Written by Josh Peters at USA Today.com
Rick Barry, the man who’s done what LaVar Ball is trying to do — help put three of his sons in the NBA — winced when asked about the polarizing basketball dad.
Barry said LaVar Ball is creating problems for his sons by saying things such as Lonzo, the oldest of Ball’s sons and a projected top pick in the NBA draft, is already better than Steph Curry.
“He’s doing his children a disservice,’’ Barry told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday night after watching Curry help lead the Golden State Warriors to a 113-91 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 1 of the NBA Finals. “Let the kid’s play speak for itself.
“I mean, the poor kid, the first thing he’s got to do is answer questions about his father. Why would you want to do that to your kid?’’
Barry said he questions LaVar Ball’s motives behind the publicity-generating statements, such as Ball wanting $3 billion for a marketing deal for his three sons.
“I don’t buy what he’s doing,’’ Barry said. “It’s, like, about him. And then everybody feeds the fuel, they bring him as a guest on shows.’’
But Barry, ever loquacious and opinionated, said there’s nothing wrong with a father offering public praise for his son. He demonstrated as much while talking about his youngest son, Canyon, who recently completed his senior year at the University of Florida.
“Can you say something? Yes, I’ll say it,’’ Barry said. “I think my son Canyon is a good basketball player. He has a chance, I think, to be a very good NBA player given the opportunity.
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