NBA Discussion

[GTA3Rockstar]

There's been plenty, but it just seems like they wanted a full career in their sport, in case being active and gay caused problems.

I know there's been plenty of gay athletes who came out in retirement.

 

I'm just surprised that he's the first to come out while still active.

Well, we'll see, since he already been in the league 12 years.

 

 

Anyways, if Denver can win this next game. I think we have it in the bags, being at home in game 7

[Jonesizzle]

I thought Jason Collins coming out was unnecessary. Him being "active" is laughable because he has been a free agent this year. This, to me, is a publicity stunt to shed light on him and to maybe get him on another team, which I have no doubt someone will pick him up, just to have him... because after all he has been a bench warmer his entire NBA career.

 

And if anyone thinks this will not come to bite him in the ass on the court, think again. Kevin Garnett talked sh*t to Charlie Villanueva about his cancer, so once he gets his 4-5 minutes on the court, he will get ridiculed. I'm sure 95% of people didn't notice Jason Collins, they probably assumed he was a basketball player due to him being 7 foot, but now he is going to be that 'gay basketball player' when he walks into the restaurant or wal-mart.

[mark-2007]

 

I thought Jason Collins coming out was unnecessary. Him being "active" is laughable because he has been a free agent this year. This, to me, is a publicity stunt to shed light on him and to maybe get him on another team, which I have no doubt someone will pick him up, just to have him... because after all he has been a  bench warmer his entire NBA career.

 

And if anyone thinks this will not come to bite him in the ass on the court, think again. Kevin Garnett talked sh*t to Charlie Villanueva about his cancer, so once he gets his 4-5 minutes on the court, he will get ridiculed. I'm sure 95% of people didn't notice Jason Collins, they probably assumed he was a basketball player due to him being 7 foot, but now he is going to be that 'gay basketball player' when he walks into the restaurant or wal-mart.

I think viewing it as little more than a publicity stunt is ridiculous. If anything, his coming out could threaten his chance of getting a new contract and very few GMs will want to risk a roster spot on a "publicity stunt", let alone the perceived negative impact it could have in the locker room. Yeah, he's been a bench warmer throughout his career but he's also been in the league long enough to prove that he's a serviceable big and the kind of player teams want, even if it is mostly just in garbage time. Every player, from starting five right down to the bench dwellers, are good players, if they weren't they'd be off the team and there are hundreds of free agents, D-League players, overseas guys that would jump at the chance to take their place. Collins might be far from a big name in the NBA, but the fact he's still getting some minutes is testament to the fact he's still got a role in the league.

 

And as for what Garnett or any trash-talkers say to him, f*ck them. Garnett's a good player obviously, but his trash talk is low - particularly the Tim Duncan's dead mother incident and the Villaneuva (who I think has alopecia rather than cancer in any case, so it's not even informed trash talking ). As I heard Charles Barkley say recently "any player who thinks they haven't played with a gay player is an idiot", hell, even Garnett's played alongside Collins. Whilst I wouldn't put it past Garnett's trash-talking, he has publicly showed support for Collins, at least. Whether that acceptance translates when on the court in the heat of a game, who knows.

 

I think Collins' coming out was an important step forward for the NBA and professional sports as a whole, and hopefully it begin a change in the attitudes of professional sports players and fans alike, as it's often a breeding ground for hatred and prejudice, be it homophobia, racism, sexism or whatever. The initial reaction from the major players, figures and pundits of the NBA was overwhelmingly positive (Chris Broussard aside), and hopefully that's a sign of a changing attitude.

 

Also, a quick check of his NBA profile shows he's played on the Wizards and the Celtics in 2012-13, and is still listed in the Wizards roster on their site, so he hasn't been a free agent this past year.

 

---

 

Anyways, looking back over my predictions on the last page, I ay have over-estimated the Lakers. Thought Pau and Dwight might've combined for a win or two but no.

 

@GTA3Rockstar: The Nuggets-Warriors series has been the most entertaining so far. I'd be happy either go through, but I hope Denver can force a game seven, just so we can see some more of it.

