The NBA may be perceived as soft, but there are still some tough guys that play in today’s game. I thought about this topic as I watched game 4 of the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers game. As my partner in crime J.T. mentioned it was a game that resembled Wrestlemania. Temperatures were heated during the game and the physicality of the game brought back memories of playoff basketball in the 1990’s. I sat there and thought, who would I want on my All-Goon team. On my All-Goon team I would want five players and a head coach who I wouldn’t mind walking into a dark alley with or posting up in Zone 6 in Atlanta (just joking). Take a look at my list, and feel free to share your list or thoughts.
Coach: Tom Thibodeau- Coach Thibs is as tough as they come and his team’s always resemble his toughness. He preaches the importance of defense and it doesn’t hurt that he looks like he can play a part on the Soprano’s.
PG: Patrick Beverley- Patrick Beverley is a tough point guard that gives it all he has while on the court. Like most players from Chicago, he doesn’t back down from any opponent and he lets you know how he feels when he is in your head as a defender.
SG: Tony Allen- This selection is a no brainer, Allen is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and he holds no punches on the defensive side of the ball. Like Beverley, Allen is from Chicago and his toughness shows in his style of play. The Grind father is also a great leader and a great teammate to have watch your back.
SF: Draymond Green- Draymond Green is one the most versatile players in the NBA on the defensive side of the ball. Green is from Saginaw, MI which is known for breeding blue-collar workers which Green is on the hardwood. Green also played for Tom Izzo at Michigan State, and everyone knows that you have to be tough playing for Coach Izzo.
PF: Zach “Z-Bo” Randolph- Z-Bo is a bully on the post and everyone in the NBA knows not to mess with Z-Bo. Like Draymond Green, Randolph played for Tom Izzo at Michigan State as well. From Blake Griffin to Kendrick Perkins, Randolph has had his fair share of run-ins with players, and as expected they didn’t do anything about it.
C: Boogie Cousins- I think guys like Joakim Noah and Steven Adams are fake tough guys. Noah has a messy bun for a hairstyle so you can’t take him serious as a tough guy. With Cousins you know you are getting someone who not back down from anyone as long as their last name isnt Randolph. Cousins’ has had many run-ins with players and is regarded as a head case to some. That may be true to a certain extent, but he is someone to do whatever it takes to motivate and protect his teammates.
There is my list for the All-Goon squad. I’m sure that nobody in the NBA would want to cross paths with any of these guys if they were on the playground or streets.
Day Day trill but I’m taking Matt Barnes as my small forward.. he light skinned by accident lol