A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

What’s next for him

I realize several grew tired of me writing about the exploits of the Spurs Victor Wembanyama. Based on his 2024-25 season being cut short due to injury he came roaring back last season. He led the Spurs to the NBA Championship although they came up short, the question what do we expect after his  breakout 2025-26 year. At age 22 he became the youngest player in NBA history at 22 years of age to be named NBA Defensive Player of the Year, the previous winner was Dwight Howard who was 23 years old the first time he won the honor. Wemby’s surprised him on the age chart that’s clear but there is more.

Most Blocks in an NBA Playoff Game, that record was held by three players. Hakeem Olajuwon, Mark Eaton and Andrew Bynum all had 10 blocks….Wemby had 12. How about this other playoff game record, Wemby became the youngest player to record a 40-point, 20-rebound game, he accomplished this at 22-years of age, the previous record holder was Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at age 23-years. Most Career Games With 5+ Blocks before age 23, Shaquille O’Neal accomplished this in 45 games…Wemby its 46. There are other records but I will stop here with this, Wemby became the first unanimous DPOY in history. He received 100 of 100 votes cast, the nearest to him was Ben Wallace who finished with 116 of 120 votes.

Vindicated

Several reading this are familiar with Pablo Torre and his reporting. Before I delve into the topic at hand allow a brief explanation from me, I have no issues with the media. I do have issues with certain members who in reporting the story become THE STORY by their over the top reporting, Torre is not among that number. One year ago, September 2025 he broke a story regarding the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard and Aspiration Company. He reported the player had circumvented the salary cap thanks in part to his Clippers team.

I’m unsure what most believed at the time however there must have been enough evidence for the NBA, they hired an outside legal agency  to begin conducting an investigation. For the next 11 months the public heard little except there was progress being made. At a point in August came a report indicating “No judgement was forthcoming for the Clippers owner Ballmer or Leonard.” It’s now believed the Clippers might have funneled this report to ESPN who in turn ran with the story. I along with several others assumed it was being reported so it must be correct. We reported what was revealed by this story, Of course all that changed September 2, 2026, as the NBA made a major announcement indicating the Clippers were guilty of wrongdoing. The league issued major punishment to Ballmer, two front office individuals plus Kawhi and his agent. Was this close to a “Death Penalty,” you be the judge, 5 consecutive first round draft picks beginning in 2029. You’ve read plenty on the outcome my focus is Torre, he was roundly criticized in some circles initially after the all clean report was generated.

After September 2, his labor has been vindicated and he’s proven once again the value of investigative reporting. I’ve seen him on television from time to time over the last year, no pontificating in front of the television cameras. Torre calmly lays out his view of the subject matter and reports what he’s discovered.  Torre would become a 2026 Pulitzer winner for his Audio Reporting podcast investigation on the Clippers. This should provide proof there is always a requirement for reliable and forthright investigative reporting no matter what area is under discussion.

This is interesting  

I didn’t generate what you are about to read, it’s an Instagram author, despite that fact I believe you will find it quite interesting. The following is his list of the “15 Men Who Changed Basketball Forever.” Number one is easy to understand, he placed James A. Naismith in the top slot. There would be no basketball without his desire and innovation to provide a winter sport for his classes. George Mikan Minneapolis Lakers Big Man was selected number two, he was listed as the NBA’s first superstar. There is no intent to list all 15 simply point out several I found interesting.

Bill Russell was four while Wilt Chamberlain earned a 5 slot, Julius Erving was listed at 7. Two on-court adversaries who were certainly responsible for growth of the NBA game Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were listed 8 and 9. The writer placed the innovative Pete Maravich at 12, does he belong on the list in your view? Dirk Nowitzki also earned a spot, he was not the first international star he was listed at 13. Steph Curry was placed at 14 the only current active player and finally Kareem Abdul Jabbar was 15. Keep this in mind, I believe the writer was not compiling this list from a talent standpoint, it appears to be a selected number of athletes who impacted and changed how the NBA game was played.

Confused, no longer

The ever changing landscape of rules and regulations inside the NBA is sometimes confusing to fans. That is the case for me (and maybe you as well), I hear the term protected or unprotected used regarding the NBA draft. In simple terms the definition or meaning of the words are understandable but the question remains for me, how does this relate to the NBA draft? Since I was unsure of how it was utilized I sought help, I did this because I ain’t too smart, what you are about to read is AI generated and not my words. In the 2027 NBA draft where do my Lakers stand is the question? Based on what you are about to read you will understand the confusion and it will provide the answer most of us are inquiring.

“Lakers own a top-4 projected or protected pick in 2027 actually reflects the inverse: the Los Angeles Lakers traded their 2027 first-round pick to the Utah Jazz (via the Russell Westbrook trade), and that pick is top-4 protected.”  

“What the Protection Entails

If the pick lands 1 through 4: The Lakers keep their pick.

If the pick lands 5 or lower (5th to 30th): It conveys to the Utah Jazz.

Because the first-round pick fails to convey, it transforms into a 2027 second-round pick sent to Utah instead.”

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Terrible NBA trades

Over time, the NBA has seen its share of terrible trades, the worst trade in NBA history actually was the result of a free agent signing. The teams involved certainly never intended for things to turn out that way, but they did. Here is a brief history as I see it. The first one that comes to mind is the 1956 Bill Russell trade. Russell, the second pick in that year’s draft, was selected by the St. Louis Hawks and immediately dealt to the Boston Celtics. Russell would go on to win 11 NBA championships. Cliff Hagan and Ed Macauley enjoyed some success in the league, but nothing close to Russell’s. Verdict: this was a bad deal for the Hawks, the Celtics were the winner. How about the 1996 trade that saw the Hornets trade the draft rights to number 13 Kobe Bryant in exchange for Vlade Divac?

You are aware of the Naismith Hall of Fame Kobe, in the meantime Divac had a decent NBA career but nowhere close to that of Kobe Bryant, winner: the Lakers. In 2021 the Lakers traded three players and three draft choices to the Wizards for Russell Westbrook, the Wizards were clearly the winner here. Westbrook was not a good fit and was traded two years later. In the 2024-25 season the Mavs sent Luka Doncic to the Lakers in exchange for Anthony Davis, because AD has since been traded the Lakers were the clear winners here. The acquisition of Doncic could be debated because despite him being in the lineup that have not advanced to play for an NBA championship. This essay closes with in my opinion the worst trade in NBA history….worst because of all the pieces involved. In 2019 Kawhi Leonard required a stipulation be in place if he were to sign as a free agent with the Clippers, the team must acquire Paul George which they later completed in a trade with the Thunder. The Clippers traded Danilo Gallinari along with future MVP Shai-Gilgeous Alexander for George. That trade in 2026 would prompt a bunch of moves which prove detrimental to the future of the Clippers.    

No need of detailing the entire story you are aware the Clippers had been under investigation since September 2025 for an under the table scheme which paid Kawhi Leonard. Once details were uncovered NBA punishment was swift surrounding Leonard’s circumvented payment ploy. This is the after affect, the Clippers gave up two players with one of them being SGA to the Thunder, the resulting penalty from the Aspiration salary cap fiasco plus the Paul George trade will cost the Clippers 10 first-round draft picks beginning in 2029. Paul George is gone and so is Leonard, what did they gain with these two in the lineup….a few extra wins during the season but no NBA championship, only one occasion did the Clippers play for the Western Conference finals. Now they are left with what is the worst trade in NBA history prompted by a free agent signing.

