The Most Ignored Dynasty in Sports:
The NBA’s most successful franchise reveals that America is a nation of hypocrites.
I have to admit that I am a nominal sports fan. I don't follow sporting news avidly with an exception of the Olympics. I do try to keep up with the latest news, as to not sound completely idiotic when other people talk about their favorites. I did grew up with a dad and five brothers who are avid sports fans, so I follow sporting conversations with a bit of knowledge and intelligence.
Having admitted that, however, I can also admit to finding the whole sports arena interesting for other reasons. First of all, sports is a huge component of our society. Since I'm a liberal arts kind of gal, that make it interesting to me. I am also interested in how sports function from a business perspective, and there can be no argument that sports is a colossal business word-wide. When sports are discussed from a psychological, or sociological perspective, sports becomes very interesting to me.
That is why I found this article from Slate about the San Antonio Spurs extremely interesting. I think Matthew Yglesias makes some very valid points about what Americans value based on the attention they give when it comes to news stories.
"America—at least in its own imagination—stands for certain things. For the idea that hard work and sound judgment bring success, and that success deserves celebration. That winners should be celebrated as long as they play by the rules. That teamwork, leadership, loyalty, and excellence all count for something. And that’s why the San Antonio Spurs, currently riding a stupendous run of 19 straight victories, are America’s favorite professional basketball team.
Except, of course, they aren’t. Not this year when they tied for the best record in the league, and not last year when they were the best in the West. Not in their 1999 championship run or the follow-ups in 2003, 2005, and 2007. Not for a single moment amid the glorious 15-year run with coach Gregg Popovich and big man Tim Duncan have the Spurs captured the imaginations of the American people or even its basketball fans. That’s because we are, ultimately, a nation of hypocrites that prefers drama queens, bad boys, and flukes to simple competence and success."
