What's Moving The Needle? April 30, 2008

So what's the moving the needle this week? Let's take a look:

San Antonio Spurs - Steve Jones wrote an excellent article where he compared these Spurs to the Bill Russell era Celtics. Tim Duncan ~ Bill Russell, Tony Parker ~ Sam Jones, John Havliceck ~ Manu Ginobli. It's an apt comparison, highlighting very real parallels. It is increasingly apparent that Tim Duncan is the greatest power forward of all time and with four championships and two MVP awards his resume is gaudier than any player of his era (including Shaquille O'Neal); yet for all that Russell had five MVPs and eleven championships; edge - Russell. Sam Jones was a wonderful player, reputed to be a big time clutch performer but not really one enthused to play with that same intensity throughout the season. This was certainly a choice. Tony Parker has become an increasingly integral part of the Spurs dynasty every year and does not lack for intensity. In this current series vs the Suns, he shone; edge - Tony Parker. Manu Ginobli is a player who needs to be watched to appreciated. He does all the little things, fills the gaps and when the moment is right seizes the game. A tireless competitor and gritty player who is a direct descendant of the man they called Hondo. Everything good quality ascribed to Ginobli has been applied to Havliceck. In addition Havlichek won championships in a supporting role (the late 60s) and as the sharing the lead with David Cowens (in the 70s). Havlicheck was everything Ginobli is today . . . at a Hall of Fame level; edge: Havlicek. If you invite legitimate comparison to those Celtics, it's been a great career.

Dinosaur Comics - Sometimes excellence is defined by flashes of brilliance. Sometimes excellence is defined by the consistent output of great work. The two are not mutually exclusive. Most webcomics have a couple of central themes and conceits. Dinosaur Comics has the same panels everyday, which relieves the creator of various design woes and worries and allows his mind to have free rein as to content. What's been produced is a comic that is truly far ranging, eccentric, perspicacious and quixotic. It doesn't hurt that as a creator he, you know, produces consistently. (www.qwantz.com)

That's it for now. . .