American MVP

I was viewing NBA TV on Friday, the host and guests were entertaining several subjects, one of those was the lack of an American player winning the NBA MVP. It was pointed out the last 8 MVP’s in the league have all been international players, the last American player was James Harden in 2017 while a member of the Rockets. Are there American players who might be future candidates for league MVP? I would submit the name of Mavs forward Cooper Flagg as a prime candidate.

Also we could add Anthony “Ant” Edwards to a list, he could be a Bonafide candidate as well but wait there are others. Jalen Brunson was Finals MVP, could he parlay a series MVP into an NBA MVP, the question remains unknown for now. Cade Cunningham and Paolo Banchero along with Jalen Johnson could also be considered. It’s difficult to name those who are yet to see action but I could nominate AJ Dybansta, Carlos Boozer and perhaps Darryn Peterson members of the Rookie Class of 2026. There is no guarantee any of the names on this list will be named NBA MVP, they certainly could comprise a list of candidates over the next 5-7 years.   

A law degree might be helpful

I have a measure of understanding regarding the ever changing status of Mark Mitchell. You remember Mitchell was headed for Kentucky then he wasn’t, currently Mitchell has been added to Mizzou’s roster, the question becomes how is this possible, they have 16 players and only 15 are allowed. From Yahoo Sports; “The program accommodated Mitchell using a roster exemption tied to the 2025 House settlement.” That is the court ruling which allowed Mitchell and others a 5th year of eligibility.

As for adding CJ Gunn who becomes roster member 17 that takes a slightly different turn, forward Annor Boateng suffered a devastating injury last season. Although Boateng remains on the roster its reported he is not ready to play this season. Mizzou is stating if Gunn is able to gain eligibility he will be added using the medical exception of Boateng. Confusing, of course it is….you did read the headline didn’t you? So now you have a clear understanding how Mizzou can claim 17 players on its roster when 15 are the maximum allowed. 

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

The road less traveled

The phrase “the road less traveled is less traveled for a reason” is a pragmatic reply to Robert Frost’s famous poem “The Road Not Taken,” noting that unpopular paths often involve hidden dangers or practical difficulties. What you just read was AI generated however I believe it might fit almost Laker Jonathan Kuminga, as you are aware he chose the Wolves over the Lakers. “Not to come disrespectful, but I didn’t feel like Los Angeles was the right environment for me. There’s a level of expectation and outside noise (that) surround the Lakers that can become distracting, and I wanted (a) situation where I could stay focused on basketball and my development.”

Those are Kuminga’s words but these are mine, at the time Harry Truman served as president a sign on his desk read; “The Buck Stops Here” indicating to me be prepared for a decision or the pressure that accompanies it. I’m not upset although I claim to be part of Laker Nation, Kuminga kept the Lakers and other NBA teams “on hold” for almost two months. The following are the words for all prospective Lakers. “Kobe believed the Lakers brand sold itself, stating that if a free agent needed to be convinced or recruited to handle the immense pressure of the L.A. dynasty, they were not meant to wear the uniform.” I hope this doesn’t appear I’m hatin’ on Kuminga that is not the case, it’s my belief based on his comment despite potential talent he just might not have been a good fit for my Lakers.

In season, always

Friends and acquaintances of mine have said this to me on more than one occasion, “Why do you write about basketball year round?” The explanation is simple, basketball is in season, always, do you want some examples? How about the breaking news from the NBA offices regarding the Los Angeles Clippers? As most of you are aware this investigation involving Kawhi Leonard was a yearlong investigation, it could have been resolved in April or June but it wasn’t, it was September.

That was just one of a number of stories surrounding the NBA that concluded in the summer. We can also check out the college game as well, as you were aware several college players were granted a 5th year of eligibility by the courts. Mizzou added two players to its existing roster in the August-September time, in addition we have AAU and FIBA basketball being played during the summer. So the truth of the matter, the NFL commands headlines at the time there is no competitive play the same status exists for the sport of basketball.

The second coming of Magic

Ben Simmons had potential superstar written across his chest literally. He’s 30-years old now but his exploits in Australia led us to believe he was the second coming. After all he was taller than Magic Johnson (6-10) and outweighed him and played outstanding at the point. There was little if any range on his jump shot but that didn’t matter, Magic was not a great shooter either but it was the other things he did so well. In addition Magic worked and became much better at shooting by the time his career ended. On his arrival on these shores Simmons played at LSU for a season prior to declaring for the NBA draft.

In 2016 Simmons was made the top pick by the Sixers but missed what would have been his first year due to injury. To provide evidence that the wait proved beneficial he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team and was also NBA Rookie of the Year for 2018. I am reading between the lines but it appeared criticism of his lack of shooting plus an injury were contributing factors to his downfall. He was traded to the Nets and the change of scenery failed to change his path, Simmons played for the Clippers half of the 2024-25 season, he did not play at all last year. Reports are circulating he wants a return to the NBA but the question might be, is there any team willing to take a chance that Simmons has returned to his Rookie of the Year form? NOTE: As this was completed word came the Kings signed Simmons to a one-year contract, he returns to the NBA after sitting out the 2025-26 season.

Y’all go’ make me

The complete line of the 2000 Hip Hop classic Party Up by DMX, Y’all go’ make me lose my mind Up In here, up in here. Why do some wish to make a story that is no story, that’s what we have here. Former NBA player turned analyst Blake Griffin had a biting commentary on Bronny James. Griffin wasn’t critical of his play rather than the amount of money Bronny was being paid. Here goes and this paraphrases the Griffin statement, “Bronny has a rich parent (LeBron) plus he secured an NIL agreement while in college.”

Finally, this last bit of information “He’s being paid too much considering he was a second round draft pick.” I choose to tear this argument apart, first of all the statement regarding rich parents. Bronny and his siblings were probably denied few things growing up however they are not rich, their parents are. NIL money is none of Griffin’s business and finally the recent contract Bronny signed. It’s likely in meeting with the Laker front office his agent specified the amount of money his client desired. The Lakers said, okay we can do that. I have serious doubts if Bronny arrived in the Lakers office with a weapon threatening anyone. To borrow the LaVar Ball line Blake Griffin needs to stay in his lane, I believe he’s stuck his nose in an area where he’s got no business.

 

 

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

The ship be sinking

If you are a certain age or an NBA historian the headline above will be familiar to you. Although the sentence structure is incorrect it’s one of the more famous NBA quotes. In 1981 a member of the media interviewing Knicks guard Michael Ray Richardson asked him about his struggling New York Knicks team. Michael Ray’s response; “The ship be sinking” which might be just as appropriate for the Los Angeles Clippers.

After all a great number of the early sailing ships were referred to as clippers, from time to time clippers did sink just like the NBA team with the same name. As sure as I’m sitting here in my Man-Cave writing this Steve Ballmer and crew will appeal the NBA judgement which becomes the largest in the history of the league. The most recent “earthquake” involved, are you ready for this; the Clippers and former owner Donald Sterling. He was fired by the NBA over racist comments he made and banned for life. The Clippers were placed on the market and at that point Steve Ballmer purchased the team. From where I sit it’s difficult to truly determine an outcome after all I along with others were led to believe there was “more smoke than fire” a few weeks ago. If there are no changes check out the NBA draft, the Clippers will have their pick for the next two years. After that, a move into the desert for this team occurs for the next five years.

