While the youngsters try to shine in the summer league, the vets are getting their paydays and making huge waves around the NBA. Let’s get the biggest news (and numbers) out of the way. When I first saw Steph Curry’s five-year $201 million contract extension, I shit my pants (not literally of course, I’m not a toddler). Then the Beard comes along making Steph’s salary look like chump change and gets a whopping $228 MILLION contract until the 2022-2023 season. These guys going to make more per game over the next five years than most of us will working 40+ hours a week every week for the next several years. But to be fair, I’m not doing my job in front of millions of people and bringing in ridiculous amounts of money for my company.
The Timberwolves are pushing to become serious contenders signing 17 year veteran Jamal Crawford to a two year deal. Golden State adds another threat in signing Nick Young from the Lakers, while (not shockingly) KD, Iggy, and Shaun Livingston re-sign to the team. Who would leave a guaranteed shot at another championship ring? I mean, where else would they go and be as relevant? Orlando? Phoenix? I don’t think so.
Gordon Hayward joins Isaiah Thomas in Boston for four years to hopefully be the missing piece to take down Bron Bron and get to the finals. CP3 joins James Harden creating an exciting backcourt in Houston. Dallas gives their shining star, Dirk, two more years to where, I’m sure, he will ultimately retire. Hell the guy is like 78 years old.
The Heat decided they don’t want any more reminders of what was once the Big 3 as they said “bye-bye” to Chris Bosh. In the teams defense, Bosh was dealing with several health issues that cut the past few seasons short.
Blake Griffin entertained the idea of being something other than a Clipper. But during what I am sure was an extravagant meal (no, I don’t mean like at the local Olive Garden), the most important people of the organization along with a few of the new guys gave him the “be the leader” speech and convinced him to stay.
Now it’s time for the biggest kick in the nuts to Tennessee sports fans, Z-Bo becoming a King. The guy not only helped put the Griz on the map but also did so much for the city of Memphis ranging from giving 500 turkeys and hams to families in need at Thanksgiving to toy drives and shopping sprees with Tony Allen for hundreds of kids around Christmas. Having a rough childhood that no doubt helped to develop his rugged, bad ass playing style, he became an amazing humanitarian and genuinely great guy that put his heart and soul on the court and in the community. He is a perfect example of what a role model should be.
I remember my first NBA game was Game 3 of the first round of the Western Conference first round Grizzles v. Clippers (the Griz winning of course). Z-Bo lit up the floor going for 27 points and 11 rebounds. That city was nuts from Beale Street to local dive bars before, during, and after the game. At the time, I had never seen anything like it (now of course, Nashville during the Preds playoff run this past season blows my Memphis experience out of the water). Hell, my buddy Chase and I listened to the local post game show on the radio on the way home cheering with everything that was said like we hadn’t just seen it live. If I had a dollar for every time we talked about how much of a bitch we thought Blake Griffin was, we could have bought tickets to game 4.
But, all good things must come to an end of course. For everything he did in the eight amazing years he played there, Memphis is retiring the iconic #50. He was a key part in the Grizzlies’ 7 straight playoff appearances and leaves Memphis number 1 in franchise history in rebounds and 3rd in points. A true “grit and grind” persona that the team and city adapted and made their official slogan. I do wish him and senior citizen Vince the best of luck in Sacramento, who just acquired hella talented George Hill this offseason.
Wes Calhoun covers the NBA and NCAA basketball for The SoBros Network. He drinks beer and bourbon while cursing at the TV watching games which will most likely lead to a heart attack. Go Cats! Follow on Twitter: @WesCalhoun1229
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