Music, me, you, Race and Random Ramblings.

 I've always felt the most judgement in life isn't reserved for how much money you make.

 

How much you have given to charity

How nice you are

Your fashion

Your kicks

Your game

Your body

 

People reserve their ultimate judgement for your taste in music.

 

Music is the ultimate cool kid at a party. 
 

Tribes are formed along these lines. Factions built. And yes, even wars waged.

 

I'm OBSESSED by music. My mum was actually a professional singer in India, even played on the radio... Many of my early memories of life were filled with her singing to me. If you've heard her sing it's pretty heavenly... 

 

When you're at school people judge, jury and execute you for your taste in music. Me I was straight bullied. 

I was into Hip Hop, Gangster Rap. Even RnB. The challenger brand to grunge. 

At Sydney Boys high - I was in a very small vocal minoity of 2. Me and my homey Richard Michael.

 

Pac. Westside. Everywhere I walked in school people yelled out "Yo black homey G". I guess they thuoght I was pretending to be African American by dressing and listening to hip hop. I guess most people saw it as a bit of fun and didn't take it too seriously. 

Maybe I was misappropriating..

 

I dressed Hip Hop coz most kids in my neigbourhood did. Most of the "Honiez" in my hood went out with the "Gs" who dressed hip hop. My idol was Michael Jordan and the NBA and Hip-Hop were inseparable. Jam?

 

It was a time in the 90s where this was a new emerging fashion trend in Australia. Hip Hop wasn't pop yet. What I got repeated to me every day was "You're not black Vik!"

 

The voice in my head always replied "You're not white either Vik…." 

You are dirty, poor, smelly, brown.

 

You are not cool. You are a fukin curry. You're a curry muncher. 

Words that have been repeated to me over the years. Random people at a cricket game. People trying to start a fight with me. Friends in jest. 

I've repeated those same words in my head far more than anyone has uttered them to me my entire life. Words I'm ready to let go now. 

 

I grew up loving Michael Jackson. Ironically, not very popular to love the 'King of pop'. One of my proudest childhood moments was me saving 13 weeks of my $1 a week pocket money to buy the 'Bad' Cassette. I remember being $3 short at the Target counter with the teenage checkout attendant diligently counting every dollar. My dad threw in $3. He was my hero.

 

I remember anytime my parents left me home alone the first thing I’d do was grab that "Bad" cassette & our old ass ghetto stereo. You know the type. You used to hit the record and play buttons simultaneously as soon as a good song came on the radio. It had antennas you had to physically hold to get good reception. The cassete doors were wide open as the metallic plastic cover over the cassettes was broken off decades ago. 

I'd lie down on the ground and put my ear next to the speaker. Press Play. And turn the volume up to 10. 

 

The heartbeat at the beginning of 'smooth criminal' would  grab my soul... The scream Hii-hoo-WHOOO! Nothing made me feel more alive.

 

In year five at Summer Hill Public School I became part of a crew probably because I was so open about my love for music. Boyz II Men, Arrested Development and whatever the girl I liked was what I was into. We openly sang songs together every day at school and I loved it. 

 

My best mate Danny was a massive influence. Introducing me to Prince, 80s music and just shared my obsession for music. I felt I wasnt alone in having music as the driving force in my life. 

 

Getting to high school I realised my three favourite artists were the big three in pop. MJ, Prince and Madonna. Going to a boys school it wasn't very cool to like Madonna so I kept it to myself. But "The Imacculate Collection" Greatest Hits Compilation was one of my favourite albums. Funny now how I reflect that Madonna felt less manly than 'he's just sooo sensitive' MJ and 4 foot 8 "Blouses" Prince. 

 

Madonna ended up going out with Dennis Rodman a few years later who is my champion of presenting alternative views of masculinity which is what Top Blokes is all about. Thinkin back there was definitely a need to project like the stereotypical 'Arnie' or 'Rocky' male at a boys school. 

 

So I get to high school and the hate is real. It's vicious. I start getting into Nirvana, Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Rage Against The Machine and Tool because that's what the cool kids were into. And the music was great so I embraced and still  love it today.

But I could never let go of my love for hip hop despite many people just saying you can't like both! Why not? "It doesn't matter if you're black or white". 

Years later I'm finally starting to be accepted by the cool kids in year 11. One of the most accepting and genuine nice dudes Alex was nice enough to invite - me the nerd - to his party. We clicked over basketball and Lion King. He was a black belt and 6'2 so he made it cool to be into Disney. 

