1987 NBA Re-Draft

This is the first of my NBA re-drafts. I have done a few NFL re-drafts of drafts from my lifetime, but this is the 1st basketball one, and it happens a week after my 1st baseball one. June is usually the month of the basketball draft and this is a fun way to look back on what would happen if we knew what we know now. The goal is to re-do all the professional drafts of my lifetime which began in 1987. The 1987 basketball draft was almost exactly two months after I was born. Here is the 1987 NBA Re-Draft. Let's look at how different the NBA would look if the teams got it right way back when.

For accuracy and length purposes, only the 1st round is redone in these redrafts.

1 San Antonio Spurs:
Select: C       David Robinson       Navy
Robinson was the Spurs actual selection
David Robinson is my all-time favorite athlete. It is incredible that an athlete of this caliber went to a service academy in the modern era. Robinson is one of the 50 greatest players of all-time and helped deliver multiple championships to San Antonio. Not to mention the fact, but he's one of the greatest people to ever play professional sports. The 1995 NBA MVP has numerous accolades and was the best player in a very successful draft class. He fulfilled his two year service commitment and never left San Antonio once he came. Robinson was a slam dunk as the top selection in the 1987 NBA Draft.

2 Phoenix Suns
Select: G      Reggie Miller          UCLA
Miller was actually selected by the Indiana Pacers with the 11th overall pick.
Suns Actual Selection: PF      Armen Gillum      UNLV
No disrespect to Armen Gillum who was a top 10 player in this draft class over his career and was not a terrible pick by any stretch of the imagination, but there were multiple hall of famers in this draft. Reggie Miller would have been the best player available, but he wasn't selected until pick 11. He averaged 18.2 points per game over the course of 18 years. Miller is one of the greatest players of all-time and many consider Reggie to be the greatest 3 point shooter of all-time. Simply put, Miller is too good to pass up here for the Suns.

3 New Jersey Nets
Select: F      Scottie Pippen          Central Arkansas
Pippen was actually selected by the Seattle Supersonics with the 5th overall pick.
Nets Actual Selection: F        Dennis Hopson        Ohio State
This selection would have changed the course of the NBA for the entire decade. What would have happened if Scottie never ended up in Chicago? How does not having Scottie change the legacy of one Michael Jordan? Chicago's loss would have been New Jersey's gain. The 3rd Hall of Famer of this draft class would be a no-brainer to the Nets knowing what we know now. Do the Nets possibly get a NBA championship with Pippen in the fold? It is quite possible that is exactly what happens. Pippen would have been amazing for New Jersey. Instead, New Jersey selected a player that barely held first round value. We are left wondering what if?

4 Los Angeles Clippers
Select: PG       Kevin Johnson        California
Johnson was actually selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 7th pick.
Clippers Actual Selection: F       Reggie Williams       Georgetown
Williams was okay as a pro and still would have been a 1st rounder in the re-draft. However, LA would have loved to have Johnson in the 90s. He was a multi-time All-Star and All-NBA player. Johnson was one of the top point guards of that decade. The struggling Clippers could have really used this excellent floor general to make an impact in the league.

5 Seattle Supersonics
Select: PF         Horace Grant           Clemson
Grant was actually selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 10th pick.
Supersonics Actual Selection: F      Scottie Pippen       Central Arkansas
The Supersonics made one of the best selections in league history when they picked Scottie Pippen in 1987. Unfortunately for the Sonics, they traded him to Chicago and the rest is history. During the redraft, Chicago is hit hard again as Horace Grant does not end up with the Bulls. The Sonics would love to get the all-star Horace Grant in the re-draft.

6 Sacramento Kings
Select: PG         Mark Jackson       St. John's
Jackson was actually selected with the 18th overall pick by the New York Knicks.
Kings Actual Selection: PG      Kenny Smith       North Carolina
Kenny Smith was a top 10 player in this draft, so picking him was certainly not a mistake for the Kings. The Kings didn't really get to benefit from Smith's career though, as he only stayed for 3 seasons. Additionally, Jackson had a better career than Smith. He played 17 years to Smith's 10 and made multiple all-star teams while Smith never did. Mark Jackson was a slightly better pick than Kenny Smith.

7 Cleveland Cavaliers
Select: SF         Derrick McKey       Alabama
McKey was actually selected by the Sonics with the 9th overall pick.
Cavaliers Actual Selection: PG       Kevin Johnson        California
This is a rare case where taking an inferior player works out better for the franchise. Of course in the re-draft Kevin Johnson was already gone, but McKey was a better fit for the Cavs than Johnson. The Cavaliers had Mark Price at point guard and Johnson only got backup minutes with the Cavs. By picking the defensive standout in McKey, the Cavs would have done themselves a lot of favors. They likely could have kept the rival McKey away from the Pacers in the mid 90s by selecting him too.

