It has taken me a long while of questioning myself and my judgment before being comfortable enough to speak out on this topic. But I’ve decided that, in the interest of moving forward, I have to admit my faults, apologize to those whom my actions have affected most, and get on with making myself a better Ian. So here goes.
I’m having an affair.
When I first met the Pistons, I was wide-eyed and knee high. I’ve been a fan since childhood. I was there for “stolen by Bird” and “Game 7 at the Great Western Forum.” I celebrated the Bad Boys. I was there when Alvin Robertson, the original Latrell Sprewell, nearly choked Billy McKinney to death. I watched Grant’s inbounds alley-oop to Linsdsey Hunter with less than second on the clock. And I’ve enjoyed #3 and the current run for #4.
And all the while, I lived in a comfortable world, where few opposing players ever intrigued me, and all could somehow be justified as lesser than my favorite of the Boys in Blue. But now my eyes have begun to wander. Not for a new team, mind you — the trophy will always look better hoisted over Piston red, white, and blue — but I’ve started to recognize the talents of non-Pistons. And it has shaken me.
Sure, I had glanced in the past — who hasn’t. For me it was always a David Robinson or a Dan Majerle, a “good character guy” or an underdog who was easy to root for when the Pistons weren’t in it but just as easy to look back away from when things were better at home.
Now, players that I formerly wouldn’t allow a glance are causing me to tune into their games in the midst of a Piston title run. Players like Kobe and Nocioni — players I was convinced spent their summers stealing from children or tripping old people — have garnered my appreciation for their skill and determination. I’ll send IMs to friends raving about the latest of Kobe’s miraculous 18-point performances, or celebrating every splinter Nocioni shoves under Kazaam’s fingernails. I’ll get nearly as excited by a last second, 7 v. 2 upset, as I do for the lackluster Piston blowout over the Bucks.
So I ask you — is it alright to take time out from our current drive for four to appreciate the games of others around the league? Is this polygamy curable? Am I still allowed to rock my Bill Laimbeer throwback, or have I given up my P (iston) card?
Are there non-Pistons whom you look forward to watching during the playoffs? Who and why?
I said the same thing in my blog just now. During the playoffs, I find myself “rooting” for a certain team other than the D. For me, it’s Kobe (it’s even hard for me to type that), the Cavs and the Bulls.
Here’s my entry, but couldn’t post the pictures though:
As much as I hate pretty much every team the Pistons play against in the regular season, during playoffs I sorta have a soft spot for the underdogs (okay except if they are playing against the D).
So now I find myself rooting for the Lakers (oh hell no) and the Cavs (even if I fucking despise their Euro center and that Brazilian kid who knocked Sheed down one time and got ejected).
For the record, I still think Kobe has an ego the size of Shaq’s ass, but I give him some props for taking ‘HIS’ team to the playoffs. But just like Jesus walking on water, miracles do happen in the NBA during the playoff season. Kobe has now learned how to PASS THE BALL!!!!! Yeah, I couldn’t believe it either, they are actually playing like a team!
.:: Kobe finally listens to Phil Jackson!!!!
As for the Cavs-Wiz series, I can’t hate on King James just yet. Maybe in a few years, when they start dominating the East which I know would eventually happen. For the meantime, I can’t stand Gilbert Arenas. Not because they supposedly ’swept’ us in the regular season, but because he’s so cocky considering that he’s such a mediocre player in a mediocre team.
I like the upcoming rivalry drama between the Cavs and the Pistons. Even though the Cavs are not really in the Pistons’ category as far as experience and skills are concerned, it’ll be interesting. Ohio, because of its proximity to Michigan has been a rival in college sports. Being NBA rivals with the Buckeye State would be great fun, and I would love to see Cavs fans at the Palace stirring things up (they could make the trip since it’s kinda close).
I am also happy for the Bulls stealing a game from the Heat with his Airness watching from the stands.
All the other match-ups, I really don’t care who wins. But I do hope this exhibition game the Bucks have been giving the Pistons would end. It’s sooooo boring man.
Just bring on the Spurs the Mavs…the Clippers! Or whoever the West can send out here!!!
We want our hardware back in the D!!!!!!!!!!
Angela–great minds do think alike. When you get a chance, post a link so that we can all check out your blog.
Wow. Is everybody starting to say the same thing? At least we can take comfort that we’re not the only ones. Don’t be afraid to show your love for all of basketball! Of course we’re all loyal to our teams, but the NBA is just too powerful right now!
