theres only one..

Hey what up readers. This is Wes. I am originally from Atlanta, GA; and no I have not pulled my hamstring jumping on and off the bandwagons for our professional sports teams. I am a true fan of all of our sports teams here in Atlanta, but I sometimes think the bandwagon fans have it easier. Their blood pressure scores tend to be lower. The true fans, high blood pressure and all, are able to truly appreciate the dramatic improvement of the Hawks and Falcons. Now the Braves and the Thrashers need to pick up the pace. Well that was a little bit about me. I will let you know more about me in future blogs.

Who can deny that these NBA playoffs have not been the most exciting in recent memory? Legends are being created, and goats are being placed on waivers as we speak. We have witnessed many unlikely heroes and surprising meltdowns. Rookies and role players are performing established stars on most nights. Nobody can accurately predict the outcome of the next game, even though so-called “experts” claim to be the messiahs of all basketball knowledge. Their delusions of grandeur have them flip-flopping on teams every second just to protect their egos. The analysts that actually know what they are talking about consistently say that each game has its own identity. They recognize that the outcome every game is determined by how well each team adjusted to the challenge of their rival, whether it is in victory or defeat. A game plan is only as effective as the players that are challenged to execute it properly.

But there has been an unfair expectation placed on two of the game’s best players, Kobe and LeBron. There actually some people who get when they do not quite measure up to the legend of Michael Jordan, and there are others who try to call them the next Jordan. These people are missing out on some tremendously talented players if they are going to measure them to some unrealistic odds. Even though LeBron did not make it to the finals, people are still blaming him for Cleveland’s loss. The people, whom believe Michael Jordan won all six of his championships alone and with perfection, clearly do not know the game of basketball. Jordan needed Pippen, Shaq needed Kobe and Wade, and Kobe needs Gasol now. All of these scenarios, and every other championship team, show a true conglomeration of extraordinary star power and team cohesion. Unfortunately LeBron only had the team cohesion, but that does not take away from his individual talent or leadership capabilities. Jordan was not perfect and the new class of all-stars are not flawed door mats that lead to his great legacy. They are creating their own legacies every season, and the NBA has only enhanced its product. All of us are very fortunate to be watching the mind blowing talent and globalization of this great sport during a historical post season run.

To all the readers, why do you think people have a hard time accepting players for whom they are and always try to unfairly compare their growing greatness to an established super star? When will people stop looking for the next Jordan and just appreciate the players for their own contributions to the game?

Wes