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Gather round for we are here to share in a tale as old as time: things being misunderstood online. Fold into that a colloquial gap, some pent up confusion, the yearning human desire to be known, and we have ourselves a real saga of surprise and delight starring Stan Van Gundy and Kevin Durant.
So yesterday, a little after 5pm ET, former coach and noted ankle breaker, Stan Van Gundy took to Twitter to get something off his chest.
90’s NBA teams had just a trainer and a strength coach, they practiced more often and harder and played more back to backs. Teams now have huge medical & “performance” staffs and value rest over practice. Yet injuries and games missed are way up. Something’s not working!
— Stan Van Gundy (@realStanVG) January 17, 2023
Now, Van Gundy is no stranger to the platform and its character and nuance limitations. Despite only having joined Twitter in July of 2020, Van Gundy has taken to the platform like a furious fish to water. He went on record with this very website at that time to talk about what it was that initially pushed him to sign up (his wife, and a desire to get more involved in Florida’s grassroots politics) and has been tweeting frequently and with great intention about politics, the climate, disdain for Fox News, occasional insight on watercraft, and of course, basketball, ever since. Basically, this is not the man’s first tweet rodeo, and it’s an important distinction to make for what happened next.
If you’d like to think of Van Gundy as Twitter’s own gruff yet caring crossing guard (as I often do), then Kevin Durant is the platform’s brooding prince. Durant has (and will again) find the most remote, obscure, far-flung references to him, with or without direct tags of his account, and gleefully reply. It’s an incredible skill to watch for the multi-fold joy of where he’ll pop up, what he’ll say, and picturing him, like the rest of us, with nothing better to do than getting a tweet off. He’s on Twitter like that scene in Interstellar where Matthew McConaughey figures out the universe’s extra dimension is love and uses it to somehow show up in a bookcase in the past, except Durant’s extra dimension is gleeful pettiness and he’s popping up in @KDplusbongrips4evr221 replies to call him soft.
Given all this, the two getting into an exchange on Twitter feels as natural as the tides.
What it was Van Gundy wanted to get off his chest is something that’s come up often in the last few years in terms of how the NBA is changing. What seemed to start down the road of another “In my day” opinion comparing this era of basketball to the past, goes on to lay out some fair points. Teams do have entire staffs dedicated to recovery and treatment that they did not employ in the past, but the injuries aren’t tapering off — if anything, it feels like things are getting worse. It was a compelling enough line of exploration that Durant (maybe people over 50 don’t frequent into his algorithm as often?) chimed in to concur:
Stan spittin…
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 18, 2023
Van Gundy, perhaps out for a leisurely boat ride, didn’t reply until a few hours later, but when he did it was to further clarify his original point:
No. I’m not criticizing players. I’m saying that we are getting something wrong in how we prepare and train players. We can’t do anything about injuries like yours, he fell on your leg. But all of these groin, hamstring injuries etc. shouldn’t be happening as much as they are.
— Stan Van Gundy (@realStanVG) January 18, 2023
Here is where the communicative waters were muddied. Van Gundy clearly took Durant’s use of the word ‘spitting’ to signify disrespect, e.g. if you literally spit on a person, or a person’s opinion. Maybe the ellipses had something to do with it too, because that’s something that has never in its punctuative history brought clarity to any situation. Anyway, Van Gundy began to clarify. This was about the health of players (we knew), and not to criticize them or place any blame of the situation at their feet (we knew). He even went so far as to contextualize the injuries he meant, not like Durant’s, because it’s true Jimmy Butler did just fall on his leg, but groin, hamstring, etc. A who’s-who of the big ones in the game Operation.
Durant’s reply came two minutes later:
Stan, I agree with u lol
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 18, 2023
How do you like to picture him typing this one? With a shake of his head and a smile on his face, or with a bit of exasperation? I like the former, but it takes all kinds.
A very kind Twitter user jumped in moments later to lend further clarity to a situation that did, still, require some:
Spitting means you’re speaking facts, Stan.
— Felipe (@EastRiverHeron) January 18, 2023
And the rest is history (and should probably go on a shirt):
Had no idea.
