There are many players that play with heart. Just tonight, Dirk Nowitzki played with a torn tendon in his finger and made they game winning shot. Always humble. Always complimenting his teammates. And thats just one example. Derrick Rose is another example of a player with heart. And many more in the NBA. Just have to watch the right players.
The truth is, like most things, it goes in cycles. The 00's were the "me" decade, focused on attention, self-centeredness, looking out for yourself and etc. It's gotten to the point where that has come and is starting to go, and the new generation of stars are those breaking the trend and seemingly showing real humility, joy for playing the game and other 'likeable' qualities, and this doesn't just apply to the NBA. Kevin Durant, Russel Westbrook, Derrick Rose, Suh, Colt McCoy, Tim Tebow, Dwight Howard and others are all testament to this.
I disagree about Westbrook. After watching him in the playoffs this year, he is a ballhog and threw a hissy fit and cursed his coach out for taking him out one game against Dallas. 100% agree with Durant. Very down to earth, humble guy. And also the other guys you mentioned.
I'm actually glad the NBA is made up of a bunch of whiney ass individuals, makes me appreciate hockey even more
Have you been watching these playoff for Hockey. Sticking fingers in people mouth the whole game doesn't come across as "Whiney ass individuals" to you. No one has ever accused Basketball players as being warriors or tough. Hockey has prided itself on it and they look real foolish in these playoffs.
The entire NBA isn't made up of whiney individuals. Just a select few, like LeBron James and Dwayne Wade or anyone else that plays like they do. I swear that everytime, every single time LeBron James or Dwayne Wade turn the ball over on offense or take a really bad shot and miss it, the commentators of the game say, "Wade/LeBron thought he got fouled on the play." I am extremely glad Dwayne Wade got a little hip injury in game 5 because if you watch the play he got injured he totally deserved it. Look at the flop he puts on just so its not called a charge on him but a block on Cardinal.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIELmrJwc9Y