In the NBA’s post-Jordan hangover, the collective argument has been that the NBA is lost and missing the special qualities it once had. Well, it isn’t true.
The NBA’s not missing anything. The league is merely traveling through its Space-Time Continuum. Yes, the same theory brought to you by Doc Brown in the 80’s classic Back to the Future is alive and well in the NBA.
As Doc Brown explains during the film, key events balance the universe and without each one the course of history is altered. The reason Doc and Marty had to get each event perfect is because if they didn’t, the universe would have ceased to exist as they knew it.
Just as we experience things in life that impact our future, without four key events, the NBA would be completely different than the league we know today. And it is because of the league’s Space-Time Continuum that we can pinpoint the “Best Things to Happen to the NBA.” Take away an event, the league as we know it would begin to disappear like Marty’s hand at the ‘Enchantment under the Sea’ dance.
David Stern
According to Ask Men.com, when Stern became Commissioner of the NBA in 1984, nearly 80% of its teams were losing money and fan interest was at an all-time low. Hard to believe, but the classic 42-point performance in the 1980 Finals by Magic Johnson, as he filled in for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to lead the Lakers to the NBA title, was shown on tape delay at 11:30 p.m.
It was Stern’s implementation of a revolutionary salary cap—which altered the economic structure of the NBA, along with changing the relationship between teams and players—that gave the league the financial flexibility it needed to become a global force.
Perhaps the NBA and its premier players would have been successful without Stern, but his marketing prowess of the league and its superstars allows us to enjoy NBA Live video games, custom made jerseys and the famous player-caricature championship t-shirt. If there were no David Stern, we might have an NBA ran by Biff Tannen.
The 3-point shot
While it began as a gimmick to create interest in the league, the 3-point shot has become the most dynamic part of the game. From revolutionizing the modern player prototype to giving new meaning to the phrase “from downtown”, the 3-point shot forever changed the face of the NBA. Who would have thought a 7-footer would be draining a 25-foot shot on one possession, then posting up on the next?
Imagine where the NBA would be without it; how drastically altered our historical perspective of the league would be: no Robert Horry prayer against the Kings in the 2002 Western Conference Finals. Reggie Miller would have never been able to single-handedly bring back the Pacers against the Knicks in the ’95 Playoffs. And we never would have seen Jordan’s famous shrug of the shoulders against Portland in the ’92 Finals without the 3-point shot.
Magic, Larry & Michael
Separately, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan all became the face of the NBA—Magic as the personality of the league, Larry as it’s hard-working core and Michael as its most talented player ever.
Together they gave us three of the most memorable teams in the history of sports. Without Magic’s Lakers, Bird’s Celtics, and Jordan’s Bulls, we would have missed one of the most compelling rivalries in the history of sports. By combining for 14 NBA Championships in 19 seasons, they ushered in a new era of basketball and reintroduced us to the term “dynasty”.
Michael Jordan was the ultimate “event” or “experience” for the league and the fans. Where would we be without Air Jordan’s, “Like Mike” commercials, Hanes, the Bulls, the clutch shots, the championships, the tongue-wagging and Space Jam? Well, all but the last one, anyway.
Portland, Phoenix and Utah may have won NBA Championships had there been no Jordan. He became the standard for which all NBA superstars are measured.
Phil Jackson and the Triangle
Jackson may not have won his record tying 9 NBA Championships if it were not for Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, but at last check, none of them have ever won a title without him either.
While tough, no non-sense coaches like Pat Riley and Chuck Daly had always thrived in the NBA, Jackson used philosophy to motivate and relate to his players.
His attached-at-the-hip assistant, Tex Winter, developed an offense called the Triangle that relied on passing and movement to create easy scoring opportunities. The Triangle brought balance to a league run amuck by one-on-one and without it we’d be watching games made up of ‘And 1’ mixtapes.
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Every event, while independent of each other, is interconnected in the NBA’s Space-Time Continuum. The NBA’s success didn’t just occur; it materialized as a byproduct of these events happening the way they did. It’s hard to imagine the league without David Stern, the 3-point shot, its biggest superstars and its most famous coach.
Be glad that we had each of these four things, or we might be in need of a time-traveling DeLorean, Doc Brown and 1.21 gigawatts of electricity.
Crabman: Thanks for the comment. I wanted to leave off the next big one intentionally, because I don't know if we can pinpoint what it is yet. Is it the Suns offense? Is it LeBron James? Dwyane Wade? Kobe? It's hard to really say, but I think it's a definite throwback to the way they use to play the game.
Moore- I wish I could add something provocative, but all I can do is sit here and nod my head in total agreement. Brillant move to reference Marty McFly! Job Well Done!
Good post moore.
