i think it does, it happens in everyday life as we often judge books by their cover. in relation to sports i think that the love for your team has alot to do with it.
I got called out a while back for claiming that Ron Artest was our best player against the lakers when we took them to 7 games. A bunch of posters brought up the stats and I was a little shocked to see his. All I remember were the big shots he made and - more importantly - the mentality he brought to the whole team during that series. I've never been a stat nerd anyway. I believe in intangibles.
Great thread Jeff! I must admit one bias: I hate Scottie Pippen. terrible player. I too share your dislike for Amare, although it's never translated into me doubting his bball skills. As far as an active player, I'd say Mello. Although every time I see a highlight of his, I'm reminded that the dude is a damn good player. I just can't stand the guy and it translates into me thinking that he's overrated.
Perceptions can not only be morphed regarding particular players, mine were warped regarding a whole team. I absolute hated the Seattle SuperSonics of the late 80's and early 90's. I despised their style of play, their players, their coach (once George Carl arrived), and what I perceived as a certain amount of arrogance they displayed. They were a team that I just didn't feel was all that(despite the fact that they gave our Rockets fits). Time though has given me the opportunity to reflect on what an absolute squad the Sonics had and actually made me wonder why they didn't accomplish more. Starting with the Dale Ellis led teams, they transitioned into Payton\Kemp years with supporting players like Detlef Schrempf, Nate McMillian, Hersey Hawkins, Sam Perkins... When I look back at them now I would love to have a team made up like that, with the way the NBA is set up now I actually feel like they would be fun to watch. So yes I can say it now (still a bit begrudgingly), the Sonics were a great team and if they hadn't been such a pain to my Rox I probably would have enjoyed watching them... ugh.. there I said it.
Jeff, good point on the YOFs. I remember they use to defend Yao's game criticism even though they never saw the game. "I exploit you; still you love me I tell you one and one makes three"
Chances are . . the unHYPED one . .. He won't get three step He won't get to palm the ball He will get called for more fouls and more charges He will not ALWAYS get the benefit of the doubt Rocket River
The only rocket I've ever had bias for has been T-Mac. I fell victim to the flash it took a lot for me to take off the blinders and see him for the real poison he was. Other than that I've been overly optimistic on a few draft picks, but what fan isn't. But for the most part my opinions come from observation of the games some stats and team chemistry. Based on what I saw last year there's no doubt that this team is a contender with the added pieces. We'll finally see what this team really looks like we haven't seen the improved AB with Martin, Ariza, Scola, and Yao. On paper this team has winning formula all over it. If you can't see that you got some blinders on. Don't believe the media hype watch the games and the truth you will see.
I think "Dirk is a choker" is one of the biggest misconceptions. I've watched numerous games in the playoffs and regular season where he made big shot after big shot. That doesn't mean I wasn't rooting against him, but still, gotta give him his credit. On the Rockets, I pretty much will always be a Lowry over Brooks fan. Brooks could shoot any % from the 3 and I would still criticize him for being too small and short and unable to keep his man in front of him. I remember on a couple of occasions two years ago he did a number on Chris Paul, and I was hoping this was a sign he was learning to play D. But...no. It didn't stick. Call it a bias if you want but I've pretty much made up my mind on that one.
I'll admit to being an unabashed Chuck Hayes fan. He's the one I root for more than anyone else, and yes I'm more likely to defend him than a player I don't care for personally. I try not to let that skew my perception of his skills, but to some degree it probably does. I'm more probably more likely to remember the good things he does and forget the bad things he does.
I don't like guys who give up on there teams, Tracy Mcgrady and Lebron James. A couple of years ago they were my two favorite players but I borderline hate them now. There is no excuse for giving up on your team especially when you willing except everything on your shoulders.
Bob Sura, I think, is a good example of this. Carl Landry as well, among others, which are good players that are made out to be great by Clutchfans. And hey those are two of my favorite Rockets in the last decade. Another example is Steve Francis - you either love him, or hate him. Cool thread Jeff. You're right, a lot of times players get reps based on perception/personality.
I'm biased towards players that look smart on and off the court. And I surely overrate interviews, are very important for me. I also tend to overstimate the size in general. I trully believe in the power of size in basketball.
I like ball handlers who can create shots for themselves or others,and highly skilled big man. I like players who can take the ball to the basket by themselves, and finish with a smooth finger roll more than a flashy dunker. Off the ball movement shows good IQ but it's something I don't like, despite it's importance. It's an acquired skill,and not a reflection of natural talent to me.
Some of it comes down to what a players is verses what he could be. You can't argue that Chuck was a great player, but did he maximize his abilities? What if Shaq had worked on his free throws? Is Amare only enthusiastic about one side of the court?
I like team players that share the ball because when I play ball I hate ball hogs who don't friggin pass the ball. Arrogant players piss me off (eg. kobe, lebron, etc...) because I believe you should treat everyone with respect. It doesn't matter if you are the GOAT or a scrub. I also like players that play on both ends because I believe defense wins games & championships. This is why I love our players so much like yao, lowry, battier, chuck, scola, etc... They are TEAM FIRST players who don't care about stats and only care about winning & they also treat their opponents with respect. They are guys that you would love to play with and they are also great people.
I used to feel like I could separate my feelings about a player's personality from his talent or ability... but I will be honest, I realize now I would take a guy with less talent and better personality every time - maybe that makes me odd, but I'd rather have a team full of Yao Ming's than one Kobe.
