Bad enough to create an international incident?
Probably not.
So lacking in even the most basic of common sense that you have to wonder what they were thinking?
Yeah, that would pretty much describe the photo taken by members of the Spanish basketball team (including the Lakers' Pau Gasol), a snapshot where each player appears to be fashioning his eyes to resemble those of the Chinese hosts.
Very clever and witty, assuming the Olympics featured a sixth-grade boys division.
I can't speak for the rest of the Spanish players (having never met them), but in the case of Gasol, considering he's among the more soft-spoken and unfailingly polite athletes (much less NBA guys) I've ever met, I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt in believing he (and hopefully by extension, his teammates) weren't actually gunning to offend. And scattered instances of flat out racist behavior at European athletic contests aside, there's often a difference in what's considered taboo overseas vs. in America when it comes to issues of "P.C."
Even with any benefit extended, I won't let Gasol or his cronies off the hook when it comes to sheer stupidity. We're really gonna take this photo to mark an event in China? Really? Does anyone with half a brain think this photo getting out- and you know it's going to- will lead to anything good? Maybe not nothing disastrous, but still, is there a potential upside I'm missing? In the end, it makes me shake my head more than my fist.
In other news, a Coby Karl update, a not so hot review of Sun Yue, HoopsWorld predicts Andrew Bynum will bust out next season- assuming 2008 wasn't a fluke, I was under the distinct impression he already has- and you'll find similar optimism coming from Drew's trainer. Finally, if you were worried Brian Cook is still reeling after being traded to Orlando, stress over something else, because he's doing fine in smaller town surroundings.
AK
Bynum
Nice little article on Bynum. They said exactly what we've been saying. Number one, we beat the Celtics if Bynum had been playing. Number two, Bynum is all-star caliber next year.
If he can stay healthy.
John
Posted by: john_in_houston | August 12, 2008 at 11:33 AM
thanks for posting this AK.
the sheer stupidity of the Spanish team photo does make me just shake my head. they need to make a comment to say so and apologize. then move on with a good lesson learned to the world.
being asian and seeing this however, I do want to shake my fist. furiously. but as these games are starting to prove, the paradigm will begin to shift.
thanks
Posted by: jq | August 12, 2008 at 12:07 PM
When I first saw that photo I thought they were pointing to their head/brains signaling to "think" or something like that.
I didn't think someone could be so blatantly stupid to do the slanted eyes thing.
I was wrong I guess.
Posted by: Andrew Z | August 12, 2008 at 12:07 PM
Regarding Zo and Pargo,
Fisher, Bryant, Odom, Gasol, Bynum
Farmar, Sasha, Ariza, Rad, Zo
In question:
Pargo, Carl, Sun, Walton, Mihm
I would rather just get Zo. Unless Fisher is moving to the Twilight Harper role and Pargo and Farmar will be getting most of the minutes.
Posted by: Charles | August 12, 2008 at 12:14 PM
Shame on the Spanish team.
Posted by: Laker Fan 24 | August 12, 2008 at 12:26 PM
AK - I'm willing to give [Pau] the benefit of the doubt in believing he (and hopefully by extension, his teammates) weren't actually gunning to offend.
--
Agreed. No harm intended though some harm inflicted. Mostly to themselves. Lessons learned: Ignorance has no boundaries. Missing: "Kick Me" signs noosed around each and every neck.
***
NBA scout quoted by OC Register: “[Sun Yue] has a nice feel for the game (and) he’s a decent passer, with good size. However, he lacks quickness and toughness and doesn’t shoot the ball well, with range. He is a below-average athlete.”
According to this NBA source, Sun is not a NBA-caliber player at this juncture and would not figure to be much of a factor with the Lakers this season even if he were to make the team.
---
Lacks "quickness"? Maybe lacks *exceptional* quickness. But from what I've seen, SY is plenty quick enough to compete as an NBA 3 or even 2.
Also "below-average athlete"? Depends on the metric. The kid has legit NBA hops, wheels, hand-eye coordination, overall biomechanics. What SY sorely lacks at this point like all Chinese national NBA players to date: upper body strength.
Most would agree SY lacks consistent NBA 3pt range but he seems to be improving evidence respectable makes in Olympic competition despite a shorter arc.
Posted by: latopia | August 12, 2008 at 12:30 PM
Ahh. That photograph puts a really bad taste about the Spanish team. Horrible. Just horrible. It stings really bad, considering I am of Filipino and Chinese ethnicity that lived in Sevilla Spain during my youth.
