The Ringer released some new player rankings today. I like lists because they give us something to move around in our heads while we should be working or talking to our families. Scottie Barnes is likely on there, somewhere between the people who are better than him and the people who are not as good. It is a strange feeling to see a Raptor ranked highly. It is like seeing your high school math teacher at a grocery store buying eight tubs of margarine (it feels important but you do not know what to do with the information).
A Night at the Scotiabank
The Oklahoma City Thunder are coming to town tonight. They are very good, but they are also dealing with some injuries, which makes them slightly less good for the time being. The Raptors are currently surging, which is a word people use when they mean the team won a few games in a row and we have all decided to start caring again. It is a test of willpower and depth. I once saw Joey Graham play 30 minutes in a game like this, and I still think about it when I cannot sleep.
The Military Grade Point Guard
Jamal Shead has been getting some attention from the national media lately. The New York Times and The Athletic wrote about him and his parents, Elvin and Lysa, who both served in the U.S. Army. This explains why he plays defense like he is trying to stop someone from stealing his car. He has that leadership quality that you cannot really teach, much like how you cannot teach someone to be six feet nine inches tall. My uncle says Shead plays like he is constantly late for a bus, and I think that is a compliment.
Retail Therapy and Bulk Goods
Someone on the internet found Scottie Barnes jerseys at Costco for $40. They do not have the Nike or Jordan branding, but they are $40. Most things at Costco are very large, like the jars of olives that weigh more than a small child, so a jersey seems reasonable. You can also get a LeBron or a Steph Curry jersey there if you want to be that person at the arena. It is a good option for people on a budget or for children who will eventually spill grape juice on themselves anyway.
The Meaning of the Mesh
- Jerseys are arriving in the mail just in time for the game.
- The Thunder lead the West despite being hurt.
- We are all just trying to get into the playoffs.
- Buying a jersey is an act of hope.