My best mate from primary school Danny was also there. He was like "we should make a documentary about how this guy's taste in music turned so tragic. A cautionary tale". Ouch...

 

That actually really hurt. I was just starting to be accepted by 'the cool kids'. Now I was getting teased again by one of my music mentors. I was on the outside again. 

I'm still grateful to Alex to this day for inviting me. And to Danny for introducing me to Prince. 

Going to the MJ History concert at 17 when all I was listening to at the time was Grunge and Pac was strange. It was off brand. Like a throwback. 

I wasn't sure what to expect. When he Broke out "Annie are you ok" tears were gushing down both cheeks. That's when I knew. That's when I knew his music would always be part of my life. His Story would be linked with my story. 

I didnt actively listen to Michael for five years after the doco released and confirmed what I knew to the general public. But his music is inescapable and I don't want to celebrate him but can't deny his music is 'another part of me'. My daughter Jasmine is now really getting into him and I worry. But I have no problem that her favourite song has the lyrics "It don't matter if you're black or white'. She is already concious of her colour and it's important to me she goes through less of what I did. 

I related to Kurt Cobain, Eddie Vedder and Billy Corgan. Their poetic lyrics struck a chord in my "Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness" teen years. 

But 2Pac sang about growing up with a single mum. Biggie talked about how he went from rags to riches. TLC talked about getting hot and heavy. I identified more and still do to this day to the narrative of Hip Hop. 

Hip Hop's story is the minority story. NWA sang "Fuk the police." Police hassled me everywhere I went. Probably because I dressed hip hop. My girlfriend when I was 20 told me that her mum worked for the Marrickville cops but quit because of their heavy levels of racism. The whole unit was sacked a year later for deep levels of corruption. They had shook me down many times growing up. Yea Fuk tha police. I don't hold those views now. But as a young man I identified with it. And was outraged at Rodney King and the injustice it brought to my attention."When something happens in South Central LA.... Nothing Happens... Its just another <brother> dead". I am sad that those lyrics still have meaning in 2020, but I am hopeful with The Black Lives Matter Movement that things are changing. 

I watched 'Boyz N the Hood' and while it wasn't gun violence I could relate. 

I was rolled four times in high school. A lot of people at school made fun of me for that. 

But I think it was a product of where I lived and where I hung out. It did make me want to join a gang. That was one of the only ways I thought I would never get rolled again. Have protection. Do the rolling.

Thank god I didn’t. Most of my mates who did are in Jail now. Or dead. Dude I hanged out every summer holidays playin ball and listening to 2pac with ended up stabbing a dude 50times and is in jail right now. True story.

 

I'm small and have been picked on by bouncers and people wanting to start fights my whole life. Kicked out of pubs for having one drink. I never thought it was coz of my colour but my friends acknowledged it happened too frequently to be a coincidence. Couldn’t possibly be coz of my colour right? It's probably not. Because of my size. My loudness. My high levels of expression and emotion. My high pitched voice. And yea my laugh which attracts attention :)

 

Growing up I never really hung out with Indian crews. I kinda wish I did. Ironically I don't think my identity would have been based on me being Indian as much. My brownness probably wouldn’t have come up as much. Then again when I have hung with Indian crews they jokingly call me 'Latte' coz of my light skin.

 

That's the crazy thing. This entire blog is about how people judge you because of your music. 

But there is one thing people judge you for before music. And that's your colour. Let's be real. It’s the first thing people see.

 

I teach Jaya the word for 'dog'. Then I teach her to say "Brown Dog", "White Dog" "Black Dog".

 

Any denying it would just be lunacy. Any notion that we don't use this heuristic to make decisions also flawed. But we can be aware of it and all its biases. 

So I for one am so grateful society is woke today. 

I'm grateful theres a growing awareness around this stuff and we are PC. 

I'm glad comedians are finding ways to be funny without quick racial stereotypes (though I laughed with everyone else at Eddie Murphy, Dave Chapelle and still do).

 

I love that my daughter loves singing "It don't matter if your black or white". I love that I can write my thoughts and we have freedom of speech.

 

I was proud to not hang with other Indians at school - as this made me cooler in my mind.

How stupid.

How disgusting.

How utterly embarrasaing and shameful.

