The double standard
DeAndre Jordan, big-time NBA basketball player, said that an Olympic gold is more important than an NBA championship.
For that he’s getting blitzed, and especially crucified by Screamin’ A. Smith, who says that position is why Jordan has never even made an all-star team. (Side note: Jordan has never made an all-star team because his only effective offensive move is a dunk. Expanding his array of shots and skills would make him All-NBA, regardless if he believes the sky is purple polka-dotted and the Loch Ness monster enjoys eating Oatmeal Creme Pies with Nick Saban and Big Foot.)
But here are two talking points in regard to his statement:
Is his statement accurate that Olympic Gold is more precious than NBA title? Quite possibly. For Manu Ginobli, who ended his international career in Argentina’s loss to the U.S. last night, here’s betting if he was given the choice between his Spurs winning it all last June or his country winning it all this weekend, he would take the latter. Sure the first one of each would most likely be sweeter than the second one of either, but you can make that discussion, especially for a player like Jordan, who will not be harshly judged in the prism of legacy without a title. Someone like LeBron or Kobe or now Durant and the Warriors, yes, an NBA title carries a heavy and lasting check mark.