Tonight the San Francisco Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers play the first game of of the NBA Finals. Yes, it is a seven game series between two 12-man squads. Why, then, is the press insisting that it is Stephen Curry of the Warriors vs Lebron James of the Cavaliers?

 

Basketball is the ultimate team game. Yes, some players are better than others and most teams have a star or two but, along about morning, the best team wins. Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics vs Earvin “Magic” Johnson of the Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most famous matchups that was never really a matchup. As usual, the best team won and not always the same team. Also, there are usually surprise performances by someone on the winning team that are credited with the win. Not valid. Individuals do not win games without their teammates, ever.

 

The press even tries to do the mano a mano thing in football a la Tom Brady of the Patriots against Peyton Manning of whatever team he happens to be playing for. In my experience, the fans have no problem supporting great teams and there are only a few players that have affected how many fans fill the seats.

 

So why am I having an issue with this? It is simple. We constantly talk to our young people about being ‘team players.” At work and play we continue to say this is the most important thing. And yet, they turn on ESPN and all they hear is what is going on with the “stars.”

 

By the way, a true star is someone who makes the people around them better. That is on and off the court or field of play. The newly retired New York Yankees great, Derek Jeter was one of those. The great Meryl Streep is known for this no matter what her role is in a given movie. This is something that another Yankee, Alex Rodriguez, has never figured out.
Isn’t the model for having the world work, teamwork? Great leaders are team players. Their concern for their teammates or players or employees and the willingness to learn from them is paramount. Also, to take responsibility for having things work. Our political leadership should take note.