Bits n Pieces

I had to search the record books, I couldn't remember the date. It was 1985 the last time the Lakers were trounced this badly in a playoff game. The Thunder 119, Laker impersonators 90, I don't think this was the "real" Lakers was it?  In any event the 1985 game was played on Memorial Day and it became known as the "Memorial Day Massacre." The Boston Celtics trounced the Lakers 148-114 that year. The Lakers won the series 4-2. When I reminded an acquaintance he said, "that team had Magic, Worthy, Scott and Kareem."

Commissioner David Stern indicates he will raise the issue of a shorter season to the owners. This contradicts an earlier position taken by deputy commissioner Adam Silver. With a full training camp there's no reason why a 66 game schedule couldn't work successfully. Silver had earlier expressed a concern losing revenue based on a shorter season. We know how that works, won't they just raise ticket prices to off-set the lesser number of games?

Walt "Clyde" Frazier has been part of the New York scene for seems like an eternity. Anyone under the age of 40 might assume Clyde's a native New Yorker. This 67-year old is actually a native of Atlanta by way of Southern Illinois University. This Hall of Fame player spent the bulk of his NBA career as a member of the Knicks, he help lead them to the 1970 and 1973 NBA championships. Since his retirement he's provided color commentary for Knick broadcasts on radio and television since 1987. In addition Clyde is now in the restaurant business opening Clyde Frazier's Wine and Dine. The restaurant is located at 485 10 Ave, between 38th St & 37th Street.

Just when you think you've heard it all you hear one more story this from a suburban Little Rock school. "An Arkansas mother has sued her son's high school for cutting her son from the school's varsity basketball team, claiming that he was deprived the right of a full education because he was not allowed to take part in school athletics. Her son spent two months as part of the team after qualifying through two tryouts in August only to be replaced three months later by a member of the football team." I wonder if it's too late for me to sue my fourth grade coach and school for cutting me? I might have had an NBA career who knows? (USA Today)

I'm doing the same thing

The tape indicates Kentucky's Anthony Davis is 6-10 and 220 pounds. Will he become a power forward in the NBA or could he play the center position? The question certainly cannot be answered at this point but I will provide you an example of my scouting knowledge. What am I doing the same, comparing Davis with a present NBA player which is certainly not always fair. There are probably other examples but for me Marcus Camby comes to mind, I remember seeing him at UMass and thought "this guy is too skinny for the NBA, they will break him apart I thought. Camby is 6-11 and 235 pounds slightly taller and heavier than Davis but has managed a 16-year NBA career. Camby certainly has never been embraced for his scoring ability but teams have wanted him for his shot-blocking and defensive ability. This in no way is intended to forecast future success for Anthony Davis but if he manages to land with the right team he too might have a successful and long NBA career. Most likely Davis will be drafted by a bad team, the up side he plays immediately. The downside players sometimes become accustom to losing which is not good.

I'm impressed

Accomplishments off the court are just as worthy of note. Recently Shaquille O' Neal received his Ph.D from Barry University in Miami Shores Florida. O'Neal left LSU after his junior year but promised his mom he would graduate college. Promise fulfilled, he returned to LSU complete his undergraduate degree but didn't stop there. He went on to graduate school and to complete his educational endeavor--a PH.D. Most noteworthy, he returned to school when there was no requirement except to please his mother. Hopefully this might provide incentive for others early entry athletes. Congratulations are certainly in order for Doctor O'Neal.