Once again I’m looking at the now with no idea what eventually occurs. Based on the hammer laid on the Clippers organization it’s possible there could be a monetary reduction, draft choices could be reinstated. Ballmer and company will not escape punishment completely. I wrote this yesterday and will repeat it, Adam Silver has been criticized by several in the media along with fans for his lack of leadership. If, for example, he is too lenient there are those who once again will refer to him being soft. NOTE: Yesterday I wrote Kawhi Leonard should have been suspended too. Technically that’s not possible if the NBA approves the trade, he is now a member of the Raptors, why should they be punished for events in which they were not part of.

This one is beyond me

The Mark Mitchell saga shifted from Kentucky and returned to Mizzou and you might ask why? The talented 6-foot-9 forward is now again part of an ever expanding roster for coach Gates. As for expansion of the roster word arrived of another addition on Tuesday: CJ Gunn, a 6-foot-7 shooting guard who played last season at DePaul, he began his college career at Indiana. Gunn is viewed as a strong three-point shooter which should help Mizzou shooting.

As some are aware this was an area of concern and was solely lacking last season….shooting from deep. The headline reflects my confusion because reports had indicated previously Mizzou’s roster was complete. Yet in a matter of two days, the Tigers have added both Mitchell and Gunn. This team now appears loaded from top to bottom, which raises one question I cannot answer: How will Dennis Gates find enough playing time for such a deep roster? I’m sure happy I’m not walking in the shoes of the head coach.

You remember I hope….

Stephen A. Smith of ESPN, is the self-appointed voice of the NBA, I’m not the least bit serious about what I wrote or you just read, it was meant in a divisive manner. As most are aware Smith claims expertise on nearly everything related to the NBA and I am unsure who gave him this designation that’s why I wrote earlier “self-appointed.” As for the war of words that occurred between Smith and Kwame Brown I’m unsure where it began.

Some of you might remember the history, in 2001 high school players could declare for the NBA draft and that’s exactly what Brown did, the Wizards made the 6-foot 11 290 pound Brown the top pick that year. His NBA career did not progress at the level most expected he became a journeyman player moving from team to team. Kwame left the NBA after the 2013 season however some like Smith wanted to attach derogatory names in front or behind his name. For a time a war of words ensued between Smith and Kwame, despite many of the negatives aimed at Kwame by Smith consider these facts. Over the course of his 12-year NBA career Kwame earned in the neighborhood of $63 million. He’s made investments from his Adidas contract and other ventures, in 2026 it’s reported his net worth is in the neighborhood of $4-5 million. Based on what I’ve read, I believe Kwame has used guidance from advisors—and perhaps lessons learned through his own business ventures—to expand his portfolio. Those decisions appear to have helped increase his net worth over the years. This story is recounted to you for the following reasons, no one unrelated to you can pass judgement on your life journey.

It’s just an opinion expressed by Smith but is non-valid in all aspects. From a monetary standpoint it would appear that although he experienced limited success in the NBA Kwame is far beyond what he might have dreamed as an 18-year old. No one but us can define our success or lack thereof including Stephen A. Smith, despite the position he believes he holds. In reading this a number might believe my focus is the monetary aspect earn by Kwame but it’s really much more.

He’s a Big Dude

Ethan Taylor is so huge he blocks out the Sun, okay that’s a bit of an exaggeration but he does stand 7-feet tall and 244 pounds. He’s a local product, he first became known for his play at Shawnee Mission Northwest High School. The school is located in Shawnee Kansas a suburb on the Kansas site of State Line Road in Kansas City Missouri, Taylor finished his senior year at Link Academy a school with a national basketball reputation, its located in Branson (MO).  

The highly sought after Big Due chose Michigan State over a host of other schools with offers for his services. Taylor must now adapt his game to the collegiate level. My one hope, the coaching staff skips the lessons on 3-point shooting. As for the future I’ve grown weary of coaches talking to 7-footers on the virtues of shooting three’s, I know I’ve made this statement previously but it bears repeating. Athletes have continued to grow in stature and my question remains….is anyone teaching these giants specialized post play? In any event I plan on viewing as many Michigan State games as possible with a local talent on board.

                     SPECIAL EDITION

This is a shocking development. Earlier reports suggested the NBA had found no wrongdoing by the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard, or any connection to the defunct company Aspiration. That was what I wrote a few weeks ago, well that has changed. That account was then; this account is now. On Wednesday, word broke that the NBA was lowering the boom. The Clippers are being fined $30 million, and owner Steve Ballmer will be suspended for one year.

In addition president of business operations Gillian Zucker also receives a one-year suspension without pay, while president of basketball operations Lawrence Frank receives six months without pay. The Clippers must forfeit first-round picks in 2029, 2030, 2031, 2032, and 2033. Add the picks sent to Oklahoma City to acquire Paul George and secure Kawhi Leonard, and the total climbs to 10 first-round picks. Kawhi Leonard is reportedly required to repay $700,000 in restitution for receiving improper benefits. In addition the NBA will monitor front office operations of the Clippers for the next 5 years. As for the infamous uncle/agent Dennis Robertson also did not escape the NBA’s wrath: “Dennis Robertson will be prohibited from conducting business or otherwise engaging with NBA teams and their affiliates on behalf of or with respect to any player, employee, or other league or team personnel.” His suspension will last five years. To date, Kawhi Leonard appears to be the only party admitting guilt, while owner Steve Ballmer and perhaps others may appeal their suspensions.

This is a major black eye for the NBA however one they eventually will overcome, but I believe the punishment is justified. Over the years, many have described Adam Silver as a weak commissioner. Whatever occurs regarding the appeals, Silver has shown he can act forcefully when required. Rest assured, there will remain defenders who will say they saw nothing wrong with the actions of Ballmer and company however it makes little difference in what they think or believe. The NBA operating in its best interest made a historic decision. Finally, Kawhi Leonard might be in the best shape of all, no suspension which should have occurred. 

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Curiouser and curiouser

Perhaps you read the book or saw the Disney movie, the headline is from the Lewis Carroll classic, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland or shorten to Alice in Wonderland. There really is no such word as curiouser, it’s believed Carroll wrote it to detail the bewildered state Alice found herself in. This might be the view of much of Mizzou Nation and maybe basketball fans in general, Mark Mitchell is returning to Mizzou. If you continue to read you will uncover the why Mitchell’s outlook has changed from just a few weeks ago, we must return to June 2026 to begin this investigation. Mitchell had extinguished his eligibility, he was not drafted but played for the NBA Nuggets in Summer League.