Irony here is hanging with Asian crews I often got picked on for being sweaty, fat and hairy.

Things I'd like to think i'm pretty much on par with within my own race (but yea I am probably two distributions above the mean in sweatiness even within the Indian sample). 

Ultimate minority within a minority. 

I've spent my entire life trying to be accepted and seeking for people's approval. Now I've accepted I will never be by mainstream society. That I'll always be different. Picked on for that. 

And I am coming to peace with that... 

 

I was embarrassed and ashamed of my culture. My colour. People always were shocked I was Indian. The comments I got the most as a teen were;

 

"You're really good looking for an Indian."

"You can't be Indian you have to be half."

 

So I lied about where I was from as I hit my teens. Saved an akward conversation. My friends latched on and were pissed I'd get girls with my South American, Italian, Filipino or even American-Indian looks. I learned phrases in different languages so I could talk the walk. It was amazing how much more success I'd have with girls when I wasn't Indian. 

Antonio Banderas or Apu?

 

Even five years ago after listening to my hip-hop dominated music for a night a well meaning 45 year old dude said "Vik you're not black'. I snapped back "Am I white?" Why is it acceptable for an Indian bloke to be into American Bruce Springsteen and Nirvana but not American hip hop? Why is that such a jarring and uncomfortable idea for so many Aussies? Something I'm going to continue to ask.

Even today in work circles I've always felt like an outsider because of my taste in music. Now in a job where I am working predominantly with people from less affluent backgrounds. For the first time in my life I feel like I belong. 

 

My identity is as an Indian-Australia, who sees myself as a global citizen is something I've reckoned with into my 30s. Something I'm still accepting and trying to reconcile at 40. I've lived in Japan and speak the language. 

I've worked for the United Nations Refugee Agency. I've read and studied Bennedict Anderson's "Imagined Communities". Learned about how borders aren't real. How nations are just large NGOs. We have these imagined communities. These fictitious lines which are bonded by flags, laws and yes Johnny Farnham. 

I grew anti-nationilstic - but pro-global. Pro Uniting Nations. I've worked in International Development for most of the last 15 years. 

But yea I love Johnny, Jimmy and even Kylie! 

I also LOVE Patty and the boomers who make sure that they only listen to Aussie music on every bus ride which I think is genius! 

One of the saddest things I've seen in International Development is how the Australian Government has influenced the International Aid sector for Geo-Political reasons. Something I feel the sector doesn't talk about enough. 

Anyway. Today. I love Britney. I love Madonna. I love MJ's music (though he is a horrible man who I actively didn’t listen to for 5 years). And these are the 50 songs which havehad the biggest influence on my life until today. 

 

I won’t apologise for my taste in music.

 

I don’t care what you think about it. But I kinda do. 

This post makes me feel very vulnerable but this year I'm slowly learning to be more vulnerable.

 

But I do want to know if there are songs on this list which have influenced you. Which you also identify it.  If we could form some sub-tribes. And I do want to know what are your favourite songs of all time. Because I wanna hang out with your tribe.

 

Music is tribal. It's the way we identified, Socialised. We've even had mating rituals for millenia around dance and music! Anyone wanna go clubbing?

 

This is a very long read so thank you if you are still here.

So what songs in this list do you dig? 

Do you share any of my guilty pleasures?  

And what are the songs that have influenced you the most in your life?

 

I don't care about judging you. I'm always looking for new sources of inspiration. But also to connect to people over music because it can be unifying. 

The great white lie

The Great White Lie...

George Floyd Video - warning - distressing scenes included

I've been told my entire life to calm down. That I'm overly emotional. To grow thick skin.... Mostly by white people whom I love and were looking out for my interests. People trying to help me.

I'm not racist...  I even have lots of friends who are white....See the irony?

Racism has always struck a chord with me.

Maybe its because my cousin got bashed when he was young just for being brown in a country town.

Maybe its because I've been called "smelly curry c$!t"" in light jest over 100 times.

Maybe it's because I've endured racist jokes throughout my lifetime. Jokes about aboriginals predominantly about their brown skin which matches mine. But also racist jokes against Asians, Africans, Lebanese, & Indians.

Often with people often qualifying me prior 'You're an Aussie right"....

"Course mate"

Like they had any intention of stopping even if I hesitated. Not that I ever did. Too scared....

The worst part is that then... I'd always have to laugh, no matter how disgusted I was.

