Is “black” a color? A skill? An attitude? A lifestyle? A playing style? A race? A culture? A music? An ethnicity? A dialect? A gene? A jean?
This is a tough one.
And I’m not going to make it any easier by defining what “black” means.
You decide.
Is it a color? A skill? An attitude? A lifestyle? A playing style? A race? A culture? A music? An ethnicity? A dialect? A gene? A jean?
If there is “black” then is there black, blacker, and blackest?
Is there light-black, black, and dark-black?
Is there not-so-black, black, and very black?
Does the blackest player have the blackest game?
This topic has been addressed in the blogosphere before: here, here, here, here, here, and here.
But I want to take it further.
So, follow the logic with me for a minute.
Of course a black player can have a black game. Allen Iverson, let’s say. Check.
And a non-black player can have a non-black game. Maybe Kirk Hinrich? Check.
And a non-black player can have a black game (i.e., Jason “White Chocolate” Williams). O.K., check.
And a black player can have a non-black game (i.e., Tim “Big Fundamental” Duncan). O.K., check.
Meanwhile a black player can be non-black (i.e., Tim Duncan). I guess, check.
And a non-black player can be black (i.e., Jason Williams). O.K., check.
Which logically leads me to ask, can a non-black player remain non-black but have a black game? Can’t think of anyone today … maybe Steve Nash? Could this have been Larry Bird?
And … can a black player remain black but have a non-black game? Can’t think of anyone today, but could this have been someone like a Dennis Rodman? Charles Oakley?
Which naturally leads to the question, can a non-black player be black but have a non-black game? Can’t think of anyone today.
And … can a black player be non-black but have a black game? Is this Barack Obama (he’s honorary N.B.A., I think, since he’s Baller-In-Chief)?
Are you following this? My guess is that, yes, you are!
But that’s scary! Because there’s a profound silliness here.
I’m inspired by Bethlehem Shoals over at the intellectually fascinating and zany basketball blog FreeDarko.com. He spent about a week contemplating which player has the most “Jewish” game in the N.B.A. (Will Bore Gentiles For Food).
Which, it was concluded, was different from asking, who is the most Jewish player?
The answer, of course, is Who cares?!
But they had a lot of fun with it, and Bethlehem Shoals is Jewish. So why can’t I do the same thing and have some fun over here?
The fact is, we brought this on ourselves, by overusing and misusing the word “black.”
I do it too. The way it’s used in the term “Black Fives” is to designate a race, or rather, the label that people often use to describe “people of color,” or, more accurately, people of African descent.
I could have named all of this “African American Fives” or “Fives Of Color” or “Fives Of African Descent” but it wouldn’t have been the same at all.
We’re programmed and conditioned a certain way. And while we may acknowledge that we are, it still doesn’t mean we must be slaves to that conditioning and programming.
One way to do that, is to have fun with it.
So, how do you use the word “black”?
Who is the blackest player in the N.B.A. by how you see it?
I think asking if someone plays “Jewish” is almost the same as asking if someone plays “Black”, but with a different twist. Maybe it’s because I’m Jewish, but I think we’re peas in a pod (hat tip to GW Carver) in a lot of ways.
Let me preface what I’m about to write by acknowledging everything you’ve worked to shed light on, and make clear that I’m not trying to discount it.
When the NBA first started *in earnest*, a much larger percentage of it was Jewish than is now. The way Jews played back then ended up being the predominant playing style of the league; in a way, playing Jewish was co-opted by the rest of the league. The predominant playing style evolved over time as more African Americans entered the league. Again, the same thing basically happened: playing Black was, in a way, co-opted by the rest of the league (eg, Jason “White Chocolate” Williams).
I think the difference is this: playing Black has taken on a wider range of meaning, as the game has expanded. You mentioned Rodman and Oak as examples of black players that “have a non-black game”, so to speak, but I disagree. When I think of Oak, I think of a hard-nosed, roll-up-his-sleeves, not-afraid-to-get-in-the-mix type of player; and I think that represents only one facet of that style. There are others. You mentioned AI, for example. The point is that the proliferation and predominance of African Americans in the NBA has affected the game in a pervasive, profound, and positive way.