I guess all Asian folks are just "Chinos" in some peoples eyes.
Can't wait for the Darfur Checkmate attacks now...
Posted by: Charles | August 12, 2008 at 12:31 PM
Let me be the voice of dissent for Fisher. I do believe he is beginning to decline. While I think he's absolutely still viable and probably the most respected current Laker, he's older. I think he'd still be good in spurts.
With pargo, playing backup behind CP3 and still getting meaningful PT means the kid does have the skill to play. I think he's found his footing since being a Laker.
As for Jordan, he has strengths, but I think he has glaring weaknesses. For one, he's a defensive liablity. He gets stuck behind screens all the time. Another, is that he can get the deer in the headlights look every so often in the playoffs. And while he's certainly developed his shot, Pargo is a much more reliable shooter.
Posted by: #4 | August 12, 2008 at 12:33 PM
Wow - just when you thought it was safe to think no one would be THAT stupid going into China for the Olympics......yikes. Hopefully the Spanish team will issue an appropriate apology - not that that would make it better....
I'm excited about the Zo rumor - I love that guy's toughness. Hopefully Mitch can swing something there. About Pargo though - not as sure about that one. He's definitely improved (imho) since he was last a Laker, but what difference could he really make to the team this time around, considering what we already have in Farmar & Fish (plus Coby and/or Sun)?
BTW - GREAT to see posting from Mamba24 - welcome back to the blog, brother! Hope you're staying now through training camp to add some order & comedy! It's been a long, cruel summer...
Posted by: justanothermambafan | August 12, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Sorry - that was me....
Posted by: justanothermambafan | August 12, 2008 at 12:36 PM
... but [Yue] seems to be improving evidence respectable makes in Olympic competition despite a shorter arc.
---
Oops. SY went ofer v. Spain (0/3 in 3PAs)
Posted by: latopia | August 12, 2008 at 12:49 PM
Spanish team (and advertisers) are morons. Plain and simple. What they did was offensive and they should apologize.
Bynum? Just don't get injured.
Sun Yue? I didn't think he was that bad. I'm going to keep an open mind about him.
Brian Cook? I'd rather he were just not ever mentioned in this blog. I never liked him as a player and don't really care about his struggles with balancing partying or whatever with playing basketball. You got booted because you didn't do your job, jerk.
Posted by: Benjamin | August 12, 2008 at 12:53 PM
#4
Three-quarters of Pargo's playing time came at SG last year.
http://tinyurl.com/6mcdd4
Posted by: giantsquid | August 12, 2008 at 12:54 PM
Sun Yue
Watching the Spain-China game the most obvious deficiency in Sun's game was his lack of aggressiveness. He has skills and although he doesn't appear to be very strong, otherwise he's a pretty good athlete.
As for the photo, apparently it wasn't the first time for the Spanish players to act like idiots.
http://tinyurl.com/6pxngw
What is it about sports that makes Spain appear quite racist? A few years ago, Spanish soccer fans made monkey noises at black players on England's team and the country's national soccer coach called French icon Thierry Henry "that sh-- black." Black Formula 1 star Lewis Hamilton has been subjected to vile abuse by Spanish fans at the racetrack. And now this: in an advertisement in the popular Spanish sports newspaper Marca (here, six Spanish players stretch their eyes to appear Chinese
Childish? You bet? Offensive? Oh yeah. In any way funny? No way. Spain is riding a wave a sporting success: Rafael Nadal is the new number one tennis player, Spain's basketball team is the defending world champ, Spain won the European soccer championship this summer, and Carlos Sastre took the Tour de France. On the first day of the Olympics, Spain's Samuel Sanchez won the cycling road race. But Spain needs much improvement off-the-field, especially when it comes to racial sensitivity.
Posted by: giantsquid | August 12, 2008 at 01:05 PM
Spain is not as diverse as I thought it was. How could Pau think this was a good idea?
Side note: I want to see a Von Wafer appearance in the 2012 Olympics, maybe for Angola?
Posted by: Amazing_Happens | August 12, 2008 at 01:11 PM
#4,
>>>As for Jordan, he has strengths, but I think he has
>>>glaring weaknesses. For one, he's a defensive liablity.
>>>He gets stuck behind screens all the time. Another, is
>>>that he can get the deer in the headlights look every so
>>>often in the playoffs. And while he's certainly developed
>>>his shot, Pargo is a much more reliable shooter.
