Spare Change

Paging Curtis Blow

Posted by Bryan

I don't watch the NBA. My first reaction to Kobe's 81 points was the old Sandler joke that he told on the night Wilt scored 100...

In Kobe's huddle, a teammate: "Hey Kobe, I'm open."

From the Toronto coach: "Who's got Kobe, he's starting to get hot."

I watched about 18 seconds of the Denver/San Antonio game on national TV on Sunday, and remembered that there's absolutely nothing about the modern NBA game that appeals to me.

Even so, I'm pleased to see the matriculation of Allen Iverson, who was a catalyst to my alienation as a pro hoops fan. To wit:

Off the court, he's grown as well, reshaping his image — as a leader who no longer rocks the team boat; as a model NBA citizen who even adheres to the new dress code; as a patriot who considers playing for the U.S. Olympic team an honor instead of an imposition; and as a father who doesn't want to embarrass his children.

It's not the compliance with a dress code I find impressive; it's the patriotic dad who cares about representing well both country and children.

January 23, 2006 4:35 PM