Although I'm not a huge NBA fan, I always find myself watching the finals and being amp'd up for the draft each year. The 2013 draft didn't have the dazzle that past drafts have approached the late June humidity with in the past. There were no big names, no dazzling freshmen phenom, not even a big man who everyone knows will dominate. That's where the problem lies with the NBA. I personally thought the draft was very interesting, the Atlanta Hawks for example drafted 2 players from overseas. Many project all three of these players to be ideal bench players with the potential or ceiling of each of these players to be extremely high depending on their commitment on becoming bigger, strong and faster. The third player selected through the draft filled another need, the Center position. I have absolutely no problems with the way my home town team drafted. Danny Ferry and Coach Bud came from the Spurs who thrive on international talent. If the Hawks draft surprised anyone, you need to do your research son! Also the Hawks recently hired Quinn Snyder, who has been coaching and scouting overseas for the last few years. Anyway, onto the problem. Want to know why this draft sucked in terms of college talent? Look no further than the man at the podium. David Stern, you sir are a great money making machine in terms of putting the heart beat back into a league that was struggling when you took power. However, if you for once think allowing players after one year of college join your league was a good idea, you are dead wrong! The reason everyone is so weary of Nerlens Noel is because the kid tore his ACL and because the NBA is what it is, Nerlens took the millions over a year of rehab and excellent learning at Kentucky. I blame you Mr. Stern and Adam Silver will fare no better I'm afraid.
Tonight, my friends and I will descend on the Ted in droves with thousands of other fans awaiting the opportunity to see the end of an era in Atlanta. The number ten will see its final display at Turner Field while being retired into Braves lore. Was #10 a good role model off the field? Not exactly, just ask the Hooters waitresses. Was #10 a great public speaker? Chipper really knew the words to say and seemed odd speaking in public. However, was #10 a professional? Absolutely! Chipper Jones was just what the doctor ordered for the Atlanta Braves and its die hard fans for almost 20 years. Chipper never once insisted that his off field behavior was that of being a role model, but what he did on the field is what made children and adults want to strive to be better athletes, and for that very reason, tonight's ceremonies will end a piece of my childhood that will never be forgotten. Thank you Chipper for teaching respect, discipline and loyalty to all of us who grew up watching you.
