Damian Lillard is one of the most underrated, and slept-on point guards in the league. Now he is finally putting the league on notice. In his last 6 games he has recorded
61 Points 7 assists 10 rebounds
47 Points 8 assists 6 rebounds
50 Points 13 assists 6 rebounds
36 Points 11 assists 10 rebounds
48 points 10 assists 9 rebounds
51 points 12 assist and 2 rebounds
He is averaging 48.8 points in those six games. He is on an absolute tear as of late. Now the question remains. Where does he rank among the point guards of the NBA? It could be very easy to say “well look at his last six games the man is the best point guard in the league” . But we need to slow down just a little bit. I’m a huge fan of Dame and think he’s still a top five guard in the league without a doubt. His last six games are just a very good example of how dynamic of a scorer, and at times, a rebounder of the basketball he is. But he hasn’t played great all season. he’s had his ups and downs this year. But right now he’s on a very big high. I think it will come down to how well his team can do in the second half of the season. The Trail Blazers are 23-28. Now look i’m not knocking this mans stats but, you cant put up 40 points, a bunch of assists and some rebounds and lose the game by double digits. At that point the stats become empty and lose the value. So if the blazers can turn it around, win some games and actually make it to the playoffs, then it will be easier to argue how good of a point guard Dame actually is.
I remember when I first sat down and watched a game of basketball. It was the Lakers vs the Celtics in the finals. I had no idea what was going on or who a lot of the players where. But I could tell who the best player on the court was, and it was you. I watched every move you made. I watched you play your heart out on both sides of the floor. It was in that moment I knew that if I ever got the chance to play basketball that I wanted to be just like you. And so when I got the opportunity to play basketball, I didn’t hesitate to wear number 24. I modeled my whole game after you, because you played the game with passion, with tenacity, with mamba mentality.
So Kobe, thank you.
Thank you for being fearless, even in failure. When you were a rookie, you took those big shots against Utah and and air-balled them. But you weren’t afraid of those shots. Actually, you would make a career off of hitting huge shots in the biggest moments. You left the game and worked on your craft for hours on end. Making sure that you would never come up short in those moments ever again. Thank you for putting in the work. Your work ethic inspired millions and millions of people, and it made a little kid from durham realize what it takes to be great. Thank you for being relentless and persevering, even when faced with injury. Although your mindset and heart were built to endure the game of basketball for eternity. Your body was not. It gave up on you, but you refused to be defined by the injuries. And you went on to win games and give us the biggest performances when we needed you the most. Thank you for being loyal. You never left LA, you bled purple and yellow. And you gave us 5 championships, and memories that will make me a Lakers fan for as long as I watch basketball.
Finally Kobe,
Thank you for being more than basketball. Thank you for showing the world what a supportive dad looks like. Thank you for being a great husband, what a great leader and man looks like. You weren’t just a great basketball player. You were a great man. You were an icon, a symbol of hard work, to friends, fans and people all around the world. Thank you Kobe, for inspiring me to work hard, for making me realize that there is more to life than just basketball. Thank you for giving me someone to look up to. From the bottom of my heart, I will miss watching you play basketball, and seeing you continue to be a great man away from the sport.
Dear Kobe, I think I can speak for everyone when I say this.
We asked him for his hustle. He gave us his heart.
The Beginning of A Legacy
Wednesday on June 26 1996 in the first round of the NBA draft the Charlotte Hornets selected Kobe Bryant from Lower Merion High school. An 18 year old high school star who had been showing out during his time in high school decided he wanted to take his talents straight to the NBA. But the Hornets made a deal with the Los Angeles that featured the young high school star for Lakers veteran Vlade Divac. Thus the beginning of a legacy of Kobe Bryant. One of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen.