(I have no idea why I just used so many p-words, but I’m leaving it that way.)
But I think the overall point is that it’s all melding together in a way, and the labels are becoming increasingly meaningless, at least when it comes to playing style. I think that’s your overall point, and if so I agree with it.
One other thing. I haven’t a clue what this means: “can a non-black player be black but have a non-black game?”
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Ahhhh…. I love this question!!! I’ve thought about this at times.
Black game– hmmm… the brothas I play with jack shots and don’t play D. That’s like Dirk Nowitzki. He’s not that black.
The brothas I used to play with used to take it to the hoop. and used to not get back on D.
The stereotype is that the Euros don’t play D. Thus, … Read MoreI am confused as to what the blackest player is out there.
I’m thinking that it has to be a city kid.
I don’t know why, but I think Rasheed Wallace (Philly) is about as black as it gets out there.
Paul Pierce (Los Angeles, CA) is pretty black too.
Caron Butler perhaps.
Old school black players- James “Buddha” Edwards.
Discuss.
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This is the biggest bunch of nonsense I have read to date!
Who cares?
I guy told me at Christmas that he was going to “ruin my Christmas by what (he) was about to say…” He also told me he wasn’t a racist! But he told me that “Jesus was black”
I asked him… “How does that ruin my Christmas? I don’t care what race he is…I care about what he did and what he said”
If you are not focused on Jesus’ word or his game and focused upon his race than you are a racist.
And I coach ice hockey. It never ceases to amaze me how many ask me why I only have 3 black players. They say I should have more minorities but never ask how many Spanish, Muslim, Jewish, Asian, Martian, Eskimo, Indian American, those with side burns and those who like green shirts etc I have on the team. I always tell them: “Great! Thanks for volunteering to be our new recruiting chairperson.”
All players have their own style and learn from each other. And none of them care what race each other is.
Being diverse, playing “black” whatever that means is all in a players head!! I always want different ideas and perspective. Sometimes different perspective comes from the same race!
Anyhow, here is to another 100 years of pointing out our differences! I will continue my success and laugh at those who pay attention to the meaningless.
You stay focused on race….I’ll stay focused on results!
John
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Good topic here. My thoughts are going to follow what I have always felt was an indirect assumption by the media and sports fans in general, is that in order to play basketball, your “basketball IQ” does not have to be that high. In other words, to play basketball, all you have to be able to do is jump high and run fast! So, with that being said, I will use the comparison between this topic and the commonly argued issue about black quarterbacks in the NFL not being “smart” enough to play the position of quarterback. As a former NCAA athlete (Rhodes College Mens Basketball, class of 1991, Division III) I’ve come to understand that there are a lot of areas that truly make someone a great basketball player. During my time playing the game, learning from the game, and teaching the game, the things I look for are strong fundamental skills. I was lucky enough to have a middle school and high school coach that both taught fundamentals as if it where our life line. So I bring in football. As a quarterback (at least a successful one), you have to be able to read defenses on the fly, understand how the play you just called will make the defense react, make calculations of the speed of your receiver versus the speed of the defender, all of this within split seconds after the ball has been snapped. When you look at outstanding black quarterbacks in high school, college and then the NFL, we focus more on the athletic ability than the ability to intellectualize the game. So what happens as a result. By the time most black quarterbacks reach the pro’s, a very small percentage of them where actually taught the intellectual side of the game so they are behind by the time they get to that level. Now back to basketball. Same thing happens here, but we ignore it as fans and media, because the NBA is “fantastic”!!! Who care if you understand when to drop on the weak side and provide help side defense. Who cares if you know when to set a pick and roll to the basket or use your body to box out for that game winning REBOUND! Yes, I said it, game winning rebound! My love of this game is so deep that I focus on all of those little things that should make players great. But instead, we (and when I say we, I mean the average fan/media) gravitate to the phenomenal play, the highlight reel, the incredible physicality of our black athlete. So, who has the most “Black Game” in the NBA right now? I can’t give it to anyone. Is there anyone in the league that has the following: 1) God-like physical ability, 2) Extremely high intellectual approach to the game, 3) Savage intensity on offense and defense, 4) Embraces the subtleties of the game (Like we applaud Tom Brady in football. Not the greatest athlete but extremely high game IQ). Who possess all of these things and more? Who plays this game so well that you would enjoy watching them even if they didn’t score a point? That’s when you know you are watching greatness. And my friends, the last person that made me feel the way was MJ. There is nothing close to that today. But one day, we will see that type of player again.
