fonsywrites

[fonsywrites]

Article: Chris Paul, a dying breed in the league, is spearheading a title run in Phoenix

By Alfonso Martirez (written on February 12, 2022)

Chris Paul has successfully led a career and reputation built on all the qualities that embodies a gold standard floor general should be — vocal, makes all the right passes, knows where every player should be and when, and makes sure the team follows like clockwork — a dying breed in the association. With the past few years seeing a resurgence in Chris Paul’s career, we find ourselves in the recurring topic of whether or not he will reach basketball nirvana and win a ring. This theme of ring-less superstars failing to do so has never shed more light onto the 36 year old point god then has now. 

After what felt like a surprise finals appearance that may have meant nothing more than the culmination of a successful conference run, the Phoenix Suns have tuned into the momentum from last season, and found harmony within a group of hoopers that even the point god himself, having played for 5 different teams, has admitted to having fun with the chemistry that has formulated with this squad. 

The addition of Biyombo this season has given Phoenix some frontcourt depth and has provided to be a great fit, being at the very least, a formidable roll-man back-up to Ayton, yet during the latter's absence due to injury, the former has really proven his potential that scouts have mouthed since his draft — an impactful defensive anchor with competent roll-man finishing capabilities. With the right pieces — solid frontcourt presence, knock-down shooters occupying the wings and a swingman in Booker who has improved statistically this season in regards to advanced shooting — Chris Paul at the helm, leading the teams offense and defense, strategically and mentally with his cutthroat win-at-all-costs mentality, is seeing championship contention with great promise.

Chris Paul appraisal and rapport as a winning superstar and as well as news and fan chatter for that matter really has felt like it died down after his departure from the Clippers. With other star guards during the mid-’10’s taking headlines — Paul took a place in the background of NBA superstars, being subconsciously labeled as just a piece to a contending team, or an aging leader that still remains the qualities of a floor general minus the physical capabilities that youth places an expiration date on. With the clock ticking on Paul’s body, since his failures to reach the conference finals with a great Clippers team, the league has undergone huge landscaping with the trend of pace-and-space and the huge significance of outside shooting with the uptick of 3-point attempts. This new age of the association may be one of the predominant causes of the beginning of extinction of the floor general, pass-first leader archetype. Especially with stars garnering more imitation from aspiring young players with playing styles like Curry, the pioneer, and others like Ja Morant, Doncic, LeBron and big men looking up at the likes of Embiid, Jokic and Anthony Davis. 

Asides from cultural impact and the agronomy of the youth basketball scene being swayed towards what are deemed more modern skillsets, offensive schemes at the highest level today like 4-out settings with heavy usage of the pick-and-roll, outside shots from kick-outs or pin-downs as well as the ever growing importance of defensive interchangeability. All of these factor into decreasing demand for ball-dominant guards and increase in guards who are, albeit savvy in the pick-and-roll, are also reliant on being a threat of the catch in secondary actions of an offensive set. This new guard archetype is most notably embodied by Doncic who is ball-dominant and pick-and-roll usage rate heavy — still wouldn’t strike you as the typical floor general we were used to seeing in the ‘90’s and ‘00’s. This is because of the package of traits he boasts — his passing ability and chess-against-checkers-esque proficiency, works as a singular offensive attribute. This contrast of ball-dominant guards can be clearly displayed between being a guard who hits the right shooter or roll man, or make a step back jumper when attacking the middle of the floor off of certain orientations after a screen, versus a guard who controls the pace of the game, directs entire sets offensively to expose mismatches or manipulate any advantageous opportunity for his team, provides the offensive threat after putting the agenda of getting all five guys in a fluent rhythm and ultimately makes decisions on the behalf of the coach.

After Chris Paul left the Clippers organization — a bad taste was left not just for Clippers fans but those who may have any realization of how good that team was in the early ‘10s. About as well run a unit can be — a potent offense that had a pick and roll threat that would always feel like a Griffin or Jordan highlight was the inevitable result, a knockdown shooter in JJ Redick curling off screens with impeccable efficiency and an elite playmaker coming off the bench in Jamal Crawford, flashing top tier handles and shooting. This team, beyond the numbers, was about as good as it can get, showing clutch performances to win series but not the ones that mattered the most. When a team that’s formed and poised to make deep playoff runs, and keeps its core group of guys around for some years, it’s certainly a great travesty when they don’t have a championship or even a conference finals appearance at that to show for that would make it easier to find the validity for how good they were. 

