This past Friday, the NBA released the schedule for its reboot in Orlando.
While it has been a pleasure to discuss upcoming NBA action, a developing argument about the legitimacy of a 2020 NBA Championship has gained popularity over the past few weeks. More specifically, an argument stating a Finals win in the Orlando bubble would not hold the same weight as any other championship.
As with most basketball arguments, the name LeBron James comes to the forefront.
There have been arguments made that if his Lakers win it —due the circumstances surrounding the reboot (COVID & social justice concerns)—the championship should not be viewed in the same light as his other rings.
I am vehemently against that idea, and anyone who wants to debate it can mention me personally, I have time to hear it all.
If you think the accomplishment of winning an NBA championship in the midst of a once in a lifetime pandemic somehow DIMINISHES the value of the win, you are just flat out wrong.
After teams complete their seeding games, they enter a relatively normal-looking playoff period. (based on number of games played)
Even though the optics around the game will differ (no real home games, no fans, etc.), every team will have the same chance to take the Larry O’Brien trophy home as even if play never stopped—However, this is all assuming that there are no hiccups and the reboot plan runs smoothly.
If the NBA’s plan alters course, and changes occur en route to a championship, the door is wide open to discuss a lack of legitimacy.
Until that happens, the last team standing is the rightful champion of the league, as always.
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