Greatness...

While it may have become apparant that there are some people I throughly enjoy reading on here, I have somewhat faded on Bill Simmons, his ideas have become tired and he is basically mailing it in until his contract expires with espn.com, but every once in awhile he nails it. Today was one of those days, everyone, please read

this in it's entirety

The only thing that pissed me off about it was the fact he stole my thunder on the Ok St-Texas game last night, which truly was an amazing basketball game. As Chubs and Last Card can attest to, as I blew up their cell's with txt's of every update.

A couple things of note from at least my standpoint, which is tough to distuinguish after Simmons puts 2000 words on it. I actually had a chance to watch both of these teams on consecutive nights. Suns were at Memphis, and I got lucky and caught the last 2 minutes of regulation and all the OT's in the Texas/Ok St game.

He isn't all the way correct in his synopsis of dominating players in sports, granted, he nailed Tiger and Federer, there are 2 kids who are doing things in the NHL right now that are unworldly, in Sid Crosby and Ovechkin. I'd also at least debate the fact that what Tomlinson did this year was without equal in the football realm. So while we may not be ALL the way there, it's at least worth noting that is just may be a time of change, and the players are in position.

He is absolutely spot on with Kevin Durant. Wow. It's basically all you can say in regards to his abilities with a basketball in his hands on a court. You get the feeling while watching him that you know he is only scratching the surface to what he can do, and do it with regularity, but what he CAN do now is breathtaking. They forced him left last night, and it didn't phase him at all, he was seen joking on the sidelines throughout the whole game, totally oblivious to the pressure. Nailed big shots, and was effortless in any and all that he did. I'll reserve who should go number 1 until I see Greg Oden actually play with a HEALTHY right hand (remarkable he's done so much with his predominant hand being hurt). But lets just say they are 1a and 1b, and as a Sixer fan? I could NOT be more excited to watch the majority of their career in person, if we luck out.

In regard to the Suns, I've always had a place in my heart for Amare, he is just a fascinating indivdual, and it shows through his game. He is a marvel to watch, but confusing at the same time. His off court persona reflects that as well. To be blessed with all this talent, and uncertainty, to injury, to domination, it's a career, albeit brief, that has been a roller coaster ride from the beginning. But he is the main reason why Phoenix is at another level right now, they took the Suns team that changed EVERYONES view in 2005, with the Suns team in 2006 (sans Amare), and combined them this year to create something unparalled in basketball history.

I don't doubt that the Texas/Ok St game will be on a "Instant Classic" on espn soon. It had everything you could ask for as a fan. Terrific environment for a college game, equally matched teams playing at the height of their game, and ends with a last second game winner. Take into account how many times do you see a college game have both teams finish in triple digits, have the guy who sank the game winner in the 3rd OT go for 36 points 20 rebounds, and the guy with the most talent on the court, hit clutch shot after clutch shot, and go for 37 points and 11 rebounds in a LOSING effort. There were defensive stops when needed, clutch shooting, sub-plots, a coach nearly passed out, it's described the essence of why I love the game of basketball.

So read Simmons, start watching the Suns, and not only catch the replay of the Okie St Longhorn game, but start to get excited for a new era in sports. It's been overdue. Just thank we while you're enjoying the ride.....