The Nuggets Playing Tall Ball

This week the NBA returned for the first of 3 scrimmages that each team will play in preparation for the NBA restart that begins Thursday, July 30^th. One of the most intriguing things that were seen during the games was when the Denver Nuggets put out a lineup that consisted of a tall ball lineup. With their tall ball lineup, the Nuggets presented a lineup where everyone was at least 6’7. At the beginning of the game All-Star big man, Nikola Jokic started at point guard. This lineup is the opposite of the Houston Rockets who play small ball were their tallest player at times is just 6’8. The Nuggets and Rockets are currently the 3^rd and 6^th seeds respectively; which means they would play each other in the playoffs if the standings hold through the 8 reseeding games. If this happens this would make a very interesting matchup with two contrasting styles. You have the Rockets who play small ball and love to jack up threes. You have the Nuggets who can play up and down but when crunch time comes, they play through Nikola Jokic. This would be a must-see series to see if James Harden and Russell Westbrook would be the overcome the size that the Nuggets can be on the court at one time. With the addition of Bol Bol, it will be interesting to see how much playing he will get during the playoffs. The real games begin next week cannot wait to see what happens down the stretch.

The NBA Hotline!!!!

The NBA’s season is restarting on July 30th but prior to that next week July 22^nd, the 22 teams will be having 3 scrimmages. This is exciting because it means we are one step closer to basketball being completely back. While in the bubble the NBA has provided an anonymous tip hotline, where players can report any players who are breaking the rules. There been several players who have been reported on for various reasons from leaving the bubble, sneaking outsiders inside the bubble, and even players not wearing masks. The question is should the “snitching “on NBA players be supported. I do believe players should be encouraged to report any infractions for multiple reasons. The main reason being the obvious health risk of the players and the current COVID 19 situation and the extra exposure you could be giving to them by having unknown outsiders come into the bubble. Also, players need to realize it is not just them individually they must be concerned about but also teammates, and team staff. Some of the coaches are in a more vulnerable age group and if they get the virus will most likely have difficulty recovering. One of my observances is that some players may not like their money. I say this because by not following the rules you risk the season being shut down if too many positive tests come back which means you take home less money due to games not being played. 

In addition, by playing the games they continue to spread awareness for social injustice issues. Many players will be wearing phrases that highlight social justice messaging on the back of their jerseys in place of their last names. The NBA has approved 29 messages that can be displayed on the back of their jerseys during the NBA restart.

Next week scrimmages start a great warmup before the sprint to the finish line starts. Lastly,  NBA players please continue to report any players breaking rules that can jeopardize the restart and completion of the NBA season.

Will The NBA Finish It’s Season

As the NBA is getting ready to resume the season in about two weeks and teams are starting to arrive in Orlando. Several teams have had players pull out due to either concern about or having contracted the Covid19 virus. No team has been hit harder than the Brooklyn Nets who have 7 players who will not be playing once the NBA resumes July 30^th.  Among the 7 players who will not be attending Orlando are Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Deandre Jordan. This means that none of their top 3 free agents signings from this past summer will play. It has many people thinking the Nets be swept in the first round. On Wednesday, July 8^th the Nets signed 3-time Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford and former number 2 overall pick Michael Beasley. This will serve as replacements replace for players who will not be attending Orlando for the restart and the playoffs.

This brings up an interesting question of how likely are both the NBA and Major League Baseball (MLB) to finish their seasons. Everyone agrees that players will test positive for Covid19, but the question is with everyone being in a bubble after how many individuals do you call the season. In theory with everyone being in a bubble once one person tests positive it will spread quickly. It will be interesting to see how not only this year’s sports operate but sports 2021 due to the amount of time that a vaccine is expected to be available. Lastly, with the teams missing players the question has been asked will this year’s champion deserves an asterisk due to the circumstances surrounding everything.  I believe that the champion will deserve one because the players who are able to play will totally be determined by things outside of the player's control