8 Chicago Bulls
Select: PG       Muggsy Bogues       Wake Forrest
Bogues was actually selected with the 12th overall pick by the Washington Bullets.
Bulls actual selection: C      Olden Polynice        UVA
Polynice would eventually be traded for Scottie Pippen. This would not be happening in the re-draft. He had a decent career, but Muggsy was better as a pro. Let's be honest too, after seeing Space Jam, who wouldn't want to go back in time and see Jordan and Muggsy on the same team. Playing with Jordan likely would have made Bogues far more effective. He was one of the most popular players in the league at the time and playing with Jordan would have only amplified that.

9 Seattle Supersonics

Select: PG      Kenny Smith       North Carolina
Smith was actually selected with the 6th overall pick by the Sacramento Kings

Supersonics Actual Selection: SF         Derrick McKey       Alabama
The Supersonics are one of the biggest winners of this redraft. Horace Grant and Kenny Smith were some winners and they had really solid NBA careers. They could have helped change the fortune of what was to happen with basketball in Seattle. Kenny Smith is best known today for being a host for the NBA on TNT, but he was a really strong basketball player. Smith helped the Rockets capture an NBA championship and may have been able to help Seattle over the hump had he been their selection.

10 Chicago Bulls
Select: PF        Armen Gillum        UNLV

Gillum was actually selected by the Phoenix Suns with the 2nd overall pick.

Bulls Actual Selection: PF         Horace Grant           Clemson
The Bulls definitely do not come out as good in the redraft as the actual draft. Muggsy and Gillum were solid pros, but they weren't Scottie and Horace. That being said, who is to say that these guys wouldn't have had better careers playing with MJ. You have to believe that Gillum would have been even better playing with MJ. He had 13.7 points per game over the course of his career and he would have been a solid pick. 

11 Indiana Pacers
Select: G      Reggie Lewis        Northeastern
Lewis was actually selected with the 22nd overall pick by the Boston Celtics.
Pacers Actual Selection: G      Reggie Miller          UCLA
The Pacers had the best pick of the actual draft, getting Hall of Famer Reggie Miller at pick 11. Miller is long gone in the redraft. Indiana selects another guard by the name of Reggie in the redraft. Reggie Lewis is the hardest player to peg in this or any redraft. On the surface he averaged 17.6 points per game which is good for 4th in the draft class and higher than Scottie Pippen. However, the 1992 all star, also died suddenly in 1993 of a heart attack. Was it really ever safe for Lewis to play? Was the heart attack due to cocaine use as many doctors suspect to this day? As far as basketball play when he was in the league, Lewis is a top 5 pick though and the Pacers would have been lucky to snag him at this point in the draft.

12 Washington Bullets

SG       Sarunas Marciulionis        Soviet Union

Marciulionis was actually selected in the 6th round with the 127th overall pick by the Warriors.

Bullets Actual Selection: PG   Muggsy Bogues     Wake Forest

The first of the post round 1 players goes here in the redraft and Washington would have loved to have him.Marciulionis averaged 12.8 points per game over the course of his career. He was a really good NBA player over the course of his 7 seasons and even averaged 18.9 points per during a fantastic 1991-1992 season. Largely due to his international career, Marciulionis is in the basketball hall of fame. However, it is important to recognize that he was good in the league too.

13 Los Angeles Clippers
Select: SF           Kevin Gamble         Iowa
Gamble was actually selected in the 3rd round with the 63rd overall pick by the Trail Blazers.
Clippers Actual Selection: C        Joe Wolf         North Carolina
There was absolutely no reason for Joe Wolf to be a top 15 pick, then now or ever. Wolf did play in the NBA for 11 seasons and average 4 points per game, but he never made a big impact on the game of basketball. Meanwhile, we have our second post 1st round selection in the re-draft with Kevin Gamble. The forward averaged 9.5 points per game over his NBA career and was a solid starter for the majority of his career.

15 Utah Jazz
Select: SF          Ken Norman           Illinois
Norman was actually selected with the 19th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers.
Jazz Actual Selection: PF       Jose Ortiz        Oregon State
Ortiz was not a successful pro. He lasted just two seasons in the NBA and only started 15 career games. Meanwhile, the Jazz could have had Ken Norman who averaged 13.5 points per game for his career. Norman would have been a much better compliment to the Jazz as well, who already had Karl Malone at the PF spot. There is no telling if Norman could have helped push Utah to the top of the Western Conference, but he would not have hurt.

