Who needs a pinkie anyway? Kobe Bryant announced via his website, kb24.com, that he will not have surgery to repair damaged ligaments in his right pinkie finger. Instead Kobe will report to training camp as scheduled and play the entire 2008-09 season with four fingers on his shooting hand, almost making it fair for the players assigned to guard him.
This is nothing new, though. Kobe has been playing with his pinkie taped to his ring finger since February. Since then all he has done is lead the Lakers on an improbable run to the NBA Finals and lead the Redeem Team to Beijing Gold. It seems as if having no pinkie hasn't hindered Kobe at all. If anything, it's made him stronger. And are we really surprised?
Think about it; what does a pinkie finger actually do? Oh no, Kobe won't be able to hit the semi-colon on the keyboard! How will he create a pause between two independent clauses? I guess there could also be a dropoff in morale since Kobe will no longer be able to entertain his teammates with his Dr. Evil impression.
Seriously, the pinkie finger is useless. It's obviously not affecting Kobe's game, so I commend him for opting out of surgery. The Lakers have a chance to be the best team in the NBA this season (assuming the healthy return of Andrew Bynum), and it would be silly for their best player (and the reigning MVP) to miss 12 weeks so that he can repair an utterly pointless finger.
Comments
I disagree that a pinkie is not important, particularly in basketball. It is not essential but it does take away from the ability to control the ball completely. Ball handling and shooting are complicated skills that have to do with athletic ability, spatial relationships, imagination and physical tools. You really need all the physical capabilities you can get to play your best. Kobe will still be a great player but he will not be playing at his best because he will lack that last bit of ball control that the spread of the pinkie on the ball would give him.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!