As Chris Paul left this chapter of his playing career, we see him capitalizing on the entry of an entirely new NBA — a league that would see the transcendence of the 3 point shot. During Paul’s time with the Clipper’s falling short in the playoffs to teams like a stacked OKC, Portland or Houston, Stephen Curry was building his nascent emergence as an icon that would change not just the game but the culture of hoops globally. He alongside his running mate, the Splash Bros would create what shouldn’t be called a frenzy but a revolution into why a significant increase in shooting outside shots would generate wins. We saw the voices of key figures around the association view the trend go from live-and-die-by-the-3 to, if you’re not creating these shots at this rate, you will fall behind. Chris Paul fit into this changing of vanguards in a less than ideal way. Playing for the Houston Rockets, a team that was thrust into the forefront of advanced analytics, making a name for themselves by emphasizing on efficiency — shooting only shots at the rim or the 3 ball, shunning any thought of the mid-range. Paul may have found himself in a winning situation, however did not see his playing style, where he generates most of his offense from the mid-range, optimize his scoring ability. Asides from this, his ability to command a game by playing chess off his dribbling and passing, was set aside for the heavy usage rate of James Harden, with him getting a severe majority of time with the ball. 

It was inevitable that this trend would see Paul fall by the wayside. His tenure at Houston, in terms of legacy, and especially at that time, saw that Paul was weaning off his best basketball self. Thoughts of Paul surrendering to father time were as clear as ever. However, a trade to OKC saw that the near extinction of his playing style, would undergo revival and resurgence. Paul would lead a group of young players to a surprising 44-28 season. During a recent interview on JJ Redick’s podcast, Paul goes on to talk about how nowadays, he wouldn’t find a reason to not fight the conformity of playing at a high level despite the past showing age would slow any athlete down. 

Along with whatever health related regime, diet and physical therapy maintenance Paul has achieved — his innate style as a floor general has turned the tables, being the primary reason he has thoroughly continued winning ways despite age. Speaking in terms of intangibles, we saw his attitude as a leader spark inspiration in him leading young players at OKC. His move to Phoenix, with more pieces fit for a deep playoff run? We can now catch any Suns game and unmistakably see why Chris Paul is one of the greats. 

We don’t see much of Chris Paul’s playing style any more, most probably due to the draw other flashier styles have. We may see players in your local courts trying to shoot like Curry and players in the competitive high school and AAU scene put more attention on attributes like athleticism and shot-making from the perimeter. But it’s Chris Paul’s style that has kept him as a winner so late into his career. Playing types that focus on skills like hitting a catch-and-shoot, defending on-ball at the perimeter, and getting into driving lanes using shifty handles are what set players apart, and get them into rosters. But it is the exact qualities of a player found in Paul’s archetype — leadership, persistence, communication, making the right pass, being where you should be on defense — the most important divide in sports, the one that sets players apart from winning and losing — in this case, Paul may lack a ring, but he’s led a winning team every year for the past decade. Going against what age should dictate, it’s this playing style that inspires and leads — an ever important cog that makes sure the machine is well-oiled and ready to perform optimally. Paul sees himself making sure everyone is where they should be on offense and defense, dictates and leads by actions what should be done in order to be the team that scored more points than the opposition, and most admirable, makes sure that when the game comes down to tense situations, the leader of the team, the talisman is who teammates and fans can trust to hit big time shots. Paul at age 36, has delivered as the Suns are this season's best team in the clutch.

