It’s that awkward time of year full of holiday parties, yule logs, and harassing strangers about the Electoral College. Happy Friday. Here are my passes of the week:
Honorable Mention: #SagerStrong
He may have never gotten an NBA assist, but Craig Sager spent decades on the sidelines doing just that. The suits were colorful, but the bond he shared with players, coaches, and fans was universal and kindred. Mr. Sager simply loved the game, and gave it everything he had:
RIP to my buddy Craig. My heart goes out to Stacy and the kids. He always took care of me and I’ll always be grateful. pic.twitter.com/jApWYzSizh
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) December 15, 2016
#3 Don’t Forget The Joker
Mike Malone has the unenviable task in Denver finding minutes for a mix of veterans and youth. Stuck in the middle of this cluster is Nikola Jokic, who played out of position to start the season, then offered to come off the bench (where he floundered), and finally earned the starting center spot. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: he’s the most underrated player in the league:
That assist though…
😎😎😎 #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/nKCpyHuO5g
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 16, 2016
#2 Half Man, Full Assault
I don’t know how Vince Carter is still standing. He’s like the scene in Pulp Fiction where Travolta and Jackson are shot at like crazy, but all the bullets miss. Defying science and gravity, Vinsanity continues to be a pivotal bench player as he approaches the wrong side of 40. I mean, check out this full court bomb that’s right on the money:
#1 Respect The Crown
LeBron and his safety pin suit crossed yet another milestone this week, garnering his 7,000th career assist; a feat not achieved by Bob Cousy, Kobe, Bird, nor Michael Jordan. Crazy thing about the guys ahead of ‘Bron on the all-time list—they’re all guards. Every single one of them. Relish the royalty while we still have him around. Here’s King James with his 7,000th for the dime of the week:
