To Play Or Not To Play--The 2014 FIBA World Cup

The FIBA World Cup is coming up later this month, and many NBA fans are up in arms about the lack of talent on the squad. Carmelo and Kobe are sitting out this year. LeBron and Kevin Love decided that Cleveland is better than Spain, while Chris Paul and Blake Griffin dealt with new ownership issues in LA. And, after seeing Paul George experience one of the most unwatchable injuries in sports’ history, MVP Kevin Durant opted out.

I don’t think Team USA has anything to worry about, though. First off, this isn’t the Olympics, so everybody just needs to calm down. Secondly, this team is loaded with talent.

Sure, there is a sense of pride that these guys have. Many of them played on the Olympic team in 2012 and dominated their way to a gold medal. I can only imagine the patriotism these athletes felt in London that summer. Winning on such a large platform is huge. But, the FIBA World Cup is not the same as the Olympics. Nowhere near as many people watch those games.

Kobe Bryant, of all of the previously mentioned players, has the most reason to sit out this summer. His life must have been a nightmare over the last year and a half, plagued by injuries to an already aging body. His team, the Los Angeles Lakers, who he has been loyal to since he was just a teen drafted out of high school, didn’t even make the playoffs last year. He knows how important he is to the rebuilding Lakers. Why would he risk reinjuring his Achilles or possibly hurting something else? He isn’t getting any younger, and a competitive man like Bryant wants to win and play in as many basketball games he can. An injury at this World Cup would destroy him.

Additionally, these guys have contracts to protect. I’m not just talking about contracts with their teams. They also have contracts with other businesses. Take Kevin Durant for example. This guy has deals with companies like Sprint and Under Armor, and you better believe this dude is getting a fat paycheck from both of them. KD is also a franchise player for the Thunder, who have a legitimate shot at going to the Finals next year and bringing a title to OKC. As great of a player and leader that Russell Westbrook is, I don’t think he could lead the Thunder without Kevin Durant. Durant has already won a gold medal, but an NBA championship has been unattainable thus far in his career.

All of that money and, more importantly, all of these dreams fade away, if not vanish, in the event of an injury.  If I’m Kevin Durant, my priorities are with the Thunder, and I would definitely reconsider playing for Team USA after seeing Paul George’s injury.

Even Stephen Curry questioned whether or not he wanted to stay on the team. “Reacting to Paul's injury is natural," Curry said. "I think just talking to my family and guys in the Warrior front office, just kind of seeing where everybody was, but at the end of the day it's a great honor to wear this jersey and to have these experiences and I'm going to take advantage of it." He ultimately decided to stay on the squad, but he wrestled with the decision. Like Kevin Durant and Paul George, he is a pivotal part of his team. Going through the Western Conference is daunting, but the Warriors will at least put up a fight.

But, Stephen Curry decided to stay on the team. So did James Harden, Derrick Rose, Anthony Davis, and Damian Lillard. Here’s a look at the roster for Team USA 2014, as listed on their website:

Stephen Curry—SG
Anthony Davis—PF
DeMar Derozan—G
Andre Drummond—C
Kenneth Farried—PF
Rudy Gay—F
James Harden—SG
Gordon Hayward—SG
Kyrie Irving—PG
Kyle Korver—SG
Damian Lillard—PG
Chandler Parsons—F
Derrick Rose—PG
Klay Thompson—SG

Not a bad looking group of guys if you ask me. Damian Lillard is destined to be an MVP candidate in a few short years. James Harden is an offensive force to be reckoned with. And Derrick Rose is playing great, almost as if that torn ACL never happened. I’d pick these guys against any of the international teams, especially when they are being coached by arguably the greatest coach of all time, Mike Krzyzewski.

Will this road to a gold medal be easy? I’m not sure. But, I know this group has a shot at taking it home. Granted, it would be much easier if some of the MVP candidates were playing. But, that doesn’t mean that they can’t win without them.

Besides, Team USA 2016 (the Olympic Team) is the only Team USA that really counts.

Locker Room Anxiety And Michael Sam

Michael Sam is an All-American, SEC Co-Defensive Player of the year from Missouri. In the 2013 season, he led the SEC in sacks and tackles for loss. He is projected to be a 3^rd or 4^th round pick in this year’s NFL Draft.

But, that isn’t what made headlines this week. This week, Michael Sam came out of the closet. When he is drafted, he will be the first openly gay football player in the NFL.

To be perfectly honest, it wasn’t until this week that I really knew a lot about Michael Sam. I’ve seen a highlight or two, heard his name, and read a quick profile when he was selected as an All-America. When you live in Utah, the only conferences you really hear about are the PAC-12 and Mountain West Conference. The only other teams that get a lot of coverage on TV, the radio, and in the newspapers are BYU and the teams that are either in the BCS National Championship Game, or are usually in BCS National Championship Game (i.e. Alabama). You just don’t hear about the SEC.

However, if you follow college football at all, you know that the SEC players can play. Before Florida State (ACC) won it all this year, the last non-SEC team to win the National Championship was Texas in the 2005 season. In the 2013 game, Florida State beat Auburn, an SEC team, in a very close game. The competition is tough in that conference. If you are a top player in this conference, then you are probably pretty darn good. So, logically, I felt confident enough to say Michael Sam would be an almost guaranteed NFL draft pick this year.

