duncan228
09-18-2009, 01:56 PM
5 Players I Love to Hate, But I’d Still Want Them on My Team (http://dimemag.com/2009/09/5-players-i-love-to-hate-but-i%E2%80%99d-still-want-them-on-my-team/)
By Ben York
Dime
When Bruce Bowen retired (http://dimemag.com/2009/09/bruce-bowen-announces-retirement/), I became fraught with emotion.
On one hand, I absolutely couldn’t wait for that dude to get the heck out of the League so I’d never have to see or hear about him again; nobody puts Baby Steve Nash in a corner or knees him in the gonads on my watch (http://dimemag.com/2009/09/the-sneaky-dirty-top-10/). However, I also couldn’t help thinking that if I were a Spurs fan (I’m laughing as I type this since I can’t say that with a straight face), I’d be pretty bummed that Bowen is no longer on my team.
This led to an enlightenment of sorts – are there any players that I (from a fan perspective) can’t stand, but would welcome them with open arms on my favorite team? Well, apparently there are, and here are my top 5.
5. Dirk Nowitzki - It’s impossible to count the number of times when I’ve looked at Dirk Nowitzki and wanted to punch him in the Hassellhoff. However, there is no getting around how brilliant of a player he is and the sick things he is able to do on the basketball court. The guy has unparalleled offensive skills for his size, is a genuinely good person, and I’d absolutely love him if he were a member of my team.
4. Kevin Garnett - I’ve never been a big fan of KG and his supposed “leadership” abilities. Anytime you pick a fight with someone who is a foot smaller than you and clap your hands in their face, you lose a little of my respect. Though, the guy plays his ass off every single night, and puts a major focus on the defensive end of the floor. Something that, as a Suns fan, I have a tremendous of respect for.
3. Pau Gasol - Pau is such an easy player to dislike. The way he so annoyingly pounds his chest after a fierce lay-up, the way he grimaces to apparently show that he’s ‘tough’, and…well…just the way he looks. But the guy has proven to be a clutch player, and easily makes everyone around him better while consistently playing hard. Yes, he’s nauseating, but his all-around game is ridiculously good and would fit in well with any style of play.
2. Tim Duncan - This really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise. I don’t care what team you’re a fan of; there is simply no justifiable reason why you wouldn’t want Tim Duncan on your team. He’s the greatest power forward to ever play the damn game. Even though he thinks he hasn’t fouled anyone ever, I can’t help but admire his silent passion for winning and doing so with honor and character. To be as consistent as he is, night in and night out, is awe-inspiring. I also love that he lives a simple lifestyle, and leads by example. I’d take Timmy anytime.
1. Manu Ginobili - This one physically hurts me. I actually think my nose is now bleeding. It goes against every fiber of my being, every value I’ve ever held true, and is a virtual sin against all Suns fans across the world. However, you can’t honestly tell me that if he were on your team you wouldn’t love the dude. Yes, he makes it so easy to find ways to dislike him; whether it be the large bald spot, the tears he sheds after ever drive to the basket, and the amount of heartache he’s probably caused your team there certainly isn’t a shortage of reasons to hate on Manu. But, the way he plays with such passion, heart, and fervor is remarkable. Isn’t that what you’d truly want in a player? I respect someone who goes all out every game much more than another player who is more talented and half-asses it. As much as it pains me to say it, its official, I’d take Baldy on the Suns.
What players can you not stand, but would love them if they were on your favorite team?
By Ben York
Dime
When Bruce Bowen retired (http://dimemag.com/2009/09/bruce-bowen-announces-retirement/), I became fraught with emotion.
On one hand, I absolutely couldn’t wait for that dude to get the heck out of the League so I’d never have to see or hear about him again; nobody puts Baby Steve Nash in a corner or knees him in the gonads on my watch (http://dimemag.com/2009/09/the-sneaky-dirty-top-10/). However, I also couldn’t help thinking that if I were a Spurs fan (I’m laughing as I type this since I can’t say that with a straight face), I’d be pretty bummed that Bowen is no longer on my team.
This led to an enlightenment of sorts – are there any players that I (from a fan perspective) can’t stand, but would welcome them with open arms on my favorite team? Well, apparently there are, and here are my top 5.
5. Dirk Nowitzki - It’s impossible to count the number of times when I’ve looked at Dirk Nowitzki and wanted to punch him in the Hassellhoff. However, there is no getting around how brilliant of a player he is and the sick things he is able to do on the basketball court. The guy has unparalleled offensive skills for his size, is a genuinely good person, and I’d absolutely love him if he were a member of my team.
4. Kevin Garnett - I’ve never been a big fan of KG and his supposed “leadership” abilities. Anytime you pick a fight with someone who is a foot smaller than you and clap your hands in their face, you lose a little of my respect. Though, the guy plays his ass off every single night, and puts a major focus on the defensive end of the floor. Something that, as a Suns fan, I have a tremendous of respect for.
3. Pau Gasol - Pau is such an easy player to dislike. The way he so annoyingly pounds his chest after a fierce lay-up, the way he grimaces to apparently show that he’s ‘tough’, and…well…just the way he looks. But the guy has proven to be a clutch player, and easily makes everyone around him better while consistently playing hard. Yes, he’s nauseating, but his all-around game is ridiculously good and would fit in well with any style of play.
2. Tim Duncan - This really shouldn’t be that much of a surprise. I don’t care what team you’re a fan of; there is simply no justifiable reason why you wouldn’t want Tim Duncan on your team. He’s the greatest power forward to ever play the damn game. Even though he thinks he hasn’t fouled anyone ever, I can’t help but admire his silent passion for winning and doing so with honor and character. To be as consistent as he is, night in and night out, is awe-inspiring. I also love that he lives a simple lifestyle, and leads by example. I’d take Timmy anytime.
1. Manu Ginobili - This one physically hurts me. I actually think my nose is now bleeding. It goes against every fiber of my being, every value I’ve ever held true, and is a virtual sin against all Suns fans across the world. However, you can’t honestly tell me that if he were on your team you wouldn’t love the dude. Yes, he makes it so easy to find ways to dislike him; whether it be the large bald spot, the tears he sheds after ever drive to the basket, and the amount of heartache he’s probably caused your team there certainly isn’t a shortage of reasons to hate on Manu. But, the way he plays with such passion, heart, and fervor is remarkable. Isn’t that what you’d truly want in a player? I respect someone who goes all out every game much more than another player who is more talented and half-asses it. As much as it pains me to say it, its official, I’d take Baldy on the Suns.
What players can you not stand, but would love them if they were on your favorite team?