More recently Mitchell along with others were granted a 5th year of eligibility by the courts but here the issue becomes tricky. Mitchell indicated he was headed to Kentucky to play for Mark Pope and BAM, just like that he’s not. He can play, however, not for Kentucky, SEC rules indicate he didn’t submit his name in time for the transfer portal. Mitchell is ineligible to play at Kentucky but could play for Mizzou. Now the waters become murky, Mizzou’s roster is full, a player must be red-shirted in order for Mitchell to return. The question becomes on August 31, 2026, will Mitchell return to Mizzou and if so who is red-shirted? Without including the 6-foot 9 Mitchell in the count consider this fact, the team has 5 players on the roster 6-foot 10 or taller. The tallest roster member is 7-foot 5 260 pound Trent Burns, there should be few games Mizzou might be outrebounded.

Is this the current roster     

The Lakers have been quite active over the summer, in some instances players such as LeBron James, Jaxson Hayes and Marcus Smart decided to depart on their own through free agency. In other instances the Laker front office signed free agents or made trades adding talent. The Laker roster is just about finalized, the list of players with the exception of rookies appears to be somewhat complete. Among the last of the acquisitions is Zaire Williams, a 6-foot 9 inch 3-and-D wing who played this past season for the Nets.

Also added was Matisse Thybulle a defensive guard from the Blazers to a 1-year agreement as well. There are holdovers whom I believe will be traded or released before the beginning of the season. This is speculation only so I am going to omit the names I believe might be history with the Lakers. JJ Redick and the coaching staff have a monumental task in front of them, they must coach this squad of new players to the Laker play book. Expect bumps early in the season but I would anticipate by January they should be a cohesive team and all on the same page. Of the additions only Walker Kessler in the post is likely a starter, as this is written power forward remain a mystery to me as to who starts versus who sits.

The keys of course, who scores and who plays lockdown defense off the bench which is vital for a deep playoff run by these Lakers. Despite the fact several in the media appear to not be impressed with the “new look” Lakers, I am however and this is the basis. The Lakers have become a revitalized version of themselves and this was accomplished without adding aging talent. At present the oldest player on the roster are the aforementioned Matisse Thybulle who turned 29 years old in March and Kevon Looney who had birthday 30 in February. The roster is comprised of players the Lakers believe they can develop for the future, despite many of the naysayers I’m ready in September for the NBA season to begin.

Did you cry

Although it’s rare for me anymore, I listened to a discussion on sports talk radio about decisive college basketball games. The conversation surrounded games played in the NCAA tournament, after all during the regular season a team could have a heartbreaking loss on Saturday and a big time win the following Monday or Wednesday. As for the tournament it’s always been win or go home. What about the opening games, teams have played all season only to be eliminated and forced to return home after a loss. How about the big time programs upset by smaller, less well known schools?

March 20, 2010, Northern Iowa a number 9 seed beat the number 1 seed Kansas Jayhawks 69-67 in the second round. How about this one, in 2023 number 15 seed Princeton beat number 2 seed Arizona 59-55 or a year earlier 15 seed Saint Peters over number 2 Kentucky 85-79. There are probably scores of others I omitted that have occurred over time. As a Mizzou fan my Tigers have not tasted much success in the tournament, one year they had a really good team. This is unlike many of the earlier stories, both Mizzou and UCLA were well known plus UCLA was the higher seed. In 1995 the two faced each other, UCLA a number 1 and Mizzou number 8. To this day the loss in this game is too difficult for me to describe, check out the YouTube video of the closing action.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKrWAeYGRrg

It’s unknown

This account is prompted by a story I saw on one of the many social media platforms. The focus was NBA career block shot leaders, at the top of the list was Hakeem Olajuwon with 3,830 blocks followed by Dikembe Mutombo and his 3,289. Missing from the list was the name of Wilton Felton Chamberlain and there is a reason why. Chamberlain one of the most prolific scorers and rebounders arrived in the NBA in the 1959-60 season.

The last season Chamberlain played was 1973-74 making a total of 14 seasons. The following season (1974-75) the NBA began tracking blocked shots, as for rebounds it was Chamberlains last season. Unofficially the league researched 112 games from later in his career, he was measured at 8.8 blocks a game. Researchers claim Chamberlain would have recorded 9,000-11,000 rebounds, of course that is a projection and is unproven. He’s become the man of myth and legend, did he score 100 points in a single game? Did Chamberlain snatch down a minimum of 9,000 rebounds? We have no method to accurately detail what the totals might have been in those 14 seasons.

 

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Pay me or miss games

As we begin the countdown to Tuesday October 20, 2026, I am prepared this time around. For nearly 1/3 of the season I missed NBA games broadcast by Peacock and Prime, neither of those streaming services were part of my cable package. For me it was ESPN or the networks of ABC, NBC or NBA TV, I didn’t believe last season I was missing much….but I was. This was an “itch” I couldn’t scratch, it seemed early Peacock or Prime was broadcasting a game I wanted to see. This is what convinced me, Thanksgiving weekend the Lakers were on Prime, my son had the streaming service so Friday evening I watched the game while out of town.

When I returned home there was no rush on my part, sometime in January I added Prime and shortly thereafter Peacock. From roughly February through the playoffs including the NBA championship I had wall to wall NBA action which was much different in one aspect. My wife loves the NFL Chiefs, she follows the Royals but basketball has been a different matter until last season. It was during the playoffs, my wife sat down and began watching the games, she did this right through the Knicks winning the NBA championships over the Spurs. I’m not sure how this upcoming season will unfold, I don’t know if my wife retains her interest in the NBA however this I know, this time around I decided to pay rather than miss games.

School’s begun

Students are in school, that includes the student-athletes especially those who play football. Several school’s began their football on August 29 while others will began play much later, can basketball be very far behind? There are a large number of college basketball players with NBA aspirations, who are they you might ask? If we look at NBA mock draft sites round one is comprised of mostly freshman so unless you saw them play in high school you might only see them briefly in college before the NBA. 

As I’ve often stated over and over, the changing landscape has caused us to see these athletes demonstrate their skill at the high school level but we haven’t a clue about college. In addition we have the words of others to evaluate their NBA possibilities. With that said I decided to check just one site, nbadraftnet.com is my information source for this little exercise. Last season most of us were made aware headed into the season AJ Dybansta at BYU and Darryn Peterson at Kansas were considered the top two picks, early it was believed it would be Peterson and then perhaps Dybansta. The evening of the draft told a far different story with Dybansta first and Peterson second, Peterson’s freshman season was  a contributing factor we guess. We believed both would be high draft picks and that indeed turned out to be the case, with that said let’s check the names because we have no idea which NBA team picks where. At the top of the draft is the son of former NBA player Gilbert Arenas.

*Alijah Arenas 6-foot 6 shooting guard Southern Cal

*Jason Crowe 6-foot 4 point guard Missouri

*Jordan Smith 6-foot 2 combo guard Arkansas

*Kanon Catchings 6-foot 9 small forward Georgia

*Tyran Stokes 6-foot 8 shooting guard Kansas

*Stefan Joksimovic 6-foot 4 shooting guard Slovenia (International)

*Amari Allen 6-foot 6 combo guard Alabama

*Davis Fogle 6-foot 7 shooting guard Gonzaga

*Braylon Mullins 6-foot 5 shooting guard UConn

*Caleb Holt 6-foot 5 combo guard Arizona

Four of the 10 are sophomores while the remainder named are freshman along with a single international athlete. You might have heard the old adage “Youth will be served” which certainly applies to the NBA draft nowadays, it is rare to see a junior or senior’s name listed in the lower portion of the draft every season. I read one team in the NBA considered a prospect “old” if his 23rd or 24th birthday had occurred prior to draft night.

