Extra Points
Jerry Brewer explains the thinking behind his columns and invites readers to express their views on the sports world.
SubscribeDecember 23, 2008 8:41 AM
A reason to watch the NBA?
Posted by Jerry Brewer
Today's column is about how many Seattle-bred NBA players are thriving, led by Brandon Roy. It's an interesting situation because even though the NBA has turned its back on this city, Seattle continues to supply the league with some of its most promising talent.
This column isn't an attempt to woo you back to the league. If you're still upset with Czar Stern and others about what happened with the Sonics, believe me, I'm with you. I still watch portions of NBA games because I love basketball, but it's difficult to truly invest in the league since I'm no longer able to cover the Sonics. Nevertheless, there are some locals worth following.
Usually, during a televised NBA game this season, I peek at a quarter here and there. But last Thursday, I was fully engaged in Brandon Roy's 52-point outburst against the Phoenix Suns. He's a remarkable talent who continues to improve. When you think he's gotten as good as he will get, he adds another dimension to his game. The biggest criticism of Roy used to be that he'll never be a scorer on the level of Kobe Bryant or LeBron James. Well, this season Roy has shown that, when needed, he can put up 30 points. In addition, he's so versatile that he can make an 18-point performance seem like so much more because of his ability to pass, defend and even rebound. He's quickly becoming my favorite basketball player.
(Of course, as my luck would have it, I praised Roy on a day when he had his worst game of the season, a 3-for-11 performance in a loss to Denver. Oh well.)
So, here's the dilemma: Do you continue to ignore the NBA? Or do you support Seattle's finest?
Or do you just need more time?
There's no wrong answer. People grieve differently.
But it's good to know that even though the NBA has taken away the Sonics, it can't stop depending on Seattle basketball players. It just goes to show that the city is -- and always will be -- more important that a single sports league.
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