The notion that the San Antonio Spurs are the Dads of the NBAyet that doesn't make it any less apt – it doesn't take much effort to
picture Tim Duncan in pleated khakis, Tony Parker wooing the ladies of
KinderCare, or Matt Bonner burning one in the garage to Camper Van
Beethoven's Key Lime Pie.
:
Follow us:kOf course, it's unclear if any of those players would have achieved maximum dad-itude had they plied their trade elsewhere (Bonner's two seasons in Toronto prove inconclusive), or if they're merely products of the Spurs' even-handed, altruistic system, which values selflessness, toughness and a lack-of-flash above all else. Grilling ability is also a plus.
:
Follow us:kOf course, it's unclear if any of those players would have achieved maximum dad-itude had they plied their trade elsewhere (Bonner's two seasons in Toronto prove inconclusive), or if they're merely products of the Spurs' even-handed, altruistic system, which values selflessness, toughness and a lack-of-flash above all else. Grilling ability is also a plus.
And that's when the Spurs' Dad Era was off and running. In '97, San
Antonio took Tim Duncan with the first overall pick, and in the stoic
forward, Popovich had found the perfect disciple, an unselfish,
fundamentally sound big who played both ends of the court like a man
possessed, even if his demeanor didn't show it. That Duncan began his
career (and won his first two titles) under the tutelage of not only
Pop, but Robinson – a "Dad" dude if ever there was one – seemed
fortuitous from day one; a raw talent who played high school ball in the
U.S. Virgin Islands, he only received scholarship offers from four
colleges.
Yet, thanks to his abilities and Popovich's system, he blossomed into one of the game's all-time greats, possessing a skill set so polished (and a demeanor so unassuming) that he's earned the nickname "The Big Fundamental." Robinson retired following the '02-'03 season, Duncan stepped in to the leadership role, and the Spurs' machine never skipped a beat.
Over the next decade, Popovich would build around Duncan, bringing in Tony Parker from France and Manu Ginobili, an Argentinean who had found success in Italy. The high-character supporting cast would change year-after-year – Brent Barry, Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley, Robert Horry, Richard Jefferson and Kurt Thomas, to name just a half dozen – but the success didn't, and neither did the message: Buy in, or be gone.
The Spurs have built a quiet dynasty through hard work, determination and loyalty. They are open-minded and accepting, welcoming outsiders into their fold, yet they are quick to close ranks to outliers. They share and provide. They lead by example, they take time to teach, and they put the family first. Like all dads, they serve as a reminder of our past; they are one of the last links to an era that will soon be forgotten. Also like dads, they have never been cool, because they don't have time to be concerned with crap like that.
If they win their fifth championship, perhaps they'll finally receive the recognition they deserve. But you get the feeling they're not particularly concerned with their legacy. So maybe they'll celebrate with a few Michelob Lights then call it a night. There's still work to be done, somewhere. Dad never rests.
Yet, thanks to his abilities and Popovich's system, he blossomed into one of the game's all-time greats, possessing a skill set so polished (and a demeanor so unassuming) that he's earned the nickname "The Big Fundamental." Robinson retired following the '02-'03 season, Duncan stepped in to the leadership role, and the Spurs' machine never skipped a beat.
Over the next decade, Popovich would build around Duncan, bringing in Tony Parker from France and Manu Ginobili, an Argentinean who had found success in Italy. The high-character supporting cast would change year-after-year – Brent Barry, Bruce Bowen, Michael Finley, Robert Horry, Richard Jefferson and Kurt Thomas, to name just a half dozen – but the success didn't, and neither did the message: Buy in, or be gone.
The Spurs have built a quiet dynasty through hard work, determination and loyalty. They are open-minded and accepting, welcoming outsiders into their fold, yet they are quick to close ranks to outliers. They share and provide. They lead by example, they take time to teach, and they put the family first. Like all dads, they serve as a reminder of our past; they are one of the last links to an era that will soon be forgotten. Also like dads, they have never been cool, because they don't have time to be concerned with crap like that.
If they win their fifth championship, perhaps they'll finally receive the recognition they deserve. But you get the feeling they're not particularly concerned with their legacy. So maybe they'll celebrate with a few Michelob Lights then call it a night. There's still work to be done, somewhere. Dad never rests.
No comments:
Post a Comment