We spend a lot of time these days defining greatness.

The litmus tests, those certified by the Bureau of Sporting Weights & Measures, within the Department of Tumultuous Merriments, are as follows: 1) championship hardware; 2) personal accolades (MVPs), and 3) stacks & stacks o’ stats.

That’s the public arena.

Privately, for some, anyway, greatness is measured with a different set of criteria, though, the word ‘bias’ may be closer to the truth.

In the subconscious mind, where good & evil are suppose to do battle, it’s the love of celebrity and the fixation on all things contemporary that bestow greatness upon the athlete. Here, historical perspective rides the bench.

And once in a blue moon you might even hear about these standards: competition & stability.

You need look no further than last year’s NBA Finals to see why competition matters in the greatness debate.

This time last year the Miami Heat were having little trouble with the new kids on the block, the Oklahoma City Thunder. After giving up G1 to the upstart plainsmen the Heat proceeded to sweep OKC outta’ the Finals (4-1). Miami looked…great.

But in these 2013 Finals the Heat have some serious competition in form of San Antonio Spurs, a team laden with know-how, accolades and discipline. As of this write the series is knotted at 2-2 and it’s anybody’s championship for the taking. Competition matters.

As for stability, take a look at Wilt Chamberlain.

Maligned more for his frequent failures versus Bill Russell and the Celtics in eight NBA post-season meetings (1-7) than credited for his tremendous skill and certain success, Wilt lacked that which Bill must’ve felt blessed to have had: career stability.

Russell played for one team (Celtics), one coach (not counting himself) his entire NBA career (13). Wilt, on the other hand, rostered on four clubs, three cities and numerous coaches in his 14 seasons. Had he had the stability (not entirely outta’ his control) enjoyed by Russell, it’s not hard to imagine more championships having come his way.

It’s rare in sport to find a leader who can garner titles and accolades, moving from team to team, coach to coach. Not so uncommon for supporting cast (Lonnie Smith / Marv Fleming / Rob Horry), but the traveling top dog, it’s as rare today as a care-driven doctor’s office.

At the heart of stability is the head coach. It’s become trendy to espouse assistants as the real power behind the throne. Fiddlesticks. Watch a game, see who’s in charge.

Gurus (That’s not trendy, right?) can be hands-on, attending every aspect of play, not controlling, necessarily, just that some people’s motors rev high. Others, they’re fine-tuners, carefully choosing when to impart their guidance, wisdom or rebuke.

It goes without saying that some of the best player-coach combos go un-noticed. They fly under the radar because they never reached the mountain top or took longer to hit the high notes and make music.

Listed here then are those classy combos that came in loud & clear.

The following is a “Who’s Who” list of player-coach amalgamations whose melodies topped the charts. Keep in mind, like the Founders found in Philly that sweltering summer of 1787, ‘listing’ is fraught with frustration & foibles. But as Ben Franklin (could’ve) said, ‘Hey, you do the best you can and cross your fingers.’

Honorable Mentions

St. Louis Hawks (1956-61): Alex Hannum, Ed Macauley, Paul Seymour, Bob Pettit, Slater Martin, Jack McMahon, Jack Coleman, Clyde Lovellette, Chuck Share, Cliff Hagan, John McCarthy, Si Green, Al Ferrari, Lenny Wilkens (R): Champion 1958.

76ers (1979-83): Billy Cunningham, Moses Malone, Bob Jones, Steve Mix, Andrew Toney, Maurice Cheeks and Julius Erving; Champion 1983.

Celtics (2007-10): Doc Rivers, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kendrick Perkins, Rajon Rondo and Kevin Garnett; Champion 2008.

Rockets (1993-95): Rudy Tomjanovich, Otis Thorpe, Kenny Smith, Vernon Maxwell, Robert Horry, Clyde Drexler, Hakeem Olajuwon; Champions 94-95.

Jazz (1994-98): Jerry Sloan, Karl Malone, Jeff Hornacek, John Stockton, Byron Russell; Finals 97-98.

Bucks (1969-74): Larry Costello, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Lew Alcindor), Jon McGlocklin, Bobby Dandridge, Oscar Robertson and Lucius Allen; Champions 1971.

LA Lakers (1971-73): Bill Sharman, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, Gail Goodrich, Jim McMillian, Happy Hairston; Champion 1972.

SuperSonics (Thunder) (1977-80): Lenny Wilkins, Gus Williams, Dennis Johnson, Jack Sikma, Fred Brown, John Johnson, Lonnie Shelton; Champion 1979.

Bullets (Wizards) (1976-79): Dick Motta, Elvin Hayes, Phil Chenier, Bobby Dandridge, Wes Unseld, Kevin Grevey, Mitch Kupchak, Tom Henderson; Champion 1978.

The Toppers

Minneapolis Lakers (1948-54)

John Kundla, George Mikan, Jim Pollard, Vern Mikkelsen and Slater Martin

Kundla (48-59) and Mikan, NBA’s first great big man (46-54, 56), joined forces in Minneapolis in 1948 in the NBA precursor BAA, winning their first of five titles and launching the first pro dynasty in Lakers’ purple. George died in 2005 (80) but John, living in Minnesota, is approaching his 97th year of life (7-3-16) and reportedly still watches the NBA (Wikipedia).

Celtics (1950-69)

Red Auerbach, Bob Cousy, Bill Sharman, Sam Jones, Tom Heinsohn, Frank Ramsey, Bill Russell, Tom Sanders, K.C. Jones, Willie Naulls, Tom Loscutoff, Don Nelson, Bailey Howell, Larry Siegfried and John Havlicek 

Auerbach joins Boston same year as Holy Cross’ Cousy (1950-63, 69-70 CIN), winning six NBA trophies together, first coming upon arrival of USF man Russell at conclusion of the 56-7 season. Before Bill assumes player-coach duties in the 66-7 season, he & Red win nine titles and set pro basketball’s gold standard in stability & collaboration.

Knicks (1969-74)

Red Holzman, Walt Frazier, Bill Bradley, Dave DeBusschere, Dick Barnett, Jerry Lucas, Earl Monroe, Cazzie Russell and Willis Reed

Maybe the most competitive era in NBA history and Madison Square Garden was home to some of the best it had to offer. The Celtics, Knicks, Bucks, Lakers and Bullets were the giants that slugged it out under the rim before the 3-pointer tamed the game.

Celtics (1973-76)

Tom Heinsohn, Jo Jo White, Don Chaney, Paul Silas, Dave Cowens, John Havlicek, Don Nelson, Paul Westphal and Charlie Scott

Hondo Havlicek was that rarity in sport: a top athlete who survived & contributed under three coaching regimes (Nelson, too), and gave leadership all along the way.

Los Angeles Lakers (1981-89)

Pat Riley, Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Michael Cooper, Jamaal (Keith) Wilkes, Norm Nixon, Bob McAdoo, Kurt Rambis, Byron Scott, A.C. Green, Mychal Thompson, Mitch Kupchak and James Worthy

This combo, that includes the best player all-time on my list (Magic), made seven Finals and won four NBA titles in the 1980s (a fifth with coach Paul Westhead in 79-80 that started the run). “Showtime” was their moniker and they rarely disappointed, only once giving way to the Boston bunch in maybe the game’s greatest rivalry (’84-85, 87) in possibly its finest decade.

Celtics (1981-87)

Bill Fitch, K.C. Jones, Larry Bird, Dennis Johnson, Robert Parish, Danny Ainge, Nate Archibald, Rick Robey, Cornbread Maxwell, M.L. Carr, Gerald Henderson, Scott Wedman and Kevin McHale

Fitch guides Boston to 1st title in the Bird era (81), is replaced in 83 by Jones who wins a ring first shot in stopping Showtime (84) and grounding the Rockets again in 86 Finals.

