Is the future coming too soon?

"[Brandon] Jennings and John Wall are the future!"
Says a poster from the comment thread on Jenning's new facbook video...

But are they [Wall and Jennings] indeed the future? When did this phenomenon of "the future" come about? And what does it mean to be "the future" anyway?

1.) First, I shall answer the latter question. Being the future, simply put, means for that player to be one of the next talents in a long line at that position to be considered a "role model" to the youth, a vicarious instruments to his peers & elders, and the apex of talent at his position to his sport.

2.) But when (or better yet, how) did this phenomenon come about? And why is it now so important for us to proclaim an individual as "the future"? In human history their has always been an innate want for us to see "what's coming next" or to "read the future." This phenomenon of acknowledging "the future" is simply a play on that particular concept. However this concept, as related to basketball, was greatly accelerated with the appearance and conclusion of the accepted GOAT of the NBA, Michael Jeffrey Jordan. It all started with people wanting to "Be like Mike". Then as Jordan retired, un-retired, and then began to cruise closer to the end of his career the question came up, from where (the human psyche?) no one exactly knows, but it came up. The question: Whose the next guy to "Be Like Mike"? Was it Harold Miner? Isaiah Rider? Grant Hill? Vince Carter? No, it wasn't. In fact, Kobe Bryant has been the closest next MJ, but even his resume is not quite there.

What was the point of this whole diatribe, listing so many names? Well it was through MJ that the seeds were planted; through his global iconic status, unparalleled marketability, athleticism, talent, winning prowess, competitive fire, and undeniable charisma. But MJ leaving would create a void and who would be able to fill it? We'd need someone wouldn't we? MJ would have to be replaced and a replacement was needed yesterday. It was through THAT motivation that it all started. Then came the epic failures of the first "next MJs" (particularly Grant Hill) that further elevated the need, creating the media's version of a reverse-witch hunt, a hysteria. Kobe Bryant appeared on his way to near-Jordan status, but something was amiss and the media had to have a backup plan, they couldn't put their eggs all into one basket (and with Kobe's rape charge soon to come, they planned well).

So as perhaps the most dominant high school basketball phenom ever arrived onto the scene (LeBron James), naturally, the media followed. The media came early and they followed him every step of the way, waiting, seeing, watching. Would he be the next MJ? 7 years into the future and with LeBron going Heat, we have our answer. But LeBron did however succeed like no other high school player before him and peaked the interest of many-a-media outlets. LeBron's situation was unparalleled, never had their been a situation before where the media followed a high school player so heavily and throughout the entire process. So then "the question" was not so much the motivation any longer. The motivation became to find the next basketball "prodigy" and the age became younger and younger.

First their was OJ Mayo, a prodigy since middle school (appearing in Sports Illustrated in 7th grade), then there was Greg Oden, next arrived Lance Stephenson, DeMarr Derozan, Tyreke Evans, Brandon Jennings, Derrick Rose, and the latest entry John Wall. After Stephenson however (whose fame also started in middle school) the hysteria and hype shrunk lower... literally. The reason the hype for DeRozan and on weren't as high was because the hype moved from high school and middle school to yes, elementary-schoolers. Who are supposed to be the next prodigies, you ask? A quick Google search and Jayshaun Augosto, Jaylin Flemming, and Jerron Love populate the page. However, this isn't an ethical piece, I won't mention the possible psychological concerns that will face the young prodigies as they grow, such is not my intent (not with this piece anyway).

My intent however was to explain the origins and the current result of the notion of "the future." To review: It started with MJ, Grant Hill failing accelerated the need, Kobe wasn't there, LeBron transformed hype, "phenoms" followed, and now "prodigies" have arrived. But back to the second part of this question: "Why is it now so important for us to proclaim an individual as 'the future'?" It's important for us to proclaim someone as such because it gives us the "weatherman sense", the sense that we can predict the future, that we are indeed agents of time, or like they're called in the history books, literary epics (such as Oedipus), and awesome movies like the Matrix... "oracles", we aspire to be oracles of fate! This is perhaps the most basic psychological reasoning for our perpetual need to find "the future" before he actually arrives.



