NBA Europe
Commissioner Stern has raised the issue of the NBA in Europe again. He seems to want this as one of the legacies of his tenure as commissioner. Tomorrow will be another effort to access his hope. The Knicks and Pistons are scheduled to play at 02 Stadium in London. This has never been a fan issue; there are plenty of NBA fans in London and elsewhere in Europe and the world. The issue is still travel distance and time zone. Until we can effectively manage the travel issue I’m not sure if NBA Europe is advisable.  Of course David Stern and I have opposing views of the issue; he wants the NBA in Europe in 20 years.  The first occasion I read about the plan I assumed it would be modeled similar to NFL Europe, forget that it's not similar.   

With his plan NBA teams in Barcelona, Paris or London would compete with the Lakers, Knicks and Heat. I utilized travelmath.com for the computations that follow. Check this out flight time from Barcelona to Los Angeles is 12 hours and 2 minutes. This is based on flying at an average speed of 500 mph (804.67 km). The time fails to take into consideration the number of time zones a person must cross and the adjustments of the human body. Familiar with the term “jet-lag”? Before folks misconstrue my view I realize diplomats and numbers of business people travel the world. How they handle jet lag I have no idea but I speak as the voice of experience, it’s real. We have no idea what travel will be in 20 years, a method to reduce the number of hours might be in place. At this point all I can say I understand Stern’s intent I’m just not sure if it’s feasible based on 2013 standards. Finally there is the issue of the existing Euro pro teams; I’ve read nothing emanating from Stern’s office regarding them. Has he taken into consideration this might force an Élan Chalon team out of business.

I see the problem
By now Laker fans (and others) understand the problem. Before you run off into the other room screaming “I told you so” allow me to explain. With a full complement the 2012-13 Lakers are scoring at a higher clip than last year’s team. They are giving up far more points than last year’s team. For those who want to point your finger at Mike D’Antoni it’s my belief he might be only 35 or 40 percent of the problem. The other 60 percent of the defensive problems rests with the players. Scoring 100+ points for this team is easy; the problem is giving up 105 on the defensive end.

Okay it's the middle of January I give you permission to accuse me of living in a dream world.  This team can make the playoffs, it's going to be difficult but they could be a 7th or 8th seed.  As for a championship this year that might be a different matter.  I did have a laugh last week with a website attempt to promote heated discussion after Friday’s loss to the Thunder. They wrote; “Nicholson leaves early from Thunder game.” Over the years we’ve witnessed Jack’s early exit from Laker victories! I’m sure Jack and other Laker fans share a mutual concern however a less than stellar performance is no reason to abandon ship.

Sudan in the house
This is a re-write of an earlier story for those who might not have read it. Make note the name Thon Maker; in one publication he’s listed as the number one prospect in the Class of 2016. It will be interesting following the development of his game over the next four years. Maker originally from Sudan in East Africa is another potential talent who’s managed to “find” his way to the U.S. Maker is a wiry 7-footer although his game is raw has managed to draw enough attention for the number one ranking. Maker had attended Metairie Park Country Day School in Metairie Louisiana. In November Maker transferred to the Carlisle School located in Axton, Virginia. Carlisle is a private academy and is located about 200 miles southwest of Richmond near the Virginia-North Carolina border.

New York City basketball
I was viewing NBA TV and the gang the other day. They were arguing which state produced the most basketball talent. Naturally Californian Reggie Miller said it was his home state. They went back and forth however Kenny “The Jet” Smith made a valid point; he said it was New York. His counter view to Miller was “you’re talking the entire state; I’m only talking New York City.” Smith went on to provide a short list of the talented players the city has produced. You hear the name Bob Cousy and you think Celtics but Cousy grew up in New York City.

All-time NBA scoring leader Kareem Abdul Jabbar calls New York City home. Chris Mullin played his college ball at St. John’s University (NYC) blocks from where he grew up. The Bronx borough sent Nate “Tiny” Archibald to Texas-El Paseo and the NBA. Active players, Laker Ron Artest a.k.a. Metta World Peace and Lamar Odom of the Clippers honed their basketball skills in Queens. Kemba Walker of the Bobcats is from the Bronx. Reggie is correct; the State of California has produced a large number of college and pro players. Smith is correct as well, New York City has produced a significant number of outstanding athletes.