Pargo shot 39% last season and 35% on 3-pointers.
Farmar shot 46% and 37% on 3-pointers.
How exactly is 39% more reliable than 46%.
Oh, and against Boston Farmar shot 48% overall and 53%
on his 3-pointers. Against San Antonio, Pargo shot 28%
overall and 26% on his 3-pointers. So if you're looking for
someone who's reliable when the chips are down, Farmar
is almost twice as effective.
Or is this one of those things where statistics don't matter
and if I were to actually watch the games I'd see that Pargo
was a much better shooter than Farmar?
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 12, 2008 at 01:24 PM
I just heard that the sponsor was Chinese.
The plot thickens.
Posted by: Benjamin | August 12, 2008 at 01:39 PM
I hope the Mourning rumor is true. He's exactly the kind of
backup that the Lakers could use. He'd be like PJ Brown
was for the Celtics last year.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 12, 2008 at 01:40 PM
NICE, very nice :)
ESPN:
The Americans who were on the 2006 team that lost to Greece in the semifinals of the World Championship will be extra motivated, although they haven't been motivated enough to come to the arena early and scout their opponent with their own eyes -- with the exception of Kobe, who sat next to Coach K in the stands for the Greece-Spain game Sunday.
"I haven't seen them play since they beat us," James said. "If Kobe was there [for the Greece-Spain game], we were all there, because he's one of our leaders, and he's going to share all the info he has."
Posted by: hariyahu | August 12, 2008 at 01:44 PM
Shum,
Gotta watch the language. Can't just remove two letters from an objectionable word. It's gotta be even more masked. Or just use an allowable one, which would be simpler.
Thanks,
AK
Posted by: Andrew Kamenetzky | August 12, 2008 at 01:45 PM
Here's the link discussing the relationship between the Spanish national team and a Chinese company with this ad:
ttp://tinyurl.com/558zoa
Posted by: Benjamin | August 12, 2008 at 01:47 PM
Is the term "racist" off limits on this blog?
That picture of Team Chino de Espana is racist.
Foos.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 12, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Why don't we get Pau's brother? I watched the game against China and he is an authentic gladiator like the people in LA likes, tall, strong, skilled, one hundred time better that Thruiaf PAU finally playing in his position, simply a MONSTER GAME, against Yao Ming, one of the NBA All Stars and huge guys of the league. I enjoyed the game.
Posted by: peretti | August 12, 2008 at 01:51 PM
I have lived in Spain and it's not diverse unless you live in Madrid.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 12, 2008 at 01:52 PM
Kobe sitting with Koach K?
Wat an a**kisser.
Cheers.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 12, 2008 at 01:54 PM
Stupid Spaniards, Pau included.
What most people are missing is how much more revenue the Lakers organization will take in because we signed Sun Yue. Dr. Buss is a genius when it comes to marketing. Gotta find some ways to generate extra cash to pay for that luxury tax. I really think his signing will pay off and we may have a little bonus if he can play halway decent.
Posted by: Laker_Phil | August 12, 2008 at 01:57 PM
andrew please explain the censoring of my posts. if you dont want me to post let me know and i'll go away. i dont argue with people here i just provide input sometimes. either way let me know.
ding how in prattville
Posted by: ding how in prattville | August 12, 2008 at 02:09 PM
Wow, that's crazy.
I saw some racist stuff going on in Spain when I went there. They have this candy called "Conguitos" which has an offensive "Little Congo Baby" mascot, spear included. They have several toys of the mascot available at many gas stations, too.
Posted by: ajax | August 12, 2008 at 02:13 PM
To paraphrase the great Mr. Ferrell:
Stay classy, Espana!
and...
Few people know that my love of basketball is fueled by my burning hatred of foreigners.
Posted by: The D | August 12, 2008 at 02:13 PM
The ding how character shouldn't be a part of the blog, especially given that you've posted under another handle, without the mocking broken English. Enough.
BK
Posted by: Brian Kamenetzky | August 12, 2008 at 02:14 PM
LongTime,
"Or is this one of those things where statistics don't matter
and if I were to actually watch the games I'd see that Pargo was a much better shooter than Farmar?"
