The Supreme Court of the National Basketball Association, Revisited
(This is a revision of a post which appeared here two years ago.)
Envision this as an educational device for judicial clerks who want to learn about the NBA and basketball players who want to learn about the Supreme Court.
Chief Justice John Roberts/Pat Riley


Ascended the ranks quickly. Flashy smile, used primarily to woo colleagues and the wives of subordinates. Secretly domineering and perhaps unethical in his overbearing nature. Probably a good poker player. Will not disappoint his mentors, though will backstab his proteges. Handsome, in a Lifetime Channel sort of way.
Justice Antonin Scalia/Larry Brown


Everything that's wrong with America. Has strong relationships with the leaders in his field, though most of those leaders secretly hate him. Vacations with people he probably shouldn't be vacationing with. Beloved by some, absolutely hated by others. The haters are usually those closest to him. Impossible not to have an opinion on him. Ability to tan unusually well.
Justice Samuel Alito/Jeff Van Gundy


When he broke onto the scene, it signified the end of the free world as we know it. Has success through very, very boring methods. Listening to him is a war of attrition. Can turn biggest adversaries' (Sen. Russ Feingold, Tracy McGrady) brains to mush. Doesn't want Americans to have a good time. Ever. Somewhat resembles a pedophile.
Justice Clarence Thomas/Nate McMillan


Should be liberal, just looking at the surface. African-American, former frenetic player or playa. Loves the ladies. But under it all, adheres strictly to the word of the law (except when it benefits them not to). Viciously attack sexual predators publicly, though they've both associated with sexual predators before (Nate McMillan:Shawn Kemp::Clarence Thomas:Clarence Thomas). Associated with a questionable former colleague with the surname "Hill."
Justice Stephen Breyer/Rick Adelman


West Coast bred, and has the laid-back attitude to prove it. Very pragmatic in his approach, emphasizing the system/law as the backbone of all possible solutions. Not afraid to take on a challenge. Sentiment of pure individual freedom overwrites all, though. Mostly invisible to the world at large.
Justice John Paul Stevens/George Karl


Highly idiosyncratic. Seems to exude traditional values, especially when it comes to the philosophy of the job. But secretly crazy. Carries a pen and a pad everywhere, just in case inspiration strikes and a verbose opinion/innovative playset zips through his mind. Adversaries threaten to exact revenge, whether through poisoning or fines. Also, likes to wear sweatsuits to work sometimes.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg/Phil Jackson


Crazy ass hippie. Religious minority in his/her profession. Former pothead. Reader of poetry, new age literature. Will do anything for some publicity. Quite homely.
Justice David Souter/Flip Saunders


Strong guardian of historical roots. Early adopter of eventually popular opinions/defensive schemes. Enjoys mountain-climbing in New Hampshire when not working. Noted for bringing freedom to the world after a particularly tyrannical stretch. Frequently mispronounced last name, despite its apparent simplicity. Daunting forehead.
Justice Anthony Kennedy/Gregg Popovich


Completely by-the-book. Never wild or crazy or even innovative. Constantly does things his way, also known as "the boring way." Sometimes met by scorn for looking to Europe for the answer. Typically successful, though highly anonymous. Partaker of copious amounts of wine.
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20 comments
Comments
Good stuff
by Carl on Dec 13, 2007 8:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Evil?
Hey, Carl, when is the last time you actually read the Constitution? I'm currently reading "American Creation" by Joseph Ellis. (He's a historian. Received the Pulitzer. No doubt you know him well.) What books have you read lately associated to our founding and the documents and people associated to it? If a person actually believes what the Constitution says does that constitute "evil?" I've no doubt that you've thought long and hard about these ideas; so, please, enlighten me.
TZ, you are usually pretty good at keeping clear of politics. It's a very good policy
by Kusian on Dec 13, 2007 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
C'mon
by Ziller on Dec 13, 2007 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Sure it does...
Hey, it's your blog - and a great one it is - so you get to write whatever you damn well please (and I'll be right here reading it.) I was just pointing out that politics is always a contentious and personal subject - even in a community as tight as ours. (Otis and I almost always agree on hoops but have had some pretty good rows regarding politics. Thus, his comment above ;)
by Kusian on Dec 13, 2007 1:32 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
We may have to cut Carl a break here
by otis29 on Dec 13, 2007 1:51 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
totally missed it
by Kusian on Dec 13, 2007 4:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just saying...
This isn't going to turn into a political blog, obviously, but it doesn't mean I won't occasionally drop a political joke into my basketball jokes.
by Ziller on Dec 13, 2007 2:31 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
O/T F.P. Santangelo on Roid List
Anyone listening to the Rise Guys this morning? I have to assume they were discussing these items, and moreso, I'd have to assume that FP probably knew his name would be released today.
by otis29 on Dec 13, 2007 11:49 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Thanks
by Ziller on Dec 13, 2007 12:21 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Souter's all wrong
by rosewood on Dec 13, 2007 2:44 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Nicely done, sir.
by section214 on Dec 13, 2007 7:31 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Section rules
LOL, Section. You always manage to lighten things up my man. Me....not so much ;-)
by Kusian on Dec 13, 2007 8:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And 1...
by section214 on Dec 13, 2007 9:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You should be proud TZ
by pookeyguru on Dec 13, 2007 10:53 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Kusian
Everything you said was grounded in truth -- even if some of it was a little misguided -- until you declared Roberts, Scalia, and Alito "infinitely smarter" than the rest of the justices. They are great minds, no doubt. Perhaps not surpassed, but "infinitely smarter"? Give me a break.
by jefferson on Dec 13, 2007 11:03 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Fair is fair
by otis29 on Dec 14, 2007 5:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs

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