Not just on the court but thier overall dedication, effort, preparation and their mentality. Along with the ability to deal with setbacks and adversity. The first person that comes to my mind is Kobe Bryant. This doesn't concern the rape case. I dont even in the whole 'he's got "an incredible heart" to deal with that like most people would say. Yes its admiring to see that he helped out the Lakers this season and played pretty well through all the drama but he also brought that drama upon himself so no sympathy should be really given there. And his career got setback (image wise) because of it. But anyways, I'm pickin him for reasons other then that. The reason I really respect Kobe as not only as a basketball player but as also a person is due to the critisism he's received and his ability to not only silence his critics but use that critiscm to motivate a fire in him that enables him to not only be better, but exceed expectations just to prove those critics wrong. Case in point, 2 examples come into mind. 1) When he first entered the league he was critisized a LOT (I'm guessing more then KG since Kobe was smaller) and the fact that everyone thought he'd fold in two years and he'd become a bust. And then on top of that, who can forget the 3 airballs. But what I find amazing is that he bounced back the year right after that, and every year after that and made himself almost unstoppable in all aspects (Offense and defence) He has put a lot of time and dedication into his shape, and game to become arguebly the best SG in the league. Yet, he still gets bashed. Bashed cause he has a big ego. Bashed cause he wants to win so bad. Bashed cause he doesn't "hang with his teammates after a game"." It's amazing how many people hate him, usually for no reason whatsoever. And its cool that he isn't phased by any of that and focuses solely on winning and nothing else. As he puts it: "Why would I wanna go to strip clubs with the guys for? I'm here to play basketball. How's going to strip clubs and hangin with my teammates gonna help us win championships?" 2) This next thing doesn't seem that significant but when I saw it, it was just amazing. 2002 allstar game. Philly. Kobe returns home, only to get booed in his own hometown. For what? Because he and Shaq beat the Sixers in the finals the year before? Not only that, they booed him while he recieved his MVP award. That's harsh. Now a lot of people have been booed (rarely in thier own hometown though) but what I really admired was the way he answered to Jim Gray in that interview when he was sitting in the bench. Jim Gray asks "Are the booes hurtful?" and rather then try and play it off he kept it real and actual said they hurt. I really respected that. Yes, you can bring up the case that he's egotistical, he force shots but If you learned of his dedication and desire to win and be the best then you'd have to respect him as well. (well not neccesairly but it is admireable) I'm not a Kobe groupie but one thing that boggles me is that I have heard people say "Oh Kobe's a loner, he cares about nothing but basketball"...and yet it's these same people are all over Jordan. Kobe has the same desire and will as Michael Jordan (please lets not start a MJ-Kobe debate again, im just bringin up a point) yet he gets bashed because he is just as dedicated. Other players I have respect for: Dennis Rodman, Pippen, Larry Bird, Allen Iverson and MJ, just to name a few. Please post thoughts and replies
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">This next thing doesn't seem that significant but when I saw it, it was just amazing. 2002 allstar game. Philly. Kobe returns home, only to get booed in his own hometown. For what? Because he and Shaq beat the Sixers in the finals the year before? Not only that, they booed him while he recieved his MVP award. That's harsh. Now a lot of people have been booed (rarely in thier own hometown though) but what I really admired was the way he answered to Jim Gray in that interview when he was sitting in the bench. Jim Gray asks "Are the booes hurtful?" and rather then try and play it off he kept it real and actual said they hurt. I really respected that.</div> Well, he did somewhat deserve a hostile homecoming from the crowd. Not only did he eliminate the Sixers in NBA Finals the year before, but he also made a comment about ripping Iverson heart out in a one-on-one match-up. I'm not too clear on the remarks he made regarding Allen Iverson, but I do know for a fact that the Philly fans did not appreciate it.