Pistons (1987-91) 

Chuck Daley, Isiah Thomas, Bill Laimbeer, Joe Dumars, Vin Johnson, James Edwards, Mark Aguirre, Adrian Dantley, Rick Mahorn, John Salley and Dennis Rodman

In a five year span, these Pistons made five consecutive Eastern Conference (‘87-91) and three NBA Finals (‘88-90), then winning back-to-back O’Briens (1989-90). In looking back, “The Bad Boys” weren’t so baa…wait a minute, they were pretty nasty, but it wasn’t bratty, more mature, more like, attitude with purpose that got results.

Bulls (1991-98) & Lakers (2000-10) 

Phil Jackson, Michael Jordan, Scott Pippen, Horace Grant, B.J. Armstrong, Bill Cartwright, Toni Kukoc, Luc Longley, Steve Kerr, Dennis Rodman, Kobe Bryant, Shaq O’Neal, Pau Gasol, Andy Bynum, Derek Fisher and Lamar Odom

With Zen-Meister at the helm Bulls win six titles in 8 years (‘91-93, 96-98), eclipsing the 72 Lakers’ record haul (69) in RS wins (72), while Kobe Lakers reach seven Finals and raise five NBA banners (00-02, 09-10). In the greatest coach debate, Phil gets the nod. Before PJ arrives the rosters are strong but it’s Frustration City. Enter Phil, trophy case fills fast.

Spurs (1999-13)

Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Dave Robinson, Tony Parker, Malik Rose, Bruce Bowen, Brent Barry and Manu Ginobil

When Demon Deacon Duncan arrives in Texas to join 3rd year coach Popovich for the 98-99 season, it begins the longest duet of success in NBA history. Contributions have been steady and significant, with Pop & Tim always the constants. They lacked the flair of Showtime and celebrity of Jordan-mania but nothing is cooler than reliability & success. Whatever the result of Finals 2013 (If Tony’s accurate (“(ham) tear anytime“), he can’t be 80% and should sit) it’s been a joyous ride for Spurs’ fans and the NBA.

Heat (2011-13)

Erik Spoelstra, Dwyane Wade, Mario Chalmers, LeBron James, Udonis Haslem and Chris Bosh

The “new kid(s) in town,” so to speak. History books are laden with star-studded rosters that couldn‘t jump the hump. So, that Erik’s managed to work synergy and guide this team of big-shots to 3 Finals (11-13) is no small feat. Cut from same cloth as Daley, Jackson and Jones, saving lectures for critical mass, Erik, LeBron & rest of Miami are on the cusp of greatness (2-2 SA). Wade’s wearing but the competition is aged or sparse.

Steven Keys

Nothing But Net

Photo Credit: P. Jackson & M. Jordan / 97 / S. Lipofsky / wc.cc

“Renaissance: noun; a renewal of life, vigor, interest, etc.; rebirth, revival (Dictionary.com).”

Make no mistake about it, the San Antonio Spurs aren’t in the 2013 NBA Finals (Miami / Th / 9PM! / ABC) because they’re young at heart or sippin’ some kinda’ youth serum.

This ain‘t no NBA version of “Cocoon.”

Spurs are back on the big stage because they’re healthy again AND they’re smart.

You read right, they’re smart. ‘Smart’ ain’t a word that gets tossed into the sport-soup too often. Don’t taste it much in the political smorgasbord, either, for that matter.

Brains gets a bad rap, always has. Showing the folks too much wisdom or free thought was liable to get you put in chains (Galileo) or rile-up the pitch-fork crowd.

Another word for what’s been spinning the Spurs this post-season: experience, in particular, playoff experience. And when you get down to the nitty-gritty, what’s experience really but age-acquired smarts?

Four men with this San Antonio club have reached the promised land more times than Moses, Ramses II and Wilt Chamberlain combined (2): Tony Parker & Manu Ginobili, thrice, Tim Duncan & Coach Gregg Popovich winning their first of four rings together way back when Clinton / Gore were still occupying the White House (‘99).

And what makes this Texas renaissance so notable? Like most rebirths, it’s unexpected.

This time last year SA and their championship-caliber appeared to be in early renaissance and shooting straight for title #5, up 2-0 on OKC in the West final after a terrific regular season. But that heavy caliber quickly turned into a light load, losing four straight to the upstart Thunder who proved no match for eventual champion Miami (4-1).

Was there anyone outside Alamo country who seriously believed this Spurs bunch would be back in a Finals after that Great El-foldo? Not bloody likely.

Though, it didn’t hurt their chances when West final foe Memphis suddenly got stage fright, that the Lakers at get-go were beset with injuries, that Mr. Cuban has grown bored with b-ball, that the Clippers youthful angst, not as needy of guidance as say, Justin ‘You’re not my boss!’ Bieber, could use veteran infusion, and that OKC was short its do-(too much of)-everything man, Russ Westbrook.

And don’t forget about all that talent down Texas way. Duncan, Parker and team are playing as well as they’ve played in ten years, and while the Grizzlies may’ve forgotten to grab hold of that brass ring (it won’t fall in your lap), they were a formidable opponent most the way (my darkhorse) and the Spurs sweep was quite impressive. Familiarity with success won’t alone get you into the Finals.

Spurs’ opponents, Miami Heat, aren’t exactly lacking in basketball smarts, themselves. No sir-ee, Bob. They are wise well within their years with Finals experience and rings to prove the point. It’s just that, how should I put this, the Heat are more brawn than brains.

Sometimes that’s just the ticket.

Miami center Chris Andersen, now, he’s bird of a different feather. “Birdman” is a little slow on the up-take. The body-art is eye-catching and when he plays the numbers are contributory (7P / 4R – PS), but the judgment he displays is sometimes painful to watch.

Andersen’s belly-bash of Pacers’ Hansbrough in G5 was childish, thought there’s a lot of that going around. The follow-up shove was escalatory, got Chris suspended, helped Heat lose G6, might’ve cost ‘em the series and is exactly what leadership should nip in the bud. MIA best bring their ‘ego pruning shears’ to these Finals, they might come in handy.

When you get to this stage of the game numbers are largely inconsequential. Staffs will delve into stats to set the match-ups, saberhead scribes will calculate into infinity but as both squads are terribly talented, generally healthy and their performance, so far, true to form, this one too, like most championships, will turn on emotions & intangibles.

The Popovich / Duncan Spurs, like Pats, Yanks and old Habs, are one of those teams that emits an aura (it ain’t arrogance if you back it up). You always figure these teams are gonna’ win. They don‘t, of course, except the Spurs, who’re 4-0 in title tussles.

Heat have sipped champagne themselves, of recent vintage (‘12). Advantage Miami?

Broad Strokes

1) Enforcement

Rob Horry was Spurs ‘top cop’ back in ‘07 when they last hoisted O‘Brien. They’ll need someone (Tiago Splitter, Matt Bonner & Aron Baynes) with those same ‘speaking skills’ (sans the cheap-shots (Nash)) to set-the-tone against these Beasts of the East . While not your typical enforcer, Chris Bosh must be more aggressive this round, especially on the boards, while Chris-the-colorful must work more containment…of his emotions.

2) War Horses

Dwyane Wade is not as old a steed (9) as say, Duncan (15) or teamers Howard (18) and Allen (16), but you wouldn’t know it from his down-time and the battle scars on the knees. If DW can get more mileage out of his lucky-charm and stay healthy all series, Heat’ll rock.

3) Swan Song

Though loaded to the teeth with class & smarts, Spurs’ stars are no spring chickens. The R&R they got in quickly dispatching Memphis is just what the doctor ordered and could tip the scale in their favor, especially given the fact Miami lost that sense of invincibility in their knock-down, drag-out battle with Indiana. Cock a’ doodle-do!

4) Guru Gauge

Popovich had a Lombardi thing going, or, as “Doug Heffernan” might say, “perfect-she-ooooon,” until he and his crew got hog-tied by the Thunder (‘12 WCF). As for Erik ‘I’m the Coach’ Spoelstra, he’s now a Finals regular (‘11-13) on his way to becoming NBA’s new Swami in South Beach. Just make sure the guys get to bed early, Erik, they need it.

