Many all-time greats believe the term “power forward” was invented by New York sportswriters looking for a way to describe Dave DeBusschere, who played every minute on the court with reckless abandon.
Tag Archives: Jerry Sloan
Nate Thurmond: Welcome to the Machine, 1975
Dick Motta pretends not to count the years he will have Thurmond. He thinks instead of the years he didn’t have Thurmond. “I’ll tell you personally how I feel about it,” said Motta. “I’ve been in this league seven years, and I deserved the right to coach Nate Thurmond.”
Stockton to Malone, and All That Jazz, 1989
It’s no wonder that Jazz coach Jerry Sloan, when asked if he’d trade Stockton-Malone for any other point guard-power forward combination in the NBA says, without hesitation, “No,” and looks at you like you’re crazy to even ask.
Oscar Robertson: Picture of Consistency
It is true. Robertson is a perfectionist. Whenever the subject is basketball, the Big O wants to be the best, the absolute best.
Norm Van Lier: Stormy Weather, 1978
Even now, as he prepares to join the select circle of athletes who’ve lasted for a decade at the top, Van Lier treasures that advise. “First of all, I was taught to respect my coach and my opponent,” he says. “If a young player can’t learn to do that, he won’t respect himself.”
Norm Van Lier: The Boos and the Cheers, 1978
Van Lier talks about being in the twilight years, but he really doesn’t believe that. He still talks about playing another four years under his present contract agreement with the Bulls.
It’s Murder Under the Basket, 1976
No officiating changes are going to eliminate rough play from professional basketball. It has become part of the game, every aspect of it.
The NBA’s Five Most-Underrated Players, 1968
If we missed your favorite underrated player, we’re sorry. But it just proves that you’re right—he’s so underrated, even the experts never got to him!
Running and Gunning with Reggie Theus, 1979
On the Chicago roster, Theus is listed as a guard, something of a misnomer. Actually, he’s an entertainer.
Bob Love: The Bodacious Butterbean, 1972
Through it all, Bob Love, the “defensive” forward, remained with Chicago, which was fine with Butterbean. He just wanted to play, knowing that if he ever got the green light, he’d be a star.
From Way Downtown 