Personally. My favourite NBA team of commentators are Mike Breen, Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. One of the best commentators in the game along with two great basketball minds that have solid views and don’t mind expressing them.
Mark Jackson was at last night’s Cavaliers @ Warriors Christmas Game, he’s been a coach of the Warriors so he knows a little bit about Stephen Curry and the Dubs. Most people would see Jackson’s track record and assume he has nothing but great things to say about Curry and the Warriors. You would be wrong.
As Matthew Dellavedova was taking free throws during the game, Jackson took the time to make a statement. It was clear that he wanted to make himself very clear when he said it, making sure every word was not left to be picked at. Here’s what he said about Curry and his influence on the game.
Now I for one completely understand where he’s coming from. Totally get it. I mean if you asked me what facet of somebody’s game would I most want. It wouldn’t be Russell Westbrook’s explosiveness, it wouldn’t be Blake Griffin’s dunking ability. It would be Steph Curry’s silky smooth jumpshot. Now I’m just a fan, what do you think kids wanting to be NBA stars want? Most of them look up to Curry, because he’s relatable. He isn’t the tallest, the fastest, the strongest. But he’s got something that nobody else has and kids look up to him.
Remember a couple of years ago where the national sports media thirsted over Grinnell? That college that has the crazy system of going up the court and simply jacking up shots? It made that guy Jack Taylor rack up over 100 points in a game. That is a classic coach’s nightmare. No organisation, no fluidity, just jacking up shots, not playbook or nothing. I think that’s what people like Mark Jackson are afraid of. That kids will focus on shooting and not on any other facet of the game. Guess it’s up to the coaches to teach them that Curry isn’t the be all and end all.
