The word of the week in sports news is caution. The importance of caution comes up in two stories. One could impact on the Cincinnati Bengals; the other is already impacting the National Basketball Association.

From a Bengals perspective, caution could be warranted for their front office. Amid speculation that they could trade some of their biggest stars. Including quarterback Andy Dalton and wide receiver A.J. Green in an effort to start fresh. The Bengals should also be cautions about calls from some fans about tanking. Effectively giving up on this season in an effort to get a high first round pick.

The Bengals need to be smart about how they approach potential trades. With the October 29th trade deadline inching closer and closer. For starters, trading Dalton would be reasonable if they trade Green. As this season is showing, Dalton struggles mightily without Green on the field. On defense, they need players that can slow opposing playmakers down.

They will also need to be cautious about approaching next year’s draft. Especially with their recent history with first round picks. Many of whom spent much or all of their rookie seasons hurt. With that in mind, tanking for a player that might not play right away carries significant risks. Especially if their plan is to draft their next franchise quarterback.

Regarding the NBA, the association is facing the fallout from a fiasco involving China. The situation at hand began by tweet, as many controversies do these days. Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey tweeted support of Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters. The tweet unsurprisingly upset the Chinese government and now threatens the NBA’s popularity in China. Leading to a Chinese TV blackout of some NBA preseason games happening there.

Several folks dropped the ball through their reactions here. From NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Rockets personnel’s mealy-mouthed responses. Then there’s China, perhaps the only country to use a preseason blackout as a punishment. Though this controversy, China is using the power of the purse as a tool for censorship. The NBA is falling right into their trap through their initial responses.

The NBA missed an immediate opportunity to defend one of America’s most important principles. The freedom of speech, a freedom that is actually benefiting the NBA’s business interests. Through their reputation as being “the most woke league” in American professional sports. Instead, their responses to this China fiasco is disrupting that perception. Through initial efforts to appease leaders in the world’s most populous country.

The importance of caution comes up in this story in a few ways. Business-wise, there was the lack of caution from Morey through his tweet. Damaging the Rockets and the NBA’s business interests through this international incident. He at least had a principled take on a cause many outside of mainland China support. Meanwhile, the NBA is exhibiting too much caution with their responses. Even cancelling press conferences as this China tour winds down. Leaving the association with egg on their face as a result.