Sixth Man Award now named for Boston Celtics legend John Havlicek as NBA unveils redesigned trophies

In an effort to honor NBA historical past and, presumably, to drive social media engagement, the league introduced right this moment that a number of awards trophies have been redesigned and renamed for a few of its all-time greats.

From the Celtics’ viewpoint, the Sixth Man Award locations John Havlicek in a choose group with Invoice Russell (Finals MVP bears his title), Bob Cousy (Jap Convention champions), Larry Hen (EC Finals MVP) and Pink Auerbach (Coach of the 12 months).

“Our new assortment of trophies celebrates a few of the biggest and most impactful gamers within the historical past of the NBA,” stated NBA Commissioner Adam Silver within the press launch. “As we acknowledge the league’s prime performers every season, we additionally pay tribute to the legends who embody these prestigious awards.”

It’s cool that the league is making an effort to recollect the previous. Definitely, the NFL and Main League Baseball have a practice of honoring their legends, and their followers appear to eat it up. Not so with the NBA, nevertheless.

For those who’re on Twitter, you’ve most likely seen the limitless debates over who’s the best participant or group of all time. Kobe, LeBron and MJ followers are particularly vocal about it. But it surely’s not solely that. In the present day’s followers typically have a poisonous behavior of boosting their favorites by tearing down earlier generations of gamers.

Some typical themes: the Celtics titles within the eight-team league of the ‘50s/’60s had been too simple to win; anybody who performed within the 20^th Century was a plumber or accountant, not a baller; black-and-white spotlight movies can’t be taken severely.

So … examine the responses to the above tweets and unsurprisingly you’ll discover many followers who aren’t shopping for the brand new names. However actually, was the NBA going to call the Sixth Man trophy for good-but-not-all-time-great gamers like Jamal Crawford or Lou Williams? No, they weren’t.

For stability, we – who really noticed all these pioneers besides Mikan play – supply some reactions to the brand new designations.

MVP, Michael Jordan: Not dangerous. Mike was a five-time winner, as was Russell, however his title is already on that Finals MVP {hardware}. Kareen Abdul-Jabbar received six MVPs, however he’s acquired the Social Media Champion award named after him. It mustn’t have been named for Kobe as a result of he received MVP solely as soon as, and the All-Star Sport MVP is called after him anyway. And it definitely shouldn’t be named after an lively participant (cough, LeBron and Curry followers, cough).

DPOY, Hakeem Olajuwon: Once more, it might’ve been Russell, however in any case, is Hakeem deserving? He was twice Defensive Participant of the 12 months and 9 occasions on the All-Protection group, however quite a few defenders have received extra DPOYs. Tim Duncan, for instance was All-Protection 15 occasions. The league should’ve actually needed Hakeem’s title in right here.

ROY, Wilt Chamberlain: Wilt averaged 38 and 27 as a rookie,, and received MVP in addition. Laborious to argue right here, and such a towering determine – actually and figuratively – deserves any such recognition.

Sixth Man of 12 months, John Havlicek: Positive, Hondo made his title early on as the primary reserve off the bench, however the authentic Sixth Man was Boston’s Frank Ramsay (no. 23 within the rafters). Nevertheless, John has the title recognition. The one correct argument towards him may be that he averaged 37 minutes per sport for his profession and absolutely began extra video games than not over 16 seasons. Right here’s his profession resume and a household assertion in his reminiscence.

Most Improved, George Mikan: (Shrug, palms up.) The league’s first famous person needed to get in there someplace.

New Clutch Participant of 12 months, Jerry West: He’s definitely one of the vital revered figures in NBA historical past – a prolific scorer and the inspiration for the NBA brand, who made one of the vital clutch, iconic photographs ever seen.

However West acquired the Mr. Clutch nickname from broadcaster Chick Hearn as a advertising tactic to assist promote tickets. The very fact is West received simply one of many 9 Finals he performed in. He can’t really be blamed for the eight losses, however that’s extra runner-up finishes than anybody who’s ever performed. A more sensible choice might need been Sam Jones, who is essentially forgotten regardless of successful 10 rings and hitting many clutch photographs of his personal.

For higher or worse, the names have been chosen. The hope right here is that possibly, simply possibly, some newer NBA followers will make an effort to embrace the league’s wealthy historical past somewhat than reject it.