5) Pressure Point

Spurs legacy is already cemented and Wade is a HOF lock, but Spoelstra, Chris Bosh & LeBron James are all at a crossroads. If James can put his team over the top and go back-to-back, some will try fitting him with regalia befitting the ‘Greatest All-Time.’ But if His Majesty & Court come up short because LeBron reverts to old, bad habits (post high, pump 3s), the Chamberlain comparison will begin in earnest and Erik will be looking over his shoulder.

6) Style

Like Botticelli and Jackson Pollock, these NBA Finals are a contrast in styles: Heat thrive off the fast-break, splashing their canvas with free-flowing finesse; the Spurs, measuring their strokes with a calculated & crafted half-court game. Both squads are readily adaptable to either style, one reason why they’re on the big stage in June.

Who Wins?

Heat have matured since Dirk Nowitzki took ‘em to school in the 2011 Finals. LeBron made up for it in ‘12, taking a page outta‘ Dirk’s book by taking his game inside.

Miami is the safe pick of most prognosticators. Heat frontline is not as long-in-the-tooth (9Y) as SA’s (12), they’re the defending champs, showcase NBA’s reigning MVP, will have home-court advantage and sport a nifty 27G win-streak in ‘13 to boost confidence.

So, I’m siding with San Antonio, in six.

I like the Spurs know-how, their aura, their experience (four remain from SA’s last Finals (07): Bonner, Parker, Duncan & Ginobili, 4-0 sweep of Cavaliers & LRJ), they get coaching edge, their extended rest is cherry while Heat went long (IND). And even when these hombres are off, they’re on, meaning, when they miss they don’t miss by much.

What tips scale Spurs’ way is the Oklahoma City Thunder, or to put this way, they‘re not OKC. The gold standard in greatness is measured in rings but carat count is weighted in competition. The Heat are still a question mark, losing to the Mavericks in six (’11) and overwhelming a “not ready for prime-time“ Thunder squad in last season’s finale (4-1).

Is 2007 a factor? Not in the least. Spurs know that LeBron is in a different place, team-wise and mentally. He may reflect back on his Forest City days with a slight pang of melancholy, but this will pass come tip-off, a start so late out East (9PM) I may not make it to the final buzzer. Bad play, ABC.

The Spurs haven’t reached high renaissance yet. That comes if and when they hoist Mr. O’Brien. To do so in this ‘13 Finals against the heavily favored Heat would be Popovich & friends’ crowning achievement, maybe their greatest work.

San Anton’s masterpiece is close to completion. It’d be a shame to leave it unfinished.

Steven Keys

Nothing But Net

Photo Credit: Gregg Popovich / 12-22-10 / Zereshk / wc.cc

What if…

Spartacus defeats Crassus’ Roman legions (71BC);

The Red Army fails to hold Stalingrad (43);

JFK (63) had staff as loyal as did Charles de Gaulle;

Geo. Zimmerman carries no gun the night he encounters Trayvon Martin (12);

Marlon Brando (Lawrence of Arabia), Robert Redford (The Graduate) and Hedy Lamarr (Casablanca) filled-the-bill in these respective classics;

“Portland selects (Michael Jordan (R1-3))” instead of “Sam Bowie (2)” in 1984;

Bill Russell joins the St. Louis Hawks in (56 / R1-2) rather than Auerbach’s Celtics;

Cardinals pursued local talent Yogi Berra (STL) and Mickey Mantle (OK) to team-up with Redbird Stan Musial (Mantle was offered paltry $1000 bonus in ‘50);

Danica Patrick takes a checkered-flag in Sprint Cup (or Nationwide);

John Elway honors his draft notice (83 / R1-1) from the Baltimore Colts;

Jerry Glanville (ATL) pipes-down long enough to vet-out 3rd stringer Favre; and…

Tebow remains in Denver after Indy drafts Andy Luck AND re-signs Manning?

What if? It’s the eternal question, that or “to be or not to be (de Vere).” Don’t want to visit either query too often, but as to the former, sometimes you just can’t resist.

For every event, good & bad, for every decision made there’s an antecedent ‘What if?’

The Vikings and Vince Lombardi share a ‘What if,’ though Packer-backers would call it pure nonsense. Vince certainly made his big mark radiating on the Lambeau (City) Field sidelines but did live a life prior to, and after his “Daylight” days in America’s Dairyland.

In 1959, both Lombardi and Minnesota’s football elders were biting at the bit, trying to become ‘players’ on the NFL scene: Twin Cities wanted a franchise while Vince, pushing fifty and going gray, wanted a head-coaching gig that was proving all too elusive due to a prevailing prejudice against Italian-Americans and Catholics.

Back in those days there was something called competition in the market. Folks believed in it and the Courts, for the most part, validated the concept. Texas big shots Bud Adams and Lamar Hunt challenged the NFL monopoly with formation of the AFL (American Football League). The Land of 10,000 Lakes had been selected as a charter member of the fledging operation and would need a stadium, ownership, team and, yes, a head coach.

Green Bay was coach-casting too around this time. Pack had gone 1-10-1 in 58 and badly needed a new beginning. Here’s where the ‘What ifs’ come into play.

Iowa Hawkeyes’ great head coach Forest Evashevski had been offered the Packers’ job. He turned it down but recommended friend Vince Lombardi in his place.

What if Forest had said ‘yes’ to GB’s offer, had not vouched for Vince or, had vouched, but the Packers’ brass balked at his suggestion?

Though Lombardi was a valued member of Jim Lee Howell’s famous Giants’ coaching staff, the future icon was getting the ‘cold shoulder treatment’ from around the NFL. And there’s no good reason to believe he’d have gotten the nod over friend & co-staffer Tom Landry for the new Dallas position (60) (just as he’d been passed over for the NYG job (Sherman)) had he not eventually donned the green & yellow.

Minneapolis had been slated for charter membership in the embryonic AFL but the Senior Circuit did an end-run by offering them membership in the establishment for 1961, which they accepted. Oakland would then fill the void created by Minnesota’s switch-a-roo.

If Green Bay doesn’t materialize for Vince in 59, regardless of which league Minnesota joins, the former Giants’ assistant just might’ve been treating Fran Tarkenton and the rest of the newborn Norsemen “all the same…like dogs (Thurston),” instead of Norm Van Brocklin doing the same.

But that’s all speculation. What’s real is the philosophy current Minnesota head coach Leslie Frazier shares with Vince. And it starts with, big surprise, defense.

First off, you need a top linebacker corps; second, front-lines of the stout variety; third, a serious run game; fourth, D-backs that tackle; fifth, special-teams that matter and sixth, maybe the most critical of these keys to victory, a mature, pass-efficient QB who’s not afraid to live, breath and even die in the pocket (figuratively speaking).

An NFL quarterback has gotta’ be married to his passer pocket. It’s a man’s challenge. The blind-side hits are wicked and run-separations can happen, but you gotta’ stick it out if you wanta’ hoist Mr. Lombardi.

Three-year Vikings’ starter Christian Ponder has a rival in ‘13 in KC cast-off Matt Cassel. Ponder likely gets the nod come September but it’s a tenuous hold. Frazier’s aware that the loss of main-man Harvin midway in 2012 was a big blow for his developing QB but with Greg Jennings now in the fold the coach’s patience will have an expiration date (WK4?).

In early May Frazier & staff took a page outta’ Lombardi’s book when they began process of converting run-QB Joe Webb to wide-out. Though a bit dissimilar, it’s reminiscent of Paul Hornung’s 1959 switch from Packers’ QB to half-back, a move that may’ve been the single most important act of Lombardi’s early reign. Like Paul, Joe too had non-QB duties in college, has open field speed and might fill at least one of Percy Electric’s shoes.

