A recent clip of LaMelo Ball dribbling in circles around the Washington Wizards‘ defense during their matchup has sparked widespread criticism and humor online, with many fans and analysts calling it a prime example of how “unserious” today’s NBA has become.
Lamelo Ball is a hilarious player. He’s just out there doing whatever pic.twitter.com/EEFvnKxNwL
— Mark Jackson’s Burner (@casualtakeking) December 27, 2024
In the video, Ball carried the ball multiple times—moves that might have been whistled in a stricter officiating era—before scooping in a layup. While the play drew cheers from some fans for its creativity, it also highlighted deeper concerns about the current state of the league.
Other examples of this “unseriousness” include Jordan Poole’s frequent ill-advised shots or his decision-making skills, some of which are attempted over multiple defenders with no regard for game context, and players passing up open dunks or layups for riskier three-point attempts.
Jordan Poole is the PERFECT example of everything that is WRONG with the game today.
If a guy played liked Poole 10 years ago or earlier he would be benched and never see the court again. This guy takes the WORST quality shots and somehow is getting paid $29 mil to do it.
We… pic.twitter.com/YAp2oAFqHk
— Jacob (@Jacobtheclipper) December 20, 2024
These moments not only frustrate fans but also reflect a shift in basketball culture that prioritizes flashiness over efficiency and decision-making.
This incident isn’t isolated. Similar moments, where basic rules seem to be bent or ignored, have become more frequent in today’s NBA. While they may provide entertainment value, they also raise questions about the league’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the game.
Adding to the controversy, the officiating has become a major issue point this season. A recent example from the San Antonio Spurs–Philadephia 76ers game shows Andre Drummond getting ejected for pushing Victor Wembanyama and then getting called back after a review.
The inconsistency in officiating has also been a broader issue this season. Key moments in games have been decided by glaring referee mistakes.
The NBA announced that Jayson Tatum committed a travel on his game-winning shot last night, per @ByTimReynolds
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 17, 2024
Earlier in the year, both Jayson Tatum and Julius Randle hit game-winning shots that, upon further review, appeared to involve clear traveling violations, with the league confirming that in a review.
The NBA announced that Julius Randle committed a travel on his game-winning shot last night, per @GeraldBourguet
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 18, 2024
The NBA’s shift toward entertainment over competition has been a long time coming, and it’s starting to show in the league’s declining TV ratings. Fans are growing tired of the predictable barrage of deep threes, the lack of defensive effort, and the questionable officiating that seems to favor stars over fair play.
While players like LaMelo Ball are undoubtedly talented, their flashy moves often come at the expense of meaningful competition. It’s one thing to perform a dazzling play against a well-defended opponent; it’s another to do so because the defense simply doesn’t care.
NBA legend Isiah Thomas recently criticized the state of the modern NBA, highlighting how the game has shifted to favor simplicity over well-rounded skillsets. According to him, mastering just three skills—3-point shooting, free throws, and layups—is enough to thrive in today’s league.
The NBA must strike a balance between entertainment and competition. Plays like Ball’s dribbling around the paint can coexist with strong fundamentals and consistent officiating. However, if the league continues to prioritize flash over substance, it risks alienating a portion of its fanbase.
Basketball purists long for a return to the days when skill, strategy, and effort were at the forefront of the game. Until the NBA addresses these issues, plays like LaMelo Ball’s will continue to serve as a reminder of how unserious the league can appear.
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