Kevin Durant was, as usual, the human highlight reel at this weekend’s Clash of the Superstars charity basketball game in Washington, D.C., and it’s definitely nice to see some of the league’s biggest names using their time to support good causes. But the giving didn’t just begin and end with the charity, as Durant also offered us a little something on the business end, as well as something for the gossip mongers.
First, the above image probably has Chicago Bulls fans fapping with delight and Seattle Supersonics Oklahoma City Thunder fans purchasing nooses and stools. But everyone needs to settle down, as there’s nothing to see here. Sure, it’s strange seeing a star wearing another team’s hat, but it’s the NBA and people do strange stuff all the time. However, if the season is cancelled and contracts aren’t upheld, or if all contracts are somehow declared null and void, then this might be a NBA writer’s wet dream.
In the meantime, let’s talk about business, because Durant already has.
“I think we’re going to stand up and stick to what we want,” Durant said. “I don’t think we’re just going to give in to a deal just because we want the season to start.
“I know fans may not want to hear that, but it’s kind of tough to put us in that position, but hopefully, like I said, everything gets resolved.”
(Via CBS Sports)
No, Kevin, we want to hear this. We need to hear it. None of the league’s superstars are saying a damn thing other than maybe LeBron James saying that he feels like there’s going to be a season, so for a young, elite superstar to finally tell us what the players are thinking, it’s refreshing, to say the least. This is how the players will win, by telling us why the owners are wrong and gaining our support.
John Wall, who also played in the charity game, completely agrees.
“I think we’re going to have to have guys like Kobe [Bryant], LeBron, the face of the NBA, to step up and say something,” said Wall, who was in Las Vegas this week when National Basketball Players Association President Derek Fisher and executive director Billy Hunter updated the players on the labor impasse. “Derek Fisher and those guys are doing a great job, but I just want it to be over. I can’t really say too much. I only have one year under my belt. . . . I just want to sit back, learn and listen and see what’s going on during the meetings.”
Union director Billy Hunter claims that James and Kobe Bryant have “been deeply involved in the meetings,” which doesn’t tell me anything. Bryant has apparently offered to loan players money if they need it, which is fine, but there needs to be a front line stronger than Hunter and Derek Fisher.
(Banner via CBS Sports.)