16 Philadelphia 76ers
Select: SF          Reggie Williams        Georgetown
Williams was actually selected with the 4th overall pick by the Los Angeles Clippers.
76ers Actual Selection: C       Christian Welp       Washington
The 76ers have consistently throughout their history tried to get a big man at the expense of a more talented guy at another position. Now, you cannot blame them for not getting Williams in 1987 as he was long gone by this point. However, you can blame them for wasting a pick on Welp. The guy should have never been a 1st round pick. Welp only started 3 career games and lasted just 3 seasons. As stated earlier, Williams was a solid player and averaged 12.5 points per game over his 10 year career. A player like Williams could have had a big impact for Philadelphia.

17 Portland Trailblazers

Select: C      Olden Polynice         Virginia

Polynice was actually selected with the 8th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls.

Trailblazers Actual Selection: SG      Ronnie Murphy       Jacksonville

Polynice was a good big man and had a solid career, but was never anything special. The center averaged 7.8 points and 6.7 rebounds over his career. He provided a solid steady presence in the middle of the paint and would be a good pick here at 17. Polynice is too good of a value to pass up here at 17. With how often the Blazers tried to hit on a big man in the 80s, it would have been good to see them get this guy.

18 New York Knicks
Select: SG        Vincent Askew      Memphis State

Askew was actually selected in the 2nd round with the 39th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers.

Knicks Actual Selection: PG         Mark Jackson       St. John's
If the Pacers didn't get the most raw deal in the re-draft, it was the Knicks. Mark Jackson was a really good selection by the Knicks here, but he is long gone in this re-draft. They pick the dependable Askew here who was a solid role player in the NBA. 

19 Los Angeles Clippers
Select:  C          Chris Dudley       Yale

Dudley was actually selected in the 3rd round with the 75th overall pick by the Cavaliers.

Clippers Actual Selection: SF         Ken Norman           Illinois
Norman is gone in the re-draft having gone just a few picks earlier. The Clippers are not complaining though as they already locked up a PG, and a SF in this re-draft. They go big here selecting Chris Dudley who averaged 6.8 boards per game over his career. Dudley leaves something to be desired, but this is an impressive haul in this draft for the Clippers.

20 Dallas Mavericks
Select: PG         Scott Brooks          UC Irvine
Brooks was actually undrafted.
Mavericks Actual Selection: SG        Jim Farmer           Alabama
Jim Farmer's career was a 1 start and disappointing mess. He simply should have been picked nowhere near the first round. You know who should have gotten a look? Scott Brooks wasn't even selected at all, but he had a 10 year NBA career. The current Wizards coach was a pretty decent point guard once upon a time.

21 Atlanta Hawks
Select: PF        Greg Anderson             Houston
Anderson was actually selected with the 23rd overall pick by the San Antonio Spurs.
Hawks Actual Selection: C        Dallas Comegys        DePaul
When selecting somebody in the 1st round, you expect them to really make an impact with the team. This was not the case for Comegys who lasted just two seasons in the NBA. Meanwhile the guy selected 2 picks after this was actually a really quality pro. Greg Anderson last 10 NBA seasons averaging over 7 points per game. His best season was 1988-1989 when he averaged 13.7 points per game. Anderson would have been a much better selection for the ATL.

22 Boston Celtics
Select: PG         Winston Garland            SW Missouri St.
Garland was actually selected in the 2nd round with the 40th overall pick by the Milwaukee Bucks.
Celtics Actual Selection: G       Reggie Lewis        Northeastern
The Celtics picked an outstanding basketball player in this draft. The sky was the limit for Reggie Lewis who unfortunately tragically passed away in 1993. They can't get someone of that caliber in the redraft, but they selected a very solid PG in Garland. The point guard averaged 9 and 1/2 points per game over 7 great NBA seasons. He could have done some damage in Boston.

23 San Antonio Spurs
Select: F        Dennis Hopson        Ohio State
Hopson was actually selected 3rd overall by the New Jersey Nets.
Spurs Actual Selection: PF        Greg Anderson             Houston
Anderson is gone in the re-draft, but they select Dennis Hopson here, who was long gone in the actual draft. Coming into San Antonio instead of New Jersey would have been a blessing for Hopson who was actually a pretty dang good pro. Over his 5 seasons, Hopson averaged more than 10 points per game. He would have been in a position to be good for a long time with the Spurs.

How different NBA History would have been if the 1987 draft went down this way.

-Noland

My Favorite Ten Olympians

Every Olympics we all have our favorites. Each time this event rolls around we fall in love with somebody new. It could be someone we all love like Simone Biles or it could be someone that just we like on our own. I know some love Lochte, but I am not a huge fan. Still I'll root for him to rep Team USA well. Below are my ten personal favorite female Olympians and ten male Olympians. This year some individuals shot up my list of favorites as I am sure happened with you as well.

