There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!
-------Larry Laker

He broke barriers
Most of you are probably not familiar with Earl Lloyd, in a manner of speaking he was the “Jackie Robinson” of the NBA. Barrier breaking Lloyd died last Friday at the age of 86. Lloyd played at West Virginia State College and was drafted in the ninth round by the Washington Capitols in 1950 then coached by Red Aurebach. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball Lloyd did the same for the NBA becoming the leagues first black player. Of course Auerbach would later become coach of the Celtics and lead them to several NBA championships. As for Lloyd the defensive specialist would play until 1960 for three NBA teams.

1. “According to Detroit News sportswriter Jerry Green, in 1965 Detroit Pistons General Manager Don Wattrick wanted to hire Lloyd as the team's head coach. It would have made Lloyd the first African-American head coach in American pro sports.” If Lloyd had been hired he not Bill Russell would have become the first black coach in the NBA, in 1971-72 he was hired as head coach of the team. In 1993 Lloyd was elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame as a contributor. He never received the notoriety of a Jackie Robinson but certainly broke down barriers and was a significant contributor to the NBA, basketball and society. 1. Wikipedia

Social media
This is NFL related however it could have easily occurred in the NBA. NFL scribe Mike Florio wrote might be considered an inflammatory story on Dez Bryant of the Cowboys. He wrote there may or may not be a video detailing an impropriety Bryant may or may not have committed. I wrote it exactly the manner Florio reported the story providing no proof Bryant is guilty of anything? If the story goes away did Bryant pay someone off would be the next question? Someone said yesterday “We cannot return to journalism of the 1970’s with the massive numbers of social media in place. People want to know what’s going on.” The vast majority of us have no idea of the truth of Florio’s report. In today’s social media world “we are guilty until proven innocent.”

“Whine and cheese crowd”
I’ve long maintained a number of Kansas basketball fans are spoiled. Example, court lengths pass to Perry Ellis in the West Virginia game. He caught the ball in stride but missed the lay-up which led to a loss by Kansas. Social media light up, these are but a few posts there were certainly more. 1. “Perry Ellis is just awful. I don't care what offensive stats he has, he's terrible. He is the WORST defensive Player in NCAAB. Dunk It!!!!! Another read; “Perry Ellis choked”. Finally “I'm not sure if I have any Perry Ellis brand clothing... But I'm scouring my closet and burning every item of clothing I find.” I believe it was former coach Roy Williams who borrowed the term referring to some Kansas fans as the “Whine and cheese crowd.” Ellis was key to a Kansas win against Texas, 28 points 13 rebounds and 3 steals. Perry led the way in a 69-64 victory I wonder how those spoiled fans feel now.

I’m unsure what fans expected from the 6-8 225 pound forward, he arrived at Kansas two years ago. Eliis will never wow you with his numbers but consider his start. His freshman year he scored 5.8 points per game his freshman year, last year he bumped his numbers up to 13.5. Currently averaging 14.0 ppg as a junior, his field goal percentage is down slightly over last season. Ellis shot 55% from the floor last year and 48% this season. The drop is explainable, with Andrew Wiggins and later Joel Embiid on the court Ellis had plenty of open shots. Ellis is no NBA lottery pick fact is he might not earn an NBA invite. I believe a pro career awaits him whether it’s Europe, the NBA D-League or somewhere else. Despite the negative comments of a few Kansas fans Ellis is a winner.

1. KC Star

The athlete of today
Professional athletes today are the best conditioned in history. They are light years ahead of their grandfather’s training, innovative over that of their fathers. As for their heads that’s a far different matter. I cannot get inside someone’s head and decide their motivation I can only observe their actions. Can we say dedication, Derrick Rose stating he needed to sit down for a few games. How about Carmelo Anthony deciding “to shut it down after the All-Star game.” He played the game and almost immediately scheduled surgery which will sideline him for the next 4 to 6 months. An injury has taken Anthony out of the lineup however I don’t believe this was a recent discovery. I’m second guessing his decision to hold off on surgery. Even LeBron James is subject to this affliction sitting out a number of the Cavs games.

Greg Popovich (whom I respect) is guilty also; he’s sat down Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili at times to allow rest. There may be others but here is the point do you remember Larry Bird, Michael Jordan or others wanting out of the lineup to “rest?” Hey Kobe haters you never heard my man beg to be taken out of the lineup to take a break. To Kobe’s detriment he’s probably played far too many minutes over his career. We cannot avoid injuries but just sitting out games to rest who would have believed it. A friend reminded me of the 76ers Andrew Toney, Toney was a lights-out shooter with bad feet. He probably played on those bad feet games he should have avoided. His competitive nature prevented him from “shutting it down.” He never asked out of the lineup despite his foot problem. Athletes who are physically injured need to sit down but to rest during the season that’s a no-no.