The inspiration for this post came from this great Jordan commercial:

It’s something we all can relate to. When we’ve been knocked down or have a wall in front of our path, we have to be willing to look ourselves in the eye and ask whether or not we have the motivation and drive within us to continue on. Some of the greatest inspiration that’s helped me in these times has come from basketball.

Grant Hill is one player that will always inspire me. He’s shown me more courage and desire than any basketball player I know. He started his career with the Detroit Pistons and after his first few seasons, was touted as one of the rising stars of the league and a superstar for many years to come. But after six seasons with Detroit and his switch over to the Orlando Magic, the line of roadblocks began piling up in front of him. He played less than 50 games in his first three seasons with the Magic due to numerous ankle injuries and actually had to sit out the entire 2003 season. FOUR years of his career, torn apart by injuries.

But he pushed forward. He willed himself to rehabilitate and get better – and he did. Though he had minor injuries nag him every so often, he came back to a point where we were reminded of the Grant Hill of old. The Grant Hill that was a triple-double machine and one of the best all-around players in the league. Grant saw that in his eyes and he had the drive and patience to continue on his path and around those roadblocks. Where’s he at now? He’s with the Phoenix Suns, playing a key supporting role to their explosive offense and just this past season was he able to play in all 82 games – the first time in his career.

So, tell me, who inspires you? Where do you go when you need motivation? It can be a basketball player or just someone else that you admire. I want to hear what drives you.

Photo credit: periwinklepenguins

Today, I give huge props to Stan Van Gundy for the adjustments he made with the Orlando Magic, who won their first Finals game last night. I’ve seen not only adjustments but also an evolution. Here are two of such that stick out to me:

Point Guard Play

As a Jameer Nelson fan, I was excited to see him healthy and able to play again after a 4-month absence due to a torn labrum. But that’s still 4 months off and a loss of rhythm and real game action that can’t be made up for in practice. Van Gundy went all in and played him for 23 minutes his first game back. He didn’t do terrible but the flow wasn’t there for him. More importantly was Rafer Alston, who voiced his displeasure of playing fewer minutes, and the adverse effect of depleting your starting point guard’s minutes. He’s helped the Magic while taking over during Jameer’s injury, but to cut down his minutes substantially is only going to hurt his comfort and rhythm within the offense. Stan realized this. He understood that though he has an all-star point guard sitting on his bench with Jameer Nelson, he also has Rafer Alston, who has done amazing things for the team these playoffs. Jameer played fewer minutes the last two games and Alston finally broke through last night with a great 20-pt performance. Stan, after a tweak to the lineup that didn’t necessarily work, stuck to his guns with Rafer.

Motivational

Don’t get me wrong, I know the head coach is supposed to motivate his team; but we all also know that Stan has an interesting coaching style that starts and ends with his raspy voice. He’s been known to be fairly pessimistic in his talks & interviews throughout the game, and even Shaquille O’Neal called him “the master of panic.” Given all that, Stan looks and sounds like a changed man. Now, I don’t expect him to be completely chipper throughout the game, but I’ve seen more motivation coming out of his mouth, patting guys on the back, loosening up a bit. He’s reaching out to his team on a different level than what I’ve seen this season and even in earlier playoff series. We talk about the evolution of Dwight Howard and how this year’s postseason was his coming out party. What about Stan, man? He’s gone through his own growing pains, being critiqued on his coaching style by the media and players, but he’s shown tremendous growth throughout this playoffs.

So, if Shaq or the media want to question his coaching style, think again. Regardless of the outcome of the Finals, Stan Van Gundy has evolved as a coach, not only for his key team adjustments but for his maturation as a coach.

Photo Credit: BasketConToDo

What type of fan are you?

You’ve heard my story and how my fandom rooted from my childhood and continued studying and playing of the game. It’s undoubtedly become a big part of my life and can easily say that I’m a knowledgeable, passionate, die-hard fan.

So, let’s hear your side. When were you pulled into the game of basketball? How has the NBA and its players impacted your passion for the game? I want to hear your story.

Photo credit: JonathanBachman

These two headliners are the face of the league. One has been the head honcho of the league for almost a decade, while the other has already put the league on his back for the future. Aside from the big picture, they’re the leaders of their own respective teams and have led each to victory numerous times throughout the season and now during the playoffs. They’ve hustled, grinded it out, and took over games when their team needed that extra boost for a win. What got me thinking though is the increasing pressure from two different sides.

Team Leaders

They know when they have to take over games and understand that they’re going to be called upon when the game is on the line. No matter how exhausted they’ve been at times during this postseason, they know and expect to take that last shot. They’ve both had their hands full with Orlando and Denver, and many times have had to throw the entire team on their back with the sole focus of winning that game; where they’ve succeeded, but also fallen short. Though in their minds, they understand their role as team leaders and know that they have the ability and skill to take over any game at any time.

But let’s tie that with another, more global side…

Expectations

Aside from the team, the coaches, and their own expectations – it’s what the fans, the media, and advertisers are expecting and hoping for – a Lebron vs. Kobe NBA Finals matchup. Undoubtedly, they were the 2 best teams in the league during the regular season, but the playoffs are a different beast and it shows. Lebron’s Cavs are struggling to stay alive in the series against Orlando, while the Lakers have their own battle with Denver. We all wish for that dream matchup, I know I do. But how much pressure are we willing to put on the already enormous backs of these two superstars?

The media and advertisers have been chomping at the bit (while some are scared) at the thought of two MVPs going at it in the Finals. Nike has seemingly blown the roof off this hopeful matchup with their series of Kobe/Lebron puppet commercials. I love the commercials – they’re witty, funny, but also, instills that thought into our heads. Kobe vs. Lebron; Lebron vs. Kobe. Nike wants it; the NBA (whether they admit it or not) wants it. I’m sure even Lebron and Kobe want it. On the flip, there are many who are tired of hearing about and don’t want it to happen. They’re pulling for the supposed underdogs to win both series, as I’m sure Orlando and Denver are sick of hearing about it as well. I know Dwight Howard is.

Now tie these two sides together and look at the bigger picture. They’re leaders because of their skill and ability, and they wholeheartedly accept that role. That’s definitely not at question. What I question is the additional expectations from fans, media, advertisers, etc. I realize that the league and advertisers would benefit from this possible matchup, but when do we ask ourselves, are we asking for too much?

Are these expectations right to their opponents? To the league? More importantly, is it right to Lebron and Kobe, two players that already have immense pressure to lead their teams. Let me hear from you.