Some rules
1) They have to be Olympians that I have seen live and I was born in 1987 so really 1992 on when I started watching.
2) They have to have won at least 1 medal for Team USA

Here is the list....

10 Favorite Female Olympic Athletes of All-Time

10. Maya Dirado
Dorado was apart of the US domination in the swimming events at these Olympics. She showed such happiness and love for her country in the process. I just really admired her during these Rio games. Can't wait to see what she does in Tokyo.

9. Allyson Felix
Allyson Felix is the most decorated woman in Olympic history for track and field. I would be hard pressed to leave her off. She was edged in the finals of the 400m last night due to a last second dive, but I so enjoy her competitive spirit.

8. Katie Ledecky
Another newcomer to this list, Ledecky was simply dominant during these Rio games. She looks to be the female Michael Phelps and at just 19 years old, it is exciting to see what she will do next.

7. Misty May Treanor
This has been the first Olympics in a long time without Misty May winning gold in Beach Volleyball. It sure feels weird this time around, but I will always remember what she has done for Team USA. Those 3 straight golds are something that I remember fondly from the Olympics.

6. Simone Biles
Simone Biles has already won 3 Olympic gold medals. She has already captured the hearts of America. There is already talk that she is the greatest gymnast of all-time and I'd agree. I think the most intruiging thing about Biles though is that she was born to a drug addicted mother and an absent father. She could have been a target for abortion. However, her mom still chose love and life and Simone and her sister were eventually adopted by their grandparents after spending some time in foster care. This was such an incredible happy ending!

5. Gail Devers
The long nails, the track dominance. Everything about Gail Devers was awesome, excellent, and intruiging. She was just a fascinating figure.

4. Ali Raisman
For some reason, I saw Ali Raisman as the face of the Fierce Five and the Final Five. She was the captain, she seemed so happy, her parents were a wreck, and I have just loved every minute of it. For her to come back to a 2nd Olympics and compete in a 2nd all-around is legendary status in this country. This country is gymnastics crazed at the Olympics and everyone knows Raisman very well know.

3. Kerri Strug
Probably the most memorable single Olympic moment to date is Kerri Strug's vault to clinch gold for Team USA in 1996. Everybody loved Kerri Strug because of that, and I was no exception.

2. Kerri Walsh Jennings
"I was born to have babies and play volleyball"
Those are the words of the legend Kerri Walsh Jennings. She has brightened all of our lives by doing just that. By doing the former and still being able to do the latter at a high level. Walsh is seeking a 4th gold medal in volleyball and has been absolutely dominant in her quest. I think and hope she gets it done. She has just been a joy to watch.

1. Jackie Joyner Kersee

My favorite female Olympian though is the great Jackie Joyner Kersee. While I only caught the tail end of her career in 1992 and 1996 in actuality, her legend paved the way for many female athletes. She was remarkable in 1992 and still captured a medal in the 1996 Atlanta games. During those two games, the broadcast certainly built her up and added to the intrigue. She is the most fascinating woman in the history of sport to me and a true legend.

10 Favorite Male Olympic Athletes of All-Time

10. Jeremy Wariner
Wariner won gold in 2004 and 2008. With 4 total medals including 3 golds, he is quite the accomplished Olympian. I loved the shades and the way he went about his business. Wariner just always seemed like a class act who loved representing his country.

9. Kurt Angle
Won the 1996 Olympic title with a severe neck injury. He always used the line "I won an Olympic gold medal with a broken fricken neck" and he technically did. He fractured two vertabrae, herniated two discs, and pulled four muscles during trials. After resting up some prior to the games, Angle won the gold still feeling the effects of the injury. The story rivals Kerri Strug as far as overcoming adversity and it was during the same games. However, Strug did it in the more popular sport so she got more praise. I'd say that Angle's task was even tougher than Strug. Angle had the injury the entire Olympics as well.

8. Maurice Greene
Greene won 2 golds in 2000 and helped fill the void left by Michael Johnson's retirement. He will always standout as an Olympic figure to me just for being the guy that filled that void and stepped up.

7. Michael Phelps
The most decorated Olympian of all-time deserved a spot on the list. I am partial to track over swimming, but Phelps belongs on here.

6. Carl Lewis
Lewis in my opinion is the greatest Olympian of all-time. That comes with all due respect to the aforementioned Phelps. Carl Lewis was able to win gold in 4 straight Olympics in long jump. Winning 9 overall golds in a sport like track and field is absolutely incredible. Remarkable athlete. I remember watching the veteran Lewis somehow capture gold during the 1996 games in Atlanta and being fascinated by how dominant he was for so long.

5. Tom Dolan
Dolan is really high on the list, some might not even remember him. He had 3 Olympic medals though including 2 gold. The reason I loved him so much is that he had asthma and still won an Olympic gold medal. For a kid with asthma it was awesome to see. For everyone it was refreshing to see him not use his condition as an excuse.

