Yes, NBA, the Game is Broken

The "Basketball for Thought" is a commentary by Kris Gardner.

December 2000

I'm a cynic by nature; so, my viewpoint, at times, may come across as more jaded than others; but, hey, I am what I am. However, I'm getting fed up with writing basketballs for thought which have the same basic theme: the game of basketball is broken and it needs to be fixed. Unfortunately, a quick fix is not in order; so, as long as the game is broken, I'll continue writing about it. Overall attendance is low; teams' scoring averages are low; respect for coaching is low; on and on the problems go; but, the people in charge refuse to admit that a problem even exists. Since they won't admit, I'll do it for them.

Phoenix Suns' head coach Scott Skiles said recently, "It's an environment now where you're disrespecting a guy if you tell him to get back on defense. It's like, 'How dare you coach me?' And then we sit around wondering why nobody wants to come to the games. In my opinion, part of it is the attitude of the players themselves."

Scott is correct; part of the reason for poor fan turnout is due to the attitude of the players. Many fans perceive the players as not giving maximum on the court all the time; so, why should we fans spend huge amounts of money on tickets if the players won't reciprocate our time and money spent with maximum effort? Obviously, ticket prices are high: the NBA became the first pro league to have an average ticket cost more than $50 (actually, $51.02); however, since the majority of fans who attend the games are merely suits and ties, that's a small problem. The true basketball fan was priced out of the market years ago which explains why some NBA games seem to be played in a library with the deafening sounds of silence.

I've said it time and again: today's players can no longer shoot; however, poor shooting is only part of the reason for the low scores. Teams no longer run fast breaks. Teams no longer pressure the ball on defense. Teams constantly play one on one isolation sets and suck the life out of the shot clock; the game and the crowd. Those factors are other reasons why we see and more and games where neither team scores even 80 points in a game let alone 90. (Don't think I'm merely taking shots at the NBA; top notch college teams should not be involved in 46-45 snoozers, either.)

Fundamentals are practically non existent. Passing (especially entry passes to the post) is a lost art; along with the mid range jump shot; rebounding; setting a good, solid screen, etc. Unfortunately, the more playground type AAU games players participate in today, the less fundamentals we will see while the flare of crossovers and fancy passes will continue to increase thereby further eroding the game.

Respect is almost an archaic term not just in basketball but society as well. Players don't respect their coaches. Coaches don't respect their players. People don't respect authority. Authority doesn't respect people. Respect is a two way street; but, a key part of respect is effective communication. If either side can't or won't communicate with the other side, then problems will occur and persist.

The "mutiny" by the Denver Nuggets is a clear example of poor communication. Coaches and players spend too much time together for there to be problems with communication. Sure, losses may result because of poor talent or execution; but, games shouldn't lost because you can't communicate.

A lack of respect is also shown by the amount of stare downs and trash talking. Let me be clear: trash talking the way Larry Bird did it: "You can't guard me. I'm gettin' the ball right here (points to the spot); and shootin' in your face and there's nothing you can do to stop me." is a part of the game of basketball. In fact that type of talk, I wouldn't even label trash talk. I'm talking about the junk that a lot of younger players spew out who can't even play the game! The "your game ain't sh*t"; "you ain't sh*t"; "your team ain't sh*t"; "your coach ain't sh*t"; monotony. And the stare downs are almost comical. Kids dunk on somebody and they have to stare at the person they just dunked over. Why?! They also stare after blocking a shot. Why?! Intimidation can't be the reason because hardly any of the players can play worth a damn in order to intimidate a soul.

I'm 28; but, I'm old school. I admit it and I'm proud to be old school. Old school is the best school. Michael Jordan was old school, too. He played great on offense; but, he also was great on defense. Plus, he was very sound on his fundamentals. Think about that.