It’s a bold-ish move, “go(ing) where (none in the current NFL have) gone before,” and one this writer had hoped Andy Reid would’ve “bravely” undertaken back in 09 when Mike Vick was looking for new colors. As Mike, Colin Kaepernick and Rob Griffin love to run and do a fine job of it, why not cut to the chase, stop the QB charade and slot ‘em all where they can do their best Percy Harvin or Dez Bryant imitations?  The short answers: celebrity sells and pride is powerful.

And I’d be remiss if I didn’t comment on Adrian Peterson who’s been doing a lot of talking in public lately, covering a wide array of topics from gay marriage to his personal goals for the upcoming 2013 season which includes besting Eric Dickerson’s single-season rush mark. I believe the figure “2500” was mentioned by the reigning MVP.

It wouldn’t be a bad idea for All-Day to ‘get on the same page’ with Mr. Lombardi where goals are concerned. In Lombardi’s book, everything was subjugated to the team goals, everything (win NFCN, 6-0 v divs’n foes). Maybe “Run to Daylight” should be on Adrian’s, heck, every NFL player’s summer reading list.

Steven Keys

NFL Hunch Line

Playing with a cool confidence that brought him victory in last week’s TPC, Tiger Woods appears poised to regain his top form, likely to surpass Sam Snead in PGA career wins (78 / 82) and must surely be growling to get his paws on another majors-trophy (14), moving him one step closer to Jack Nicklaus’ iconic mark of 18.

Tiger’s “burning bright (Blake)” and on the comeback trail.  Not much debate there.

A sports commentator, co-host on one of ESPN’s legion of radio-TV amalgamations (like we can’t get enough), the guy who looks like he knows his way around a country club or two, opinioned on Monday that Tiger “never lost it.”  Uh-huh, sure, buddy.

Woods never fell off the map a la John Daly, and god knows the love-struck media always kept his picture pasted-up in their collective locker (the one nobody ever cleans out (Barkley)), but he definitely lost his game, the Tiger I game, that is. That was the game where he won 14 majors in the short span of 12 years, including 8 top-3 finishes.

Since his US Open triumph in ‘08, his last topper, the record up to 2013 had been rather spotty by Woods’ standards, one of physical (08 knee / 10-11), emotional (spousal 09-10) and strategic instability (coach 10 / caddy 11).

Now he’s juuust about back, a nice, long putt away. Uh oh.

He eased into the #1 ranking earlier this year like it was nobody’s business. And nobody seems to want to make it their business, not Mickelson, not McIlroy, nobody.

While there have been some special golfers alongside Woods in his career (Singh / Mickelson / Els), his lengthy and certain dominance of the PGA up to 2009 may’ve stymied other potential greats that would’ve otherwise made their marks.

Psychology is big in sport. The awareness that Woods was always on the prowl, ready to pounce on the lead and not let go caused more than a few yips amongst his competitors.

After Tiger’s fall, things on the Tour loosened-up with a new face hoisting PGA hardware nearly every week. I don’t think we’ve had a repeat winner in a major in…it seems ages. Now the field is feeling the pressure again with Tiger back in play. But there’s a difference this time around. Unlike Tiger I, version II can lead early, falter late, or come on late and still come up short.

He’s already won four Tour events this season (FIO / WGCC / API / TPC) and might’ve nabbed the Masters in April if he hadn’t faltered late. And there in lay the puzzler.

Tiger Woods could be playing the best golf of his life. Not just because of his near-dominant, rejuvenated play on the course, but because of the depths from which he rose.

Rehabbing & Rebounding

The work & patience needed to recover from lingering, years long physical maladies, the survival instinct one must tap into to overcome the gut-wrenching, emotional body-blows suffered in the break-up of a marriage takes a deep well of strength and endurance just to survive. Then, to regain your top tee form, that’s a tremendous and a very different success-story from the steady stream of accolades that came so surely in Tiger’s halcyon days of youth.

But he’s not there yet. Tiger Woods has family & friends he cares for deeply, corporate relationships he honors, but in his competitive world of golf he lives for one thing and one thing only: the majors. I take issue with that mind-set, believing the career PGA Tour wins record, held currently by Slammin’ Sam, to be of equal, if not greater importance. To each his own, but until Woods figures a way to win another topper tourney he can’t be considered ‘back.’ That’s his standard, not mine.

Even if he does breakthrough that mental barrier, I think two, maybe three majors is the rosy scenario for Mr. Woods. He’s young, comparatively speaking, but Jack’s record won’t fall, not in this era.

He came close in this year’s Masters (4th) and has done as much in a handful of other majors since ‘08, but close only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades. There’s clearly a mental-wall in winning a major he cannot yet breach in Tiger II time.

Maybe Lindsey Vonn proves a stabilizing force in his life, giving him another rope to grab onto in making the climb. You might think her spotlight-craving persona would work against that happening but Tiger’s cut from a similar cloth, more mechanical to be sure, but needing just as much attention. Birds of a feather and all that jazz.

As he doesn’t need the money, it’s that ego, that love of fame, the emotional high of which Vonn is all too familiar with that one rides after winning a major competition which just might keep Tiger motivated and in the game long enough to equal or best Jack’s major-mark. Friends (LV) & associates (Nike) sure hope so.

ESPN’s Colin Cowherd and Kurt Rambis were having a friendly debate last Thursday on LeBron v. Durant, CC taking KD, Kurt favoring the reigning MVP. Cowherd believes America loves the OKC leader because of his court-play, quirkiness and class conduct.

Colin shanked this one. He’s a bright guy but also a bit of a carnival barker.

America doesn’t love Kevin Durant, not yet, anyway. America loves LeBron James because America loves a winner. Until Kev hoists Mr. O‘Brien he’s just a curious, high-scoring, well-liked, very wealthy NBA All-Star.

America loves Tiger too, even while he’s been stuck in major-neutral for good part of five years. He’s got so much hardware on that mantle, so much positive press, still has enough ringing endorsements that love is almost required. It’s not of the variety that was accorded the likes of Magic or Cal Ripken, but certainly more than a crush. And for plenty of people it’s a full-blown, heart-felt devotion conferred upon Mr. Woods.

Woods’ next chance at full fruition comes June 13-16 when the Keystone State hosts the US Open in Haverford Township at the Merion Golf Club (Ardmore).

Don’t expect a Sergio-like dust-up for Woods in Pennsylvania. Those two have a history.

It takes two to tango or tangle, as it were, and Tiger can always count on a marshal for necessary cover, but Woods “should’ve know better” at TPC. His huge success creates tendency towards haughty-taughty and not surprisingly rubs some the wrong way. The recent trouble at Sawgrass (FL) was of little consequence to TW’s game but that won’t always be the result. If he wants back in the major league Woods has gotta’ work harder to prevent avoidable distractions or expect to keep coming up short on the bigger stage. That goes for you too, Mr. Garcia.

The experts say Merion plays well for Woods, something about course design, straight fairways and such jargon. You might as well talk about pairings or ions in the atmosphere. Good golf is, in large part, about three things: concentration, judgment and adaptability. If Tiger Woods wants that all elusive 15th major there’s just one point of play he needs to hone. He might even stitch it onto his golf glove: drive for show, putt for dough.

Then you hear the crowd roar.

Steven Keys

Brass Tacks

Photo Credit:  T. Woods / 4-23-09 / T. Hipps / US Army Press / wc.cc

Last updated:  5/21/13 @ 2:12 PM

“To (play) or not to (play), that is the (thorny) question” swirling around Derrick Rose and every NBA roundtable on the North American continent.

The beef: Is the 2010-11 MVP still recuperating and wisely sitting out these playoffs or clutching to tight to fear of re-injuring his reconstructed and all important knee?

Some trust Derrick in this dust-up.

Rose is the patient. It’s his knee. Post surgery, Rose’s doctors can test, interpret, assess, prescribe, diagnose and advise on their handy work but only the patient can feel the result and compare the knee’s repaired-state to the past, before the ACL tear.

