Trevor Ariza wasn't about to get embarrassed by allowing Trae Young to dribble through his legs, so the NBA vet gave the upcoming star a hip check that would have made Darius Kasparaitis proud. Ariza talked about it after the game, and essentially admitted that's the only way he can stop Young.
What a lame excuse. I've never been good at defense so this kid shouldn't embarrass me! You know what's funny, Trevor? Sending Trae Young to the free throw line, where he's made over 86% of his attempts this season, because you're too prideful and can't stop him. God forbid you just, you know, play some defense.
NFL Hall of Famer Michael Irvin was part of the Miami Hurricanes football dynasty in the 1980's. A lot of people hated how much that team showboated and all the cockiness and swagger they protruded. After one of their games, Irvin was asked about The U and their over-the-top celebrations in the end-zone after touchdowns. What followed was one of the greatest retorts to sportsmanship you'll ever hear, when Irvin told the assembled media that if opponents don't like him and his teammates dancing, maybe they should stop us from scoring touchdowns.
Ariza should take this advice to heart. If you don't like Trae Young dribbling between your legs, play better defense. Or just keep fouling him and giving him two free shots from the charity stripe.
The solution is simple. Just close your legs, Trevor.
Wesley Uhler is the host of Steelers Blitz, Noon-2 on Steelers Nation Radio, and a Producer for ESPN Pittsburgh. You can find him on Twitter @WesleyUhler.
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