Sports Watching and Wondering

Brains or Money - Some of the owners of Sports Franchises believe that buying the contracts of the most expensive athletes will guarantee Championships. Regrettably for them, they have learned that this approach does not necessarily work. There has to be someone who has enough knowledge and experience to evaluate the talent that is available, and to make selections that are best for what they have in mind. Also, all championship teams must have strong leadership, and tight organizational discipline. Team sports, especially Basketball and Football require a great deal of discipline, if they are to be successful. Otherwise, in the heat of a contest, some players will panic or simply surrender, when the going gets tough. That is why the training to be a Marine or a Navy Seal is so tough. They have to know that they can count on each other, when the circumstances are most dangerous and stressful.

The teams that impressed me most in the NBA Playoffs, in no particular order, are the Houston Rockets, the Chicago Bulls, the Indiana Pacers, the San Antonio Spurs, the Golden State Warriors, and the Miami Heat. Of these, the Rockets were the biggest surprise. Kevin McHale, the old Celtic Hall of Famer, has quickly put together a talented young team. They don't have a big star yet, but they are only one player away from being a real contender. I think that is where Dwight Howard will choose to go. I think that he understands that McHale can give him the expert coaching that he needs in order to fully develop his talents. In addition I do not think that Howard has the emotional stability that is required of athletes who play in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, or New York.

When Jerry Buss owned the Lakers and Jerry West was responsible for evaluating and signing the talent, winning seemed easy and almost automatic. The Lakers just seemed so lucky that anyone could do it. Now, they have a hodgepodge of talented players, who do not fit well as a team. In addition, they have a well-intentioned coach, who does not seem to be in touch with reality. The good news is that they have Kobe Bryant. The bad news is that they have Kobe Bryant. It is unthinkable to many of the younger fans of the Lakers that Bryant will return to the team and not be as good as he was before. However, it is not likely that he will be even with his incredible work ethic. Father Time robs great athletes of their talent, whenever he chooses to do so. Chauncey "Mr. Big Shot" Billups, is an example of what I mean.

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