I agree with you that without those 3 guys the league would probably be nowhere near what it is today. They revived a struggling league (with the help of Stern) and made the NBA into quite possibly the most popular professional sport in the world. I say world because although the NFL might be more popular in America, on the world stage the NBA has a step up on it. Good post as always.
Good info/post, but I tend to disagree that the NBA is alright at the moment. I think the NBA is in a period of somewhat disarray because the game, as we knew it, has been replaced with a race. It's a race to see who can score the most points in 48 minutes. There is no strategy to the game because there is no need for it. The defense is so porous, guys like Dwayne Wade can split the defense by themself all game long. Who needs teammates anyway?
Not sure I really liked the Back to the Future reference. Very creative, but movie references like this tend to annoy me. So don't worry, it's not just you. A lot of people like this kind of thing. I'm not really one of them. But I really liked the idea behind it nonetheless.
This is probably the most fun piece to read in the competition yet. Anything we read or watch is all about the experience. You've captured it here.
Another big key to the big three was the respective teams/cities that they played for. There is no question that the NBA is at its best when Boston and L.A. are good. As far as Chicago, its never bad to have the 3rd (I think) largest market in the country enjoying success. In my opinion, that was the problem with the finals last year. Its wasn't the Pistons and the Spurs, it was Detroit and San Antonio. That's no disrespect, but they aren't major markets.
Moore, if not for your obvious skill, technique, and knowledge of sports in general, you'd be in trouble.
By referencing "Back to the Future" you led us to anticipate a fun, uproarious, and refreshing trip back to this wonderful place long since passed.
For starters, my suggestion is that you condense your first four paragraphs into two. Once done, I still don't know if it will help the fact that this reads too encyclopedic, or like an NBA-sponsored video presentation at a museum exhibit. This just doesn't do justice to your wonderful sports perspective.
Because this assignment was open-ended, you may be costing yourself votes by focusing on the NBA. Play the odds. The key is to rope in readers and votes. Remember, this one is a freebie. More defined assignments are coming. That is, of course, where I think you can flourish. But you have to get to that round first.
Last edited by MeanDovine on June 1st at 12:59 PM.
Very, very good post. I like the idea that each significant event lead to others and that the aggregate is as important (if not more so) than any of the individual pieces.
My only suggestions would be not to number the events. When readers see numbers like that, they tend to start thinking about lists and, in turn, standard list sizes (Top 10, Top 5, etc.). By ending at "4", it is momentarily confusing.
Also, "The Back to the Future" references are clever but they feel a little forced at times. With the pop culture stuff, a little can go a long ways.
Again, overall a very solid effort. Keep up the good work.
Belle: Thanks for the kind words, I appreciate it. Good luck to you!
ctodrummer: Thanks for the comment. Excellent point about the NBA being perhaps more popular on a worldly stage than the NFL thanks to Stern.
dmitch: Thanks for the comments, and it does appear that we disagree. While their may be some problems with the league at large, there is defensive (Pistons, Mavs) and strategy (Suns, Lakers triangle offense) present in the playoffs. In a way, there have always been problems with the "lesser" NBA teams through the years, we just don't remember them.
Thanks for the suggestions; as to writing about movie references, it's what I tend to do, make connections with pop culture. I see sports and entertainment connected in a way, and this came to me while watching Back to the Future with my wife and son on Tuesday evening.
xea76: thanks for the comments. I agree that what we see is all about the experience in many ways and how we interpret those experiences. Glad you enjoyed the piece...and I would agree that any league is best when the large markets have successful franchises.
MeanD: Thanks for the comments and the suggestions. I know you've been reading my stuff for a while, so I am confused when you tell me to focus on my style from time to time, because this is my style. I don't want to be the next Bill Simmons, so that's never what I'm going for. But I do look for references that make sense to me personally. I saw a connection here with the Space-Time Continuum and the importance all these things had on each other and the league. But I appreciate your view and your suggestions. I keep them in mind for the future.
Now that's what I call good writing... Thanks for the info... I'm just baffled at how so many many people yearn for a past hero ie, Magic, Bird & Jordan... Their time has come and gone... Now, what I see today in the NBA is great deal of talent and no fundamentals... I was praying that Tashun Prince would be the Next Reggie Miller the Knick Killer, but alas he is the player that he is... The Commish has done a great job at keeping the NBA afloat, I'm a huge fan...
Moore - I am not sure that the Back to the Future really added anything other than a couple of filler paragraphs. I did however thoroughly enjoy the meat of this article and the discussion of the 3 point and the 3 big names you mentioned. Always enjoy your stuff but don't feel you have to reference movies everywhere to be strong in this - you are in the top 2 or 3 without needing that!
