From: davem@uvmark.uucp (Dave Meeks)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.basketball.pro
Subject: Re: Bird, Jordan, Magic...
Date: 25 Aug 92 20:03:51 GMT
Article-I.D.: uvmark.1992Aug25.200351.55717
Organization: Vmark Software, Inc.

In article <BtJpv6.4JH@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu> dwarner@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (david j warner) writes:
>
>The rivalry was perfect: East (Boston) vs. West (L.A.), Country Boy vs. Inner
>City Manchild, Slowdown vs. Fast Break (though Bird could run the break just as
>well), even White vs. Black, which is a shame in this day and age, but it was
^--
   And Magic could play slowdown just as well

>part of the rivalry some fans' eyes.  Gladly, it was not at all a factor
>between the two best friends.

Well, they may be great friends now, but it was not always that way.  Bird and
Magic may have respected and admired each other, but in the beginning they
didn't like each other all that much.  It wasn't until a commercial they made
together did they get to know each other personally, and became friends.
>
>Maybe one of them could have made it without the other,but Bird would not have
>been a legend without Magic, and vice versa.  The battles themselves made them
>legend, and though they may be imitated in the future, noboby will duplicate
>them.

And, one of the things that made them special, in a way that Jordan isn't, is
that neither of them did the things they were "supposed" to do, nor were they
supposed to be able to do the things they could.  Magic was not quick enough
and was too tall to be a guard.  Bird was too slow and couldn't jump.  Both
were big men (6'9") who made legends with their passing, usually a talent
reserved for the little guys.  Though many people seem to forget, Magic was
also an extremely talented and versatile individual.  He probably assured
his stature of greatness with the playoff game where he played the Center 
position for the injured Kareem, and scored like 40 pts.  Magic could rebound
when he wanted, and could play any position on the floor.  Bird was the same
way.  The only way in which Bird was clearly better was in shooting, and Magic
still always found a way to score when his team needed it most, just like
Bird.  This is the main reason for the comment that Red made.  The NBA is full
of athletic, graceful, quick, high-jumping individuals.  The odds of one of
them blossoming and putting it all together to "be like Mike" seems greater
than that of someone coming into the league that can do it all, especially
when they seemingly don't have the normal skills.  Some people make comparisons
of Michael Smith when they look at Bird, and with good reason.  Michael Smith
was blessed with many of the same abilities of Bird.. Good shooting, can 
rebound, pass, etc..  But he lacks something that puts him at Birds level.
There are others that have similar skills to Bird, but none have put it 
together like he has.  Same with Magic.  Walt Williams is the newest of the
"next Magic" type players.  Whether he lives up to it is still to be decided
(though it is very doubtful), mainly because even though he may have the 
skills, most like him have lacked that something else.  

It is interesting because I was talking to a friend about our "Dream Teams", 
where we thought about who we would want.  When asked who the best PG was,
I immediately answered with John Stockton, and I still stick by it.  I think
Stockton is the best PG the game has ever had so far.  I think what he has
been able to do, with the consistency, etc.. is amazing.  So, my friend asked
me, "So you would rather have Stockton than Magic?", and my response was no.
Why??? Because Magic, like Bird, have that something special that you can't
define.  The ability to do whatever it takes, whenever, and however.  Stockton
has not shown this ability.  Oh well.. Before someone decides to get into
a month long argument over this, I will end it...
Oh yeah :-)

>
>Peace, guys. We'll never forget ya.
>
>-- 
>- David J. --------- BLUE RIDDLE PRODUCTIONS.  Bloomington, IN; Durham, NC. -
>- e-mail: dwarner@miami.ucs.indiana.edu -------------------------------------
>***************** "RAP IS AN ART/TURN UP THE MICROPHONE" ********************
>***************** BRP's debut 12" single -- coming soon  ********************


-- 
David T. Meeks                    ||" We are jigsaw pieces, aligned on the 
VMark Software, Inc.              ||  perimeter edge, 
uvmark!davem@merk.com             ||  interlocked through a missing piece"
davem%uvmark@merk.com             ||" ...This world is totally Fugazi"