In this particular case, stats seem to be telling the truth :}, although I would argue that Pargo has much more offensive moves than Farmar, and is also a bit better defensively. However, I would verify a few other factors before annointing Farmar as the better shooter. For instance, if Pargo shot 10 free throws a game and Farmar shot 2 free throws, Pargo might be the more efficient offensive player despite the lower FG %. Also, most of Farmar's made shots were high % shots (open 3's or on the fast break). When Pargo entered the game with the second unit (N.O. had a thin bench), was he the go to guy for the second unit? Was he consistently double teamed? Did defenses pay more attention to Pargo, especially considering that Farmar played with an excellent bench that included Bynum? The best way to answer these questions would be to to watch the games.
I hope this answers your question.
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | August 12, 2008 at 02:16 PM
Wow! How stupid can people be? The Spanish team is clearly racist.
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 12, 2008 at 02:30 PM
I was watching a little bit of the China vs. US game, and noticed how ugly the American's offense is.
Anyone else feel totally spoiled by the triangle offense?
Posted by: sepho | August 12, 2008 at 02:36 PM
LTLF, you're in luck because I'm a statistican by trade an degree, and play enough basketball to understand what a reliable shot really means. Yes, this is one of those times you look beyond the percentages you presented. As a statistican, we learn to use our judgement as to when statistics ("percentages") are applicable or not. Of course, you're not being facetious are you? Of course not....
I base my conclusion on the way they shoot, and the position they play as opposed to percentages. Good shooting can be recognized, regardless of percentages. Form, delivery, timing, duress, situation. Pargo's motion is more consistent, reliable, and at the ready. My assertion wasn't based on percentages.
I can shoot 53% against Sam Cassell, especially when I getting wide open outlet shots off of Kobe Bryant. How much of those shots were in garbage time when the game was decided? I remember him going off like that when the Celtics lost focus, but anyone can hit in garbage time. As a statistician, I wouldn't play into the percentages so much, as they can be misleading unless you truly understand what is going on in the game. On a side note, I shot 1-5 in my rec league at 3's this weekend, but I hit the game winner. But my percentage sucked, right?
What do you think about the rest of what I was saying? You have to see the forest for the trees. At their current states, Pargo will be better. He's got a couple of years on Jordan, and in my estimation is a better player right now. Better on defense, more experience, a quicker shooter. I love Jordan's game, but he's still below his peak, his shot is too slow, etc.
Posted by: #4 | August 12, 2008 at 02:40 PM
Sheer childish, ignorance and stupidity of the Spaniards, don't know what they were thinking, funny ?not at all; racist ? may be ; senseless and classless for sure.
Posted by: Shum | August 12, 2008 at 02:42 PM
Triangle offense as in throwing the ball to the wing, then into the post, then back to Starlet Bryant to go one-on-three?
Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 12, 2008 at 02:43 PM
"At lunch on Saturday, Andrew said something that made me realize that he’s back. While eating grilled chicken and green beans he was cradling a basketball as if he were holding an infant in his arms. (Keep in mind, this was in the middle of a fairly busy restaurant). He excitedly yet softly spoke the following words, “Yo Z I can’t wait for this season.”
Now that's pretty interesting. The trainer had to hear Bynum say something to "realize that he's back".
Why wouldn't the trainer realize that Bynum was back just because of all the work outs? Or why not because of the medical evaluation?
mike t.
Posted by: Michael C. Teniente | August 12, 2008 at 02:52 PM
so now what? I can't go to Sambo's? Geez...
I think you guys are being a little hypersensitive. You should hear what Asians have to say about blacks, they just don't put out a picture about it. You go to various parts of the world and you'll hear things, again it's not as much malicious as people being people. This isn't a utopia Star Trek world where everybody is happy for everybody else's successes. People say and do things, they always have and they always will. The media gets a good story and runs with it. Look at this ridiculous John Edwards story, we've got a near WWIII brewing across the sea and all you hear on the news is "John Edwards, John Edwards" WHO CARES!
Posted by: Chris Mihm, living in the Philippine jungle about to take a bite out of a snake | August 12, 2008 at 02:54 PM
As a "statistican", would you say jacking up 3s after 3s and missing is a bad idea?
How about driving to the hole, then PASSING out to the open guy? What a concept.
Lakernation, you all should pay attention if you want to win the big one.
One on Three is not a good idea. Forcing up shot to win Finals MVP is a TERRIBLE idea. Trying to be the "next Jordan" is a HORRENDOUS idea.
haaahahaahh
Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 12, 2008 at 02:55 PM
American progressives are forever fawning over Euro-think, when in fact, ethnically driven patronization is mainstream throughout Europe, much moreso than here.
