A basketball fans outlook
Sunday & Monday-Wednesday-Friday & Saturday
Who does this stuff
There is a
plethora of information on the world wide web I have no method of documenting.
I attempt as best I can to ensure its accurate, in this case that cannot be
verified, with the disclaimer here goes. Over the history of the franchise in
Minneapolis and Los Angeles the Lakers have been fortunate to have secured a
wealth of outstanding post players. We could begin at the time the team was
headquartered in Minneapolis, there was George Mikan. In Los Angeles, the number
include Wilt Chamberlain, Elmore Smith, Shaquille O’Neal, Dwight Howard plus
Kareem Abdul Jabbar. We must include Anthony Davis and Pau Gasol in the count
although both primarily played power forward but occasionally in the post.
A note, Smith
who was mentioned earlier holds the NBA’s single game block shot record with
17. In the history of this franchise there have been three post players
with games they missed not a single shot. At the conclusion of the game
the box score indicate they missed not one shot taken from the floor. Who are
they, will there is Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul Jabbar and the third.
Surprise, its Deandre Ayton now in his first year with the Lakers. As for the games
there were 9 for Chamberlain, 7 for Abdul Jabbar and Deandre Ayton with 5
games. The Lakers offense fails to run through Ayton, despite that fact I find
it interesting.
How to play a Big Man today
If
you thought this would provide a guide to Big Man play, you're out of luck.
Like many others, I’m also wondering: “Is a Big still necessary in today’s brand
of basketball?” With offenses now favoring perimeter shooting, scoring from ten
feet or less isn’t as important as it used to be—even though it should be. Basketball
players have not ceased growing to remarkable heights (see Wemby). This
question arises because we have a new arrival in August coming on the scene and
he is a big
dude as
well.
His
name is Arafan Diane, a 7-foot-1, 280–300 pound center from Iowa United Prep in
Des Moines, is heading to college this fall. He has committed to the University
of Houston and will play for Kelvin Sampson after making his decision last
November. According to 247 Sports, Diane is a four-star recruit and ranked as
the No. 16 prospect in the Class of 2026. Diane took a unique path to the U.S.,
leaving Guinea seven years ago to follow his basketball dreams. Currently,
scouting reports describe him as an outstanding defensive anchor and rebounder.
Keep an eye out for Arafan Diane this fall.
Why is it so difficult
The
focus of headlines often highlights an athlete’s ability or effort on defense,
whether it’s at the high school, college, or NBA level. I think part of this
comes from the entertainment value—when you hear your favorite team’s score,
the first thing you want to know is, “How many points did a particular player score?”
Outstanding plays like long 3-pointers or slam dunks excite fans both in the
arena and at home. While playing defense may not require more effort than
offense, it definitely demands a much stronger desire.
In
the NBA, some top players are only average or even in some instance poor
defenders. Magic Johnson once said, “I wasn’t a good defender but I believe I
played good team defense.” That might be the hope of most coaches, show you are
tuned into the game by your effort on defense. The truth is, some athletes are
drawn to defense because they’re motivated, but not everyone shares that same
drive. In my opinion, AAU basketball contributes to this issue—coaches tend to
let players simply play without emphasizing defense, and games at that level
are usually all about offense. As for the headline, it’s not difficult but does
require effort.
I can’t prove didly
There are a bunch of things I believe
in, despite my belief I can’t prove didly. As an example I believe the Apollo space
program was successful, astronauts did land on the moon. Regardless of what you
just read, I cannot provide you proof. I consider the fact we are not alone in
the universe, there are other humanoids but I can’t validate my belief for you.
My once held view Bronny James was not an NBA talent I now believe he is. Will
his play rise to the level of his Hall of Fame father…never happen. Well then,
what are you attempting to explain to us? My conviction Bronny will eventually
be an effective NBA player, notice the word effective.
That says given the minutes to develop
his game his skill and role will progress to a point where he is a steady when effective
player. Allow me to cite an example, Mike Conley Jr. was a high school teammate
of Greg Oden. Although he was a first round draft choice few thought much of
his ability as an NBA player. Conley Jr. has managed a 19-year
career in the NBA playing for the Grizzlies, Jazz and Wolves. Now don’t get
this twisted, Conley Jr. was placed in a position where he received adequate
playing time to cultivate his game. I believe (without offering proof) Bronny
James will be able to do the same with the Lakers or some other NBA team.
LeBron v Cooper
Written earlier for later publication
Over
his first 49 career games, Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg has posted statistics that
closely mirror those LeBron James produced
in his rookie year with the Cavs. To clarify for some reading this, I'm not
claiming Flagg is at the same level of LeBron, but their numbers are quite
comparable. So please keep that in mind when reading the comparative numbers,
they are examples only. We cannot project desire or injury for that matter,
with those issues under consideration let’s proceed.
For
example: LeBron averaged 20.7 points per game, while Cooper averages 20.4;
LeBron had 5.7 rebounds compared to Cooper’s 6.6. Interestingly, LeBron’s
rookie-year field goal percentage was 40.9%, whereas Cooper’s is at 48.2%.
Their three-point shooting percentages are also close—28.7% for LeBron and
30.2% for Cooper. Both players’ teams struggled during their rookie campaigns:
the Cavaliers had an 18–31 record in LeBron’s first season, and the Mavericks
have gone 17–32 with Cooper in the lineup. Previously, I
wrote that the Dallas Mavericks now revolve around Cooper Flagg; following the
Anthony Davis trade, Flagg has clearly emerged as the team’s leader and I don’t
believe by default.
