Bits n Pieces
Jason Kidd becoming a head coach is not a real surprise after all he operated as a point guard during his NBA career. I’m sure we could imagine him as a head coach prior to his Nets hire. There are other former players it’s hard to imagine them in the same position. My observation has nothing to do with intellect it’s more the ability to communicate in an effective manner. Many of us were witness to what a terrible coach Magic Johnson made. I could add the names of Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan to my short list. Why not draft your list.
One surprise and one I figured, any idea what Euro nation has produced the most NBA players? I’ll save you research in fact I didn’t do any research either but SI.com did. They claim a tie exists between France and Bosnia Herzegovina. For me France was not surprising Bosnia Herzegovina was. If I had taken a guess I would have figured Germany or Russia. The column went on to point out the most populace nation of the world India is yet to produce an NBA player.
I discovered listening to Dan Patrick’s morning show Doc Rivers is no fan of Bill Simmons either. If you hadn’t heard the story Simmons stated “Rivers had quit on the Celtics.” This is a paraphrase of Doc’s response; he said “we can debate Simmons value to the (NBA) broadcast. You know I don’t respond to these statements.” Later I saw video from draft night where Rivers informed ESPN’s Doris Burke; “I’d like to call him (Simmons) an idiot.” Please don’t tell anyone, this might be considered heresy. Larry Laker admires Doc despite his Celtic and now Clipper connection.
Free agent signings and trades in the NBA are not official until July 10. How come we are bombarded with signings and trades that haven’t “officially” occurred? One of those questions for you to ponder. Every time a story is reported on Dwight Howard I either change the channel or mute the sound. Of course I’m not reading anything either.
Don’t wish to shock you but this Mizzou fan is hoping Kansas fans are patient. There is no doubting the talent of Andrew Wiggins but success on the court is the concern. Kansas has no returning starters and Wiggins is expected to lead them to another successful season.
NBA Summer League begins next week; Orlando is the site from July 7-12. The games then move to Las Vegas from July 12 through the 22. A number of recent draftees and 2nd year players will be on display. If this is your first opportunity to view summer play don’t set your expectations too high. The teams are not always cohesive having come together so recently. Occasionally you will see a “diamond in the rough.” Last summer was my first opportunity to witness the play of Damian Lillard 2013 NBA Rookie of the Year.
The Celtics continue to surprise, take that back shock. Doc Rivers is being replaced by 36-year old Brad Stevens former Butler coach. Stevens certainly has an outstanding collegiate record but can he translate that success to the NBA? Only time will provide that answer.
He is officially history
The promise of an All-Pro career was never fulfilled, that was the promise of second pick Darko Milicic. He was the second player chosen in the 2003 NBA Draft, chosen ahead of him was LeBron James, behind him Carmelo Anthony. The next few players chosen were Chris Bosh and Dwayne Wade. Of the first five players chosen in the draft four have distinguished themselves the exception of course is Milicic. 7 feet tall and 275 pounds it appeared Milicic had the tools that would lead to All-Pro career. After failing to crack the Pistons lineup he drifted to the Magic, the Grizzlies, Knicks and Wolves. Eventually Milicic landed in Boston where it was hoped he could resurrect what was left of an undistinguished career. He spent but one month with the Celtics and requested his release in November 2012. That was the last of Milicic’s NBA career; recently he made it official he is through with the NBA.