To think more than half my life i was ashamed of being Indian. I can't explain why. But we just weren't cool like Italians, Japanese or Americans. We didnt have Al Pacino, Kill Bill or MTV.

It's an identity issue I've owned and I now have great self esteem in my race despite still getting "Apu'd" on a regular basis. I still believe "People should be judged not only on the colour of their skin but on the content of their character..."

Tibo Rogers. A refugee from Sierra Leonne.
Tibo Rogers. The hardest working bloke I've ever met.
Tibo Rogers. A bloke who never saw his family again from 9.
Tibo Rogers. Who got educated in a refugee camp where he lived for 17 years.
Tibo Rogers. A bloke who has moved 4 times in his life for insecure, hard jobs at UNHCR  because he wanted to give back.

Tibo Rogers from a white man in the city of Brisbane while I was next to him in front of 100 people in broad daylight.
"F*&K OFF TO YOUR OWN COUNTRY YOU BLACK C$!T". 

I hate racism because it strips away all your accomplishments - all your efforts. All your love. To reducing you to an inferiority based on your skin colour. People of dark skin are seen as inferior in society because the world tells us this and reinforces it through media, story books, toys, history. Everything we grew up with. 

Al Clayton who is a prominent Fundraiser who often keynotes at conferences once explained the three archetypes of homo sapiens in a talk I attended in 2014. 

1. The Planner/ Builder - They build things. Plan and strategise. They are the rulers of the world now as they can make Visions turn to Reality. Civil engineers, entrepreneurs, CEOs. They play an important function in today's society.

2. The Nurturer - They care for others. Nurses, Teachers, Social Workers. My industry is filled with compassionate nurturers and they play a vital function in society

3. The Warrior - Traditionally and historically this archetype was neccasary. Today in a peaceful, ordered society they have no value adding function to most...

These people are said to have Bi-Polar and are overly emotional. They look to change the norm of society through war. They are fighters.

Two of these people are Adolf Hitler and Winston Churchill. What they have a particular skill in is rallying a group into action. Using their emotion to galvanise a crowd. I don't ever want to even appear to praise a man as despicable as Hitler but no historian could deny the fact that he had a skill to whip a crowd into a ferver. If you don't believe me watch this. Hitler's speech in 1936. This power can be used for good or evil - and we have had warriors like Hittler, and others like Gandhi who were also driven by their indignation and emotional reaction to an event (Gandhi being kicked off a train for being brown).

These people are said to have little to no value in society today because we aren't at war. Because emotion leads to instability. And instability to change. But why are we so against change?

Because life is pretty good for some...

The great white lie. I no longer feel warriors are without value. Just annoying to those who rule.

I'm not saying we should riot. I'm not saying we should go to war. My life has been spent trying to avoid it and I've seen the damage it has done to societies first hand.

But I will not calm down and I will not grow thick skin. This is BS and has to stop. They say the pen is mightier than the sword.

Well I truly hope so. But I will not calm down....

And if you get angry or overemotional. You are allowed to. There is value in that. In drives change in society.

PS - I went to a Gail Kelly talk (Female CEO of Westpac at the time) around 2012. She was asked by the male interviewer a despicable, though probably innocent rather than malicious question. 

"As a woman - do you think you are more emotional? And do you think that emotion plays a role in leadership?"

She answered with class.

"Emotion is a tool and we have to know how to use it." 

I intend on using my passion and anger for minorities as I fight for equality employing non-violent methods. Mandela and Gandhi are both my heroes and they employed different strategies successfully. 

I believe in resilience and am spending my life in it's application and education. We do need to grow thick skin. I also don't think being sensitive to race is mutually exclusive or accepting it. 

Episode 2 - Unapologetic Revisionist History - Bulls v Pistons G3 1990

G3 Pistons vs Bulls - 1990 Conference Finals

So in my continuing series on comparing eras and revisiting MJ's career through the lens of today.

Here were my big takeaways watching this classic. Even with the poor quality - watch the 2nd half -you will thank me.





1. Jordan was such a joy to watch again! The fadeaways. Relentless drives. Even the misses and when he got fouled were highlights. Cant believe there has never been a player as entertaining since. And there absolutely hasn't. 47 and he was quiet for the first half... Absolute Fire and the most entertaining watch in history. The 10 boards were highlights too as getting a board on top of Lambier, Rodman, Salley and the bad boys is worthy of honour.

