The Great Undervalued

A Moose Track

I'm going to bring a certain NBA point guard into the spotlight for a moment. But instead of just bringing him out and introducing him like normal, I'm gonna turn make it a little more interesting.

This player works the court like a magician. He sees it like a lion sees a plain full of gazelles, and he attacks. He leads his team like he's been doing it for the past ten years, and his squad's success hinges on his performance. If he plays well, it rubs off on his teammates, usually with satisfying results.

You're thinking Tony Parker, right? Wrong.

He is the Most Valuable Player on his team, even though sometimes this title is doubted or unknown. His teammates know it, and they put their full trust in him, letting him run the offense and most of the defense as well. He is a natural leader, instructing his colleagues even though they're probably years older than him.

You're thinking Derrick Rose, right? Wrong.

His crossovers perplex his defenders and teammates alike, sporting killer dribble moves while cutting to the hoop. He is quicker than Usain Bolt on steroids (wink, wink) running from a horse with rabies. He slices to the hole like a hot knife through butter, leaving the opposition wondering if they should have gone into business rather than basketball.

You're thinking Deron Williams, right? Wrong.

This man's defense is off the charts, staying on the ball like Ryan Jones on LeBron James (Man, I hope RJ reads this--Moose). Steals come like his hands are magnets, grabbing the ball from whoever gets in his way quicker than Kobe seems to pick up 35 nightly. Nobody wants to be covered by him.

You're thinking Chris Paul, right? Wrong.

He's got a basketball IQ higher than Josh Howard in the offseason, and he sees plays before they happen, taking full advantage of every opportunity that presents itself. Whether he's faking and then dumping to somebody else, tossing up a perfect alley-oop or flipping a behind-the-back, the passes drop just like the dimes.

You're thinking Steve Nash, right? Wrong.

This player is a legitimate triple double threat every time he steps on the court, having a talent for scoring, assisting and rebounding, despite size differences. He seems to sneak rebounds out of every situation, using quickness and smarts to beat bigger opponents in every category.

You're thinking Jason Kidd, right? Wrong.

Soon, it'll be impossible to ignore. This point guard, too underrated and outshined, deserves his burn. I'm having a hard time thinking that it isn't coming soon.



--Moose

A Point Guard's Worst Nightmare

A Moose Track

The center takes a swift entrance pass to the post from the off guard positioned on the wing, and he gets position, battling with the opposing big man for position. Realizing that he doesn't have a prayer of getting the ball in the hoop that way, he kicks it back out to the swingman, who scans the court, deciding on his maneuver.

Noticing the shouting shooting guard on the opposite side of the court, a quick two-handed chest pass finds it's way into the waiting shooter's steady hands. Receiving it softly, the shooter takes their time getting into position for the three pointer. The grip on it feels as good as any for the two guard, who let's loose as a defender starts running towards him.

The ball flies into the air, leaving big men and point guards alike clawing and wrestling for position for the awaiting rebound. Unexpectedly, the ball ricochets off the back of the rim, taking it's first bounce at the top of the key beyond the three point line. Players, taken aback, start to react to the surprising outcome of the rebound.

The quickest man on the court, the point guard, runs over and snatches the ball, beating out all other fighting men by at least a step. Taking off towards the hoop on a breakaway, the dribbler accelerates, deciding whether he should take a layup or go for the slam to give his teammates fire and momentum. Or, if there is a man coming up behind him, should he pass it up for the dish? Toss it off the backboard for a highlight reel alley-oop? These are the types of things the dribbler mulls over.

Slowing down towards at the wing of the opposite hoop, all alone, the dribbler decides to go for the jam. Amidst a crowd of cheering fans, encouraging the dunk, the quick point guard brings it back for the tomahawk, eyes close to the rim, anticipating a highlight-reel finish, until . . .

A seemingly inhuman body comes up from behind, bringing superhuman hops and length. Ain't no way the ball's getting in the hole this time.

--Moose