While the phrase “cleared to play” has frequently been dropped into the conversation by Rose critics, we know now that he’s only been cleared “to practice” and then his progress subject to on-going team assessment (S. Smith / OTL / ESPN / 5-6).

Superstars are a special breed. They can do things, see things…not “ghosts” necessarily (R. Clark: NFLPA & Mr. Smith have got to sign-off on real drug-testing, STAT), but things that never fly onto the radar of us mere mortals. Rose is Chicago’s franchise man and plays at a very high level, as evidenced by his own fearless flight pattern when on the court, putting his knee and every other joint, muscle and tendon to tremendous pressure and then requiring optimum physical well-being.

What about Adrian Peterson? Does “All-Day” now become the standard for knee surgeries after his miraculous recovery in 2012? He could be, but isn’t that a little like making Bill Gates the standard by which every business entrepreneur is to measured? Adrian’s comeback was unprecedented and I suspect sport surgeons are not ready just yet to set-the-bar quite so high.

Besides, Derrick always has these excuses for the street cloths: ‘everybody’s different’ and ‘basketball ain’t football’ and yada yada yada. All true enough.

How might Derrick’s return impact Chicago’s chemistry? You might think this a fine time for his return after thumping Bulls got from Miami Wednesday night (G2 / 78-115). But G2 was near-must win for Salsa City and emotions ran high. CHI should have no trouble re-aligning at home for G3, Rose or not. Any team making R2 knows their Table of Elements, “gar-ohn-teed (D. Heffernan).”

Then there’s the element of risk. If you think athletes, even top talent, mesh quickly on the court, you don’t know b-ball. As Mr. Iverson can attest, it takes time beyond practice to gel (“Practice?”), especially for a man who’s been away from the game for a year. That’s extra time no team can afford in the PS. And with intensified pressure to perform, testing a re-fashioned knee of a franchise player is courting disaster, a courtship Bulls’ coach Thibodeau and owner Reinsdorf probably just assume not engage for this dance.

And then who are we to question Derrick’s recovery routine when his teammates, at least publicly, are covering his back and cool with the sit (“Joakim Noah”: “(critics) should really shut up” / ESPN / 5-7 / Friedell).

Others believe only what they see.

These people connect with radio provocateurs like former NFL’er John Jurkovic (ESPN Chicago). John believes Derrick’s “afraid” to suit up, unable or unwilling to cross that mental barrier post-surgery patients can sometimes have trouble breaching (OTL 5-6).

It’s not far-fetched that a man would be over-cautious on his recovery, all too aware of the countless cases of NBA players who ventured back onto the court too soon after surgery and never again regained full freedom of use. And then who’s to say that Derrick does not hold a certain sway over the opinions of Bulls’ medical staff, influencing their decision on whether or not to give the all-clear for game-play?

If Rose is determined to sit out this entire season, whether that’s rationally based or careful to a fault, don’t expect Bulls’ doctors to publicly contradict their superstar and give full clearance to play. Better safe than sorry, right?

Besides maybe helping this year’s team topple the defending champs, a return now might provide Rose a good physical and mental test for next season. The problem, you never want to enter this kind of fray at much less than 100%. Stoudemire (NYK), well, he’s horse of a different color, so to speak. Amar’e re-enters his fray (IND) bearing a dissimilar injury and runs a different race from DR at this point in his career (Y10).

This debate only intensifies if the Bulls defy the odds-makers and take more games from the Heat. But don’t expect a Rose return in this Miami series with the rough & tumble course it’s taken. And if by some chance Chicago advances, the chemistry concern then looms even larger while Derrick might look more the bandwagoneer.

The question on Derrick’s return has likely been answered: next season. So when the arm-chair agitators question your heart, Mr. Rose, not to worry. The Bard, the ol’ Earl of Oxford, Ed de Vere (aka: Shakespeare) penned a line for nearly every occasion, yours too: “This above all, to thine own self be true.”

Steven Keys

Nothing But Net

Photo Credit: Derrick Rose / 12-26-12 / nikk la / Flickr / wc.cc

I hope Tim Tebow finds a landing spot in the NFL, somewhere, anywhere, setting-up under center or testing out tight end, wearing Jacksonville teal or Green Bay green, it doesn’t matter.

Tim should be in the show.

Some folks look forward to the day when Tebow disappears altogether from the game.

Love the man or hate him (most find TT a curiosity), Tim moves the meter. He hasn’t been moving the chains for quite some time but when he does lace ‘em up and take the field there‘s always a storyline. And for someone who fancies himself a sportswriter, Tim’s food for thought, or as Martha Stewart used to purr, “a good thing (for scribblers).”

After being released (waived) by the Jets last Monday and going un-claimed for 24 hours, the former Heisman winner and 3-year NFL veteran turned vagabond is now free to fly wherever he chooses and gets clearance to land.

With no NFL team as yet publicly expressing interest in bringing the Gator great on board, the Canadian game with its wide-open play would seem the next best thing for an out-of-work gridiron man with Tim‘s credentials. But there’s a catch.

Only the Montreal Alouettes are empowered to contract with Tebow and have stated they have no interest presently in the NFL castoff (LA Times / “Tim” / 4-30 / Schilken). Maybe Timbo’s a “King of Queens“ fan (Canadian-born Doug Heffernan: “Nothing good ever happens in Montreal!”), because he’s expressed no desire to head north of the 49th and follow in the footsteps of NFL greats Joe Theismann, Warren Moon & Doug Flutie.  And Montreal’s a terrific town, should get another shot at MLB.

As expected, the lower tier circuits (Arena, Champions & Legends (Lingerie) leagues) wasted no time floating frivolous offers to Tim. Tebow still carries enough cachet to give booster shot to their respective spectacles but none has ponied-up more than chicken feed (Fox / “Report” / 5-2 / Whitmire).

So, it looks like the NFL has gotta’ find a place for Tim, otherwise it’s onto missionary work or the lucrative lecture circuit where LeRoy Butler found a second career. I see a $25,000 standard appearance fee in Tim‘s future, which figure will fluctuate, depending on the stand he opts for concerning openly-gay athletes.

An anonymous NFL Suit dropped the word “radioactive” recently in describing the effect Tebowmania would have on a ball-club. If true, it’s a bit hyperbolic but he might have a small point. Tim can be a spotlight-devouring black hole, his great popularity drawing-in any vibe that comes within range, like the gravitational pull of a collapsing star.

I feel kinda’ bad for the dude, as bad as you can feel for a Heisman winning, NCAA champion who’s spiritually centered and has a net worth somewhere around $25M.

I write that, even as I champion a different credo than Tim and reject his style of play.

In the spiritual realm, let‘s just say, allegorically speaking, I’m Spencer Tracy (Darrow) to Tim Tebow’s Frederick March (Bryan) (Inherit the Wind). Check it out.

Sportwise, the athleticism displayed by TT and other flash-QBs makes ‘em a big hit with kids & jersey-makers but its throwback style (single-wing tailback) also makes them aberrations. There are just too many bright minds with too many tools at their disposal today to allow single-pronged offensive attacks to succeed for long. That’s why you’ll likely never see another QB run wild like Col. Kaepernick did against Green Bay.

Rabbit at the first whiff of trouble, diss the art of defensive-read and refuse to weather the pocket storm, run-QB’s now the rage on campus where ‘Coach Don’t Teach,’ but is just another ball-hogging, oft-injured, playground star who’ll run out his string in the NFL.

General managers must bear equal blame with do-little college coaches who thrust the entire offensive playbook into the hands of one, run-around QB. This might’ve been a golden age for tight ends, d-backs and Percy Harvin-like wide-outs in the NFL. Instead, GMs & owners feed the fallacy that men like Tim Tebow and RG3 are NFL quarterbacks.

Be that as it may, ol’ Timbo got a raw deal in his brief NFL sojourn.