2. Forgot how streaky Isiah Thomas was - when he got hot - very hard to stop. He had his fingerprints all over this game. If he was in today's era he'd benefit more than most and probably be more like curry or Lillard with better handles.

3. Joey D left his imprint on this game. Some great sequences but if you watch closely his ball denial on MJ forced MJ to play point in the first half just so he could get his paws on the ball. The fact that Jordan got 47 with Rodman and Dumars guarding him speaks volumes.

4. The shot chart of this game would show so many mid-rangers, leaners, and post fade-aways. I really miss these aspects of the game. 3's are fun too - but not when its the staple. Variety in the game needs to be protected because it's fun. It also forces scorers to have more variety and differentiates them more.

Jordan had sooo much variety and so may moves and ways to kill you. LBJ is more like Kareem and Shaq - few moves which are hard to stop.

5. Fast Breaks were more fun when they finish with lay-ups and dunks. Especially with high flyers like Scottie and MJ involved.

6. Vinnie Johnson would've been Jamal Crawford in today's NBA. One of the most underrated players in history but with skills that would've translated into any era.



7. James Edwards Moustache would be worth the price of admission alone.



8. Scottie and MJ were fearless going to the hole. But Horace and Nealy gave as good as they got. The pain was not one way despite MJ's narrative....

9. Game definitely way more physical back then. I'm sorry but LBJ's strength which is probably one of his top 3 assets would have translated. MJ in this era where you weren't able to hold him - un-bloody-guardable  - as he was then..

10. Lambier, Rodman, Pippen and others flopped back then... Watch the tape! All truly great defenders push the rules to the limit - this is true in any era. Dont hate the (great defensive) player. Hate the game.

11. Jordan missed 2 jumpers with 1 min to go but Bulls got offensive rebounds - Skip forgets this shit.... If it was Lebron - he would have the take that Nealy bailed Jordan out... but that is also a ridiculous narrative coz Jordan was god in the 2nd half.

Watching them battle on the boards and in the paint was really fun. While people say aesthetically the game is better - what really makes a game fun to watch is competitiveness. The crowds are also so much more into the game when there is biff, so I think more heated rivalries were apparent in the 80s - and that translates into more watchibility. If the nba wanted to get more ratings they should somehow encourage more physicality - though it will never do that. Heated rivalries is what we need for the game to succeed.

Unapologetic revisionist history - episode 1 - Jordan’s 63 at the garden

Unapologetic Revisionist History - Judging past performances by today's standards - Jordan hangs 63 at the garden in 86 Playoffs!

They say History is written by the winners. That is true in any era. And true today.

Michael Jordan is the Greatest winner of all time. Technically it's Bill Russell and his 11 rings. Even Rob "Big Shot" Horry won 7.

But Jordan won in fandom.
In the popularity contest.
Jordan won in Marketing.
Jordan won in creating his own narrative.

In my mind Jordan is THE greatest of all time because he was the greatest winner.

In this series I'm going to rewatch some of his greatest performances. Some random games rather than go off my memory of these performances some 20 years ago. I invite you to join me and form your own opinions.

Here are my takeaways from watching him hang 63 in the Garden;

1. That 86 Celtics has to be one of the top 3-4 teams I have ever seen. Everyone knows about 'The big 3' which was actually a 'big' 3 - Bird, Parish and McHale. And they were beastly. The first and only true "Big Three' I reckon. But the defensive prowess and tenacity of DJ and Ainge. Walton off the bench. 40-1 at home that season. If Jordan pushed that team to the brink in a playoff game twice in that series, that is truly a feat in history in itself as far as I'm concerned.



2. Jordan's revolutionary Hangtime has still not been replicated despite 30 years of sports science. That hangtime on jumpers. On drives. That quick step. The chains. The boys game was as good looking as J Lo back in the day.... Every guy wanted to be like Mike. Every girl wanted to be with that alpha male...

"Rare Air"indeed. This can't be glossed over.



3. Jordan didn't get 63. He got 52 and a gift. He was not fouled on the play that sent the game on OT. It was a travesty of a call and on the road. Jordan got 'Superstar' calls. I remember this throughout this career - but i think this is also a direct result of points 1 and 2. Refs loved him too in a way LBJ isn't. He also had a key turnover in the last minute of OT when they were up by 3. That's what Skip would be saying.  Just saying...

