3/5/24

Jay C. Brandriet

There were some interesting topics two shows had on FS1 last week.

Who is the next face of the NBA?

Difficult to answer.

That turned into…..

Since the late 1970’s who are the guys, we can say have been “THE face of the NBA?”

“First Things First” tackled the question.

Nick Wright and Chris Broussard both agreed that there were eight men.

The next day, Colin Cowherd said there were “only four.”

His group was Magic, Michael, Shaq, and LeBron.

I think Colin is five short on this one.

There are dozens who have been AMONG the faces.

I believe nine have been THE guy.

THE NINE FACES OF THE NBA SINCE 1975

JULIUS ERVING

The player my basketball heroes idolized.

That red, white and blue ball in the ABA.

Those large hands and sweet afro.

A nickname like… “Dr. J.”

When I was growing up watching, Doc had just retired.

Seeing that man walk down the hall with his suits and that aura of class?

That’s a face of the NBA.

KAREEM ABDUL-JABBAR

None of the three broadcasters chose Kareem.

I understood the point that Jabbar was aloof and wasn’t always in harmony with the media.

I think you have to count Kareem.

Anyone that loved the NBA in the much less visible 1970’s and into the mid 1980’s explosion, would know who Jabbar was.

The goggles.

The skyhook.

Having hilarious lines in the movie “Airplane” was a big deal.

Add in his greatness?

He’s almost a face by default.

MAGIC JOHNSON

Everything you needed to know about Earvin’s ability and charisma was in the word Magic.

We don’t even use his real name.

A smile, and NBA face for the ages.

LARRY BIRD

The Herd’s reason for leaving off Bird?

“Larry didn’t want it. He was Midwest, and all business.”

So what?

If someone is a key force in saving pro basketball, they’re a face, like it or not.

Bird and Magic are a package deal.

MICHAEL JORDAN

He’s the symbol of basketball excellence and the globalization of the game.

Some haters credit his shoe, and the Jumpman symbol for the grip he has over people.

It’s THE WAY JORDAN PLAYED THE GAME that made the shoes and logo so legit.

THE face.

SHAQUILLE O’NEAL

Then, he was a larger-than-life athlete and character.

Always building a brand.

Today we know Shaq as one of the most recognizable, likeable, celebrities on earth.

Approachable face.

KOBE BRYANT

Herd said no on Kobe, calling him “MJ light” and bringing up his controversies.

Bryant’s villain stage only made him more polarizing.

He wore a Lakers uniform for two decades.

His attitude was engaging, inspiring, and abrasive.

Acting like Mike as a youngster, rubbed fans the wrong way.

It was later seen as, he copied Mike and pulled it off.

Kobe’s skills, brains, and hunger?

He was a main face.

LEBRON JAMES

LeBron and the Dallas Cowboys have been THE center piece of debate television for years.

James has carried basketball during the rise of social media.

No star player in sports history has endured the volume of critique LeBron has.

Definition of a face.

STEPHEN CURRY

Colin disregarded Steph, saying “he’s never been the best player.”

Irrelevant!

He’s been close enough.

Curry is better at some things than anyone else that’s lived.

A top 12 guy ever, who’s won big?

Steph is an obvious face.

Jay C. Brandriet