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Claude, I also like Rhynia’s train of thought. I have two teenage boys who have played basketball at all levels up to Division I. They are black and, yes, they can jump, they can run fast and they are extremely quick. But more importantly, they are intellectually smart when it comes to the fundamentals of the game. I think a vote for any player who does not possess this key characteristic does a disservice to the term “blackest” player and would continue to feed into the negative stereotypes that are out there.
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Claude you got me on this one, before I read the rest of the blog and just seen the title, I was thinking to myself now this being from Claude I know this title goes far beyond the comparison of hues of a Manute Bol to an Xavier Mcdaniels. Now I say that because I too am darkly packed and was compared to Manute Bol back in 1989 as a 12 year old. I will tackle this the best way I can without trying to be so deep and intellectual. I was really young but I recall a movie where blackmen was called into an office one by one and asked the question what’s the difference between a black person and a nigger? I believe Sidney Portier was finally called into the office and asked the same question, and he said a nigger is someone who would answer that question? I started laughing, but I’m not sure if that actor was Sidney Portier. It’s funny people avoid labeling to play it safe, but then quick to say somethings so ghetto. Cora Daniels does a great job in her book talking about that subject. The question isn’t so hard because when it comes to entertainment, flare, flash, blacks have been notorious for having that umph. Today the game is more integrated than ever and so the inner city urban influence has had alot of impact on non black players. I know Bod Cousy could be a considered an And One Player in his day for his fancy passes etc. The Rens the Harlem Globe Trotters, and beyond changed the way the game was played. I notice how the street is capitolized and most of the flashy video games are NBA-Street, NFL-street etc. In most cases black football players who score after a touchdown are far less conservative in celebrating after a touchdown. Adding life and pep to what we do in music, dance, and more is something that can’t benied in the black culture. To me it comes out in what we perform. Traditionally white men are known to be premier 3 point shooters, though we have Ray Allen, , and white men are not celebrated for Vince Carterish dunks. But there is a difference as far as how blacks play and whites. I mean there are acceptions Tom Chambers had some ups, I rather see Dirk Nowitski or George Muresan dunk than that wack hand behind the head dunk Karl Malone would do on a fast break. But really I liked it, it was so ridicoulous it was comical like the way Rodman grabs rebounds and prances up the court. Ok enough with the yapping I’ll answer the questions.
Question # 1 Can a black player remain black but have a non black game? Well if I had to think of someone today, I’ll have to say Shane Battier, in the past Karl Malone. But now that I think about it they’re probably more conservative against other proffesionals, but if they’re playing against regular joes there would be more flash.
Can a non black player be black but have a non black game? if I had fun with it I would say Bill Lambeir from Detroit, or Larry Bird for all that trash he would talk, current baller in the league maybe Jason Kapono, he’s from around the way in Lakewood and played at Artesia High School in California. Ok can a black player be non black and have black game? Just in fun, when I was a teen I would have thought mountain man Black Brawny Karl-Malone, just having fun Karl. (LOL). If I had to describe an NBA player that’s opposite of the label $40 Million Dollar slaves, I would say Chris Webber epitomizes what a black player is about. He’s had his ups and downs, on and off the court, he grew up in Detroit city which is a black experience in itself, he attended a school in the suburb and there he had a desire to learn more about black history. He was so passionate about learning his history he created a small museum with a distinctive collection of historic books and art. He’s emerged to a young man who made mistakes, has the so called street cred, and is respected in general across the board. But like our Baller in Cheif, whether his officers was Hawaii Five O and not five O in an American Ghetto as a youth. Black represents true over-comers, always striving to make progress, on all levels ,perspective, changing tradition, mind-sets, breaking the color barrier, etc. Blacks are still being put in a box, light skinned blacks are considered to not have as much soul when really there’s a big difference from a Clarence Thomas and a Tom Joyner. I’m wrong for that I don’t even know Clarence Thomas. I had fun with the blog, it was all in fun I’m sure there was inside jokes when Obama won. As long as we know the difference between straight ignorance and poking fun is what matters. In the words of ” Q” tip black is black.