One of the biggest sport phenomena to ever come down the pike and the Jets pull a Newt, letting Tim “wither on the vine” in a ‘12 season which saw green & white go a pathetic 6-10 while desperately in need of a spark that never came. Mark Sanchez is a fine QB but when it didn’t happen by WK12 (blame to go around), it wasn’t GOING to happen.

Most observers peg Tim as passer-challenged. His pedestrian comp-% from Denver days bears out the assessment (47%). And it’s true, he had precious few suitors this time last year when cut lose by the Broncos and, if you believe John Elway, narrowed the field further in nixing a possible Jacksonville deal, apparently favoring the big-market & bright lights of the Big Apple. That‘s one Timbo might like back.

But it’s also fair to say that no (near) rookie QB, regardless of his stats, would’ve kept his job in Denver with a name like Manning on the open-market and a GM with a weakness for well-decorated field generals.

Once Tim hooked-up with the Jets, an organization that’s been drifting into disarray for two years now, his goose was pretty much cooked. What NYJ did to Tebow‘s momentum, a man with an 8-6, 1-1 (PS) record, was nothing short of shameful.

‘In for a penny, in for a pound’ must be a Midwestern thing as Jets’ owner Wood Johnson and Rex Ryan gave Tebow just under 30 plays in 16 games. Lin-sanity did better in one week on Houston time than Tebowmania did in a whole season with gang green.

Now Tebow is yesterday‘s newspaper: over-analyzed, pushed to the margin and a dated resume. He’s still got game and can enhance marketability if he’d stop clutching so tight to the ego-trip that is quarterback and go back to his original HS spot, tight-end. He’s built for the job, has receiver hands, a nose for the zone and enjoys contact. It’s a cinch.

But like all fleet-of-foot college signal-callers, Tim has the mistaken belief he’s a natural under center because…he likes to run (go figure) and any other spot is beneath his dignity: “with humility comes wisdom (Prov 11:2).”

It doesn’t take a giant leap of faith to see that Vick – RG3 would’ve excelled in the DB / WR / return-man slots and Tebow – Kaepernick (who needed a flare to find the end-zone in SB46 pre-blackout) are made in the TE mold. Stubborn is as stubborn does.

If this marks the end of Tebow’s NFL odyssey it’s gonna’ be an awful strange way to go out. Strange for a guy who performed admirably off the bench as a nay rookie, won a playoff game on a nice toss, got moved out less than a month later by a legend and then got buried on the sideline of team that was in full funk from the firing gun.

Ironically, it may’ve been the conservative NFL business agenda that did in religious conservative Tim Tebow‘s football career. It’s an agenda that knows exactly where the money’s coming from and then favors predictability over chance. Tim’s a tremendous curiosity for fans and media but has now been tagged, too chancy.

He is currently the NFL‘s biggest “Nowhere Man,” but Tim’s strong faith in himself and his deity will get him safely to the next competition, whatever and wherever that may be.

If you just remember this Beatles’ line, Tim, you‘ll be okay: “Ob-la-di, ob-la-da, life goes on, brah!…la la how the life goes on. And if you want some fun, sing ob-la-di-bla-da.”

Steven Keys

NFL Hunch Line

Photo Credit:  Starlito, Tebow & L. Garrett / 11-1-2012 / wc.cc / LG

Owners rule.

If you think GMs call the shots on NFL Draft night (4-25 / 8P / NFLN) you might want to crawl outside your bubble for a spell and take a quick gander at the real world.

The General Manager is a wheel, a big-shot in the realm of football. He’s the owner’s right-hand man, to be sure. They know the numbers, mold the team and steer the ship. But it’s the owners who captain the vessel and set the draft course.

Some owners are hands on, comfortable rubbing shoulders with media and, once in a blue moon, fans too, in belief that PR is a key component of their position (Jones / Bowlen / Lurie / late Al Davis); some stay more or less in the background (Wilson / Rooney) as age has a way of changing priorities, and still others are just too numerous to gauge (112,158 GB stockholders).

In the Packers’ unique case, the corporation “is governed by a seven-member Executive Committee, elected from the 45 Board of Directors” who in turn are chosen by the shareholders. The team President (Murphy) is voted in and hires the GM (Thompson) with Board approval to run day-to-day operations (Wikipedia). Got all that? Once I started I couldn’t stop.

You don’t have be an NFL insider to surmise that Misters Murphy & Thompson have a free hand in draft decisions. But that shouldn’t preclude the opinionated big-cheese Board member or Committee cufflink, from time to time, trying to impose his (her?) draft desires on the Packers’ brain-trust. Gotta’ get some perks from the job, right?

And how would I know the workings of NFL owners & GMs, apart from reading those autobiographies nobody reads? I’m no insider.

Because logic dictates that while the boss may come up empty if queried on combine stats or a point of player contract, they form opinions about people & play-calling just like anybody else and should have no qualms about expressing those views to the guys they pay to listen, i.e., the Managers in General.

Not every gridiron chieftain is created equal. Some are emotionally invested in their sporting enterprise, others may take more pleasure manning the yacht and watching the market sizzle. But one way or another every one of ’em has his hands on the controls. Bank on it.

And no draft decision today is more telling of owner ilk than that of a quarterback.

Before Michael Vick hit the scene (ATL ‘01), Ws and championship metallica were the tale of the tape on where an owner stood, an indicator of his commitment, his vision and the direction he’d set for his NFL venture.

Not anymore. Now celebrity & sales (apparel & merchandise / TV time) can move an owner’s meter more than Super Bowl glitteralia.

DC’s Dan Snyder, while surely disappointed at his team’s early playoff exit and troubled by his young QB’s knee bang, is, nonetheless, tickled pink over Bob’s celebrity status which has his jersey flying off the warehouse shelves and probably does almost as much to energize the Washington community as did February’s Super win for Ravens-land.

And though none of these men led, or have yet to lead their respective clubs to the title, there’s no denying the hullabaloo and revenue that such a style of play can generate: Vick (ATL ‘01-06 / PHI ‘09-pres), Young (TEN ‘06-10), Tebow (DEN ‘10-11), Newton (CAR ‘11-pres), Kaepernick (SF ‘11-pres) and Bob Griffin (DC ‘12-pres).

What this all means is, flash-QB, that college star who ran 5000 yards ‘cause coach don’t like to teach, and will now need 2-3 years to learn a whole new (pocket) skill-set, will, nevertheless, likely be drafted high & mighty because some owners will favor the more certain coinage from celebrity & athleticism over the harder to come by championship metal, Mr. Lombardi.

Whether you jump for joy ‘cause you think your GM picked a crop of keepers or are pulling your hair out at their mind-boggling mental maneuvers, remember this, the NFL draft in NYC is a well-orchestrated, sometimes noisy, very crowded, well-lit, crap-shoot where the hand of greatest influence may be 1000s of miles away dropping anchor off the coast of Acapulco.

Now hop back in your plastic house, friend. Don’t want no bubble-boy incident on my hands.

Steven Keys

NFL Hunch Line

Photo Credit: Cmdr. Jones & Woody Johnson / 8-11-09 / USN / wc.cc

“From a jack tooooo a kiiiiing.” That’s LeBron Raymone James.

Country crooner Ned Miller could’ve been foretelling the odyssey of Miami’s majestic one with the title of his ‘62 crossover hit.

From highly-touted high school phenom (Akron), to celebrated draftee (#1 ‘03), erstwhile underachiever (’07), scorned defector (MIA) and MVP totting NBA champ (’12), Le. James has finally claimed the throne so many had presaged.

Though Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, two-time titlist teammate Dwyane Wade, Finals force Chris Bosh and the rest of Miami’s squad contributed nicely to the conquest (OKC) that secured King James long-awaited coronation, generously spreading the love is not how it’s done in the sporting world.

It’s all about celebrity and there is but one crown. The team gets booty ($) and medals (rings) while the Finals MVP gets a well-deserved scepter and steady-stream of adoration.

