As you possibly can see beneath, all the highest seeds superior to Spherical 2. The one semi-competitive matchup was Stephen Jackson vs Dennis Rodman, the latter of whom was surprisingly ranked seventh. I’m disenchanted that Rodman is gone so quickly, as I personally assume he has an argument as probably the most disliked participant who’s ever performed for the Spurs, although Jackson’s up there too. Apart from that matchup, all the pieces else was chalk, so let’s now proceed previewing Spherical 2 of our event.
1. Kawhi Leonard vs. 4. Richard Jefferson
The Nephew is again within the information, and Spurs followers are rejoicing as soon as extra. It’s a disgrace since he was speculated to be the inheritor to the dynasty, and Kawhi was a fan favourite. Then his true colours had been revealed throughout the 2017-18 season when he deserted the staff and rehabbed a nagging knee harm privately, which he used as an excuse to ask for a commerce. It appeared like a demise knell for the staff at that time, however I believe all the pieces finally labored out within the Spurs’ favor.
Kawhi ought to win this in a landslide, particularly since Jefferson has a surprisingly excessive seed within the bracket. Positive, he had three disappointing seasons in San Antonio and jokingly known as town a dump, however he’s had extra constructive issues to say in regards to the group than destructive ones. I’ve by no means had any in poor health will in direction of RJ, and all of the “insults” he’s levied in opposition to the Spurs are in jest, although generally it does get outdated — particularly while you hear him calling video games 24/7. Plus, if RJ by no means flamed out in San Antonio, then we wouldn’t have witnessed one of many best shoves ever.
2. Stephen Jackson vs. 3. Robert Horry
Stephen Jackson’s probably the most unlikeable gamers I can consider, and that’s earlier than factoring in my Spurs fandom. He’s known as out Pop extra instances than each different NBA participant in historical past mixed, always mentioning a narrative the place his ego bought in the best way of the betterment of the staff. He additionally hates Tony Parker with a ardour, calling the latter egocentric and claiming that the Spurs would’ve gained extra titles had TP sacrificed extra. I really agree with the egocentric declare to a sure extent, however for it to come back from Jackson of all folks is simply ironic.
Horry, in the meantime, has a real love/hate relationship with the franchise and its followers. He performed a vital function in each the 2005 and 2007 title runs, however has gone on to name the group “boring” for the reason that locker room lacked drama. Horry additionally mentioned that Hakeem was “20 instances higher than Tim Duncan,” which is an absurd assertion for 2 of the ten best gamers ever. I’d by no means ridicule anybody for believing Hakeem’s in the identical tier of greats as Timmy, however to say he’s 20 instances higher is likely one of the most disrespectful issues I’ve ever heard.
1. Phil Jackson vs. 4. Uncle Dennis Robertson
Jackson’s opponent is none apart from our favourite uncle, who was just lately handed a five-year ban from conducting any enterprise with the NBA following the Aspiration scandal involving Kawhi. He appeared to be the mastermind behind each the Kawhi commerce out of San Antonio and the shady offers which have now come to gentle with the Clippers. Spurs followers had been the primary victims of Uncle Dennis’ shenanigans, however the extent of his unlawful dealings stunned even me.
2. David Stern vs. 3. Mark Cuban
It appears unusual to have a former commissioner on such a listing, however Stern fining the Spurs $250,000 for resting gamers again in 2012 was extra a message to all the league than him singling out San Antonio particularly. To be honest, the Spurs popularized the load administration that followers all love at the moment, and that was precisely the kind of factor Stern needed to forestall when he was nonetheless in cost. I actually consider that each Stern and the Spurs did what was of their greatest pursuits, so I’m pretty stunned that he was the next seed than Mr. Shark Tank himself.
Unsurprisingly, Cuban was delighted to see San Antonio punished for sitting its gamers. By that time, he had developed a fierce hatred for a Spurs staff that routinely clashed together with his Mavs within the playoffs throughout the 2000s and early 2010s. Cuban even made it private by insulting the Riverwalk and felt that the Spurs’ success was largely resulting from lottery luck, and it actually didn’t assist that the rival groups are from the identical state however in two cities with distinct cultural variations.
