I'm No Longer Surprised

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

June 2001

In the last few years as a credentialed member of the media, my viewpoint on basketball has slightly changed. Whether the change has been for the better or the worse is debatable; but, the more practices, press conferences, games, workouts, etc. I've attended has definitely had impact on my way of thinking. Basically, I'm no longer surprised at what I see or hear when it comes to hoops. People are people and basketball is basketball; but, surprise is no longer part of my outlook. The media will always exaggerate; the Houston Comets continue to amaze; kids who aren't ready for the NBA will continue entering the NBA Draft; and, athletes will make mistakes.

Back to back championships does not constitute a dynasty. Shaq and Kobe's Los Angeles Lakers aren't a dynasty -- yet. Apparently, in a quest for increased readership, the media feels it's necessary to always create the next dynasty. Since 1987, only one NBA team (the San Antonio Spurs) has not won back to back championships. The Lakers (now twice); the Detroit Pistons; the Houston Rockets; and, of course, the Chicago Bulls (two 3 peats) all repeated. Only one of those teams deserves being described as a dynasty: the Bulls. Chicago won 3 titles in a row two times and a combined six titles in eight seasons.

If the Lakers win a third straight title next season, then, they deserve to be labeled a dynasty. However, until they do so, the media should give it a rest.

The WNBA season is about one third complete and the Houston Comets continue to surprise everyone but themselves. With Cynthia Cooper retired and Sheryl Swoopes out for the year due to an ACL injury, many people predicted gloom and doom for the team. People questioned whether head coach Van Chancellor could actually coach. After seven games, (including difficulties in reaching Phoenix for a game and 4 rescheduled contests due to a flooded Compaq Center), the team is 6 - 1. Van has erased any doubts about his coaching skills. Tina Thompson and Janeth Arcain have stepped up their level of play. The team's continued excellence has given Comets' fans reason to believe the "Drive for Five" is still alive.

The NBA Draft is June 27. Underclassmen who I've never heard of are still listed in the draft. Kids who could improve their draft positioning by returning to school for at least another season are still in the draft. Neither scenario is new nor will this draft be the only time either occur; so, I've accepted it. I suggest everyone else does, too.

Fifteen years ago,my hero, Len Bias, died because of drugs. His death has had more of an impact on my life than anything else. Len's death brutally knocked me into the reality that athletes, regardless of how much of a superstar they may be, make mistakes. Obviously, mistakes vary in degree. Len's mistake cost him his life.

Utah Jazz guard DeShawn Stevenson's mistake got him arrested and probably will result in his release by the Jazz. DeShawn, 20, had sex (the 14 year old girl says it was consensual) with a minor. The young lady was drunk, too. DeShawn has known the girl and her family for about 4 years; but, he broke the law. His mistake may land him in jail.

In basketball, nothing surprises me anymore.