NBA Superstars You Want to Root For

[Lipoli390]

As we've watched the NBA playoffs this year, we've seen a number of NBA superstars time leading their teams on the court with the sort of stellar play you'd expect from someone you'd call a star or superstar. We've seen it from Kevin Durant, Trae Young, Kawhi Leonard and Paul George for teams who've been knocked out of the playoffs. Now we're seeing it from Booker and, even more so, Giannis.

Among all of these stars, Giannis stands out as a star I want to root for. He's a throw-back player who gives it everything he has, consistently and at the highest level. Yet, there's no whining and no bravado. And counter to the narrative from sports pundits around the Country, Giannis rejected the allure of South Beach, Hollywood and Broadway, choosing instead to stay with a long-suffering franchise in the middle of the Country with no glitz or glamour, no celebrities and long, cold winters. I just wish we had more like him in the NBA. But I think there are others. One of them is Steph Curry as you can see in the following article I just read:

Steph Curry, just your average salt-of-the-earth NBA superstar.

The Warriors point guard is one of the most respected players in the league, and for good reason. 

One player who can attest to that is former Warrior Andre Iguodala, who joined JJ Reddick's The Old Man and the Three podcast and discussed his ex-teammate's humility.

"DeMarcus Cousins, when he was with us, there was one random day where he [said to steph] 'Yo, are you real?' " Iguodala said. "Steph was like, 'What are you talking about?' "

"And [cousins] was like, 'Bro, you're the best player in the league, you don't get mad about anything? You don't ask for anything?' "

NBA superstars of Steph's caliber might have some influence. Whether that be with the officiating on the court, decisions made by the team, or maybe even decisions made throughout the league. Some players hold a lot of power.

But Curry isn't interested in that.

"He doesn't want any special treatment," Iguodala added. "He doesn't ask for anything." "DeMarcus was like, 'You're an incredible person. This is dope. Every superstar I've been around is, like, I need this and I need that.' "

Steph doesn't need any special treatment. Just give him the ball, and he'll create his own advantages.

Other than Giannis and Steph, I'm not sure who else I'd include on a list of current NBA stars you want to root for. I think I might include Damian Lillard on that list, but I was a bit disappointed in his public comment about the Wolves decision to hire Finch instead of Vanterpool and his subsequent push to have the Blazers hire Jason Kidd. I do like his competitive fire and consistently stellar effort. And you rarely if ever see him whining or show-boating. I used to root for Kevin Durant until he became a short-tempered, whiny bxxch. I would have included Kawhi in spite of what happened in San Antonio if not for his complete lack of enthusiastic outward support for his teammates, including no traveling with his team, when he was sidelined during the Conference Finals. I'd include Derrick Rose if he were still playing at his former superstar level, but my list is reserved for current superstars. Trae Young is a possibility, but he's a bit too much of a trash-talker for my taste. I might include Paul George

Who would you include on your list of current NBA superstars you want to root for? What current Wolves player or players do you think might develop into someone who would make your list? Seems like an interesting topic to me, but maybe only to me. :)

[AbeVigodaLive]

I'm with you on Giannis and Curry... and Lillard thus far. I don't see either of the first two going full heel at this point. It's always been interesting, however, that Curry hasn't seemed to have the universal respect from other NBA players as other MVPs get.

As for the mention of Paul George... he asked out of Indiana. His wish was granted.

Then, he resigned in OKC... and then promptly requested another trade to be sent to LA... where reports about him asking for and getting preferential treatment surfaced.

I find it easy enough not to root for Paul George.



[Note: Ricky Rubio has always been an easy enough guy to root for because he's "different" and was fun. Heck, how do you not root for the guy responsible for the "Hey Alexei, change your face. Enjoy!" soundbite?!?! But obviously, he's not near the caliber of star talent Lip mentioned above.]

[Q12543 [enjin:6621299]]

That entire Bucks team is so damn easy to root for. None of those guys are show-boaters, mental snowflakes, or prima donnas. It starts with Giannis, but then Middelton, Holiday, and Lopez are just rock solid personalities. Tucker might give me a bit of pause because he's a clutcher/grabber and gets away with a lot, but I do like his toughness and willingness to do the dirty work.

I think Tatum and Brown from Boston are hard not to like. Sabonis and Lowry are a couple of others out East. I like Leonard in terms of his overall on court demeanor and maturity. No frills. No show-boating. No whining. He plays like a man.

