How the Crumbling of American Society has Effected the NBA’s Style of Play 3

As I have outlined earlier, Americans, particularly my generation and younger, have grown increasingly narcissistic over the past several decades. Studies have routinely shown that, given complex questionnaires, people increasingly see themselves as  more important than anyone else. Even if they’re fat and stupid.

There are a lot of reasons behind this. The self esteem movement being built into curriculums in grade school, and a de-emphasis on education in general which leads people to have fucked up perspectives.

Given the out-sourcing of jobs thanks to a set of laws which allow corporations to wage war on their own country, we now don’t really make much happen. We’re in debt. Even if people aren’t aware of our current economic state, and they aren’t, it is generally reflected in a climate where the attitude is:

Fuck everyone else, and survive. 

I think it also has a lot to do with the proliferation of the internet. Back in the day, people might find a sense of self-worth in defending their country. Maybe in Vietnam for example.  But with information readily available as to the reasons for that war, the threat of Communism not being one of them, these younger generations are a lot less likely to feel beholden to Uncle Sam.

So, what do they have? They have themselves. Just listen to any hip-hop song if you need to be reminded.

Now, traditionally the NBA has followed a pretty set pattern for a successful team. You need a dominant post player who can score. Wilt Chamberlain, Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwan, David Robinson, Tim Duncan, Shaq, etc.

But, right around the time I’m talking about – the beginning of this self-esteem movement and the birth of the mainstream internet, something changed.

Point-guards began to shoot the ball more and more. Traditionally, the position favored players like John Stockton and Magic Johnson, guys whose primary job was to get their teammates involved.

Over the past fifteen years we’ve seen a switch. Players like Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook routinely lead their team in shots attempted.

And how many low-post players are left with a decent offensive game? Very few, and you see them less and less.

My theory: In a society where everyone thinks they’re more important than anyone else, team play isn’t as much of a focus as it once was.

Why are point-guards scoring more and players in the post scoring much less?

Because the point-guard is the first guy that touches the ball. He just assumes he’s better than everyone else, and he already has the ball, so he shoots it more.

Post-players, needing someone to deliver them the ball, shoot less. Because passing the ball to someone in the post means that you think they can score as well as you.

And nobody can score as well as you can. At least that’s what your first-grade teacher told you.

Nothing against Westbrook, Rose, or anyone else. Its a societal thing and not a conscious decision on their parts.

But, much like the government which has indirectly caused this behavior – it is an abuse of power.