The NBA is a league with a steep history and rich tradition when it comes to the game and specifically its stars. Although the image has changed a lot if you look closely the legacy of each era is carefully passed on. It happens amongst players and coaches, so why not the fans? Toronto is still a relatively new basketball market and a lot of posters (I think) may be pretty new to the NBA game, and without a culture there to fall back on name calling, baseless slander and outright ignorance isn't too hard to predict. Lacking any greater context, people take things personally.
So I go the idea to invite you all to talk about when you first started watching NBA ball and what got you into it? What players and teams stick out in your memory over the years? What stories or single moments get you hyped, break your heart or make you laugh to this day?
I really hope we can get some of the longer followers of the game involved because I think it would benefit those who haven't been exposed to as much of what NBA drama is about and remind us all why we all probably need to take a step or two back once in a while to realize this is a game, at heart, and looking back it was always for fun.
So to kick off, I was born in the 80's heard of Magic and Bird but never watched a full NBA game until the '91 season, first 'chip for the Bulls. Even still never became a consistent fan until '93, Chuck against Michael. Let me point out that although MJ is the greatest player I have ever witnessed I hated the Bulls (my fave player on that team was Horace Grant lmao), and only begrudingly reflect on their dynasty with awe
Although guys like MJ, Dream, Clyde, Stockton/Malone etc. were of another level at the time, my walls were filled with posters of Kemp, Payton, Penny, Shaq, Tim Hardaway and KJ to name a few. I still remember my first time seeing Kemp dunk on someone and instantly understanding what The Rain Man meant, my lord. I remember the hype around 'The Three J's' and thinking they were bull. Remember when the Knicks were legit? Oak, Ewing and Starks? Couldn't **** with those guys lol.
I remember the '96 playoffs, Bulls vs Magic! That was like Christmas for me as a kid. I remember Lil Penny and trying those lines he'd try with Tyra Banks at school (to no avail) I remember the Bulls vs Sonics final that year! That was one fine year, we beat the 72 win Bulls in the regular season that year, Mighty Mouse was my hero lol. Ehem. Anyway enough from me, look forward to reading your memories old and recent. Cheers.
both games straight sucked!
But w.e, time to look forward and clean up this mess