He truly earned that ring.

[shadowgrin]

Shadowgrin,

Good point about MJ and Duncan. I think maybe I was trying to convey that, as a player, MJ's exploits on the offensive end got more attention than his defensive skills did.

I still don't get it on how you came into the conclusion that Jordan was underrated defensively early in his career, even if we count his late career with the Bulls (ignoring his tenure with the Wizards because he was already old then)...

Not to say that MJ was a terrible defender, because he actually was a good one. His defense was always overlooked, especially early in his career

Jordan was drafted in 1984...he was already recognized as a good defender after playing for three seasons, ignoring one season where he only played 18 games during the regular season...

1987-88 NBA Defensive Player of the Year
1987-88 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1988-89 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1989-90 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1990-91 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1991-92 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1992-93 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1995-96 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1996-97 NBA All-Defensive (1st)
1997-98 NBA All-Defensive (1st)

Steals with rank
1984-85 NBA 196 (4)
1986-87 NBA 236 (2)
1987-88 NBA 259 (1)
1988-89 NBA 234 (2)
1989-90 NBA 227 (1)
1990-91 NBA 223 (3)
1991-92 NBA 182 (4)
1992-93 NBA 221 (1)
1995-96 NBA 180 (3)
Career 2514 (2)
Career SPG 2.3 (3)

[Hornet]

I admire Chris Paul for becoming a great team leader early in his career.
Also Dikembe Mutombo, excellent defensive player and a strong personality on and off the court.

[rdelizo35]

Shadowgrin,

good one, looks like you pulled a benji on me! Anyway, point blank, I stand corrected when I said that MJ is underrated defensively. Let me ask you this though: In your opinion, what do you think about Tim Duncan's defense?

MJ ftw.

[Amare Stoudemire]

in my opinion duncan is good defender,but maby he ould have better individual stats,if he were in the other team,because spurs is very good overal in defense,so duncan doesnt need to step up that much.

[Sam The Man]

Duncan is the best defensive player in the league. You cant always use stats to measure a defensive presence. Altering shots and looks making the opponent miss is not a stat regularly counted.

[Air Zoom Kobe I]

Tracy Mcgrady- Perseverance/Heart

Allen Iverson- Heart/confidence

Kobe Bryant-Work ethic/Amazing talent

Adam Morrison-Courage