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Here are some good reads for this morning.

Hoops Hype has some info on Iverson and what others are saying about him.  Or in Paul Pierce's case, not saying about him.

Hoops World discusses the players that could possibly be moved before the deadline this year.  The list includes names like Caron Butler, Tyrus Thomas, and David Lee.

Ball Don't Lie has a net reaction on Abe Pollin's death.  "He was a truly titanic presence, the rare owner that cared so much about others." -Bullets Forever

Is it time to think about trading Ray Allen?  Check out Celtics Blog.

 
Funny Video 11/11/2009
 
I got this over at Ball Don't Lie.  A Chicago columnist critcized th Bulls heavily on draft night two years ago.  He stated in his column that if Noah ever turned out to be a productive NBA player he would eat his column.  Well...Noah did, and he is captured here munching on some Chicago Tribune.
 
 
Written by and published with permission from Nate at NBA Haq.
With number one pick Blake Griffin going down with an unfortunate knee injury right before the tip-off of the 2009-10 season, the Rookie of the Year race instantly became a lot more wide open. Before the first ROY recipient of a new decade is tapped next spring, let's take a look back at the award's winners of the first decade of the 2000s. Players are ranked based on their overall career through '09, not just their rookie season.

11 - Mike Miller (Magic, 2001)

Someone had to win the award in '01, and Miller took home the hardware by default (Kenyon Martin, Marc Jackson, Darius Miles and Morris Peterson made up the rest of the Top 5). Representing the weakest draft class of the decade, Miller carved out a solid NBA career (14 ppg, 5 rpg), playing his prime years with the Grizzlies as one of the league's top perimeter shooters.

10 - Emeka Okafor (Bobcats, 2005)

While Dwight Howard - selected a slot before Okafor at No. 1 in the '04 draft - has gone on to a more prominent career, Emeka did have a superior rookie campaign (Ben Gordon finished second, Howard third in the voting). Quietly compiling 14 points and just under 11 rebounds per game in his first five seasons in Charlotte, Okafor began playing with another ROY - Chris Paul - in New Orleans in 2009.

9 - Steve Francis (Rockets, 2000 - Tie)

Tying Elton Brand for the top-newbie award to begin the decade (Lamar Odom and Andre Miller also received votes), Francis enjoyed a trio of All-Star Game starts representing Houston from '02-04, including twice next to teammate Yao Ming (runner-up for the '03 trophy). Stevie Franchise was traded to Orlando for Tracy McGrady in the summer of '04 - supposedly entering his prime - but his career quickly tapered off in his late-20s after peaking with averages of 21-7-6 during his first year with the Magic.

8 - Elton Brand (Bulls, 2000 - Tie)

Only one of four ROYs in the past 20 seasons to average over 20 points and 10 rebounds his first year in the league (along with David Robinson, Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan), Brand helped ease the pain of Bulls fans coming to grips with the post-Jordan era in Chicago at the end of the '90s. Another 20-10 season followed before Elton was dealt to the Clippers on draft day for Tyson Chandler. One of the decade's most consistent low-post presences, Brand's career reached its height in '06 when he took the court in one of his two All-Star Games, made the All-NBA Second Team and played in all of his only 12 career playoff games.

7 - Amar'e Stoudemire (Suns, 2003)

A four-time All-Star and three-time All-NBA member (First Team in '07, Second Team in '05 and '08), Stoudemire has pieced together 21-point, 9-rebound averages and an odd combination of still-untapped potential and "What if?" moments this decade with Steve Nash in Phoenix. Only 27 entering the '09-10 season, have we seen the best of Amar'e or will he - someday, somewhere - become the second best player on a championship team like the next player on the list?

6 - Pau Gasol (Grizzlies, 2002)

Gasol may not boast the all-league honors Stoudemire does (although he does have two All-Star Games and an All-NBA Third Team to his credit), but Pau ranks above Amar'e thanks to consecutive Finals appearances and an '09 championship as the over-the-top piece for the Lakers and Kobe Bryant. A handful of key trades in league history have shifted the powers and altered the NBA-title-path scripts over the decades - and Gasol's arrival from Memphis in '08 is the most recent addition to the scale-tipping list.

5 - Derrick Rose (Bulls, 2009)
4 - Brandon Roy (Blazers, 2007)
3 - Kevin Durant (Sonics, 2008)

The past three ROYs make up a three-player group of "potential prognosticating" centered solely on future possibilities. Roy has had the most time to make an NBA splash with a pair of All-Star Games and an All-NBA Second Team already in his column. All three are the face of their respective franchise - something that could not be said about Gasol and Stoudemire - and their developments in the 2010s will ultimately determine if their placing here is legit. I like their chances.

