This isn't so much about the player as the man. It's a case where one of two things is likely, and I'm unsure of which, so am appealing to others for their perspective. I have recently seen a few interviews with KAJ on the subject of his book about an African American tank unit serving in Europe in WWII, and have been deeply impressed with him as a person. I always knew he was intelligent, but I grew up with the vaguely defeined opinion that he was arrogant, hyper-sensitive to what he perceived as criticism or insufficent praise, and farly stubborn. Now it is to be admitted that the bulk of this perception of him was formed ( not by me, thank God, too young) in the cauldron of 60's and 70's racial and social conflict, but it seemed to stay without a whole lot of argument, and I'd heard that it was the basis for his failure at sustaining work as a coach despite a widely acknowledged extensive and deep understandging of the game. The man I have witnessed, however, although admitedly on the stump, has been anything but what I expected, aside from intelligent. Soft spoken, almost shy, seemingly extrmely gentle and respectfull of others, present or discussed, and the kind of person you can imagine rooting for. So was the perspective I inherited a false one generated by racial and/or cultural prejudices I unwittingly bought into by proxy, or has he really changed all that much? I suppose I should offer the possibility that he was merely on his best behaviour, but it seemed too profound and sincere to be an act, as far as I am concerned. Does anyone here have any information or informed opinions about this? Did others share my perception of the perception about him as a person? Has anyone else seen him interviewed and come away deeply impressed as I have? Looking forward to your takes on this.
Upon reflection, as it doesn't directly relate to basketball, would this be more appropriate in the Forum?
Kareem was always a man. Intelligent, thoughtful. But not always likable. Likability was anethema to him. Then, his house burnt down. The community responded to Kareem, the person, and changed his perspective on society, as a whole, according to Jabbar. KAJ is a city fellow, raised in NYC in a middle-class home with middle class values. he and his folks had great issues with each other for years. The man is 57 years old and wants to get back in the game, in an involved way. However, he burnt so many interpersonal bridges he has had troubles accomplishing that. I have always respected, and sometimes admired the man.
There isn't much character analysis you can do from someone giving a speech, IMO. He of course will be respectful in front of a crowd. But that doesn't mean he's not an arrogant a-hole. There's one thing I remember someone saying about him- he wanted to go immediately into a higher profile coaching job because of his name instead of paying his dues the way Ewing and other players are doing now. He never wanted to take a low level coaching job.
He coached Native Americans on a reservation. An NBA assistant isn't a low level job. I'm not saying he isn't arrogant, I have no idea, but what I've heard is he is aloof or disengaged from everyone, which really isn't a good characteristic for a coach. He never was the type to "laugh and joke" with the guys. Arrogance will get you pretty far in coaching, being a loner won't.
My first real exposure to him was reading his book about 13 years ago. So it's not surprising that I always kind of thought he was a decent guy.
I've posted several times Kareem seems to have turned a corner and would be a good coach for Yao. Ok, even if he hasn't turned a corner, and is only motivated by mean, petty things. He'd still be an ideal model, and has very good insight directly suited for our center. I certainly think Kareem is better than Ewing.