I would venture that my opinion of him was the general opinion of most people out here in the western states. We knew him by name, and just figured that he was a pretty good football player because of his stature in a dominant conference.

Since he came out on Sunday, my opinion hasn’t changed one bit. If he can perform well on the field, who cares about his sexual orientation? If I were an NFL exec, I would be looking for a player that would help my team win.

Unsurprisingly, not everyone agrees with me. I was listening to NBC Sports Radio on my drive home on Monday night. As with all of the different sports media outlets, the host was discussing the impact of a homosexual player on an NFL team. He was seemingly supportive of Sam, as was his NFL retiree guest. A listener from South Carolina called in with a different opinion, and his opinion just so happens to be the same opinion I’ve heard from several NFL fans: Michael Sam’s sexual orientation should bar him from the NFL. Their reasoning? He will be a naked, homosexual man in a locker room with naked, heterosexual teammates.

So, let me get this straight. According to this mindset, Sam will be checking out ALL of the other athletes because he is attracted to ALL of them. What’s more, he cannot control his urges and will make advances on his teammates. The safety and comfort of the heterosexual players will be pushed aside because a sexual deviant is playing with them.

First of all, if you think homosexuality makes you a wicked person, then there is something wrong with you. There are child molesters and all kinds of other sex offenders that have done things far worse than sleeping with someone of the same gender. But, I digress.

The thing that puzzles me is this belief that homosexual men are attracted to all men. I’m a heterosexual man, but that doesn’t mean I’m attracted to every woman. If I’m at a beach, I don’t flirt with every woman I see in a bikini. I don’t get aroused every time I see a girl in yoga pants. Not every woman is attractive to me. Even if I do think a girl is pretty, I’m married. I’m committed to my wife, and only my wife. I’m in love with her, not every woman on the planet.

These people that think Michael Sam shouldn't be in an NFL locker room believe that he will be attracted to his teammates and acting on that attraction. If they believe that, does that mean that they are attracted to every woman they have ever worked with? Granted, they have probably never seen their female coworker in the buff, but you don’t need to see someone naked to be attracted to them. Do they feel the urge to attack the woman in a sexual way because they see her in a low-cut blouse or a short skirt? If so, do they act on it? That is essentially what they are saying about Sam—that he will act on his sexual urges and desires, whether it be appropriate or not. If you ask me, this kind of attitude is an indication of an oversized ego. Heterosexual men shouldn’t flatter themselves into thinking that every homosexual man wants to sleep with them. That’s just not how it works.

Also, he won’t be the first gay NFL player. He may be the first one so open about it, but there have been homosexual players in the past, and you can bet that there are gay players already in the league. The other players only care if their teammate is playing well and easy to get along with. They are mature enough not to care about the sexual orientation of their teammates.

My point is this: If Michael Sam is making plays on the football field, then he does in fact belong in an NFL locker room. His sexual orientation should not be what keeps him from playing the sport that he loves. His teammates were okay with it in college; his future teammates in the NFL will be okay with it as well. This isn’t religious or political. This is football. Period.

*Originally written in February of 2014. Sam has since been drafted by the Rams. Tony Dungy recently said that he wouldn't taken him because of all of the hoopla that comes with drafting Sam, such as a reality TV show on Oprah Winfrey's network. I do agree that kind of attention would distract the team as a whole and it probably isn't in Sam's best interest in bringing that kind of distraction. However, his talent should be the deciding factor of whether or not he deserves to play in the NFL, which is what I believe Dungy meant.

Copey's NBA Offseason

   July is a long month for me as far as sports go. Unless the Olympics are going on and I’m able to see the best talent in the NBA represent our country, I find myself bored. You can only follow football depth charts so closely, and I get annoyed by people counting down until kickoff. But, this July was different.

   When you couple the talent in the draft this year with big name free agents, you really get a recipe for an internet-breaking, league-changing, fan-crying-for-joy/pain kind of situation. Who is winning this offseason? Who is losing?

Winners

The Cleveland Cavaliers:   This summer for the Cavs is the reason why people think the NBA is rigged. Don’t get it twisted—I’m excited for them. It just blows mind how lucky a team could get. They already had loads of young talent, and in a lackluster Eastern Conference, it’s hard to believe they didn’t make the playoffs last year. And yet, as fate would have it, they won their small chance of getting the first pick in the lottery. As if that weren’t enough, their once-beloved hometown hero has returned to bring a championship to the city.

   LeBron James' return by itself should be enough to take this team deep into the playoffs. Bringing Mike Miller in makes them almost a shoo-in for the finals. If they land Kevin Love and Ray Allen, I really have a hard time seeing them not being true title contenders. The real question here is whether or not they trade Andrew Wiggins for an experience veteran like Love. Keep in mind that Love has played just as many playoff games as Wiggins: zero.

   To think that at one point I believed that Johnny Manziel would be the best thing to happen to Cleveland sports this summer is now laughable.

The New York Knicks:  A new team president in Phil Jackson and a new coach in Derek Fisher were enough to keep superstar Carmelo Anthony. They’ve traded Tyson Chandler and Raymond Felton to the Mavs, but got four players in return, including Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalembert. If you ask me, the Knicks won in that deal. They drafted well considering they didn’t have a first round pick. Cleanthony Early from Wichita St. shouldn’t have been available in the second round.

