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On this Sunday edition of That’s A Rap, the boys talk about the effects of the coronavirus and what it may do to the NBA and basketball as a whole. The discussion then shifted to a regional health scare — yes, the drama within the New York Knicks organization has become that hazardous! The episode wraps up with a less toxic, but highly entertaining, feud between James Harden and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
On This Episode:
The NBA recently sent out a statement to it’s players and staff to avoid high-fiving fans and to avoid using fans’ pens to sign memorabilia. Some players got ahead of the curve, such as CJ McCollum, who tweeted that he’s not signing any autographs for the time being. Two college games have already been cancelled due to the virus, and the International Olympic Committee has considered the possibility of cancelling the Summer Olympics in Japan.
Since recording the episode, the NBA has taken additional steps to protect the players and fans, by requiring NBA teams to follow several medical precautions. The league has also warned teams that some games may be played with no fans or media allowed in the building. What do you think of the NBA’s plan?
The soap opera that is the New York Knicks experienced another twist this week. The team’s unofficial mascot and #1 fan, Spike Lee, became the latest victim to “Jim” Dolan’s MSG antics, when his entrance privileges were recently downgraded. While this certainly qualifies as a #FirstWorldProblem, the heart of the matter is Dolan’s alienation of the Knicks fan base. Do you feel the same way and side with Lee? Or do you think Lee is making a mountain of a mole?
James Harden recently added fuel to the simmering fire with Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bearded One, while being interviewed by Rachel Nichols, exclaimed of the Greek Freak, “I wish I could just run and … seven feet and run and just dunk. That takes no skill at all. I gotta actually learn how to play basketball and how to have skill.” Was this in response to Antetokounmpo snubbing Harden during the All-Star draft, saying he’d like someone who passes the ball? Or is Harden trying to change the mind of MVP voters?
3:14 - COVID-19
12:57 - Do the Right Thing
21:21 - I wish I was a little bit taller