One Warriors franchise legend is walking uphill in the snow both ways to deliver his opinion about the modern NBA.
In a recent event at the National Basketball Retired Players Association’s Legends Lounge, retired Basketball Hall of Famer Rick Barry shared what bothers him about the current state of the league.
“Get the officials to call it by the rulebook,” said Barry, per BasketballNews. “Stop the traveling, stop the carrying of the ball, stop the moving screens. Call the damn game according to the rulebook because players will adjust. If you’re going to allow them to get away with it, well of course, they’ll keep doing it. Call the game according to the rulebook.
“It’s such an advantage to let a guy carry the basketball or take an extra step, that’s ridiculous,” Barry added. “Why are you giving all these advantages to guys? They’re breaking the rules … It’s pathetic. For me to watch this game, the way I was taught how to play the game, to watch this, what they allow to let go, it’s an embarrassment. I’m sorry, it is. It’s an incredible game, the athletes are incredible, what they can do is incredible. But they’re getting away with murder. I blame the officials. Call the damn game accordingly.”
The 77-year-old Barry, who played in the league from 1965 to 1980, seems to be more upset with the officiating than anything. He has a good point as well considering all the ridiculous no-calls that we continue to see. But the NBA has decided that they would rather preserve the viewing experience and the flow of the game, even if it means that many violations do not get called.
All things considered, Barry’s take is actually a surprisingly fair one. But it is worth mentioning that Barry also has a reputation for being unhappy with just about everyone and everything.
H/T NBA Reddit
Photo: Mar 5, 2020; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the first quarter of the game against the Toronto Raptors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
