“Just do it!”
The NBA Championship is yet to be decided with the series tied 2-2. The tag line of this story is no longer used by Nike. Just do it was the phrase used by Nike in its commercials to say make an effort, there is no need to inform us of your intentions.  After a poor performance in game three LeBron James in the post-game press conference promised he’d play better.  Hey LeBron, no need to inform us "just do it!" 

Change the name???
NBA name changes for several franchises must be in the wind, the Hornets would become the Pelicans. The Bobcats will soon become the Hornets and it’s reported a name change might be in the works for the Raptors. There are several teams that could have undergone a name change in the past. New Orleans indirectly has been responsible for much of the confusion. The Jazz name traveled from New Orleans to Salt Lake City at the time the franchise moved. I wonder how many jazz venues exist in Utah’s capital city. We should include the Grizzlies in this account. Grizzlies’ are native to the Northwest Pacific States and Southern Canada. It should be pointed out the franchise was an expansion team for the city of Vancouver British Columbia and re-located to Memphis.

As for others how about the Magic? We know what magic is and it ain't a basketball team. We suspect they are given a pass on the name due to the franchise being located in Orlando Florida. Of course Orlando is home of Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. I wrote previously the Wolves receive a pass too with a state name rather than city. The thought might have been to not offend either Minneapolis or St. Paul at the time the baseball Senators located there and became the Twins. Later the NFL Vikings followed their lead and adopted the state name rather than city. I think we realize there are few lakes in and around Los Angeles. Of course Lakers refers to the Land of 1,000 Lakes Minnesota and the Minneapolis Lakers.

Team USA will never ever accept silver medals
I listened to Doug Collins describe the controversy surrounding Team USA’s 1972 Olympic team. First realize in that day Team USA was comprised entirely of collegiate athletes, no NBA players. There is a great quantity of specifics available for you to read, examine the details for further insight. It was a different era and world politics may have played a role in the 51-50 victory by the former Soviet Union. After losing the game and later losing an appeal Team USA voted to never accept Silver Medals. 41 years later the medals remain in the possession of the International Olympic Committee. Collins mentioned one of his team members has a stipulation in his will; his children are to never accept the medal.

Every coach deserves another opportunity
I will admit up front I haven’t paid a great deal of attention to the Hawks. I wrote a few weeks back it’s my belief Atlanta problems are more than the coach. Larry Drew was “fired” before he was officially let go. A number of media outlets were reporting he was history prior to the teams’ official notification. I guess Drew probably felt the pressure as he interviewed with Milwaukee which needed to hire a coach. As soon as the Hawks announced their new coach the Bucks announced Drew had been hired to guide the Bucks. Drew’s record with the Hawks, 128-102 .557 percentage, in his three years the team twice won 44 games. He led them into the playoffs every year under his leadership. Drew from Kansas City Kansas played his college ball at Mizzou.  (stats Wikipedia)

Speaking of coaches
In a move that defies logic the Grizzlies chose to not renew Lionel Hollins contract. The Grizzlies are a good team; good teams need a good coach who replaces him? In other moves it appears Maurice Cheeks has been hired by the Pistons. Unlike the Hollins case the jury is still out as to Cheeks ability to lead a team to success. Drew Sharp, Detroit Free Press pointed out “the Pistons have gone through 7 coaches in 10 years.” Maurice Cheeks the player a thumbs up, Cheeks the coach has a mixed record. The Pistons require a name coach to turn this team around, I’m afraid it’s not Cheeks. His Blazer team finished above .500 his first year at the helm, over the next seven years with the Blazers and 76ers his teams never finished above .500.

In a surprise move too many Jason Kidd let it know he wanted to become a head coach. Even more surprising the Nets will allow him the opportunity a return to the team he once led at its point guard. Junior is unhappy, Patrick Ewing Jr. who indicated displeasure at the Kidd hiring. He wasn’t upset with Kidd it was the fact I pointed out awhile back. For reasons unknown Ewing Sr. has been unable to secure a head coaching position except in the D-League. Maybe even more surprising is Glen “Doc” Rivers. He is making noises as if he might be through coaching. Finished in Boston but maybe not just finished coaching. The Celtics like their long-time Laker rivals require a re-build. It’s my belief Doc subscribes to the Phil Jackson outlook on coaching in the NBA, “I don’t build teams I coach teams made up of veteran players.”