   I’ll be the first to say that I was very skeptical when I first heard that Derek Fisher was coaching the Knicks. But, then I put some thought into it. He’s played for Phil Jackson, who’s got eleven rings as an NBA coach with the Lakers and Bulls, and he’ll probably rely heavily on Jackson for guidance during the course of the season. On top of that,

San Antonio Spurs: When the best player you lose is Danny Granger, I think you’ll be okay. Having the best coach in the NBA and all of your key players return immediately puts back into championship contention. Enough said.

Honorable Mentions: Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets (MJ actually made some great moves for his squad in North Carolina. Wh-at?!)

Losers

The Los Angeles Lakers:  Steve Nash is aging out. Kobe Bryant may never fully recover from his knee injury and torn Achilles. Rumor has it that their first round draft pick, Julius Randle, has foot issues. 

   For what it’s worth, they did add a healthy Jeremy Lin and Carlos Boozer. Lin once wowed the country with a few stellar performances with Knicks a few years ago. But, he’s been pretty quiet since then. Boozer still has some fire left in him, but how long can that fire burn? 

   Remember when one of the big storylines of the summer was Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James joining up with the aging Kobe Bryant to bring championship basketball back to Los Angeles? At one point, that was a legitimate possibility. At least they tried. General manager Mitch Kupchak visited with reps from both of the superstars’ camps. Kobe made things personal with ‘Melo. It just didn’t work out. It must be hard to be a Los Angeles fan right now, knowing that no matter how hard Kupchak is trying, he is running the team into the ground.

Brooklyn Nets: Pierce is headed to the Wizards. Shaun Livingston to Golden State. Kidd bolted for the Bucks. They brought in veteran coach Lionel Hollins, but, to be fair to Jason Kidd, the Nets made the playoffs last year. That’s pretty impressive for a first year coach whose team is led by two washed up superstars (no offense, KG). What else can I say? I’d be surprised if they make the playoffs next season.

Philadelphia 76er’s: Just read my blog post about the draft. I really don’t understand what the 76er’s are trying to do. Tank again? Maybe.

Dishonorable Mentions: I won’t do those. It’s hard enough for me to write negatively about a team. I fear it will come back to bite me in the butt. I hate getting bit in the butt. It’s gross.

   Well, there you have it. Copey’s offseason grades, or at least offseason grades as of July. There are still a few months before the season actually begins, so these teams have the opportunity to redeem, or unredeem themselves. Regardless, I’m excited for this year. With all of the new young guys and revamped rosters, there will be some exciting NBA basketball. No doubt about that.

Oh, What A Night-The 2014 NBA Draft

               I know that there is this sport that’s supposed be really popular. In this sport, these players kick around a ball and can’t touch with their hands. Apparently, there is this world tournament for this sport going on right now in Brazil, and Team USA is doing well.

                But, who am I kidding? I don’t really watch the World Cup. Until football season begins, the only thing I care about is the NBA draft. The rest of America can jump on the soccer train every four years, but this draft is what I’ve been looking forward to all week. This draft, in particular, made me one happy sports, err, Jazz fan.

                Granted, many of us thought the Jazz would trade up for Jabari Parker. They were thinking about trading some key players, including Derrick Favors and Alec Burks, just for an opportunity to draft him. Some insiders say that the Jazz were torn between Jabari and Andrew Wiggins, but I don’t buy that. Jabari Parker’s NBA readiness coupled with his religion almost guaranteed to put more butts in the Energy Solutions Arena than any other player in this draft.

                However, it would have been unrealistic to expect Cleveland to pass up on an opportunity to select a player like Wiggins or Parker. Relying on LeBron James to return to the Cavs this fall is too much of a long shot. They needed a star player to compliment Kyrie Irving. With Andrew Wiggins, they got exactly what they needed. With Andrew Wiggins gone, the obvious choice for Milwaukee was Jabari Parker, the dream player for the Jazz. As expected, Milwaukee chose Parker.

                Then, something unexpected happened. Dante Exum was considered to be the third best player in the draft. When the Sixers passed up on him for an apparent injury plagued Joel Embiid, the Orlando Magic were up. They have a decent PG, but with a player of Dante Exum’s talent and potential still on the board, it was surprising to see them pass up on him. They chose Aaron Gordon, who I thought was going to Utah, with the fourth pick.

                This left the 18 year old kid from Australia for Utah. Exum will be a great addition to the Jazz. Trey Burke is a solid PG, but Exum’s skill set will help him transition easily to SG or SF. I’m excited. When Rodney Hood was still available at 23, the Jazz would have been foolish to pass up on him. They selected the shooting guard from Duke with the second first round pick.

                The best part of it all? They didn’t have to give up Favors, Burks, or anybody else in the process. They may not be quite championship material yet, but they are headed in the right direction. Dennis Lindsey and the rest of Jazz management really nailed it out of the park in this draft.

                But, enough about my team. How did your team do?

                From what I saw, Philly made some interesting choices. Embiid won’t be able to play until at least the middle of the season, and Dario Saric has already made commitments to play ball in Europe. There is a good chance that neither of their lottery picks will get much playing time next year. Either they have a lot of faith in the growth of Nerlens Noel and Michael Carter-Williams, or they are planning on tanking again next year. I’m thinking they are hoping for the first scenario.