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Another question… Is it possible to switch styles of play from “black” to “non-black” mid-career?
I nominate Brent Barry. He is a player who played “black” when he came into the league, as a high flying slam dunk champion who could drive with the best. However, he lost most of his athleticism and now plays “non-black” as a prototypical (Steve Kerr, Dell Curry) shooter off the bench. I doubt think anyone ever mistook him for white chocolate.
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mike miller.
holla.
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I can’t elaborate on this for obvious reasons, but off the top of my head I would say Caron Butler, Stephen Jackson, Amare Stoudemire, Rasheed Wallace, Vince Carter and Derrick Rose.
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Well, Claude, you came up with another topic that deserves some thought from those of us who answer. I went over the question in my minds eye and I decided that the “blackest” player in the NBA has absolutely nothing to do with color of skin, how high you jump, how fast you run, or even if you play basketball using the top fundamentals of the game. In my enterpretation of the question, I came up looking at the player that is a role model off the court and serves the “Black Community” specifically, but has a message that is universally received!
I took a survey from my “Baller Crew” and we went back and forth on what player was the “blackest” in the NBA and we couldn’t nail it down to just one man. So, our selection came down to Dekembe Mutambo, recently of the Houston Rockets, and Etan Thomas of the Washington Wizzards. I completely agree with the “Baller Crew” that these two men are the “blackest” two gentlemen in the NBA and have been for many years.
Dekembe was selected for the International work in education, health, and housing that he spearheads on the African Continent. Mr. Mutambo has worked tirelessly over the past ten plus years to build hospitals and schools in Africa to meet a need that has been overlooked by Governments in this world for centuries. Deek, as his friends call him, was single minded, focused, and didn’t stop promoting and making the world aware of the plight of needy Africans until the “Dream” hospital facility was a reality. Mr. Dekembe Mutambo continues his promotion to fight the lack of health care and education on the African Continent. He has donated millions of his own money to show folks that his commitment is very serious. I salute Mr. Dekembe Mutombo as one of the “blackest” players the NBA has ever had.
Not that he is second in his efforts, Mr. Etan Thomas, is one of the best role models that our young men in the United States could have. Mr. Thomas’ Black Nationalism and work in the educational arena in Syracuse, Washington, DC, and many cities around this country is second to none. I believe Etan was selected as the NBA man of the year for the many hours he gives to those of us who are less fortunate. Etan goes to many communities and gives his money, his time, and then returns to make sure that all of his promises come to reality. Etan has been doing his community service and community organizing for years. The work that Mr. Thomas put in to help depressed neighborhoods went unpublished, but the results changed the lives of many needy Americans in “Urban” areas around America. Yes, Mr. Etan Thomas gets my award and designation as one of the “blackest” players in the NBA.
Finally, I have chosen my definition of “blackest” to mean “working for Change” to help those that have historically been overlooked by City, State, and National goverments in Countries all over this planet. Mr. Dekembe Mutombe and Mr. Etan Thomas are those men that represent “Manhood” and are the best that the NBA has to offer, regardless of their race or color!
In The Interest Of Educating Each Other,
Brother Zachary C. Husser, Sr.