This is interesting

A trend I’m unsure where it began has cropped up, my question does it serve any purpose? The explanation, we read or hear a former NBA player one who usually retired in recent years. This former player without providing any evidence other than his opinion claims a 1950s or 1960s athlete couldn’t play in today’s NBA. Usually they will see film from the time period as a basis for their conclusion, they provide you the reader or listener no proof whatsoever. In 2026 sports medicine is at its best ever, players in all sports have suffered devastating injuries. That 1950s player would have been forced to retire, the 2026 player has surgery plus rehab and he returns to the court.

Jason Tatum suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during the 2025 NBA playoffs and missed most of the 2025-26 season before returning in March 2026. My favorite player Kobe Bryant suffered a left Achilles tendon rupture on April 12, 2013, he returned to the Lakers December 8, 2013. Today’s athletes are better conditioned plus they have the benefit of sports medicine non-existent in the past. That’s only part of the story of today’s athletes, as for the play itself consider this belief. I offer you no proof however Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, John Havlicek, Elgin Baylor and several others I believe could have played competitively in the 2026 NBA. This exercise is for my benefit only, recently retired NBA players will continue to express their belief the early NBA was “plumbers and carpenters” as one cynic claimed. 

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

One more look

The subject of Jonathan Kuminga will be discussed once more prior to the start of the NBA season. By now you are fully aware the wing player so highly coveted by the Lakers decided in favor the Wolves, we take a closer look at the decision that saw him move from the Warriors to the Hawks and now the Wolves. Naturally at the top of the list is a question which cannot be addressed at this time, with the ball dominate LaMelo Ball and Anthony “Ant” Edwards how many touches for Kuminga?   

I cannot spend your money and I certainly won’t attempt that however I might have a question regarding your decision. If we return to Kuminga’s Warrior days this is what was reported. The Warriors offered him $75 million and a 3-year extension with a team option, he turned down the team drafting him forcing a trade to the Hawks. All this past summer word circulated in print and discussion Kuminga was entertaining offers from a number of teams including my Lakers, one by one these parties dropped to the wayside with the exception of the Wolves and Lakers. There were two offers on the table from the Lakers, a $20 million 2-year contract or a $36 million 3-year, there are no indications if either offer had stipulations which failed to meet the demands of Kuminga.

At the end Kuminga decided in favor of a $13 million 2-year contract with the Wolves which is reported to provide him the options he desired. Finally this quote from Kobe Bryant, “If I need to convince you to come here, to carry that legacy forward, then you ain’t the one to be it.” Some will question the legacy portion of the Kobe statement, other than the Celtics there is no other team in NBA history with the collection of NBA championships of the Lakers.

You imagine there’s no problem

Several of you reading this probably believe there’s no challenge ….but there is. Men’s college basketball has become quite difficult to administer. The play on the court is fine, it’s the other stuff, we have more action in one court over the other. Court rulings have led to anarchy in a number of instances, is there anyone outside the legal system able to stand up and declare “I’ll fix it!” The question, who is available to address the issues. I will say this at the beginning there is no issue with me and the college players, they are securing interests that are best for their future.

Some might remember reading Dusty May’s explanation why he left Michigan for the Dallas Mavs of the NBA. Although I’ve never read anything I believe Jay Wright left Villanova for the same reason, the ever changing landscape has made it extremely difficult to recruit and coach college basketball in this age. This is written while I’m in my Man-Cave, I can see the issues from here. I’m not naming names just wondering why there is no one apparently willing to address the issues. There is NIL to consider plus the  Transfer-Portal and a myriad of other issues that require someone, anyone to step up and say, “I’ll fix it!”

Once upon a time….

Buffalo New York serves as home for the NFL Bills, Buffalo is also home to the NHL Sabres, Buffalo once had the NBA Braves. Did you notice the fact the first two professional teams named are in the present tense while the Braves are in the past tense. The explanation is this, the Braves now call Los Angeles home i.e., the Clippers but more on that later. How an NBA team on the east coast made its way across the country to the edge of the Pacific Ocean. The Braves came into the NBA as an expansion team in 1970 and lasted in the city until 1978 when they relocated to San Diego and were renamed the Clippers. What occurred in the intervening years that caused the team to move, a series of events. Games were played at the Buffalo Memorial Auditorium in downtown Buffalo.

The arena had first opened its doors in October 1940 so the building was 30 years old before the first Braves jump ball. In addition play dates were shared with the NHL team along with local college basketball teams that had used the auditorium for years previously. As with most expansion teams their won-loss record was terrible finishing that first season with 22 wins and 60 losses. The history indicates that by the 1976-77 season the Braves were a modest success but despite this issue trouble was brewing. Scheduling games continued to prove problematic sharing dates with the NHL Sabres and college basketball Griffins. Without going into detail a great number of issues finally forced the sale of the team and the eventual move to San Diego. Much later former owner Donald Sterling decided on his own to move the team to Los Angeles without NBA permission.

Changing landscape

Several reading this account might be familiar with the name Xaivian Lee, he’s a Canadian-American basketball player. Lee played at Princeton and Florida before landing at Gonzaga, yet went undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft. In June 2026, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Cavaliers and played for Cleveland in Summer League. Despite that brief step into professional basketball, Lee is now back at Gonzaga and expected to suit up for the Bulldogs this fall and winter.

How did this unusual situation happen? In 2026, it seems as if the rulebook has been tossed out the window. “In August 2026, Lee was granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA and, as a result, received a fifth season of eligibility after filing a lawsuit in California. He entered the NCAA transfer portal. That same month, he transferred to Gonzaga for his fifth season.” So once again, we have an amateur athlete who briefly played professionally yet is returning to amateur status. I can understand the student-athlete, Lee and others are only attempting to improve their prospects be it another school or a professional start.

 

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

The sun no longer shines

Tragedy has struck in Los Angeles, the sun no longer shines and you remember this, “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria.” The latter portion was the line uttered by Dr. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) in the 1984 movie classic Ghostbusters. Of course the disaster is not quite on that scale, however, the fact Jonathan Kuminga is signing with the Wolves after appearing to want the Lakers is a bit disappointing. I’m not going to deal with the money only the fact it’s a two year signing versus three the Lakers offered. For me attempting to sign Kuminga was different in a manner of speaking, I claim no scouting expertise but confusion reigned supreme for me.

With limited opportunities to see Kuminga in action is he really that good? Beginning in late October all will soon have an answer including me. If this appears to be negative commentary that is not the case, I remain unsure about his potential. Now that the issue has been resolved what do the Lakers do going forward? Rui Hachimura has moved to the Intuit Dome, apparently the Lakers believe he didn’t fully address the needs they required. The power forward position is wide open now, possibly too late to seek help on the open market. The Lakers currently have 5 candidates who play the position, the most athletic of the group is second year man Adou Thiero and Arthur Kaluma off his Summer League play. There is definitely a “Help Wanted” sign placed at the position and we shall see what occurs once the season begins.  