4. Doug Mientkiewicz
Mientkiewicz captured gold as part of Team USA in the 2000 Sydney games. His status as FSU alumni added to the intrigue for me and had me paying close attention to him and how he did in those games. With baseball being my 2nd favorite sport (behind football) and favorite Olympic sport, it was easy to put him on the list. Team USA didn't dominate in baseball as it did in basketball and used minor league players. Mientkiewicz happened to be one of those players and broght home the gold. He is a fascinating person. Below is a grand slam pictured that he hit during competition.

3. Walter Dix
Walter Dix won bronze in the 100m and 200m at the Olympic games in 2008. He was our toughest competition for Usain Bolt at the time and looked like he was really starting to compete with Bolt on the world stage. However, an injury prior to the 2012 Olympics kind of eliminated that possibility. Still, Dix is high on my list because of his status as an FSU alumni and the intrigue of him challenging for the title of fastest man in the world with the actual fastest man in the history of the world. In any other era, Dix is a multiple time Olympic gold medalist. Unfortunately for him he had to deal with the GOAT and our top current sprinter (who was caught doping in the past). I will never forget what Dix accomplished though. Oh and he lived next to me for a year while we lived I lived in Tallahassee, so that might have moved him up the list.

2. Michael Johnson
The gold shoes during the 1996 games and a 400m WR that stood until these Olympics are a big reason that Johnson is so high on the list. The fastest man in the world at the time, everyone loved Michael Johnson as he was the face of Team USA. 

1. David Robinson
David Robinson served in the military and also was one of the most accomplished Olympians in history. He was apart of the 1992 Dream Team and also won gold for America in 1996. Robinson was dominant in Olympic play and was one of the most likable athletes of all-time. In fact, Robinson is my favorite athlete of all-time, not just of the Olympics. He is an amazing guy. It doesn't hurt that he has the same last name and that hist 1st name is my middle name. That always made me like him even more. Robinson is a great choice for favorite athlete of all-time.

- Noland

Tim Duncan Calls It A Career

After 19 of the most successful seasons in NBA history, Tim Duncan officially retired yesterday via a team press release. No ticker tape parade, no call to attention, this legend just decided he was done and let the team handle it for him. While I would have loved to see him go out on top, I certainly am impressed by his illustrious career. IMO, Tim Duncan is the 2nd greatest player to ever play the game of basketball. He is at least the 2nd best during my lifetime. His consistent greatness is something that will never be matched. Another thing that won't be matched is his selfless team play and team first attitude. The Spurs philosophy worked because Duncan was a selfless superstar. The NBA is losing a lot in Duncan's departure, and I am not sure basketball fans realize just what we are losing. Just look at some of his accomplishments listed below and you will see why.

Duncan Accomplishments

5 NBA Championships

2 League MVPs (Should Have Been More, but Nash etc.)

3 Finals MVPs

1072 Wins (1 of 3 in NBA History w/ 1000)

Only Player in NBA History w/ 1000 wins for 1 Team

701 Wins By A Trio (Most All-Time W/ 2nd Round Pick Ginobili, and last pick of Rd. 1 Parker)

.710 Winning Percentage (Best in NBA History)

19 Consecutive Seasons with 60% Wins (Only Player in History Across 4 Major Sports)

19 Consecutive Playoof Appearances 

150 More Wins Than Any NBA Franchise During His Career

Only Player to Start & Win Title in 3 Different Decades

26,000 Points, 15,000 Rebounds, 3,000 Blocks (1 of 2 Players in NBA History)

15 All-NBA Selections (T- Most All-Time)

15 Defensive All-NBA Selections (Most All-Time)

At 40 years Old Led the League in Defensive Rebounds Per Minute

1998 NBA Rookie of the Year

15 Time All-Star

Spurs All-Time Leader in Points

Spurs All-Time Leader in Rebounds

Spurs All-Time Leader in Blocks

Spurs All-Time Leader in Games

Spurs All-Time Leader in Minutes

3rd Most Assists in Spurs History (As a Power Forward!)

5th in NBA History in Double Doubles

5th in NBA History in Blocks

6th in NBA History in Rebounds

14th in NBA History in Points

Only Player in NBA History with 9000+ Playoff Minutes

Most Post Season Double Doubles

Most Post Season Blocks

3rd in Post Season Rebounds

6th in Post Season Scoring

251 Postseason Appearances (2nd All-Time)

1 of 3 Players in NBA History to Spend 19 years w/ One Franchise

1,001 Wins For Duncan and Popovich (Most All-Time for Player Coach Duo)

To me though, his most impressive accomplishment was at 37 years old after one of the most devastating Finals losses of all-time, he led the Spurs back to the 2014 NBA Finals and they won it. That is the legacy of Tim Duncan, but don't take my words for it, look at his peers messages....

