What happened Wednesday night, two days removed from the death of the greatest owner in the history of professional sports, left me touched and in tears. What we saw from folks at a venue in Los Angeles, to pay their profound respects to the most successful and influential owner, was an emotional scene so affecting that fans were fighting back tears.
A short video clip was shown on the Staples Center big screen, and then Kobe Bryant sauntered slowly onto the court. He took the microphone, with his face erupting into sadness at the time, as he addressed the crowd followed by a moment of silence for Dr. Jerry Buss, who died on Monday after his long battle with cancer.
As tearful as it was, Bryant shared his thoughts on Buss from half -court and wiped away tears during his emotional speech. As a way to honor the late owner, during a somber moment when the team celebrated Buss’ life and legacy, Bryant pointed toward the spot in which he sat and enjoyed his Lakers win titles.
What can you say about this moment, other than that the Lakers left an empty chair in his suite, a singular, enduring pregame ceremony dedicated to Dr. Buss?
“We are honoring the greatest owner in sports,” Bryant said. “He was a brilliant and incredible owner. He was an even better person with a great heart. We are all, all spoiled by his vision and drive to win year after year after year.”
The lights dimmed, for which a spotlight shone on a double suite, a family suite inside the arena where he watched the games with gorgeous women and his entourage. His words from a tape-recording blared out of the speakers through Staples Center to refresh everyone with memories as to what were his plans when he purchased the team back in the late-70s.
The crowd stood and chanted to express its deepest gratitude, for a man who made it all possible for one of the most celebrated and emotional moments in Staples Center. Even sweeter than anything else, the Lakers beat the Boston Celtics 113-99, doing it for JB, who was always raring to beat Boston on the road or at home.
It didn’t matter as long as the Lakers overwhelmed their foes, in what is one of the NBA’s biggest rivalries ever, dating back to the Magic Johnson and Larry Bird era or back to the Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell era.
The night was a tribute for a man who created the most entertaining team, an undaunted mastermind who was behind Showtime and made splashes by signing some of the most flashy and marquee players, bringing the franchise to life and spoiling a fan base that hates failure.
It is a legacy, of course, that will forever live on and own a special place in the hearts of Jeanie and Jim Buss, who have both been molded by their father to run a basketball business.
There will be folks talking and reminiscing about the good times with Buss for years to come, from the time he bought the Lakers in 1979 to the time he passed away, leaving behind the biggest show in sports history, one that will hopefully remain the property of the Buss family.
The man smiling down and winking his eye from the heavens, the man with a smooth toupee and a perfectly trimmed mustache that was his trademark will fully be appreciated for the memories he forged, for renewing the Lakers’ mystique year after year and producing an aura of greatness in the entertainment capital of the world.
Jeanie shared sentiment with actress Dyan Cannon before tip-off, a few rows behind the court, smiling and holding back tears as she mourned.
The night was about saying farewell to the inventor of Showtime, an owner who built an empire in Los Angeles and presided over 10 Lakers championships as a shrewd businessman because of his business acumen and basketball genius that defined a true winner.
Flags were flown at half-mast at the LA Live plaza across from Staples Center, and a wall was erected as fans adorn it by leaving thoughts and memories. The team also wore a JB patch, bearing Buss’ initials in every game.
It was fitting that the Lakers hosted the Celtics, a meeting Buss often looked forward to taking joy in and witnessing, especially when the Lakers beat their archrivals.
It was more than just a game but a moment to remember a dedicated and fervid showman, the pioneer of one of the most decorated NBA franchises ever, spending millions to form a team full of talented studs and bond with the smartest minds in the game that turned the Lakers into a million-dollar business brand.
It was perfect to listen to Bryant’s eloquent words when Buss met with the Black Mamba, divulged to him that he wanted to give the keys to him and traded Shaquille O’Neal, the most dominant center in the game’s history.
What a man he has become, stepping into his role as not only a clutch performer, but a team leader, as he was able to earn Buss’ trust and be named team captain after helping the Lakers win five NBA championships in 17 years.
This was a rare moment for sure, a time in Bryant’s life when he delivered his thoughts about a man who handed him the reins, and to this day, he credits his longtime friend for talking him into staying with the Lakers. Bryant, who had 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting, was honored to speak on Dr. Buss, but was emotionally shaken while breaking into a smile slightly by the time it was all over.
If my assertion is true, which I hope, the Lakers can ride a winning-streak in the upcoming weeks, following LA’s most dominant effort this season: an incredibly remarkable, statement-made, limited-turnover performance. Playing with heavy hearts, the Lakers, for the first time all season, were strong-willed and aggressive, jumping out to a fast start that propelled to a heartwarming victory.
For all the uncertainty and trade rumors that surrounded Dwight Howard, who had 24 points and 12 rebounds to earn back his self-proclaimed “Superman” nickname, Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak told reporters that he will not trade the center before Thursday’s trade deadline, and they stuck to that word.
This commitment to Howard might not be such a bad suggestion, after all, not when he finally played like the most dominant center, after failures for much of the season raised doubts.
He’s making a stride toward silencing the critics and naysayers throughout Los Angeles and has suddenly come alive to give the Lakers what they’ve expected from the beginning of the season.
It was likely to see this performance coming from a team playing with heavy hearts and motivated by Buss’ loss, but it was also payback for the 116-95 blowout to the Celtics two weeks ago in Boston, realizing the magnitude of winning these games down the stretch, as Los Angeles is only 3½ games behind Houston for the final Western Conference playoff spot.
He was very impressive, but he needs to give his best effort every night, in the aftermath of his best game as a Laker. The best part about Howard, as he brought his game, was that he set screens for Lakers point guard Steve Nash.
