The NBA teams around the league are gearing up for the postseason. The teams who are at the cusp of missing out of the playoffs are fighting hard for a chance to extend their season. It is a major reason why the players are overflowing with emotions during every game, faced with intense pressure to deliver. Players like Luka Doncic and Trae Young have placed themselves in a very precarious position in an attempt to fight the league’s officials after almost every decision that goes against them. Recently, renowned sportscaster Colin Cowherd expressed his opinion on the topic, bringing up NBA legends to lend credibility to his argument.

Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson were a few names dropped in by Cowherd while talking about the controversial actions of youngsters like Doncic and Young in the NBA. His opinions reflected the actions of NBA legends of a different era who faced similar issues.

Cowherd drags Michael Jordan and Magic while discussing a major issue plaguing the NBA

The current situation of the NBA highlights the dynamic condition of the league. In such a high-pressure environment, coaches, players, and even referees are expected to deliver their best performances consistently. However, achieving a flawless performance every time is an arduous task.

Throughout the 2022-23 season, there have been numerous complaints by players who felt that they were being treated unfairly by the officials. The infamous apology by the NBA officials to LeBron James and the Lakers for their snub at the end of the game against the Boston Celtics has left a bitter taste in everyone’s mouth.

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Fast forward a couple of months, Luka Doncic and Trae Young find themselves in a similar position, as they have publicly expressed their issues with the officiating, albeit through controversial actions. In a recent episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the veteran sportscaster sat down with Mark Medina to discuss the recent outbursts of Luka Doncic and Trae Young while protesting against the officiating. Cowherd bought in examples of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson in a bid to discourage the attitude of the young stars.

“So Trae Young and Luka complain more about the officials than anyone in the league,” said Cowherd. He added, “Trae Young went public this week. I don’t think refs…they should be held accountable. It should be noted Trae Young doesn’t play a lick of D and Luka is not good at it[Defense] so they don’t get any wins at the defensive end, so their offensive game is their game”

Cowherd further stated, “I don’t want to be ‘old guy‘, ’cause I remember Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan never fouled anybody and they constantly complained with the officials.“

Cowherd wanted to put it into perspective by playing Devil’s advocate that even NBA greats like Jordan and Magic complained to the refs. Luka and Trae are just taking it to another level. On the other hand, Medina pointed out that Luka’s gestures towards the referees, implying that the game is rigged, could prompt a lot of trouble for him from the league.

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However, that doesn’t change the fact that the officiating has been shaky throughout the season. It is a major reason why Doncic and Young protested, albeit through controversial actions.

Luka Doncic and Trae Young’s actions deemed inappropriate by the NBA

Doncic recently made the money motion after a no-call late in the loss against the Golden State Warriors. The Slovenian superstar’s expressive actions led to a $35,000 fine levied on him by the NBA on Friday.

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On the other hand, Trae Young has publicly spoken against the officiating, demanding “accountability” from the referees’ side after a narrow 125-124 loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Additionally, other players like the Toronto Raptors’ Fred VanVleet had gone on a minute-long rant against the officiating by the referees after the loss against the LA Clippers earlier this month.