Phoenix Suns guard, Devin Booker, was ejected late in the fourth quarter on January 14th of 2019. Devin blew past defender Deandre’ Bembre and elevated for a dunk. Booker came down from the rim and looked back at the defender and smirked. The referee then called a technical foul on Booker which resulted in him getting ejected from the game.
Is this too far?
Many former NBA players who were in the league in the 90’s have said multiple times that todays NBA is soft. The league (NBA) has made countless new rules in the game that ensure there is less contact. And now it seems like they are trying to take the competitive nature and tenacity out of the game. Players can’t taunt, mean mug, or talk a little smack anymore without getting a technical foul or some sort of fine. Devin booker isn’t the only player on his team to get a tech after a great play. Kelly Oubre Jr, received a technical foul for bobbing his head forward after a mean fast break dunk over his defender. Is this a sign of the game getting softer and taking the heart out of the game or is this the league going through an adjustment period. I think that the NBA has gotten soft as time goes on. There are more free throws being taken every game. Meaning that they are calling more and more fouls each and every time down the court. They have made more and more restrictions on the defender, which means the offensive player has so much more of an advantage over the defender already. I thin its time for the NBA to reevaluate the restrictions on players. Especially when it comes to showing emotion on the court.
Players in the 90’s would let you know that it was a grown mans league. If you were soft the players would let you know what’s up. No easy buckets, no easy plays, and no plays off. There was physicality, tenacity, and heart for the game. Now players are worried more about aesthetics and what to wear more than they are the actual game and how to win. It feels like the league is almost a gimmick instead of a sport. Wheres the passion? Where’s the toughness? Wheres the heart? Why is the league turning into a publicity stunt instead of where passionate players gather to compete to be the best player they can be.
I think the league today compared to what it once was is soft…
The NBA in The 90’s
The NBA Now
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