Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the controversy engulfing Derrick Rose is that he has been supported by the majority of journalists who expressed an opinion. (For example, here.) That’s not to say his continued absence from the Bulls’ lineup has been universally endorsed. Some have ventured into the dangerous territory of suggesting that Rose should be playing after undergoing surgery on his left ACL, and certainly the Bulls encouraged such criticism in March when they announced that Rose had been
Hubbard: In the give-and-take with Popovich, reporters usually take
SAN ANTONIO – After each Spurs practice, the media assembles in a corner of the facility and prepares for an encounter with famously gruff San Antonio coach Gregg Popovich. Other teams call it an interview session. With Pop, it’s more like a duel at 10 paces. Pop is the only one armed. Verbally. Within the word “intimidate” is the word “timid,” and that combination exists at each get-together. Pop has a naturally irritated look that has been refined by years of repetition.
Hubbard: Need we be reminded that it’s a players league?
When Mike Brown was hired by the Cleveland Cavaliers last week, there were multiple feelings of déjà vu. One was obvious – Brown was returning to a team that had fired him three years earlier. We have all been here before. But the other was more subtle and had to do with the fundamental reality not only of today’s NBA, but also of today’s professional sports. [Read more…]
Hubbard: Solution to Awards Voting Dilemma: Offensive Player of the Year – Why Not?
Perhaps the greatest indicator of LeBron James’ current dominance of the NBA is that the only controversy in Most Valuable Player voting is who deserves to be second. There haven’t been many times in NBA history when that was the case – when it was one player doing a Secretariat and the field 31 lengths behind. The closest in recent years probably was 1995-96 when Michael Jordan led the Bulls to a 72-10 record. He had 109 of 113 first-place votes that
Hubbard: Dreams Come True: We Have OKC-Houston
(Readers: This column was first published on March 9 with the title “Dreaming of OKC vs. James Harden.” Well, Mr. Hubbard’s dream has come to fruition, and Game 1 is tonight. Brace yourselves.-CS) The concept of payback often results in conflicting feelings. Revenge at its worst could be considered a character defect and something you would not teach your kids. But in the right context, proving someone made a mistake – payback – and doing it with class, can be delightfully rewarding.
Hubbard: Can Dirk The Franchise Lure Talent to Dallas?
The myth died for good only two years ago, but it seems more distant than that because it was so silly. It’s unlikely that it will return, but then again, people are still looking for Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster, mermaids and flying saucers. So who knows? Maybe at some point, some basketball idiot will call Dirk Nowitzki “soft” again. That person would indeed have to be an idiot. But then, that was always true. Those who preached such nonsense
Hubbard: If Cuban Drafts Brittney Griner, It Won’t Be Unprecedented
When Mark Cuban said last week that he would consider taking Baylor star Brittney Griner in the June draft, the rumbling you heard was from a grave in Bridgeport, Conn., where P.T. Barnum – who died in 1891 – was laughing in the hereafter. [Read more…]
Hubbard: Heat approached Lakers’ streak, but no one will ever catch Wilt
The Miami Heat’s pursuit of the Los Angeles Lakers’ record of 33 consecutive victories caused many of us to reflect on records that seem insurmountable. I saw lists that included Joe DiMaggio’s hitting streak, Cal Ripken’s consecutive games streak, Oklahoma’s college football winning streak, the college basketball winning streaks by UCLA’s men and Connecticut’s women, and many more. All I could think about was Wilt Chamberlain, who made the phrase “record that will never be broken” a cliche. [Read more…]
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