James’ legacy isn’t so much marred by “The Decision” as it is uniquely molded by it, and no more worse for wear as a result than what is owed to his subpar Finals record, which many argue belie both his nickname and the “Chosen One” tattoo engulfing his upper back.
Though risky, creating a bubble plan for players that have a legitimate chance at making the playoffs and winning a championship makes sense; having players play just to stay competitive without a winning end goal does not make sense for this current environment.
This NBA season is up for grabs and against all odds the NBA has provided itself with a platform and the games to entertain us through the remainder of the summer.
So many in the position of a person like Littal have a limited view of the role women should play in the sports media landscape. They think that because a women is willing to work with a person like them then they are already “ready to go” in some way and that they are merely one overnight stay and a jump shot from 40 away from being feasted on.
In the backdrop of this socially turbulent climate exists a philosophical discussion of whether or not Black sports figures should volunteer their voices and join, full-throated, in concert with the rest of us to support the cause.
Jay-Z infamously said at the announcement of his upcoming work with the NFL that the league is past the kneeling stage, stating that it is time for action. It would be hard to imagine that the celebrated entertainer and business man picturing the actions becoming so drastic within a year’s time.
The NBA’s plans to bring the game back has a lot going for it, but the risk of perpetuating another Covid-19 breakout looms large.
Now in the midst of a nine-month off-season, the Bulls will be able to officially evaluate the next steps for their franchise.
Without mobilization to the polls, I fear we will squander the opportunity to exploit this remarkable momentum for change and, in the process, facilitate only a marginal decline in the loss of innocent black lives.
To be a Chicagoan devoted to the sport of baseball, a star of a heralded little league program, a heralded high school and to use that experience to be a first-round draft pick of the Cubs presents a kind of destined scenario.
