NBA Roundtable: Comparing NBA Players To Star Wars Characters

1. Yoda

Jason Coldiron – Gregg Popovich. He is one of the last to carry and continue to teach the ways of the Jedi (in this case, fundamental, team-first basketball being played the ‘right way.’) While the league moves in the direction of the long ball, Popovich still trusts in the inside-out game and reliance upon ball movement and teamwork. The game is changing and it’s unclear if that is for the better or the worse, but Popovich continues to rely on the aspects that made the game so great to begin with.

Jay Rosales – Phil Jackson. Back in his playing days, Phil was coached by Red Holzman (leading the Knicks to 2 titles in the 70’s). During the ’69-’70 season, Phil had back problems and all signs pointed to the end of his NBA career. Red saw his coaching potential and mentored the young Jackson into the legend he later became. Fast forward to a couple years ago. Luke Walton, after suffering through his own back-related setbacks, gets invited into Phil’s coaching circle. Yoda meet Luke.

Evan Caulfield – There’s no doubt in my mind that Kobe Bryant is Yoda. In Star Wars Return of the Jedi, Yoda knows the end is near and passes on his legacy to Luke Skywalker before he perishes. Kobe has done almost the same thing this season (minus dying), announcing his retirement from basketball and passing on his legacy to rookie DeAngelo Russell. Just picture Kobe in a long robe, echoing, “Much to learn, you still have” to Russell and the rest of the players in the Lakers’ locker room.

Next: Luke Skywalker