Carl Malone was not very agile when he retired, and the former basketball court warrior ended up like stepping on a pair of lead shoes, and every step was strenuous. This can't help but make people sigh that the basketball stage at the top of the pyramid of the NBA is a cruel training ground for the players' bodies.
Think about it, these players with great physical fitness have to give their all on the field every day for the sake of glamorous victories and high contracts. Every jump, sprint, or even a turn of theirs is likely to be betting on their bodies. In order to maintain his condition, LeBron James spends an astronomical amount of money on body maintenance every year, but even he is unforgiving, and gradually fatigue climbs between his eyebrows.
Looking at Tim Duncan, although he has managed his career relatively carefully, always striving to be efficient in the game and not blindly winning, when he announced his retirement, he has to admit that even such a "smart" player will not escape the ravages of time in the end. His body, despite its proper maintenance, inevitably exhibits the characteristic oldness of an athlete – stiff joints and sluggish movements.
Tracy McGrady's story may be even more touching. The former scoring champion, due to injuries, had to say goodbye to his favorite basketball court early. After retiring, his physical condition was much worse because of long-term drug treatment. Isn't this the most direct consequence of exchanging one's body for professional glory?
Not to mention the tough guy brothers Ben Wallace and Rashid Wallace, whose iron-blooded performance on the field has driven countless fans crazy, but this style of play, which almost defies physical limits, ultimately makes them not have a good time off the field. These two former iron-blooded men, now their biggest opponents every day may be those seemingly simple daily actions.
These NBA stars are undoubtedly going through this process at a faster rate than the average person. While their names and glorious achievements will be remembered, their bodies are silently paying the price. This kind of price cannot be measured by money.
Is it all worth it? This problem is especially complicated when we see these stars who once enjoyed great things on the pitch but now struggle because of the burden on their bodies. Society should pay more attention and reflect on this kind of body-based professional sacrifice. Should we encourage athletes to focus more on long-term health rather than just short-term glory while pursuing career heights?
Finally, when we appreciate the wonderful performances of these stars on the field, perhaps we should be more aware of the hardships and costs behind it. They are not only winning the game with skill and wisdom, but also using their bodies to bring us this wonderful basketball feast. This kind of dedication is something that every audience should cherish and respect.
After all, it's not just a game, it's a lifelong career, even a part of their life. While we cheer for their victory, let us also pay the highest respect and care for their dedication and sacrifice.