Basketball fans recently stumbled upon a 2009 social media post from LA Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, sparking a trip down memory lane and a reminder of the NBA's shifting landscape. In the post, Buss, known for her outspoken nature, compared two players who captured both championship glory and the hearts of female fans: Tony Parker and Kevin Love.

2009: A Year of Transition

The year was 2009, and the NBA was in a state of flux. Parker, a 26-year-old French point guard, had already established himself as a star, leading the San Antonio Spurs to a 2007 championship alongside Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. He was averaging a career-high 22 points per game and remained a fan favorite.

Meanwhile, a fresh-faced Kevin Love was just entering the league, drafted 5th overall by the Minnesota Timberwolves. Though he didn't make the All-Rookie team, his potential was evident, and Buss, impressed by his good looks, declared in her May 27th post, "Just met Kevin Love from UCLA/Timberwolves. He may replace Tony Parker as hottest guy in NBA."

Remembering the Players and the Times

Looking back, 2009 offers a snapshot of the NBA's past. The Spurs, despite their first-round playoff exit, were still considered a powerhouse. The Lakers, under the leadership of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, were on their way to a championship, their first without Shaquille O'Neal. And young stars like Love were just beginning their journeys.

More than Just a Throwback Thursday

This unearthed post isn't just a fun throwback. It highlights how the league and its players evolve over time, and how fan opinions and preferences shift along with them. It's a reminder of the enduring appeal of players like Parker and Love, both on and off the court, and of the passionate fan engagement that fuels the NBA's excitement.