                I was surprised to see Julius Randle and Doug McDermott slip as far as they did, but LA and Chicago are getting some good players headed their way. The Heat made an obvious attempt to keep LeBron by trading for Shabazz Napier. And, I’m not quite sure what Boston’s plans are with Marcus Smart. Do they plan on having him play shooting guard? Are they going to trade him? Are they trading Rajon Rando? It was a very interesting choice, especially with names like Randle, Stauskas, and Levine still up for grabs.

                It was great night for the NBA. Adam Silver made a very classy move, honoring Isaiah Austin, the Baylor star that gave up his dreams after developing Marfan Syndrome, by giving him an “NBA Draft Selection.” Once Austin gets his degree, Silver will have a job lined up for him with the NBA.

                Only time will tell how this draft stacks up against the classic drafts of the past. The players haven’t played yet, so it would be unfair to compare them to the class of 1984 or 1996. But, man, was it a good one! We are all excited to see this group develop.

                As for that soccer tournament, I guess I can watch that now.

Reconsidering The Redskin Mascot

I grew up in the South, where racism still exists. It may not quite be like the racism of the 1960’s, but it’s still there.  If you were to drive through certain small towns at night, you would see burning crosses in the fields. On the news, you would still hear stories about murder and assault, many times with a racial motive. People hung the confederate flag from their houses. Kids wore t-shirts displaying the same flag across their chest, many not truly understanding what the flag stood for.

Every year, my high school football team would play Strom Thurmond High School, a school named after a man who had a history with racism himself. Their mascot of choice? The Rebels. I’m not talking about the Rebels in Star Wars—that would have been awesome. Their mascot was in honor of the Confederacy. Yes, that Confederacy—the guys that fought for their right to own slaves. Some years, groups would push for the name to change, but none have succeeded yet. It’s 2014, 8 years since I’ve even put on a football helmet, and they still have the same mascot.

On a national stage in the NFL, there is another team with a questionable mascot—the Washington Redskins. Unlike the Rebels of Strom Thurmond High, however, this team will likely have a different name soon.

The Trademark Trial and Appeal Board cancelled the 6 federal trademark registrations owned by the Washington Redskins. The name and mascot has been deemed a racist one, and the team is under more pressure than ever to reconsider its nickname.

 Owner Daniel Snyder vowed in 2013 that he would never change the name, and he has yet to indicate that his mind has changed. The team was originally based in Boston, known as the Braves. They changed their name to the Redskins in 1933, and moved to the U.S. capitol in 1937.  Fans don’t want to see another change. After all, it’s been the team’s name for over 80 years. Why change it now?

In order to understand why there needs to be a change, we must understand what it means now.

What exactly is a “redskin”?

According to writer Baxter Holmes, the nickname traces back to a 1750’s genocide instituted by the Colonial Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts, Spencer Phips. Phips called for, on behalf of King George II, a termination of the Native Americans. There were awards given to those that took part in this massacre. A scalp of an adult male could sell for 50 pounds, while the scalps of women and children would earn the murderer up to 25 pounds.

Holmes’ ancestors have passed down this story from generation to generation. According to the history of his people, the term used for a scalp was a “redskin.” I don’t see any reason why we should discredit their history. It may have not been written, but it was their history.

True, one care argue that the first instances in recorded history that the term was used reflected good relations between the Natives and the settlers, what the word became (a racial slur) is what we should truly consider. While some Native Americans don’t take offense to the word at all, there are many that do. To them, the word “redskin” is just as offensive a word as the “N-word.” That is, ultimately, what the word has come to mean.

Why now?

                

          Many wonder why this has suddenly become an issue now. Santana Moss, in an interview with USA Today, said, “For all these years, now it’s a problem? That’s the only thing I ask myself, and after that, I just leave it alone because I’m wondering what makes it so offensive now than it was when it was first generated or whoever brung it up the first time.”

However, there have been attempts to change the name as early as 1992. Suzan Shown Harjo led a petition to rid the team of the name. But, Harjo ultimately lost her battle in part because her lawsuit was considered to have taken too long to file. In 2003, she recruited four younger petitioners, including a man name Blackhorse, who has pointed out, “If people wouldn't dare call a Native American a 'redskin' because they know it is offensive, how can an NFL football team have this name?"

                To answer Santana Moss’s question, it has always been an issue. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until recent years that issue has been even capable of being solved. Racism was pretty strong in the U.S.A . until the 1970’s, and the Native Americans have been silenced and suppressed for over 200 years. A petition against the mascot would have pointless when the team adopted the name.

Why the Redskins and not the Braves or Seminoles?

                

                Defenders of the Redskins have pointed out the Florida State Seminoles, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, Chicago Blackhawks, and many more have names that are also representative of the Native Americans. They say the Redskins are no different, and they celebrate Native American heritage.

                I beg to differ.

                The word “redskin” does not reflect anything but the skin color of the Native American. It doesn’t celebrate a specific tribe, and has been used in the past as a racial slur. Seminoles, Brave, etc., are representative of specific tribes—kind of like the Trojans of USC. The warriors and heritage of those tribes are celebrated by the team. And, honestly, have you ever heard someone refer to someone as a Brave or Seminole in a derogatory way? I know I haven’t. “Redskin,” on the other hand, can most certainly be considered an insult. Polls have shown that 70% of Native Americans don’t find the name offensive, but that leaves a 30% that do. That’s quite a bit.

