After bashing the toughness of some NBA players yesterday I was pleasantly surprised by Houston Rockets forward Shane Battier last night. Battier took an elbow to his forehead during a rebound attempt, fell to the ground got up and made a play on the ball. In an era of soccer like antics in the NBA this is seldom seen. After the play was over Battier's cut was open and bleeding he then yelled at the referees to call a time out so he could get stitched up and so no other players got his blood on them. His numbers aren't flashy but Battier plays lock down defense is a good passer and hits clutch threes. He is also a hard nosed player and a good leader. There are plenty of scorers in the league but Battier is one of a hand full of players.

-JJ Robichaud