What’s a mid-major

Many in the media continue to apply the term “major” vs “mid-major” in college basketball discussions, I’ve long believed it’s not factual. If for example your favorite team plays in the Big 10, SEC, Big 12 or ACC the media considers them a major team. On the other hand if you attend Akron (Mid-America) or Hawaii (Mountain West) your school is considered a mid-major. Last season Michigan (major) won the NCAA men’s championship, 2024 and 2023 witnessed UConn winning it all. I’m unsure where UConn fits in this conversation having won two NCAA championships in a row and three overall. 2016 and 2018 Villanova coached by Jay Wright won, is Villanova considered a major or mid-major?

You’ve heard the old adage, “beauty is in the eye of the beholder” and that is the case here. I didn’t bother checking the opposition however I am willing to bet large sums of money these so-called mid-majors beat teams considered majors. I have long had issues with the practice by some using mid versus mid-major. I could concede one particular conference could be stronger than another but not always the teams. If we care to we could travel further back in time, it was December 23, 1982, it was a championship for the winner. Chaminade competed at the NAIA level when they upset the University of Virginia in the Maui Invitational Tournament that year. The basketball is rolled onto the court in the 6,000 seat mid-major arena and the 22,000 Dean Dome in the same manner.

The NBA on television

I cannot speak for the world, the NBA is available on television however I’m unsure how its delivered. Here in the U.S. it’s a different story, this was covered to a degree prior to the start of the season. Talking to some friends regarding the NBA their chief complaint was the television package. This past season with a new family of channels in place the NBA was on a number of outlets. ABC/ESPN continued however TNT was no longer a partner replaced by NBC along with Peacock and Prime. The argument I heard from my friends, “The NBA makes you pay to see games.” The statement is only partially correct, the NBA available on broadcast television ventured into cable in the early days.

USA Network, WGN (Bulls), TBS and later TNT, a cable package was required for the networks listed previously. A check of the other professional sports (excepting MSL and NHL) are as follows. The NFL is broadcast on over the air networks CBS, NBC and ABC. Football is available on the NFL Network, ESPN and now Prime broadcast Thursday Night Football and Peacock. As for baseball, there is the MLB Network, ESPN, Local free baseball however some baseball teams have exclusive packages (Royals baseball network as an example). If I were in charge every sport would be broadcast free but that’s no longer the manner of operation in today’s world. I’m unsure who led the way to the “new broadcast standard” however the NBA has either led or followed the leader.

Could they follow suit

On Wednesday, August 26 the NFL announced the annual Pro Bowl would no longer be played. I certainly claim no expertise here but it’s my understanding an increasing number of NFL players declined to play in the game. A local radio host indicated one year a third string quarterback earned an invitation. The NFL further indicated players would be selected all pro they just would not play the game. Will the NBA at some point follow the lead of the NFL at some future date perhaps? I don’t have that answer however this acknowledged NBA fan has grown tired of what is exhibited on my television set at All-Star time.

The Saturday afternoon and evening action is far more television ready for me over the game itself. There are a couple of problems I see, one year there was no separation. We saw eastern all-stars on the same team as western conference all-stars. That’s one issue, the other for me….little if any team defense played by the West or East teams. If this were cancelled I would miss the Slam-Dunk, 3-point shoot out and other Saturday events, the game not so much. I’m a party of one, perhaps you remained glued into the NBA All-Star game no matter the format. A co-worker claimed the NBA All-Star game remains a money maker so that certainly is key to it being continued.

 

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Mistake

I read a story on a social media site so I decided to explore the 2017 NBA draft. Lonzo Ball’s NBA career is likely over but this is not the question I’m posing, with the 2nd pick the Lakers chose Ball but could they have selected someone else? I know this is revisionist history on my part but bear with me. I’ve mentioned the Ball pick, right behind him at 3 the Celtics chose Jayson Tatum (NBA Champion). Between the Tatum pick a number of players were selected who in my view had average to subpar careers. At 13 we saw the Jazz select Donovan Mitchell (NBA All-Star), the following pick was Bam Adebayo who’s been invaluable to the Heat.

March 10, 2026, Adebayo scored 83 points for the Heat in a game against the Wizards. Last season Adebayo supplanted Kobe Bryant with the second highest single game scoring accomplishment. With the 23rd pick by the Raptors they chose OG Anunoby, on December 30, 2023, the Raptors traded Anunoby to the Knicks. If we fast forward to the 2026 NBA Championship the Knicks don’t win without the invaluable contributions of Anunoby scoring and defense. There are some who contend the Finals MVP could have been Anunoby and practically no one would disagree. Some of you reading this might assert I’m being unfair to Ball, they claim his play at UCLA was the basis for him being made the 2nd pick. Injury aside I believe the Lakers could have gone a different route in the 2017 NBA draft, think about it.

They have vast resources

I’m unsure about you so I will only speak for me. I’ve grown tired of billionaire NBA owners in some instances holding a city and fans hostage. This especially is true when I come across a list of NBA billionaire owners and this was only the top 10. At the top is Steve Ballmer Clippers owner and at number 10 is Tony Ressler. There is no reason to feel sorry for Ressler, the guy is worth huge sums of money and that’s where the issue for me begins. I am relaying information as I believe it exists, research additionally if you have questions. The first location for us to check is San Antonio and their rush to the top.

The Spurs with the Wemby factor at work are wanting to build a new arena. I discovered Michael Dell owner of Dell Computers and a bunch of other stuff is a minority stock holder in the Spurs. San Antonio’s mayor asked the question, “Why can’t Mr. Dell provide additional funds for the arena project from the Spurs side?” Recently I brought to your attention the dilemma in Portland, new Blazers owner Tom Dundon is pressuring the City of Portland for repair costs to the Moda Center. There certainly is additional detail to both stories but I hope you understand where I’m headed, billionaire owners want taxpayers to underwrite construction or repair costs to arenas for teams they own exclusively. Maybe I have this entire thing wrong, I certainly believe there is another side, please help me understand.

Houston, we've had a problem here

The headline is actually the correct quote from astronaut Jim Lovell in the Apollo 13 lunar mission. The 1995 movie provided us a misquote but that’s not the problem---we do have a problem and it’s reference is college basketball not lunar missions. We have been slowly drifting toward anarchy for a number of years regarding the collegiate game. The latest revelation was the legal judgement that allowed a small number of athletes an additional year of eligibility.

In addition we’ve witnessed two collegiate athletes who played professional basketball be placed on college basketball rosters for a time with one even suiting up and playing in a game. We then have the NIL issue and the question becomes who owes what? Darryn Peterson now in the NBA had an unspectacular season at Kansas despite being the potential number one NBA draft pick pre-season. We know now despite what occurred at Kansas Peterson was made the number two pick in the 2026 NBA draft. What’s the problem you ask, I’ve read and heard a number of complaints about the amount of NIL money Peterson received. Several in Jayhawk Nation pointed out “We didn’t receive the return expected. The transfer portal is also an issue for some, they say, “There’s no loyalty anymore!” That might be true, allow me to cite an example, Dusty May won a national championship then recruited kids for the Michigan program.

As soon as the Dallas Mavs approached him and provided a $$$ number he could agree to he’s history and I could ask the question what about the athletes May recruited? The NCAA appears to be unable to provide any leadership on a number of these issue due to their hands being dirty over aspects that forced several of these issues to the forefront. If this appears to be a doom and gloom report that is not what its intended to be, my desire was to point out quite a few issues concerning the college game which are a troubling to me.

