[1] Looking at it from the writer's perspective, you would have to say they were both products of their environment; both came into post-Jordan Chicago with big expectations and big talent, but did not get the development support they needed right off the bat. It's probably not the deciding factor as to the results of their careers (they have their personal traits that ultimately dictate how they dealt with their issues), but you can't help but think if Curry especially had been dealt to a more stable organization, he would have had a more stable career arc (perhaps even stronger than Chandler). At any rate, you can't help but feel bad for Curry, no matter what. He came in and contributed at first, but I honestly think the Knicks enabled his downward spiral the most.
I think Eddy Curry is a real cautionary tale for the expectations we place on young, physically gifted, black men in our society.
I honestly don't think Eddy Curry ever WANTED to be an NBA player, hell I think he would've been perfectly content to drive a bus...or learn computer programming...or opening a hardware store. I dunno, ANYTHING but dedicate his life to basketball. It's well known that he wanted to pursue being an Olympic gymnast (seriously) when he was a kid.
But he was 7 feet tall, and 300 lbs, and well...he just HAD to pursue basketball. It was just, decided for him.
And the divergent reactions Knick fans have with both players.
[1] Looking at it from the writer's perspective, you would have to say they were both products of their environment; both came into post-Jordan Chicago with big expectations and big talent, but did not get the development support they needed right off the bat. It's probably not the deciding factor as to the results of their careers (they have their personal traits that ultimately dictate how they dealt with their issues), but you can't help but think if Curry especially had been dealt to a more stable organization, he would have had a more stable career arc (perhaps even stronger than Chandler). At any rate, you can't help but feel bad for Curry, no matter what. He came in and contributed at first, but I honestly think the Knicks enabled his downward spiral the most.
I think Eddy Curry is a real cautionary tale for the expectations we place on young, physically gifted, black men in our society.
I honestly don't think Eddy Curry ever WANTED to be an NBA player, hell I think he would've been perfectly content to drive a bus...or learn computer programming...or opening a hardware store. I dunno, ANYTHING but dedicate his life to basketball. It's well known that he wanted to pursue being an Olympic gymnast (seriously) when he was a kid.
But he was 7 feet tall, and 300 lbs, and well...he just HAD to pursue basketball. It was just, decided for him.