Can the NBA protect the game’s integrity?

They have failed before.

As everyone in the NBA seemed to notice, Chauncey Billups wore a Klutch Sports Group hoodie to his arraignment last week. MATHIEU LEWIS-ROLLAND/GETTY IMAGES

A week ago, a who’s who of law enforcement alleged a massive set of crimes involving the mob, NBA players and one coach, rigged games, and a whole lot of crime.

It nukes the idea that the NBA has competently policed itself. Mobsters, money launderers, drug dealers, and convicts involved in the scheme are years into sitting courtside and posting it on Instagram. Known bad actors are firmly ensconced in NBA circles, and as it has become an absolute norm for league business to take place in casinos.

Meanwhile, the NBA is issuing press releases about who won the NBA Cares Bob Lanier Community Assist Award winner for the offseason. The most recent executive press conference was from the WNBA commissioner nearly a month ago. The NBA’s response, thus far, has been milquetoast. NBA commissioner Adam Silver emoted some concern, and there has …