2 - Chris Paul (Hornets, 2006)

After leading the NBA in total steals as a rookie, Paul glided past two-time MVP Steve Nash as the game's best point guard by his third season. The runner-up to Kobe for MVP in '08, CP3 has led a basketball-rejuvenation in New Orleans, recorded back-to-back All-NBA First Team honors and led the league in assists and steals with a pair of the greatest consecutive PG seasons in pro hoops history.

1 - LeBron James (Cavaliers, 2004)

The decade's only ROY to also win an MVP and lead his team to The Finals in the same decade, LeBron became a perennial All-Star starter, All-NBA member and face of the league (along with Kobe) from his second year on. James joined Paul on the gold medal 2008 USA Olympic "Redeem Team" and easily claims the crown as the decade's definitive Rookie of the Year.

 

NBA Haq is dedicated to providing balanced doses of history, humor, passion and perspective about the league we love. Thanks for reading. - Nate
 
 
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Well, the teams are in place for the inagural Growl fantasy basketball season.  I will be looking at trading some players around, because I was not allowed into the draft session by Yahoo for the first 10 picks.  Needless to say I was not very happy.  I will just have to rely on my GM skills.  Lang Greene over at Hoops Vine posted his squad on his page.  He also had a nice little analysis of each of his picks. 

Here is my team. (not in draft order)

Mike Bibby
Andre Miller
Monta Ellis
Vince Carter
Josh Howard
Paul Pierce
Manu Ginobli
Thaddeus Young
Amar'e Stoudemire
Tyrus Thomas
Kevin Garnett
Chris Anderson
Roy Hibbert

The auto picking basically drafted me the 2005 all-stars.  Maybe Mark Cuban was putting together my team, because the Mavs are similarly constructed.  I have the most injury prone team in the league.  However, barring no major injuries this could be a solid team.
 
 
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Some of the rankings have changed.  So, these are new power rankings, but they also have the explanations I promised way back.

1. (~) Spurs

The addition of Jefferson was the best pick up of the offseason.  Throw in McDyess, Blair, and Bogans and this squad looks pretty good on paper.  The Spurs should end up in the finals, but it all depends on if they can stay healthy.

2. (~) Cavaliers

The Cavs added Shaq, Parker, and Moon this offseason.  A lot of their success s going to depend on how Shaq fits in with the team.  “Win a ring for the king”

3. (~) Lakers

Will the Artest decision pan out well?  Who knows.  Why not just keep the team intact and resign Ariza. 

4. (~) Celtics

There are lots of question entering into this season for the Celtics.  How is KG’s knee?  Is Rondo pissed off at Ainge, and will that affect his play?  Is Sheed’ going to fit in?  How much longer can Ray Allen go?  Did Big Baby shave that stupid Mohawk yet? 

5. (~) Magic

Just like the Lakers, I feel the Magic should have resigned Hedo.  He was their clutch guy, and made the Magic almost impossible to guard when everyone was hitting.  However, they did pick up Brandon Bass, and managed to retain Gortat. 

6. (~) Trailblazers

This team is no longer a sleeper in the West.  Roy, Aldridge, and Oden have one more year under the belts and should look better this year.  They brought in Andre Miller, which kind of made me scratch my head at first with Blake and Bayless already there.  But, the more I think about it the more I like it.  Miller is going to make life easier on Roy. 

7. (+1) Wizards

I really like the Wizards this year.  That is, if everyone stays healthy.  They added the depth they needed with Foye and Miller.  This could be the year they get out of the first round.

8. (-1) Nuggets

This year depends heavily on Melo’s performance.  He was playing great last year, and showed that he is still an MVP caliber player.  With Billups’ guidance, it is possible for the Nuggets to the conference finals again.

9. (+8) Hawks

Ok, they jumped a lot.  I was talking with NBAKays about my previous rankings which had them at 17.  He thought that was way too low, and I tried to defend myself.  But, the more I thought about it he was right.  They did not lose anyone this offseason and brought in Jamal Crawford.  This team is pretty scary.

10. (-1) Raptors

I am intrigued.  Colangelo is really trying to put something together that can keep Bosh in town.  I don’t know if Hedo was the long term answer, but he might be good enough for this year.  Adding in Jarrett Jack and Marco Bellinelli was a nice touch, too.  The Raptors could have a huge line up of Bargnani (7’0), Bosh (6’10), Hedo (6’10), and Derozan (6’7).  That is going to be a tough match up for any team.