We may see more kids shout “Curry!” after heaving a long-range shot way more than we’ll ever see kids command personnel, snake dribble off a screen and either make a pinpoint pass to a roll-man or hit and mid-range shot and shout “like a good neighbor”, but hey, it comes down to what qualities we should be teaching young athletes. It will be fun to see this unit in Phoenix, all pieces including coaching staff, where they should be physically and mentally, making another run at the championship. Both conferences are stacked with valid contenders — it will be a joy to see Paul coming down the court, pulling up with his sweeping mid range jumper that feels like inevitability, no matter the poor soul of a mismatch he’s manipulated into guarding him, falling through the net. It is this shot in the clutch, that I would trust more than most when it may mean winning and losing a series. But first, we still get to see the build up, in Paul leading, vocally, mentally and in the spirit of an athlete.

[fonsywrites]

Article: The Young Donovan Mitchell is the nascent Kendrick Lamar of the League

By Alfonso Martirez (Written on May 8, 2018)

In times where art can be interpreted in many ways, in the world of sports, a young Donovan Mitchell ascends through his craft in such a way that blurs the line between artistry and craft. An athletic specimen that floats in the air with ballerina finesse and rim-rocking ability that exudes athletic prowess. Along with a superior handle and a smooth jumper—we’ve seen this parcel of talent rise to stardom so quickly, from a less than attention-grabbing tenure at Louisville to spearheading a playoff team. 

This progression interestingly draws comparisons to renowned artist Kendrick Lamar during his younger days. After being snubbed for the Rookie of the Year award this past season, Mitchell’s season should not be consigned to oblivion. Instead, Mitchell and his rookie season should be, deservedly so, eulogized into an eccentric comparison. Donovan Mitchell is the Kendrick Lamar of the association, building on his solid playmaking when in traffic in driving lanes, improving his overall defense which gleans with potential that is rooted in his athletic tools and effective communication and fine-tuning his efficiency from the outside—his transition from college to the league is his career and now are witnessing his Good Kid, m.A.A.d City.

Donovan Mitchell still being young, it may not be fitting since GKMC is not Kendrick’s first project. But realistically, no one really paid attention to Mitchell like this during his college ball days—exactly how casual fans give high praise to King Kendrick and Kung Fu Kenny, but not KDot. Up until his transcending work of GKMC and To Pimp a Butterfly, Kendrick was still just greatness with a throne and title waiting. Pre-GKMC, we never truly regarded Kendrick Lamar as the icon that he is today. 

What we have in Donovan Mitchell is truly something special. He plays with the confidence of Kendrick’s iconic verse on Control—raining on the parade of Westbrook and co. in the opening round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs. Attacking defenders off the dribble with the panache of King Kunta—quick, slick and elusive shifts that find him weaving into graceful finishes at the rim. Finishing in traffic amongst limbs of 7 footers, the nimbleness of Rigamortus rings as the skill shown in this track embodies plauded agility and dexterity of acrobatic finishes at the rim—a staple in hoop culture. Taking turns at defending the opposing team's best player with the liability of features like goosebumps, New Freezer, and you just wouldn’t usually find in a rookie. Donovan Mitchell’s game is an artistic archetype.

In spite of the level of quality we see in Mitchell’s play, he remains a grounded and a respectful character, knowing his place in the league. Establishing himself as a serious talent in the star studded association with the poise of a veteran. Sure, this story isn’t unheard of. We’ve seen the usual trope of young phenoms validly garnering the attention of the public. And these characteristics are somewhat comparable to other great figures. Though to the extent of the palpable greatness at hand, especially along with the similar demeanor, the Donovan Mitchell-King Kenny resemblance seems more appropriate. 

Few other artists have reached the newfound heights that Kendrick prevails in. Kendrick earned this title by expressing his ability purely through his works of art—not by deriving on a counterfeit outlandish character. A perfect balance of a professional and an artist. It’s just a matter of time until Mitchell, through integrity that parallels Kendrick, earn and perform to the level of DAMN.— a Pulitzer prize winning body of work—the coveted NBA championship.

With a co-star that is a reliably defensive anchor in Rudy Gobert, and other supportive roles that can certainly excel especially when it matters the most, winning the chip is in the realm for the nascent Mitchell.