That allowed Nash to make six-of-seven shots and score 14 points, while he also had seven assists to surpass Magic Johnson for sole possession of fourth place on the NBA’s all-time assists list (10,144).
Win or lose, Buss was close to his players and pampered them as if they were his own children. But he wasn’t too fond of losing, which is all the more reason he spent the money and brought in the necessities to win championships and form a dynasty that was unmatched to most NBA franchises.
Bryant and Pau Gasol had a bond that was just as special as Johnson’s with his friend and owner, a man who was a visionary and mentor.
Mike D’Antoni, the Lakers head coach, wasn’t around long enough to build a strong relationship with Buss, and when the Showtime Lakers were the dominant ones in the 80s, he was playing in Italy. But when no one else gave D’Antoni an opportunity, the Buss family was willing to welcome him to LA with open arms, after parting ways with a disappointing Mike Brown.
And mostly, winning was imperative to Buss. He didn’t care how it worked, as long as it did.
The Lakers won it for Jerry Buss.
Showing posts with label Magic Johnson. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magic Johnson. Show all posts
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Jerry Buss: Remembering the Greatest Owner In Sports
Having achieved everything the average man couldn’t, Dr. Jerry Buss had the Midas touch and turned the Los Angeles Lakers into gold for much of his life.Never has there been a greater person in LA and a more likable businessman who not only mixed business with pleasure, but amazingly built an empire that turned stars into legends in a diverse community. It was where the “Showtime Era” was born and where he cultivated the tenor of American sports.
And, of course, he won 10 championships, just from his intellectual maneuvers and business acumen that never were called into question. Not once.
We’ve seen him come to life, smile and celebrate with bliss in the 80s when Magic Johnson led the Lakers. We’ve seen him raise a number of Larry O’Brien trophies and we have seen images of him getting drenched in champagne while rubbing his burning eyes during a wild party inside the locker room with those he pampered and rewarded.
So suddenly, as Buss has been ailing for quite some time, he met his expiration date and will leave a priceless organization behind for his children to take over and hopefully keep the winning tradition alive. Buss, who died of cancer Monday at age 80, was the heart and soul of the purple-and-gold.
When he bought the Lakers, the Los Angeles Kings, the Forum and the spacious ranch from Jack Kent Cooke in 1979 — with ambitions in rising to a fruitful businessman — he became one of the most influential and successful owners in pro sports, if not the best to ever purchase a franchise.
He was defined more than anything by his character and cleverness, embracing and living a remarkable life for which his fame and fortune was indescribable.
Before he created a legacy in Los Angeles, where he came to as a young boy, Buss lived a life of misfortunes and hardships in Wyoming. Before he made his home in LA, Buss shined shoes at the old Kemmerer Hotel and worked on the Union Pacific railroad to make ends meet.
When he died, Buss reminded us that dreams can come true and that anything is possible, if one continues to thrive and give it their all. But once he resided in Los Angeles for good, as Buss was an endearing mentor to Johnson and most of the players he employed, he kissed a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and smiled with the trophy in his hands.
The death of Buss leaves behind an incredible legacy for the Lakers and a city that deeply respected what he did for Los Angeles when he was alive and well. He used his power and brains to build a flashy image in the realm of Hollywood.
The brand of basketball he produced for a long time manufactured an era of glamour and success. It must have been inspiring to Johnson, because he’s now the son of the city after establishing himself into a successful entrepreneur, opening up a Starbucks, T.G.I Friday’s restaurants and movie theaters in urban neighborhoods.
Meanwhile, Buss, who was entering the final stage of his life after battling with cancer, spent time with his friend Johnson in his room at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center not long ago. He lied in the bed fighting his battle and appeared to be low-spirited, but when Johnson entered the room and emotionally sat down by his good friend, Buss smiled and they both cried and shared memories for the last time.
While most of the fans in the second-largest city in the United States embraced the man for many years, Johnson and Buss had a bond that was unbreakable, the best relationship between a player and owner in pro sports.
At the end of his life, while friends and his kids remember him for building dynasties and teams into a form of excellence and professionalism, the Lakers will forever be known for winning 10 of their 16 NBA titles under Buss. Every time, we assumed it was business as usual when Buss, given his moral fiber and desire to win, invested and spent $67.5 million to buy the Lakers.
The team was his when he parlayed a $1,000 real estate investment to earn rights for the Lakers, for what is now a family-operated business. The game would be a cool experience for celebrities, but not for those who were unprivileged. Those courtside seats were too expensive, catering merely to folks who could afford to sit on the floor.
In looking to be original and unique, he hired an in-house band to perform during games, along with gorgeous women who dance during timeouts to entertain the audience. He called these cheerleaders the “Laker Girls”, and as we know, he was a shrewd merchant, almost like Hugh Hefner from the sports aspect of things.
This was some team, hotter than the females Buss dated. He was, to put it bluntly, a lady’s man, as he enjoyed partying with models and actresses. That, of course, was when he would be seen with women on his arms. Buss, as it was known, played high-stakes poker while he was the creator of the most entertaining pro basketball team.
It’s something everyone will remember about Buss. The folks of Prime Ticket tried to set up the network for cable premium packages, but Buss, since he co-founded the network, refused to allow that to happen and ordered that the network will be broadcasted from a basic package.
Buss and the Lakers were mentioned in the same breath as the late George Steinbrenner and the Yankees for what they accomplished as a beloved owner and team in a city where the Lakers embodied Los Angeles.
He was evidently intelligent from a young age, and applied it in the classroom. Buss earned his degree in just two-and-a-half years at the University of Wyoming, meeting his first wife there when he asked to borrow her textbook.
For Buss, it was never too late for education, so he received a Ph.D. in chemistry from USC and obtained an honorary doctrine in law at Wyoming in 2005. The best way to win is by spending and bringing in marquee players, especially in Hollywood. He knew what it took to win.
