Dirk has been through so much in his career. Battle after battle, highs and lows, harsh criticism of his character as a player, off the court issues, team trades....... many of them major, infighting with his owner, a few coaches come and go, devastating losses, 8 on 5 Finals...... on and on and on

And through it all he's competed at the highest level, remained loyal, and stayed hungry to win a Chip, leaving everything he has on the court.

No collusions, no making toasts at weddings during or after a season, no manipulation through his agent putting either his team hostage or trying to create some camp of power separate of his organization, no trade demands of himself or a teammate(at least not publicly), he's even supported troublesome teammates, no free agency hoopla/charade, no derailing of a team's season, no mailing in games, no playing for self, no selling out coaches...... Just a throwback competitor and a player who has earned my respect tremendously. One Team Only... A Man

The Grizzlies basically built their team from within. Zach is primarily the only player brought in as an outsider to become part of their core(via trade) but their core team was constructed via draft(Conley/Gasol/Gay/Mayo/Arthur/Young/Vasquez)-------->Henry to come along eventually. I'll add Allen as another outsider his was a Free Agency pickup. They essentially have their own kids and have raised/groomed them to fight to win on both sides of the ball.

Both stories have been a beautiful thing to watch and reminds me once again what's truly special about the game.

Kirk survived his buddy Nash leaving and becoming MVP, and the big let down a few years ago. Im surprised like everyone they are kicking the lakers ass and im happy for Cuban. I don't like most things "Texs" but do admire Cuban for being self made and a good owner.

tkf wrote:good take, I have really come to respect dirk. everything you said about him is so true. I think this is the mavs year, and I see them beating miami in the finals. Actually for guys like dirk, Terry, kidd and marion, a ring would be well deserved for all of those guys and the years of good competitive service they put in this league..

I could care less about Marion as he became very salty in Phx. The other guys you mentioned, throw in Chandler too, yep...well deserved as you said if they get the LO/Russell Trophy