30 Dec 10 NBA Clutch City—Population Five: Do Role Players Deserve to Live Here?

:ImagesA recent spirited discussion among my friends stemmed from this controversial statement: Robert Horry is a top five clutch player of all time. Two heavily debated sides, lack of compromising, and 10 personal attacks on fanhood later, we agreed to disagree on the definition of clutch.Clutch is an intangible, butterflies-in-the-stomach type of category. It all comes down to a feeling. Even on our weekend warrior basketball teams there are players you trust to have the ball in game deciding possessions.To me, there are few playersReebok New York Giants #27 Brandon Jacobs Realtree camo Jersey
that imbibe confidence more than Robert Horry. The list is short, and definitely sweet: Larry Bird, Michael Jordan, and Kobe Bryant (modern era).To some, putting an average player in this list, above such greats as Reggie Miller, can be sacrilege.The two main schools of thought regarding clutch: with the game on the line, or during a game deciding possession the player you would want taking the shot . The other definition: player you would want during important moments that will help decide a game (not necessarily just the last shot/possessions).Given the two differing opinions, the clutch city list can be skewed greatly one way or another. For example, with the first definition Carmelo Anthony is well below Big Shot Bob, and in the second would be well above Horry. To clarify, CarmeloReebok New York Jets #6 Mark Sanchez Realtree camo Jersey
would take the shot when the 24 second clock is running down, shots during key possessions, and shots at ends of games. His body of work in these moments is much larger, simply given the fact that he is a far superior player, and as such is placed in more critical, pressure moments on a day to day, game to game level.I am with the first school of thought. Additionally, shots in playoff series receive a much higher clutchability barometer rating than regular season heroics. Given his opportunities, Robert Horry is the single biggest benefactor of Reebok Oakland Raiders #21 Nnamdi Asomugha Realtree camo Jersey
circumstance.He has six championship rings courtesy of excellent teams, balls batted out to him last second, and surprisingly wide open shots (Portland series ending three). However, he has proved time and time again that, given the opportunity, you can take his check to the bank.A "top 10 clutch moments" YouTube video, six championship rings, nine game winners, and countless clutch game changing shots later, Robert Horry battles it out with the best of best for being the ultimate 'ice in the veins' player.Sunil Top 5 1. Michael Jordan 2. Larry Bird 3. Kobe Bryant 4. Robert Horry 5. Reggie MillerWho would you want taking the final shot with a championship on the line?