He assembled a winning product, following his own most valuable and workable traits, a palpable sense of anticipation every time he spent top-dollar to win championships.
It wasn’t strange to see such experiments. It was as if he was preparing for a science fair, exploring and trying to find the proper supplements to fit his talented roster. He seemed too powerful and too anxious. He was more likely to fire a coach if it didn’t work.
They’ve talked about the moment when Buss gave Magic Johnson a 25-year, $25 million deal in 1981, higher than what Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was earning, all from the same man who chose Kobe Bryant over Shaquille O’Neal and traded the big man to Miami in 2004.
The Lakers’ formula has worked for years, no matter what Buss tried or weighed with his brilliance and diplomacy, gambling on players and coaches and pulling off unthinkable deals that not too many franchises in the league could make possible. Either way, he’s figured out ways to win, and in any sport, winning titles is all that really matters. And he did that over and over again.
The Lakers, as always, are in contention, particularly when Buss made changes at the right time. Such is the time he fired Paul Westhand and gave the coaching job to a young assistant in Pat Riley, who led the Lakers to four consecutive NBA Finals appearances, winning all four times.
The worst thing he’s ever done was hire the sorriest coach in Lakers history in Randy Pfund, and again, it was only an experiment which barely lasted before he tried something that worked.
Like Johnson, Bryant became very close to Buss, despite his trade demands before the 2007-08 season. This has ought to be evidence that Bryant is a Laker for life, because not only is he a centerpiece of the Lakers, but he was Buss’ friend for life.
It’s officially the Jim Buss era now, though. Fans are probably wondering whether or not he can keep a winning franchise running strong, without advice and moves from his father.
The Lakers are in the hands of the Buss children, and after they were taught and experienced over the years on how to manage a business, we should only hope that they learned from their father to run the organization.
While his daughter, Jeanie, will run the Lakers’ business operations, Jim, who has been in charge of the team’s basketball operations, will continue to make personnel decisions.
Their father, Jerry, was a winner and will continue to be in heaven. The gates opened Monday morning for Mr. Buss, with layers of purple-and-gold carpet.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Dodgers Can Believe in Magic Touch
He's the son of the city, the fruitful businessman who built T.G.I Friday's restaurants, who has served Starbucks coffee as residents order Grande-size cups, who built theaters to bring cinemas into poverty-stricken neighborhoods. Now, as one of the well-respected inner-city developers, Johnson has invested into a baseball franchise, buying and lifting the Dodgers out of financial troubles. A seemingly perfect fit to restore a once storied franchise, erasing all the nightmares that dismantled the ballclub, is the Magic touch and, in truth, he ended the horror and gave long-awaited Dodgers fans something proudly to cheer.
There is no questioning that he has wealthy pockets and credibility to operate a franchise, the arriving owner whose dream eventually was to own a sports team. When he called it a career in the league, Johnson knew he had the gumption and will to make a big difference in the lives of generations to come. Only he knew he had a plan after basketball, a largely ideal plan to enhance the growth of employment and change the landscape of a city by becoming a likable paragon and businessman since he retired.
And that was fine, even if he only founded non-profit charity organizations to pander to kids and teens. The word for years, after he sold his interest in the Lakers a few years ago, was that he had expressed interest in pursuing a sports team, and now Johnson can admittedly say he owns a franchise as an admirable businessman with a mind of his own. There's been a month-long guess of who'd buy the team to end the turbulence that ruined a franchise while McCourt settled a wrenching divorce from ex-wife Jamie McCourt, with too much tumult, too much belligerence, too much hullabaloo.
It was too much to deal with for one fan base, one ballclub, one city -- and now here comes a group headed by Johnson to stabilize a sense of belief and hope for the Dodgers. After two years of hell, it's now fine to THINK BLUE again, pull out the Dodgers cap from the closet where it has collected dust, buy tickets to see a few ballgames at the Chavez Ravine and gulp down Dodger Dogs and eat ice cream in cone. It seemed, all along, as if he had an ambition to change from his purple and gold attire to wear Dodger Blue.
He's not a playmaker, he's now a negotiator, an entrepreneur. He's now throwing the fastball, seemingly turning away from the swooshed shots and dunks, leaving behind the Showtime Era trying to build a championship on the baseball field. So there -- absolutely -- is life in Los Angeles, a time to cheer on the Magic touch. Ever since he arrived to L.A. years ago, Johnson has enriched the community in the glow of his proudest achievements in the sports and business world for the well-being of kids and unmoneyed families in a diverse environment.
This is Johnson's chance of resurrecting the Dodgers' image, similar to what he had delivered while he was wearing a Lakers' uniform, beating the Celtics and now hoping to outdo the Yankees. The most loathed, greediest owner in Los Angeles ever sold the team not only to a coveted billionaire but the pillar of one of the largest communities in Southern California. The man had no choice but to sell the team. So as of now, we should thank him for one thing, and one thing only: We must praise him, applaud him for making the smartest move as an evanescent wheeler-dealer. Thank him for selling the team to one of the most hallowed sports stars this town has ever seen.
That's just about the only good thing McCourt has done for this city. He cared only about profiting and never really built a winning product or assembled the right pieces to make a run at the pennant. The real challenge for Johnson, as one of the most highly adorable businessman, is finding a way to revitalize the elusive ballclub. The Magic number was indeed $2 billion, the largest bid ever paid for a sports franchise. There were already whispers that Magic's group would be favorites and, sure enough, they won the bid in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Looking back a few weeks, it almost figured that billionaires Steve Cohen and Patrick Soon-Shiong -- including St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kronke were all probable winners for the ownership.
