Shorts: Justice

     Even in the world of the NBA, justice is not always easy to come by.  Sometimes, justice is served but more often than not, like in the real world, stuff just comes out unfair.





Water Works


     The NBA recently fined the Cleveland Cavaliers' Lebron James USD 25,000 for unruly behavior.  In a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, James complained to the referees when he felt he was fouled on a drive in play.  His excessive complaining led to a technical foul, and when he was substituted, he proceed to flip away a tray of cups containing gatorage and/or water into the stands, wetting several people in the process.  Such a tantrum is boorish behavior in itself, but to kick things into the stands could go on to hurt the spectators, something that is a definite no no.  If the NBA suspends for a season someone who goes into the stands for attacking fans, kicking something into the stands should get a bigger punishment than USD 25,000, which is nothing to a superstar earning over USD 50 million a year. 


Suspended Animation

     After pleading guilty to gun possession, the Washington Wizards' eccentric guard Gilbert Arenas was suspended by the NBA for the rest of the year.  While the NBA union was all set to protest this action, I'm glad Commissioner David Stern dug in and stood by his order.  The suspension would deprive fans of Agent Zero, but a year's suspension without pay may be what Arenas needs to finally understand the gravity of his so-called "prank" of bringing guns to the locker room.  The move also is a good warning to other NBA players who like to bring guns "for protection."


Star-Crossed

     While I don't expect the NBA coaches to completely agree with my list of All Star reserves , I was completely disappointed and disheartened with the selection of Al Horford.  While Horford has seen his game grow leaps and bounds, his competent numbers of 13.5 points and 9.7 rebounds (career highs), plus 2.2 assists and 1.3 blocks are still no match to two other possible, better selections.  The New Jersey Nets' Brook Lopez (18.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 2 blocks) and the New York Knicks' David Lee 19.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists) are currently more deserving of recognition.  While they may be playing on bad teams, they both are the main men of the team, giving their bad teams consistent number every game, something that is difficult to do on bad teams.  If the NBA coaches were'nt looking for a center, then another better choice would be Horford's teammate Josh Smith (15 points, 8.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals and 2.2 blocks).  Smith, who is the Hawks' second or third option behind Joe Johnson and possibly Jamal Crawford, does way more than Horford for the Hawks anyway.