                 

Conclusion                

                Many of the advocates for keeping the name complain that the world today is becoming too easily offended. While I agree that there are certain areas that Americans may be too sensitive about, I believe that this is something that should be changed. True, it would be politically correct to get rid of the name, but what is wrong with some political correctness? I’m a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It would drive me up the wall if there was a professional football team named “The Polygamists.” I’m sure it would tick off a lot of people in Alabama if there was a team there named “The Rednecks” or “The Honkies.”

                I’m just trying to put myself in the shoes of the offended. I think that if we all try to understand where their sensitivity is coming from, we might be able to relate to them better. If we can relate to them, we will see why they find the term offensive. Ultimately, we will also deem the term offensive and support their cause.

 Washington fans don’t really have anything to worry about. I am having a hard time understanding their sensitivity to the possibility of a name change. The NFL isn’t getting rid of the team. RG3 will still lace up his cleats this fall for a team based in D.C. The only thing that will change is the name. Everything else will stay the same.

A more tolerant world does not make it soft or weak. It simply makes it better. With the Redskins changing their name, the football world will be getting stronger, headed in a more positive direction.

Maybe, just maybe, those Rebels at Strom Thurmond will take note.

Kawhi Leonard, The Feel-Good Story Of The Season

Some view this year’s NBA Finals as a “last hurrah” for the San Antonio Spurs. They are aging and at times seem tired. Nonetheless, you have to tip your hat to the old guys. They passed well. They shot well. Their defense was great. Duncan played with passion. Ginobili shot the ball well. Parker had his spurts of greatness. 25 year old Patty Mills proved himself as a legitimate point guard in the NBA. Boris Diaw has never played better.

But, the most important element this year’s championship team was undoubtedly a 22 year old kid from San Diego State named Kawhi Leonard.

Kawhi Leonard, who was drafted 15^th in 2011 by the Pacers then traded to the Spurs with David Bertans and Erazem Lorbeck in exchange for George Hill, wasn’t college player of the year. He wasn’t even the Mountain West Conference player of the year (Jimmer Fredette). In his years at San Diego St., he won the Mountain West freshman player of the year, conference tournament MVP, and was named to the All-American 2^nd team.

Bottomline, Kawhi wasn’t expected to do a lot in the NBA. Maybe he was expected to be a good role player, but never an MVP. If GM’s saw MVP potential in him, he wouldn’t have slipped to 15^th, then traded with two other guys for George Hill. However, in defense of the teams that passed on him, Leonard hasn’t been much more than a role player until this year. To quote his coach, Gregg Popovich, "I haven't called a play for him the whole playoff. I do not call his number. Everything he did is just out of the motion and out of offense."

Don’t get me wrong—role players are important. He averaged 12 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists per game this season, which do go a long way. I’d be excited to have guys like that playing for my team. I’m just saying he wasn’t a star. The stars on that team were Duncan, Manu, and Parker.

That changed in Game 3 of this year’s Finals. The first two games, Kawhi averaged only 9 points, 2 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. Flash forward to the Game 3, in Miami of all places. Leonard exploded for 29 points. Game 4, he scored 20, grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked 2 shots. Game six, he put up 22 points and 10 rebounds for another double-double. He was mesmerizing to watch on the court. Where was this potential coming from? Who was this guy?

When Leonard received the Bill Russell Award as the Finals MVP, the basketball world found out who Kawhi Leonard was. He shyly gave credit to his teammates, coaches, fans, parents, and God. He wasn’t brash. He was arrogant. Everybody watching was just as excited to see him receive the award as his teammates.

That is what the NBA needs. In a league that is dominated by superstar personalities (which I’m not complaining about, mind you), it is refreshing to see someone like Kawhi Leonard. He is unselfish and humble. He is the underdog. And, it always feels good to see the underdog win.

Kevin Durant deleted a few tweets this week that suggested that the only reason why Kawhi Leonard performed so well was because of the system ran by Coach Popovich. That may be the case, but that’s okay, KD. It may be the system that created the greatness that is in Leonard, but basketball is a team sport. And, with the system that team ran, Kawhi was the most important player.

Though it may have been the “last hurrah” for the Spurs’ “Core Three”, San Antonio fans have something to hope for. Leonard proved this Finals series that he can play with the big boys. If he keeps it up, the Spurs will continue to be a powerhouse team in the NBA. Those old guys can rest assured that the team is in good hands with Kawhi.

*author's note: After writing this, I found out that his father, who he was very close to, was murdered six years ago. This kid's story just keeps getting more and more heartwarming.*

Sporting Trolls

     Many complain about how much the face of professional sports has changed since the 1980’s. The athletes are viewed as less tough and more egocentric. Football players can’t hit the same way, and basketball players can’t foul as hard. The rivalries aren’t true because of the fraternizing on and off the field (heaven forbid these men actually be friends!). Entertainment moguls have incorporated themselves into the limelight (i.e. Jay-Z). And, last, but not least, the best players are joining forces to form unstoppable teams (i.e.: the rumors and uproar of the Heat pursuing Carmelo Anthony during the offseason).