The Family of Friends Network & Image Builders
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Claude I tried to send a reply but my computer wasn’t working. But you got me with this topic, I knew when I saw just the titleI knew it coming from you it wasn’t about a comparison of hues, in regards to a Manute Bol or a Tyrone Hill. I’m darkly packed as wel, and when I was 12 years old backin 89 I was told I favored Manute Bol! I remember being really young and I saw a movie where black men was called into an office one by one and asked the question what’s the difference between a black person and a n—-r, and if I’m not mistakened Sidney Portier came in and was asked the same question. His response was a n—-r is a person that would answer that question. But this is an interesting topic, and yes we could still have fun with this. People seem to play itself by running away from labeling people especially a topic like this, but then are quick to say something is Ghetto, which author Cora Daniels does an excellent job writing about in her book Ghetto Nation. Anyway I will quit with the yappin and answer some of these questions. Now If it wasn’t for street basketball aka playground basketball, ABA basketball, N.B.A. wouldn’t be what it is today. The Globetrotters with their flare, and flash, brought alot of excitement to the game, and truly was a team that was not to be taken in serious competition. Now if black basketball wasn’t or didn’t relevant or didn’t exist, there would be no need for a Black Fives. With that said it’s funny how video games are now NBA street, NFL, Street etc. But a Pleaseant Ville Player like Bob Cousy with his passing style could easily be classified as a the And One basketball player of his day. Ironically enough And One was founded by white guys. White men are traditionally noted for their three point shooting, and not celebrated for Vince Carterish dunks. But honestly I rather see a fast break dunk from a player like George Muresan, than that wack behind the head fast break dunk from Karl Malone. I kind of like it because it’s so ridicoulous like when Dennis Rodman would grab those rebounds and start prancing up and down the court like he’s doing calistenics. As for the player who is non black but has a black game, Bill Lambeir, Larry Bird for all that trash talk,Tom Chambers for the way he dunked on Barkley. Can a black player be non-black with a non-black game. I would have to make the ignorant narrow minded comment and say Black Brawny Mountain Man Karl Malone. A black player that is black with a non black game, how about Shane Battier from the Rockets? As far for a current black player in the league who represents balance to me would be a Chris Webber. I appreicate the fact he has a viable collection of black history art, books, of course it more to him that makes me say he’s a good representation of the modern black athlete whose not lost. But I know the saying the blacker the berry the sweeter the juice couldn’t be wrong or the darker skinned has more soul-power than the light skin is false because there’s a big difference between Clarence Thomas or Tom Joyner. I’m so wrong for saying that because I don’t even know Clarence. But closer to home whether or not our Baller in Chief neighborhood po po’s was once Hawaii Five O, as opposed to five O as they were once called doesn’t make him less black. Being black represents the true meaning of being an overcomer. Progress is not progress without a struggle, and in the words of Q-Tip ” black is black.”
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JR SMITH
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Spencer Hawes/Sean May/Yao Ming in a 3 way tie
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Chris Mullin is the best example of a non black player having a non black game but being non white off the court.
I read an article once that said of all the NBA players Kevin Durant came from the blackest town in the country. That has to count for something. Along the same lines, Jameer Nelson is from the harshest ghetto in Philly- Chester. Hard.
But as for the blackest dudes in the league right now, we’ve got to look at all the dudes mentioned- Rasheed, S jackson, Caron, possibly Derrick Rose and also ‘Melo (stop snitchin’), Marbury, lil’ Nate and for some reason I really want to say Delonte West. I don’t know why.
Also, what categories do Grant Hill, Steve Blake and Jerry Stackhouse fall into? I remember hearing once that nobody in the league would mess with Stack. Any truth to it? I think the most feared dude in the league now is Nate though. He’ll slap you real quick like.
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Channing Frye. A black player who is “non-black” with a “non-black” game.
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I always thought calling Jason Williams “White Chocolate” was among the most demeaning things I’d heard in sports dialogue since the infamous Jimmy the Greek talking about breeding athletes.
The unfortunate thing is, as you pointed out, we ALL knew what it was meant to be saying about his game and his skin color.
Personally, I thought it did disservice to all involved and I’m decidedly NOT one of those overly-sensitive, politically-correct types.
