All Around Game by Alex Paramo

Recently Basketball Hall of Famer and NBA Analyst Charles Barkley suggested that 2 time and current MVP Stephen Curry is not the best player in the NBA but rather the best offensive player. He stated that Lebron James and Kawhi Leonard were better than Curry because they were better “all-around” players. Many folks took exception to that comment because they conflate MVP with the best player. What does it mean to be the best player? Or best all-around player in a team game?

All Around Person

Often in our society we celebrate the athlete, movie star, rock star, public figure but what do we celebrate them for? Growing up I would attach myself to my favorite sports stars and I would be interested in their persona as presented through the media. Of course the media lens is always distorted so you never really know what an athlete is like in their personal life. I admire athletes
like Michael Jordan and Barry Bonds but by most (media) accounts, they are selfish and boorish people. There are athletes I follow because I enjoy their style of play, John Stockton, Walter Payton, Patrick Ewing come to mind. These guys were tough, giving it 100% each and every game/play.

Lately athletes have begun speaking up about societal issues. Lebron James has been vocal about the need to curb gun-violence and has voiced his displeasure on the Travon Martin verdict (to mention a few issues). I find myself gravitating toward “celebrities” who speak their mind and lend their “weight” to various troubling issues such as Leonardo DiCaprio’s advocacy on behalf of climate change. Additionally David Robinson and Dikembe Mutombo are among the most generous and active NBA players (retired or active) giving money and time to many humanitarian causes.

Image vs Reality

The troubles of our world/society face each and every one of us. The power of fortune and celebrities may shield “celebrities” somewhat but in the end, no one can escape the problems that threaten the downfall of our world/society as we know it. We can admire folks for their athletic prowess, acting ability, musical talents but this is a one-dimensional view of someone in a three-dimensional world. The legacy of a legendary person is made when said person uses their celebrity status to better the conditions of their fellow humans instead of merely financially enriching themselves.

For the record I agree with Barkley’s assessment that the all-around player is more valuable then the 1-dimensional player. In Curry’s defense, he is also a great passer and lead the NBA in steals. Would I choose Curry over Lebron probably not, let the NBA finals (Cleveland v Golden State) begin!
Read more of my series From the Left Field Bleachers.
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Alex Paramo is a native New Yorker of Colombian descent. He is an Author and Co-Founder of Community Publishing. He currently resides in Albuquerque, NM. Read More about him here.

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