i think it would be only the "casual fan" who could've truly believed scal was not a good basketball player.
u don't make it that far / get paid millions if you can't play the game - regardless of your physical appearance.
anyone who's actually played at any kind of high school / college level or higher would know scal (and anyone in the NBA) can really play - maybe just not be really great against each other.
Ever watch Pros vs Joes? All those guys were really good at high school athletics, and just thought they never got the right chance, or it was all politics, etc. Same thing watching things like the And1 tour, or the EBC, or whatever. Those guys really think they're that good.
I've definitely heard tons of guys think they got a raw deal. My coach didn't like me, it was all politics, the day I was supposed to get my one shot I sprained my ankle, they didn't want me because I was white (seriously have heard that excuse), etc.
I think more than just the casual fan thinks they're good enough (or were good enough) to make the NBA, just nobody ever game them a chance.
Completely wrong, but hey most people think very highly of themselves.