To realize we are in 2010 is simply incredible. Where did the time go? One thing that seems to always remains transcendent whether everything around us changes is sports. Now we have seen changes in sports from athletes bodies to technology in athletic apparel. But one thing that never changes is that one dude who thinks it's still about them and thinks the team should build around them. That's where Tracy McGrady and Allen Iverson come in.
McGrady and Iverson were 2 of my favourite players growing up. They had the ability to literally take over a game and make it all look so simple. With Iverson's determination and toughness, the Sixers knew they could lean on him and he would deliver for them. Sure he shot 12 for 35, but he still won. McGrady was another straight baller who was simply incredible. Here's a guy who could play 4 positions if he wanted and dependent upon situations, he did. T-Mac could lead a fast break, dish it to open man, rebound inside and be cut throat when it came time to score. In all honesty, outside of his cousin "Wince", (side note: Way to go down like you were just shot in a drive by on Friday. You don't think your teammates are getting tired of this already?) have you ever seen a dude take more ridiculous off balanced shots in a game? At the time, when T-Mac and AI were considered "the man" on there teams, Philly and Orlando decided it was time to build around these guys. Only problem, AI and T-Mac wanted it to be on there own terms, and if you look at how superstars win their rings, they make sacrifices. Kobe began to trust his teammates, Shaq stopped rapping and making movies (Thank God) and concentrated on basketball, while Pierce, Allen, and Garnett gave up being the man on their own teams for the chance to win a ring. Biggest mistake of T-Mac's career was leaving Toronto according to Kobe. When T-Mac signed with Orlando, the 2 would work out together, and it was there Kobe told T-Mac if he stayed in Toronto, the Lakers and Raptors would be meeting in the finals every year (true story). I get mad just thinking about this.
My buddy Kev recently got me "The Book of Basketball" from Bill Simmons. Reading through it, you learn allot of behind the scenes in basketball. Example: Did you know Wilt Chamberlain never fouled out in a high school, collegiate or pro game? When he would hit 5 fouls, he stopped playing defence and would let his opponent shoot away. An interesting concept in the book is "The Secret" explained by Isiah Thomas. Thomas explains in order to win a championship, everybody on the team needs to sacrifice something. Whether it be minutes, points, or shots. Everyone on the team had to know their role. Even though AI and T-Mac knew they were the guy, they didn't make enough sacrifices to help get their teams over the hump. The only real time for AI was when he literally carried the Sixers to the 2001 finals. Everyone on that team knew their role. What happened the next year for Philly? A first round loss. Usually when a team reaches that pinnacle of winning a championship or comes close, everyone on the team thinks they deserve more shots, more playing time, more points and the team never recovers and messes up the good chemistry they developed the year before. That's why it's more hard to repeat than to get there. T-Mac on the other hand has never gotten out of the first round. To me that's just incredible. I've heard the excuses for T-Mac that he didn't have cast around him in Orlando, but what's his excuse in Houston? Tougher conference, yes, but they had a good squad in Houston. T-Mac and AI are 2 guys in this group, but I would be remiss if I didn't include guys like Zach Randolph, Gilbert Areanas and Vince. These guys have the tools, but refuse to buy into the concept of sacrifice, it's more numbers for them. Actually, in Vince's case, he's just lazy (if you can't tell, I'm not a Vince fan. Anyone that dedicates a statue of them self to a school, needs a punch in the head).
With the all star game coming up in a month, T-Mac and AI are among the leading vote getter's for their respective positions. If voted in, there will be a debate on whether they should start or not. If these guys have learned anything in the last few years, it's time to start sacrificing their ego and pride for what is good for the game and themselves. And if they can comprehend this notion, then it's a start.
post by Kevin S
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