11. (~) Bulls

The reason I have them this high is Derrick Rose.  Losing Ben Gordon can actually help him out developmentally, because now he does not have to worry about keeping Ben happy.  He can just play.   The Miller and Salmons trade worked out great last year.  Add in Noah developing nicely in the back half of last season and Luol Deng returning, and this could be a nice year for Chicago.

12. (-2) Suns

Amare’s back (injury).  Steve’s back (resigned).  Up tempo offense is back.  Should be fun to watch.

13. (-1) Hornets

I am not so sure that Emeka Okafor is going to be a better fit than Tyson Chandler was, but at least they showed Chris Paul that they are willing to spend some money.  Paul will keep them in the race just because he is, well Chris Paul.

14. (+1) Mavs

They spent some cash this offseason.  They brought back Kidd and added Marion.  It would have been very nice if they could have snagged Gortat.  There are some negatives.  Brandon Bass is gone and no one is getting younger on that roster.

15. (-2) Jazz

I would say there is some level 2 controversy brewing in Utah.  The Boozer situation remains unsolved.  However, they will be alright with D-Will at the helm and some good role players around him.

16. (-1) Heat

The only thing they need to keep them competitive is Wade.  Hopefully, Beasley develops some more this year.  He put up 27 points a couple nights ago.

17. (-1) Thunder

This is the bandwagon team this year.  I’ll admit it, I am jumping on.  Their young core is pretty ridiculous.  Henry Abbott, of True Hoop, took a shot at Durant last week concerning his +/- statistics.  Durant responded this week with a +27 game, and some tweets.  I love Durant.  I have him pegged for scoring champ this year.

18. (~) Clippers

The Clips had a great off season.  They have some depth, some veterans, and some great young guys. They should be ranked higher based on their talent level, but they are the Clippers.  Something will inevitably go wrong.

19. (+1) Pistons

I don’t know how this Gordon signing is going to work out.  He has always wanted to be the man and score in Chicago, but then he signs in Detroit where he will most likely be behind Rip.  This could be similar to the AI experiment.    

20. (-1) 76ers

The loss of Andre Miller hurts this team and depth is a major issue for Philly.  But, they still have Iguodola and Brand.

21. (+1) Warriors

This team is going to be exciting to watch.  I am ready to see Randolph have a great season.  If you saw any of his summer league stuff you can tell this guy is a freak.  But, there are times where he is just, well lazy.  For example, check out the new slam of the week.

22. (-1) Grizzlies

I am still excited for the Grizzlies this season.  Our preseason has not looked too great so far, and Iverson has been hurt the whole time.  But, the rookies are playing well, and so was Conley.  Mayo has not been too shabby.  Rudy Gay has not been as good as we had hoped, but it is only the pre season and things can change.

23. (~) Rockets

It is going to be a tough year for the Rockets.   But, if there is anybody more equipped to handle something tough, it is the players on Houston.

24. (~) Pacers

They have a nice nucleus, too.  I just don’t think they are quite ready this year for a playoff berth.

25. (+1) Bobcats

Larry Brown has had great success turning around organizations by his second year.  I think that stops in Charlotte.

26. (-1) Knicks

They resigned Lee and Robinson.  If they hadn’t, they would be ranked number 30.

27. (~) Nets

Nice young team, but nowhere close to being able to compete night in and night out.

28. (~) Timberwolves

If Jefferson can avoid the injury bug for this year they could climb up a few spots.  The loss of Foye and Miller this off season hurts pretty badly.  Especially, when you don’t get anything back for them.  But, Flynn and Sessions were nice pick ups.

29. (~) Bucks

Michael Redd is coming off knee surgery, and no Richard Jefferson.  Hmm…

30. (~) Kings

The lowly Kings.  Garcia just got hurt.  Evans is only going to bring so much to the table.  Martin is a nice player and hopefully Thompson and Hawes can develop nicely.  But, I would say they are finishing in the bottom of the league this year.  Hopefully they don’t get screwed in the draft again next year.  If they get the number one pick, they definitely are a team to look out for.  A potential John Wall, Evans, Martin, Thompson, Hawes, Nocioni, Garcia, Rodriguez, and Casspi lineup looks pretty solid. 

