Thursday, August 5, 2010
Fight #6: Nate vs Nadal
vs
The Matchup: Nate Robinson vs. Rafael Nadal
Size: We all know that Nate isn't the tallest camper, checking in at 5'9" and weighing 180 lbs. Rafael Nadal stands at 6'1" and weighs 187. Advantage Nadal.
Speed: Nadal has great quickness. All tennis players need to have it. He moves from one direction to the other with great fluidity and speed. But Nate is just as quick and then some. He lacks the size, but makes up for it with his speed and agility. I'll use that McDonald's fun house example again. Nate would have an easier time maneuvering out of it. That's what pays off in a fight. Advantage Nate.
Power: Both guys seem pretty fit and muscular, and I'm sure both are very strong -- they're professional athletes. That being said, Nadal's size advantage probably equates to the power advantage. Pound-for-pound I might take Nate. Overall I can't take Nate. Advantage Nadal.
Smarts: Nadal plays tennis, Nate plays basketball. On Nate's old team, he had a bad rep. Maybe he didn't always have his head in the game. Whatever, I don't know. Nadal has always been successful. So you might think Nadal wins it. But to me, Nadal plays a reactionary sport. Don't get me wrong, there's thinking involved. But not as much thinking as it takes to be an NBA point guard. And definitely not as much thinking as it takes to deem you and your teammate Shrek and Donkey in an interview. I'm giving Nate the smarts in this matchup simply because I have the ability to do so and I believe he wins the category that I don't have much to go on. So it goes to Nate, OK? Deal with it. Advantage Nate.
Intangibles: As I continue to break down this fight, it begins to dawn on me that throwing Nadal into the mix of this tourney wasn't the best idea. I never really watch him play and I don't know much about him other than the fact that he's a great tennis player. So pardon me for jumping to conclusions here, but I can't give Nadal victories when I haven't seen anything that would suggest he can duke it out in the ring. Nate, meanwhile, has shown the passion and aggression that is necessary in the cage. He's battled loads of adversity in his career, and he has learned to overcome it and accept the role he is given. He's learning the ways of a champion. And he's a 3-time Slam Dunk champion. The intangibles favor Nate. Advantage Nate.
Toughness: Screw it bro. You know Nadal can't beat Nate. Yeah yeah yeah, he's got 4 inches on him. Big deal! He only has 7 pounds for those 4 inches. That's not so hot. Nate is more solid for his height, and it's not like he's going up against KG here. Tennis players never have any one-on-one contact. I just don't think Nadal would have what it takes to stay in the octagon with Nate. Nate can get wild sometimes. He can get crazy. And at this point in his career, he's shown that he'll do anything to win. So I think he's a tough out. And tough is the key word. Advantage Nate.
The Decision: Sorry, Rafael. I just can't give you the win. Think about it. It would take a hell of a tough tennis player to beat out an NBA player, just by the nature of the sports. Physical contact in your sport is a huge advantage in an ultimate fight. Tennis players aren't exactly suited for the octagon. Nate marches on to round two. Nate Robinson chokes out Rafael Nadal, submitting him in the second round.
Do you think I'm off my rocker? Is this decision insane? Luckily for you, you have the chance to voice your opinion. Let us know what you think of this fight. Nate moves on to face his teammate KG in a matchup that we probably can all predict the result of. Meanwhile, the biggest heavyweight battle thus far takes place tomorrow when Big Papi goes head to head with douche bag LeBron James. Can't miss that one!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Leave your comments