I’m going to be completely honest here – and I’ve got into this area before on the blog.

Compiling “Top 5”, “Top 10”, or “The Best _____In the League” angles that I often get assigned are not my favorite piece to write in the least. Employing the word “loathe” would suffice.

In this case, it was a debate about “Top 5 Small Forwards” currently running over at HOOPSWORLD.

Funny thing is, I contemplated mentioning Travis Outlaw’s name in the opening graph – and what do you know; someone out there actually believes he’d be the same type of player as Kevin Durant if Travis played for the Thunder.

Nope. Not even close.

For me, these types of pieces are done way too regularly for far too little gain for the reader and writer. I mean, how many times can we argue who is the best at a given position when every basketball website in the world goes this route?

I’d much rather report.

I’d much rather conduct an interview and write something with depth.

I’d prefer to tell a story.

That’s just the writer side of me talking. But the reader side of me doesn’t even bother reading “Top 5” lists, unless it’s “Top 5” best Clint Eastwood movies or “Top 5” best tracks by Big Daddy Kane. But “Top 5” list which pertain to the NBA: no thanks

Pardon the rant. Just had to put that out there.

pic via: the ap

Comments (11)

Blazer Bias...
written by Can't jump, August 20, 2009

Wendell-

Were you even a little nervous posting your column on Hoopsworld? Yesterday's SG column received a bit of feedback. You're a brave man Mr. Maxey!

Robert

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that's the way it goes
written by wmaxeyjr, August 20, 2009

tell me about it robert.....

i am going to get murdered on that type of piece, regardless who i put on their. but it sure doesn't help matters having to follow the " i thought brandon was a point guard" act from yesterday.

mistakes happen.

my stomach turns anytime i receive one of this assignments from our editors.

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Well
written by jfleminghoops, August 20, 2009

I just gotta give you this:

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...
written by CaseyH, August 20, 2009

Wendell need not worry about taking heat. He's a pro all the way. Best scribe at Hoopsworld by a parsec.

I love me some Travis, but anyone who thinks he's a flight to OKC away from being Kevin Durant is certifiable.

As for your list, I would bump Artest to HM, move KD to No. 4 and put Granger at No. 5, but it's a solid list, for what lists are worth.

And "Raw" is my favorite Big Daddy Kane track.

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its got to be the kane
written by wmaxeyjr, August 20, 2009

thanks for that casey.....your check is in the mail.

i can get down with "raw". but my kane list starts with "ain't no half steppin'".

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teeth
written by wmaxeyjr, August 20, 2009

at least you didn't go with the frown icon jason....

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...
written by Nik Nice, August 21, 2009

In no particular order...
Raw
wrath of Kane
smooth operator
mortal combat
warm it up Kane

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nice and smooth
written by wmaxeyjr, August 21, 2009

see...

now that's a top 5 list i can get down with......nice work nik

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Casey - Shhhh
written by tssbro, August 22, 2009

Maybe someone in OKC will convince the Thunder to give the Blazers Green or Durant for Outlaw straight up. Really guys, he is a prolific scorer who just needs minutes. Durant can't play D anyway, right??

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Paid in Full
written by pxilpooshr, August 22, 2009

Why read a Big Daddy Kane list when you could read a Rakim top 5 track list list?

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paid in full
written by wmaxeyjr, August 24, 2009

only if you make sure eric b. is with rakim on that five....

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