Honestly, I wonder why people pay interns. For those of you who don't know, I'm interning at a boutique investment bank this summer. It's a good experience and the people are savvy and influential to be around, but there is honestly nothing for me to do. Yes, I help put together documents and do some excel spreadsheets, but anything really important will not be left to the intern. There are days where I can honestly surf the web from 8:30 AM till 5:30 PM unnoticed. The good news is the blog benefits from daily articles. What sparked my mind today was the news that Derrick Rose not only made the cut for the final 15 for the USA team, but that he is being a vocal leader and really impressing coach K; he wants to be a leader for the Bulls and the USA team. This leads me to believe that Rose never wanted LeBron. We've heard the rumors that LeBron felt Rose didn't "actively" recruit him. We've also heard Rose indicate he wants to be the man to lead the Bulls back to significance and prominence. Whether or not you agree, this is a good sign. Can Rose be that guy? I'm not sure. Can you win with a score-first point guard? I'm not sure. Can Rose evolve his game by averaging 8-10 assists and hitting threes? I hope and think so, but again, I'm not sure. Either way, I love that he wants to be an alpha dog. Bill Simmons's
The Book of Basketball talks all about the alpha dog (guys who are dominant- not just putting up numbers but willing their team to win), and Rose wants to be one. Therefore, to me, Rose did not want any part of being teammates with LeBron. Some might call this selfish, but I prefer guys who want to beat the best than join the best. This train of thought made me wonder where Rose stacks up in the league:
TOP NBA PLAYERS:
* criteria largely emphasizes being the best player on a great team, rings, numbers, 4th quarter play, MVP stature
* a player can be better overall but worse at their positions (ex: some may consider Rondo a better PG than Rose, but think Rose is a better player)-this list is overall not based on position
1. Kobe Bryant
2. Dwyane Wade
3. LeBron James
4. Kevin Durant
5. Dirk Nowitzki
6. Carmelo Anthony
7. Dwight Howard
8. Deron Williams
9. Chris Paul
10. Steve Nash
11. Pau Gasol
12. Brandon Roy
13. Tim Duncan
14. Derrick Rose
15. Rajon Rondo
16. Carlos Boozer
17. Amare Stoudemire
18. Chris Bosh
19. Paul Pierce
20. Joe Johnson
Honorable Mentions: Danny Granger, Al Jefferson (really should be top 20 currently, but out of respect guys like Pierce and Duncan who still have a big impact get spots)
wowwwww - wade over bron? interesting...
ReplyDeleteand rose/stoudemire should be higher, while duncan is MAYBE 20 at this stage in his career, and roy isn't dependable enough to warrant a 12 ranking in the entire L....good list though i like it
Wade has a ring and LeBron went to him.
ReplyDeleteStoudemire is pretty high and he mostly is behind players who are either title winners or the best player on their team (Nash has always been the best player on the suns)
Duncan led his team past the 2 seeded Mavs and has 4 rings, it's a respect thing.
Roy has had some injuries but just wait and see.