National Anthem outcry, LaMelo Ball mania, dream All-Star event fields

Open Floor: SI's NBA Show

Ben Golliver and Michael Pina open by wading into the culture wars prompted by the Dallas Mavericks' decision not to play the national anthem before games. Should the anthem be played before sporting events? Why did the NBA step in to mandate that all teams play the anthem? Has the NBA reversed course on social issues since the bubble? From there, the guys dig into the growing LaMelo Ball hype. Should the Timberwolves and Warriors regret passing on him? Has Ball already changed the Hornets' identity? Ben and Michael then build their dream fields for All-Star Weekend events like the Slam Dunk Contest, Three-Point Contest and Skills Challenge using only projected All-Stars, before pondering what "Field Day" from elementary school might look like if NBA players were involved. They close with a discussion of the Dallas Mavericks, who are finally back winning, and the Atlanta Hawks, whose defense has improved noticeably with Clint Capela.

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