Things that irritate me about the NBA
More of a rant than an informative blog post today, partly because I haven’t done any meaningful research in order to present you dear reader with something educational nor entertaining. And partly, because every once in a while it’s good to unload excess baggage and poke it until it dries up and withers away leaving no residue nor toxic chemicals. So we go, in no particular order:
- The RAP/Gangsta cool vibe. Not everyone who watches basketball is young and enjoys RAP music but you would never know that from the continuous stream of RAP that seems to envelope the NBA. At the game it’s almost non-stop and on television the advertisements crank up the RAP and the network music is nothing but RAP. Couldn’t it be dialed back or at least infused with something else from time to time? How about something a little more aspirational?
- The time outs. When less than 30 seconds of playing time can stretch out beyond 10 minutes, something must be done. What makes basketball great is the flow and the speed and the amazing individual athletic maneuvers all of which are negated by the several stoppages in play during the last minute of the game. They have to cut back to 2 for each team in the 4th quarter or 1 in the last minute.
- Star Calls. I know this one has been worked to death but the star calls really suck much of the enjoyment out of the game for me. In particular, the drawn fouls which look so spastic and out of place for such graceful athletes. I’m not going to name names but most of you know who they are. And just as bad can be the star non calls, particularly the travelling. Please Refs, forget the names on the jerseys. Don’t take the path of least resistance, instead do what you’re paid to do. Be impartial.
- Good former players who make awful commentators and analysts. Wow, and again you know who they are. They try soooo hard to look intelligent when all they do is tow the ESPN line. Oops, I’m sure I didn’t mean to type that so please overlook the reference to a large sports coverage company if you would be so kind. Companies: Just because they are former players doesn’t necessarily mean they will be good or popular. Follow the TNT model: get former players or coaches that are intelligent and understand the game and aren’t concerned about who they criticize. And keep them away from charts and stats.
- Sport entertainment shows. I guess this wouldn’t be basketball specific again, but there are too many people watching too many sports entertainment shows that don’t realize that the hosts are simply trying to be controversial and not imparting anything of value. It’s like a sugar fix instead of proper protein.
Okay, that enough dumping for today. What bugs you about the NBA or your favorite sport? Drop us a comment and like Jim and I know!