TheSugarMan: Thanks for the props...I really appreciate it.
brownsnake: thanks for the comments, I appreciate the advice...I thought it was a good idea to make the connection to the Space-Time Continuum, see my above comments as to why I did it this way. Thanks for the support!
Moore, I don't want you to be the next Bill Simmons. I want you to be the first Bri Moore.
I think you have a tremendous amount of talent, but I always feel like you play it safe -- too safe -- almost without risk. Also, I don't feel like you quite understand how to get to the essence of a story yet. The good thing is, this can be taught and/or learned.
If you want to be defined by the written word, then there absolutely has to be that special quality that makes the casual reader, as well as loyal reader alike say, "that guy is such a fantastic read", even if they don’t like your topic. What usually begets this is, of course, talent, but also verity, veracity, truth, and soul.
I'm only investing my time here because there are some talented writers in this pool. If you want to win this thing, you will have to bring it at a much higher level.
In the end, mine is only the opinion o####uy who has but one vote.
MeanD: I can respect that, bud, and I appreciate you taking the time to invest so much energy into my writing. The only thing I'd say I disagree with is that I play it "too safe". I'm writing about a Space-Time Continuum in the NBA, proving that has some risk involved, I believe. But that's just my opinion. Again, I really appreciate the time and effort you make to point out what you believe will help me, now and in the future. Thanks!
Good job as usual Bri. I was thinking MLB is in the same situation. Just imagine the awful straits baseball would be in if it weren't for: 1) The strong leadership of Bud Selig, 2) The chemically enhanced home run race(s), 3) Barry, Mark, and Sammy, and 4) The Montreal Expos and Minnesota Twins and Buddy Boy's Bermuda Triangle of contraction.
Half: That's what I'm talking about. Originally, I thought about that this could work for all of the big three sports. It could be done for the NFL as well...the Space-Time Continuum theory could apply to about anything, it's nailing down those events that are most important. And by the way, your list for the MLB is great. Would #5 be the Red Sox winning the series? :) Thanks, as always Half, for the kind words.
Nice post Moore. We can always rely on you to a new perspective, bring something new, fresh. This was a good, provacative piece that does make us think about the state of the NBA and where it would be. I am thrilled to see Stern get the attention and credit he deserves. As Commish, the guy has been nothing short of brilliant.
The nod to Phil is a tough one to grasp, but one I have to agree with. Did the triangle really have that prfound an affect? How many teams run the triangle? The Lakers do, but they fight the "And 1" with kobe hogging the ball. The Bulls do...
Overall very good piece. I have read the others and I think your into the next round. This is easily better than most.
Your post is on point, nicely done. I agree with almost every word. Where we differ in opinion is our thoughts on the 3-point shot. Yes, it takes some talent to hit that shot, but I see it as a bailout. Shoot the 3 when you can't run a real offensive play or you are locked down on D so tight nothing else is available. The three is for teams that can't buy, rent, or lease real-estate in the paint. To me, it’s like making a blind bid in a hand of ####s because you are so far behind, you need some free point to catch up. You do know the game of ####s?
edclinchsaint: thanks man, appreciate it. Always enjoy your end of comment taglines, like the blogNBA.goodstuff.edu...
NorthSideFan: There you are! Thanks for the kind words and the feedback. That's all I was trying to do, all I'm ever trying to do is get you to think.
As to the triangle...I think it has had a profound effect, but it honestly is the only offense besides "motion" that I could think of that has been this effective for this long. Good point about Phil, though. Thanks again, mate!
Nt2nice: Thanks for the comment, I agree that the current version of the Triangle isn't probably what Phil would have in mind to run in L.A., but the success of it in Chicago and L.A. (Round 1 with Shaq and Kobe) is undeniable.
Never played ####s, have heard of it though. And you are right, MANY teams use the 3 as a bailout in college and the pros. You should read the link to Chuck Klosterman's recent article that I provided in that section for a good take on the three-point shots effect. Thanks again!
Last edited by MooreSports on June 1st at 5:59 PM.
That's the Moore I know and want "Moore" of! Nice work. I especially love the Commissioner Biff comment. Classic. Man, everyone is stepping it up in Round 2.
Man, is it just me or have the hounds been released in the blog world? Good luck keeping cool under the barking criticism that has been flying around NGS today.
Hellooooo Mcfly! I'll have a Hamburger, Dusseldorf fries, a Frankfurter with a Berliner on the side!
Cuban loves jelly donuts more than JFK ever could...
Dirkriculous! He is seven feet tall! Shame that Orwell never saw that, or Kennedy for that matter.
First of all well done Moore, I'm going to cut and paste it over...no wait I already did that with tjw118's piece, ok here's the thing...Back to the Future, great, but why didn't the DeLorean take a side trip on this post and give the 1973 '76ers a few more wins...great stuff best of luck...
absolutebest: Thanks, Adam, for the comments. I'm glad you liked this piece; just want everyone to think and be entertained.
