The term "Hustle Man" has several meanings. Depending who you ask it can be can anything from a guy with three jobs or more commonly someone selling fake Louis Vuitton Louis Vuitton Handbags. In the NBA "Hustle Men" are the guys that are providing energy to their team. They're diving on the floor for loose balls, taking charges, and playing tough, hard-nosed defense. They do the dirty work that most players don't want to do while getting few shots and even fewer mentions in the news. Keyon Dooling fills that role for the Orlando Magic; he is to this team what Darrell Armstrong was to the Magic teams of old. The intensity he gives his team is invaluable and appreciated by his teammates.
"I think it's great," said Dwight Howard. "That's what we have to have from everyone that steps on the floor, that type of intensity. I think Keyon is like a little starter pistol for us; he gets everything going."
Most people will write him off because his numbers aren't the greatest. He only averages 8.3 points per game and 0.5 steals per game, which is surprising considering the type of defense he plays. But his importance is measured in other ways that extend beyond the statistics.
He is a talented combo guard that plays tenacious defense; he has defended everyone from Kobe Bryant to Chauncey Billups. He also does a great job of running the team's offensive, carefully picking his spots and getting his teammates the ball in good scoring positions.
"He's very important," said Rashard Lewis. "He's a great offensive player as well as a good defender. He comes in and gives us energy off the bench as well as defending some of the other team's main scorers."
It isn't only energy and intensity with Keyon. His selfless approach to the game allows him to accept his role on the team even if he doesn't agree with it. He keeps the team first and makes the most the of individual opportunities he gets, all while knowing he could be a starter on many of the league's other teams. For those reasons he is a respected leader in the locker room. He's found his niche and embraced it.
"If I had to define my role I would say it is to come in and be a spark," said Dooling. "Offensively and defensively; to play as hard as I can and do some of the little things that I think our team needs. I think that is every player's duty; go out play their game, play hard every night and try to help their team win."
With Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu the Magic have plenty of star power. But no matter how many stars a team may have a player they always need a player like Keyon Dooling to fill in the gaps and do the dirty work.
