An emergency meeting was held Wednesday among NBA teams in the wake of the postponement of the three playoff games that would take place. New reports have not surfaced that the meeting ended in an “ugly” way, and that much frustration was directed at Milwaukee Bucks veteran George Hill.
David Aldridge of The Athletic reports that the meeting ended without real resolution about what the following steps the league, the teams and the players will take forward:
Told that the players’ meeting ended “ugly” per source, with uncertainty about what will happen tomorrow. The union will be present at the Source of Governors’ special meeting by any source.
– David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) August 27, 2020
According to Shams Charania, also of The Athletic, the Bucks were singled out for not advising the league on their decision to boycott Wednesday’s game. Hill in particular was identified as the individual who caused the walkout.
Sources: There was some frustration in the meeting against Bucks blindsiding on exit plan. Bucks’ George Hill admitted he first incited conversation pregame for boycott match, teammates supported.
– Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 27, 2020
To be clear, the other teams and players are not disappointed with the Bucks’ decision to boycott – it’s more the way they carried out their protest. Without the Bucks informing the other teams in advance of their decision, everyone was different.
In a way, the Bucks forced the hand of the other teams. Once the Bucks decided not to come out, any other team that chose to do so would probably have been criticized for their lack of support.
According to Vince Goodwill of Yahoo Sports, LeBron James took issue with Bucks taking action without discussing the big move with other teams.
Sources for @YahooSports: There was frustration with Milwaukee players doing this without talking to others. LeBron James first stated that he would go with the consensus, then became angry and stormed out.
– Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) August 27, 2020
Take, for example, the Orlando Magic, who were Milwaukee’s opponents on Wednesday. All the headlines stated that it was the Bucks who decided not to take the court, without mentioning the Magic. In a way, it makes it out like the Magic wanted to play, and that it was only because of the Bucks that the game was actually postponed.
The rest of the league seems to be on the same page with what the Bucks are doing here, and there has actually been talk of halting the season. However, a show of solidarity is equivalent at this point, and this is often where Milwaukee’s preemptive action is taken.