Duncan Farewell Messages

The Admiral Who Duncan led to 2 NBA Titles

The Great Sean Elliot Who Duncan Led to an NBA title despite Elliot's Kidney Disease

NBA Commisioner Adam Silver

Former Teammate George Hill

Manu Ginobili Who Played With Duncan For 14 Seasons

Longtime Rival & Friend Dirk Nowitzki

Young Stud Andrew Wiggins

LeBron

NBA Legend Scottie Pippin

Young Spur Kyle Anderson

Former Teammate & Current Warriors Coach Steve Kerr

Danny Green: Teammate for 5 Seasons

1/2 of the Greatest Player Coach Duo Ever (Gregg Popovich)

#ThankYouTD

-Noland

Spurs Win 5th NBA Championship

The San Antonio Spurs proved to be one of the best teams of all-time with a dismantling of the Miami Heat in the 2014 NBA Finals. These Spurs absolutely blasted the Heat in these past three games. Last night, the withstood a 22-6 barrage to start the game and won the game 104-87. The Heat were so dejected at the end of the game that Lebron visibly quit with about 5 minutes left in the game and the Big Three was removed with 2 minutes left. This "super team" couldn't handle the unselfishness and passing ability of the team. San Antonio is the ultimate team with their unselfish play. It never mattered who got the headlines (as it hasn't for the entire Duncan-Popovich era), just that they came out on top. This team was destined to finish on top and all of this was by design, I will tell you how this championship was won.

Tim Duncan Is Historically Great

It is time we start finally appreciating Tim Duncan for all he has accomplished in this league. The guy just won his 5th championship. He has three Finals MVPs, he has two regular season MVPS (robbed of at least two more), 14 all star appearances (12 starts), and yet is underrated. Nobody ever talks about Lebron as one of the truly all-time greats. Lebron and Kobe get compared to Jordan, but not Duncan and it doesn't make sense to me. For the record, Jordan is the best-ever, but Duncan might be the 2nd best I have seen, and no I am not kidding.

Duncan is certainly one of the best defensive players of this generation. He has been rated by basketball reference as a top 5 defensive player every season of his NBA career. This guy rates as the #1 active player and number two defensive player of all-time. For defensive win-shares, Duncan received the highest scores in 5 different seasons. For blocks per game Duncan has the 2nd most active and is #15 all-time. Rebounds per game he is 2nd for active players and #24 all-time. Total rebounds Duncanis #2 currently, and #11 all-time. Total blocks, he is #2 currently and #7 all-time. Duncan has 14 all-defensive 1st or 2nd team awards (5 of those are 2nd team). 

We can add in the offensive statistics to. For points per game, Duncan is no slouch. He has averaged 19.9 points per game over his brilliant career. That is good for 10th among current players and 55th all-time. Despite, being one of the most unselfish players in history, the 5 time champ, has shown he can score when he needs to. Let's not forget the record setting pace for double doubles. Again, according to basketball reference, Duncan is #1 currently for win-shares for the entire league over his career. He is #6 all-time ahead of both Lebron and Kobe. For the record, Kobe is 17 and Lebron is 18.

Look again, I am not saying Duncan is the best ever, but looking at his career and his 5 championships, it is time to put him in the conversation.

Popovich Also All-Time Great

Some people credited Duncan and some people credited Pop. Finally, I think everyone is crediting both of them for this historic amount of success. They are the best organization in sports currently and it starts with those two. The unselfish play of Tim Duncan has to be credited slightly to Pop, and also slightly to his mentor, David Robinson. The unselfish play of the entire team and the system he used has to be credited to Popovich. This guy made this team the most unselfish in sports that I have ever seen. It really is incredible what they have done. While this team was built around Duncan, it was perfected by Popovich and he deserves credit for that. Maximizing talents of guys like Danny Green and Patty Mills is something nobody else has been able to do.

No Excuses About Help

Look this win is about the Spurs and how every player, even the great Tim Duncan, is so unselfish that it doesn't matter who gets the glory. This has never happened with one of Lebron's teams. Lebron always gets the glory. I do not consider myself a Lebron hater, but give it a rest already. The help excuse went out the window when he teamed up with two other current top 10 players to form this Super Team. He said he wouldn't get 1,2,3,4 titles, he claimed he could get more. This guy acted like he could run through the NBA with no resistance now that he finally got help. Also I know that he's old, but they had Ray Allen too. 

