In the NBA, tanking serves the purpose of giving a team a higher chance of landing a superstar in the draft. Unfortunately, the “process” can be a jarring experience for the fans.
For many years now, the fans of the Memphis Grizzlies have lived and died with the result of every game. Even if it was a meaningless game in March, you could expect many angry tweets if the Grizzlies lost. At the same time, you could expect to see a torrent of praise if the team beat one of the contenders in the league. Pro sports fans, especially those of the Memphis Grizzlies, are definitely prisoners of the moment.
However, the “process” of tanking has changed everything. You always want your team to win, until you want them to lose.
“I don’t even know what to be happy about anymore”- the 2017-2018 Memphis Grizzlies story.
— Joe Mullinax (@JoeMullinax) January 11, 2018
Two nights ago, the Memphis Grizzlies played a tight game against the New Orleans Pelicans. With less than 20 seconds to play, the Grizzlies were up by one, and the Pelicans had possession. And then it finally occurred to me: I really want the Pelicans to hit a shot and win this game. In other words, it wouldn’t have bothered me to see DeMarcus Cousin score on Marc Gasol to end the game.
Do you know how uncomfortable it is as a fan to be actively rooting for your team to lose in the final seconds of a game? Even if you’re only doing it for long-term success of the franchise, it is a jarring experience all the same.
So what is the solution to this existential crisis? Is there a “moral middle ground” where you hope that your team plays a competitive game in a losing effort? Should we realize the error of our ways and forget the “process”? Is all of human existence defined by pain and suffering?
Next: Should Grizzlies hit reset button?
Unfortunately, I do not have the answers to these questions. In fact, there is only one fan base that can truly understand the pain of tanking.
