So this turned around.
on ESPN’s Tuesday edition. first takeStephen A. Smith, former NBA player JJ Redick, and former NFL great Shannon Sharpe discuss what it takes to become the “face of the NBA” and how to make that decision. We were discussing what criteria should be considered.
Sharp then released an observation that caught his fellow analysts completely off guard.
“What about their relationship status? Magic and Bird got married. LeBron was dating Savannah. Because when we look at presidential candidates, we want them to be secure and to be part of the foundation.” Because we are,” Sharp said.
Shannon Sharpe suggests interesting criteria for players who could become the face of the NBA after LeBron James
“I never expected this conversation to go in this direction.” pic.twitter.com/xQ1SE3SYRq
— Terrible announcement (@awfulpayment) February 20, 2024
So this seems like an ideal situation. Ideally, the NBA or any face of a sports league or organization would want to have the stability and support that comes with marriage.
There’s nothing wrong with wanting Sharp to be like that.
But what makes a player the “face of the NBA”? You have to be a great player. In today’s merchandising and recommendation environment, it’s fine to be able to move your search around a little bit, but first and foremost, you have to be great.
Can you become great without getting married?
Yes, this is where the argument breaks down. Because if the greatest player in the league were single, he wouldn’t put oil in the face of his second-greatest player in the league just because he was married.
So what Sharpe is claiming here is not as preposterous or stupid as some people are trying to make it out to be. He’s just speaking from a “perfect world” perspective.