~= The team’s position did not change
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The NBA and NCAA seasons are just around the corner, but I am already interested in the draft.  Even though I think my Grizzlies are going to be a low lottery pick this year.  I am still interested in who to watch for this year in the NCAA.  I have a great resource to ask questions on this topic.  That is Peter Robert Casey. 

The Growl: Who is a player to watch for this year in the NCAA?

PRC: It's tough to pick just one. There's an abundance of talented floor leaders, scorers, post men, and swing men to watch this year. As a former point guard and lifelong New Yorker, I'm keeping my eye on UConn sophomore, Kemba Walker. He's not the best lead guard in the nation (Sherron Collins warrants that distinction), but he has tremendous potential (All Big-East Rookie pick in '09) and has huge shoes to fill after A.J. Price's departure. UConn will rely heavily on his leadership, and last year's tourney proved that he's more than capable of stepping up when needed.

The Growl: Which player on St. John's team intrigues you the most as an NBA prospect? (PRC is the microblogger this year for St. Johns’ basketball team.)

PRC: I don't think the Johnnies have an NBA-certified player on its roster. Anthony Mason, Jr., has NBA DNA and All-Big East upside, but I don’t see his namegetting called next June by David Stern or Adam Silver. Paris Horne is a budding star at the collegiate level, and D.J. Kennedy can fill up the stat sheet on any given night. All said, however, I don't see any one of the trio making the transition. Let's hope they prove me wrong. 

The Growl: Who do you have as the number one pick in next year's draft?

PRC:  John Wall from Kentucky. He's a one-and-done prospect, guaranteed. As Tom Konchalski would say, "He has more tools than Black & Decker." Wall is equally adept at controlling the basketball ball with either hand, has superlative quickness and athleticism, and plays the game above the rim. Forgive the cliche, but he's a younger Derrick Rose. Same coach, different program.
Next, I went to my Twitter buddies and asked some questions.  First, I asked NBAguy, Matt Clark, who he thought would be the number one pick.  Simply put, “John Wall”.  I asked NBAKays who he thought were going to be the tops in the NCAA this year.  His response, “not gonna lie, I don't really follow NCAA until march”.  I think that is the case for many NBA fans, so hopefully this post can give everyone a little bit of a preview before the Madness. 

One thing I think everyone can agree on is John Wall being the top pick barring no catastrophic injury.  The dude is completely sick.  Just watch this and this.  His ability to get to the rim and finish or find the open man are spectacular.  The question is will he be able to develop his outside shot. 

The player I am looking out for is Georgia Tech recruit, Derrick Favors.  In his last year of high school, he averaged 27.5 points, 13.3 rebounds, 5 bpg and 4 spg.  In his junior season, he was posting 9.1 bpg.  He was the McDonald's All American Player of the Game, too.  However, that was high school.  But, Favors has the capability to catapult Georgia Tech into the top 25 and into the tournament.  And I am talking about the big one, not the NIT.  Keep an eye out for this guy.  He may make a case for being the number one pick. 

In case you have not seen the polls yet....ESPN/USA Top 25 Polls

A big thanks to Peter Robert Casey for taking the time to answer some questions.  Make sure to check out his site at http://www.peterrobertcasey.com/
 
 
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The Growl's league just opened. It is on Yahoo and it is a head to head league.  There are 11 spots open right now (*Update - 5 spots left).  This is on a first come first serve basis.  There will be fantasy league posts on the Baller's Blog throughout the season.   

If you want to join, the League ID# is - 219782.  The Password is - gogrizz.  You just go to fantasysports.yahoo.com.  Click on fantasy basketball and then click on join a league.  You want to join a custom league, and that is when you enter the id# and password.  As of now, the time for the live online draft is at 7:30 p.m. central on Monday, October 19.  The time can be changed if everyone agrees on it.

The winner is going to get an OJ Mayo rookie card. (pictured below)  Big whoop, I know.  But, I'm in college and I have a lack of funds so I figure it is better than nothing.  More of a bragging rights type thing anyways.

Alright, who is ready to get owned? 
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O.J. MAYO #103 (ROOKIE CARD) 2008-09 TOPPS TREASURY.  Prizes! Now it's serious.
 
 
This is the first post for NBAHaq.  He will be contributing from time to time.  Be sure to check out his blog by clicking here.  Enjoy.

Written by and published with permission from Nate at NBA Haq

Although the "Back to School" part of the year ended in September, October marks the "Back to Season" month for the NBA. Here are 11 (enough other places do 10) All "New Season" Teams heading into the 2009-10 tip-off, complete with a school-themed twist. Find a seat, please.