The Black Mamba
Kobe Bryant changed the game of basketball. With his dynamic footwork, his buzzer beater shots, the jersey biting in the fourth quarter, the signature turn around jumper from midrange. But above all what really made Kobe Bryant an NBA icon and eventually a legend, wasn’t just his incredible talent that outshined so many other stars in the league. It was his incredible work ethic and will to never give up. A will that refused to accept defeat, a drive and passion for the game that motivated him to to never give up. A work ethic that dedicated hours on end to working on the game of basketball. These components came together to make what is now known as “Mamba Mentality”. Mamba Mentality was relentless. It was fearless, it was passionate, it was challenging, it was sacrifice, it was true and love for the game of basketball. Kobe wore it on his sleeve and it drove him to be one of the greatest basketball players the world had ever seen. And everyone who watched him play knew that he’d do whatever it takes to win. From scoring 81 points in Toronto, to averaging 35.5 points in a regular season. From hitting big shots in the fourth quarter to give his team the lead when they needed him most. From hitting huge shots in the olympics to winning 5 NBA championships. From battling injury after injury ad refusing to back down to shooting big free throws after tearing his achilles. From big moment to big moment. Mamba mentality was shown in every facet of Kobe Bryant’s career. Even in his last game where he scored 60 points. He had given everything he had to the game of basketball. Everything that was left in the tank was given on the floor for the final time. We got to watch Kobe make history one last time. His final words on the basketball floor were “Mamba Out”. The end of his basketball career would begin a new chapter in his life.
A New Chapter
A new chapter of being a full time dad to his kids. He became his daughter GiGi’s basketball coach. GiGi was becoming a slight star of herself, showing flashes of her dad in the games she played. It looked like GiGi was going to follow in her fathers footsteps. Kobe also made a short film that even won an Oscar award. This was the start of something special. This new chapter was looking truly beautiful. But sadly this chapter ended far too soon. On Sunday January 26th 2020, Kobe Bryant and his daughter GiGi (along with 7 other passengers) died in a helicopter crash. The two were heading to a basketball game that Kobe would coach.
The world was left in shock after a sudden death that was hard to believe. Fans and athletes all over the world were heartbroken when the death was revealed on the news. Many people went to social media to express the sadness and sorrow felt when hearing the tragic news of the horrible accident that happened on Sunday. What seemed as sports news, was actually world news. People all over the world had tears and grief for Kobe and his family. It showed that Kobe Bryant was more than just a basketball player. He was a man who inspired the world. Fans, friends and family gathered round to honor the legacy that Kobe had left behind. Teams around the NBA had honored him by running out the 24 second shot clock. The same number Kobe wore on his jersey for 10 seasons. Other teams took a 8 second violation to get the ball across half court. The same number Kobe wore in the first 10 seasons of his career.
Players taking the 8 second violation. In memory of Kobe Bryant
He was more than an athlete
He was more than an NBA Superstar
He was more than an NBA Legend
He was Kobe Bean Bryant
Someone who I, and many of the world looked up to. We will miss Kobe and his daughter. We will forever cherish the memories and legacy that he left behind for us to watch forever.
This is the moment every basketball fan had been waiting for. Zion Williamson finally playing in an NBA basketball game. He has been out for MONTHS dealing with a knee injury. I mean the guy is 6’7″ and 284 pounds. That’s a big man and all of that weight on the knees will start to take a toll on the body. So, I don’t blame the Pelicans for refusing to play him until now. I’m honestly shocked they played him this early. But in the best interest of the franchise and his career I think restricting his minutes right now is the best option. Zion had a very solid outing finishing with 22 points 7 rebounds and 3 assists in his long awaited debut. While also shooting 8-11 from the field and 4/4 from three.
Hold Your Horses..
