Playing Favorites

After my last (somewhat half-assed) post, Sim pointed out to me that "HyTop's Favorite Nugget" seems to change daily. Well, so does the hand I jerk off with. I am a fickle creature.

That said, I think the swings of my heart deserve to be immortalized here, on the seventh most popular Nuggets blog in the Western hemisphere*!

HYTOPS FAVE NUGGZ, episode 1:

1. Kenyon Martin - He has the worst contract in the league, and the biggest heart. Became a man sometime in the wasteland of the past two years, and now frequently looks like The Only One Who Really Cares Out There (Non-Roleplayer Edition). Ironically, is actually a roleplayer.


2. Eddie Najera - I like how he hustles, plays smart, surprises with his athleticism, and is Mexican. Is somewhat overpaid. Is a pro.


3. Bobby Jones - Shame he's not gonna see meaningful minutes for the rest of the year. I liked the chaos he brought to the floor, and his unearned swagger.

4. Linas Kleiza - I will write the definitive Kleiza piece in the coming weeks. I like the way he has reshaped himself--body, skills, mind--to become an NBA player. It's good to see hard work payoff, and even better to see a white kid** who's not afraid to dunk (and not afraid to fail).


5. Anthony Carter - I don't know how this happened. My plan was for him to be the butt of all my jokes this year. I mean, look at the dude; he cracks me up! Sometimes love sneaks up on you.

6. Carmelo Anthony - Even mailing in the season, he wows me more than anyone else. I mean, let's face it: he's pretty good. Fun to watch, too, especially when he's trying. Has the potential to skyrocket up this list. Also, to be a champion.

7. JR Smith - Figuring it out before our eyes. JR's not gonna grow up on anyone's terms but his own. That means he'll always scare us, because we'll never be sure. That also means, if he does come out the other end, he'll be stronger than anyone else could've made him. It's gonna be fun to watch.

8. Allen Iverson - I feel like I'm hurting his warrior spirit putting him down here. But he is not, how you say, 'aging gracefully.' Somehow, he can still get wherever he wants, but now he can't finish at the rim. It's made him timid and indecisive. Also, he shouts "AND ONE" every time he shoots it. Sometimes when he passes. The refs don't like that, Allen. It's all conntected.

9. Marcus Camby - The passion he inspires is roughly equal to the passion he plays with. HyTop appreciates a cool, calculating motherfucker, but I ain't going to war for him. Nice to have around, though, to make some plays.


AND, IN A TIE FOR 10th PLACE:
10. Mike Wilks - He was a good sport about it, wasn't he?
10. Jelani McCoy - Earned this spot with his beautiful singing voice and well maintained beard.


NOT LISTED: Diawara (nice kid, completely lost), Von Wafer (seems popular with his teammates, gets the yips in garbage time) Stephen Hunter (...), and Chucky Atkins (we'll find out soon).

NOT MENTIONED: The Brazilian. Gotta earn it round these parts.



* Statement not evaluated by blogger.
** I know he's a Euro, but he went to high school in Jersey.