Okay, so I was writing up this piece for FanHouse last night (he said totally shamelessly) about Robert Horry’s “pick” (read: kindof foul) on David West last night and how Big Shot Bob might be becoming a dirty player these days. I don’t know how you feel about that particular topic but feel free to disagree in the comments. That’s not what this is about. What this is about is whether you, dear reader, would rather be Robert Horry, owner of seven NBA championship rings and one of the greatest clutch playoff shooters of all time, or would you rather be someone like Karl Malone? (Or Charles Barkley, bearing in mind that your off court activity does not count here.) In other words, which NBA legacy would you pick — the rings or the GOAT (top 50) status?
As a refresher, BSB’s top 10, as randomly decided by someone who has a YouTube account, clutch playoff moments.
Now that you remember some of his great moments — and how the hell is number two not number one here???? — what do you think? Clutch shooter with seven championships or a sure fire Hall of Famer?
Personally, I take the sure fire Hall of Famer, although I can’t imagine the miserable feeling that Barkely, Stockton, Malone, etc have to get, knowing they were some of the best at what they do but were never able to actually win a championship. That’s probably because my motivation is fleeting and has an attention span of like 30 seconds, but if I were a great basketball player, it would probably kill me to have never won a championship. Still, I’m taking the Hall. How about yourself?
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s a tough one … but I might have to disagree with you.
The Hall would be amazing, no doubt about it. To have your name listed among the best of all time would be incredible.
But for that, you’d give up SEVEN rings? Seven times you’ve ran to mid-court with your teammates after climbing to the peak of the mountain?
You spend all of the off-season preparing for game day … so that you can win … so that you can make the playoffs … so that you have a shot at the trophy.
Championships are why you play the game … not personal awards like the Hall.
Like I said … tough choice.
I ten times rather be the dirty clutch player than the quasi lovable loser.
” You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villian.” Dark Knight Trailer, Aarron Eckart’s Character, 2008
Horry should be respected, unlike Stephen A. Smith did last night during the pre-game chat, who blew him off with a “paaahhhlease” look into the camera. Seven rings, 238 playoff games…hall worthy in my eyes.
Barkley retired in his 30’s with ten times the coin Big Shot Bob has.
Do you honestly think Barkley gives a damn that he doesn’t have a ring? Today?
Sure, in 93, he may have felt a little sting called “pride,” fucking with him, but now?
He’s up to his elbows in box and throws around hundred dollar chips like nickels.
Getting a ring can be as much luck as anything. If I had to choose, I’d take the HOF and the knowledge that I was one of the best ever at my job. Not a single championship team that Horry was on got there soley because of him. Also, it was the defensive focus on other members of Horry’s teams that made it possible for him to make some of those big shots. If I have to choose between being Horry or Barkley, I’m going to pick Sir Charles everytime.