     But, I honestly don’t think that the world of sports has changed very much. What’s more, the few things that have changed have been for the better. Roger Goodell and the NFL are making great strides to make the game safer for the players. With all of the troubles that  Flopping may be running rampant in the NBA, but that’s nothing new (need proof? Watch some Bill Laimbeer footage from the old school Pistons). Adam Silver and co. are trying to fix that with fines. Fans like to forget people of the entertainment industry have always been a part of sports (i.e. Spike Lee’s obsession with the Knicks and Jack Nicholson’s obsession with the Lakers). And, I hate to break the basketball purist’s heart, but players joining forces to accomplish greatness isn’t new either (i.e. Wilt Chamberlain joining forces with Elgin Baylor and Jerry West in LA).

     True, fighting will get a basketball player in much more trouble today than in the past, but after the Pacer vs. Piston/Piston fan fight in 2004, I think it was necessary.

     The changes have been for the better.

     The fans just don’t appreciate it.

     The reason is the media.

     That’s right. I said it. The media is destroying the way fans view sports, not the sports themselves.

     Now, I’ve never been one for conspiracies. I don’t think that destroying sports was the media’s intention. It was something that kind of just…happened. Some  commentators,  being former athletes, are bitter because they no longer can perform on the same level as the young guys. They make, saying things like, “The Broncos’ offense is good, but they wouldn’t be able to handle the Steel Curtain!” or, “Kevin Durant is great, but I doubt he would put up that many points against the ’86 Celtics!” Some journalists are bitter that they never made it in the big leagues (I’m not going to drop any names..cough..Skip Bayless..cough cough), so they hold the athletes to a ridiculously high, unattainable standard.

     True, the journalists and former athletes/commentators have been around for a long time, but there is now another factor that wasn’t around twenty years ago: internet and social media.

With the internet, you don’t need cable to know what’s going on In the sport’s world. Just hop on YouTube or ESPN.com and you can find anything you need. With today’s technology, you can access the latest updates from nearly anywhere on your phone. I love it. Never have we had such quick access to information.

      This new feature of our life also allows quick access to opinions—strong opinions. And, unfortunately, the more controversial or whiny an opinion is, the more viral that opinion becomes.

When Richard Sherman was interviewed after the 2013-14 NFC championship, he acted the way that almost any football player in his position would act. There was nothing shocking about what he said if you actually had played football, even if it was just high school ball. He was excited. His adrenaline was pumping. He had just made the biggest play of his career. Of course he’s going to rant and talk trash! Welcome to football, media. That doesn’t mean he is a thug. That means he is an athlete.

      When Jameis Winston was interviewed after Florida State won the BCS championship, the popular, and cruel, opinion of his lack of intelligence began to circulate. Okay, buddy. Let’s see how well you articulate on national television right after you lead your team to a comeback-championship victory and your emotions are running high.

      These are just a few of many public opinions that have been popularized primarily because of social media. People that would never actually sit down and watch a football game were now able to watch a clip and have an opinion on something they don’t really know about. The clip becomes viral, thus putting a bad face on sports. People begin longing for the old, but fail to realize that sports haven’t necessarily changed. What’s changed is the way we get our sports news. Now, everybody can have an opinion, even if their opinion is a terrible one.

       I’m not saying every journalist or commentator is wrong in their opinion. I’m just wondering what happened to developing our own opinion on sports? Hating today’s sports in preference to the old days has become the new norm. That doesn’t make sense to me. The athletes today are bigger, faster, stronger, and more skilled in many ways. They are just as classy. They may seem egotistical, but, trust me, even the guys back then would have a Twitter account if it were available (heck, I follow Kareem and Magic now).  True, they never had to play the teams from the 1970’s or ‘80’s, but, guess what? Until time travel exists, they never will.

      So, just sit back and enjoy the show. Stop your trolling. Sports are still great.

Fifth Pick? I'll Take It

                It was conflicting to be a Jazz fan last year. When watching the Jazz play, you could see the potential. While veterans Marvin Williams and Richard Jefferson (both of whom will likely be gone next year) held the team together, Favors and Hayward had a few All-Star-worthy games. Trey Burke and Alec Burkes took advantage of the spotlight and exploded in a few home games.  Enes Kanter played games like the lottery pick he was expected to play like back in 2011. The team played hard and had their own share of great moments, but they also had a 25-57 record. Utah is young and in need of experience. With a #5 pick in this year’s draft, there is opportunity to add more young talent to this squad.

                We all want Jabari Parker. He’s NBA ready. He’s smart. He’s athletic. And, like most people in this state, he’s Mormon. Parker would fit in great with Jazz. The fans would love him. The question is how we will get him in Utah. And, if the Jazz can’t get Parker, who would be good for Utah?

                The Cavs need a big man, so they will likely take Joel Embiid. GM’s all around the NBA are enamored by Andrew Wiggins’ athletic ability, so he’ll likely go second. Though the Sixers will likely take Jabari Parker at 3, I have a dream scenario that will get him in Utah.