However, in my small-town, midwestern-upbringing mind-set which took years of real-world experience to really comprehend how it didn’t always fit with a real-world view, I still have ingrained in my head that Charles Oakley was the consummate black basketball player and I have NOTHING to back it up. I simply always thought he had a Shaft-like badassedness about him that couldn’t really be quantified and, as a Pistons fan, always hated him for it (but not real hate, just that rivalry hate).
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Thanks Gabe. What I mean, to your last question, is can a non-black player can be black in, let’s say, lifestyle or persona (i.e., Jason), but not necessarily in their game. I can’t think of anyone. I’ve kinda set up a hypothetical matrix or template would be race-persona-game. If 1=black and 2=
whitenon-black then another way to ask that question would be is there anyone who is 2-1-2 in the race-persona-game perspective?Like / Dislike:
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Chris Mullin is the best example of a non black player having a non black game but being non white off the court.
I read an article once that said of all the NBA players Kevin Durant came from the blackest town in the country. That has to count for something. Along the same lines, Jameer Nelson is from the harshest ghetto in Philly- Chester. Hard.
But as for the blackest dudes in the league right now, we’ve got to look at all the dudes mentioned- Rasheed, S jackson, Caron, possibly Derrick Rose and also ‘Melo (stop snitchin’), Marbury, lil’ Nate and for some reason I really want to say Delonte West. I don’t know why.
Also, what categories do Grant Hill, Steve Blake and Jerry Stackhouse fall into? I remember hearing once that nobody in the league would mess with Stack. Any truth to it? I think the most feared dude in the league now is Nate though. He’ll slap you real quick like.
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Rhynia, very well said. I must agree, there is no MJ out there today. I also agree the ESPN-ization of the game of basketball has hurt our fundamentals. In Europe there is no ESPN and maybe that’s why they are more sound on basics lately. You are also wise to stay away from labeling something as “black” or not. I was looking for someone to suggest that Iverson is the blackest, or Rasheed, in terms of their embodiment of the black cultural ethos, somehow. But obviously, it’s all about what is “black” to some or to others.
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Keith Van Horn?
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Brad Miller!
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Beautiful! I’m loving your “Me, Myself, and I” shout-outs! Manute Bol! LOL. I think you nailed Malone. And great insights about Battier, Webber, Kapono. You’re right, we need to rise above the ordinary and begin exploring more on the cultural tip, the winning and coping strategies of black people throughout history, and understand what makes our culture great and how we got here, while at the same time realizing that we’ve got to drop bad habits that no longer serve us, or anyone, so we can make room for more good stuff.
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sam, good call on Brent Barry. I think of Dan Majerle too, for some reason.
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And so, Mike, the question then becomes, what is “black” and then does the league like “black” on the court and in highlights and in video games but prefers “non-black” off the court ala dress code, post-game interviews, “conduct”, etc.? Can we move away from such a thing as “black conduct” anyway, or is there such a thing, or is it something the media makes up all the time?
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Brother Zach, your consistently thoughtful and elaborate and heartfelt and thorough comments are why I keep urging you to start your own blog, brother! You could do it! This is exactly the kind of perspective I was fishing for, made even more valuable by the fact that you made the time — as busy as you stay — to ask your crew for their views. I have the greatest respect for you. Your reply is an honor.
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Mr. Johnson,
I’m reaching out to this network and you to help me set up my blog that will definitely use “Your” example as the template. I don’t want to be half stepping when I charge out into the world of blogging! You have set the standard so high that I can only come close or attempt to surpass what you’re doing.
As in the days of my youth, competitors in the black community worked with each other so that the entire neighborhood benefited from the magnificense of the total entrepreneurial efforts. I’m asking those who can , those who know, and You to assist me in developing a high powered Blog Effort that challenges Your content efforts! If you can do that, I’m ready, willing, and able to launch into the Blogisphere!
Peace,
Brother Zach
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Let’s talk but meanwhile please read this, which I wrote earlier this year:
To use your analogy I’ll be glad to show you some of my best moves! :-) I’ll walk you through, step by step.
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Good one.
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:-) LOL
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Chris Mullin. hahaha! I can’t stop laughing. So True
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