Recently, Gilbert Arenas provided an insight into the difficult realities of being a member of a tanking squad.
Arenas talked about his experiences during an episode of The Right Time with Bomani Jones. He specifically recalled his rookie season (2001-02) with the Golden State Warriors, when the team finished with a miserable 21-61 record (tied with the Chicago Bulls with 21-61).
“My rookie season, there was a stretch where we were 6-40. What did it look like? Exactly how it looks like on the court. They decided, ‘We’re not gonna have practice anymore. Just come to the games. This is pointless. Just come to the games.’ Why are we coming to practice? Because you’re not practicing hard. You’re just arguing. You’re arguing about your playing time.”
Arenas did a great job capturing the mood of that turbulent season, highlighting the team’s lack of drive and ineptitude. He disclosed that the decision to forgo regular sessions was brought about by the losing streak. Instead of improving their skills, players argued about playing time because there were no constructive practices in place.
“We have guys drinking two beers every quarter in the Gatorade bottles on the end of the bench. Thus, we have players on the end of the bench who are intoxicated.”
As the season progressed, Arenas presented a dismal portrait of the group dynamic and brought attention to an unexpected coping strategy on the bench. He revealed that, in the past, players would sneak two beers every quarter into the Gatorade bottles at the end of the bench. The disclosure demonstrated the degree of discouragement and annoyance experienced by players who are losing all the time.
It’s gloomy. Your days are being counted. Those who aren’t playing, nevertheless, are bitter because they remark about how “sorry” the players who are on the court are. They wish they could play. It’s simply a resentful bunch of players. (27:45)
Arenas described the general atmosphere as gloomy, with players lamenting the passing of the days and voicing resentment at their teammates. Even those who weren’t participating actively carried grudges, belittling their teammates and adding to the poisonous and demoralizing atmosphere among the team. In his rookie season, Arenas appeared in 47 games (starting in 30), averaging 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 45.3% from the field and 34.5% from 3-point range.
The open narrative from Gilbert Arenas serves as a sobering reminder of the psychological costs and difficulties that come with being a member of a team that has a protracted losing streak in the cutthroat world of professional basketball.
To avoid creating NBA history, the Detriot Pistons take on the Raptors.
In a pivotal game intended to prevent them from setting a record for the longest losing streak in league history, the Detroit Pistons find themselves on the brink of NBA history as they take on the Toronto Raptors. The Pistons, who currently have a 28-game losing run under their belt, are desperate to change course and avoid more humiliation.
The Pistons had a strong start to their last game against the Boston Celtics, leading by 19 points at the half. Nevertheless, the advantage proved fleeting as they lost it in just one quarter and lost in overtime. The Pistons are hoping to take advantage of this chance to end their historic losing skid when they play the Raptors.
Even though the Raptors are now 12th in the Eastern Conference with a 12-19 record, the Pistons know that any team can be difficult to play against. The Raptors are also looking to improve their season status, therefore both teams are depending on the outcome of this game.
The Pistons are committed to changing the course of events and winning a game that will not only put an end to their protracted losing run but also save them from the disgrace of owning the record for the longest losing streak in NBA history.
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