The players I most respect are Carmelo Anthony and Josh Howard...they compete every night....they might complain here or there and get mad but they're only human...Carmelo went against all odds this season and Howard turned a few heads also...comin out of Wake Forest people felt Josh was just another senior who had a good season and was drafted at like 27 or 28 by the Mavs and his college game carried over into the NBA...he had no critics and nobody expected him to shine but he did anyway....Carmelo Anthony was basically in Lebron's shadow all season but didn't play like he was....he played his game and didn't listen to the hype that Lebron would be better than him and take ROY which he did although most people know it shoulda been a co-ROY with Lebron and Melo sharing it...I know Anthony and Howard are just rookies but they've what they needed to in order to be better players in the NBA...Josh went all 4 years and although Melo went only 1 he had a great teacher in Jim Boeheim(however u spell it) and won a Nat'l Championship in 1 year which i have yet to see anybody do...correct me if I am wrong which i probably am...but things are looking up for next season...My hopefuls for ROY are J.R. Smith of the New Orleans Hornets and Emeka Okafor of the Charlotte Bobcats...I don't expect their teams to win big in the playoffs but I expect them to do well on their teams
Derek Fisher and Antawn Jamison. They have the whole package in terms of positive attitude on and off the court.
^^I definitely respect those guys too. I also respect Yao Ming. He just is such a nice person and he is really humble. I read an article in ESPN Magazine when he first entered the league and it talked about how he had just signed like a $3 million signing bonus and he's rolling around in a suburban when he really isn't that good at driving in America. Now that is something not a lot of people these days (myself included, should I ever get $3 million would ever do). I also do respect Carmelo a lot. In SLAM, when he didn't get ROTY or get elected onto the All-Star game he didn't whine or cry he said he respect the votes and was happy for LeBron James and that he won ROTY. Do I respect Kobe? Hmmm...I don't like him, but I guess I respect him as a person and I do hope he gets out of his case as not quilty. Not cause I want to see him play again but because if he truly didn't do it, he shouldn't have to suffer for what didn't happen. But if he did do it, all the respect for him from me is gone.
I know these guys aren't playing any more but I always have much respect for David Robinson and John Stockton. These guys stood up for what is right on and off of the court. David Robinson has donated alot of money to charities and even founded a great school in the San Antonio area, but what gets my respect from him is how he finished up his term in the Navy before joining the NBA. After he was drafted #1 by the Spurs, he could of found a reason to get out of the Navy, but he felt responsible to continue his service for his country and joined the Spurs two years later. John Stockton was a great player, who we know gave everything on the court night in and night out for 19 years. John also believed that the best way to stay in shape is never to get out of shape. In 17 of his 19 season, he played in all 82 games plus the post-season. He believed he played for the fan and the fan deserved his all every night. But like David, John had a side that wasn't as heralded, he is a great family guy. His wife said he would get up and fix breakfast, take the kids to school, all before practice every morning; its just the small stuff, that gets my respect. He went to great lengths to keep his family as normal as possible, even though he was one of the greatest ever. These guys will always have my respect.
I agree with all the mentioned players so far. It is also true that ALL of these players had to work hard to get to where they are and they all get my respects for that. But what seperates my "respect" level, for me, is basically non-quitters. Well, more importantly, players who are TOO cocky and can't back it up. Also, players who really give up fast. Case in point: Tracy Mcgrady I don't know what kinda person he is up close, but from what I have witnessed he is an a-hole and I really have no respect for his attitude. He leaves Toronto apperently to go his 'home-town', spends 4 years there, leads em to the playoffs, is up 3-1 and has the nerve to start trash talking about who he'll face in the 2nd Rnd before the series is even OVER, loses 4-3 and gets exposed, then lets his team lose 19 straight games, then whines and complains, then contemplates RETIREMENT because he is losing, then whines and complains some more about wanting to get traded from his 'home-town' and eventually gets traded. This guy is loaded with talent. His attitude is just poor. I know this isn't a Tmac/Kobe debate but that, in my mind, is a key factor in why I seperate the two. Yes, Tmac had a weaker supporting cast, but I don't care how weak his cast was, I strongly believe Kobe wouldn't let his team lose 19 stright and on top of that contemplate retirement. The thing with the Pistons and the retirement stuff just made me lose all respect for him. He's a great player, but with the mental attitude he carries, he doesn't have what it takes to be at the TOP IMO.