[fonsywrites]

Film Review: An All-time Classic in Chazelle’s Whiplash — 10/10 rating

By Alfonso Martirez | (contains spoilers)

An irrefutable masterpiece — framing the chase of greatness with the details that create an intrigue towards the travails that triumph necessitates. This film mashes the brutality of competitiveness in ones field and the scrupulosity that takes place in the process of what it takes to stand out, succeed, and perform to virtual perfection. 

Memorable across the board, viewers will be highly absorbed — beautiful cinematography that we are immersed into seeing the tension-filled realism of competitive pursuit of an artistic ambition, a screenplay that's etched itself in cinema rapport and show-stopping acting performances by Miles Teller and J.K. Simmons, has exhibited how the intensity and vigor of ones obsession of perfection is taken to great lengths narratively speaking.

One note that may be under appreciated, is the supporting roles that have also done well in exceedingly exemplary scenes that work to endear and create the atmosphere of ambition and competition that is fine-tooth combed. The role of Melissa Benoist perfectly executes a beguiling love interest that dishearteningly loses to a path towards greatness that doesn’t include her. Austin Stowell who charms with a friendly, less serious approach to his journey for drumming excellence — perfectly manufacturing the essence of seemingly irrational bias that may be relatable in the workplace, school or social settings. And Nate Lang who provides another source of what it’s like under the extreme pressure of playing under Fletcher. These supporting roles and scenes are what helps create the world of dimly lit halls of a music conservatory set in New York — a world that thematically juxtaposes what Andrew tries to fight his way out of, as seen in the discourse at the dinner scene with his counterparts who are keen on football and model UN accomplishments and dismissive of drumming interests rather than supportive and scrutable of his feats. A sweet stroke of irony as we do see a more a cutthroat and voracious energy in the halls where Fletcher lurks, rather than in the energy of a high school football standout and his prideful father.

Important philosophical themes are piquantly sparked — asking audiences 'What moral boundaries can be crossed in order to achieve success?' and 'Is mental health and emotional relationships a necessary trade-off for the great depths and process of chasing greatness?'. As well as other popular plot-based questions and discussions that revolve around underlying intentions of Fletcher and whether or not they are justified. These themes are further interpolated when you explore other characters' motives and logos or pathos — what at its surface seems an uncomplicated concept that further delves into and explores other intriguingly complex ideas and a web of conversation. 

These moral questions work in parallel with the storyline. As we move forward, we also wonder if Fletcher takes his traits and actions further than what his title holds — asking if his intentions have also surpassed his responsibilities as a conductor, mentor and teacher. In one of many discussions that can be interpolated, it is very interesting to reason whether or not it is Fletcher’s role to sift out who can be guided towards greatness or his responsibility to do what it takes in order to make sure his muse reaches his potential that causes a lopsided trade-off with morals, and whether there is more gain than harm to the muse or society. Seeing as the trade-off be too dire when death is the consequence, it is also interesting to further discuss how Fletcher’s intentions may be justified since Neiman has the same of agenda of achieving greatness as a musical artist.

[fonsywrites]

Article: Days Ahead of the 2018 World Cup, More than the Weight of a Nation is on Messi’s Shoulders

by Alfonso Martirez (Written on June 8, 2018)

Just a few days away from the most important two months of his life, fans feel the gravity of this one tournament along with the man who’ll be held accountable for gargantuan pressure to win. 

Those who root for Lionel Messi, should adjudge a rational a level of trust—one you find with a romantic partner, one responsible for finances or to execute a very important task that means a lot to you. He is that guy. For a couple years now, Lionel Messi has been considered as the goat (or one of the goat’s, across other disciplines) because of how frequently he has managed to perform large feats of success on the pitch. He has been rewarded this regard by so many— unanimously tapping into a status that can only be fathomed in the zeitgeist of what humans are capable of achieving in the sport—time and time again, treating spectators to spectacular acts, leaving them as witnesses to athletic masterstrokes that really can only be done by few. Saying this makes it feel like the man is an assassin who is chosen because his possessed set of skills have reached a level only a few can do—which is to say that along with the years of hard work and mastery to acquire such level of skill—comes with God given talent. Lionel Messi is literally chosen.