 

Knicks and the Thunder can do a gentleman's sweep tonight if they win. The Thunder might struggle. I watched game three without Westbrook and they were absolutely terrible in the second half, seemed intent on handing it to Houston but somehow held on for the win. I'm expecting the Knicks to pull it off, as Boston have been pretty dire so far.

 

Speaking of Boston, when do they decide to change things, if at all? Every season they seem to get less and less competitive; do they stick by Pierce and Garnett and see them through the rest of their contracts/careers? Or do they try cash those chips while they still have some value and rebuild around a healed Rondo, Sullinger and maybe Green?

Edited May 1, 2013 by mark-2007

[El Dildo]

This, to me, is a publicity stunt to shed light on him and to maybe get him on another team, which I have no doubt someone will pick him up, just to have him... because after all he has been a bench warmer his entire NBA career.

 

...

 

now he is going to be that 'gay basketball player'

agree to disagree perhaps, but I think you're being very narrow-minded here.

[Jonesizzle]

It's positive for players to come out and randomly tell the world they are gay? When he is at home watching post-season basketball? And wasn't it Over twitter? it's dumb and not needed. I don't have a problem with homosexuals, but coming out in the 1st round of the playoffs strikes me as someone who wants attention. If you follow the NFL major sport teams will pick up players for the publicity ala Tim Tebow, its not a far-fetched idea... hell a few years ago the Vikings picked up Brock Lesnar and that didn't even last through training camp, I think. So, I personally don't think this will hurt his chances but give him more opportunities elsewhere, even outside basketball. You don't think at such tense times with equal rights that a team won't pick him up? I doubt it. Also, who cares if your gay? Why do we need to know? I don't care or need to know who is straight, gay or bi-sexual and neither should any fan of the NBA.... The timing of this rubbed me the wrong way. Its nice KG is supporting him, but you know damn well on-court and off-court KG are two different people and thats how it is for most players. He is going to get sh*t on the court.

 

Edit; I'm aware bench warmers are good players, didn't need to give me the run down on that. I think I would have a better reaction if this happened after the season and if its aplayer we at least see once in highlights not a bench dweller, which in my opinion makes him look like he is grabbing for attention and he succeeded. And lastly, if a NBA player or any sports player has a problem with a homosexual as a teammate needs to grow up, wake up and smell the ashes.

 

Narrow-minded? We shall see, he was a unknown basketball player and now is a overnight celebrity more less. I knew of the Collins twins, how many of you honestly knew of Jason Collins before his announcement?

 

Thunder lose again as does the Knicks. Thunder missing Westbrook like no other and Knicks living.... And dying by the jump shot.

 

Ps, sorry for grammar and jumbled mess, typed this out on my celly.

Edited May 2, 2013 by DOOM!

[El Dildo]

 

It's positive for players to come out and randomly tell the world they are gay?

you would rather they live a lie?

 

that's gotta' be horrible. not being able to tell people who you are. not being true to yourself.

no one should hide.

 

and he didn't announce it over Twitter.

he announced it in the Sports Illustrated article.

[Funktipus]

Thunder lose again as does the Knicks. Thunder missing Westbrook like no other and Knicks living.... And dying by the jump shot.

 

....not to mention piss-poor defense, leaving Celtic players wide open.

[GTA3Rockstar]

Pullin' for a Nuggets win tonight, if we do. I have a good feeling we will win the series.

 

[El Dildo]

if the Nuggets win I'll kiss my dog on the mouth. with my tongue.

it's turned into an exciting series.

 

that and NY / Boston.

and I hate the Celtics. but I'm actually pulling for them now. not just because of Boston strong or whatever (although that's nice), but for the sake of history.

 

no team has ever rebounded from 0-3.

and I love being witness to history. after that I hope they crash and burn

[Jonesizzle]

 

It's positive for players to come out and randomly tell the world they are gay?

you would rather they live a lie?

 

that's gotta' be horrible. not being able to tell people who you are. not being true to yourself.

no one should hide.

 

and he didn't announce it over Twitter.

he announced it in the Sports Illustrated article.

lol, who says he was living a lie? Was he going around proclaiming to be banging basketball groupies? Was he telling everyone he is straight? It's not a lie if he doesn't say anything... because it's no ones business. It's an irrelevant issue. You can't even (legally) ask what your employers sexual orientation is.

