The ESPN website read, “Surprise, Surprise”
Their description of last night’s NBA Draft. Through the first five picks Nerlens Noel and Ben McLemore were seated watching the proceedings. All season long most mock draft sites had the pair listed either first or second. The fact their draft stock dropped is a little surprising however there might be an explanation. Noel possibility dropped due to recovery from injury. In addition his offensive game is limited, at 206 pounds is lacking weight at the center position.
As for McLemore reports were there were concerns about his lack of aggressiveness. Finally with the 6th pick the Pelicans of New Orleans choose Noel. McLemore was chosen immediately after with the 7th pick headed to Sacramento. There is no doubt in my mind there was no mock draft anywhere with the order chosen. Perhaps the biggest surprise of the evening (although not official) was the Celtics trading Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce to the Nets for Gerald Wallace and others plus draft picks. After 4.5 hours of Bill Simmons would somebody please explain to me his role on NBA telecast?
Did you hear this?
ESPN college basketball analyst Jay Bilas says; “there is 0 probability Victor Oladipo will fail in the NBA.” The only disclaimer he added; “I’m not saying he’s going to be All-Pro or he’s the next Dwayne Wade. Whatever team drafts him he will make better.” You might remember I pointed out I had tuned into an Indiana game last season hoping to view a Cody Zeller show. This 6-4 213 pound shooting guard led Indiana to a victory over Michigan State.
Will he make an NBA roster?
Is Gal Mekel too old for the NBA at age 25? That might be the first question regarding this player; he played two years at Wichita State leaving in 2008. Since then Mekel’s played for a number of pro teams most of them in Israel. He was selected Israeli basketball Super League MVP in 2011 and 2013. He’s worked out for the Bucks last week and will work out for the Mavs this week. He wasn’t drafted last night but could wind up on an NBA Summer League roster. Mekel certainly has good size at 6-4 at and 190.
I fell into the trap
Prior to the recent NBA Championship series Jen Floyd Engel of Fox Sports.com wrote a column that trapped me. It caused me to ask the question why she wrote it. The title of her column was; “I’ll take Pop over Phil any day.” Her intent (other than to stir controversy) was to provide us proof why Popovich was a better coach than Phil Jackson. Jen is certainly entitled to her opinion however once again why is this comparison even necessary? Jackson’s teams (Bulls and Lakers) have won 11 NBA Championships. The Spurs under Popovich have won 4 NBA Championships. Critics of Jackson claim he inherited a team (MJ, Pippen, Shaq and Kobe) which is true however there is another element. A team whatever the sport must have a quality leader--despite Jen that statement fits Phil Jackson.
What do you think?
The ESPN.com NBA page is always my first read, I’m unsure if other NBA websites are making the same statement. ESPN questions whether the Lakers should amnesty Kobe Bryant. I admit I am unfamiliar with all the components of the amnesty clause so I consulted Wikipedia. *“Each team is allowed to waive a player without having their salary count toward the salary cap or luxury tax. One player can be waived prior to the start of any season from 2011–12 through 2015–16. It can be exercised during the seven days that follow the July moratorium.
Each team is restricted to one "amnestied" player during that time. Only players signed prior to 2011–12 are eligible. Teams can claim an amnestied player at a reduced rate, with the waiving team responsible for paying the balance of the contract. The team with the highest bid acquires the player. If unclaimed, the player becomes a free agent. Teams over the salary cap can only acquire an amnestied player if he becomes a free agent, and the offer would be limited to the veteran's minimum contract." We are not in the position of general manager Mitch Kupchak or owner Jim Buss; we are not in a position to make the call. Neither am I so after reading this I will allow you to come to your own conclusion. (*Wikipedia)
He will refuse to write this story
The NBA has no monopoly on feel-good stories; the league certainly endures negative news reports. If you read Jason Whitlock of Fox Sports you might be led to believe only NBA players make the police blotter. This week Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez was arrested and charged with murder. At this point I am not going to assume guilt or innocence but I do intend to report this fact. According to an NBC News report Hernandez is just the latest of 27 NFL players this off-season charged with criminal activity. Rather than write about the NBA's problem it might serve a purpose if Whitlock checked his own site occasionally. The Fox Sports.com website of June 27 contains 22 photo pages of NFL players charged with criminal activity. Don’t misunderstand it’s not my intent to indict professional football. My problem in this instance is the writer who loves to focus on negative NBA news and virtually ignoring the NFL. Next time you read him and its negative toward the NBA remember this.
