Social media can indeed be a cruel place. Phoenix Suns center Frank Kaminsky III can attest to this, as he continues to receive criticism from strangers online whenever he figures in a poor showing.
Speaking with teammate Langston Galloway in the latest episode of Kickin' It With LG, Frank The Tank admitted that the negativity from the public still wears him down mentally, especially now that he's in the highest form of basketball in the NBA.
“You have a bad game and somebody is telling you to go quit basketball cause you're the worst player of all-time…People need to realize that their words have weight,” Kaminsky said in the candid sit-down.
Here's the full clip.
YIKES.
For sure, athletes are used to criticism, but being called the worst player in your profession is obviously a terrible thing to hear, especially coming from a total stranger. Frank Kaminsky further argued that today's digital age has somehow promoted a culture of hate among the young generation.
Kaminsky has been the target of naysayers for most of his career, particularly during his early struggles with the Charlotte Hornets. He is hoping to turn a new leaf with the Suns, but it seems like the hate has somehow followed him in Arizona.
Mental health in sports, meanwhile, has actually been a taboo subject in the league for years. But as more and more players have opened up about their own struggles, the NBA has made strides to make sure its players are in a healthy state of both body and mind.
Kaminsky's brave admission, meanwhile, is a testament to his maturity and great character both on and off the hardwood. The 7-foot shooter has missed the Suns' last four games but has still been an important part of their rotation, notching 6.6 points on 40.6 percent shooting from past the arc in 32 games.