What seperates the stars from the superstars is the understanding and performing in "the moment". Stars and superstars put up big numbers. Superstars always perform during the "moment". Stars perform a few times during "the moment" but most times fall short. But they perform well in these moments just enough time sto make everyone think that they are superstars.
When a team is struggling in the third quarter-A superstar comes out in the third quarter like a banshee. He is aggressive on offense. He attempts to grab every rebound. He plays defense like his life depended on it. He never has a mental lapse. He may fail but regardless of the level of success, he is always the example. Everyone around him looks at the effort that Lebron or Kobe or Michael are giving during these third quarters that we have struggled with and they follow suit.........What do our players do?-Pout. Talk about all the problems we are having in the third quarter and how we need to fix them. Come out listless in the third quarter. Talk about how we need to play together. Then get caught out of position on defense. Talk about how winning teams need to give effort to win titles. Then loaf back on defense. Then after they game they act frustrated and suprised about why we aren't winning.
When they turn the ball over-A superstar sprints back and is the first person back on d. They steal the ball back like Michael and Derrick. They block the shot from behind like Lebron and Durant. They get in position to draw the charge like Larry or Scottie. Or they just do their best to set the example like Magic or Patrick. They get the importance.......What do our players do?They lope back with their heads down. They jog. They pout. Sometimes they stop entirely. Sometimes they are the first player back but their fundamentals and concentration are so bad they are still out of position and give the uncontested basket anway.
Superstars despise being scored upon. Our guys don't seem to mind. Oh well, we'll just get them back on the other end. Superstars, even if they can't play defense, learn the fundamentals and rarely get caught out of position. Our guys are never in defensive position. Superstars are never a part of the problem. Our guys are not only part of the problem, they lead the problem. Superstars blame themselves for their teams failures. Our guys blame systems, and coaches, and fans and GM's and teammates. Superstars are the example in every facet of the game. Even if they stink in an area, they give it their all to improve. Our guys are content to be the same players in year 10 that they were in year 3.Superstars just get it done, our guys talk about what we are going to do once we ge tour act together.
From Allan, to Spree, to Marbury, to Amare to Carmelo we have had a lot of stars. Some great guys, some awful guys. But none are superstars. None of them have put us on their back for a sustained period of time and given supreme effort both on the court and off to lead. They all talked a great game but none of them have the ability to lead a team to a title. The fact that we gutted teams, broke the bank, and fired coaches to appease them is mind boggling to me. Can't wait until we do it again.
3/13/2012 11:02 AM
