It was a tightly contested match, with UD (representing “Spurs Haters”) simply narrowly beating Kawhi (representing “Former Spurs”) 53-47. I imply, how may you select? Do you have to vote for Kawhi, the precise participant and face of all this scrutiny, or Uncle Dennis, the mastermind behind all of it? I might’ve guess my total life financial savings on Kawhi dominating the match, however after the latest occasions surrounding the Aspiration scandal, I believe the voters received it proper.
On the opposite aspect of the bracket, Zaza from the “Soiled Gamers” quadrant edged out Derek Fisher, who led the “Spurs Killers” part. I discover it hilarious how each finalists are immediately associated to Kawhi, but neither is the Nephew himself. He nonetheless lives rent-free within the heads of Spurs followers, and given what’s gone down the previous 12 months, that additionally applies to the NBA as a complete.
1. Zaza Pachulia vs. 4. Uncle Dennis Robertson
Zaza popping out of his aspect of the bracket is sensible. He was the only real cause why we didn’t get to see a extra aggressive Western Convention Finals in 2017 in opposition to the best group ever assembled, with the Spurs up 20 when he conveniently slid into Kawhi’s touchdown zone. Not solely was the consequence a sweep for the Spurs, however Zaza additionally had the dignity of being made an instance of with a brand new rule created that summer season.
On the opposite aspect, I believe the followers received it proper by voting for Uncle Dennis, even when the consequence stunned me. From what we now know, the indicators level to him being the puppet grasp who created all this chaos. That doesn’t imply Kawhi isn’t additionally complicit (whoever thinks he didn’t know concerning the Clippers’ aspect offers is mendacity to themselves), however Dennis appears to be the one whispering candy lullabies in Kawhi’s ear and persuading him to undergo with all of the shady enterprise.
Recency bias additionally helps either side. I doubt Uncle Dennis would’ve gotten the assist (hate?) he did all through the match if the suspension and reporting dropped later, and Zaza being one of the vital latest gamers in his part helped his case too. With each finalists being linked to the identical participant, my thoughts begins to provide you with what-if eventualities had neither impacted Kawhi.
Zaza’s case is straightforward. With Kawhi nonetheless enjoying within the 2017 West Finals, the Spurs would’ve gained recreation 1 and made it a extra aggressive collection earlier than doubtless nonetheless bowing out to the juggernaut Warriors. I do know many followers prefer to imagine that San Antonio would’ve crushed Golden State with a wholesome Kawhi, however let’s not child ourselves: that was the best group ever assembled, and the collection would’ve gone 6 video games max.
The Uncle Dennis implications are much more fascinating. With out him casting spells on Kawhi, does that imply the latter would’ve remained a lifelong Spur? Personally, I doubt it. It looks like Kawhi all the time had his eyes set on LA and would’ve made his manner there ultimately, though the exit wouldn’t have been as messy, and he may’ve waited till 2019 to go away as a free agent.
If that state of affairs performed out, the Spurs would’ve doubtlessly had two extra seasons to compete as a authentic contender. Kawhi would nonetheless have dealt together with his quad harm heading into the 2017-18 marketing campaign, however maybe he may’ve healed and are available again 100% that season had he listened to San Antonio’s medical workers as an alternative of scheming his manner out of city.
Chris Paul was additionally rumoured to have been enthusiastic about becoming a member of the Spurs in the summertime of 2017, and the Kawhi uncertainty undoubtedly didn’t enhance the Spurs’ probabilities of touchdown the Level God. The probabilities of buying him had been slim to start with, however are you able to think about the 2018 model of CP3 enjoying alongside a major Kawhi? In that alternate universe, the Spurs can be those taking Golden State to recreation 7 of the West Finals (and doubtlessly beating them), and never the Rockets.
Alright, sufficient with the hypotheticals — it’s time to vote for the final word Spurs villain! Will or not it’s the person who ended the Spurs’ exhilarating playoff run in 2017, or the notorious uncle who will (hopefully) by no means be heard from once more? Tell us together with your remaining vote!
