I was listening to Mike and Mike in the morning on ESPN radio, and they brought up an interesting point on the subject of rivalries. The question to debate is: how much of a rivalry is based on the past and how much depends on the present? Are these players playing for the sake of their reputations, or to maintain the legacies of the former greats that graced the wood floor before they did. In my opinion, it's most likely 50-50. Half of the tension and rivalry that will take place during the finals stems from the past. The other half is due to their current desires to win the trophy and shift the victorious tide to their side.
It is sometimes difficult to create lasting rivalries nowadays because every player seems to be in transit. They're enemies, now they're teammates, now they're enemies again. It's a constant game of swingers. Though, I think it's easier for the Celtics-and the rest of the nation-to hate the Lakers. Because how is it even possible to like a team that consists of a belligerent thug, a rapist, an ugly, gangly guy that looks like a camel, and a bunch of other whiners? The Celtics are stacked with many more likable players (exception: Sheldon Williams), such as Rajon Rondo with his cute little boy face and kiss-off-the-glass lay-ins, and Ray Allen, who is the coolest guy on the court.
So to gear up for the finals, I'll include a couple of Onion articles that provide entertaining commentary for the storied rivalry of the Lakers and Celtics.
No comments:
Post a Comment