The morning before the announcement, with all the swirling rumors heard throughout L.A., there were good vibes Magic's group would win the bid. Much of the money is coming from Mark Walter, the CEO of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners, in which he will be the controlling owner. Meanwhile, Stan Kasten, former president and GM of the Atlanta Braves, Atlanta Hawks and Washington Nationals will possibly run the baseball operations. It's weird the group agreed to create a joint venture with McCourt for the land around the stadium, but nonetheless, he's not in control of the club and finally is on his way out the door.
It's almost April, and the calendar reads that baseball is upon us with the Dodgers under new management, which is a way to shake off all the misfortune and unhappiness. The perception of this ownership is fittingly perfect for a man who led the Lakers to five NBA championships during the Showtime days, before the stunning announcement that he had HIV, which forced him to retire in 1991.
With all the publicity four years ago, he contemplated a possible run for mayor, staying active and serviceable in the community. The culture wasn't very good, and documents manifested that most of the money earned was spent by the McCourts on a troubled marriage with financial issues becoming so horrendous Major League Baseball had to move in and seized control of the franchise.
This is a significant feel-good story for baseball and, as an African-American owner who broke the color barrier, he can change the dynamics of the sport by reaching out to the community and inspiring more blacks to immerse into baseball. Perhaps the most amazing thing he's ever done for the city Magic is engaged, overjoyed and grateful, with an idea in mind to repair the Dodgers brand that has been demolished under previous ownership -- thanks to McCorrupted.
There will now be Magic. And if you believe, the grisly destruction could dematerialize quickly. The long-suffering is over, and now with Magic, it's safe to believe in blue.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Are Elite Point Guards Needed For Playoff and Championship Success
Elite point guards are fun to watch because they can dictate the tempo of a game. With their ability to handle the basketball, drive to the hoop, shoot from the outside, and their solid defend.
Yet, is it a reality in the NBA that having an elite point guard isn't necessarily that beneficial for success in the playoffs?
Are role playing point guards the better fit for a team?
In the last 10 years the Los Angeles Lakers have won four championships, the San Antonio Spurs three, along with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Detroit Pistons.
The starting point guards for those teams have been Derek Fisher, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups, Jason Williams, and Rajon Rondo.
Only Billups was considered as one of the better point guards in the league primarily for his ability to defend and hit big shots. What about the opponents in the Finals for the teams that won championships? Eric Snow, Jason Kidd, Fisher, Billups, Jason Terry, Snow, Rafer Alston, and Rondo.
Out of all the point guards on teams to make the Finals, Kidd and Billups were the only two that could be considered elite.
Starting with Derek Fisher, who has played 14 seasons including two stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, a short time with Golden State Warriors, and a season with the Utah Jazz.
He's never been an elite point guard even though he's won five championship rings in his career. For his career he have averaged 9 points, 3.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, on 40.2 percent shooting, 37.3 percent from three, and 81.2 percent from the free throw line.
What has helped Fisher thought be part of teams that have gotten to the Finals as well as winning those five rings is his knack for clutch shooting and his ability to defend. Any scoring that Fisher did was just an added bonus for the Lakers.
The championship teams of the Lakers include the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza, and Pau Gasol.
For Tony Parker, it was a little bit different. He's not known for his defense, which is about average for a point guard. He was counted on as more of a change-up for the Spurs offense.
The reason is Parker is lightning quick and could lead the break very well for the Spurs. He allowed the team to run. He was the second leading scorer for the Spurs behind Tim Duncan.
In the three championship this decade for the Spurs, Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Stephen Jackson and Bruce Bowen played major roles in the championships. With Jackson only being around for one of the championships.
Parker has averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, a steal, on 49 percent shooting, 31.2 percent from three, and 72.8 percent from the free throw line.
Another example of that is with the Boston Celtics and winning their championship this decade. The Celtics had Rondo who is a great defensive point arguably the best in the NBA right now.
Rondo, like Parker, was used more as a change of pace because of his athleticism. Rondo could get into the open court more easily than the likes of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.
This is one of the reasons why Rondo is able to get to the rim so much. His major weakness though is his shooting from outside 12 feet. Rondo has one of the worst jumpers in the NBA, which was exploited in the Finals by the Lakers especially in game seven.
Rondo basically disappeared from the late first quarter until the closing minutes of the game. Rondo disappeared because Bryant had dared him to shoot from about 15 feet out and Rondo missed the shot badly.
When the Celtics won the championship, Rondo was the fourth option offensively. He helped get Pierce, Allen, and Garnett the best looks possible and he played his role extremely well that the Celtics were able to defeat the Lakers in six games.
In his young career so far Rondo has averaged 10.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, on 48.9 percent shooting, and 63 percent from the free throw line.
When the Miami Heat won the championship they had Jason Williams running the point. Again, a role player for the season and in the playoffs!
Williams in his career has been known for his flashiness and ability to set up teammates. That's what the Heat counted on him to do to help Dwyane Wade and O'Neal.
In his career, he has averaged 10.8 points, 6 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, on 39.9 percent shooting, 32.8 percent from three, and 81.3 percent from the free throw line.
Billups the only elite guard to make the list that won a championship. It had less to do with his passing ability as a point guard but more to do with his defensive abilities and hitting clutch shots.
He also got help from Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace. The Pistons strength was its defense as the likes of Billups, Prince, and both Wallace's played huge roles in defeating the Lakers in five games.
Billups in his career has averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3 rebounds, a steal, on 41.6 percent shooting, 38.8 percent from three, and 89.2 percent from the free throw line.
Again, on those championship teams and those Finals teams, there were no point guards by the name of Paul, Williams, or Nash.
Even looking at the 1990s when the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets combined for eight of the 10 championships, neither team had an elite point guard. The point guards on those teams were Steve Kerr, B.J. Armstrong, John Paxson, Kenny Smith, Sam Cassell, and Scott Brooks.
