Willis Reed was past 30 now, and in the compressed lifespan of athletics that is to be past middle-age. It is a time when the body begins to betray its promises of youth, a time when the infinite resilience and boundless energy start to become less dependable certainties.
Tag Archives: Milwaukee Bucks
Jon McGlocklin: Straight, No Chaser, 1975
Jon McGlocklin is probably right about one thing—he may never get the recognition due him for his versatility as a basketball player.
Marques Johnson: Wanting into the Dream Showcase, 1984
Former great forward Rick Barry, asked to compare Marques Johnson and Julius Erving, replied, “That’s difficult. It’s like comparing Mantle to Mays.”
Sidney Moncrief’s Special Success Formula, 1984
Last season, he again was brilliant, soaring over the 20-point mark in scoring for the first time in his NBA career and being named to the Western Conference All-Star team for the second year in a row.
The Quiet Rebellion of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, 1972
His new name translates from the Arabic into the generous servant of the all-powerful—Kareem (generous), Abdul (the servant), Jabbar (all-powerful or subduer).
The Truth Behind the Chamberlain-Jabbar Feud, 1973
Friendship was only skin deep. But competition was their lives and does not wipe away the driving force of one’s existence simply because some young man comes along and you like him.
Charles Barkley’s Bitter End, 1986
The loud, proud burghers of Milwaukee streamed out of the stands to gather behind Barkley and blister his ears until Maurice Cheeks came back to lead him to quiet, if not necessarily peace.
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.
David Thompson’s Leap to Fortune, 1979
There are, in all of basketball, only two players who can play their worst of games—play like any other jump shooter from Oshkosh for 47 minutes, 57 seconds—yet leave 15,000 people awestruck with one incredible moment. There are only two: Julius Erving and David Thompson.
Bob Lanier: Milwaukee Bound, 1980
Bob Lanier scored points. Bob Lanier grabbed rebounds. Bob Lanier pitched assists. Bob Lanier added spirit. And the second-place Bucks were challenging again, two to three games from the lead.
From Way Downtown 