Back in the Seventies, long before stone-washed, acid-washed and whatever kind of dunking was done to a pair of denims, there was a brand of jeans that combined everything, plus the multi-colored stitches. Almost-senior citizens like me should remember those jeans.
Depending on the style, a pair costs at that time, a scandalously obscene price of between 400 to 700 pesos.
Yep, the brand is my column’s heading for today but we won’t be talking about jeans.
We’re talking about three superstars whose radiance have diminished and as of this writing are still in limbo. They still are saying their hellos when it’s already time for them to say goodbye. Summarizing NBA.com’s Fran Blinebury’s article, here’s his take on the fading trio.
The three logged a combined 45-year NBA experience, 33 All-Star game appearances, league MVPs, Finals MVPs and league scoring titles. Oh yeah, and about 104 candles on their birthday cakes. NBA 2010-2011 could be the first season to open since 1992 without three of the league’s most famous nicknames - The Answer, T-Mac and the Diesel.
ALLEN IVERSON (35 y.o., 11 seasons, 11 All-Star appearances) Now more likely known as The Question. In his prime, AI was the toughest sub-six footer in the NBA. He gets banged, bruised and floored more often but was quick to get up. He was Philadelphia’s savior in the post-Barkley era. Several years later, an assortment of personal issues or otherwise took over.
Memphis was the only team who took AI last season but he lasted only three games.
He somehow landed back in Philly but was only good for 25 games. Now he says he’s ready to play again with promises to do good. Oh, whatever.
TRACY McGRADY (31 y.o., 13 seasons, 7 All-Star appearances) The post-season has never been kind to T-Mac as he was the only scoring leader in league history not to have won a single playoff series. A younger McGrady used to do unexpected things with a basketball in his hands, a team willing to take risks with him today will be beyond expectation.
Aside from his knee problems, there is that thing called attitude. The letter “I” was clearly personified on his ego when he departed from Orlando and Houston. He’s trying out with for a job with Chicago at the moment and if he agrees to a less significant role, T-Mac just might find a home.
SHAQUILLE O’NEAL (38 y.o., 18 seasons, 18 All-Star appearances) The most senior of the almost-jobless trio, everything has been said about the man-child and just about every nickname has been self-formulated. Shaq posted a decent 12 ppg, 6.7 rpg in 53 games with Cleveland last season and was still an immovable force inside the paint.
His productions have plummeted and gone are the days of the Most Dominant Ever (one of his numerous self-coronations).
With his bulk, he could still be a useful back-up but with his ridiculous demands and notoriously stupid remarks, teams are non-committal. The Magic, Lakers and Heat could still use him but Shaq has apparently cut ties with their angry goodbyes.
As per reports, he’s like pleading for the Celtics to take him in. Not exactly the image we want to see of Superman. If ever that happens, it would be one great collection of aged talents with a more than legitimate shot to the 2010-2011 championship.
On the other hand, the league’s dominant doormats - Minnesota, Golden State and the LA Clippers can assemble their own set of high-profile, although antiquated three musketeers. It would make a great marketing coup, never mind the wins. Blinebury baptized them as The Memories.
I’ve got three words for The Memories. Retire. Retire. Retire.
* * *
bobbytoohotty@lycos.com, bobby_motus@yahoo.com