Although I wasn't a fan of his clothesline of Kobe Bryant in last year's playoffs, I've always admired Raja Bell. Why? Because he's come in, worked his butt of and improved his game every single year he's been in the league. Like most unknown, un-drafted players, Bell made a name for himself by playing great defense. Bell could have easily stayed in the league as only a defensive specialist, but craved more. He's worked on his offensive game to the point where he's now a reliable three point threat in a Phoenix offense that rewards great three point shooters. As well, Bell is only 6'5", with what don't seem to be abnormally long arms, so it's pretty spectacular that he is able to defend the way he does. Most lock down defenders are tall and/or long. With Bell it's obviously more about heart than anything. Plus, you have to respect a man that works that hard to keep his hair lined up that fresh. Dude must get a line up every day.
But more than anything, this makes me wonder about the work ethic of other NBA players. Take Marcus Banks, who's already a great defender and ball handler, but isn't much of a shooter. The problem is that has been his story since the first day he stepped in the league. Why hasn't he worked on his game to become a better shooter? Or even take a Jared Jeffries in NYC. At 6'11", with the mobility of a guard, Jeffries has all of the tools to become a great NBA player. But it's obvious he doesn't work on his game much. He's the same player that he was when he came in the league. Good defender, terrible shooter. You guys are professionals. Get in the gym and work on your weaknesses. If Raja Bell, a relative unknown, undersized two guard can become a very good player, then guys like Banks and Jeffries (who have the bodies and talent to become great at their respective positions) should be able to do the same.
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Why I Respect Raja Bell
Posted Apr 8th 2007 1:39PM by Nate Jones
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-08-2007 @ 4:01PM
Seth said...
Great post. I'm watching Suns-Lakers on ABC and Mark Jackson just made exactly your point in regards to Smush Parker.
Reply
4-08-2007 @ 5:06PM
Miss Gossip said...
Raja Bell has a personal barber that he shares with Puffy:
http://sunsgossip.blogspot.com/2006/09/we-are-raja-bell_05.html
Reply
4-08-2007 @ 8:14PM
michel said...
Raja is the kind of player any team needs but only the great teams have. He plays with intensity and doesn't give up. The man has heart. He's earned his reputation. Yea, I suppose there are more gifted individual players but being a dogged defender and third in the league on made 3's more than a little respectable. He's one of the 6 main reasons Phoenix is a top team.
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4-09-2007 @ 3:37AM
sach said...
that's what's up. bell has the best lineup in the league
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4-09-2007 @ 7:02PM
TC said...
Jones, it's TC from Forum Blue & Gold. I fully agree with you. I feel about Raja largely as I did about Karl Malone. I HATED the guy (but when I examine my feelings more, I realize that it's just that I wish he was on my team). It's why I loved Karl when he was on the Lakers. He played hard. OK, if he took a cheap shot, it's legal if you don't get caught right? And yet, that was a cheap shot on Kobe, but damn, dude BRINGS IT every NIGHT. And he's not intimidated by Kobe. And as you say, he's improved every year. He and Ty Lue both ensured careers for themselves in teh '01 Finals. That's why I'd rather have 12 guys like Raja who compete than, like you say, 12 guys who are apathetic or take their skills for granted. Obviously most guys are moderately talented. If you get into the Association, it says something about you. If you stay there a while and you're only moderately talented, you must be working hard (Hi Mad Dog and Najera!!) But really, I'm of the opinion, and I think those guys are too that they're OBLIGED to play hard. That's how it should be. You're getting paid serious cash to play a kid's game. As Chris Rock says about guys who boast about taking care of their kids, you're SUPPOSED TO you low-expectation-havin'-mother*****. Yeah, sometimes I wonder if Raja's gonna go off on someone, he just looks a little crazy sometimes, can't read his eyes...but he comes to play, and gives fans their money's worth.
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4-12-2007 @ 7:34PM
Jey said...
Nice to know there are fans outside of Phoenix (even a Lakers fan...I'm stunned) who see Raja's value. I've heard and read too many people call him overrated. As coach D'Antoni says, Raja is the heart and soul of the Phoenix Suns.
Reply
4-13-2007 @ 12:44AM
kevin said...
Stupidest thing the Utah Jazz ever did was letting him go in free agency. He and Jerry Sloan hit it off - the same guy in lots of ways. And how many of those 50+ games against Utah would have happened this year with him on the floor?
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4-13-2007 @ 9:07AM
Jamie Mottram said...
Great post. This is my favorite part:
"Plus, you have to respect a man that works that hard to keep his hair lined up that fresh. Dude must get a line up every day."
Reply
5-03-2007 @ 2:07PM
tigray said...
raja is such a great player...he is very openminded and knows what he's doing the court..he has good sportsmanship....and i think he is hella sexy and beautiful...to bad he is married..but that doesnt bug me, because....i can snatched anytime, but he is a great player and i respect him too!
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5-04-2007 @ 4:30PM
cindy said...
Raja is sooooooooooooooooooooooooo hot although he is married which sucks!!! We love you Raja!=)
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5-13-2007 @ 11:04PM
cp said...
Your comments about Raja are absolutely ridiculous. I am very surprised that you would get that impression about him. I have known him and his wife personally for the past 8 years and he is neither stuck up or has any attitude issues. I don't know where you get you information from , but your perception of him is essentially flawed .Get off of your Laker BS because he has a whole lot of talent and little attitude.
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6-20-2007 @ 7:21PM
Alexis said...
Raja Rocks he is sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute. Boy if I could ever meet him I would be so happy!!! I hope he sees this comment he is really good at his threes and is always tough especially against Bryant. Raja please do a huge thing where everyone can get your autograph and take a picture with you!!!
Reply
6-20-2007 @ 7:53PM
Alexis said...
Raja is sooooooooooooooooo cute!!! If only I could meet him i`d be so happy he is good at making his threes and is tough and puts good D on Bryant. I hope Raja gets to see this comment. Please Raja do another thing where people can meet you and get your autograph and take a picture with you!!!
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