game, but I do raise my eyebrows at certain things like what was said
by the whistle blowing ref Timmy (pun intended). Even the faithful
NBA-loving journalists who debunk any theory will at least admit that
star treatment occurs. But therein lies the rub; a nasty, nasty rub.
But I'll go as far to say franchise treatment occurs. When everyone
knows and admits that star treatment happens, how much of a stretch is
it to say teams like the Lakers or Celtics may get a few extra calls?
In the NFL, they won't make a bad call just cuz Peyton Manning was
sacked, and the Cowboys aren't gonna get the extra passing
interference call because they're the Cowboys.
There is, of course, the debate that basketball is more susceptible to
bad calls given its quick style and room to interpret contact, but the
NBA won't do anything to decrease the huge margin for error. Why
wouldn't they accept new technology and methods to improve reffing?
That's just one of a list of problems the NBA has; its emphasis on
stars over teams is pitiful too. This worship also gives more power
to the players and less to the coaches, with salaries and contracts
dictating the starting line ups and playing minutes.
This leads me to my underdog team, the Utah Jazz. It currently has
within its roster the epitome of a star player who cares about money
and contracts more than his team or following his coach: Good 'ol
Carlos Boozer. I could have him sized up wrong and could be that his
lack of effort on defense is a mere horrific mental lapse he suffers
every time he steps on the court, and that his triple-the-average time
of recovery from injuries is due to a slow immune system...but I doubt
that.
I think Boozer and the NBA are extremely short sided in their
business-over-sports logic. Putting the game first will net higher
contracts for Boozer and more fans of pro basketball.
Lastly, the NBA can't stay in the middle ground forever--call a spade
a spade. Either quit the special treatment and make it real sports
again, or go all out and make it like the WWE. Either would be more
entertaining and less frustrating than what we have now.
That way if Boozer is pissing Sloane off he can take a chair to his
head. King James can throw chalk in a refs face then dunk a free
throw. Artest can pull a shiv on the guy he is defending, and Shaq can
push his way to the basket every time (oh wait...he already does
that). The conference finals could be cage matches and all sorts of
breakable props would be fair game.
We could also do more intro time and let KG walk out of a pillar of
sparkling fireworks with his mic in hand saying how Kobe is going
down. And let's not forget the off-the-court antics that could ensue!
Just as Steve Nash steps out of the locker room, BAM! Wallace and A.I.
Jump him!
--
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