The NBA's Future Still Looks Bright

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

February 1997

After watching the NBA's All - Star Weekend and its salute to the NBA's 50 Greatest Players of all - time, I came to a very satisfying conclusion: the future of the NBA is in good hands. My conclusion may come as a surprise to some, if not many, but I really believe the NBA is in quite capable hands.

Veteran players and former players have voiced many dissatisfied opinions about today's young players not having enough respect for the players who laid the foundation for all the success (money), fame, and endorsements many enjoy today. Many of the veterans have focused their displeasure on one particular youngster: Philadelphia's rookie G Allen Iverson.

Iverson upset many basketball people when, after a game against the Bulls, he stated he didn't have to respect anybody while he was on the basketball court. While I disagree with Allen's statement, you have to understand exactly where he's coming from on the issue. Iverson has already been tabbed: "The Answer" in Philadelphia.

The League Office sent out a memo to all referees to carefully watch his famous (infamous?) cross - over dribble. He has been warned to be careful of the type of company he keeps, on and on it goes.

On the court, Allen feels he has something to prove to not only the players, media, and fans, but, more importantly, to himself: that he belongs on the floor with the NBA's top stars. He has to learn that respecting your opponent is fine. You can respect your opposition and still want to beat them like a drum while playing the game.

But, the overwhelming feeling I have when I watch him play is he is only 20 years of age. Either he'll learn to respect himself, the other players, and the game, or he'll ostracize himself from the game he loves to play.

Remember when Hakeem Olajuwon first came into the league? He got technicals left and right. He hit Billy Paultz in the face during a playoff game and yelled at officials almost as often as he scored points. Then, Hakeem rededicated himself to his religion and now he is one of the most respected athletes in all of sports.

The NBA was here before Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, etc. and it will be here after them (re: Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, and Kevin Garnett). Now, if these guys could just score more points.