Crabman: Thanks, I think it's confusing for people to try and find where their response is from the writer in a long comment thread, so I wanted to highlight the names for an easy read. Glad you like it. I'm just using bold HTML tags, < b> and < / b>.
kobesux: I still laugh my tail off at your screen name. Thanks for the feedback.
Belle: Who knows? I'm just trying to take whatever positives I can and build from that. Your piece is great, don't worry too much about it.
edclinch: Love 1984, a great book. As to Dirk Diggler, that was an incredible performance last night. 50 and 12! David Hasselhoff must be singing a song of joy right now.
Norcal: Thanks, man, I appreciate that.
Edhardiman: Doc Brown must have been a Knicks fan that year! Thanks for the comment...
Nice post Moore. Sorry I'm so late in reading it. I'm guessing you were watching some Back to the Future over the last week...probably for the thousandth time, huh?
This is very creative...I've also thought about how the NBA is/was starting to come back again, after the Jordan hangover...like you said. You made some great points, but you missed one: How about the NBA crackdown on the dress code? Instead of sweats and a baseball camp, the sidelines look a pimp's worst nightmare...
Shooter: Well, you certainly made me laugh with the "pimp" line. Thanks for the comment--I was watching Back to the Future with my son on Tuesday night when I got the idea. And then we watched Part II last night. I'm nostalgic enough, I'd drive a DeLorean just to feel like I was in a time machine.
ShooterB: you know, it really wasn't the movie so much as the Space-Time Continuum that I thought had a connection to the NBA--and all sports really. (See the comment I made in response to HalfBaked above).
And my DeLorean wouldn't be complete without a Mr. Fusion and a Flux Capacitor, just so I could say, "Engine running, flux capacitor...fluxing."
Ah, what I wouldn't give to drive a DeLorean around for one day. Maybe I can at least get those flip-up doors installed on my Nissan Sentra. Seriously, though, I really liked your post.
cardinalsbaseball: thanks for the comments, the feedback is great!
joshhoskins: thanks man, appreciate it. Good luck in the voting. I always assumed we would have flying cars by 2015 because of Back to the Future Part II. Guess they were WAY off...
Shooter: Marty couldn't tie his shoes sometimes without Doc, let alone fix the flux capacitor.
Power laces...awesome. Still a few years to go for the flying cars. I'm looking forward to the 80's cafe, and a million other things from part II. I have a feeling that I will be severely disappointed when 2015 rolls around. Unless I'm scooting around on my hoverboard...
Extremely well done. And in my humble opinion, your musings were right on. One comment that's neither here nor there-Michael Jordan had perhaps the greatest combination of talent and desire I've ever seen in the NBA. But as for Bird and Magic: They both went to the NBA Finals as rookies with rosters not much different than their teams had the year before. Greatness defined. Jordan scored a lot of points for several years and never won much of anything. I just brought this up because you spent time on Jordan but not much on the other two. In closing, as I said before, excellent, extremely well done.
Shooter: Power laces...now those Nikes were what I really wanted all along. Along with the Pizza Hydrator...now that looks cool.
Ricko: Thanks for the kind words and the feedback. I wish I could have wrote more about Magic and Bird, but I really wanted to touch on all three as one event. Truthfully, Magic is one of my all-time favorites as a Lakers fan. Excellent points about them going to the Finals with those rosters.
socal: Always good to hear your thoughts, I really appreciate it, thanks man. I'll check out your post soon.
Good job Moore. I don't know where we would be in the basketball world without everything you brought up. Some great memories like "Big Shot Rob" and Miller would have never been enjoyed. Plus, we would have been left with the no name generic teams and players on basketball games. That would have been the real travesty. LOL.
Good job but not my favorite piece you've done yet.
I have two constuctive complaints..
1- The influx of so many international players into the NBA is one of the best things to happen to the game. It's taken it to another level, IMO anyway.
2- This was a little short. By the time I really hit my stride with it, it was over. This is the finals baby, gimme some more meat and potatoes!
That being said, I still think you'll be one of the final 2-3 writers. You definitely have a gift for sportswriting plus just as importantly you show incredible personality in your work. Good luck.
GBrent: Thanks for the comments; we do have so many memories with these players and moments, it's hard to think about our sporting lives without them. Zombie-like?
BlutoBlutarsky: Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate it. The international players has really become important in the last 5-6 years and is still being determined, IMO, how worthy it is of one of these historic points. Dirk? Certainly. And there are others, but are they on the Event Importantance Level of these, IMO probably not.
Thanks for the support and the feedback, I really appreciate it.
Last edited by MooreSports on June 4th at 5:46 AM.
