I wish 
We could just admire the skill of LeBron James rather than formulate comparisons. No augment with anyone James is the best in this era, the best ever? That is still a debate issue for me (and maybe others). This is a tweet from ESPN’s Chris Palmer on Wednesday; “Somehow LeBron has more career triple doubles than MJ and Kobe.” Palmer wants to compare how about a weight height comparison. MJ’s numbers, 6-6 195 pounds as for Kobe he is the same height and weighs a little more at 205 pounds. James is 6-8 and 250 pounds although a number of sights have him listed as 265 pounds. Clearly there is a height and weight advantage for James over MJ and Kobe. In addition MJ and Kobe are shooting guards and James is a small forward. We realize Oscar Robertson (6-5 205) represents ancient history, he managed to average a triple-double for an entire season.

It could happen
Chad Ford posed an interesting question, “now that Cleveland has won the lottery would they trade the pick?” It’s an interesting thought, before you say that’s crazy ponder this. The Cavs (depending on the player(s) acquired) might become competitive immediately. I didn’t state they would be NBA Champs but they could become a plus .500 team. You say it couldn’t occur. The Lakers held the Cavs number one pick in the ‘82 draft, they used the pick to draft Hall of Fame athlete James “Big Game” Worthy. Those ‘82 Lakers were a much better team than the current Cavs.

Consider this, they trade the number one pick they have the 19, 31 and 33 pick in the 2013 draft. Even in a “weak” draft that’s not a bad hand to play. Just food for thought, maybe they will maybe they won’t. A clue Cavs fans if it occurs it ain’t gonna be for LeBron. While on the subject of the draft I heard an interesting story reported on a Kansas City sports talk radio program. In workouts it’s reported Mizzou’s Phil Pressey is “over penetrating and has difficulty getting off his shot.” Sounds familar to Tiger fans the player we loved and hated at the same time.

If you only follow the college game I understand
I have an acquaintance that only follows the college game. Ralph informed me “with no basketball I’m lost till October, I cannot do baseball etc., etc.” If you follow all elements of the game there is no need to be lost. Of course you must be a true believer to follow this plan. You can I repeat can maintain a basketball presence 12 months of the year; of course much of it slows during the summer months. After the NBA Championship is resolved (middle of June) the NBA Draft is held shortly thereafter.

NBA Summer League basketball from Las Vegas and Orlando begins in early July, lasts about two weeks. You can view games from mid-morning to late afternoon. The games are available on NBA TV, if you live in or near Las Vegas/Orlando you can attend the games in person. July 1 begins the active often hectic NBA free agency period. As for the balance of the summer there is high school summer league basketball. AAU basketball games are held throughout the nation, Kansas City has at least two AAU tourneys. Basketball activity certainly slows during the summer however it doesn’t fade away totally, that is for a number of us.

Well now
I came across a bit of vital information to Mizzou fans. All of us were really disappointed by the quick exit losing to Colorado State in the NCAA tourney. If this reads as an excuse on my part so be it. This was not a Norfolk State repeat, last year Mizzou was the higher seed. Norfolk State upset Mizzou. This past year was totally different, Colorado State was an eight seed and Mizzou a nine. Higher seeds certainly have upset teams beneath them as we know but an 8-9 match is generally considered a toss up, either team could win. ESPN’s Bracktology expert Joe Lunardi has penciled in Mizzou in the NCAA field of 68 next season.

He wants to return
Its apparent Phil Jackson’s retirement is about to come to an end, he’s making noises about wanting back in the game. We don’t know where he will eventually land however we know where he ain’t going. He’s not going to resurface in any capacity with the Lakers, at least with Jim Buss in place. Despite Phil Jackson’s relationship with Jeannie Buss she has been unable to persuade her brother to accept PJ. It could happen; Jeannie is able to convince Jim to hire PJ in some capacity. How about the team he once played the Knicks? Would PJ head east to become general manager of the team? Chicago is not in the equation; Jerry Krause is no longer on the scene but the “bridge might have been permanently burned.” PJ wouldn’t go to Boston in any capacity, there is probably animosity remaining from the Aurbach comments regarding his coaching record.  There are just a few teams that could afford to pay PJ the salary he might require---the Lakers, Bulls and Knicks.  Seattle is out of the question for now, his decision and destination remains open.