3. So how about Brandon Jennings and John Wall, are they "the future"? I suppose the smart answer would be to say, "it's too early to tell!" But I have no intent of giving a smart answer. To expand upon my above definition of the future, I shall argue that such a player would be top 3 at his position. The current crop of top 3 PGs in the NBA (disclaimer: IMO) are Derron Williams, Chris Paul, and Derrick Rose. Will both Jennings and Wall thrust themselves into that elite class above, as well as beat out similar aged elite talents (Stephen Curry, Tyreke Evans, Rajon Rondo, Russell Westbrook, and Ricky Rubio)? If say "The Doctor" takes us 15 years into the future and we're having a discussion, my feeling on how we'd rank these current talents will be something like:

10. Ricky Rubio- Questionable competitive spirit, lacks great athleticism, average shot
9. Rajon Rondo- Below Average shot, Terrible free throws, not clutch
8. Stephen Curry- Very finesse game, defense is below average, He's Steve Nash-esq
7. Russell Westbrook- Average shot, not elite in any category
6. Tyreke Evans- Character concerns, durability, limited explosiveness
5. Brandon Jennings- Streaky shooter, size
4. Chris Paul- size, durability (mainly durability)
3. John Wall- Turnovers, average shot
2. Derrick Rose- Above average mid-range, bad long range shooter, court vision
1. Derron Williams- Above average defender

So no, I have only one of them living up to the status of "the future" while the other should be "close" but no dice. But I suppose the true difficulty is the title of this post. Is the future coming to soon? It used to be that the best PGs in the NBA usually laid claim to that moniker for sometime. John Stockton, Jason Kidd, Steve Nash, Gary Payton, Magic Johnson, Isaiah Thomas. Now we have so many up and coming PGs already in the NBA and it seems like every other year that their is a new up and coming prodigy PG on the horizon. It appears to be lowering the shelf life of an elite NBA PG to some extent, shortening the life of that PGs dominance. Both Williams and Paul have only been in the NBA for 5 years yet already their are young talents at their position that are pushing (and will continue to push) them for two of the top 3 spots.

Over-saturating the PG position will increase competition, yes. But with so many HS phenoms moving to the pros as PGs, it takes away some of the significance that the best PGs in the NBA have to offer. If guys 1-10 will now be on a similar talent level does the PG position not lose relevance? Not that they're a dime a dozen (yet), but it used to be that a PG in the top 3 could get you not just to the playoffs but deep in the playoffs year in and year out. It used to be that a top PG had a similar value to a top bigman. That a great PG could come in and have almost an immediate impact (like RBs in football) But with the influx of PG talent, it appears the value creeps lower and lower, as "the future" comes much faster than we ever expected.

But how about it, do you think I'm right? Is the future truly coming too soon, for the PG position at least? In another 15 years how would you rank the current crop of young PGs we have at our disposal? Be sure to leave your comments below!

Recap of 2010 NBA Free Agency...

As the cold winds washed over, softly lashing at our perceiving frames, the hustle and bustle that was the 2010 NBA free agency period has finally - for all intents and purposes - come to an end.

The pseudo event began with Rudy Gay resigning with Memphis (5 yrs/81.6 mil), Amare Stoudemire going to NY Knicks (5 yrs/100 mil), and Joe Johnson staying in Atlanta (for one of the worst contracts in sports history). Talented teams bolstered their ranks, such as the LA Lakers signing Steve Blake (4 yrs/16 mil), the Boston Celtics signing Jermaine O'Neal, and the Orlando Magics signing Chris Duhon (4 yrs/15 mil). Chicago then landed a big fish when they signed Carlos Boozer to a 5 yrs/$75 million deal.

Then as the first week of July passed things began to Heat up... literally. Both Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh signed with the Miami Heat (as the gypsy predicted in my previous post)... but waiting to announce how much they would sign for. The speculation only increased. Why would they commit, but not sign a contract? Well we all know what came next, "The Decision" which sparked many parodies, user generate content, and a massive LeBron image fall out in the eyes of fans, media members, and former players. The decision that had LeBron taking his talents to south beach.

After the summer of LeBron was officially over the action didn't cease. The Bulls used the time to bolster their up and coming unit, acquiring skilled sharp-shooter Kyle Korver, talented wing defender Ronnie Brewer, and the surly veteran backup bigman Kurt Thomas. The NY Knicks continued to make improvements by signing and trading David Lee to the Warriors for Anthony Randolph, Ronnie Turiaf, and Keleena Azubuike. Utah rehabilitated their roster after both Boozer and Korver left by trading for Al Jefferson and signing free agent Raja Bell. The Super Heat then continued to add talent to their team acquiring veterans Juwan Howard, Zydrunas Ilgauskas, as well as retaining a number of former players. The defending champion, Los Angeles Lakers, followed suit by further upgrading their roster by signing gritty veteran bigman Theo Ratliff and then later that day stealing Matt Barnes away from the Eastern conference powerhouse Orlando Magics for only 1.7 million dollars. Perhaps the final relevant free agent signing came as the Heat were able to acquire career long ball specialist, Eddie House on a 2 years, 2.8 million dollar contract.

