As the NBA season approaches we’ve reached a familiar part of the preseason process: media outlets rank the best players in the NBA, and players get mad about where they are on the list.
It’s a tried and true method of filling some space in the early fall, and the reactions are always there. Carmelo Anthony, for example, fell more than 30 spots in ESPN’s list this year, and he wasn’t happy about it. Neither was Kevin Durant, who got mad on his behalf.
Players stick up for each other when things like this happen because though these lists are completely arbitrary, they can hurt nonetheless. But Portland TrailBlazers guard CJ McCollum suggested a way to combat these kind of lists directly. He took to Twitter on Tuesday night to suggest that players make some lists of their own.
https://twitter.com/CJMcCollum/status/907751903978692608
“We need to start ranking these weak ass journalist,” McCollum tweeted. “With descriptions of their strengths, weaknesses and ability to make up “sources.””
Jared Dudley quickly joined in and said he’d help out.
lol send me ya list 😂 I will use my journalism degree to analyze it and add to it 😂 https://t.co/pw9w9MxvpV
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 12, 2017
The tweet sparked a lively debate on Twitter about the value of journalism and how the perception created by these lists can be harmful in a variety of ways.
It's doesn't change how I feed my family but it's the principle. I think if the roles were reversed you would understand. I laugh every yr https://t.co/CRm6sm6mwL
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 13, 2017
Many writers themselves replied to the Tweet, pointing out that many egotistical sportswriters would love to be included on the list.
😂😂😂 https://t.co/xzVLxCMIiR
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 13, 2017
Some took offense to McCollum suggesting that reporters are making up sources.
Lol just like some NBA players are toxic, some journalist are toxic so I know how you feel https://t.co/bCfj9lWCb9
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 13, 2017
It’s unclear if McCollum is going to follow through on making a list or not, but it’s certainly an interesting idea to consider.
I think it would be funny to rank journalist. Im sure some wouldn't care, but honestly I think a lot of players would enjoy it.
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 13, 2017
I’m sure he’d have plenty of help among players if he decided to make it happen.