http://boards.hoopsworld.com/blogs/two_ ... e-him.aspxDo We Even Notice Him?
I can't bring myself to talk about the playoffs right now. It's not pretty for me, as Orlando seem to expose weakspot after weakspot in our Wine and Gold armour. Something that is worth talking about however, is the role of the unassuming star in the NBA. In a world filled with flashy stars who constantly need the limelight (See: Iverson, Allen) or prima donnas who throw more fits than good passes (See: Tattoo Head in Boston) how refreshing is it to come across a guy who just doesn't buy into it? When NBA GM's look at draft prospects, they always use "Character" as a criteria in the process, and rightly so. But when did this league begin to overlooj the real, true character guys out there when it comes to the spotlight? For seven years now, Tayshaun Price has been the definition of it. Rarely in the limelight due to what I deem to be his own fault - his spectacular consistency. Rarely scores above 24 points, never drops below his regular 15. People have become so accustomed to seeing him do his thing; they don't even ackowledge it now. "Did you just see that great heads up play from Prince?" "Nah, I was too busy checking out Iverson throw a temper tantrum on the bench". How mnay times do you think that actual conversation happnened at the Palace last year? I'm gooing to go with over 15, under 30. Being overshadowed is a familiar thing for Tayshaun; you think it affects him much?In college, Prince spent four years at Kentucky, leading the Wildcats to the NCAA Tournament every season. He was named SEC Player of the Year his Junior Season (more than likley is lone individual accolade), but was never really a hot name around the nation. In 2002, he was drafted by the Detroit Pistons, and chose to wear the Number 22 jersey -- as in, that's how many teams it took for him to get drafted. Prince didn't feature much his rookie year, playing in only 41 of the 82 games. In the playoffs that year, he announced himself. Thrust into the starting lineup in search of some productivity, he delivered, becoming the only player to score more pooints in the playoffs (141) than the regular season (137). When Larry Brown was named head coach in 2003, he put Prince in as his starting small forward - a Noble Prize deserving genius move. He upped his scoring average by a full seven points, and had one of the highlight plays of the year when he somehow blocked a Reggie Miller layup in the Eastern Conference Finals, when it seemed improbable to do so. The Pistons went on to dominate the Lakers in the Finals, winning 4-1. If you get a spare minute, go back and check out Prince's coverage on Kobe. Like white on rice.
The following season, while leading the Pistons back to the NBA Finals, he averaged career highs in points, steals, assists and rebounds. His reward? Third place in the Most Improved Player award, behind Bobby Simmons and Primoz Brezec. Anybody know where that last guy is? He was also named to the All Defensive Second Team, a spot he has pretty much cemented as his own. He has made it every year since, ending with the season just gone. His biggest snub, is one that will stick with me for a long time. In the 2006 All Star game, it was nationally recognised that the reason the East beat the West, was down to the contribution of the four Pistons when on the court together. Where was Prince? At home. Snubbed. Even though he had better than stats than Ben Wallace, better shooting percentages and identical numbers as Rasheed he was deemed surplus to the festivities. Seems back then we voted our All Stars based on defence and collecting technicals. In fact, Tayshaun has necer made an All Star game, and due to the fact that the Pistons don't figure to be relevant anytime soon, probably never will. It's not like he's past his prime, he's still a top tier talent, just check out his numbers from this past February: 17 games, averaging 16.8 points, 45% fg, 44% on three's, five boards and three dimes. All while being behind Stuckey, Hamilton, Iverson and Sheed in the shot count. Putting up those numbers alongside shot happy guys like that is impressive. All while never breaking out of his cool, collected self. He didn't react as heavily as expected when Billups got dealt. Made no fuss over his long time best friend Hamilton getting relegated to the bench in place of Iverson. He just got on with it, without you even noticing. Thrust into the starting lineup in search of some productivity, he delivered, becoming the only player to score more pooints in the playoffs (141) than the regular season (137). When Larry Brown was named head coach in 2003, he put Prince in as his starting small forward - a Noble Prize deserving genius move. He upped his scoring average by a full seven points, and had one of the highlight plays of the year when he somehow blocked a Reggie Miller layup in the Eastern Conference Finals, when it seemed improbable to do so. The Pistons went on to dominate the Lakers in the Finals, winning 4-1. If you get a spare minute, go back and check out Prince's coverage on Kobe. Like white on rice.
The following season, while leading the Pistons back to the NBA Finals, he averaged career highs in points, steals, assists and rebounds. His reward? Third place in the Most Improved Player award, behind Bobby Simmons and Primoz Brezec. Anybody know where that last guy is? He was also named to the All Defensive Second Team, a spot he has pretty much cemented as his own. He has made it every year since, ending with the season just gone. His biggest snub, is one that will stick with me for a long time. In the 2006 All Star game, it was nationally recognised that the reason the East beat the West, was down to the contribution of the four Pistons when on the court together. Where was Prince? At home. Snubbed. Even though he had better than stats than Ben Wallace, better shooting percentages and identical numbers as Rasheed he was deemed surplus to the festivities. Seems back then we voted our All Stars based on defence and collecting technicals. In fact, Tayshaun has necer made an All Star game, and due to the fact that the Pistons don't figure to be relevant anytime soon, probably never will. It's not like he's past his prime, he's still a top tier talent, just check out his numbers from this past February: 17 games, averaging 16.8 points, 45% fg, 44% on three's, five boards and three dimes. All while being behind Stuckey, Hamilton, Iverson and Sheed in the shot count. Putting up those numbers alongside shot happy guys like that is impressive. All while never breaking out of his cool, collected self. He didn't react as heavily as expected when Billups got dealt. Made no fuss over his long time best friend Hamilton getting relegated to the bench in place of Iverson. He just got on with it, without you even noticing. He has never been ejected, and in his entire career has picked up just five technicals, Rasheed will do both for breakfast. Since the start of his sophmore year, he hasn't missed a game, not one. He routinely checks the opposing teams best player, while being expected to also be an offensive instigator when necessary. I don't care much for the Pistons, after all I'm a Cavs fan, but I can't help but respect this guy. After all, how many guys out there play 82 games a year 6 years straight, make 6 consecutive conference finals, wins an NBA Title, plays 34 minutes a game, shoots 46% and still can't make the All Star game? Come on, not even First Team All Defence? There aren't many certainties for Detroit next year, who'll stay, who''l go, if they'll even resemble a playoff team, but I guarantee you this; Prince will get his 15 points, he'll play all 82, guard whoever, whenever, throw in his usual 5 boards, 3 assists and a steal or two, you know the drill. He'll still be snubbed; he'll stil get overlooked. At this stage, you think it affects him much? Til next time...
