Hate Ball

Have you ever seen Vince Carter dunk? It is, indeed, a thing of beauty. His dunk over the 7’2” Frederic Weis (see video here) is , without a doubt, one of the best shows of “hops” in the history of organized basketball.      

Unfortunately, his latest statement in regard to Kobe's 81 point game can be only designated as a clear example of "hoop hatred".  When asked about Kobe's 81 point game, Vince had this to say,

"The only bad thing about it [Kobe's 81 point game] is that younger kids now, whose minds are easily warped, they are going to think, 'Oh! I am going to go out there and do it,' instead of [having] the team concept first.' That is what is missing in the game — guys understanding how to play as a team.”

Wow. This is coming from a guy who admitted to playing at half-speed to ensure that he was traded from the Raptors a couple of years ago. Vince Carter is a good player (not great, but good). Unfortunately, by going out of his way to slam Kobe for achieving the second highest individual point total in NBA history, Mr. Carter has solidified his place in the line of bitter ball players that were unable to live up to the hype of being the next Jordan.

Mr. Bryant has IT. No question. So what if he speaks two languages, grew up in an upper middle class home, and doesn’t care to hang out with the NBA 'thugeratti' (although these characteristics alone, make him much more akin to the real MJ than any feat of the hardwood). Kobe Bryant is to the NBA what Kanye West is to hip hop. He is the antithesis of Ron Artest; and proof positive that black genius is not always a by-product of a ghetto-esqe redemption story

Sure, he’ll never win a Source Award for “keeping it real”. But who would want such a frivolous honor when you’ve proven, without a shadow of a doubt, that you're one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

Read more here and stop hating.