Wheres the Tenacity?

This season alot of teams have felt the affect of the compressed 66 game season. Not only have they dealt with back-to-back-to-back games, but they have dealt with injuries. Many key players for their respective teams have gotten nicked up. Some players have "rubbed some dirt on it" and continued to play at a high level and others have sat out and watch their team from the side line. I understand if the injury restricts what you can do, but I am starting to question some of these All-Stars tenacity.




I love the relentless attitude of some players, for example Lakers guard Kobe Bryant. Bryant tore ligaments in his non shooting hand during a pre-season game vs the Clippers which required surgery and should of sidelined him for at least 2 weeks. But Kobe known for his toughness and will to play, taped up his wrist and played as well as he ever has (averaged over 30ppg, 6 rpg, and 5 apg) If you think that's bad? He is coming off another injury , a broken nose. That did not slow him down either, he strapped on the ever so awkward clear mask and flat-out dominated. He is the kind of player coaches admire and fans love to see. Nobody questions Kobe's heart and tenacity.

the "Masked Mamba"

Yet, some players are getting tweaked ankles, or a pulled muscle and they want to sit out for a game. That's where I question the heart and tenacity of some players. Its not fair for a team to see their best player not try to give it their all. I understand if you are doing this for precautionary measures, but come on teams are paying these players the big bucks to go out there and do their jobs. A tweaked back should not stop you to at least try and play. I am not trying to belittle any NBA player, but what I am saying is if you are suited up and warming up before a game try to give it a go. That's what a hard working individual would do, up to an extent.





It does seem harsh to see a player try to grind it out, but that's what a true leader and star does. Make no excuses and just give it their all. We have all seen the famous "Flu-Game" of his Airness Michael Jordan, where he came down with a nasty flu and a fever of 103 in game 5 of the 1997 finals and absolutely torched the Jazz with 38 points.

Or when Willis Reed of the New York Knicks hobbled onto the court in Game 7 of the 1970 finals and scoring the first bucket of the game en route to a Knicks championship. That's the courageous efforts I am looking for in players these days. I'm tired of seeing players in street clothes watching from the bench because of a minor injury that they could potentially play through. Its pretty much giving out a free check to a player who has not been productive at all.

I really hope some players realize that it takes alot of will and relentlessness to win a title. Whether its a pulled groin, back spasms, or a fever a player should attempt to play especially if it is a big game or a playoff game.









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