Joe Mazzulla’s WILD ‘fighting in NBA’ rule would badly backfire against Draymond Green, claims ex-star
Gilbert Arenas slams Joe Mazzulla's proposal for legalized fighting in the NBA, citing safety concerns, strength imbalances.
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Draymond Green and Coach Joe Mazzulla
Controversial former basketball player turned podcaster Gilbert Arenas took everyone by surprise when he joined voices with those calling out Boston Celtics winning coach, Joe Mazzulla. He made his displeasure about a comment attributed to the coach on a recent episode of his podcast, Gil’s Arena.
Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla had suggested a radical rule change to allow fist fights in the NBA, which had sparked debate. Gilbert Arenas, however, strongly disagreed with the proposal as he highlighted several concerns, including strength imbalances among players which could potentially lead to severe injuries.
Is there someone on his team that thinks if Isaiah Stewart is allowed to punch one of them in the face, does he think one of them won’t get their face or jaw broken? Which one of his players does he think will have a chance against someone like [Isaiah Stewart], someone like Draymond Green if they actually threw a punch and connected?
Gilbert Arenas said on the Gil’s Arena Show
“Which one of [Mazzulla’s] players does he think will have a chance against someone like Draymond Green if they actually threw a punch and connected?”
— Gilbert Arenas (@GilsArenaShow) October 30, 2024
Gil Arenas goes off on Joe Mazzulla for wanting to bring back fighting in the NBA. pic.twitter.com/twqLOUK6zh
Agent Zero referenced Draymond Green as a player who is known for his once in a while violent tendencies. Like his last season’s chokehold of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert.
Arenas jokingly suggested that coaches should fight instead and then matched Mazzulla against Darvin Ham. And while Mazzulla’s proposal seems unlikely to be implemented, Arenas’ critique has resonated with many fans and experts.
Chris Russo slams Joe Mazzulla’s proposal for NBA fights
Gilbert Arenas wasn’t the only one breathing down the neck of Coach Mazzulla. Joining him was ESPN’s Chris Russo, who strongly disagreed with his ideas as he cited the infamous 1977 incident that involved Rudy Tomjanovich and Kermit Washington.
Joe should pick up the phone and call Rudy Tomjanovich, who almost got killed in a punch by Kermit Washington. He should call him and ask him about the fighting.
Chris Russo said on ESPN’s First Take
What Russo was referring to happened on December 9, 1977, as Tomjanovich suffered a near-fatal punch from Washington, which resulted in a dislocated skull and spinal fluid leakage. This incident led to stricter penalties for fighting in the NBA.
Furthermore, Russo argued that Mazzulla’s proposal would be a disaster, as it prioritized player safety over toughness. The NBA’s crackdown on fighting has intensified over the years, but some argue the league has become too soft.
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Ubong Archibong
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