Don't forget the important parts though. The personnel moves demanded in Cleveland. Lebron begged Cleveland to get an over the hill Antawn Jamison (a move that strapped Cleveland financially) and give up valuable picks right before he left. He held the team hostage with saying they needed to make moves. His team was never good enough. While he was on Cleveland, they had an all-star in Carlos Boozer and a young guy by the name of Danny Green. None of it was ever good enough for Lebron. Danny Green was so terrible in fact, that he ended up being cut by the Cleveland Cavaliers. Well, look at Green now.

Right behind Tim Duncan, is that same Danny Green. That same Danny Green that Lebron couldn't make better. That same Danny Green who was not good enough. That same Danny Green is a starter for the unselfish team, the San Antonio Spurs.

Kawhi Leonard Has Arrived

Let's not forget what Kawhi Leonard has done. this guy for two straight years has been the answer for Lebron James. Sure, the Heat won last year, but save that miracle finish and questionable officiating in Game 6, Kawhi wins an MVP last year too. This guy was out of this world. He defended Lebron very well for three straight games and outplayed him even. He certainly outhustled Lebron. This guy wanted it more. This team wanted it more.

Now, the rest of the world sees what San Antonio sees and what I have been saying. Kawhi Leonard is a superstar and he has arrived. At 22 years old, he already has one Finals MVP trophy. Don't be surprised if he picks up a few more in his career.

The Other Guys/The Other Effects

Many guys are afraid to admit that they are wrong. Not me. I thought that Manu Ginobili was finished, I thought he played to wreckless at times. However, that was not the case. Manu Ginobili just needed an offseason of rest. The guy plays so much basketball and just needed a break. At 36 years old, Manu has still got it. Manu can still play and after Game 5 of these finals, the NBA was put on notice. This legend is not done yet.

One guy I was not wrong about was Patty Mills. The great Patty Mills has such a great shot and is very useful off the bench. There is nobody that is more likable on this team than Patty. My sister texted me last night, "I love Patty Mills." How can you not love this guy? His energy, his playmaking ability, his demeanor, his selflessness, it is all unmatched. Well unmatched by anyone outside this Spurs organization. In some ways, Patty Mills is the face of this franchise. That is that he never has given up. When counted out, he never gave up. On the court he never gives up. That is the difference between these Spurs and other teams, they never give up on a possession ever.

Finally, I can say that I told you so. I told you that as soon as David Stern retired and they stopped letting Joey Crawford ref closing games the Spurs would win a title. Sure, I didn't go out and say the NBA was fixed, but it looked questionable. Joey Crawford's career reffing Spurs games has been highly questionable. David Stern has long been accused of fixing outcomes. The Oklahoma City-Miami Finals of two years ago was very suspicious. These type of things happened under Stern frequently. However, it didn't happen under Silver. Silver did not try to manipulate the outcome. The NBA is better for not having a meddling owner. This guy could bring a lot of fans back to the NBA, this seemed legit.

This was an awesome season and an awesome outcome. I have very much enjoyed this season and loved last night. The NBA is finally back and I could not be happier. They still got some kinks to work out with the refs, but they are oh so much better. This all just feels right. The Spurs are back where they belong. An unselfish team won the title. Tim Duncan and Greg Popovich got ring number 5. 

The San Antonio Spurs are NBA Champions!

-Noland

US Olympic Legend David Robinson

There is so much to like about David Robinson. He played for the Naval Academy. Robinson fulfilled his service commitment for 2 years, giving up two great years in the NBA in the process. The Admiral was also a key piece of the US National team for a number of years. He played in three Olympics and also competed in the World Championships and Pan American Games. The guy also spent his entire career with one team, the San Antonio Spurs. Not only that, but he also grew up in Northern Virginia just like me. Robinson is truly a great American and I can proudly say that he is my all-time favorite athlete.

Let's look a little closer at his Olympic record though. Robinson's Olympic journey started in 1988 before professionals were allowed to play in the Olympics. For those Olympics in Seoul, Robinson carried the team with the help of Danny Manning. There are no other really good players from that squad. The only other players that had solid careers were Mitch Richmond, JR Reid, and Dan Majerle. None of those players were spectacular either. Despite that, the Americans went undefeated in group play. They also blew out two opponents in the championship bracket. Unfortunately, they had one loss in the semifinal to Russia and ended up with the bronze medal. This was the last amateur basketball team the US sent to the Olympics. They definitely were quite competitive.

That would be the last time Robinson failed to win Gold at the Olympics. He came back in 1992 as a member of the dream team. Not only was he on the dream team, but a lot of people don't realize that he was the starting Center on the dream team. At the time, Robinson was the best big man in basketball. The guy dominated at these Olympics. Just as America dominated at these Olympics. There will never be an Olympic basketball team as dominate as the 1992 dream team. The admiral had as much to do with that as MJ.