Bulls had Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The Rockets was Hakeem Olajuwon. Yet, none of the point guards on the Bulls or Rockets were elite.
The two other teams that won championships in the decade were the Spurs and Lakers. The point guard again for the Lakers was Fisher and the point guard for the Spurs was Avery Johnson.
Fisher was a role player with O'Neal and Bryant leading the way. As was Johnson for the Spurs. The Spurs two most important players were David Robinson and Tim Duncan. However, Johnson came up huge for the Spurs because the New York Knicks were daring him to take 15 foot jumpers and he was making them.
The teams that made the Finals were the Lakers, Trail Blazers, Suns, Knicks, Magic, Supersonics, Jazz, and Pacers. As for the point guards on these teams they were elite in the 90s at least for most of the Finals appearances.
This list includes Magic Johnson, Terry Porter, John Stockton, Kevin Johnson, Greg Anthony, Penny Hardaway, Gary Payton, and Charlie Ward.
Of this group that got to the Finals, five of them were elite point guards and three were role players.
In the 70's, the 10 championship teams were the Milwaukee Bucks, Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets, and the Supersonics.
Of those teams, the point guards were Oscar Robertson, Flynn Robinson, Walt Frazier, Jo Jo White, Butch Beard, Lionel Hollins, Tom Henderson, Gus Williams, and Magic Johnson.
In the group, only Robertson, Frazier, and Johnson were elite point guards. The rest were role players for their respective teams.
The Celtics dominated in the 60's. Here's a look at the championship teams in the decade. Bob Cousy, K.C. Jones, Mal Graham, and Em Bryant. The 76ers and Knicks were the only two teams to win a championship in the 60's as well.
Point guards on those teams were Frazier and Wali Jones. Cousy in the first championship was elite but the following three seasons he became a role player. Jones was a role player, and Graham and Bryant were more of bench players than anything because John Havlicek could handle the ball for the Celtics.
For the 50's era, the Celtics started their dominance at the tail end of the decade.
The Minneapolis Lakers started out the NBA's first decade by winning three straight titles and four out of the first five. The Rochester Royals, Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia Warriors, and the St. Louis Hawks twice also won championships.
For the teams their point guards were Slater Martin, Bobby Wanzer, George King, Jack George, Jack McMahon, and Cousy.
First decade in NBA history didn't see too many elite point guards.
Only two could be considered elite that won championships that was Cousy and George. Also during this time it truly was based on the dominance of big men with the likes of George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Pettit, and Bill Russell.
What do the last two decades prove?
It is beneficial to have a shooting guard that can handle the ball and make plays the chance of a championship is better. In the last 17 out of 20 seasons, the shooting guard was one of the best players on the team.
When a team had a big man, it was 15 out of 20 seasons that the center or power forward was one of, if not the best, player on the team that led the team to a championship.
For small forwards, 10/20 the small forwards was amongst the better players on the team.
Finally, for point guards only one out of the 20 seasons was there a point guard that could be considered elite amongst the best players to lead their team to a championship.
The reason why it has been difficult for a point guard to lead their team to a Finals appearance or championship is because of unselfishness. A point guard's primary responsibility is to distribute the ball first and score second. It's difficult for them to change their mindset to score first and then get teammates involved.
In the playoffs, defenses get tighter and are more willing to dare a point guard to score, which goes away from a point guards first instincts which is to get his teammates involved in the offense.
Yet, there's a reason why out of the position players, the shooting guard has been the most successful. A shooting guards main purpose is to score and pass second. The opposite of what a point guards responsibilities are and hence why the shooting guards have had more success.
Even going by the two teams being predicted to win the championship for the 2010-2011 season, neither team has an elite point guard. Both point guards on those teams are going to be role players.
If the last two decades are any indication of how the NBA has gone, elite point guards are not necessary for playoff success or for winning a championship.
The Bulls and Lakers combined over the last two decades have won a total of 11 championships without an elite point guard.
Original article can be found here http://bleacherreport.com/articles/441239-are-point-guards-really-needed-for-playoff-success-and-championships
Yet, is it a reality in the NBA that having an elite point guard isn't necessarily that beneficial for success in the playoffs?
Are role playing point guards the better fit for a team?
In the last 10 years the Los Angeles Lakers have won four championships, the San Antonio Spurs three, along with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Detroit Pistons.
The starting point guards for those teams have been Derek Fisher, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups, Jason Williams, and Rajon Rondo.
Only Billups was considered as one of the better point guards in the league primarily for his ability to defend and hit big shots. What about the opponents in the Finals for the teams that won championships? Eric Snow, Jason Kidd, Fisher, Billups, Jason Terry, Snow, Rafer Alston, and Rondo.
Out of all the point guards on teams to make the Finals, Kidd and Billups were the only two that could be considered elite.
Starting with Derek Fisher, who has played 14 seasons including two stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, a short time with Golden State Warriors, and a season with the Utah Jazz.
He's never been an elite point guard even though he's won five championship rings in his career. For his career he have averaged 9 points, 3.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, on 40.2 percent shooting, 37.3 percent from three, and 81.2 percent from the free throw line.
What has helped Fisher thought be part of teams that have gotten to the Finals as well as winning those five rings is his knack for clutch shooting and his ability to defend. Any scoring that Fisher did was just an added bonus for the Lakers.
The championship teams of the Lakers include the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza, and Pau Gasol.
For Tony Parker, it was a little bit different. He's not known for his defense, which is about average for a point guard. He was counted on as more of a change-up for the Spurs offense.
The reason is Parker is lightning quick and could lead the break very well for the Spurs. He allowed the team to run. He was the second leading scorer for the Spurs behind Tim Duncan.
