The Philadelphia 76ers’ fan-favorite power forward has had an understandably tough time readjusting his focus.
When the NBA shut down operations in March, no one could have anticipated the scale of the problems to come. COVID-19 has left an indelible mark on American society, with over 2.92 million confirmed cases. In recent weeks, Florida has developed into one of the global epicenters of the disease. It’s far from over.
In addition to coronavirus, the social justice movement has surged to the forefront of American politics. Major protests have rocked the streets of every major city, and it truly feels like an inflection point for our country and our justice system.
Countless players have championed the fight for change, with many marching the streets of their NBA cities. Tobias Harris and Matisse Thybulle both marched in Philadelphia, and Mike Scott joined in via FaceTime. In a moment so deserving of attention, it’s understandable that, for many, the thirst for NBA basketball has died out.
https://twitter.com/sixers/status/1269431677048303616
And yet, despite a health crisis and a historic moment in the fight for racial equality, the NBA plans to re-start its season later this month. As players and coaches prepare to travel to Orlando for training camp and an eventual return to play, some are having an understandably difficult time refocusing on basketball. One such player is Philadelphia 76ers forward Mike Scott, who voiced his concerns to reporters.
"“Trying to change the mentality from being with the family and making sure they are safe from racism and corona[virus], then switching onto going to Orlando and playing basketball is easier said than done.Most people say it should be easy, just think about basketball, but I don’t know, man. It’s tough to start thinking about that after everything that’s been going on the last couple of months. I’m just trying to work out every day and get my mind ready for Orlando, but at the same time, how can you not focus on everything else that’s going on?”"
This is well within reason, of course. No one — not even players — has had the time or headspace to commit entirely to basketball over the past three months. Everyone’s attention has been allocated to more important and timely issues. It’s hard to ask players to pick up everything, leave home, and go live in Orlando for a couple months. Especially with all that’s happening around the country.
Numerous players and pundits have voiced concerns about the NBA’s bubble plan and the safety measures currently in place. And even if players are willing to travel and compete for a championship — as Scott is — there is still a real argument to be had about whether it should happen. The NBA still feels vastly unimportant right now, and the steps taken by the league to address inequality in America, up to this point, feel superficial and empty.
Scott is certainly not the only NBA player struggling to adjust his mindset after three chaotic and trying months away from basketball. Whether he’s the only one to express it outright or not, I’m sure many others are in the same boat. Scott has never been one to pull punches. He speaks truthfully and honestly at every turn, and he deserves major props for doing so in this moment.