Now I understand all of the hype that this guy brings, trust me. I watched Zion when he was a MONSTER in high school and when he was a superstar at Duke. I really do believe that Zion will be a superstar in the NBA and that he is a one of a kind player. I don’t see anything in his game that tells me that Zion cant be the best player in the league one day. I don’t see anything in his game that would limit him so a certain role other than SUPERSTAR. Zion Williamson is special and even that might be an understatement. But lets calm down with the “rookie of the year” posts and player comparisons. Zion had a very good game. He could only play in four minute increments because of his knee. He started the game off kind of slow but still made some good plays and eventually took over in the fourth quarter. Yes, he had a good game, but lets pay attention to that phrase “a good game”. It was only one game, he has missed literally half of the season and still weighs way too much for the Pelicans to be safe with him on the floor for a long period of time. We need to take a step back and remember that this guy, as good as he is, is not one hundred percent healthy and needs to be before everybody loses their minds. But…
The Pelicans: A New Hope
Pelicans fans have a lot to look forward to. Maybe not this season (Although many fans think that a late push for the playoffs is possible) but in the near future I see the pelicans being very good. Zion is gives a ton of hope to pelicans fans. I believe that if he can get and stay healthy, the pelicans could be a 4-5 seed next season. Zion is a very capable interior scorer. We know that, I mean just look at him. But hes also a very good re-bounder. His strength combined with his unbelievable athletic ability is a huge advantage for grabbing boards especially on the offensive side. But he’s also a very good passer too. This is the same guy who ran point guard in high school. He is willing to pass, and doesnt need the ball in his hands to be an effective offensive player. That’s huge for the pelicans offense. Brandon Ingram and Jrue Holiday need the ball in their hands a lot in order for them to be good. Zion doesn’t which means he will feed them and also will be able to kick out to Lonzo who has been shooting the three a lot better this season. Which brings me to my next point, because Zion has proven he can shoot the three well, the Pelicans will be able to space the floor well. Lastly, one thing I loved about his performance and this is possibly the biggest thing I took away. Was how he didn’t shy away from the moment. When his team needed him, he came up big time and was not afraid of to take the big shots. He was great in the fourth quarter and took the game over with his shooting. I believe if the pelicans have Brandon Ingram, Lonzo ball and Zion Williamson all healthy and playing with each other…
In the past two seasons Patrick Mahomes has taken the NFL by storm. Now he’s an NFL superstar in just two seasons as the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs. In his first two seasons as a starter he has thrown 76 touchdowns and 18 Interceptions…
The Numbers are INSANE
Think about it for a second. In his first season ALONE he had 50 touchdowns and 5,000 yards passing. To put that into perspective lets look at some of the worlds most known and respected quarterbacks. Tom Brady’s first season as a starter he there 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. And in his second season he threw 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Solid, but nothing compared to Mahomes. Drew Brees in his first season as a starting quarterback threw 17 touchdowns and 16 Interceptions. In his second he threw 11 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. I’ll let the numbers speak for themselves on that one. Aaron Rodgers who is known for having a dynamic arm threw 28 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in his first season. And in his second, he threw 30 touchdowns and 7 interceptions. So he had solid numbers after two seasons. But again, compared to Mahomes’ first two seasons as a starter, the numbers pail in comparison.
Mahomes has thrown for 9,412 yards for his career, thrown 76 touchdowns and is taking his team to the super bowl. All in two seasons, mind you he missed a few games this season with an injury. The NFL has never seen anything like this. I understand the hype surrounding Lamar Jackson, hes a very talented player but we cant forget about how good Patrick Mahomes has been in such a short amount of time. He’s been consistently accurate, he moves very well in the pocket and does a tremendous job of keeping the play going. He often times makes something out of nothing that leaves the people watching say “how did he do that?”. His arm power and accuracy are elite, he is a superstar and now is going to the super bowl with his crew. And the reason the chiefs could do something truly special, is because he is a great leader. He doesn’t let his frustration show, he trusts and believes in his teammates and his coaches, and he wants to win. This is a guy who people are willing to follow.
