NBA “Man-Crushes” Vol. 2010

People who aren’t obsessed with NBA basketball often have a hard time understanding how I can watch the NBA every night without even having a favorite team.  Some people who are obsessed with NBA basketball can’t even figure it out.  I try to explain that I just love basketball and enjoy watching the best players in the world put their talents on display… it makes perfect sense to me.  Even following that explanation, many folks tend to seem confused.  I usually don’t take it this far because it leaves people in an even deeper state of befuddlement, but when I say that more often than not I don’t really even care who wins the game I’m watching, I say it honestly.  I probably just lost all my readers over the age of 40 with that statement, but it’s the truth.  I’ll root for the Warriors, but if Monta Ellis drops 50 in a highly-entertaining one-point loss, then I’m happy as Oliver Miller with a cheeseburger.  There’s only three teams that I feel have a shot at the title, so I realize that the final score of most games means little to nothing.  I think most fans would consider my point of view extremely boring, but I prefer the term “stress-free”.  I’ve got enough real-life issues, I don’t need to feel like offing myself due to some basketball team that I have no actual affiliation with losing a game.  I rest my case.  Oh, that reminds me!  Note to all douchey sports fans: stop f@cking saying “we” when referring to your favorite team.  You’re a 5’6 drunken fatass that makes Brian Scalabrine look like Dwight Howard, you don’t play for the Boston Celtics.  /Rant.

All of that being said, I do have what I like to call “man-crushes”.  I find players I like to watch–preferably ones who play for a team with an exciting style and roster–and cheer for their individual success.  I’ve been known to rip myself off in the process of acquiring my man-crushes in fantasy leagues, and I’ve also been known to spend lots of money buying their jerseys, bobbleheads, and game-worn sneakers (these Ricky Davis “Get Buckets” ones are the pride of my collection).  We’re currently 11 days from the end of 2010, and I feel like writing something, so here’s a list of five players who I developed feelings for over the course of the past year.  No homo.

Thanks for helping me make that clear, Cam.  Moving right along…

Sonny Weems

With Stromile Swift’s departure from the league, I had to find a new favorite player who possessed similar qualities.  My requirements: hyper athletic, funny name, super random.  Sonny was a perfect fit.  Nah, that’s not really how it went down, but the two do have some similarities. 

 

Here’s how it actually happened: I can’t remember why, but I found myself watching a bunch of Craptor games last spring.  I couldn’t help but notice this young gun named Sonny, who seemed to be improving exponentially by the game.  I looked up his story, and it was that of an underdog.  He was drafted in the second round by the Bulls, immediately traded to the Nuggets, and spent his entire rookie season in the D-League.  After the 08/09 season he was traded to the Bucks and then to the Raptors, who were going to cut him, until someone convinced GM Brian Colangelo that he was worth keeping.  I don’t remember who exactly did the convincing, but that’s not important.  What is important is that he worked his ass off and earned himself spot minutes.  He played well in what little time he was given, and eventually was rewarded with the starting SF spot in late March.  Inspirational story + highlight dunks = I’m a fan.

Dorell Wright

A leading candidate in the 2010/11 Most Improved Player race… Dorell has flourished with one of the league’s most exciting teams.  After being drafted out of highschool and playing six forgettable seasons in Miami, he moved on to Golden State and took advantage of a new opportunity.  Wright has been lights-out from long distance all season.  He knocks down about 2.5 threes a night, and when you combine that three-point prowess with his explosive athleticism, the result is a very entertaining 15 points per game.  I officially declared myself president of the Dorell Wright bandwagon and started referring to him as “my main man” just a few games into this season.

Blake Griffin

I’m pretty sure I’m the only one constructing a list of NBA man-crushes, but if everyone else did it this dude would get a ton of mentions.  I’m actually confident that he’d litterally be on everybody’s list, and understandably so.  Who doesn’t enjoy watching this?

I don’t see any hands going up.  That could be because there’s no one else in my basement, or it could be because Blake Griffin is the most exciting thing to hit the NBA since LeBron James.

Michael Beasley

I actually joined the super-coolest bandwagon in the league before Beas began to break out in Minny.  He was on my fantasy team last year, and when I wasn’t busy yelling at Erik Spoelstra to let him f@cking play, I was really enjoying watching him put the ball in the basket.  The way he scores reminds me of Carmelo Anthony, who’s been a favorite of mine since he entered the league.  When he busted out the ‘fro and did this to Boris Diaw… it was a wrap.

Eric Gordon

Another member of the illest 7-21 team of all time.  I liked Eric in the past… there’s nothing not to like… he’s a great shooter with sneaky athleticism who can light it up on any given night, but he wasn’t a favorite of mine.  Gordon’s moved up mega notches on my totem pole this season for a few reasons.  First of all, he’s suddenly become one of the sickest in-game dunkers at the guard position in the entire league.  Check it out:

There’s been a lot of that this season.  He’s currently the leader in posters of the day with three winners so far.  Secondly, he’s raised his scoring average by six PPG.  He’s taken his game to that next level by clearly establishing himself as “the guy” for the Clipps early on.  Blake Griffin has also made a case, but Gordon’s been the one with the ball in his hands down the stretch… and as I’ve said before, he’s been about as clutch as a player can be for a seven win squad.

There you have it… five reasons to watch four terrible teams.

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2 Responses to NBA “Man-Crushes” Vol. 2010

  1. Brandon says:

    We pay money that goes to these athletes and employees. We are emotionally invested in these teams. We should have the right to say we without being judged by pre-teens like you Strob.

    You also need to start jumping on the bandwagon for white guys. We have studs like Goran Dragic and Danilo Gallinari that need love from you too. Dont discriminate.

    • admin says:

      Pre-teen? That’s the best you’ve got STAT? Weak sauce.

      And I’m on a white bandwagon. The Birdman’s in the header.

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