He has become the prototypical player for the basketball fan of the future. He enjoys himself in action, and he makes sure you enjoy yourself watching him.
Author Archives: bobkuska
Red Auerbach: The Aborted Interview, 1978
oday, people are playing ball with one eye looking up at dollar signs. They figure they cannot make it by playing defense and by being a sacrificing team player.
NBA Rebels: Are They Worth the Trouble? 1995
On national television, Charles Barkley kicks in folding chairs, Scottie Pippen throws them. And these furniture guys are the Jordan Heirs?
Who is Derrick Coleman? 1993
Despite wearing a scowl on the court, instead of a smile like Magic Johnson, Coleman plays the game just as hard, just as smart, and with more finesse than just about any other power forward in the NBA.
Checking in with Bill Melchionni
Bill Melchionni, a three-time ABA all-star with the New York Nets, recently joined the podcast No Weak Stuff to talk about his basketball career, from Villanova University to the pros (NBA and ABA). Melchionni discusses the 1973-1974 Nets, the youngest ABA title team, and its similarities with last season’s young Oklahoma City Thunder squad. MelchionniContinue reading “Checking in with Bill Melchionni”
Farewell to Bob Cousy, 1963
A couple of players were in one corner, autographing basketballs. Auerbach was sitting alone, reading mail. We shook hands, and I said, “What about Cousy?”
“What can you say when you know you’re going to lose the greatest backcourtman who ever lived?” Red said. “Nobody will ever take his place. There’s only one Cousy.”
Bob Cousy Day: Take Two, 1963
There were no stoics at the Garden. Men and women wept without shame and with pride and love. It was like that folk song line, “The tears flowed like wine.”
Bob Cousy: The Farewell Tour, 1963
Luckily, the guest of honor had written out his sentiments in advance, but he failed miserably in trying to hold back a flood of tears.
Rasheed Wallace’s Sixth Sense, 1999
When I asked if he was interested in competing for the NBA’s coveted Sixth Man Award, Wallace just laughs. “Oh, I wouldn’t mind getting a trophy to put up on my mantle, but that’s not a goal.”
Three-Point Shot: Pro Basketball’s Big Bomb? 1971
Imagine the excitement in Madison Square Garden if one of the Knicks sank a three-point play in the closing minutes of a stretch-run game. It would be pandemonium.
From Way Downtown 