The NBA made a mistake not getting involved with the Big3
Ice Cube has been very vocal the last few years about the NBA's disregard and lack of support for the Big3, the 3-on-3 style touring league he started in 2017 that continues to chart its own course in the basketball space.
This summer, as the Big3 has seemingly hit another peak of popularity, it's abundantly clear that was a missed opportunity by the NBA. In fact, the NBA should probably be thanking the Big3 for creating what's become something like the basketball version of the PGA's Champions tour. It's given players an off-ramp from a league that might be done with them, even if they're still able to play at a high level.
For those who don't know, the PGA TOUR Champions is for senior golfers, those retired from the main PGA TOUR. Though Big3 players aren't what you would consider seniors -- basketball players retire a lot earlier than golfers -- the bulk of the league are former NBA players. Names like Joe Johnson, Greg Monroe, Mario Chalmers, Jordan Crawford, the list goes on.
And because of the half-court setting, even the older players are able to compete in a real way.
Now, this isn't exactly how Ice Cube wants the league marketed. He said earlier this summer he'd like active players to participate in the Big 3 too. Many of the players are still young enough to play in the NBA. Last year, Cube challenged the Olympic 3-on-3 gold medalist team to play the Big 3 champion. But even if it remains a league for former NBAers, it's still a fascinating model. What Michael Beasley and Lance Stephenson did with their viral back-and-forth leading up to a one-on-one game ahead of their Big 3 season as teammates was internet gold.
Michael Beasley wins the 1v1 vs Lance Stephenson for $100k 31-21 via @Next22Chapter pic.twitter.com/tu1vju0N9A
They fed blog sites for weeks. Now, they both go viral regularly. That type of motion can only strengthen the NBA as a potential feeder for the league. Beasley challenged Carmelo Anthony for crying out loud... and we actually wanted to see it! Though Anthony declined, what happens when players of his ilk stop feeling like they're too big for something like the Big 3? It's already happening. Future Hall of Famer Dwight Howard is playing in the Big 3 right now.
This was a big summer for the Big 3. If the NBA was smart, it'd find a way to get involved.
John Wall isn't going anywhere
Earlier today, I wrote about John Wall's retirement from the NBA on Tuesday and how he meant something different to Wizards fans. In summary, you just had to be there to understand.
Today, we're learning Wall won't be going very far. NBA on Prime announced he'll be joining the network's NBA coverage as an analyst.
We're excited to welcome @JohnWall to the #NBAonPrime family! 👏 pic.twitter.com/5jw4gBkHe5
Wall joins a crew that already includes Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, Dwyane Wade, Steve Nash, Candace Parker, Stan Van Gundy, Dell Curry and Brent Barry.
Prime just got another good one. Wall's work on NBA TV has been solid, and he has a unique perspective as one of the best floor generals of the last 20 years.
Shootaround
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