The biggest name left in free agency appears to be Tracy McGrady, but at this point in his career and after working out with multiple teams and not receiving a contract... it appears he may be headed towards either retirement, or worse, be signed by a bad team for the sole purposes of increasing their ticket and jersey sales. Either way, roughly one month after its start, this free agency period has come to its relative end; leaving many basketball fans thirsting for the upcoming (but still far away) NBA season to see "the conclusion" (will that be a Phil Jackson 4th 3-Peat, the Super Heat validating their hype? The Boston Big 3 riding off into the sunset, or some other unforeseeable outcome.) The debate over who has the best chance to win the championship has already begun (though any intelligent person will subscribe to the Lakers in this argument) now all there's left to do is wait... we only have another 8 months before our answer is provided. Until then, onto Ravens training camp!

2010 NBA Free Agency has Begun...

It happened, as the clock clicked so delicately along the 1st hour of July, the rampage has begun. Who goes where? What teams should be the favorites to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2010-11 season? And I suppose no introduction to this free agency period can be complete without the question all media channels seem to be asking... Where will LeBron James be playing??

Obviously I should start off this post by saying NO ONE knows how this free agency period will turn out... except me. I recently took a visit to a third rate gypsy shop that doubled as a bakery, the Gypsy told me her baked goods were of a special psychotropic blend. I was interesting in purchasing the cookies in particular, but since I had never tasted that flavor before, I passed (but they sound good don't they?)... Anyways back to the shop aspect, you see, this free agency ordeal has been really bothering me as of late and I simply HAD to know the truth about what's going to happen. So I sat down and Ms. Gypsy looks deep into my eyes, I got the sense that she was trapping me into her field of gypsy magic stuff. So I'm sitting there in her magic and I ask her the big question, what's going to happen with the 2010 NBA free agency? Whose going where? Where will LeBron end up?

Gypsy: LeBron James... Oh yes, I see.. I see this LeBron James going to a new team. Far away he will travel from where he has been. In this new place I smell.. I smell burning rubber and dry eggs... I see many trees and gardens lushed out over the land.

Me: I interject, are you talking about New Jersey? Is that what you see?

G: Yes, yes. I see LeBron James signing with the New Jersey Nets.

Me: Well I suppose that does make some sense. They do have by far the richest owner in the NBA, so he could certainly afford to go into the luxury tax to keep a few star players if need be. Not only that but Mikhail Prokhorov would have the global connections that could entice LeBron James. Of the league's owners, he's probably the most likely owner to be able to market LeBron into a global brand as well as possibly include LeBron in some of his business ventures outside of basketball. But that's not the only selling point that the Nets would have to offer LeBron. The other part owner just so happens to be one of LeBron's better friends, Jay Z. So the friendship angle (comfort-ability with the organization) would be there as well as the possibility for LeBron to be involved in business ventures with his buddy. If LeBron wants a clothing line, who better to help him then Jay Z? And as a Yankee fan, the Nets would provide LeBron with just as good a chance to see those Yankee games as the Knicks.

But moving back to basketball, it makes perfect sense since they are tied for 4th most cap room in free agency with 30 million. Meaning they could sign LeBron to a max deal and then also be able to offer another max contract along with all the talent they have with Brook Lopez, Devin Harris, and Derrick Favors. What do you see?

G: I see lots of action happening, it's hard to tell, but three names seem to be gravitating around me: David Lee, Anthony Morrow, and Matt Barnes.

ME: I guess I could definitely see all of that. David Lee paired with Brook Lopez would be extremely enticing for a free agent, plus with Derrick Favors coming off the bench, they'd instantly be one of the deepest front lines in the NBA, if not the most talented. Matt Barnes would bring that veteran toughness along with LeBron to a relatively young team that were losers all of last season, he'd bring the attitude they're looking for. Then Anthony Morrow would bring in a sharpshooter to take advantage of all the inside penetration that will likely come from that front line and Harris. It also wouldn't surprise me if the team were to go after a veteran backup point guard that can shoot the ball like a Luke Ridnour or a Steve Blake, since they'll need more shooters.

Okay so LeBron out of the way, where does the other guys go? You know DWade, Bosh, Amare, etc.

G: Hmm... let me focus my energies, yo-hum... hum.... I see Chris Bosh going to the Miami Heat in a sign and trade deal. I see Dwayne Wade staying with the Heat. I feel Amare in a place with lots of wind, he's there with Jesus??

Me: Do you mean Ray Allen, aka Jesus Shuttlesworth?? [she nods yes]. Yeah I could certainly see both of those options headed to the Chicago Bulls. Ray Allen makes a lot of sense because he provides them specific sets they can run into to get buckets in the half court if things stall. Also with their new head coach being Tom Thibodeau, I'm sure he'll want to bring in some veterans that understand how to play the game and what it takes to be a champion. Ray Allen would bring that champion/veteran/locker room influence that knows the coaches system to Chicago that would make him a prime addition. We know that the Bulls were highly interested in trading for Allen last season and that interest could pay dividends in making Ray feel wanted. The side benefit to the Bulls is that Allen won't likely be around for anything more than 3 years, so for an owner that's proved to be rather cheap and hasn't gone into the luxury tax since it was introduced, he could be happy with the option of bringing in a great value, that's a short term option as opposed to something longer and more costly (like a Joe Johnson).

