The Bzzzzzzz is back, well not yet but soon
I rack my brain to figure out if this has occurred previously in sports history. A team (Charlotte) locates to another city (New Orleans) years later chooses a new name (Pelicans) their former name (Hornets) is then adopted by the replacement team (Bobcats). This series of events has now concluded, the NBA Board of Governors approved a name change which takes affect in 2014-15. The Bobcats name will disappear from the NBA being replaced by the Hornets a name Charlotte appears to love. The Hornets originally came into existence as an expansion franchise for the City of Charlotte, later the franchise moved to New Orleans but maintained the Hornets name. Enter new owner Tom Benson, this owner wanted a name more reflective of New Orleans and the State of Louisiana. The Hornets will be re-born as the Pelicans for the 2013-14 season. For reasons too numerous to detail Charlotte fans always believed the Hornets name belonged to them, it was just loaned to New Orleans.
The new arena
Warriors’ management released a revised design of the arena to be built on Piers 30-32 in San Francisco. To update you the planned arena will seat 18,000 versus 19,596 in Oracle Arena; a practice facility will also be part of the complex. Why a new arena you ask, Oracle is now one of the oldest arenas in use having opened in 1966. Oracle was renovated in 1996-97 now 16 years ago. The arena architectural and design team is Snøhetta and AECOM, the latter company is a Kansas City sports design firm. Kansas City based architectural firms have designed over half of the NBA arenas in use currently.
Research
My intent is to provide as accurate information as possible, opinions or views is a totally different matter. You might not agree with a position I take and that’s okay, providing correct information is far more important to me. With that statement out of the way allow me to delve into this story. A few weeks back I indicated a SI.com writer stated Bosnia-Herzegovina had produced the most foreign born NBA players. With Canadian Anthony Bennett drafted number one in last months NBA draft I decided to conduct my own research. According to Wikipedia thought the 2012-13 NBA season our northern neighbor Canada has produced the most players. Canada leads the way with 24 players; the nation I thought might be the leader France has produced a total of 20 while Serbia is number three with 18. Australia and Spain with 13 are tied for fourth while Nigeria and Croatia finish fifth with 12.
I’m glad
The Knicks have signed Metta World Peace to a 2-year contract, now his journey is complete. He arrived in Los Angeles as Ron Artest; he came to the Lakers with a highly volatile athlete. His reputation preceded him based on past incidents while a member of the Pacers and Kings. As a Laker all he spoke of on arrival was “helping Kobe win another ring.” Artest later to change his name to Metta World Peace did just that, his crisp defense and timely offense aided the Lakers in 2010. Artest as he was then known scored 20 points and sunk a clutch 3-pointer against the Celtics, the shot and his defense enable the Lakers to win their 16th NBA Championship. It distressed me to read the Lakers intended to amnesty MWP in order to save money, sad to see him leave but agreed with management it was time to re-tool this team.
Despite the desire for a championship ring MWP auctioned it off almost immediately. It was MWP’s desire the proceeds from the auction be donated to a local mental health facility. Viewing the Knicks game on NBA TV Walt Frazier was discussing the acquisition of MWP. He claims the then Ron Artest playing at St. Johns was visibly upset at the 1999 NBA Draft, he was passed over by his hometown Knicks. They selected 7-2 Frederic Weiss with the 15th pick and were followed by the Bulls selecting Artest with the next pick. Weiss never left his home country of France for the NBA and might be better known for the Vince Carter dunk. The 6-6 Carter on a break rose up and over Weiss (it's available on YouTube) for the slam. Get ready New York and Queensbridge----MWP is on his way home.
A change at the point
He might not be as slick a passer as Phil Pressey but he’s got at least two advantages. I’m referring to Tulsa transfer Jordan Clarkson; he’s gone on record indicating he wants the job. It’s the middle of summer, who becomes Mizzou’s point guard is yet to be decided. The advantages height, Clarkson is 6-5 while the diminutive Pressey stood 5-11 maybe. For every sharp pass Pressey dished out his shooting frustrated most of the Mizzou faithful. Clarkson’s last season at Tulsa saw him shoot 44% from the floor and 16.5 ppg.
As for Pressey he scored at an 11.9 ppg clip which isn’t bad but shoots an anemic 38% from the floor. I know this might appear I’m trashing Pressey that is not my intent; he was certainly talented enough to lead Mizzou to a number of victories. The problem, unforced turnovers and poor shooting exuberated itself last season. In fairness to him maybe he felt pressure being the only point guard on the roster after Michael Dixon Jr. was dismissed. Pressey’s signed a free agent contract with the Celtics and with the Celtic housecleaning this might be an opportune time for Pressey to gain a roster spot.
