In an NBC Philadelphia piece, one Timothy Parker lays out a case that the NBA stinks because guaranteed contracts and cavernous arenas have erased the presence of heart, hustle and excitement.Instead of a point-by-point refutation of Parker's points (which would just bore everyone), I'd like to provide a counter-example to the writer's thesis. I'd like to tell you about Bobby Jackson and ask how he fits in this pessimistic view of the crushed NBA spirit.
Bobby Jackson is 36 years old. He has made $36 million over his often illustrious NBA career -- not a mint in pro sports terms, but more cash than you or I shall ever see. He's rich. He's at the end of his career. He's got a host of young children with his wife, Dona. He is possibly the most beloved Sacramento King, earning massive ovations every time he checks into the game. His local popularity is rivaled only by that of Vlade Divac (who will incidentally have his jersey retired by the Kings tonight).
Jackson may play a couple more years at minimum salary, or he may retire this summer to pursue a second career in coaching. (It has been intimated that Jackson will have a job in Sacramento so long as he wants one.) His team, the Kings, are by record and by anecdote the worst team in the NBA. Sacramento was swept by the Washington Wizards this season, and nearly swept by the entire Eastern Conference. The team is rebuilding, much like the University of Kentucky, or Indiana University. Once proud, now picking up the pieces.
Jackson's cheekbone was fractured by an errant Spencer Hawes elbow several weeks ago. The injury so altered Jackson's vision that he had a very uncharacteristic turnover on the next play. Even more uncharacteristically, he pulled himself from the (close) game and went to the locker room. The diagnosis? Fractured cheekbone, surgery required, season over.
Again, Jackson is 36 with no prospect of a wallet-busting contract from here on out. His team is the worst in the league. He is the second-string point guard for said team, and plays about 15-20 minutes a game. There is literally nothing at stake -- not for Sacramento, not for Jackson.
A week after the fracture, Jackson decided not to have surgery. No one understood why. He said he wanted to play. No one understood why. He got fitted for a mask and rejoined the team. No one understood why. He played Friday (less than two weeks after the initial injury) ... in a game against similarly terrible Memphis. No one understood why.
His second game back, inexplicably playing with a BROKEN FACE for no discernible reason, the mask began to bother Jackson. Did he take himself out of the game? Did he try to adjust the mask so it wouldn't impair his vision?
No. He took off the mask, laid it on the scorer's table and continued playing. In a meaningless game. With his vision hanging in the balance. Rational thought process? No. Heart? Try to argue otherwise.
Bobby ended up pushing and shoving with Phoenix back-up Goran Dragic for a few possessions in the second quarter, hit a shot, yanked a few rebounds. For no apparent reason. Bobby Jackson stood out there and gave it his all -- every inch of himself, just as he has his entire career and just as hundreds of NBA players do.
You can prefer the NCAA for whatever reason you want. But in the process of explaining yourself, don't tell me -- or Bobby Jackson -- the NBA doesn't have heart.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
That guy hating on the league is a complete idiot. He doesn't know what he's talking about. I'm used to listen to NBA haters unfairly treating the league and saying false things about the league in general, the players etc., but this article brought it to a whole new level. It's BEYOND me how the editors let that article go through (unless they share his same views, which, sadly to say, wouldn't surprise me at all). It seems like a p!ssed off little kid wrote it.
Great post, Ziller.
Seriously, how many Bobby Jacksons are there in today's NBA? Probably a few more with heart, but what about hustle? I don't see many Charles Oakleys, or Doc Rivers' out there. Mr. Jackson is the exception, not the norm. When is the last time Kobe, or Carmello dived into the stands??? I disagree with Mr. Parker re: NCAA ball. It stinks also. (National CHILDRENS Athletic Assoc)
No seniors that are any good. Just kids w/o exp.
I think this is your best post yet Mr. Ziller. thanks for the interesting read.
There are very few Bobby Jacksons in the league. Lets not get carried away. Good story tho!
I have watched Bobby Jackson since he played at the University of Minnesota. I had not been a fan of theirs before, but I was when he played there and I have not been a fan of the U of M since. His play back then was something to behold and he never quit. At his best he played almost too fast for a human being to play and might be the only player who might have been better (offensively) if he ever could at least slide out of high gear to maybe 3rd gear. Bobby Jackson is a player, to this day that I will stop and watch if he is playing, just so my daughters can watch someone who gives it everything they have, every time they are on the floor.
I can't stand the people who think NBA players don't try. I always think of when the Nuggets scorched the Supes 168-116 last year. I remember AI said after that game something to the effect of, "That's what happens when you don't show up in this league."
Seriously, if you don't go up as strong as you can every time you're picking yourself off the floor and the ball is in the 5th row.