It’s the time of the offseason where we get lists that rank NBA players heading into the upcoming year. It’s a fun way to stir up debate, but there are times when that debate can get heated. Take, for instance, Carmelo Anthony getting (justifiably) mad at being placed behind Lonzo Ball on ESPN’s annual list of the best players in the league.
Apparently, a rookie getting placed one spot ahead of Anthony — along with the general practice of ranking players — got under the skin of two of the league’s most dynamic young scorers. First, Portland guard C.J. McCollum, who is known for being outspoken on social media, suggested that players turn the tables on the people who make these lists.
We need to start ranking these weak ass journalist. With descriptions of their strengths, weaknesses and ability to make up "sources"
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) September 12, 2017
Devin Booker, who like McCollum can fill it up and doesn’t bite his tongue online, got in on the criticisms of these lists as well.
We still care about rankings nowadays?? I thought that was high school
— Book (@DevinBook) September 13, 2017
There’s always going to be the usual conversations and debates about where NBA players rank compared to one another, but Booker and McCollum aren’t necessarily talking about a group of friends debating Steph Curry or Russell Westbrook. Instead, they dislike the general practice of long lists that involve diving into the perceived weeds and passing off rankings of the top 50/100/whatever players as some kind of gospel.
This is a pretty common gripe that athletes have with the media — the whole “you never played so you don’t know the game” thing — so it’s not shocking that something like this would rub guys like McCollum and Booker the wrong way.
