With the NBA currently in a lockout and talks going nowhere, I’m becoming more and more frightened that there will be a condensed or (gulp!) no NBA season. I’m the kind of person who loves basketball and watches all 82 games of my favorite team and as many other games as possible. I’m already reeling from the lack of basketball and have been thinking of what I would possibly do during the lockout. Luckily, I was able to think of a few things. So, if you’re a die-hard basketball fan, here are some things you can do to keep your mind off the lockout.
NBA lockout 2011 Fix #1: Watch old games
ok, so we don't mean you should watch games *that* old; it's just for the sake of illustration
If you’re like me, you probably have a bunch of old games recorded on TiVo or have DVDs of classic games. Look at the lockout as an opportunity to stroll down memory lane by watching some older games and studying the players. I for one will be rewatching the 2010 NBA Finals. Focusing on the game without worrying about the outcomes will make you appreciate the game more sometimes. It also lets you tune into the various nuances you would otherwise ignore.
NBA lockout 2011 Fix #2: Follow the WNBA
it's all about the dribbling!
Even though the NBA is not in session, the WNBA is currently in full swing. I know what you might be thinking. You might think the WNBA is not as exciting because the players can’t dunk as often, but I’m a fan of women’s basketball. It gives you something cheer about and I find that they have to be better equipped for a different style of basketball that requires more dribbling. The playoffs are currently going, and the action is really heating up. You only have a few more games to watch, so this would only be a temporary fix.
NBA lockout 2011 Fix #3: Watch other leagues
asides from the NBA... there's a world of basketball out there, you know?
There are a number of other basketball leagues besides the NBA and WNBA. There are things like the Drew League, European basketball and Chinese Basketball Association. Many of your favorite players have probably already made deals with European and Chinese teams, so you can still see them in action. Also, college basketball is beginning soon and even though it’s not the same as the NBA, you get to see burgeoning players who may one day join your favorite team.
NBA lockout 2011 Fix #4: Play basketball
Do you still remember how it's done?
Get outside and play some hoops. When you love the game, you also want to be part of it. Whether you’re a beginner or an athlete, playing basketball will help get your mind off the pros and on the game.
NBA lockout 2011 Fix #5: Start writing that novel
... and maybe that's how Basketball was invented, in the first place?
This final one is not to be taken literally. Instead, employ the countless hours you used to dedicate to basketball to take up a new hobby or do something productive. Try to learn a new skill or start exercising more. With the NBA temporarily stopped, there is an unlimited amount of opportunity… or you could always just wait.
Timothy Martinez Jr. is a freelance writer and writes about pocket knives for Knife Depot.