The NBA has never been a stranger to drama, as the league has put forward interesting storylines to keep people watching. The sport’s growth in popularity has created more media attention and an unprecedented amount of distractions.
This offseason has been one of the most hectic in recent memory.
Lebron James took his talents to Los Angeles to play with the Lakers, which led to a complete shift in power in both the Eastern and Western conferences. Demarcus Cousins chose to play with Golden State, adding another all-star to the already dominant Warriors team. Demar Derozan was traded from Toronto to the Spurs in exchange for Kawhi Leonard, completely shifting the dynamics of both teams, and many more exciting changes have taken place.
After these crazy moves were made, many expected the NBA to settle into the regular season, but the exact opposite thing has happened. Things are heating up with many of the league’s teams.
Jimmy Butler’s recent antics are more reminiscent of the plot of a soap opera than dealings within an NBA team’s front office.
Butler requested a trade from his team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, as he was unhappy with the organization and the attitudes of the young players. Potential trades fell through as many teams said that Minnesota was asking too much for Butler. This caused the Timberwolves to move their focus toward keeping him.
Butler kept his distance from the team throughout the offseason, but when it was clear that he would have to play for the team, Butler came to a very dramatic practice.
The practice included Butler berating members of the team’s front office, criticizing teammates, and leading a group of bench players to a win against the Timberwolves’ starters in a scrimmage.
These events sound more like the plot of a movie than an NBA practice.
This excitement behind the scenes has also begun to bleed into the games.This early in the season many predicted a relaxation of team antics, but there has already been a major fight involving two of the top teams in the West.
Rajon Rondo of the Lakers and Chris Paul of the Rockets got into a verbal argument on the court that led to punches being thrown. In an incident that many are calling “Spitgate,” it is believed that Rondo made the first move as he spit on Paul, leading Paul to get in Rondo’s face.
Punches were thrown and Lakers’ shooting guard Brandon Ingram jumped into the fray in support of his teammate. All three players involved have been given multiple-game suspensions.
It has become clear that this will not be a calm season. The excitement of the offseason has not slowed down.
NBA drama can be good in small doses, but it seems that after only a few weeks it is reaching unnecessary levels.