THE SPORT COUNT

As you know, the heavily mooted Kobe-LeBron match-up was not to be.

So, with the collective tears of the league marketing offices still drying, focus shifts to the stars of the Magic: the Manchild, The Turkish Jordan, and Rashard ‘Has Been In The League For Years And Still Doesn’t Have A Nickname’ Lewis. Then there’s the glitzy Lakers: Black Mamba, LO The Sweet Tooth, Gasolverine, and Bigger Baby Bynum.

You’ll hear enough about these heavy-hitters in the coming weeks. ESPN and Sports Illustrated have them covered.

We’re more interested in the yeoman class of the NBA: the forgotten, neglected, and rarely called upon. Let’s see how the battle of the benchwarmers will play out:

'The Zigged Zag' Vs. 'Mister Red Dick'

In 2005, they were the key players on their respective teams: Blue Devils, Zags, the two most sought after players in the country. Like Bird and Magic, a collegiate rivalry for the age — contrasting styles, equally effective results.

In 2005, you’d have had heady fans of college hoops certain that Redick’s silky jumper would one day trade buckets with Adam Morrison’s unexplainable scoring ability in the NBA finals. Rings on the line. Two titans going at it.

In 2009, they’re in the big dance, where they were meant to be. A storied rivalry entering a new era…

But this time, four years later, something is different. This pair of hoop legends are thrilling crowds across the country with atrocious shot selection and street clothes choices. One riding the pine, the other riding the plastic chairs behind the pine. One belligerently taking shots with a reckless abandon that would make Ron Artest recoil into the foetal position, and the other competing for an active roster spot with luminaries such as Sasha Vujacic, DJ Mbenga and Josh Powell.

With a sad realisation, hoops fans across the country come to accept the fact that either Adam Morrison or J.J. Redick will have a championship ring in a fortnight –- and there isn’t a thing they can do about it.

Advantage: anyone who dislikes the game of basketball.

'Pow Pow!' Powell Vs. 'Lil' J-Rich'

Richardson’s anonymity is logical — he’s rarely on a team long enough for fans to get to know him. From 2006-2008, he played for the Hawks, Blazers, Grizzlies and Spurs. Not to mention his stints with the Fort Worth Flyers and Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the D-League.

Richardson is an unstoppable beast, a do-it-all dynamo who delights in decimatating defenses. At least, he was pretty good in the D-League, averaging 28.5 points, 6.6 boards, and 1.6 steals through 2007, before receiving a call-up from the Grizzlies. In the NBA, he’s yet to hit double figures.

Now, the poor man’s J-Rich finds himself in Orlando, getting his ring finger pre-emptively sized, hundreds of thousands of dollars richer, but substantially poorer in playing time. His contribution will involve hearty high fives, and standing awkwardly outside huddles during crunchtime moments.

If the Finals were decided on high fives, manhugs and bench-based enthusiasm, Josh Powell would be the MVP of the series.

For whatever reason, Powell is the first man Kobe Bryant moves towards whenever a time out is called. Powell is enthusiastic, quick with affectionate congratulation, and is always ready to hustle on the rare moments when Phil Jackson calls his number. In other words, he’s the perfect bench player.

Advantage: Powell.

Join us tomorrow, when the showdowns continue. Heavyweights Mbenga and Foyle throw down, and a surprise international undercard guaranteed to thrill fight fans.

Posted By: Anton & James