Basketball is like jazz music.
Although the ancient Aztecan did have a sport that closely resembles basketball, this sport is still associated with Americans.
All over the world, music is in every culture, yet jazz in particular is a combination of styles that came over in the bottom of slave ships from the continent of Africa and all met up in New Orleans during the second and third decades of the 19th century and is ubiquitous to American culture.
Just like jazz, basketball has set plays that a team runs on offense and defense.
Once a play, such as pick and roll, give and go, zone defenses or man-to-man breaks down, a fast break ensues, basketball becomes just as improvisational as American Jazz music. Even though jazz, as a musical form, can be written down and played, no jazz is “good” without each performer in the ensemble getting an opportunity to have a solo. The drummer, saxophonist or pianist gets to highlight his individual skills while still being a part of the team.
In basketball, just as in jazz, a player can get an isolation or a solo, where he or she gets to have a defender in a one-on-one on the court. The showcasing of individual skills takes place to the amazement of the players on the court, as well as the fans in attendance and those watching on television. Some great players have had the opportunity to display their individual talents in the team sport:
George Mikan (Minnesota/ L.A. Lakers); Bob Cousy and John ‘Hondo’ Havelicek (Celtics); ‘Pistol’ Pete Maravich (New Orleans Jazz); Walt ‘Clyde the Glide’ Frazier’ (Knicks); Oscar ‘The Big O’ Robinson (Bucks); Jerry ‘Mr. Clutch’ West (Lakers); George ‘The Ice Man’ Gervin (Spurs); Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving (N.J. Nets/76er’s).
Ervin ‘Magic’ Johnson (Lakers) Larry ‘Larry Legend’ Bird (Celtics); Dominique ‘The Human Highlight Reel’ Wilkins (Hawks/Clippers); ‘RUN-TMC’ (Tim Hardaway, Mitch Richmond, Chris Mullin- G.S. Warriors); Michael ‘Air’ Jordan (Bulls); Vinnie ‘The Microwave’ Johnson (Pistons); ‘Sir’ Charles Barkley (76er’s/Suns/Rockets); Reggie Miller ‘The Knick Killer’ and Chuck ‘The Rifleman’ Person (Pacers); Hakeem ‘The Dream’ Olajuwan (Rockets);
Shaquielle ‘Shaq Diesel’ O’Neal (Magic/Lakers/Heat/Celtics);Vince ‘1/2 Man ½ Amazing’ Carter (Raptors/Nets).
Allen ‘The Answer’ Iverson (76er’s); Jason ‘White Chocolate’ Williams (Kings/Heat); Tim ‘The Big Fundamental’ Duncan (Spurs); Kobe ‘The Black Mamba’ Bryant (Lakers); Kevin ‘KD’ Durant (Thunder); Chris ‘CP3’ Paul (Hornets/Clippers); LeBron ‘King’ James…
Basketball and American Jazz: the Ultimate Individual Team Sport.
And this, and this, and this is called The Show!