Edited May 3, 2013 by DOOM!

[GTA3Rockstar]

Sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo many ways for us to have won that game, especially those turnovers in the last few minutes. Pathetic, 10 straight playoffs and only getting out of the first round ONCE!

[ArmedJudas47]

Great match for the warriors .... spurs here we come!!!!

 

[Papi Chulo]

100 G's

GIFSoup

 

says Thunder getting the dub.

GIFSoup

Rockets packing home tonight

 

[Shenmue18]

Gotta say after all this, I have a lot more respect for Westbrook, before he got injured it looks like The Thunder were just driving away with this one, now after he's been injured The Rockets have actually be able to turn it into a series.

[Funktipus]

Knicks never do anything easy, but a win is a win. No time for rest - Game 1 is tomorrow.

[InstantCClassic]

Great win by the Bulls. Joakim Noah is a beast.

 

@Funktipus I got the Knicks winning it all this year or going to the Finals. Chicago will possibly fatigue Miami.

[Funktipus]

Shame on the Nets. Game 7 in your house and you don't match the Bulls' intensity? Inexcusable.

 

With the Knicks, nothing is a given. The Indiana series is a toss-up.

[mark-2007]

It's positive for players to come out and randomly tell the world they are gay?

you would rather they live a lie?

 

that's gotta' be horrible. not being able to tell people who you are. not being true to yourself.

no one should hide.

 

and he didn't announce it over Twitter.

he announced it in the Sports Illustrated article.

lol, who says he was living a lie? Was he going around proclaiming to be banging basketball groupies? Was he telling everyone he is straight? It's not a lie if he doesn't say anything... because it's no ones business. It's an irrelevant issue. You can't even (legally) ask what your employers sexual orientation is.

I imagine he'd rather announce it of his own accord than get found out. He may be far from a household name (pre-announcement), but the media sh*tstorm would've been far bigger, and negative, had he been caught with a guy and forced out of the closet. Also, check this out and give it a listen if you haven't already, it's pretty interesting - though not related to Collins or basketball at all.

 

---

 

Anyways, play-offs so far have been awesome. I certainly didn't expect the Warriors to make it through. I'm looking forward to the next round - I may have to change my prediction of a Heat-Thunder finals rematch, I reckon the Spurs will get the better of them in the WCF or maybe even the Grizzlies before that.

[Funktipus]

Nets need another coach. PJ just got the ax.

[Urban Legend]

Nate Robinson's lay up at :45 seconds pretty much wrapped it up for them tonight. Heat started and ended this game way too sloppy.

 

Damn it.

[InstantCClassic]

Good freakin' win last night by my Bulls

[Papi Chulo]

Bulls team got the most heart in the NBA & Nate did his thang.

 

 

Edited May 8, 2013 by Papi-Chulo

[Funktipus]

If the Knicks play in Indy like they did last night, they'll get back home court. Great second half. Loved the defense and terrific play by Pablo.

[GTA3Rockstar]

Good freakin' win last night by my Bulls

Did it get to them in game 2? lol

[UrbanTheEmcee]

Time for the Pacers to hit the Knicks in the mouth. Send a message tonight that lingers through out this series.

[UrbanTheEmcee]

Pacers take the game. Series is 2-1 with Pacers going strong.

[Jonesizzle]

I would love to see a Knicks/Heat Eastern Conference Finals, but at this rate, I see it being the Pacers/eat. I honestly think the Pacers would give Heat more trouble than the Knicks, and even the Bulls.

[Funktipus]

 

Pacers take the game. Series is 2-1 with Pacers going strong.

No excuse for the Knicks being outworked & out hustled. Hibbert made Tyson Chandler his b*tch, and J.R. Smith continues to be M.I.A.

 

Knicks are in BIG trouble if they don't win tomorrow.

 

Strong words from Chandler;

 

http://www.nj.com/knicks/index.ssf/2013/05...handler_ho.html

Edited May 13, 2013 by Funktipus

[GTA3Rockstar]

Thunder might be outted in 5.

[UrbanTheEmcee]

Thunder might be outted in 5.

Memphis is proving what good D can do. I wanted to see Thunder in the Finals, but unless they have an epic comeback it isn't likely.