The Curse of the Fountain of Youth

Arizona’s dry desert heat, ample golf courses, and laid-back atmosphere have for years attracted large swarms of retirees looking to float peacefully off into the sunset. In that light, the fact that many of the NBA’s former elite have found themselves donning purple and orange makes perfect sense.

What makes the Phoenix Suns so attractive to the elder-statesmen in the NBA is the Suns medical staff--a staff that has been resurrecting and sustaining the careers of a variety of former all-stars for the past half dozen years.

In ever way, it is all at once miraculous, logical, and downright brilliant.

Kobe Bean

The Lakers as a whole have not looked particularly good, let alone historic-level good as some anticipated. Sunday against the Detroit Pistons helped, but was far from an impressive showing.

Dwight Howard has put up some terrific numbers, but he is not nearly as explosive as he was early last season. He also is a step slow. And while he physically looks like Adonis, Howard is clearly out of shape. Despite all that, he’s averaging 23 and 10 and shooting 69 percent.

Steve Nash looked like anything but Steve Nash in the two games before his injury. There’s been calls for Mike Brown’s head on a stake. There’s been hullabaloo over handing the keys of the car over to Nash who from 2002 to 2010 orchestrated the NBA’s best offense.

And while I recently wrote the obituary of Seven Seconds or Less, Nash will adapt to the Princeton offense. When that point comes, the pick and rolls will follow.

Shaquille O’Neal: A player feature from a fan’s perspective

As a Lakers fan, I had the opportunity to watch Shaquille O'Neal play in Los Angeles for eight years. In his prime, he was by far the biggest, strongest, most agile (for a player of his mass) big man I ever saw. He was both the unstoppable force and the immovable object, a nightmare matchup for opposing players and the refs as well. With Phil Jackson’s tutelage and Kobe Bryant at his side, he led the Lakers to three straight championships. I have to give respect where it’s due. Those banners in the Staples Center don’t exist without the Big Fella.

However, in light of the recent hubbub he spawned with his comments regarding Dwight Howard, I have to give criticism where it’s due as well. As much as Shaq has done in his career, he left basketball fans wanting, and this shortcoming stems from one main thing: his attitude.