But before his Highness gets too comfy in his royal state he should be aware he faces yet another crossroad in his storied and oh-so scrutinized career.

Unlike previous junctures (college vs. NBA, Miami or Cleveland), this intersection is not of his own choosing and the landing-spots not entirely within his control.

The destinations: a little hamlet know as ‘Greatness’ (Pop. 21), and the other, a terrific town that all too rarely topped America‘s ‘Best Basketball Place’ called ‘Wilt City.’

If James can lead his Heat to a repeat feat in taking another Larry O’Brien Trophy he’ll be in the driver’s seat cruising down Legacy Lane and headed straight for Greatness.

Back-to-backs mean dynasty and that would put LeBron and his Heat teammates in select company, a rarified-air few in this current NBA have inhaled, with team president Pat Riley and a handful of current Spurs & Lakers being among the lucky.

And another title is looking better-than-fair for favored MIA, having secured PS home-court with NBA’s top tally (65-16), set 2nd longest win-streak in NBA history (27), showcasing the 2012 MVP, exude a confidence that “super-abounds” after last year’s break-through win and face a field of competition that hardly sends shivers down one’s spine.

But LeBron’s got “miles to go” before he can buy that beachfront lot in Greatness.

With just one title in tow nobody, not even LRJ, can be sure which guy will show up in these playoffs: the hard-driving, post-season MVP of 2012 or the fade-away fella who saw Dirk Nowitzki take him and his Heat to school in 2011. The precedent here’s open to interpretation.

These Knicks are smoother (‘12) but Celtics are a tough draw, Bulls a darkhorse and Heat top the East. In the West, Clippers seek their first Final since birth (Buffalo), Grizzlies the darkhorse and until Westbrook (and Rondo) plays to his position (OKC) and Spurs time-travel back (age), both clubs will need all the stars in alignment to reach Finals ‘13.

If the Heat by chance drop the ball these playoffs, detouring from Greatness, watch as the Wilt Chamberlain comparisons begin for LeBron in earnest.

“Stilt” was the most talented player in the history of b-ball and did not lack for toughness, but the gold standard is the ring count, an item Chamberlain conceded far too frequently to nemesis Bill Russell and the Celtics.

If the Heat do win BTBs and forge dynasty, something Wilt & Co. never did (PHI / LAL), will that put King James on the Emperor’s throne as the greatest all-time (“GAT“)? Many a writer are today preparing to make just such a claim on LRJ in anticipation.

But not this scribbler. That the Heat will hoist another O’Brien in 2013 is a pretty good guess. James going GAT? That‘s a whole ‘nother conversation.

While the NBA gold standard is measured in championship metallica, it is weighted by it’s karat-count, competition.

Neither LeBron, nor Jordan for that matter, faced Finals foes the likes of Russell, Elgin, Oscar, Wilt or West, Willis, Walton or Jabbar, Larry, Julius, Moses or prime Magic.

MVPs glitter, scoring titles carry cachet, All-Defensive teams show substance, All-Star accolades are cute costume jewelry and who you beat matters BIG time.

And the ‘BIG matters’ Heat could face this PS: Kobe & Dirk are out, Duncan, Pierce & Garnett will be present while Nash & Parker are <100%; rising stars Rose (out), Durant, Randolph, Anthony, Harden, Howard, Paul, Griffin, J. Smith, George, Deron, Westbrook, Rondo, Amar‘e, Curry and Noah have more to prove before they add to the karat count.

Might there come a day when LeBron is referred to as ‘the greatest?’ He already is in some circles. But consider that those are the same folks that when the next highly-hyped star comes down the pike they’ll be calling that guy ‘the greatest’ first chance they get.

Because of the competition-gap, because of his ‘Johnny come lately’ status in the title category (Y10) and the orchestration employed to fashion his Miami championship melody that left more than a few people miffed, it’s doubtful James will ever overtake the names Magic, Russell or Chamberlain when historians rank the best ever.

In his favor is the man’s age, still a youngish 28 (12-30). Amazing. If he avoids the serious injury bug, can cajole ownership to keep investing, stay hungry and play another ten years, those MVPs should keep coming and with no other player today under-30 who plays to his caliber, more titles should be had.

The big question: Does LeBron James even care about GAT? Maybe not. He probably needs one, maybe two more titles to feel fully validated but with all the fame, fortune and accolades he’ll have accumulated he might just decide to hang ‘em up at 35 and leave the rest to fans & media to sort out.

Whether or not LeBron James ever dons ‘greatest all-time’ regalia, there’s no doubt he’s ready to set down roots in that exclusive community know as Greatness. It’s a place fit for a king.

Steven Keys

Nothing But Net

Photo Credit: “Cesar” / WC.CC / 3-30-2011 / LeBron James

Vince Lombardi is famous for saying “Winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.” Point in fact, it wasn’t one of his proudest moments.

For starters, the legendary Packers’ coach borrowed the line from adorable & talented child actress Sherry Jackson. She uttered the famous words sitting next to the lovely Donna Reed in the John Wayne movie “Trouble Along the Way (‘53): “Like Steve says (her Dad), winning isn’t everything, it’s the only thing.”

And then there’s the other thing. The line doesn’t exactly make sense. If victory is the “only thing,” that’s “everything” too, right? Right.

What bothered Vince was the wrong impression it gave people. It made him sound like a narrow-minded, boob-head who couldn’t appreciate the reality of sport, which is: a team can play with heart, play smart and still come-up-short. The effort oughta’ count for something and in reality Vince knew as much.

And in the ‘come-up-short’ department not many NFL’ers have a bigger office with a nicer view and supportive staff than Mr. Tony Romo.

To the surprise of few (count chatty teammate DeMarcus Ware among that tiny group (Sirius XM / 4-4)), Tone came-up-big last Friday when he signed a contract extension which might, depending on health and term triggers, keep him in Big D the rest of his playing career (6Y, $108M, $40M-Gtd (CBS / JK / “Romo“ / 3-29)).

It’s an un-godly sum of money in a sinfully rich game for a quarterback who’s led his team to but one playoff win (‘09) since taking the Cowboy reigns in ‘06, a win quickly forgotten when the following week Dallas got dismantled by the Favre Vikes, 34-3.

To say TR doesn’t deserve such a deal ignores his skill-set and the healthy state of the NFL, meaning, Jerry Jones can afford it. Romo’s put up some terrific tallies in his seven seasons as a starter and has that even-keel persona that keeps coaches & owners happy.

But there are problems.

First off, when you’re America‘s Team, the NFL’s marquee operation, anything less than on-going, title-contention should be unacceptable. It should be.

Second: Tony Romo just doesn’t have it.

And what is “it?” Well, it ain’t what Clara Bow had (‘27).

And it’s not leadership, not by itself, anyway. Romo’s a leader, no doubt on that point. With numbers that have him on pace to best HOF’er Dan Fouts, and three post-season / Pro Bowl appearances in his seven years as a starter, Tony clearly has a director’s skill.

And you don’t need a ring to have “it,” either, though, having one of what’ve become the most grotesquely over-stated pieces of symbolic jewelry on the planet will necessarily vest recipients with all the rights & privileges accorded Super Bowl stars, including “it.”

Men like Fran Tarkenton, Craig Morton, Warren Moon (5 GC), Dan Marino, Y.A. Tittle, Jim Kelly, Dan Fouts, Jake Plummer, Ken Anderson, Doug Flutie (3) and Drew Bledsoe, all came up short in the biggest games of their NFL careers but always left fans believing one more title-run was possible as long as they laced ‘em up and strode out onto that field.

All proof that how you lose, does matter.

Simply put, “it” is an athlete’s passion for winning.

And it’s that passion, a fire in the belly that somehow enables or energizes these quarterbacks in marshaling those skills they need in the big game to lead their men to the promised land.

Sound corny? Not if that’s your man under center.

The pro-Romo camp might say something like this: ‘What else was Dallas gonna’ do, cut Tony? Where would that leave the Cowboys? It’s been slim pickens for quarterback-seekers in 2013 (free-agency & draft) and Tone still gives the Boys their best chance to win.’

