Some folks have short memories. Max deserves it. He was an absolutely
essential part of two championship teams. Just look at what he did in the
1981 Finals (MVP if I remember right) and in Game 7 in 1984.
I would draw the line at Ainge, though. I'd put him in the same category
as Don Chaney -- an excellent complementary player, but not irreplaceable.
Mmmm, that's a good comparison. And in fairness to both, I think part of
the problem is some of the older numbers like Nellie and Loscy that have
been retired are probably in the same category.If you want to talk about complete idiocy, look at what the Heat did in
retiring Jordan's number. It was one thing when baseball retired Jackie
Robinson's 42, since Robinson's contribution in breaking the color line
transcended the game. Jordan has been a great player -- arguably the
greatest of all time (I happen to disagree; give me Russell and his
rings). But he's a Chicago Bull. I have no problem with other teams
honoring him (e.g., having the Celtics give him a piece of the parquet).
But manufacturing a half Bulls, half Wizards jersey and raising it to the
rafters in Miami? They'd be less pathetic if they decided to retire Ike
Austin's jersey.
Cripes, I didn't know they did that. Yeah, I agree that it's pretty
idiotic. Although IMO the big difference with Robinson -aside from the
social significance of the relative contributions- is that that was the
league itself doing it, so it would automatically transcend team affiliation.