— Stan Van Gundy (@realStanVG) January 18, 2023
Other than this being a great example of the ways Twitter can divide, but ultimately unite us, building bridges we didn’t realize were necessary, I think it’s urgently necessary for someone to give Van Gundy a column called ‘Stan Spits’, or better yet a podcast of the same name where every episode Van Gundy gets into it briefly about what’s really grinding his gears and calls up guests like Durant to help him work it out. The intro music can be the very appropriate track ‘Holdin’ It Down’ by Big L, ft. Stan Spit.
And for the sake of squeezing all the the life out of this gorgeous sequence of tweets, I’ve compiled a helpful list to further illustrate where one word got itself into such a conundrum.
Things we would love to see Stan Van Gundy spit on (respectfully):
Fashion trends for 2023
The current state of league parity
The best kind of sandwich
The current goings on in the world of motorized recreational watercraft
A cold one (beer)
A cold one (a take he didn’t agree with, but wants to get to the heart of)
That Pistons photoshoot
Book recommendations
His favorite song on The Big Chill soundtrack
Walls
Things we would love to see Stan Van Gundy spit on (disrespectfully):
Fashion trends for 2023 (Cargo pants? Really?)
Late stage capitalism
Mismanagement of our natural waterways
Ticketmaster and the secondary ticket market
Things we have no idea which side Stan Van Gundy’s spit would land on but are deeply curious about:
The popularization of QR codes as menus at restaurants
Katie Heindl
https://uproxx.com/dimemag/stan-van-gundy-kevin-durant-nba-injuries-spittin-tweets-confusion/
By: Katie Heindl
Title: Stan Van Gundy Learned What ‘Spittin’ Means After KD Co-Signed His Thoughts On NBA Injuries
Sourced From: uproxx.com/dimemag/stan-van-gundy-kevin-durant-nba-injuries-spittin-tweets-confusion/
Published Date: 01-19-2023
Frequently Asked Questions
Which player is the greatest in basketball?
This is an unfair question, as there are many outstanding players. Everyone has their own opinions. However, some of the top contenders for this title would include Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Each of these legends has made an incredible impact on the game of basketball and has earned their place in basketball history. They all have different styles of play which have been greatly admired by millions. It is difficult to answer this question definitively as everyone has their opinion about the greatest player of all. It is clear that the six most outstanding players on any list of greatest players must be included.
But, the majority of people agree that Michael Jordan truly is the greatest basketball player of all-time. He was born on February 17th 1963 in Wilmington, North Carolina.
Jordan began his professional basketball journey with the Chicago Bulls back in 1984. He quickly rose to fame and became a successful player. Jordan was a six time NBA champion, six -time NBA finals M MVP, five -time NBA regular season MVP. He also served as a 10-time NBA score leader, 10-time NBA second team, nine times NBA all-defensive team MVP, and three times NBA steals leader.
Jordan was also a double Olympic gold medal winner. He was inducted in the Basketball Hall of Fame, in 2009. Jordan is best known for his extraordinary ability to make plays and score from anywhere on court. Because of his unwavering ambition and drive, Jordan will always be an inspiration for millions.
Jordan's legacy will last forever. He is undisputedly the greatest basketball player ever. He is the greatest basketball player of all time. He will forever be remembered for being one of the greatest athletes in history. Michael Jordan is truly the greatest player of all-time. His amazing career and accomplishments will never be forgotten. He was, is and will always be "The Goat," The One and Only Michael Jordan.
What is the average time it takes to become a NBA superstar?
To become a true NBA superstar requires a lot more dedication and time. Becoming an NBA star requires years of hard work, physical conditioning, and skill development. On average, most players spend between three and five years in college honing their skills before they can make it into the draft. Once they are drafted, players must perform well in the NBA. For this to happen, you need more guidance and coaching from coaches and trainers. The ultimate goal of becoming a NBA superstar is not possible in a few short years. To reach these heights you must be dedicated, committed, and take the time. Anyone can achieve their dreams and be a NBA star with the right mindset.
Who made the NBA's first basket?
Ossie Schectman was an American professional basketball player who scored the first basket in the Basketball Association of America (BAA), which would later become the National Basketball Association (NBA). On November 1, 1946, the Toronto Huskies defeated the New York Knickerbockers to score the basket. Schectman scored the historic first basket that opened the BAA's inaugural year.
When did Bill Russell die?
"The great ones play when they count most" - Bill Russell
A legend is a person who lives on forever. Legends die when they stop playing.