Guys that annoy me:

Harden - Foul baiter; hate his beard; looks fat and sloppy. I know he's great, but he just bugs the shit out of me. I like him the least of everyone.
Trae Young - Another foul baiter. Overall demeanor annoys me. His hair bugs me - too wispy. Shave it off.
Doncic - Whines and complains too much.
KAT - Yeah, I'm glad he's on the Wolves and he's an impressive individual talent, but he does bug the shit out of me with his histrionics, whining, and being a drama queen. He's in my "mental snowflake" category. Also still struggles defensively when that was supposed to be a strength.
Butler - Fake tough guy. I like his grit on the court and appreciate his backstory, but he's a bully.
Jokic - Another guy whose demeanor bugs me. Also jealous in that he's a division rival that came into the league when KAT did and is now better than him.
Booker - Looks too much like a young Wayne Newton. That bugs me.
Curry - I get it. Down to earth nice guy. He incessantly chews on his mouthguard. That also bugs me.
Paul - World class flopper. Bugs me.

As for the Wolves, I put my hopes into Ant and McDaniels. Hopefully they don't change with increasing success and wealth. KAT needs to be a #2 guy.

[Monster]

One thing that bugged me was when Giannis pranked Sterling Brown filling his car full of popcorn. Brown was a 2nd round pick making some decent money compared to most people but that popcorn would have been nasty. Maybe Gainnis ended up paying to get his car cleaned or maybe it was only like $200 to get it detailed and it was fine but that kind of stuff kinda bothers me even though I absolutely think it's also funny. That's about the only real bad thing I can say about Giannis in terms of whether I cheer for him or not. That probably says a lot.

If I'm really honest about it I don't think there is a single super star player in the NBA I REALLY like. That's kinda weird isn't it?

[Coolbreeze44]

One thing I didn't realize about Booker is that he complains at a Blake Griffin level. All game, every game. And did you see him fake getting hit in the jaw last night? I don't think the supposed perp got within 6" of him, and it was proven on the replays. I wish the officials would punish that kind of stuff.

[Monster]

One thing I didn't realize about Booker is that he complains at a Blake Griffin level. All game, every game. And did you see him fake getting hit in the jaw last night? I don't think the supposed perp got within 6" of him, and it was proven on the replays. I wish the officials would punish that kind of stuff.

Idk if Booker is Blake Griffin level. That dude was (haven't watched him much the last couple years) REALLY whiney. Also Booker has legit taken a bunch of shots to the face in this playoffs and they were legit including getting his nose broken. I'll give him a little bit of a pass there.

[FNG]

Fun topic, Lip. I'm glad Ant, Jaden and Rubio were mentioned. I would add Okogie to my easy to cheer for list, but only Ant has a chance to be a superstar of the 4.

Giannis is far and away my favorite player...I've admired him ever since I saw his 60 Minutes interview a couple years ago. Just a great guy. Thanks for the positive comments about Curry...his dangling mouth guard has always bugged me for some reason, but I like him a lot more after reading this thread.

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned Zion Williamson...seems like a very humble, likable guy to me. I also have developed an appreciation for Booker the more I watch him...I'll try to ignore the Wayne Newton comment :? . I always cheer for Derrick Rose, but concur with Lip that he is no longer a superstar.

Is there anyone who doesn't like and cheer for Mike Conley?

Stephen Adams is another guy whose laid-back personality I really enjoy.

Than there are the goofy guys who are just fun...Ant falls into this category. Others are Luka Doncic (and a true superstar) and my favorite non-superstar goofball...Boban Marjinovic. How can you not love him? Enjoy this 8-minute video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QyOcudYQ7U

And he's a UFA and averages 21/17 per 36 minutes. Should we go get him and put him next to KAT? I'd go to more games next year if we did.

Edit: I can't believe I left out Zach Lavine. I don't admire his game, but I always cheer for him because he's an exciting offensive player and seems like a really good guy.

[Coolbreeze44]

One thing I didn't realize about Booker is that he complains at a Blake Griffin level. All game, every game. And did you see him fake getting hit in the jaw last night? I don't think the supposed perp got within 6" of him, and it was proven on the replays. I wish the officials would punish that kind of stuff.

Idk if Booker is Blake Griffin level. That dude was (haven't watched him much the last couple years) REALLY whiney. Also Booker has legit taken a bunch of shots to the face in this playoffs and they were legit including getting his nose broken. I'll give him a little bit of a pass there.

Monster, he complains ALL GAME LONG

[Lipoli390]

I'm with you on Giannis and Curry... and Lillard thus far. I don't see either of the first two going full heel at this point. It's always been interesting, however, that Curry hasn't seemed to have the universal respect from other NBA players as other MVPs get.

As for the mention of Paul George... he asked out of Indiana. His wish was granted.

Then, he resigned in OKC... and then promptly requested another trade to be sent to LA... where reports about him asking for and getting preferential treatment surfaced.

I find it easy enough not to root for Paul George.



[Note: Ricky Rubio has always been an easy enough guy to root for because he's "different" and was fun. Heck, how do you not root for the guy responsible for the "Hey Alexei, change your face. Enjoy!" soundbite?!?! But obviously, he's not near the caliber of star talent Lip mentioned above.]

Somehow I totally forgot about Paul George's prima-donna history. I have just scratched him off my list.

[AbeVigodaLive]

Hey Q...