What you are about to read

I offer you no proof whatsoever, these are a collection of my thoughts regarding the Clippers, and the Steve Ballmer-Kawhi Leonard farce. As reported earlier the NBA announced they were unable to uncover conclusive evidence there were improprieties between the Clippers, Kawhi Leonard the defunct company Aspirations. There would be no punishment for the Clippers and the Kawhi trade to the Raptors can be completed, what if there is more? Steve Ballmer is the richest owner in the NBA and sometimes an effort to win can be overwhelming especially to the Ballmer’s of the world.

If Ballmer had been found guilty short of forcing him to sell the team he would have been suspended. Suspension and a monetary fine would be in my opinion an embarrassment for the NBA, this would certainly be news the league wouldn’t desire. Kawhi Leonard when healthy continues to be one of the best players in the NBA, Kawhi Leonard suspended provides no eyes on the Raptors or the NBA. With both parties found not guilty the NBA can continue operating unabated. A cloud of suspension will hang over the Clippers and to a degree Kawhi Leonard, soon it will be seen in everyone’s rear view mirror as other NBA news becomes more viable.

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Research is vital

I have always strived to ensure information contained in Off the Dribble is accurate as possible. This account you are reading is 100% accurate and correct. That is the title of the account, research is vital before providing information. I am laying the groundwork for a social network feed I came across. The host tested his partner in naming “The original 8 teams of the NBA.” Well fans there are several issues picky me found in watching the video which I am about to correct. In 1946 technically speaking there was no NBA as he stated, he was actually referring to the Basketball Association of America and even with that his video was incorrect.

The BAA began play with 11 teams, not 8 as this host indicated to the viewers. In addition, the host identified the Minneapolis Lakers as one of the “original 8,” which was another mistake, and then placed the team in Minnesota. In 1946, the Detroit Gems began play in the National Basketball League. The following year, the franchise moved to Minneapolis and became the Lakers. On August 3, 1949, the National Basketball League merged with the Basketball Association of America to form the National Basketball Association we recognize today. The social network site may reach more readers than Off the Dribble, but those who read this blog will at least come away with the correct history. If you read a story and it appears questionable research it, doesn’t matter who wrote it….even me!

The Dampier’s

If you are a certain age you might remember the name Erick Dampier. He was drafted by the Pacers in the first round in 1996, over his 16-year career in addition to time with the Pacers he played for four other teams. The 6-foot 11 Dampier has two sons who took up the sport of their NBA father. The eldest son Erick Dampier Jr. enters his junior year this month at Madison-Ridgeland Academy located in Madison Mississippi. Junior is a 6-foot 10 230 pound center, most scouting sites rate Jr. a 5-star prospect.

Although he is entering his junior year of high school as this is written there are 5 schools with offers, Mississippi State (his father’s alma mater), Purdue, Kentucky, Florida State and Alabama. But wait there is more to the story of the Dampier family. Our focus is 10-year old Derrick Dampier, he’s also taken up the sport of his father and older sibling. Derrick has quite a bit of growth both with his game and his body, although still very young he stands nearly 6-feet in height. We’ll track the basketball progress of both Dampier brothers over the next several years.

The End

I borrowed the title from a 1967 classic by The Doors, a rock band of the era. It was written as a breakup tune by lead singer Jim Morrison about his girlfriend. We are at the point of another breakup or The End, this time it involves basketball. This upcoming basketball season will see the final edition of the Kansas-Missouri Border War (we don’t like to use war to describe it). I’ve written of the history on several occasions but a brief return, the two schools have played over 100 years of basketball. All that changed once Mizzou moved to the SEC while Kansas remained in the Big 12.

I’m not going to point fingers however after years of non-play between the two schools a 6-year contract was signed. The two schools would play one another during the non-con portion of their schedule alternating home courts. It will be T-Mobile in Kansas City and we are almost there. Sunday December 6, 2027, the schools will face each other for the last time, the series will have ended and there is no indication it will be renewed. It’s being reported Mizzou’s Dennis Gates want’s the series to continue however Bill Self Kansas head man appears less enthusiastic about extending the series. Gates has limited ability to continue on the other hand the same cannot be said for Self. As for my view I am really neutral, if the series is renewed I’m okay, if not I remain okay.

Meanwhile….

I must applaud former NBA player Patrick Beverly, he went undrafted yet managed to parlay his limited skill into a 12-year NBA career with several teams. The other portion of him I must just shake my head, it would appear Beverly has commentary on practically anything and everything related to the NBA. I’m unsure how it occurs, it seems either members of the media are seeking him out or vice-versa. On the surface one could state he’s voicing his opinion on a particular matter, that’s okay in a sense. Four days a week you read this blog where I’m offering you my view of a subject, 99% of the time I have no first-hand knowledge either. The difference of course he’s got “street cred” because he played, I didn’t.

The court ruled in favor of former Mizzou Tiger Mark Mitchell, this is the conundrum that’s become of college basketball today. Originally Mitchell and others were reported to have secured a 5th year of eligibility which is where the issue first cropped up. Mizzou had no room on its roster, with high school and transfer members plus returners no room on the roster existed without movement. One present member must be redshirted, which is certainly unfair to someone assuming they would receive a degree of play. Mitchell moved on to Kentucky although with the ruling he will be a Kentucky Wildcat this fall and winter. I hope you understand this rant is not aimed at Mitchell, the problem is much larger than him and others. Someone smarter than me can lead college basketball out of this malaise it’s become in recent years.  

Based mostly on an NBA championship (2025) and other factors OKC moved quickly to replace Paycom Center with the yet to be constructed Continental Coliseum. The project is moving along without any impediments or turmoil, as for other portions of the nation that sentiment is not the same. In San Antonio, the Spurs improved play also witnessed a desire for a Frost Bank Center replacement along with additional urban development. This project has not moved as swiftly as that of OKC due to some pushback. This past Monday the city council voted to reject a proposal for a public vote on city funds to subsidize the arena, stay tuned for additional developments on this story.

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

New team with an old name

The Monarchs name has deep roots in Kansas City. The original team was a charter member of the Negro Leagues, beginning play in 1920 and lasting until 1948. Jackie Robinson briefly played for the Monarchs before breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier. His arrival helped open MLB rosters to Black players, which also contributed to the decline of the original Monarchs. In 2021, the minor league Kansas City T-Bones team adopted the famous Monarchs name.

You might be wondering what two baseball teams have to do with basketball, glad you asked. The newest Kansas City Monarchs is a basketball prep school focused on developing elite talent. According to its website, “Monarch Academy partners with TPH Academy to deliver a blended academic program designed around the student-athlete schedule. Monarch Academy will compete in the Nike EYBL Scholastic League.” Because the team will play a national schedule, there is a good chance they will appear somewhere near you in 2026-27.