But those were just a few moments that gave us a glimpse at the greatness of the greatest basketball player.
Russell was conceived in February 1934. He passed away on July 31, 2022. In only thirteen seasons, Russell won 11 championships with Boston Celtics.
Bill Russell was awarded five MVP awards, 12 All-Star selections, and inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. His passion for winning made him a great leader and defender.
He transformed the Celtics team from a poor one to one of sports' greatest dynasties. He was a hard worker and a teammate who believed in his teammates.
Russell inspired many generations of coaches and players. His legacy will not be forgotten.
Bill Russell, Rest in Peace. You will be remembered forever as one of the best basketball players.
What is the difference in a technical foul from a flagrant offense in the NBA basketball?
A technical foul in the NBA refers to unsportsmanlike conduct, such as fighting with officials and excessive celebration. A technical foul is a one-time free throw. The opposing team will also be allowed to keep the ball.
A flagrant foul occurs when a player engages in violent or excessively aggressive physical contact with another player. It can result in two free shots for the opposing side and possession of a ball. Flagrant one and flagrant two are the two types of flagrant fouls. Flagrant one, which is less severe than Flagrant 2, does not result in an expulsion from the game.
Unlawful contact between two people on the court is called a personal foul. This is often called illegal hand-checking or pushing an opponent. Personal fouls can also result in free throw attempts and possession of the ball for the opposing team. Personal fouls, however, are not considered unsportsmanlike, unlike flagrant and technical fouls.
In the NBA, any foul can result in free throws or possession of ball for the opposing teams. What the intention behind the foul and how severe the contact was are what will determine the difference between technical and personal fouls.
Which NBA player has made the most blocked shots during a single season
Mark Eaton set the all-time records for blocks (456) and blocks per game (5.56) in a season during 1984-85. Eaton's total in that season was the highest single-season NBA number.
Hakeem Olajuwon holds the NBA's record for most career blocks at 3,830. Olajuwon's 18-year NBA career saw him average 21.8 points, 11.1 rebound, 2.5 assists, and 3.1 blocks per match.
Which NBA team has been the most successful?
The answer to this question is subjective and will likely be debated among fans for years. The Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics have the most NBA championships, with 17 titles. The Chicago Bulls had their heyday in the 1990s when they won six titles under Hall of Fame coach Phil Jackson. The San Antonio Spurs have won five titles since 1999. In the same decade, the Golden State Warriors has won four. The Philadelphia 76ers in the 1980s, Kobe-Shaq Lakers in the 2000s and LeBron James's Miami Heat team, which won back-to-back NBA championships 2012 and 2013, are just a few other notable NBA teams.
Statistics
- Williams would 'likely' accept a deal worth $14-15M/year; Celtics are 'unlikely' to offer such a deal (HoopsHype) (bleacherreport.com)
- An estimated 800 million viewers watched the [105]2017–18 season. (en.wikipedia.org)
- The 2013–14 season opened with 92 international players on the opening night rosters, representing 39 countries and over 20 percent of the league. (en.wikipedia.org)
- "NBA first-round ratings drop 27 percent, 40 percent since 2017–18". (en.wikipedia.org)
- The opening game of the 2020 Finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat brought in only 7.41 million viewers to ABC, according to The Hollywood Reporter. (en.wikipedia.org)
External Links
si.com
- NBA Free Agency Preview: Biggest Questions And Rumors
- Free From Quarantine: The NBA Bubble Is A Unique Experience
sbnation.com
twitter.com
- Tweet / Twitter
- Sam Amico on Twitter: "Timberwolves Waive PJ Dozier, CJ Elleby and AJ Lawson - Hoops Wire https://t.co/xKu1ZTuQZN" / Twitter
nba.com
How To
How can you prepare for a NBA game experience?
You can prepare for an NBA game by making sure you have the right tickets. You can either purchase tickets directly from the team's site or through a third party electronic ticket seller. Plan ahead and be familiar with the arena policies so you aren't caught off guard. To beat the rush and warm up, arrive early to the arena. Acquire team merchandise, like a shirt or hat, if desired. Don't forget to pack your camera and binoculars to take pictures and get close views of the action on the court. Don't miss the action! Consider other entertainment options at halftimes such as a concert and special event. Enjoy the game.