Following the Dream Team was the 1996 Olympic Team that played the games right here in America. This was the last really good Olympic team. During these Olympics the US again ran through the competition and failed to lose a game. None of the games were really close. Robinson played a huge part in this Olympic victory. This Olympic team was very underrated. Go back and look at that roster. To give you a glimpse at how dominant they were, just look at their Centers versus the center this year. In 1996, we had Robinson, Shaq, and Hakeem. This year all we got is Tyson Chandler. The 1996 team was not far behind the Dream Team.

After his playing career was ended, Robinson was inducted into the US Olympic Hall of Fame Class in 2008. Two golds and one bronze for basketball, not too shabby at all.

-Noland

American Patriot: David Robinson

David Robinson is best known for his time with the San Antonio Spurs, but on this memorial day we are remembering him for something else. He is going to be remembered for his service to this country.

Robinson attended the Naval Academy. He was the largest player in the academy's history which is probably why he was most effective. Robinson grew when he entered his 1st game at the Academy to 6'9 and by the time he graduated he was 7'1. The reason Robinson was allowed to go to Navy was that he was 6'4 when he decided to go there. By choosing the Naval Academy, David Robinson had a two year commitment to the military. However, Robinson was given the opportunity to transfer following his sophomore year because of his basketball ability. Robinson declined to transfer and decided to honor his commitment. Which must have been hard for anyone that is one of the country's best players. So even though Robinson was the #1 pick in the 1987 draft by the Spurs, he could not play until 1989. How many players can you name in today's NBA that would do anything remotely similar? He is a better man than I. Give up two of your best years to serve the country, great man.

While at Navy, Robinson led them to their greatest seasons ever. During the 1986-1987 while receiving the Wooden Award, Associated Press Player of the Year, and Naismith Awards, Robinson led his team to the NCAA tournament on again. He led the Midshipmen to three tournament appearances, one in 1985, another in 1986, and then the one in 1987. The 1985 Midshipmen made it to the 2nd round of the tournament. The 1986 squad made it all the way to the Elite Eight as an 8 seed. Finally, the 1987 team was an 8 seed, but they were knocked out first round. However, Robinson scored 50 points in that loss. The ball from the game Robinson scored 50 is still on display in Annapolis.

Despite, all of that accomplishment, David Robinson fulfilled his service commitment. He is my all-time favorite athlete because of what he meant. He is the classiest guy that I have ever seen in sports and he does things for the greater good of people. Although his nickname is the admiral due to his time at the Navy, he was a lieutenant based on rank in the service. This guy is an American Hero though and should be celebrated for it. He was also used in recruiting videos, one of which I will post at the end here. Thank you to David Robinson for his service and thank you to all of our military for their service.

-Noland

This Is Why You Should Love the Spurs

Every time I see an athlete taunt the other team, or make demands of their coach I just love the Spurs more. You do not see this nonsense in San Antonio. That is why the whole Dwight Howard fiasco just makes me love the Spurs more. Dwight Howard who now has an injury said he would never play another game for the Magic if Stan Van Gundy remained the coach. Who do you think you are Dwight? That is an absolutely horrible and childish move. Stan Van Gundy despite his whiny voice is not that bad of a coach and someone that gives his commitment to a team should NOT treat his employer this way. Dwight went from a very likable person to one of the most hated players in the league with this move. Howard is a complete clown and not in a good way. Why would he do this?

It is like Howard thinks he is bigger than the game. Thinking all everyone cares about is where he plays basketball. It completely takes out the team component and gives a look at me, I am the greatest attitude. This attitude is the same nonsense that encouraged Lebron James to proclaim that he was "taking his talents to South Beach." You are not bigger than the sport gentlemen, the NBA was successful before you and it will be successful long after you are gone. Get a grip.

Can you imagine Tim Duncan pulling a stunt like this? No you can't. Duncan took less money to stay with the team that helped make him successful. He constantly talks about how great his teammates were whether they be David Robinson, Tony Parker, Manu, or even Malik Rose. Seriously what happened to Malik Rose after he no longer had Duncan on his team? Duncan carried his teams during his runs, but did not once complain or throw a fit to Popovich. In fact Duncan praises Popovich and talks about how Popovich helps his game. During the Olympics Allen Iverson hogged the ball when he should have dumped it to Duncan, but what did Duncan do, he talked about what an honor it was to represent his country. During that stretch in the early 2000s when Duncan was unstoppable did he complain that he only got 2 MVPs? No, Duncan was focused on winning championships and said the other people were deserving. Tim Duncan and the Spurs are everything that is right with sports and I gladly support them for that reason. He doesn't care about making a fool of his opponents he will just bank it off the glass and help his team win. Oh and the Spurs give everything to their fans every night and truly appreciate them. Not one player on that team threatens to leave if they don't get their way. Go Spurs Go!

-Noland