When it comes to NBA basketball, I agree with Dan Jenkins' definition, "...every 24 seconds 10 guys jump in the air." Of course, this could be updated to "..every 24 seconds 10 millionaires jump in the air." I must admit that I had more than a passing interest in round ball, as a younger man. I grew up watching Chamberlain, Baylor, Cousy, Russell and many more talented athletes, who understood it was a team game. Later on, the Knicks, my hometown team, put together an amazing group: there was Willis Reed, Earl Monroe, Bill Bradley, Dave Debuschere, Jerry Lucas, Walt Frazier and a supporting cast that included Mike Riorden, who I went to high school with, and Phil Jackson, the man destined for coaching greatness. Back then he was known as "Action" Jackson and he was used to take late fouls and guard the inbound pass. Obviously, he learned a lot about the game sitting the bench.

I got back into the NBA playoff scene this year during the finals. But, I found my rooting interest was a negative one. I was happy Shaq was in the finals because Kobe wasn't. That spoiled self-centered team wrecker sent Shaq packing to Miami, and now Kobe, his wife with her $4 million, "sorry I had sex with a hotel chambermaid" ring, were watching the big man do his thing against the Mavs. Yes, the Mavs - source of my second negative rooting interest. Mark Cuban is the owner of the Mavs. What does he have in common with other sports owners?  Nothing!! He sits like the little dork he is, wearing team gear, behind the bench shouting at officials. He is like Jack Nicholson without the charisma. I am confident that little Mark got the shit kicked out of him regularly in high school. He never played sports, possibly he was a team manager, who bought pizza and brew for the jocks, so they would let him hang with them. Nothing has changed except the price he pays to be able to hang with the jocks now is a lot higher than pizza and brew. So there I was, watching a sport I had no real interest in rooting against something rather than for something. That changed  as I watched the series progress.

I like Shaq so it was easy to root for him. It was 60/40 - my feelings for Shaq and against Kobe. I also always liked Pat Riley, coach of the Heat. I was living in south Florida, when Sports Illustrated ran a regional cover story. It was "Who's Hot and Who's Not in Miami", The cover featured Riley as "hot" and Dolphin coach Don Shula as "not". Riley went ballistic, saying that he could never be the coach Shula was and he resented being used on a cover that was demeaning to Don Shula.

I used to hate Georgetown, because they always beat up on my local college team, St. Johns. It's funny how things change. Patrick Ewing was the enemy, when  he anchored the Hoyas. He became a New York Knick and we all loved him. A greater turnaround involves former Georgetown star Alonzo Mourning. Three years ago, his career and very life were in peril due to advanced kidney disease. He overcame huge odds to recover and eventually rejoin the NBA. The finals of this years playoffs showcased his still impressive talents. Lastly, Dwayne Wade, a talented, young, selfless, team player. He was a joy to watch throughout the finals. He is the anti-Kobe, and Riley is the anti-Cuban. Let's hear it for the good guys!!