THE thing about people is that we often say things differently in public—but often secretly grouse about it to close friends and associates.
Take the Avery Bradley situation, for example.
Last week, he was one of the coalition leaders of discordant voices opposed to returning to play for the NBA on account of social justice and racial discrimination issues.
He was apparently one of those who were of the inclination that sitting it out would send a stronger message for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Then when things got real and deadlines to play and return were given, the reason he gave for his non-return was for family health reasons.
Now I totally agree with him on a personal level. I’m a family guy through and through. Work comes second to me. So I get what he is saying and wholeheartedly totally support him on this one.
What I am driving it as how other NBA players are reacting, especially his LA Lakers teammates.
Popular talk show host Colin Cowherd was right on point when he opined that they must be feeling quite different apart from what they are openly saying in public.
Of course, they will say the politically correct things and support him for fear of a public backlash, but there was another analyst who brought up a valid point: All of these players or most of them have something going with their families especially at this pandemic and everyone is actually similarly situated.
LAKERS. More to the point is how does this affect his team? Sure, they were 13-1 when he didn’t play, but he was in their starting line-up for 44 games, en route to having the best record in the Western conference.
He is one of their reliable two-way players who could defend the perimeter well and shoot the rock, averaging 36 percent from rainbow territory.
Don’t forget that the only time they beat their rivals, the LA Clippers, Bradley hit 6 three-pointers and scored 24 points. He gives them both depth and defense.
JR Smith as a replacement? He hasn’t played professional basketball since November 2018.
Plus, he’s 34 and has played 15 long seasons. He will only make the Lakers roster, which is already the oldest at the league, a lot older. If that’s even possible.
Sure, he can be a valuable role player coming off the bench and will have some chemistry with Lebron James, but I don’t see him grabbing the starter spot at this time.
KCP and Kyle Kuzma better step up if they don’t want to throw away Lebron’s best chance to win his 4th title.
LAST ROUND. Let me toll the bell for a dear cousin that I just recently lost due to Covid-19, Engr. Roland Mayol. A board topnotcher, and a musician, he was my favorite axman. Last time we shared the stage, we fronted for “The Dawn” at the Cebu Coliseum back in the ‘90s. Gone too soon ‘Do. Rest in peace.