The article critiques players like T.J. McConnell, who exemplify the 'Skittering Little Rat Guy' style of basketball. These players are characterized by their relentless energy and disruptive antics on the court, which, while appreciated by coaches for their utility, are seen as detrimental to the beauty and creativity of the game. The author expresses a disdain for this playing style, arguing it undermines basketball's artistic essence, contrasting it with more stylish players celebrated in the sport's history.
For one thing, the Skittering Little Rat Guy's whole deal, his very presence on the court, is antithetical to the best, most breathtaking basketball stuff.
He is an intruder into the cool sport from Mike Krzyzewski's vision of what it should be; not coincidentally, some of the most hateful Skittering Little Rat Guys... made themselves famous at Coach K's Duke program.
Coaches love the Skittering Little Rat Guy, for his total personal sublimation into the numbers on the scoreboard, for his utility as a cudgel against the reserve and self-respect of the other guys.
The Skittering Little Rat Guy by his nature invites a certain stripe of viewer to see him as a vessel for basketball sanctimony.
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