Recently, LeBron James co-hosted a new basketball show called "Mind the Game" with JJ Redick, and they discussed many interesting topics. One of the topics they talked about was the most influential players in basketball, and LeBron James' answer resonated with me.
Firstly, I must say that Michael Jordan's influence on basketball, in my opinion, is unmatched. He and the likes of Larry Bird and Magic Johnson saved and revitalized the NBA, allowing the basketball world to flourish as it does today.
Those who know me well understand that Kobe Bryant is the greatest in my heart, and this sentiment will remain unshakable and deeply rooted within me forever.
However, when it comes to the impact on the basketball world specifically, Allen Iverson and Stephen Curry truly possess unique charm and presence. As LeBron said, "They changed the game."
Since everyone enters basketball and starts watching the NBA at different times, I believe there are many different answers to this question. For example, for my father's generation, players like Jabbar, Magic, Bird, and even Jordan would likely be considered the most influential.
As for me, I started getting heavily involved around 1990, and while I understood MJ's greatness, the era that really fired me up started around '96. Therefore, despite MJ repeatedly defeating my then idols like the Bad Boys and the Big Mouth, and despite his unparalleled dominance, the person who resonated with me the most was still Allen Iverson.
It's interesting; LeBron and I are almost the same age and belong to the same generation of basketball fans, so I completely understand why he chose AI and Curry. The former changed basketball culture, merging hip-hop culture with basketball and epitomizing the spirit of being small in stature but big in heart. In an era dominated by towering giants in the paint, Iverson fearlessly charged in and out, displaying passion and audacity that was incredibly captivating.
The latter, Curry, revolutionized the game. Who would have believed that three-pointers could be shot in such an outrageous manner? Back in the day, the greatest shooters like Reggie Miller and Ray Allen mostly relied on screens and open shots, only resorting to desperate attempts during critical moments. Traditionally, three-point shooting was just supplementary.
But Curry was different. At Davidson, he was a spectacle to behold, but who could have imagined he would bring that style to the highest level of basketball? The result? He did just that, completely disrupting tradition and changing the landscape of basketball, ushering in the era of the #BigThree. Who dares to say now that teams focusing on the perimeter and fast breaks can't win championships?
AI's exquisite ball handling skills and fearless attitude; Curry's pinpoint accuracy from beyond the arc and unparalleled confidence—these two guards, both under 6'4", have changed the way basketball is played. They have inspired more young people to chase their basketball dreams, showing that even if you're not as tall, there are many ways to compensate and create your own greatness.
Post time 4-4-2024 17:21:28