And Kobe doesn't whine either? Please man, don't preach everyone about Tracy McGrady. Your blind by your own faith in Kobe. You damn Kobe worshiper. Your just liek the other millions of Lakers fans... When Kobe's your favourite player of course youll rip anyoen else cept for him, it's natural. but don't say that attitudes separates them 2. Kobe pisses and whines all the time. And I have yet to see him prove anything. With Shaq with him all the time. Of course Kobe won't let his team lose 19 staright. But Tmac with a team of nobodys and him getting triple teamed, It's kinda hard isn't it. When Kobe gets focused on instead of Shaq, we see what happens (2004 Finals) so don't say Kobe wouldn't let his team lose 19 straight cause you don't know... at all P.S - How can you have respect for a rapist That's like respecting a murderer.
The player I RESPECT most is Dikembe Mutombo becuase he never forgot his homeland Zaire and hugely contributed to basketball development im this poor country,
I respect AI as a great competitor...But I wouldn't be friends with him...He seems like an Ass. I respect Kobe, KG, Tim Duncan, Jason Kidd, MJ.. MOST ESPECIALLY 2 THE DREAM AND STOCKTON!!!!
Desmond Mason. He's great on and off the court. He helps out very much in the Milwaukee community. He's a great leader and rolemodel. I believe he just went around to all the Milwaukee elementary schools and talked about gangs/drugs (all the usual stuff).
For me, number one is Ben Wallace. The guy went undrafted and made himself a really solid player. Watching him block shots is one of the most enjoyable things you can see in the NBA. I give high regards to Desmond Mason. He probably does more in his community than any other NBA player today. He has about 8 different community functions a month.
lebron-not just cause i live in cleveland,but i have read about all his charities he has done and coming to highschool games over here just for fun.to have time for that and put his whole heart in the game is great. kobe-puts it all out there every night especially during clutch time.the way he has handled the rape case also is great. michael redd-coming from OSU i watched him lead them to final four and was in allen's shadow but was there when they needed him.now hes there and they really need him now.hes a great guy listening to him and watching him on shows.
My favorite player Antawn Jamison is the player I respect most. He puts up some great numbers, but you never see him get out of line and disrespect his coaches or fellow team mates. And you will never see him get into any scandals cause he tends to stay out of the spotlight. But second is Oscar Robertson, becaues he never got into any scandals. And he was one of the greatest of all time. Plus I have seen interviews with him and he seems like a very knowledgable man. But I don't like how people are saying Allen Iverson. Any guy who beats his wife no one should look up too or respect.
I gotta say it's Paul Pierce. I'm not really a fan of his, but i respect that he came back from a stabbing and still played and left it all on the floor.
1.) KOBE: i respect kobe as a bball player cuz he's very determined to constantly improve his game. he maybe be egotistical at times but arent we all? <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Originally posted by Spawn This next thing doesn't seem that significant but when I saw it, it was just amazing. 2002 allstar game. Philly. Kobe returns home, only to get booed in his own hometown. For what? Because he and Shaq beat the Sixers in the finals the year before? Not only that, they booed him while he recieved his MVP award. That's harsh. Now a lot of people have been booed (rarely in thier own hometown though) but what I really admired was the way he answered to Jim Gray in that interview when he was sitting in the bench. Jim Gray asks "Are the booes hurtful?" and rather then try and play it off he kept it real and actual said they hurt. I really respected that.</div> yes i agree, he didnt deserve that.... 2.) Duncan: Tim is a leader... he doesnt demand respect from other players instead he earns them and that is the greatest kind of respect... he shows humility both on and off the court thereby earning him my respect
