There is the three-point contest which showcases the game's best shooters. The dunk contest (which was awful) that showcases the leagues best dunkers and the actual game which displays the leagues best players.
This year the All-Star game had a number of first-timers. Among these players were Deron Williams, Kevin Druant, Rajon Rondo, Al Horford and David Lee. Along with these first-timers were some seasoned veterans like Jason Kidd, Tim Duncan, Steve Nash and Kevin Garnett.
As we continue through this NBA season, something has occurred to me. The guys I grew up watching and emulating are now giving way to a new crop of players that a new generation will watch and emulate.
Since I was 10-years-old, Jason Kidd has been my favorite basketball player. His court vision, versatility and ability to make others better always attracted me. Kidd is an extremely rare talent and in my opinion the best point guard of the last 20 years. He has been dazzling basketball fans since 1995, but now that he is 36-years-old, Kidd has lost a little bit of quickness and flare. Due to his minor decline, a new wave of younger point-guards has entered the realms of the elite.
Deron Williams, arguably the best point-guard in the game, is the new Jason Kidd. Williams is similar to Kidd in a number of ways, he has great court vision, excellent size and the ability to make other players better. Williams finally made his first All-Star game and he deserved it. He is averaging 19 points and 10 assists a game.
The way Williams plays point-guard is something to marvel at. His crossover is the best in the league, his passes are amazing and his ability to make the big play is uncanny. Williams represents a small fraction of the growing climate change in the NBA.
With Veterans such as Jason Kidd, Tim Duncan, Kevin Garnett and Allen Iverson exiting their prime and heading toward retirement, a new wave of great players are establishing their legacies.
Kevin Durant for example is on his way to becoming the next great scorer in the NBA. With guys like Allen Iverson and T-Mac declining, the NBA needs a new great scorer. Durant can score anyway possible. He can jay it in your face, go around you, or dunk on you. Anything you can imagine Durant can do. This guy will lead the league in scoring for a number of years to come.
As my favorite player of all time, Jason Kidd, closes out his career, along with a number of other stars I grew up watching, I find myself sad. The era of NBA basketball I grew up watching is truly coming to a close. Sure, I am sad, but I am also excited to see what the next generation has to offer to the game.
Greatness
Next in line
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