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“Constructing the perfect NBA player”

I really like this article written by one my favorite NBA players during his time Kenny “The Jet” Smith, now a columnist for Yahoo! Sports.

I agree with the players he chose especially starting from the first part, which he picked Kobe Bryant, but I beg to disagree on the high-flying act of Josh Smith I’d rather select Vince Carter. Dubbed as “Half Man, Half Amazing”, Vince Carter of the New Jersey Nets can really defy gravity with his amazing dunks and jaw-dropping in-your-face slam dunks.

Enjoy reading for all basketball afficionados!

Here’s the article:

As the New Year arrives and I think of all the greats who have blessed the basketball courts in my era, Michael Jordan is often called the perfect player. If he wasn’t perfect, he was very close. That got me wondering on how to construct the perfect player Frankenstein-style. Which parts of which players would I use?

The first part, which allows the body to function is the heart. This has to come from the player who has no fear of failure and a killer instinct: Kobe Bryant.

The brain obviously is also vital. I need someone who understands his strengths and limitations and also understands his players and coaches to a great degree. That’s Jason Kidd.

Vision helps separate the truly great players from the very good ones. And no one sees the floor quite like Steve Nash.

If this is going to be the perfect player, he shouldn’t lack for athleticism. Not only should he be able to go by people, but also through or over them. Give me LeBron James’ combination of speed, quickness and muscle. There are faster players baseline to baseline than James, but they don’t have his size and leaping ability.

The hops go to Josh Smith. He’s the new-age Dominique Wilkins.

The strength of a basketball player is underrated. Skinny players like Reggie Miller and Rip Hamilton don’t need bulk to dart around screens. But give a player the strength of Dwight Howard and now you have a monster.

The longer the wingspan, the better the ability to grab rebounds, deflect passes and make other plays your opponents can’t make. So give me Kevin Garnett’s reach.

The best players shoot with a quick release. They can get off a shot while their defender is still flatfooted. Which is why I’ll need Ray Allen’s wrists.

Soft hands are essential. You want someone with a good touch who can catch all kinds of passes. That would be Tim Duncan.

The feet give you balance. They help you change direction, tightrope the baseline and stay in front of your man on defense. Give me the feet of Manu Ginobili.

The other parts that make up a great player aren’t as tangible. Like timing. The best shot blockers have great timing. Jump too soon and your opponent can duck into you and draw a foul. Jump too late and you’ll get dunked on. I want the timing of Marcus Camby.

Savvy comes from experience. The most battle-tested players know what to expect before it happens. And few players are more battle-tested than Chauncey Billups.

Patience is important. Great players know when to attack. They know how to set up their opponent with a fake. They don’t rush and they rarely force a bad shot. Is there anymore more patient than Duncan? He’s my first and only two-time part member.

Lastly, no one likes a sore loser or a bad winner. That’s why I value sportsmanship. To be a true winner, you have to be gracious. Like Michael Redd.

Now this is a player who’s truly the sum of his parts.

*This article was written by Kenny Smith of Yahoo! Sports*

Year of the RAT

Born in: 1924 1936 1948 1960 1972 1984 1996 2008

Rat is charming and humourous, honest and meticulous. Although they can give good advice, they cannot necessarily decide for themselves. May be power hungry, petty or greedy, Bright, sociable and highly ambitious. A true opportunist to reach the target. Passionate and good to her lover. Yet likes to gamble and spend lavishly.

The charm of the Rat personality is as universally known and loved as the Walt Disney character, Mickey Mouse. He could be forthright and honest but in such a disarming manner that you find yourself at a disadvantage.

Remarkably easy to get along with, hard working and thrifty, he will be generous only to those he is inordinately fond of, so if you get an expensive gift from him, you should certainly rate yourself high in his esteem. However, in spite of his penny-pinching ways, he will never be found wanting for admirers as he emits such fantastic appeal.

The Rat likes: bargains, Negotiation, Winning, Trust and Gambling.

The Rat dislike: Boredom, Timetable, Poverty, Loneliness and Reprimands.

Compatible Animals: Dragon, Monkey, Ox

Incompatible Animals: Goat, Horse, Rabbit, Rooster

You have a lot of inauspicious stars in your life cycle this year, where you also happen to meet your own life year (conflicting with Tai Sui). You will encounter work obstructions. Fortunately, if you are composed and flexible to changes, be steady and keep a low profile, you might be able to quell the danger. Meantime, you have the protection of Jiang Xing star, which enables you to break through obstacles in most times. Career and fortune luck will see breakthrough, but be cautious of gossiping, which may affect love luck.

From the career perspective, your career may meet turbulence, yet miracles will happen often. Good personal relationship with others will be a boost to career and entrepreneurship. This is a year of change, where change of jobs, position will be common. The matters of health are fine, but prevent catching a cold or overwork. Be careful of injuries and accidents, falls and injured limbs when at outdoors.