In the three championship this decade for the Spurs, Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Stephen Jackson and Bruce Bowen played major roles in the championships. With Jackson only being around for one of the championships.
Parker has averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, a steal, on 49 percent shooting, 31.2 percent from three, and 72.8 percent from the free throw line.
Another example of that is with the Boston Celtics and winning their championship this decade. The Celtics had Rondo who is a great defensive point arguably the best in the NBA right now.
Rondo, like Parker, was used more as a change of pace because of his athleticism. Rondo could get into the open court more easily than the likes of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.
This is one of the reasons why Rondo is able to get to the rim so much. His major weakness though is his shooting from outside 12 feet. Rondo has one of the worst jumpers in the NBA, which was exploited in the Finals by the Lakers especially in game seven.
Rondo basically disappeared from the late first quarter until the closing minutes of the game. Rondo disappeared because Bryant had dared him to shoot from about 15 feet out and Rondo missed the shot badly.
When the Celtics won the championship, Rondo was the fourth option offensively. He helped get Pierce, Allen, and Garnett the best looks possible and he played his role extremely well that the Celtics were able to defeat the Lakers in six games.
In his young career so far Rondo has averaged 10.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, on 48.9 percent shooting, and 63 percent from the free throw line.
When the Miami Heat won the championship they had Jason Williams running the point. Again, a role player for the season and in the playoffs!
Williams in his career has been known for his flashiness and ability to set up teammates. That's what the Heat counted on him to do to help Dwyane Wade and O'Neal.
In his career, he has averaged 10.8 points, 6 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, on 39.9 percent shooting, 32.8 percent from three, and 81.3 percent from the free throw line.
Billups the only elite guard to make the list that won a championship. It had less to do with his passing ability as a point guard but more to do with his defensive abilities and hitting clutch shots.
He also got help from Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace. The Pistons strength was its defense as the likes of Billups, Prince, and both Wallace's played huge roles in defeating the Lakers in five games.
Billups in his career has averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3 rebounds, a steal, on 41.6 percent shooting, 38.8 percent from three, and 89.2 percent from the free throw line.
Again, on those championship teams and those Finals teams, there were no point guards by the name of Paul, Williams, or Nash.
Even looking at the 1990s when the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets combined for eight of the 10 championships, neither team had an elite point guard. The point guards on those teams were Steve Kerr, B.J. Armstrong, John Paxson, Kenny Smith, Sam Cassell, and Scott Brooks.
Bulls had Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The Rockets was Hakeem Olajuwon. Yet, none of the point guards on the Bulls or Rockets were elite.
The two other teams that won championships in the decade were the Spurs and Lakers. The point guard again for the Lakers was Fisher and the point guard for the Spurs was Avery Johnson.
Fisher was a role player with O'Neal and Bryant leading the way. As was Johnson for the Spurs. The Spurs two most important players were David Robinson and Tim Duncan. However, Johnson came up huge for the Spurs because the New York Knicks were daring him to take 15 foot jumpers and he was making them.
The teams that made the Finals were the Lakers, Trail Blazers, Suns, Knicks, Magic, Supersonics, Jazz, and Pacers. As for the point guards on these teams they were elite in the 90s at least for most of the Finals appearances.
This list includes Magic Johnson, Terry Porter, John Stockton, Kevin Johnson, Greg Anthony, Penny Hardaway, Gary Payton, and Charlie Ward.
Of this group that got to the Finals, five of them were elite point guards and three were role players.
In the 70's, the 10 championship teams were the Milwaukee Bucks, Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets, and the Supersonics.
Of those teams, the point guards were Oscar Robertson, Flynn Robinson, Walt Frazier, Jo Jo White, Butch Beard, Lionel Hollins, Tom Henderson, Gus Williams, and Magic Johnson.
In the group, only Robertson, Frazier, and Johnson were elite point guards. The rest were role players for their respective teams.
The Celtics dominated in the 60's. Here's a look at the championship teams in the decade. Bob Cousy, K.C. Jones, Mal Graham, and Em Bryant. The 76ers and Knicks were the only two teams to win a championship in the 60's as well.
Point guards on those teams were Frazier and Wali Jones. Cousy in the first championship was elite but the following three seasons he became a role player. Jones was a role player, and Graham and Bryant were more of bench players than anything because John Havlicek could handle the ball for the Celtics.
For the 50's era, the Celtics started their dominance at the tail end of the decade.
The Minneapolis Lakers started out the NBA's first decade by winning three straight titles and four out of the first five. The Rochester Royals, Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia Warriors, and the St. Louis Hawks twice also won championships.
For the teams their point guards were Slater Martin, Bobby Wanzer, George King, Jack George, Jack McMahon, and Cousy.
First decade in NBA history didn't see too many elite point guards.
Only two could be considered elite that won championships that was Cousy and George. Also during this time it truly was based on the dominance of big men with the likes of George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Pettit, and Bill Russell.
What do the last two decades prove?
It is beneficial to have a shooting guard that can handle the ball and make plays the chance of a championship is better. In the last 17 out of 20 seasons, the shooting guard was one of the best players on the team.
When a team had a big man, it was 15 out of 20 seasons that the center or power forward was one of, if not the best, player on the team that led the team to a championship.
For small forwards, 10/20 the small forwards was amongst the better players on the team.
Finally, for point guards only one out of the 20 seasons was there a point guard that could be considered elite amongst the best players to lead their team to a championship.
The reason why it has been difficult for a point guard to lead their team to a Finals appearance or championship is because of unselfishness. A point guard's primary responsibility is to distribute the ball first and score second. It's difficult for them to change their mindset to score first and then get teammates involved.
In the playoffs, defenses get tighter and are more willing to dare a point guard to score, which goes away from a point guards first instincts which is to get his teammates involved in the offense.