Phoenix Suns guard, Devin Booker, was ejected late in the fourth quarter on January 14th of 2019. Devin blew past defender Deandre’ Bembre and elevated for a dunk. Booker came down from the rim and looked back at the defender and smirked. The referee then called a technical foul on Booker which resulted in him getting ejected from the game.
Is this too far?
Many former NBA players who were in the league in the 90’s have said multiple times that todays NBA is soft. The league (NBA) has made countless new rules in the game that ensure there is less contact. And now it seems like they are trying to take the competitive nature and tenacity out of the game. Players can’t taunt, mean mug, or talk a little smack anymore without getting a technical foul or some sort of fine. Devin booker isn’t the only player on his team to get a tech after a great play. Kelly Oubre Jr, received a technical foul for bobbing his head forward after a mean fast break dunk over his defender. Is this a sign of the game getting softer and taking the heart out of the game or is this the league going through an adjustment period. I think that the NBA has gotten soft as time goes on. There are more free throws being taken every game. Meaning that they are calling more and more fouls each and every time down the court. They have made more and more restrictions on the defender, which means the offensive player has so much more of an advantage over the defender already. I thin its time for the NBA to reevaluate the restrictions on players. Especially when it comes to showing emotion on the court.
Players in the 90’s would let you know that it was a grown mans league. If you were soft the players would let you know what’s up. No easy buckets, no easy plays, and no plays off. There was physicality, tenacity, and heart for the game. Now players are worried more about aesthetics and what to wear more than they are the actual game and how to win. It feels like the league is almost a gimmick instead of a sport. Wheres the passion? Where’s the toughness? Wheres the heart? Why is the league turning into a publicity stunt instead of where passionate players gather to compete to be the best player they can be.
I think the league today compared to what it once was is soft…
Have you ever heard of a bust? A bust is someone who is predicted to be extremely good and talented at what they do but instead turn out to be a big disappointment. Have you ever heard of a sophomore slump? In the NBA a sophmore slump is where a rookie who had a great first season in the league takes a dip in their production in year two. Luka Doncic was expected to be a bust, and after his great first year many (including me) thought he was going to have a drop in his numbers. But he’s done quite the opposite. He is currently averaging 28.8 Points 9 rebounds and 9 assists a game.
This second year player is almost averaging a 30 point triple double every single night. Oh, did I mention that he was only 20 years old? It’s hard to believe because if you’ve ever seen him play he almost looks like he’s playing at a slower speed than others sometimes. So now the question is, “Is Luka Doncic the real deal?”
Let’s Be Honest
Luka Doncic has been playing against grown men since he was about 16. He played for the Slovenia National team. Which yes may help him. But honestly, a lot of the players in the NBA picked up a basketball on the playground. Playing against grown men everyday trying to earn respect on their game. Luka really doesn’t have that much of an advantage just because hes been playing against grown men. The truth is, this guy is special. I was one of the first people to say that he wouldn’t be very good. But boy did he prove me wrong, hes playing at an all star level right now. It’s hard to argue against him, hes putting up big numbers in a tough western conference, while leading his team to a winning record. He has a natural scoring ability, with great playmaking skills. This guy is the real deal. If he stays healthy and can continue to lead his team to win games, I don’t see why he wont be an MVP. If not this year then years to come. His biggest weakness is his defense. If he could work on being a better on ball defender and raise his help defense IQ, wed be looking at a very scary situation.
My name is Adrian Hatch, I am currently a student at Gardner-Webb University. I was born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. I have loved sports since I was a kid and have been following and playing them my whole life. Ever since I was six years old I have had some kind of sport to play. Now that I no longer play organized sports its time
This blog site was made so I could talk about the breaking news going on in the sports world while also giving hot take’s on athletes and their legacies.
Why do this?
To give others context about sports and the athletes that live in that world.
I want people to see the truth and see some of my predictions for the future sports world.
The Majority of sports I will talk about
NBA Basketball
College Basketball
Soccer (Premier League, La Liga, EUFA Champions League, etc.)
The Hot Take on sports 