Reply #146: It's not the "gangsta" culture that ruined

[Dorian Gray]

our chances. It was the "I want to be a star" culture. Nobody on the US team wanted to play as a team. They didn't practice as they should have. They didn't respect Larry Brown's wishes. They all wanted to be stars. The talent on the Easter European teams has grown over the last 15 years, of course. That's a huge factor in why they lost. But, if they had acted like a team, respected the wishes of a great coach, and focused on the game rather than their own egos, the situation would have been vastly different.

I think that in our American culture, there is a "me, first" attitude. I think that's what this rule is trying to combat. It's no longer about expressions of individuality while representing your team. It's about representing a united front, as a team.

I think what the NBA is battling here is the EGO of the player. We can discourse on whether that is a good thing or not. But, it's become apparant that our players are not the dominant players in the world anymore. Why? Because their dedication to the game and to the team is no longer there. When the first priority of the player is to be a "star" with lots of money, the game takes a backseat.

I think that Stern is trying to combat the "me first" movement. Whether battling this by battling style choices is prudent we will learn down the road. Dressing "nicely" while on the road is a good way to represent your team. The Yankees demand it of their club, and look how well they've done historically. The NE Patriots have, for the last few years, focused on team rather than individual stars. Tom Brady often defers to his success as team success. The humility goes a long way to making a team likable and making a team successful.

As for the players picking their coaches charge, you couldn't be more right about that. It's ridiculous, and it shows the total lack of respect some have for leadership. Kobe is a symptom of the problem. When we elevate an individual teammate above the team, it shows how fractured the team will be. The Lakers are the perfect example of that. His hubris bit him and that team on the ass.

(Sorry, I had to rant about this. I know that most of my points weren't addressing your post, ERPOWERS, but the thought led to my long diatribe on the subject!) :)