Footage of '3rd graders' trash-talking and over-celebrating sparks debate among NBA players

Footage of young kids seemingly over-celebrating and trash-talking each other during a basketball game has sparked a debate among the sport's athletes.

NBA star Evan Fournier took the clip personally, admitting 'we need to set a better example for this new generation'.

Popular social media channel Overtime posted a video on Twitter, captioning it: "These 3rd graders acting different."

In the vision, some of the little lads can be seen shouting in their opponents' faces, overzealously celebrating and throwing up various signs with their fingers – just like their heroes do in the NBA.

At one point, one kid even breaks out into a cute little dance routine to celebrate.

Just innocent child-like behaviour? Oh, absolutely.

But some people think there's more to this than first meets the eye with a broader debate opening up – and 10-year NBA veteran Fournier is at the centre of it.

In response to the video, the New York Knicks star said: "Smh (shake my head). We need to set a better example for this new generation man."

And it seems Fournier's comments evoked a reaction from his followers and friends.

ESPN's Evan T. Mack replied with: "Yes we do."

Otis Livingston responded: "I didn’t like none of that… But it does start at the top. They emulate what they see from the Pros."

Four-time NBA champion Andre Iguodala simply said: "Beat they ass."

Meanwhile, some clearly didn't agree with the likes of NFL Garrett Wilson simply commenting by using laughing and crying emojis.

As for the original video on Overtime, Fournier's same sentiment was ringing true in the comments section.

One person commented: "You can tell the internet raised these kids..."

As another added: "A part of this is cool and another part of this is not so cool."

While one chimed in, saying: "If I’m a coach and one of my players hit a “too small” when the player themselves is under 5-feet tall I’m talking to the parents about situational awareness."

A fourth said: "I like a lil swagger and confidence but this should not be acceptable by a coach. Especially at this age... I like the confidence but it’s too much. Setting bad examples by allowing it."

One bloke offered a slightly different take, shall we say.

"I personally am all for taunting," Dax McCoy said.

"A vastly different experience from when I grew up. I was always taught to be professional, even as a kid. My coaches at every level hated these antics.

"But me now? I love it. You don’t want em to do it? Don’t let ‘em cook you then lol."