Ray Allen and Steve Nash

Based on the number of emails Allen is receiving far more criticism for signing with the "enemy" than Steve Nash. Don't misunderstand my statement everyone in Phoenix is not pleased with the Nash signing. There is a clear reason why Allen is receiving more flack than Nash. Briefly stated the Lakers and Suns have matched up in the playoffs several times over the past several years. Early on the Suns were victors more often, recently the Lakers have become the more successful team. The last time the teams met in the playoffs two years ago the Lakers won the series 4-2. The last playoff meeting between the Celtics and Heat occurred a few weeks back, the Heat winning a tough match 4-3. I'm sure Allen joining the Heat is more displeasing to the vast majority of Celtic fans than Nash joining the Lakers. The Suns are in the early stages of rebuilding and indications were they didn't want to re-sign Nash at his present salary level. Fans of the Celtics and Suns might be upset but those are the facts.

 

"You can't teach tall"

I've uncovered another prospect for you to retain, he's 7 foot Thon Maker who just completed his 8th grade year at age 14. He is a Class of 2016 prospect originally from Australia however it's unnecessary to travel to Australia to witness him in action. Last season Maker attended Metairie Park Country Day School in Metairie (LA) near New Orleans. He looks polished and has smooth moves on the court, there is a downside to the story. At 7 feet Maker is probably a foot taller than most of his opposition, height aside the question might be asked will he continue to grow his game in the future? There's plenty of video available of him on the internet containing game action and him running through basketball drills. Check him out and see what you think the real surprise might be John Calipari hasn't offered him a scholarship yet.

Which State?
Among these states which do you suppose produces the most collegiate prospects Florida, Texas, California or New York? I have no numbers to validate the position I'm taking however Texas has begun to produce an ever increasing number of high school basketball talent. Rivals released it's top 5 prospects for 2013, they are Julius Randle the number three prospect is from Plano (Dallas) while twins Andrew and Aaron Harrison from Fort Bend (Houston) are listed as the number three and four. A long-ago joke stated Texas had two sports seasons, football and spring football that statement no longer rings true. The bulk of talent comes from the metro population centers of Dallas and Houston, however San Antonio, Austin and other areas also produce a significant amount of talent. Texas, A&M, Baylor and other schools throughout the state have benefited from this talent explosion. The state has produced so much talent in recent years it's become increasingly difficult to close the borders. The nation's colleges have been the beneficiary of Texas talent.

Mizzou and the NBA

I was pleased that Kim English and Marcus Denmon were both drafted. The second round is certainly no guarantee of an NBA success however a number of second round choices have gone on to long and distinguished NBA careers. Neither was regarded an NBA prospect last year, both had excellent senior years plus NBA tryouts that changed their status. It appears future Mizzou players might also hear their names announced, 2013 mock draft sites are projecting at least three teammates. Point guard Phil Pressey, 5-11 162 pounds, forward Laurence Bowers 6-9 210 pounds and Alex Oriakhi 6-9 240 pound transfer from UConn. Coach Haith and staff are out searching for future talent to enhance this Mizzou team over the next few years. There is a difference in recruiting, former coach Mike Anderson sought out a specific type of player one who could play his up-tempo "40 minutes of heck offense." No need to be that specific in Haith's offense, his staff can seek out athletes with a variety of skills. This is a great time to be a fan of Mizzou athletics, the excitement of a new conference (SEC) adds to the anticipation of a fruitful and productive football and basketball season.

He's a real pro

More than likely the Suns Grant Hill is not yet ready to hang up his basketball shoes. Once he does retire I could see him elected to both halls, the collegiate and Naismith after five years. Duke has sent a number of athletes into the NBA over the years but none as good as Hill, his numbers 17,044 points scored and a 17.1 ppg over a 17 year career. Many thought he would retire what has now become the middle portion of his NBA career. Injuries forced him to the sidelines after signing a free-agent contract with the Magic. He played only 4 games during the 2001-01 season and 14 games the following year, the third year he played 29 games. Once he arrived in Phoenix the trainers and weather resurrected his and extended his career. You cannot defeat Father Time however Hill was on the sidelines so frequently maybe he's only played 12 or so years. Over the course of his career Hill's been one of the good guys, one of those athletes you'd never read blaring headlines regarding bad behavior off the court. The Grant Hill of Detroit Piston days is a distant memory, with that said I still wouldn't have a problem if the Lakers chose to sign him. I could envision Hill with a championship ring on his finger in the twilight of a very distinguished NBA career.

Where are they headed?

I can't help but think the Mavs are headed in the opposite direction----downhill. I certainly don't consider myself a doom n gloom guy however the road in front of the Mavs doesn't look very promising. The unraveling of the Mavs all began last year after they won the 2011 NBA championship. In fairness to Mark Cuban he might have been looking ahead a couple of years to the time Dwight Howard and Deron Williams would become free agents. Cuban gambled, he allowed Tyson Chandler and Jose Barea to walk via free agency, the team needed to clear cap room. He rolled the dice again hoping 6th Man of the Year Lamar Odom would duplicate his previous year while a member of the Lakers. The reality of the 2011-12 season, Chandler was selected Defensive Player of the Year in a Knick uniform. Barea was one of the keys aiding the Wolves resurgence in the standings as the team won nine more games than the previous season. As for Odom we know what occurred with him, that story was detailed earlier. Last week Dallas native Deron Williams announced his intention to remain with the Nets, then Jason Terry made news. Terry valued 6th man of the Mavs signed an offer sheet with the Celtics. Point guard Jason Kidd is now headed to the Knicks to play behind Jeremy Lin should they re-sign him. With Terry leaving "Big D" Dirk Nowitzki becomes the only reliable offensive threat left but even he is a question. Nowitzki on ESPN Radio Dallas in May, "I'm too old to be part of a major rebuilding project." Is Dirk psychic, did he foresee this development two months ago? The future of the Mavs could change should Dwight Howard sign however we might ask the question (other than money) why?