In a hypothetical one-on-one match-up between a present-day Kevin Martin and a seven-year-old me, Kevin Martin would dominate me in almost all aspects of the game. My pestering defense would be offset by the three-foot height difference between Kevin and myself, not to mention my lack of defensive fundamentals such as stance. My short stature might mask my poor ball-handling skills, due to my dribbles being so close to the ground, but again, my lack of size means I would never get off a clean shot. Meanwhile, Kevin would either effortlessly shoot uncontested jumpers over me, bully me in the post, or just jump over me and dunk it, all of which would probably result in tears on my end. I would probably also kick the ball away in anger, thus ending the game.
But wait! There is one aspect of the game in which we would be perfectly matched: shooting form. He shoots it from his face, which is exactly the way I shot it when I was a scrawny second grader. While Kevin has had plenty of time to adjust his shooting form to his 6’7” frame, that was the only way I could get it up all the way to the rim, so I had an excuse. And I can assure that my form is better now.
Are you reading this Kevin? You bring your time machine and your A-game, I’ll bring my tear ducts and my Looney Toons novelty basketball, and we’ll meet on the court.