The Next D-Wade? A Plea to CP3
Chris Paul has done some great things in his young career. The most amazing, of course, is his historic performance thus far in the 2008 playoffs. He led a team of has-beens and kids (plus one all-star) to what should have been the #1 seed in the best conference in history (way to go, Memphis!). In just his third year he earned an MVP trophy, but finished second in the voting (’cause Kobe’s got to be rewarded for being a top player in the league for 12 years even though he’s never had an MVP season). And how much fun has it been to watch Paul dominate veteran point guards like Jason Kidd and Tony Parker in the playoffs? There’s one thing that most will miss when when listing his accolades this season: he stole the role of resident “good guy” in the league from Dwyane Wade.
A few short years ago NBA fans everywhere were falling in love with the kid out of Marquette named Dwyane Wade (though nobody could spell his name). Wade was the complete package. Not only did he play with Jordan-esque skill, smoothness and fire, but he was such a nice guy–married to his high-school girlfriend, a loving father, not even a tattoo to be seen. I mean, this guy even gave 10% of his income to his old Chicago church. Who does that? In a league with guys like Latrell Sprewell and Ron Artest, this kid shined brighter than a quasar (Sheldon knows what I’m talking about).
Here we are just two years later and the D-Wade we fell in love with is gone, or at least hiding very well. I don’t mean to judge a guy I don’t know, but judging by observation is all I can do. The guy certainly seems to have changed, and not for the better. Aside from the fact that his game almost non-existent due to injury, he separated from his wife and is dating recently-divorced, famous-for-being-famous, Star Jones. And maybe this is just because he got a new stylist, but what’s the deal with the new look? I hope D-Wade is still a good guy, but it seems like the stardom has gone to his head.
Watching CP3 this year caused some serious Déjà vu. Like Wade, he was a top 5 pick in his draft. Like Wade, he has gone from good to great in just a few years. Like Wade, his third season finds him leading his team deep into the playoffs. And like Wade was, he is so “good” that it is impossible not to like him—sincerity and likability literally ooze from his shoes. It is eerie how similar he is to the D-Wade of two years ago.
My point is three-fold: (1) Current CP3 and former D-Wade have an awful lot in common. Skills, charisma, they even wear the same number. (2) Chris, don’t stop being a nice guy. You are truly a star at this point, but please don’t start acting like one off the court. Get a sticky note if you have to. No disrespect intended to Dwyane, but don’t follow any further in his footsteps. The NBA needs nice guys like you. (2) Dwyane, come back. Come back and be that humble, lovable guy that basketball fans all over the world fell in love with. Patch things up with your wife, be there for your kid, get your priorities straight and be the man you ought to be. Be a star on the court and without acting like one off of it.
Can somebody make sure CP3 and Wade get the memo!? Thanks.