Over the past 24 hours, I've seen more coverage of JB's story more than pretty much any other NBA story. The vast majority of Hoopshype's main section is based upon the Ringer coverage, JB is being criticized on local radio, it's on Reddit, it's on NESN, etc., etc.
And almost all of it is negative, essentially suggesting that JB has one foot out the door.
What am I misreading here?
“I don’t know. As long as I’m needed. It’s not up to me,” he says. “We’ll see how they feel about me over time and I feel about them over time. Hopefully, whatever it is, it makes sense. But I will stay where I’m wanted. I will stay where I’m needed and treated correct.”
I guess the "we'll see how ... I feel about them over time" part isn't all that encouraging, but "I will stay where I'm wanted ... I will stay where I'm needed and treated correct" seems like he is willing to stay, so long as he's embraced by the organization (most likely through compensation).
Now, JB could have a different interpretation of "wanted". Maybe he wants more marketing, which I think would be great. Market an awesome player, please. And, maybe he wants more shots at the end of games, instead of JT getting the last shot most nights. I'd be open to this, too. And, the team should be out lobbying, to the extent possible, to get JB onto the All-NBA team. I think stuff like this matters. Brad is stoic. A guy like Morey is out there fighting for his guy to win MVP.