Today's NBA: Style over Substance

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

March 2000

I suppose I should stop being amazed at some of the ridiculous things the NBA does; but, "microphone gate" was really comical. In an apparent attempt to increase sagging tv ratings, the NBA and NBC decided to mike the coaches in order to provide the viewers a "feel for the game" from the coaches' perspective.

Unfortunately, the league in its infinite wisdom decided to mandate that all head coaches must wear the microphones during NBC broadcasts. The league threatened to fine coaches $100,000 if any coach refused to wear the microphone. Coaches throughout the league complained vehemently that the microphones were an invasion of privacy or, quite simply, weren't going to help improve low ratings. Seattle coach Paul Westphal and Toronto head coach Butch Carter refused to be miked for a game and, both were subsequently fined.

Coinciding with the coaches' complaints was a lot of media backlash which forced the media conscience league to come to an agreement which basically states the coaches can now have the option of wearing a microphone for the remaining games on NBC this season. Imagine that: common sense actually prevailed in the NBA. Will wonders ever cease? Do you suppose this single act of common sense could be an indicator of the league becoming more sensible this year and for years come? In a word: NO.

For example, it's quite obvious to most people the league lacks actual basketball players and has too many athletes. For years, the league continues to select and promote players who can only fly through the air with the greatest of ease and dunk. The league didn't care whether the player had any basic fundamentals such as shooting, passing; rebounding, etc. If a player is not the prototypical height and weight, his chances of playing in the league are fairly slim. Apparently, teams would much rather develop an athlete into becoming a basketball player as opposed to making a basketball player into a better athlete.

In an ideal world, teams would consist of great ball players who were also great athletes; but, we aren't living in an ideal world. Personally, I'd much rather watch fundamentals (especially shooting) being executed at the optimum level instead of 360 degree dunks and the like. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy the flash; but, if you still can't shoot the ball, you don't impress me nearly as much as someone who can shoot with a hand in his face, coming off screens or shoot with range.

A basic belief of the league is: if the fans love it and spend their money we're going to keep giving it to them. As a result, the league has become style over substance and sizzle with no steak.

A prime example is Sacramento King guard Jason Williams. The league hyped JW (a.k.a. The Thrilla in Vanilla, White Chocolate, etc.) before Jason proved he was worthy of such high praise. His fancy passes and flashy style of play may look great; but, his decision making is atrocious; his shooting percentage is worse; and his defense has been practically non-existent. Hopefully, Jason will realize his mistakes this summer and work to minimize them in addition to maximizing his strengths.

Of course, the league is not solely to blame. The media has hopped on (and off) many "the Next so and so" band wagons so many times it's pathetic. It's amazing how quickly Vince Carter has become the next Michael Jordan while Kobe Bryant has become just another shooting guard with ability.

An irony in Carter's rocket to super stardom is he has made himself into a great basketball player. He's a much better three point shooter this season compared to last season. His ball handling and assist numbers have improved as well. However, for the time being, all Vince is known for is his great leaping ability and his spectacular dunks which is too bad considering he has become one of the top 5 players in the league.

Michael Jordan became one of the greatest players of all time; however, he's still known more for his dunks than his unstoppable turnaround jump shot.