05-03-2021, 12:15 PM
(05-03-2021, 08:39 AM)mavsluvr Wrote: I am going to respectfully take a contrarian position on the technical fouls, even though I know it won't be popular.
I think it is possible to be sympathetic to Luka over the poor/inconsistent/overzealous officiating, and still believe that he needs to rein it in for his own good and that of the team.
If I get ticketed for running a red light, it isn't going to help me in court to argue that I shouldn't have been ticketed for running that particular red light because I always run red lights, or that half the people who drive run red lights. And, if I'm at the point where one more ignored red light is going to result in a mandatory jail sentence, I need to stop even trying to gamble that I can make it through yellow lights, for the sake of myself and the family I have to support.
This is the same as the times when Don Nelson's Warriors were getting ejected for sarcastically applauding the refs for calls they disagreed with. Nellie didn't think they should be getting technicals for that, but in light of the fact that they were, he told them emphatically, "Just don't do it."
Luka is on the brink of automatic suspensions for the next foul and every second foul thereafter for the rest of the season. Even if one or both of these Ts get rescinded, he's still living on the edge. At this point in the technical foul situation, he needs to stop with the mentality that the refs should overlook it. If he is supposed to hand the ball to the official instead of throwing it down court, that's what he needs to do now. If cursing and gesturing at a ref is grounds for a technical, then he needs to move on with the game.
I don't say that Luka doesn't have a case with some of his frustrations. But now, any benefit of his expressing that with outbursts is outweighed by the consequences of flirting with suspensions. Even on nights when the refs make bad decisions or arguably overreact, the team needs to encourage Luka to grow up and deal with it some other way, at least for the next few weeks. He can start over with the Ts next season, if it's still that important to him.
Having said all that, I think there is a case to be made, particularly in the second tech, for rescission. Will hope that happens.
100% with you on this one.
I have said it repeatedly, Luka has to stop it. I am even sure he will get more calls if he complains less. In a way, the refs are trying to "parent" him. If it is fair or not is a different debate but at the end of the day, the refs make the rules. I think this is one of the few areas where Luka's young age shows. I hope he will improve this going forward.
The refs are and have always been far from perfect, even assholes at times. But all players know this, it is not going to change. You either adapt or you suffer the consequences. And as close as the standings are, every game Luka misses unnecessarily could be the differencemaker in the wrong direction.