Here’s how I wish the first 5 are going to go:

1.             1.)Cleveland Cavaliers: Joel Embiid (Kansas)

2.             2.)Milwaukie Bucks: Andrew Wiggins (Kansas)

3.             3.)Philadelphia 76er’s: Dante Exum (Australia)

4.             4.)Orlando Magic: Marcus Smart (Oklahoma State)

5.             5.)Utah Jazz: Jabari Parker (Duke)

This scenario only works if Philadelphia deems Exum as a better prospect than Parker and believes him to be capable of playing shooting guard or small forward. The Sixers already have 2014 ROY point guard Michael Carter-Williams (though there are rumors of a possible trade). The Magic need a good pick at point, so I believe they’ll go with OSU’s Smart over Parker.

The likelihood of the Jazz getting Jabari isn’t ideal. In fact, it’s a long shot. But, man, can you imagine? Jabari Parker is, in my opinion, the best player in this year’s draft. Check out his workouts. They’re insane. Andrew Wiggins may have the athleticism of a young Michael Jordan, but Jabari isn’t far behind. What’s more, he’s consistent. Jabari Parker is ready for the NBA.

Here’s a top 5 I would be satisfied with:

1.            1.)Cleveland Cavaliers: Joel Embiid (Kansas)

2.            2.)Milwaukie Bucks: Andrew Wiggins (Kansas)

3.            3.)Philadelphia 76er’s: Jabari Parker (Duke)

4.            4.)Orlando Magic: Dante Exum (Australia)

5.            5.)Utah Jazz: Doug McDermott (Creighton)

I really like Douggie McBuckets, and I feel that Salt Lake would be a great place for him to hang his hat—not because his clean-cut looks resemble an LDS missionary, but because Jazz fans like a guy that plays hard and can shoot the ball well. He may be a little older than the rest of the guys, but he can hang with them. After all, he averaged 26 points and 7 rebounds a game. I’m fully confident he’ll find a way to put up the same kind of numbers in the pros. He’s also got something the rest of this lottery class doesn’t have: a degree. I wouldn’t hesitate on a shooter with a good head on his shoulders.

Here’s how the first 5 are really going to go:

1.             1.)Cleveland Cavaliers: Joel Embiid (Kansas)

2.             2.)Milwaukie Bucks: Andrew Wiggins (Kansas)

3.             3.)Philadelphia 76er’s: Jabari Parker (Duke)

4.             4.)Orlando Magic: Dante Exum (Australia)

5.             5.)Utah Jazz: Zach Levine (UCLA) or Aaron Gordon (Arizona)

Honestly, I would be 100% satisfied with Utah drafting Zach Levine or Aaron Gordon. Levine’s rise from obscurity to national stardom was impressive last season, and Gordon is freakishly explosive. They are the two best prospects to come out of the PAC-12 this year, so Utahans are already familiar with them. Their work ethic will fit in with the culture, and they will both bring excitement to the young Jazz squad.

There are Jazz fans that are upset with the positioning in this year’s draft. I’m not one of them. A fifth pick is a great pick, especially in a draft as good as this one. Let’s take a look at history. Charles Barkley, Dwayne Wade, and Kevin Garnett were all 5^th picks. Larry Bird was a 6^th pick. And, in 1984, Utah Jazz great John Stockton slipped all the way to 16^th. There is so much potential that comes with a 5^th pick.

We also have to take into consideration that none of these guys have played basketball in the NBA. I’m not saying that they won’t perform well in the NBA. I’m saying they haven’t performed at all. It really irks me when I hear people say that the Jazz should get rid of Gordon Hayward to get Jabari Parker.  Though I love Parker and would love to see him in a Utah uniform, I wouldn’t trade a player that has already proven himself for a rookie. There is no way of telling who is going to be a star and who is going to be a bust. Just ask the Portland Trailblazers about Sam Bowie and Greg Oden.

I already have faith in this young Jazz squad. Hayward, Favors, and Burke are going to be stars. It’s only a matter of time. If they all decide to stay in Utah, the Jazz will be a powerhouse in the NBA. This year’s draft will decide who will join them in their quest for greatness. 

LeBron's Haters

                I remember watching LeBron James play high school ball. ESPN broadcasted a few of his games. Bill Walton would criticize his lack of mobility when he didn’t have the ball, while being amazed with the rest of us by his athletic prowess.

                And he was only 18.
                A year later, he was playing with the big boys, and holding his own, too. Everybody loved him when he was up in Cleveland. He was the shining hope of a dying city. He was basketball’s golden boy. When he was only 22 years old, he practically carried the Cavs to their first NBA Finals appearance in franchise history. He broke the franchise scoring record easily and also became the first Cavalier to receive MVP honors. And that lack of mobility when he didn't have the ball? Yeah, he fixed it.

                What did the Cavs do for LeBron? They brought in Mo Williams and an aging Shaquille O’Neal. Even Jordan couldn’t do much with that kind of supporting cast, despite what his cult following might say.

                So, on an ESPN special titled The Decision he announced his choice to bring his talents to South Beach. Can you really blame the guy? He may be easy-going, but at the end of the day, the man is a competitor. He wants to win. The Heat had just extended Dwayne Wade contract and signed Chris Bosh the day before LeBron’s announcement. President Pat Riley made it clear that he wanted to help LeBron get some rings.

                Four years later, LeBron has two and is now playing for a third. He is also, arguably, the most hated player in the NBA.