It is just too damn bad that the Chinese team didn't hold on for the victory.
Sonnybelgast
Posted by: Sonnybelfast | August 12, 2008 at 02:56 PM
This thing on racism shoun't be limited to the Spaniards, Latin America isn't much better. Have any of you Fakers ever seen some of the comic books coming out of Mexico? Some of them are outrright racist showing "samba" black folks with protruding lip and buldging eyes.
Not cool even for this redneck from the backwoods.
hahahahhahahaahh
Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 12, 2008 at 03:07 PM
Spanish team= ETHTUPIDOS!!!
oh ya almost forgot, Let's go C's!= ETHTUPIDO!!!
just thought I throw in there.
Posted by: Fire32 | August 12, 2008 at 03:15 PM
LAKER TRUTH,
>>>The best way to answer these questions would be to to
>>>watch the games.
Well I did.
And not just Laker games. I had league pass and watched
several New Orleans games the Lakers weren't involved in.
Pargo is a very streaky shooter. He can have games where
he just completely goes off, but most of the time he's a below
average shooter. On the whole, Farmar is more consistent.
He's a bit better defender than Farmar at this point, but it's
not a matter of greater speed or ability, it's just experience. And he's not THAT much better, just a little.
He's shorter than Farmar and thus susceptible to being
posted up by taller or stronger points.
Posted by: Long Time Laker Fan | August 12, 2008 at 03:17 PM
Fire32: Sun sucks and Shack's old.
Estupido you!
hahaahhahahah
BTW, I know that the Spaniards pronounce "S" and "Z" with a "th" lisp.
hahahahahh
Foo.
Posted by: Let's go C's! | August 12, 2008 at 03:21 PM
Mike T......Flat out ....Grow up you middle aged child.......
Posted by: Thirty2 | August 12, 2008 at 03:38 PM
ChrisMihmn,
" think you guys are being a little hypersensitive. You should hear what Asians have to say about blacks, they just don't put out a picture about it. "
This has got to be one of the most ignorant comments I have read on this blog in quite some time. Let me get this straight. You overheard some Asians making racist comments, and therefore, all Asians are fair game when it comes to being victimized by racist behavior? People that react to this blatant racist behavior are hyper-sensitive? Are you serious?
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | August 12, 2008 at 03:40 PM
Uhm...interesting picture.
I am Mexican-American and could relate somewhat to the spanish culture and see how they would not find this extremely offensive since latino cultures are not excessively racist and are open about their views on other cultures. However, I find this pic a little over the top, especially taking into account the circumstances surrounding the spanish team (being in china and all). But Spaniards and Argentinians are known to look at themselves as superior races and there is a lot of tension between them and even other latino races. Im not saying all people from spain or argentina are like this, its just a common sterotype. So in a way i could see why they took this picture. It was definatly a dumb move by the spanish team and the lack of common sense is ridicoulous. Hopefully this won't leave a negative impression of the latino cultures.
P.S. I wonder how pau will be able to look sun yue in the eyes now (no pun intended)
Posted by: TrueLakerFan | August 12, 2008 at 03:46 PM
LAKER TRUTH, sometimes... you don't know what the hell you are talking about and post something like that.
Oh yeah, I "heard" some things and applied that to an entire culture... yeah... tell me what you know... how ridiculous...
This is why people can't talk about anything of value in this country anymore. They get hypersensitive and look for anything they can to pick at while ignoring the substance behind anything else. Dude, get off the computer and go somewhere out of the country. I've been to Asia, Europe, Russia, South America and Puerto Vallarta... Ahahahaa! Couldn't count that one out... If you don't know what you are talking about, step aside and let the ones WHO DO, talk about what they know. Jeez...
I bet you were horribly "offended" by the Sambo's reference... you can't even say the word and somebody goes off... I think that's about enough of this subject, clearly people can't handle it... no humor or humanity at all...
Posted by: Chris Mihm, living in the Philippine jungle about to take a bite out of a snake | August 12, 2008 at 03:59 PM
It's just a "funny" face. Nothing to do with race lol.
Posted by: Faith | August 12, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Long Time,
I can finally say I agree with all of your points, and you didn't even post a single stat! What are the odds?
Posted by: LAKER TRUTH | August 12, 2008 at 04:06 PM