It’s Blue

If you say Kentucky generally two thoughts come to mind for most, the annual Kentucky Derby horse race and Kentucky’s  love affair with basketball. Basketball is as Blue in Kentucky as it is in the nickname, The Blue Grass State. How did it all begin, can you say James A. Naismith, no the inventor of the game did not coach at the university however there is this connection. Adolph Rupp was head coach 41 seasons 1930 to 1972, his Wildcats won nearly 900 games and 4 NCAA Championships the last in 1958. Rupp was a student of Naismith at Kansas although reports indicate he was a reserve player. Rupp would not be the only player of marginal success as an athlete shine brightly in the role of head coach. The basketball landscape began changing in the 1950s and 1960s as more institutions began recruiting black players.

March 19, 1966, historical change would occur, Texas Western now the University of Texas-El Paso with 5 black starters played Kentucky with their all-white team. It should be of note Don Haskins Texas Western team was comprised of white players however his starting lineup was all black players. The undefeated Kentucky Wildcats finished the season with a 27-1 record, the one loss---Texas Western 72-65 in the championship game. Rupp was a product of the times, teams in the south simply didn’t recruit black players. That would change in 1969 as Kentucky added its first black player to its roster. This brief history of Kentucky basketball concludes here but there is certainly much more to this rich basketball program at the school. Just a thought, we refer to outstanding basketball institutions as Blue Blood, I wonder if it has anything to do with Kentucky basketball and its dominance at a point in the games history.

No power game

We discover for the second consecutive summer Victor Wembanyama is training with former Rockets center Hakeem Olajuwon to improve his footwork. Working out and dedication to the craft is required to become a better performer no matter the occupation. I believe those are two key elements that comprise a major portion of Wemby’s continuing developing game. Until I am proven wrong expect to see an improved version over the play we saw of Wemby last season. Before I go any further allow me to lay this out before you, there will be no Kareem/Shaq version of Wemby. Some elements of Wemby’s game exceeds both of these hall of fame performers in my view.

As for the other stuff former NBA player Chris Bosh issued a warning, Wemby should remain on his medication. Some might remember blood clots caused Bosh to retire earlier than plan. As for Wemby you might remember a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder in February 2025 caused him to miss the balance of that season. No such issues were detected this past season, we don’t know for sure but tend to believe he is adhering to the medical advice he was given. With the budding potential of talent plus other Spurs it’s easy to understand why the Spurs have developed plans for a new arena to display Wemby and the team’s talent.

From the land down under

Jongkuch Mach is 18 years old and believe it or not Wemby would be forced to look up at him, he stands 7-foot-6. Born and raised in Perth, Australia, he is the son of parents who emigrated from South Sudan. Mach currently plays for the BA Centre of Excellence in the NBL1 East, Australia’s second-tier senior league. My best guess it could be compared to high school level competition in the United States. Reports indicate Mach has received offers from LSU, Colorado and Santa Clara.

Video of Mach in action details clearly there are areas requiring improvement even to play at the collegiate level. One of these can be fix easily his thin frame, nutritionist can bulk him up with high carb meals. The other area he appears extremely raw, dedicated training and coaching can address that issue. AI reports list him at 197 pounds, so he has quite a bit of work ahead for him in both skill development and adding weight to his boney frame. And to think all this time you thought Victor Wembanyama was the skinniest basketball player you’d ever seen.

 

A fan’s perspective

Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Sunday

Hollywood drama

The City of Los Angeles contains the entertainment capital of the world, Hollywood. Over several generations numerous movie and entertainment productions have come to fruition. The current action is drama however its unaccustomed to what occurs normally. The two NBA teams in the city, the Lakers and Clippers are in the middle of controversial drama. Each is going to be dealt with on a separate basis, first Steve Ballmer’s Clippers. There’s been no official word from the NBA however it appears the Kawhi Leonard investigation has concluded. Unofficially its being reported the league could find no evidence the Clippers circumvented the salary cap in order to provide additional funding for Leonard.

Before I begin allow me to state I offer you 0 proof only my belief. You might remember the beginning, media guy Pablo Torres is given credit for bringing this issue to light. Torres claimed a defunct company paid Leonard under a “no-work contract.” Let’s play worst case advocate, suppose parties had been found guilty….this would have been extremely embarrassing for the NBA. It could see Ballmer possibly suspended and fined, the Leonard trade to Toronto would be voided. I continue to claim to be no conspiracy theorist and I maintain that posture. I have a difficult time accepting this verdict, what about you? This entire story might have concluded but not for me, I will question the circumstances why Leonard signed with the Clippers rather than the Lakers.

Two stories become one

Laker Nation and the NBA world was shocked a little over a year ago. The Buss family owned Lakers were sold to Mark Walter billionaire guy who also owns the baseball Dodgers. Jeanie Buss would continue in her role as NBA Governor for the team. Fast forward to the present, a magnitude earthquake 6 to 7 on the Richter scale occurred. The Lakers would be sold to a partnership of Kushner and Iger, that was just the tip of the iceberg. The Buss family decided to sell their 17.8% share of the Lakers, the problem….apparently no one bothered to inform Jeanie Buss of their intention to sell. In any event this caused a further rift in the family, we had Jeanie Buss on one side opposing her three brothers and one sister.

How does this conundrum eventually play out, no one knows for sure however there is background to consider. In 2017 Jeanie had “fired” Jim Buss and later Joey and Jesse in 2025. This from AI on the judicial ruling; “The legal ruling mandated that the co-trustees (Buss family) vote annually to keep Jeanie Buss as the franchise’s controlling owner for her lifetime, absent any legal motivation.” It would be apparent Jeanie Buss will utilize this ruling to prevent her brothers and sister from selling the remainder of the team. There is no method to determine how this family feud will eventually turn out, they could appeal the 2017 ruling. I mentioned in the earlier account regarding the Clippers this was Hollywood, it certainly is----it’s got soap opera written all over it. This is only the beginning of the story stay connected for further developments.

I will have forgotten

By the time the NBA season begins in October I will have forgotten the schedule. Because the NBA presented it to us I’m going to provide it for you:

Sunday: ABC, NBC/Peacock

Monday: Peacock/NBCSN

Tuesday: NBC/Peacock

Wednesday: ESPN

Thursday: Prime

Friday: Prime/ESPN

Saturday: Prime/ABC 

The Knicks, Spurs, Sixers and Lakers will be in action 34 times, the Thunder for 30. To check a few other teams the Celtics will make 27 appearances while the playoff Pistons and Cavs only appear 19 and 17 times, respectively. At this point apparently the Clippers are no longer the draw they were with no Kawhi Leonard on the roster, they will play 8 times. The Bucks minus Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Grizzlies with no Jae Morant will only appear twice the same as the Pelicans and Kings.

Jeopardy

The headline above references the long-running television quiz show Jeopardy!, where contestants must respond in the form of a question. With that in mind, I’ll say, “I’ll take things you have no control over for $400.” Since the Lakers were sold again less than a year after the previous purchase, several podcasters and media members have questioned it. The news surprised me too, and I said as much, but I’ve moved on.

Unless someone was prepared to offer Mark Walter a larger purchase price—just kidding, folks—there is little reason to keep questioning the sale. There are plenty of issues, some daily, that we cannot control. We discuss them, then move on, and that applies here. The sale is still too recent to know what will happen under the Kushner/Iger ownership group. This is only my speculation, but I don’t believe they bought the Lakers to move the team to Las Vegas. Like the Celtics or Knicks, the Lakers occupy a place in the NBA that makes relocation almost unthinkable. Future updates will be provided as notable developments occur.