All "We Rule the School" Team: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard 

The NBA "University" equivalent of letterman-jacket wearing, cheerleader dating homecoming kings - except these guys are a much more accomplished, humbled bunch making a career - and millions - out of it.

All "School Legacy" Team: Shaquille O'Neal, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Allen Iverson

This group's achievements are already displayed proudly in the athletic department's trophy cases and splashed throughout the team media guides, yet they still have enough eligibility left to add even more to their legacy.

All "We Also Get Reserved Parking" Team: Dirk Nowitzki, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Brandon Roy, Pau Gasol

Deserving star status around campus in their own right, these guys have no problems getting preferential seating, free drinks or tutoring assistance. 

All "Make Room for Us at the Cool Table" Team: Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, Al Jefferson, Danny Granger

All schools are continuously passing the torch to new leadership (although the NBA has a longer waiting period), but this group is ready to step up and join the previous teams as perennial All-Stars.

All "Passa-Beta-Dima" Frat Team: Deron Williams, Tony Parker, Steve Nash, Chauncey Billups, Devin Harris

Small men on campus in the height department only, these players do quite well for themselves at NBA U by assisting others.

All "Freshman Officers" Team: Blake Griffin, Hasheem Thabeet, James Harden, Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn

History says they won't all pan out successfully, but all are given the opportunity to try, led by Freshman Class President Griffin. Flynn was a late-summer replacement after hopeful foreign-exchange transfer Ricky Rubio stayed overseas. True, most class offices consist of four members, but Thabeet is serving as the foreign relations representative.

All "Sophomore Officers" Team: O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Brook Lopez

Last year's Freshman President Derrick Rose has moved onto bigger and better things, while Freshman VP from a year ago, Michael Beasley, has been demoted from a school leadership position for now per request from the school psychiatrist. Lopez was brought in to help out with on-campus sibling relations.

All "Don't Rent Out My Room, but Go Ahead and Hold My Mail" Team: Tracy McGrady, Manu Ginobili, Gilbert Arenas, Baron Davis, Greg Oden

Similar to class credit mix-ups or financial aid snags, this group has to overcome injury setbacks in their quest to rekindle their popularity across campus - something Yao Ming will have to wait another year for.

All "Just Happy to Still Have a School ID" Team: Ron Artest, Rasheed Wallace, Stephen Jackson, Zach Randolph, Quentin Richardson

Thought of including Grant Hill here since he is finally healthy after all these years, but he doesn't quite fit in with this bunch. Maybe he could be their RA.

All "Tenured Professors" Team: Phil Jackson, Greg Popovich, Jerry Sloan, Larry Brown, Don Nelson

NBA University "Lifers" that bring tradition, prestige and a lot of gray hair to the faculty department.

All "Audio-Visual Department" Team: Mike Breen with Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson, Marv Albert with Doug Collins (Reggie Miller, not so much), Mike Tirico with Hubie Brown, TNT's Inside the NBA Crew, Every NBA Dance Team & Pre-game Intros Staff

Sure, it is a big group, but campus life would not be nearly as good without the sights, sounds, insight and comedy they provide.

Class dismissed. Enjoy the new year at NBA U!


Nate Hackenbracht (NBA Haq)
 
 
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Preseason Power Rankings
1.       Spurs
2.       Cavaliers
3.       Lakers
4.       Celtics
5.       Magic
6.       Trailblazers
7.       Nuggets
8.       Wizards
9.       Raptors
10.   Suns
11.   Bulls
12.   Hornets
13.   Jazz
14.   Mavs
15.   Heat
16.   Thunder
17.   Hawks
18.   Clippers
19.   76ers
20.   Pistons
21.   Grizzlies
22.   Warriors
23.   Rockets
24.   Pacers
25.   Knicks
26.   Bobcats
27.   Nets
28.   Timberwolves
29.   Bucks
30.   Kings
Eastern Conference
1.       Cavaliers
2.       Celtics
3.       Magic
4.       Wizards
5.       Raptors
6.       Bulls
7.       Heat
8.       Hawks
9.       76ers
10.   Pistons
11.   Pacers
12.   Knicks
13.   Bobcats
14.   Nets
15.   Bucks
Western Conference
1.       Spurs
2.       Lakers
3.       Trailblazers
4.       Nuggets
5.       Suns
6.       Hornets
7.       Jazz
8.       Mavs
9.       Thunder
10.   Clippers
11.   Grizzlies
12.   Warriors
13.   Rockets
14.   Timberwolves
15.   Kings
*Explanations coming soon
 
 
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With Jordan being inducted into the Hall of Fame I felt it an appropriate time for a Jordan post.  I grew up watching MJ absolutely work some great NBA players.  I would be lying if I did not say I was a diehard Bulls fan while he was with the team.  My focus has slowly shifted to the Grizzlies in the last six or seven years, but the Bulls still have a solid place in my fanhood.  Especially when it comes playoff time, because they actually give me someone to root for. 