In terms of Amare, the Bulls are going to need to bolster their front court with more talent if they hope to be able to compete for a championship next season, especially in an eastern conference that should feature an improved Heat team and a LeBron James led Nets team. I suspect Chicago would also bring some more talent, possibly a sharp-shooter like Kyle Korver, a wing defender like Ronnie Brewer, or possibly a combination of both with a talent like Travis Outlaw.

I guess the biggest question now is what will happen to the Knicks? They put it all out there into the 2010 free agency, yet they would essentially have nothing to show for it based on what's left.

G: Well as the saying goes, never put all of your eggs in one basket... it could fall and all the eggs break. Their future is really murky but I hear whispers of two names: Raymond Felton and Udonis Haslem.

ME: That's probably the worst possible scenario for NY fans since they've been waiting so long for this off-season, well Knicks fans. I'm sure many NY fans would become Nets fans with the addition of LeBron James and the upcoming move to Brooklyn. But I guess the Knicks could always sign players like that and then hope that next year they might be able to have a shot at Brooklyn born Carmelo Anthony. He entered the league in competition with LeBron and I'm sure he'd revel in the inner city competition. Melo' also played his college ball in the state at Syracuse and he seems to revel in the spotlight. But I guess they at least should know better than to trust that to fate once again. Maybe they'd consider going after Rudy Gay, he'd bring them at least an upcoming talent that could come rather cheap and give Knicks fans an offensive threat to cheer for.

So do you see anything else happening?

G: I see many NBA players resigning with their former teams. I see the Phoenix Suns making a push to sign Carlos Boozer to fill the hole left by Stoudamire. I also see the Orlando Magic making a push to attain Carlos Boozer with a sign and trade deal.

Me: What about the Lakers? Do you see them adding any free agents?

G: Yes, I do. I see the Lakers adding some older players. The spirits whisper to me the names of Tracy McGrady, Raja Bell, Brad Miller and Steve Blake. They tell me that 3 of these 4 will be Lakers...

Me: They couldn't be anymore specific? I wonder which one. But I think we can figure out that Miller would be the likely possibility. Having played in California before for the Kings, I could see him making a return to LA as a ring chaser at his last crack at a championship. The Lakers offense would also allow him to get easier post opportunities playing alongside an offensive post weapon like Gasol.

Then I think Steve Blake, while not a ring chaser could see that while LA may not be able to pay him as much as the Magics or other teams, what he loses in that, he would gain in the ability to play on a team that has high odds at winning a championship along with the money from the endorsement deals and exposure that the LA area provides. Blake hasn't much more time in his career and this will probably be his last contract, so coming to a Lakers team that's primed to be favorites again next season would make sense for him. When considering Blake's MMA talents, it increases the possibility that he could get money even after the NBA is over with, but being an NBA champion isn't something he can accomplish after his career.

I think the next signing sort of comes down to the both of them anyway. I'm not sure which to prefer, the high schooler in me prefers the Lakers go after Tracy McGrady, but I find it could be best to go after Raja Bell. A D and 3 option would do wonders for the Lakers and a backcourt lineup consisting of Bell, Bryant, Artest would be one of the greatest defensive backcourts ever assembled. Bell would replace Trevor Ariza from a few seasons ago with his ability to guard well and add about 12 points from knocking down open 3's during the course of the season. On the other hand, what McGrady could provide would be a player with potential. If he's able to be healthy and he comes at a cheap price than he could essentially provide Kobe more rest. The Lakers would be able to use McGrady as a facilitator as he excels at passing and creating players for others off the dribble. McGrady if healthy is also a streaky but explosive scorer that as a reserve, could be the best reserve player in the NBA. But it'd certainly take some self-sacrifice. Even Raja Bell would have to sacrifice his contempt for Kobe from all those years ago. Of these two, I think Tracy McGrady is probably the most likely to happen simply because he's stated that he's interested in playing for the club whereas Bell hasn't come out to state whether or not he thought signing with the Lakers would be a great possibility. Also a factor to consider is that Jerry Buss is looking to somehow conserve money and the possibility of McGrady to LA would make for a return on investment outside of his in-game basketball play. Being a former star player, McGrady's fans grabbing his new jerseys would likely bring a boost to the Lakers financially and that could possibly lead to him, in a way, paying for himself and indirectly being an ultimate return on investment.