4. 80's ball was fun to watch with up and down (of course i'm watching with no ad breaks). But there were less tactical fouls (started in early 90s) and more argy bargy in the post which I love. But the rotations were much slower and the amount of space guys got on 12-15 foot jumpers would not be tolerated today. Now rotations are quicker, scouting is better. But that doesnt take anything away from Jordan's motor which I also think would be in the top 5 of all time. The amount of energy he expended on both ends is remarkable.



Anyway - comment - tell me how full of shit I am. Calling the game as I saw it - watch it again and share with me your thoughts.

Your outback Samurai.
Amateur blogger and Basketball Turrets chronic long time sufferer

Why the Cavs need to trade Kyrie Irving this offseason. Why Delly is a more valuable player in the NBA. An open letter to Cavs management

Earlier this year one of my friends said Matthew Dellevadova was the shittest point guard in the NBA…

This made me question his ‘friend’ status of mine. I’m Australian. Not overly patriotic but I felt that comment from any so called Cavs fan, yet alone a fellow Aussie was BLASPHEMY!

He then proceeded to make some very valid points.

1)      Matthew Dellavedova has the worst athleticism in the NBA.

While I can’t refute this, Delly’s young age still allows him higher status in the ‘athletiscim’ index in the NBA. This wont last. It makes me sad because I think he might have a very short NBA career if you think about the physical toll he puts on his body every time he steps on the floor.  

2)      Matty has to try hard otherwise he wouldn’t be in the NBA

This is saying Delly would be straight out of the NBA if he didn’t dive for every loose ball. Again if I was an NBA scout – I would find it hard selling this guy without the hustle.

3)       If the Cavs trade and upgrade Delly they might have a chance this year. He is their weakest link

With a roster of Tristan Thompson, Shrumpert and Channing Frye off the bench, it is easy to make a case that Delly would be the Cavs weakest link on paper…

As a Cavs fan, while I had my heart cut out like the little boy in Temple of Doom when I heard this case put forward. Last year we took 2 games off the Warriors with Delly starting and no real back up. With Kyrie back we were supposed to go a step closer to beating the warriors. Not further. Not towards the Dark Side!

This year has been the most depressing season I’ve witnessed in recent history with our team regressing all season.

I saw Kyrie score 56 points against the Spurs last year. While there have been no electric performances  of that ilk this year, I still have confidence they can come.

But in that game. The last game the Spurs lost at home. Where another Spurs crazy mate of mine travelled from Sydney to San Antonio to watch the best regular season NBA game of the year. I realised one more thing…

We would never beat the Spurs in a 7 game series like that. LBJ on fire. Kyrie smoking. And we beat them by one point in overtime. How could we repeat that 4 times in 7. Not possible.

Intangible is a crap word.

As an analyst I hate anything that cant be defined. It is meant to cover our lack of awareness for what specifically a guy like Delly does to make his team better. Why when I was asked to consistently name 5 point guards shitter than Delly, even people like Mo Williams, Jarret Jack, Patrick Beverly, Ty Lawson and Jeremy Lin produced choruses of no way from all my boys. Noone thought Delly was the GOD I did.

But having watched every Cavs game I’m going to make a serious case to Cavs management about specifically why Kyrie should be traded this summer. Delly should start, and we should take a player like Nicholas Batum for Kyrie.

1)      Delly is a better passer than Kyrie

There are stats like Assists and assist to turnover. But then part of job of a passer is to put the ball on point. In the shooters pocket. The eye test tells me even when Kyrie passes the ball he does this terribly while Delly puts it right where TT likes it. Where JR Swishes it. Where LBJ ‘throws the hammer down in the Q’.

Delly also looks to pass all the time. He’s a pass first point guard. This keeps all his team mates always engaged on offence.

When Kyrie drives he is an incredible finisher. Maybe the best. Because of this he doesn’t look to pass.

But if you are a Cav you might as well tune out or run back and play D because once Kyrie drives the lane you ain't getting the ball. He will probably score or get fouled, but passing is very, very rare.

While this should allow you to save more energy for defence. It actually disempowers you and leads to less effort, less movement off the ball and more ball watching.

LBJ and Delly both drive with a different purpose – to pass first. This makes the players around them better.

2)      Delly makes smart team first plays.

I saw 2 plays tonight which I have seen all season.

