I'm curious coach. When you hear such a persistent rumor in your circles, how often does it turn out to be true vs group think where everyone just repeats the same thing?
Really disappointing to see all the cursing in writing. It’s one thing to drop F bombs in conversation but when written, it detracts from the power of the piece. There’s a coarsening of the culture. Why add to it?
I'm sorry if it offends you, this may sound more flippant than I mean it to, but I always say words are like paints and I would never tell an artist what paint to use. Curse words are just words to me but if they offend you I do apologize.
I’ve been reading & learning from your writing since 2007-08. I bought a copy of Basketball Is Jazz in 2017. No F bombs in there. The culture is coarsening in so many ways. I didn’t expect it to happen in your writing as well.
It's not a "coarsening of the culture," for heaven's sake. Are you paying attention to the state of the world? You think a few F-bombs in a basketball piece is actually hardening more hearts and increasing the level of antipathy?! You just don't like swears, which is fine! Don't make it into a bigger or more meaningful thing than it is.
Of course cursing, when used judiciously, can have a profound, persuasive effect. Calling some lazy play "bullshit" can get through to a player who needs to hear it.
But there are 9 f-bombs in that piece. Somehow "fuck" has become synonymous with adjectives like "determined" (which is what I see in Deni when he drives to the basket.) The problem is that "fuck" in print doesn't mean "determined", or whatever adjective you meant to describe Deni, the Pistons, and the Knicks.
And we all know of coaches who cross over into nonstop anger, contempt, disgust, and borderline abuse because they can't reign in their emotions. Those aren't just words or "paint".
There's a lot to be angry about in the world. We've got a president full of rage and contempt himself, putting things in print like "open the f*&^ing straits." I'm simply hoping that the writers I've admired and learned from don't get carried away with the same.
David, you're correct that context matters. But so, too, does being able to read and understand the writer. In this case, you're either acting ignorant of Coach Thorpe's style, history and abilities, or you're brand new to him and TrueHoop. For all the negative ways you describe how FUCK etc could have been used (and as I noted in my own initial reply to Henry), Coach didn't use the that way at all. So what is it, man, other than your delicate sensibilities?
Not ignorant of his style and not brand new...been reading Coach Thorpe since 2007-08. For almost two decades, there was no cursing in print and not in his book. I'm hoping for vivid, precise descriptions, for decorum that used to be there and has slid away, for maintaining some high-quality standards in writing. How do you think he uses FUCK? What's the more accurate synonym I'm missing in each of the nine situations?
Every reader is entitled to their opinion, but I come here for your writings, Coach and Henry, and the last thing I'm asking either of you to do is temper them due to my sensitivitities. Frankly, I think it's a bit arrogant. I want Coach Thorpe to write the way, or at least deliver a version of, his coaching to us readers in whatever style and manner gets that across in as pure and true a way he can. If that means he's going to put some curse words in there, I'm all for it. It'd be one thing if he's using those to demean or belittle a player or a team, but he's not. And if he was, I pr'lly wouldn't be here. But I don't think that's the person Coach Thorpe is, and I don't think he'd be writing that way, either. So I'm here for each and every bit and to DAVID, who complained - look up George Carlin's 7 Dirty Words stand up. You'll, hopefully, gain a new appreciation for all of those beautiful, wonderful words and their rightful place in the English language. Or stay a stick in the mud. Your choice.
I am not the least bit offended by the language, but David has a point.
You are probably the most knowledgeable and informed source on the play and skill level of the league that I am aware of. You give me perspectives that I don’t get other places.
The F-bombs, while perhaps justified, tend to drag the piece down into a rant style read. I can get rants anywhere. I want your brain and that astounding information that dwells there more than I want another rant.
If you feel a word is appropriate to get your point across, please use whatever language you need to describe that point.
But perhaps,as David wrote, overuse detracts from the reader’s ability to see the brilliance and clarity of the point when overdone.
I love your intensity! I read what you write because of your ability to paint me a picture with your words that is do clear that I actually receive and catalog the information so that when I watch games, I simply see more than I did before reading your analysis. Don’t ever lose that edge! But don’t let commonality distract the message.
I’m not bothered by the cursing because it’s genuine in how Coach Thorpe communicates to his players with passion. I didn’t think it was excessive, but that’s my own personal view.
I also think that it helps that I know what Coach’s voice sounds like from the pods/videos. While reading this piece, I heard his distinct voice coming through which made it feel more authentic to me.
I think I realized the problem! Henry and I sometimes write articles that mostly are based on a conversation that is then converted to text. I don't tend to curse when I write but it definitely comes out more when I talk. I believe David is right, there was no reason I couldn't have edited out some of those words but honestly I don't even notice them. But I will now! I'll be as authentic as always but still, I can be better. Thank you.
I think it brings a level of realism to the writing.. the description of what drives the greats to compete even when they are exhausted is truly just that, no need to sugar coat.
Also, I hope you'll comment on JJ Reddick 's coaching this first round. We probably won't see him after but I like him and want to know what you see
He’s going to have every chance to be seen again!
Lol
re: Tatum and Brown's future together. WHAT?????
I'm curious coach. When you hear such a persistent rumor in your circles, how often does it turn out to be true vs group think where everyone just repeats the same thing?