Yet, there's a reason why out of the position players, the shooting guard has been the most successful. A shooting guards main purpose is to score and pass second. The opposite of what a point guards responsibilities are and hence why the shooting guards have had more success.
Even going by the two teams being predicted to win the championship for the 2010-2011 season, neither team has an elite point guard. Both point guards on those teams are going to be role players.
If the last two decades are any indication of how the NBA has gone, elite point guards are not necessary for playoff success or for winning a championship.
The Bulls and Lakers combined over the last two decades have won a total of 11 championships without an elite point guard.
Original article can be found here http://bleacherreport.com/articles/441239-are-point-guards-really-needed-for-playoff-success-and-championships
Friday, November 6, 2009
A Feud Reveals: Given Isiah Thomas' History, Believing Magic Johnson Is Sensible
Shame on our country that was bred and taught to unite as one. If citizens truly believe in befriending other individuals, America would be a kinder place, and we’ll impetuously utter united we stand, united we fall. But we’ve reached a point, when emotionally others betrays someone, sadly, implying cowardice under the circumstance that they were never really a true friend.
Needless to say, it’s similar to Magic Johnson’s and Isiah Thomas’ impair friendship that unraveled and unfeasibly is irreparable, viewed as a bitter altercation. Worse, it developed a scene publicly, shocking us to learn it was never a close bond after all.
Even more veiling, is the fact a long-term connection ended badly in a war of words, which never recovered creating execrable and dumbfounded an entire universe, leaving us speechless and surprised. Truthfully, none of the madness and childish games should be as surprising as the public exaggerate on an issue defined as ignorance.
I’m not analyzing whether it’s right or wrong to publicize a feud as frivolous as these two legendary icons exchange words, regarding the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team, but will admit feuding on the past is staggering, mindless and impulsive.
Dwelling on the latest book Johnson recently published, is outdated news and should be downplayed. Clearly, Johnson and Thomas always had a bitter friendship, but demolished more as time progress.
The release of Johnson’s new book, “When the Game Was Ours”, a biography bringing out an abnormal side of the man who invented the “Showtime Era” when he shined for the purple and gold stockpiling titles within a span, and the man who invested wisely to flourish and proliferate into a fruitful entrepreneur.
In the meantime, allow me to emphasize a wise businessman who has had enough of the childish mind games and verbal confrontations with a long-time nemesis, Thomas. That would be, of course, Johnson expressing beliefs in his book, which allegedly reveals the truth.
It provides a logic sense of what transpired between the two men who are obviously attempting to settle a problematic altercation, flaring up into an unimportant controversy. Constant debates have been brought to our attention, unexpectedly startled by the bizarre admission.
As much as you try grasping a factual understanding or forecast a questionable bond, a true friendship was never immaculate, but formed negative bitterness in which holding grudges finally surfaces in a bitter ending and not a happy closure. For a long time, the two legends gave us reason to believe their friendship remained unbreakable.
If Johnson and Thomas were close friends at the time, obviously in the book, which Johnson co-authored with former nemesis Larry Bird and ESPN contributor Jackie MacMullan, he sadly held accusations confidential. What seems to be the truth is shocking when it could actually be, knowing Thomas’ history on and off the court.
Seems wondering otherwise is absolutely disbelieving the well-beloved miracle worker whose charitable contributions have done much, benefiting the less fortunate in the problematic streets of Los Angeles to Detroit, where Magic’s roots started as a kid growing up in poverty as well.
Given the negative episodes, grotesque incidents transpired, which have emerged recently, declined Thomas’ credibility. If someone has amnesia or deeply is blindsided as Thomas seems to be on pending accusations, speculating on Johnson’s recent announcement in which he admittedly states he was responsible for keeping Thomas off the ’92 U.S. Olympic Dream Team, gives us a reason to believe Magic.
A bitter Johnson has divulged hostility and skepticism towards a disloyal Thomas, offended by his humiliating rumor. Its ignorance to acknowledge a so-called friend as bisexual in the wake of Johnson’s public announcement in ’91 when he had admittedly informed the public he had tested positive for HIV.
Enough has been said on the verbal he-said controversy. I’m advising the masses to carefully speculate this ongoing issue, meaning backtrack to Thomas’ horrific problems that poisoned a franchise and tarnished his image. He unprofessionally instigated further issues between him and guard Stephen Marbury, a heated feud erupting ongoing confrontations during the New York Knicks rebuilding period.
Also, he had the sexual harassment suit filed against him. Even more disturbing, he was rushed to a hospital, when he had apparently overdosed on sleeping pills, an incident that will never bring out true colors. Throughout his playing career, he was a portrait of arrogance and insidious, or a worthless conspirator who inanely had no morals.
Mostly anyone who follows the game is mindful of Thomas’ arrogant smirks, inane remarks and stupidity, so exceedingly all the specifics stated in the book, might or might not be strictly biases.
Assuming his premise is truthful accusations, ultimately it would be sensible to trust Johnson, especially when issues involve an esoteric individual who has done laughable things. This entire story is weird, involving a classy Johnson, singling out Thomas after remaining silent for years. No sympathy felt, ripping a so-call friend publicly for an incident that happened years ago.
Is this the same Magic we have grown to love? Or is this a deceptive Thomas, who miserably insulted close pals?
Whatever transpired we might never know the truth, and painfully Thomas is the scapegoat denying the accusations of Johnson’s sexual activities. Reportedly, he told SI.com he’s “blindsided” since Johnson aired his side of the story.
As there are normally two sides to a story, mostly everyone is taking sides with Magic, probably for his commitment to donate charity to the communities or likeness among peers for all he has brought to the game in back-and-forth rival showdowns against the Boston Celtics and Bird.
