Fighting Has Never Been More Back In The NBA After Marcus Smart Threw A Punch At Charles Bassey
Kenneth Richmond. Getty Images.Over the last few seasons, we've started to see more and more fighting make its way back to the NBA. I'm not talking about the HOLLLDDD MEEEE BAAAAAAACKKKK non-fights either. I'm talking about legit swings.
It doesn't matter what part of the season we may be in, things get heated on the hardwood. You always have to be ready for the possibility that someone will actually take a swing, and this season we can officially add Marcus Smart to the list.
Nope! Can't do that! Listen I love Marcus Smart. Always have and always will. Nobody accepts him for who he is more than me. I have a Ph.D in the Marcus Smart Experience, so I can say with confidence this is a classic case of him losing his goddamn mind. At the same time, you love the fight. You love the mentality. It's what makes Marcus Smart who he is.
Advertisement
Having said that, you can't be swinging on people. That's a bit of a no no.
So why did he do it? It probably had something to do with this play
and then Ime shed some additional light on the situation which was so Marcus Smart it hurts
Smart isn't just about the talk, he's crazy enough to walk the walk. Even if it means getting tossed from the game. You think he gives a shit? No chance.
The thing here is I also love Charles Bassey. All time Celtics Summer League legend, and someone that I always felt was an NBA player. The guy can really rebound and protect the rim. Don't sleep on Charles Bassey as a legit piece, that's all I'm saying. When asked for his side of the whole altercation, he didn't exactly mince words
Sadly, there is nothing fake tough about Marcus Smart. He's as tough as it gets. Does he flop? Definitely. But toughness? With what he's been through in his life? Smart is the real deal in that regard so I have to disagree with Bassey there.
Advertisement
I will say I do have to unfortunately deduct some points from Smart for not connecting on the punch. If you're going to do something like that, you have to connect.
A small but important detail if we're being truthful about the entire situation. Granted, had he connected I'm sure it would have turned into a gigantic shitstorm, so maybe it's best he didn't.
In terms of the highly anticipated HOU/GS matchup, Smart and the Rockets did walk away with the win, so at the end of the day I suppose that's all that matters. I'm sure Silver won't be too fond of Smart's antics, so it wouldn't shock me if the Rockets have to survive a game or two without him, even though he didn't really make any contact. The league doesn't really love players throwing deliberate punches.
But the rest of us? Hell yeah. Bring on the hate. Bring on the shit talking. Bring on the fighting. Give the people what they want.