Today in class we discussed the possibilities of Brittany Griner playing in the NBA. It started by NBA owner Marc Cuban saying that he would draft her in the second round. I do not think this is something to take lightly nor do I think Brittany Griner will ever play in the NBA. As I stated in class, Griner is very talented and her skills cannot be questioned but in NO way possible can she physically compete in the NBA. Let's refer back to the Louisville Baylor game, Griner could not handle the amount physical ness that they were providing. Now imagine her playing in the low post against a more physical Blake Griffin. This would not be fair for her at all.
Now some may say what if she does not play that position, although I cannot say I have seen Griner handle the ball in a position outside of the post I cannot imagine her playing the 1, 2 or 3 positions in the NBA. Even then that position is physical. Although guards are smaller in height, most still are bench pressing over 200 pounds easily. Imagine Griner having to play through the physical defense of Meta World Peace to create a shot, I do not think she would be able to. Like I have stated before Griner is a wonderful athlete and what she has done in NCAA has been amazing. I am just saying that physically speaking she cannot play in the NBA. I would like to see Cuban draft her and see what she can do in the summer league. Having an opportunity like this is still one to take serious. Griner may be the first woman to break barriers for females in the NBA and do what others have not done. If not maybe she can encourage the next female to train and compete in that physical of way that she may make it in the NBA one day.
Greg,
ReplyDeleteAfter hearing Cuban's comments on drafting Griner, my first initial thought was that he just wanted some attention from his struggling franchise this season, but it has definitely sparked some debate on ESPN and great class discussion. I agree with the fact that her physical ability would be the factor in her not being able to play. Also points were made that the NBA is on a whole different level of speed and quickness that Griner would have to do some major conditioning adjustments to even run the floor. I think the video we watched on her being able to compete at Division III was kind of harsh but agree that her NBA career has no chance.
- Jeff Kravetz
Greg,
ReplyDeleteGriner is a great player with great fundamentals. However I not convinced she would make it in the NBA. Griner was flustered by Louisville’s girl’s defense in her last game she played in her 2012-2013 season. That just leaves me to wonder how she would fend against players like Dwight Howard that plays center like her. She is 6 foot 8 inches tall 207 pounds versus her counterpart which is 6 foot 11 inches tall and 265 pounds. To women she’s a physical specimen. To men in her position she’s undersized. On the flip side, I do believe she deserves a chance to see if she can compete at that level even though I think Mark Cuban only wants to put her on the team for publicity. She has great potential to become better than what she has played. With that being said, the NBA should put Griner to the test and she if she has what it takes to become the first female player the league has ever seen.
Darion Delaney
Greg,
ReplyDeleteI have mixed emotions about Britney Griner going into the NBA and playing. I only say this because I don’t think she is ready mentally and physically for the game. I think the men in the NBA will just walk all over her like she is not even there. If she joins the NBA she just has a lot of work to do in order to be up there with the guys who are playing now. In other words on why I have mixed emotions is that it would be nice to actually see a female basketball player try to go into the NBA and play ball. She would be able to make history but with that also being said I think the NBA and Mark Cuban should allow her to try out to see what she can handle and if she can take or she should just try to summer league team to see if this is what she really wants. Good post.
Lindsey Landversicht