It was impossible to grow up in Illinois without being affected by Michael Jordan.  It was Jordan mania everywhere in the nation and it was amplified even more in Illinois.  The Jordan years I remember best are from about 1993 to his retirement, and then his un-retirement and…so on.  Those are the years my interest in the NBA grew, and Jordan was a big part of it.  He was unbelievable to watch and I thought he was capable of anything on the court.  When it was time for a last second shot, I had no doubt that he was going to hit it.  I would expect 40 points plus when I sat down for a game, and he would deliver.  I expected at least two; “um…did he just pull that off?” plays a game.  At my age, it was hard for me to fully realize that I was watching the greatest player ever to take the court.  I knew someone special was playing because everyone let me know.

My family gatherings have always centered around basketball whether it was summer vacations/out of state basketball tournaments, or just hanging around in the front yard hooping.  Another family past time was watching Jordan and the Bulls during the glory days.  I would just sit on the couch or floor and watch the games from start to finish.  There were great times in front of the tube because the emotion levels were so high in the living room.  For example, my brother was a fan of Shawn Kemp and the Sonics.  When Chicago played Seattle in the finals there was quite a bit of tension swirling in the house.  There were loads of trash talk that occurred not only from brother to brother, but also from the parents to my brother.  When the Bulls won, I remember him just getting up and going to his room.  He probably did not want to get pelted with any more slams. Another example, my mom had become desperately obsessed with the Bulls because of John Paxson.  I can still remember her celebrating with her 10 inch vertical jumps in 93’ when Pax’ hit the game winning shot in the finals.  It was as if she was a part of the team and sitting on the sidelines.  When the game was close, she would yell at opposing players during free throws.  I don’t know if she thought her voice could travel to the United Center that fast, but I am pretty sure she thought they were going to hear her and mess up.  The thing about it is that I don’t think she even knew she was doing it.  Her emotions just got the best of her, and out came a deafening shout.  She loved the team.  It always seemed like it was the perfect team surrounding Jordan.  Although it may have just been Jordan who made the team seem perfect. 

Jordan made the entire team interesting.  Me and my brother would sit around and talk/make fun of role players like the ever popular Dickey Simpkins, John “Flopping Fish” Salley, “Big Shoe” Will Perdue, the infamous Bill Wennington, and The Jud Buechler.   Well those are mostly the Bulls players we made fun of.  Salley got the nickname of “Flopping Fish” when me and my brother witnessed him fall down somewhere between 5 to 8 times in 10 minutes during a game.  Watching the Bulls every night also allowed us to see some other stars and role players perform.  Players like Pippen, Kerr, Paxson, Tony “Euro-Jordan” Kukoc, Horace Grant, and Dennis “The Worm” Rodman.  Being able to see these players was even more of a reason to catch the game.

The point is we rarely missed games.  We were on one of those summer vacation/out of state tournament getaways and it was during the 98’ Jazz finals.  I remember rushing back to the hotel to watch the game.  It is good thing we did not miss it because we would have missed Jordan’s final shot in a Bulls uni.  Even then, at the end of the game I believed he was going to do something spectacular.  The Bulls were down by three with less than a minute to play.  Layup, steal, shot on Russell.  Boom.  The guy was ridiculous.  There were so many great moments in his career.  The flu game, the two “three peats”, all the last second shots, and the torching of John Starks repeatedly ranked upon my favorites.

I remember the not so good times, too.  He had the attempt at pro baseball, the comeback with the Wizards, and that attempt at pro baseball.  Jordan provided memorable moments either way.  Many think that his hall of fame speech was bitter.  It was a little cold, but that is Jordan.  He is ultra competitive.   It was unfiltered Jordan and that is what he has always gave the fans.  Why should he change who he is for the speech?  His competiveness and desire to win are what made him the player he was and the reason he got into the hall of fame.  We are never going to see another Michael Jordan.  I am grateful that I was able to watch the greatest of all time play the game of basketball.