As of 2:00 PM on Monday morning, we are two games into the NBA finals and have seen two drastically different games resulting in one loss for each team. However this past week we may have experienced two greater losses in the NBA with the retirements of Grant Hill and Jason Kidd respectively. The two each hold a special place among my favorite players ever for varying reasons and have changed the game since coming into the league in 1994.

 

As a child, I vividly remember cheering on teams for no other reason than the fact that they were on television. Our childhood fandom is often determined by our parents allegiances, and that was no different in the case of the Detroit Pistons, and the marquee player that was Grant Hill. My father would watch his hometown team whenever possible, introducing me to a player with an all-around game so advanced that he will forever be attached to the  oh so popular “What-If injury related” questions that tag along with each decades collection of superstars. Grant Hill revolutionized the game with his balanced style of play to the tune of 1 Co-Rookie of the year award, 7 All-Star game appearances and 6 All-NBA nods (Note: The Duke fan in me will not let me proceed without also acknowledging the 2 NCAA championships won with the Evil Empire). But I will also remember Grant Hill for his off the court demeanor and accomplishments.  No one will ever forget the undiscovered levels he took Fila to with this shoe deal which was the largest of its kind until a fellow  from Akron,Ohio came along. For this and many other reasons, Grant Henry Hill will always be a legend in my book.

 

Given the accomplishments of the forward from Durham, we must also mention the reason that he was only Co-Rookie of the Year. The easiest answer to this question can be summed up in a hyphenated nickname consisting of a first initial and a 4 letter word. J-Kidd. Jason Kidd was brought up in Oakland where he refined his game on the streets playgrounds playing against the likes of Gary Payton, Brian Shaw, Hook Mitchell, and a handful of other great players. His dazzling passing ability (In my opinion Kidd may have had the best assist ever if that same forward from Akron, Ohio could’ve dunked a ball. See below) would attract attention from all over the nation, and eventually draw the praise of voters all over en route to 10 All-Star appearances, 6 All-NBA nods, 9 All-Defensive Team honors, and most importantly 1 championship. Kidd will certainly go down as the best point guard in our era of basketball and is a sure fire Hall of Famer. Like Hill, Kidd will also be known by me for the sneakers he would lace up over the course of his career. Some of them for the new technology (Zoom Flight 95), some for their flash (Flightposite), some for the sick PEs (Air Jordan 13s and 19s to be exact) and some just personal favorites (Zoom Flight 2k3 and Zoom BB). These are many of the reasons J-Kidd is likely my favorite point guard of al-time.

 

Alas: one of the most beautiful non-assists ever:

At 9:00 PM yesterday evening, loyal fans from all over the world had their eyes focused on one television channel, one league, and one game. That game which in this case was Game of Thrones did not disappoint. At 8:30 PM this evening, the basketball world will have its eyes focused on one television channel, one league, and one game; Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Finals featuring the Indiana Pacers and the Miami Heat. Hopefully this game will not disappoint either. With only 1 episode remaining in the tv show and 1 game remaining in the playoff series, it seems as though the respective Thrones in each may finally come to a clash. While the Thrones on HBO are defined, let’s take a look at the NBA:

Throne 1: Ahhhh, the Miami Heat. The reigning champs who have looked as impressive at points in the season as any team over the last decade. 3 seasons after the formation of the “Big 3″, it seems to be only one player carrying them as they stumble their way down the stretch of the playoffs, Lebron James. The player who was once ridiculed and has since stepped up on numerous occasions will have yet another chance to do do. With seemingly minimal contributions from Chris Bosh over the last 3 games as well as a hobbled Dwyane Wade making as big of an impact as he can, the Heat seemed to have reverted back to an older team Lebron is very familiar with, the Cavaliers. Tonight will place Lebron on yet another platform to showcase his ability to the masses, a majority of whom ridiculed him after his initial championship shortcomings and the infamous “Decision”. The world will be watching as he looks to return the championship to the current occupants of the throne.

Throne 2: The new potential suitors of the championship title. The Pacers are playing their best basketball of the season right now on the backs of a budding franchise player in Paul George,  a complimentary set of big man who are capable of dominating an opponent’s frontcourt, and a formidable backcourt and bench providing plenty depth. As they look to make their first Finals appearance sine 2000, the Pacers will look to finally reach the throne, while Paul George looks to take the next step towards stardom.

Throne 3: It’s fitting that the third throne is reserved for the franchise who has made the most Finals appearances since 1999, the San Antonio Spurs. The team who seems to be clicking as they have at numerous times over the past decade and never seems to encounter missteps from players, coaches, or management is back in the Finals. And resting at this point. With a point guard in Tony Parker who is on pace to go down as one of the most underrated at his position, if not in the league, playing at this level along with Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili, and the rest of the usual suspects, this team can definitely be considered the favorite as June games begin. After appearing vulnerable thanks to an upstart Golden State Warriors team, the Spurs rattled off 4 wins in a row to sweep the Grizzlies, who appeared to be serious title contenders a mere two weeks ago. Only time will tell if Father Time will hold off long enough for the Spurs to recapture their throne, and add another chapter to their dynasty.