If it wasn’t for the fact that one of my online acquaintences wasn’t completely head over heels for Kobe (he never stops talking about him) I think I could appreciate Kobe a little more. With the Phoenix-Lakers series, what intrigues me the most is Phil Jackson and his coaching style. I never had too much respect for the guy who effectively took jobs with teams that were already ready to win titles, but his coaching has been impeccable in this series. Only two games I know, but by keeping it a mystery as to which Kobe is going to show up, he’s effectively thrown Phoenix completely off of their pre-game preparation.
I can’t wait to see the Pistons play the Cavs and Lebron. This rivalry will go on for a long while I think and it obviously hasn’t fully developed yet but I think that Tayshaun will end up showing just why he is one of the best defenders in the league while guarding Lebron.
After Lebron there really isn’t anyone I’m all that interested in that would be on the Pistons road to number 4. I like the bulls (the team, I really don’t like Scott Skiles) and hope that they can win another on Miami. I would really like to see the Clippers beat Denver but after that it’s all Pistons for me.
I set the entry in public so ya’ll can see it.
I completely agree. Last night, I forced myself to stay up late so that I could flip back and forth between Kings-Spurs and Lakers-Suns. For the 1st time in my life, I actually found myself rooting for Kobe AND Artest.
Weird.
I never, never, never miss a chance to see LeBron play. Maybe if the Cavs gain strength and become a major rival on the court (ala Jordan’s Bulls) my feelings might change, but until they’re a real threat, I am quite comfortable rooting him on.
And all season, I enjoyed getting off work and finding the Suns playing, just as a team ,not Nash or anything in particular, they’re fun to watch. But I’d have the Lakers on too, and definitely respect what Kobe does. I just don’t find it near as entertaining as King James.
I appreciate team play and defense, so I thoroughly enjoy watch the lakers lay it thick on the suns. Nash should not have won the MVP. I mean, Kobe actually looked excited to see things coming together. And if you watch the press conferences, he actually kinda sounds like Billups with all that team talk. It’s quite amazing. But even more exciting was to see players like kwame brown and smush and luke walton and odom play defense. I heard someone say that the suns make the lakers look like the pistons when it comes to d, which is incredible. Maybe Kobe is growing on me because I have no respect for shaq and the “entitled” heat.
I promise you, I’m a pistons fan, but this series is helping me get through the lull of the first round.
http://www.pistonsforum.com/detroit-pistons-general-discussion/2401-scarlet-letter.html
There are always the Red Wings who have managed through various foibles to make their first round series immensely entertaining.
I definitely love watching some of the elite NBA players. Aside from Kobe, I try to catch as many Wizard games as possible to watch players like Arenas. At the end of the third quarter of game 3, Arenas hit 3 straight jumpers and a driving layup to put the wizards ahead. Not once did the ball hit rim. He is definitely a smiling assassin and he is great to watch.
Chris, I live in D.C., and the Wizards are definitely an exciting team (if not the most fundamentally sound). Arenas is still in the mold of a chucker, and eventually he’ll need to take that final leap, making his teammates better, if the Wiz really want to succeed. He’s only 24 though and he’s fun to watch.
The NBA is in good shape these days.
Is it weird that in 4 games, Kobe Bryant went from my least favorite player ever to my favorite non-Piston, Kobe may have just made that final step to Greatness
That (Game 4 of the Lakers/Suns series) was one of the best games I have ever watched. Games like this are a reason the Pistons are playing on NBATV while others are playing on ABC/ESPN/TNT. The matchups in the other series are just more interesting.
On Kobe: last year, I would have thrown up in my mouth had I seen him pumping his fist after the game-winner. This year, I was jumping up and down with him. Great game.
i’ve been a laker fan even before Magic came to town, but believe it or not, I’m actually rooting for detroit to win it all this year. the spurs really make me puke. and the lakers (although they’re improving a lot) don’t have the needed ammo to go all the way, so i’m betting on the bad boys. you’re brand of team ball is what I think the lakers are trying to copy. thanks for the idea. and yes, the heat suck and you should have no trouble dispatching any of the east pretenders.
I dug your blog Angela, you have a great sense of humor.
I have to say I’m surprised as anyone with kobe passing the ball lately; what’s up with that?Gotta give props to Dr. Phil for getting the Kobemeister to buy into that. I haven’t called him a ball-hog in at least 10 days….
But no way can I root for the *Lakers*; O.K.,o.k.; maybe it’s personal for me with Nor-Cali Laker fans showing up at gigs & dogging me for the King’s song as if I don’t recognize them in Dodger jerseys, ‘tho I’ll give the Lakerfans credit for keeping the blog going at
http://www.freewebs.com/ron_artest/ &
http://www.freewebs.com/lakershaters/ . Give credit where it’s due.
The series I’m liking is watching the Heat having such a hard time with Miami.I’d like to see that go to 7. hell, even better, the upset. Go Baby Bulls!