                Maybe it has to do with the way he announced his decision to move. Many view his prolonging of the announcement coupled with not telling other teams that were pursuing him until The Decision aired as unprofessional.

                While that may be true, we need to stop and think for a second. LeBron James grew up without a father in the projects of Akron, Ohio. As a basketball prodigy, the only advice he had been given was likely by those who were trying to exploit him. I’ve never sat down with James and tried to get into his psyche, but we should consider the background of that 25 year-old. Let’s give the kid a break. He could have done worse things than make a public announcement about switching teams.

                The now 29 year old LeBron is much more mature. Just watch his interaction with Lance Stephenson in this year’s conference finals. Guys like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant (two people that the couch coaches are always comparing him to) would have lost their temper. Jordan likely would have thrown a few punches. After all, the guy got into a fistfight with Reggie Miller over just a little nudge back in 1993. Can you imagine what Jordan would do if Miller tapped his chin and blew on his face? There would have a been a real “bru-ha-ha”.

                Many like to say LeBron flops too much, calling him a “great actor.” Do these critics not watch NBA ball these days? If you do, you’ll notice that LeBron doesn’t really flop that much, especially compared to Tiago Splitter, Manu Ginobli, and the entire Indiana Pacer team. In order to stop a guy like LeBron, you’re going to have to foul him hard. He’s 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs over 250 pounds. When he falls after a foul, it’s because he gets fouled HARD. Really watch the games. You’ll notice he isn’t much of a “flopper.” He just gets fouled a lot. The best players always get fouled a lot, and they also always get the call. Watch some old Jordan footage. You’ll see what I mean.

                Last night, LeBron haters were given more material. The A/C at the AT&T Center in San Antonio was broken, turning the gym into a sauna. Late in the fourth quarter, James suffered a game-ending leg cramp after a layup. The Heat looked dead out on the floor when their leading scorer limped out of the arena and ultimately lost the game by 15 points.

James and the Heat have been called unprepared. But, really, how could you prepare for that? After the game, LeBron said, “It was an unusual circumstance. I’ve never played in a building like that.” In fact, most of the players have never played in a building like that, except maybe Europeans (Tony Parker said that he wasn’t bothered by the conditions as most European arenas don’t have air conditioning). Bosh couldn’t move after the game. Duncan looked like he was going to pass out while talking to Doris Burke. It was a bad situation for all, and it happened to hit LeBron the hardest.

Now, some question LeBron James’ toughness. The memes of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant saying, “That’s cute. I played with the flu/ shot two free throws with a torn Achilles,” are funny. However, I don’t think that should be the honest opinion of the majority. Kobe shooting two free throws on a torn Achilles required him just to stand at the free throw line for a little bit. Michael Jordan’s leg didn’t cramp up on him like that when he had the flu (Salt Lake is a little cooler than San Antonio, and the Delta Center had a working A/C). It was a totally different situation. When your legs can’t move, basketball becomes an impossible sport. James may not be as competitive as Kobe or MJ, but he has played through pain before. Heck, earlier this year he played with a broken nose.

Speaking of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, what’s up with the constant comparisons with them? LeBron James is a totally different kind of basketball player. Compare Michael and Kobe all you want to each other, but LeBron is not one of their kind. He is unique. His skill set is unlike anything the NBA has ever seen before, except for maybe Magic Johnson.

LeBron is on track to have just as many, if not more, championships, more MVP awards, and score more career points than Jordan and Bryant. But, that’s not the only thing that puts him ahead of #24 and #23. The thing that distinguishes LeBron the most from them is his likability among his teammates. LeBron is actually friends with his colleagues. He may yell at Mario Chalmers from time to time, but they are still friends.

Michael Jordan’s teammates didn’t care for him very much. After Jordan told his teammates not to pass the ball to Bill Cartwright, Cartwright cornered Jordan and threatened to make sure he would never play basketball again. He and Steve Kerr got in a fistfight during a practice. Horace Grant had issues with him, which are elaborated on in the book The Jordan Rules. The only player that really liked him seemed to be Scottie Pippen.

Before he went to the Lakers, Dwight Howard carried the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals.  When he went to LA, the Lakers barely made the playoffs. For some reason, we tend to blame Dwight Howard for the rough 2012-13 Lakers season. But, we forget about how Kobe Bryant couldn’t make things work with Shaq. Or Bynum. Or Nash. Gasol was an all-star before he went to the Lakers, but his numbers have gone down greatly since began playing with Kobe. Free agents aren’t banging on the doors of Laker executives to play with him. Meanwhile, Wade and Bosh took pay-cuts to play with LeBron. Anybody else seeing a pattern here? Just throwing this out there: I think Kobe is a difficult teammate.

So, all of you social media experts, you couch coaches, you second team JV players, please stop hating on LeBron James. He’s the best athlete in the world. That doesn’t mean you should find fault in every little thing he does. He’s a good guy. He is always smiling on the court. He is an active father in his kids’ lives. He married his high school sweetheart. And, if you are still upset about The Decision, don’t be. That broadcast was filmed at the Boys & Girls Club of Greenwich, Connecticut, raised $2.5 million for the charity, and donated an additional $3.5 million from advertisement revenue to other charities.

LeBron James is still golden boy of basketball, whether the fans like it or not.