Delly drives hard, misses a layup. While the opposing point guard has a 2-3 m head start in transition, Delly ‘the little engine that could’ sprints back and fouls the opposing point guard around the half way line to stop the play. Defence resets.  

On another play Kyrie drives hard and scores. The opposing point guard has a 2-3m head start on Kyrie as the ball is inbounded as Kyrie finished the play near the crowd after his acrobatic double clutch.


The opposing point guard runs down and gets an assist to an open 3 point shooter in the corner as help is forced to come from Iman Shrumpert.

Delly's play wins games. Kyrie's make highlight reels and create a buzz in the arena, but don't always help win games.

I know what you are saying. This boy has lost his chops. Let me digress. 

Kyrie is down 1 point (scored 2 and gave up 3) with a Cavs possession.

The Delly situation has the other team with possession with no buckets. In a league where TS% is approaching 50% that might be a 50-50 scenario. so on paper they look about the same.

BUT, In Dellys situation while he missed, by hustling back and fouling he allows Shrump to play his role of being a lock down defender. In the Kyrie show, Shrump tunes out on offence and then is not used on defence and the next play so tunes out on offence again.

Dellys situation allows everyone to play their roles and demonstrate their value. Kyrie just forces others to make bad Defensive decisions. Play help D, Stop the ball and open up the corner 3, or don’t help and give up 2 points?

Even if you make the right decision the other team likely scores and your good Defence does not get rewarded.

So Kyrie makes highlight reels, Delly's play is a footnote. But I know which one as a coach I'd appreciate more. This happens again and again and again throughout the season and all you passionate Cavs fans would know this.

3)      Predictable play lets your teammates know where they will get the ball – Delly is more predictable

If Delly is open he shoots. If he drives on a pick and Roll with TT he is going to lob it or take a runner. If you are open you will get the ball.

Kyrie can shoot a step back. Kyrie can drive and finish with either hand. Kyrie can hit you with a pass.

Something about predictability makes you comfortable. Delly does that really well with the Cavs second unit. While Kyrie is exciting, he’s like a box of chocolates. You never know what your gonna geeeet. O so sweet but like Ice Cube once said about shotgun bullets - bad for your health.

4)      Delly shoots open jump shots better than Kyrie.

Spaces the floor and gives more driving lanes for others like LBJ.

5)      Delly is a better defender

He tries harder. Uses fouls wisely. Gets a hand in the face.

6)      Delly is 'dirtier'

Good defence isn’t just about staying in front of your defender. Its about taking someone outside their comfort zone. Making them uncomfortable. Delly is the best player in the league at that. I don’t think he is that dirty, but he sticks to you the way a collared shirt sticks to my armpits on a hot summer day. Uncomfortably.

7)      Delly makes everyone else hustle harder

If you got a little runt diving on the floor it is inspiring. It inspires you to give your all when your colleagues are - simple game theory and proved by psychologists in the 1920s.

Delly does that. He is the unlikely emotional leader of the Cavs. The way Noah used to head the bulls.

If you don’t believe all my points – check out this graph from Bleacher report;

While I ascknowledge Plus Minus isn't the be all and end all analytical tool, like Sheed said "Ball Don't Lie"

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2629280-thursday-nba-roundup-lebron-james-wont-win-mvp-but-deserves-recognition

The spanner in the works – Playoffs

This Playoffs, the only thing I think can save Kyrie is the playoffs. Advanced scouting happens. Teams take away your first, second ,third options. This is where superstars thrive. Unpredictability becomes an asset.

So I think this will be the litmus test. Can Kyrie elevate his game and can the Cavs team gain a surreal confidence. Can they strike terror into other team’s hearts he way the Bulls did with Jordan and Pippen on the floor when opponents look and see Kyrie and LBJ?

Do defences over-react as good defence consistently gets beaten by good offence.

While Curry is like Kyrie called a shoot first point guard he definitely makes his team-mates better.

Kyrie is only 23. He can still learn.

If you see this Kyrie. I want you to take this as a challenge. I want you to prove you are  better than Delly. Not a better highlight reel. Higher ppg player.

More valuable to the team. 

By doing all the ‘intangibles’ that make Delly more valuable to this analyst than you! Playoffs are here baby and Kyrie you have special talent. But sometimes effort trumps talent. The greats have both.

Like Kenny 'The Jet' always says. Nothing coaches better than a position battle. Lue - show some balls and bench Kyrie!

The Outback Samurai

Vikram Chowdhary