In sport, when one is bestowed the moniker of ‘the goat’, it would be expected to feel a particularly unnerving energy that goes with it. Especially the extent of what the term entails, it’d be inhuman to feel unmoved when the term goat is beset onto them. Though where biology and psycho-analogy fails, is where finds out Messi isn’t human.

Messi is pure, raw talent. What separates him from fellow sportsmen at this high status is his quietness and humble mannerisms. A modern perception of superstars is that they must possess bravado and showmanship to the point of blurry discernment between confidence and arrogance. Jordan, an outspoken and cutthroat competitor; Brady, a poster boy with a natural celebrity attitude; Serena, a barrier-breaker not afraid to speak her mind. It is this breed that Messi finds his craft inverse to his personality. The likes of LeBron, Neymar, Tiger, had the confidence ingrained as the spotlight has been on their careers since their youth, whilst the Jordan’s, Brady’s, Kobe’s had it because of their innate competitive personalities. Messi is cut from his own cloth—thriving off of what his craft and what the beautiful game brings with it—the art of true competition. However, Messi’s elan vital for the game may come from a source most people tend to overlook, his belief. 

Messi has stated via TyC sports that he intends to go on a 43-mile pilgrimage if Argentina wins the World Cup. That’s 68 kilometres—that’s about 15 hours considering how short Messi’s legs are. Also keep in mind that the squad joining him is just about the same squad that lost to Spain 6-1 in a tune up match last March (without Messi). 

This statement is a promise extended to the degree of legacy and national scrutiny. Scrutiny his own countrymen selfishly and unfairly hold against him simply because his successes have been exclusive to sunny Barcelona. Nonetheless, Messi is preparing himself for a great World Cup, and all the preparations are going to be in private, except for one—the verbal promise of a potential pilgrimage. Author, Steven Kotler, who has studied the psychology of optimal performance in sports, (focusing on a concept one should be familiar with, playing at your best when you’re ‘in the zone’), explained that risk is a necessary operative for getting your mind and body to be in the best state to succeed and produce your best work athletically. What better way to impose risk for a quiet, meek mannered Argentinian nicknamed the flea, to put himself in the position of prospective embarrassment before the world’s very eyes.

So now we have a man (be it an extraordinarily talented man), prepared for global scrutiny. One man amongst 10  teammates and a nation, acknowledging his extraordinary responsibility. A test for legacy, and an opportunity to showcase his goat-ness. Pass or fail, however, Messi has already cemented and etched his name in greatness.

What one may fail to absorb, is that a man and his legacy should be separated. For what it is, Messi is the greatest because of the heights that Messi has already reached; it is what Messi does, what he represents as a footballer in its purest sense—surpasses what skill and talent knows—this little artist just so happens to put together these masterstrokes—a string of dribbles past the quickest, most calculated of defenders, passes that find its target to a tee, a run composed of 1-2′s and lane-switches that leave a full assembly of opposing teams looking like bowling pins in an elaborate trap placed in a cartoon jungle, a swift kick of the ball that turns into a heat-seeking missile; these, it is these skills in a magician’s resume that are constantly produced time and time again.

In times where it is in vogue to say profession is artistry, we see those in the grind that is mastery, being craftsmen—passionate men and women obsessing over what they love to do, eventually reaching heights they deserve. Messi was once a kid who, what he lacked in growth hormones, made up for ability to have the football superglued to his feet. Messi might just be the ultimate crossbreed between artist and craftsman by way of superstar athlete. Dancing around defenders in minimal, movements and rhythm that groove. Masterfully applying ordinate movements, driven by purpose—a utilitarian with swagger—conserving energy, minimizing risk of injury and leaving a defender in the trails of a sneer, about to rip one to the far-post after a cut-back and a couple of defenders at the hands of a force of nature. I restate my claim, Messi isn’t just inhuman nor one of a kind, but a standout among standouts.

This 5’6 (with human growth hormones (who knows how short he’d be without it)) Argentinian is ready to do all that he can just for his country. Whether or not he pulls through for his angered countrymen—one thing is for sure, he will bask in his own unequaled greatness. He is ready to produce the greatest work of art embodied in one summer, ready to craft a masterpiece of a World Cup performance.