The Changing Face Of Basketball Essay

Jordan burst into the league as a rookie sensation scoring in droves with an unmatchable first step and acrobatic drives and dunks and concluded his career as a cultural icon. Hard work, dedication, and the desire

n. 1984 NBA draft he selected with the third overall pick by the Chicago Bulls

Most people know him as an 11 time NBA Champion, 5 time MVP, 12-time All-Star and he were the centerpieces of the Celtics dynasty during his 13-year career. Bill Russell ended up as the most successful player in the history of the NBA and formed the centerpiece of the greatest dynasty in the history of the league. For his accomplishments in the Civil Rights Movement on and off the court, Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. Bill was outstanding at everything he ever put his mind to. For all that he accomplished on and off the field, Bill Russell is definitely one of the all-time great players of Basketball.

During high school Westbrook was only 5’8” tall, so not many colleges wanted him since he had such a little frame. Russell was starting in high school as a Junior, that summer he had a growth spurt. After he got more height he became a very big college prospect. Westbrook was

The Boston Celtics had 29 wins the season before they drafted Bird. The team improved by 32 games to go 61-21 in Bird's first season. The main reason they won so many more games was because of Larry Bird. Bird was not just a shooter, he was also a great passer and rebounder too, which in turn made his teammates better as a whole. In his second year in the NBA, Bird and Celtics won the NBA Championship against the Houston Rockets. Larry Bird would go on to win two more championships with the Celtics. He would also win the Most Valuable Player award three times. This is what Larry Bird said after his second Most Valuable Player award, "While I was still trying to figure out how I could improve my game for the next season, I was notified that I had been selected as the league MVP for the second year in a row"(Bird and Ryan 153). Larry Bird after being in the league for seven years and winning two straight MVPs was still trying to find ways to get better. Bird proved that perseverance and dedication to the sport he loved would lead to a successful and rewarding

After graduating high school, instead of trying out for a college scholarship, immediately got a job (Shapiro 38). Russell epitomized the way the sport of basketball was supposed to be played by being unselfish whenever it was needed. He cared little of statistics, just doing what was best for his team. In the process, he made his teammates seem better than they actually were. His altruism and modesty improved white Americans outlook on blacks. They were no longer a lesser species, but an equal to the majority. Of the 1968-69 season, Robert F. Gorman stated, “the successful season had confirmed Russell’s selfless, team-first philosophy” (Gorman 3247). This selflessness had a huge impact on creating equality for

forward from the University of Massachusetts. As a three time NBA champion, eleven all-star games, two-time all-star MVP four MVP’s, and three NBA season scoring titles, Julius Erving is one of the best players to ever play. While he didn’t win as many championships as some players, he changed the game by introducing a new style of play and, by staying humble

Russell Westbrook is a point guard, who has been playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. He was born on November 12, 1988 and is currently 27. Russell is a very quick, and explosive player, he loves to attack the rim. He's also a great shooter, he leads the NBA with tripe doubles. A triple double, is when you get 3 double digit stats. Russell gets assists, rebounds, and points. He's a 5 time NBA all star, 2 time NBA all star MVP , NBA scoring champion and he made the NBA All-Rookie team. In 2012 he made the NBA championship game, and played against the Miami Heat. They lost and Lebron James won MVP.

Bill Russell, a star player in the NBA. standing six-foot-nine, he was known for his shot blocking and rebounding abilities. Growing up mostly without his mother, he was an frail skinny boy. Also consider one of the best players. In this essay, I will examine the life, the career, and the legacy of Bill Russell.

Accolades: Basketball Hall of Famer, 1x NBA Champion, 12x NBA All-Star, 3x All-NBA First Team, 3x All-NBA Second Team, 2x NBA All-Defensive Second Team, 1969 NBA All-Rookie First Team

Russell Westbrook had a good early life and was a very good basketball in high school. Westbrook was born November 12, 1988. As a kid, Westbrook learned about basketball from his dad. Also, he had a mom who always cared about his grades and academics. In high school, Westbrook played for the Leuzinger High School in California. In high school, Westbrook averaged more than 25 points per game. In high school Westbrook's friend, Khelcey Barrs died during a pickup game due to his heart condition. It was very hard for Westbrook to get through high school without one of his very good friends. Westbrook had very good grades as a student, he was an honor student. With good grades and being a very good basketball player, he was a big college prospect.

Through High school he was ranked the nation’s best point guard he averaged 25.2 points per game. He also won two straight high school state championships. He also played against one of the top ranked players in high school Kemba Walker roses team only lost by two points. At the end of his high school career he was named the Mr. Basketball

He was also proficient at getting to the free throw line, leading the NBA in free throw attempts seven times. He’s the Jazz’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He’s second to only his long-time teammate John Stockton in assists, steals, and games played.

The sport of basketball is known as a fun past time for any person young or old. Basketball is a great way of exercise and a great way to have fun with friends and possibly make some new ones. I love to watch and play the game, basketball is a very entertaining sport and can be played by anyone. Basketball has many negative and positive things about it based on my opinion. Basketball is known as a good pastime in many people’s eyes but can also be seen as a passion for many others.

The sport of basketball is known as a fun past time for any person young or old. Basketball is a great way of exercise and a great way to have fun with friends and possibly make some new ones. I love to watch and play the game, basketball is a very entertaining sport and can be played by anyone. Basketball has many negative and positive things about it based on my opinion. Basketball is known as a good pastime in many people’s eyes but can also be seen as a passion for many others. Basketball in my opinion the best thing I can do with my friends to have fun while burning a few calories. I see basketball as a fun and easy way to have fun rather than sitting on the couch all day playing video games or watching television. One reason I love