It's really Hit and Miss like anything else in your world. The emotions run hot and cold.
Pistons have to learn to win in the playoffs. Number 1 seeds don't get banners
Really disappointing to see all the cursing in writing. It’s one thing to drop F bombs in conversation but when written, it detracts from the power of the piece. There’s a coarsening of the culture. Why add to it?
I'm sorry if it offends you, this may sound more flippant than I mean it to, but I always say words are like paints and I would never tell an artist what paint to use. Curse words are just words to me but if they offend you I do apologize.
I’ve been reading & learning from your writing since 2007-08. I bought a copy of Basketball Is Jazz in 2017. No F bombs in there. The culture is coarsening in so many ways. I didn’t expect it to happen in your writing as well.
It's not a "coarsening of the culture," for heaven's sake. Are you paying attention to the state of the world? You think a few F-bombs in a basketball piece is actually hardening more hearts and increasing the level of antipathy?! You just don't like swears, which is fine! Don't make it into a bigger or more meaningful thing than it is.
Of course cursing, when used judiciously, can have a profound, persuasive effect. Calling some lazy play "bullshit" can get through to a player who needs to hear it.
But there are 9 f-bombs in that piece. Somehow "fuck" has become synonymous with adjectives like "determined" (which is what I see in Deni when he drives to the basket.) The problem is that "fuck" in print doesn't mean "determined", or whatever adjective you meant to describe Deni, the Pistons, and the Knicks.
And we all know of coaches who cross over into nonstop anger, contempt, disgust, and borderline abuse because they can't reign in their emotions. Those aren't just words or "paint".
There's a lot to be angry about in the world. We've got a president full of rage and contempt himself, putting things in print like "open the f*&^ing straits." I'm simply hoping that the writers I've admired and learned from don't get carried away with the same.
David, you're correct that context matters. But so, too, does being able to read and understand the writer. In this case, you're either acting ignorant of Coach Thorpe's style, history and abilities, or you're brand new to him and TrueHoop. For all the negative ways you describe how FUCK etc could have been used (and as I noted in my own initial reply to Henry), Coach didn't use the that way at all. So what is it, man, other than your delicate sensibilities?
Not ignorant of his style and not brand new...been reading Coach Thorpe since 2007-08. For almost two decades, there was no cursing in print and not in his book. I'm hoping for vivid, precise descriptions, for decorum that used to be there and has slid away, for maintaining some high-quality standards in writing. How do you think he uses FUCK? What's the more accurate synonym I'm missing in each of the nine situations?
We won't have to belabor your point. It was well intended and received graciously.
I’d be interested to know how other subscribers feel.
Every reader is entitled to their opinion, but I come here for your writings, Coach and Henry, and the last thing I'm asking either of you to do is temper them due to my sensitivitities. Frankly, I think it's a bit arrogant. I want Coach Thorpe to write the way, or at least deliver a version of, his coaching to us readers in whatever style and manner gets that across in as pure and true a way he can. If that means he's going to put some curse words in there, I'm all for it. It'd be one thing if he's using those to demean or belittle a player or a team, but he's not. And if he was, I pr'lly wouldn't be here. But I don't think that's the person Coach Thorpe is, and I don't think he'd be writing that way, either. So I'm here for each and every bit and to DAVID, who complained - look up George Carlin's 7 Dirty Words stand up. You'll, hopefully, gain a new appreciation for all of those beautiful, wonderful words and their rightful place in the English language. Or stay a stick in the mud. Your choice.
I am not the least bit offended by the language, but David has a point.
You are probably the most knowledgeable and informed source on the play and skill level of the league that I am aware of. You give me perspectives that I don’t get other places.
The F-bombs, while perhaps justified, tend to drag the piece down into a rant style read. I can get rants anywhere. I want your brain and that astounding information that dwells there more than I want another rant.
If you feel a word is appropriate to get your point across, please use whatever language you need to describe that point.
But perhaps,as David wrote, overuse detracts from the reader’s ability to see the brilliance and clarity of the point when overdone.
I love your intensity! I read what you write because of your ability to paint me a picture with your words that is do clear that I actually receive and catalog the information so that when I watch games, I simply see more than I did before reading your analysis. Don’t ever lose that edge! But don’t let commonality distract the message.
Thanks for everything you and Henry bring to us!
It doesn't bother me at all. Like any other word or phrase, if used excessively it distracts, but that is not the case here.
Heck of a name, Blowsy 😁
I’m not bothered by the cursing because it’s genuine in how Coach Thorpe communicates to his players with passion. I didn’t think it was excessive, but that’s my own personal view.
I also think that it helps that I know what Coach’s voice sounds like from the pods/videos. While reading this piece, I heard his distinct voice coming through which made it feel more authentic to me.
I think I realized the problem! Henry and I sometimes write articles that mostly are based on a conversation that is then converted to text. I don't tend to curse when I write but it definitely comes out more when I talk. I believe David is right, there was no reason I couldn't have edited out some of those words but honestly I don't even notice them. But I will now! I'll be as authentic as always but still, I can be better. Thank you.
I think it brings a level of realism to the writing.. the description of what drives the greats to compete even when they are exhausted is truly just that, no need to sugar coat.