True enough. It’s been a seller’s market for QBs of late.

But standard-bearer clubs ought never settle for ‘good enough’ and Romo’s just not cuttin’ the mustard, or, as they say in the Lone Star State: ‘That dog won’t hunt.’

Because you can’t always draft a Troy Aikman or pick-up a known commodity like Peyton Manning, sometimes you just gotta’ roll the dice on an unknown or unproven.

Conduct yourself like a professional for nine seasons and Jerry Jones will take care of you. That’s fine. But Jones’ responsibility goes well beyond Tony Romo. He owes a duty, like every owner, to his fandom, and in his team’s case that runs coast-to-coast.

And Jerry’s coming dangerously close to breach.

It’s his $1.3B Cowboys Stadium (‘09) and its high-falutin hosting-capacity (‘14 Final 4 / ‘15 FBS?) that’s become Jones’ crowning achievement, his pride & joy while he appears content to live off past glories (’92-93, ’95). And keeping Tony on board helps keep the lid on things. Tone may not win you a title but he will keep you outta’ the pishadoo.

So what’s done is done. Romo’s gonna’ be ridin’ point in Arlington for a few more drives and as of this writing no serious plan in the works for a Cowboys’ quarterback competition this summer.

If there’s one sport where a less-than-great team can grab the victor’s laurel, it’s the NFL: win your division (NFC-East no biggie (NYG rates)), get a RD1 bye and you’re just three little ol’ wins away from hoisting hardware. A veritable EZ-Pass post-season highway.

And if someone can get Jerry’s attention away from stadium scheduling, just long enough to wheel & deal a tighter Dallas D and fashion a reliable run-game, Tone just might bag that Lombardi trophy. Stranger things have happened. Who besides the Ravens thought Joe Flacco was gonna’ hoist last February?

One thing Tony might keep in mind when living on the links this off-season: “Winning isn’t everything” but ring-holders always get the best tee times and that means at least two strokes off your score. Think about it, Tone.

Steven Keys

NFL Hunch Line

Photo Credit:  Clara Bow / wc.cc / “Wings” / 1927

Wherever people cluster there are bound to be skirmishes.

At the dinner table, school, the workplace, your barber shop, …any place people come together. It’s human nature: different brain-matter, different opinions and then the verbal wrangling ensues.

Sometimes the tension runs like an undercurrent, out of public view. The conflicts that spring up can be as measured as a bow-shot at sea or as lengthy as the Thirty Years’ War (1618), as acrimonious as the ugliest divorce or low-key as a game of croquet.

And baseball’s no exception.

While MLB’s fiscal state is robust ($5B ‘12) and is set to raise the curtain on 2013 Sunday night (3-31 / ESPN) as the Rangers mosey on down to Houston to take on intra-state rival and new Junior Circuit member, the Astros, things are not all hot dogs & cerveza in America’s national pastime.

There are sore-spots that fester, some with a history, some just starting to take shape. Not likely any of these hot button topics triggers a clubhouse fisticuff but try broaching any of ’em with players & coaches and you’re likely to get an ear full.

WBC (World Baseball Classic)

Classic case of wishful thinking, as in, ‘We (MLB) wish the international format, so successful in the World Cup, can work for baseball too.’ Wish upon all the stars your “heart(s) desire” fellas, but even Jiminy Cricket won’t underwrite that dream.

Baseball’s global popularity explains why the WBC has met with worldwide applause since its debut in 2005. But state-side, the tournament barely makes a ripple in the sea of US sport news as fans are indifferent and players not exactly lining-up to participate.

Maybe if MLB went all in, making the WBC a real world series where each nation’s league champion team (‘12 Giants (MLB), Leones (LIDOM), Giants (NPB), etc.) was a participant, rather than a compilation of native players (WC), it might be better received by the American public. One thing is certain, its intrusion upon our beloved spring training traditions in Florida and Arizona, as minimal as it is, does not help the sell.

Sabermetrics (or Billy Beane baseball)

The dogfight between saber-heads & traditionalists flies under the radar but constitutes baseball’s war of philosophy.

Stats have always been a big deal in rounders, nothing new or contentious there. Just check the backs of older Topps cards: NFL versions are numeral-poor while MLBs are jam-packed with figures. Numbers were big in 1880 and they’re still big today.

But saber-heads kneel at the alter of the Holy Digit, spouting the ‘numbers never lie’ mantra while intolerant of other sporting faiths. They view baseball through the eyes of an accountant, dissing the subtle strategy, the history and humanity of the game, always favoring quantity over quality, numbers over nuance. If that reads too harsh, go a few rounds with one of ‘em and see if it isn’t a pretty accurate assessment of the type.

Who’s winning the war? The battle of ideologies flares up whenever Cooperstown is the subject. By that measure (vote results), I’d say we’re in trench warfare.

PEDs (performance enhancing drugs)

Confused on MLB’s drug testing policy? If you answered yes, you’re not alone, if no, clue me in because I’m kinda’ lost. Thought I had it down last year when they were supposedly drawing blood from every player in spring. Then this winter they announced a new testing twist, a plan to start taking “random” samples during (?) the 2013 season.

Bottom-line: While baseball’s testing policy seems half-measured and a bit of a shell-game (See; MLBPA), they remain the one major US sport who is taking action and making progress. They’re catching some of the slugs, likely deterring others and may someday arrive at a clear, consistent and complete PED prevention policy.

The antagonists: users, pushers, enablers and faux-sport fans vs. everybody else.

Who’s winning this war? Given the persistence of drug peddlers, a cheater’s mentality that’s in vogue and a public that grows more & more dispassionate about anything that’s not TV, gizmos, food or drink, I’d say the crusaders have a long fight ahead. But they’ve drawn a line in the sand and they’re not giving up this time.

Some crusades will end. Saladin and Richard the Lionheart were warriors but also brave visionaries. They knew when to make peace (1192), even if others failed to heed their wisdom (4th Crusade). But if you really love baseball and care about the health, the well-being of children who will someday fill its ranks, this is one crusade we can’t quit on.

The DH Rule

After a period of dormancy, the designated hitter debate is heating up again. That can only mean one thing: someone’s got dollar signs ($$) in their eyes and has deployed an advance force (media) to help prepare the way.

I dislike the DH but have come to accept, even appreciate, its status as a distinguishing trait (vs DH-free National) and fixture of the American League.

Some believe an NL-DH is “inevitable” (3-5 / Jaffe / “True Grit” / SI). I’d say it’s as “inevitable” as abandonment of day-game World Series (’87), football gear in the batter’s box, dangerous maple bats and the AL-DH (’73). In a sport that used to respect its traditions and League distinctions, we fans asked for none of these changes (inter-league) supposedly needed for good of the game. Hogwash.

What fans and the game need, want, and what they get are all very different animals.

Tradition giving way to common-sense change (bat-helmets) and even some profiteering, if it also profits fans (NCAA field: 32 to 68), is a standard all of us can accept.

Just as I won’t oppose progressiveness solely on basis of tradition, I just as surely won’t ditch a tradition merely for sake of change and making change ($) for the greedy few.

In a sport where the home run derby is its biggest event and bunny-hop celebrations make most viewers cringe, the on-going debate over the designated hitter rule actually pumps life into the game, giving it a visceral edge, in opposite of what agents-of-change would have you believe when mocking what they’d call a behind-the-times National, a League who’s been easily dispatching their DH devoted AL rival in recent Series play.

If proponents get their way and force the rule on the Senior Circuit they can kiss goodbye the ‘national pastime’ moniker for that arrogant act will signify the last nail in the coffin that buries what semblance of League distinction remained, along with a good part of history with it.

Steven Keys

Can o’ Corn

Photo Credit: Saladin & Richard the Lionheart / Jerusalem / Djampa / 9-12-09 / wc.cc