And sadly, this is how Trevor Ariza, the ruthlessly efficient dagger dropper of the 2009 NBA Champion Lakers went from NBA Glory to chucking bricks and clashing with the “alpha-male” of a non-contender in Houston.
And last week, Ariza was part of a 4-team deal that had him headed to New Orleans. While he will be paired with NBA great Chris Paul, it remains to be seen just how long Chris Paul will be in New Orleans (and logically, just how long professional basketball will be there as well).
I don’t pity Ariza. At the end of the day, he’s making millions of dollars and touring the country while playing the greatest game ever invented. He’s welcome to switch me spots any time he wants.
But, you can’t help but think that, come next March, when Chris Paul is out with some phantom injury, and he’s sluggishly trotting up and down the court while down 20 to the San Antonio Spurs, Ariza will be thinking about and regretting his decision with the Lakers… especially given where the Lakers have been without him and where they’ll continue to be. I do feel sorry for him for that, because I will always have a soft spot for Ariza in my heart.
Meanwhile, the ruthless Mitch Kupchak, swooped in to steal the louder, meaner, and angrier version of Trevor Ariza. His name? Matt Barnes. And his price tag? Two years, $3.6 million.
Again, the difference between good and great.