Whatever it might be, the masses aren’t holding a wicked grudge on Magic, but hold a fierce one against Thomas, dating back to the epic period when the two fought aggressively in the ’88 and ’89 NBA Finals.
Earlier this year, Thomas was hired to fill the head coaching vacancy at Florida International University, ready to move on and put the allegations behind. Being one of the most inspirational preachers for the game and a down-to-earth analyst, publicly ripping someone was least expected from a well-known and likable man in basketball.
Getting a slap on the hand is Magic, as Thomas takes most of the abuse for a troubling reputation.
In my perspective, they never were true buddies.
Needless to say, it’s similar to Magic Johnson’s and Isiah Thomas’ impair friendship that unraveled and unfeasibly is irreparable, viewed as a bitter altercation. Worse, it developed a scene publicly, shocking us to learn it was never a close bond after all.
Even more veiling, is the fact a long-term connection ended badly in a war of words, which never recovered creating execrable and dumbfounded an entire universe, leaving us speechless and surprised. Truthfully, none of the madness and childish games should be as surprising as the public exaggerate on an issue defined as ignorance.
I’m not analyzing whether it’s right or wrong to publicize a feud as frivolous as these two legendary icons exchange words, regarding the 1992 U.S. Olympic Dream Team, but will admit feuding on the past is staggering, mindless and impulsive.
Dwelling on the latest book Johnson recently published, is outdated news and should be downplayed. Clearly, Johnson and Thomas always had a bitter friendship, but demolished more as time progress.
The release of Johnson’s new book, “When the Game Was Ours”, a biography bringing out an abnormal side of the man who invented the “Showtime Era” when he shined for the purple and gold stockpiling titles within a span, and the man who invested wisely to flourish and proliferate into a fruitful entrepreneur.
In the meantime, allow me to emphasize a wise businessman who has had enough of the childish mind games and verbal confrontations with a long-time nemesis, Thomas. That would be, of course, Johnson expressing beliefs in his book, which allegedly reveals the truth.
It provides a logic sense of what transpired between the two men who are obviously attempting to settle a problematic altercation, flaring up into an unimportant controversy. Constant debates have been brought to our attention, unexpectedly startled by the bizarre admission.
As much as you try grasping a factual understanding or forecast a questionable bond, a true friendship was never immaculate, but formed negative bitterness in which holding grudges finally surfaces in a bitter ending and not a happy closure. For a long time, the two legends gave us reason to believe their friendship remained unbreakable.
If Johnson and Thomas were close friends at the time, obviously in the book, which Johnson co-authored with former nemesis Larry Bird and ESPN contributor Jackie MacMullan, he sadly held accusations confidential. What seems to be the truth is shocking when it could actually be, knowing Thomas’ history on and off the court.
Seems wondering otherwise is absolutely disbelieving the well-beloved miracle worker whose charitable contributions have done much, benefiting the less fortunate in the problematic streets of Los Angeles to Detroit, where Magic’s roots started as a kid growing up in poverty as well.
Given the negative episodes, grotesque incidents transpired, which have emerged recently, declined Thomas’ credibility. If someone has amnesia or deeply is blindsided as Thomas seems to be on pending accusations, speculating on Johnson’s recent announcement in which he admittedly states he was responsible for keeping Thomas off the ’92 U.S. Olympic Dream Team, gives us a reason to believe Magic.
A bitter Johnson has divulged hostility and skepticism towards a disloyal Thomas, offended by his humiliating rumor. Its ignorance to acknowledge a so-called friend as bisexual in the wake of Johnson’s public announcement in ’91 when he had admittedly informed the public he had tested positive for HIV.
Enough has been said on the verbal he-said controversy. I’m advising the masses to carefully speculate this ongoing issue, meaning backtrack to Thomas’ horrific problems that poisoned a franchise and tarnished his image. He unprofessionally instigated further issues between him and guard Stephen Marbury, a heated feud erupting ongoing confrontations during the New York Knicks rebuilding period.
Also, he had the sexual harassment suit filed against him. Even more disturbing, he was rushed to a hospital, when he had apparently overdosed on sleeping pills, an incident that will never bring out true colors. Throughout his playing career, he was a portrait of arrogance and insidious, or a worthless conspirator who inanely had no morals.
Mostly anyone who follows the game is mindful of Thomas’ arrogant smirks, inane remarks and stupidity, so exceedingly all the specifics stated in the book, might or might not be strictly biases.
Assuming his premise is truthful accusations, ultimately it would be sensible to trust Johnson, especially when issues involve an esoteric individual who has done laughable things. This entire story is weird, involving a classy Johnson, singling out Thomas after remaining silent for years. No sympathy felt, ripping a so-call friend publicly for an incident that happened years ago.
Is this the same Magic we have grown to love? Or is this a deceptive Thomas, who miserably insulted close pals?
Whatever transpired we might never know the truth, and painfully Thomas is the scapegoat denying the accusations of Johnson’s sexual activities. Reportedly, he told SI.com he’s “blindsided” since Johnson aired his side of the story.
As there are normally two sides to a story, mostly everyone is taking sides with Magic, probably for his commitment to donate charity to the communities or likeness among peers for all he has brought to the game in back-and-forth rival showdowns against the Boston Celtics and Bird.
Whatever it might be, the masses aren’t holding a wicked grudge on Magic, but hold a fierce one against Thomas, dating back to the epic period when the two fought aggressively in the ’88 and ’89 NBA Finals.
Earlier this year, Thomas was hired to fill the head coaching vacancy at Florida International University, ready to move on and put the allegations behind. Being one of the most inspirational preachers for the game and a down-to-earth analyst, publicly ripping someone was least expected from a well-known and likable man in basketball.
Getting a slap on the hand is Magic, as Thomas takes most of the abuse for a troubling reputation.
In my perspective, they never were true buddies.
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