Think about it this way: the Brooklyn Nets' trip to China went a hell of a lot better than UCLA's did two years ago. Granted, the consequences of this week's international incident will last a lot longer and cost more financially than three kids boosting items from stores, but at least no one got tossed into the clink. You take the little victories where you can.
One other point about the Pac 12 games of two years ago and the NBA today. It was Joe Tsai, then sponsor of the college games, who arranged for the release of LiAngelo Ball and his teammates.