Listen to the man
"I'd never count Kobe out in anything." That was the quote by Antwan Jamison one-time teammate of Kobe Bryant. He was responding to a question regarding recovery from injury. Jamison recently signed a 1-year contract and will remain in Los Angeles however it will be with the Clippers. Understand where I'm going with this discussion? Jamison has no basis to remain on Kobe's good side; he's free to state whatever he believes about Kobe or anyone else for that matter.
Most of us had no opportunity to see him play
September 8 the Naismith Hall of Fame will induct another class of former players, coaches and contributors to the game. One of the enshrined will not be in attendance to provide his acceptance speech. Roger Brown who spent most of his career with the Pacers died in 1997. Most of us never had the opportunity to see Brown play he spent his career in the ABA prior to the merger. It’s my belief his exclusion from the NBA would not have occurred in today’s climate. The setting was 1960 the times were quite different. Brown, Connie Hawkins and several others were banned from NCAA play during ‘60’s due to a point shaving scandal. A number of players received money in exchange for not scoring points, thus gamblers were able to gain an advantage in placing bets. To clarify the story a bit gambler Jack Molinas provided Hawkins $250 but claimed he never ask “Hawk” to shave any points.
As for Brown there was never any indication he took money or shaved points, the misunderstanding he was acquainted with Molinas this was America in the ‘60’s. Years later Hawkins would sue the NBA and the high court would rule in his favor. “Hawk” arrived in the NBA as a 27-year old rookie his play for the Suns, Lakers and Hawks led to him to be inducted in the Hall of Fame. The NBA would resend its ban on Brown however he was to never play. Brown's numbers don’t provide much insight into his value to the Pacers franchise. Lets simply state this 6-5 guard is one of four Pacers in the teams history to have his jersey retired. Brown was excluded by the NBA but the Hall of Fame will correct the oversight it’s too bad he wasn’t honored during his lifetime. If NBA TV is available to you be sure to view the ceremony and discover Roger Brown.
Is there movement in H-Town?
Immediately after Dwight Howard signed with the Rockets Omer Asik requested a trade. The belief is Asik last seasons starting center did not desire to play a backup role. The Rockets stated they had no intentions of trading him and he would remain on the roster. The latest Houston development was signing 38-year old free agent Marcus Camby. This is the last circuit around the NBA for Camby; he will certainly not play major minutes however a question remains. Will the Rockets retreat from their “we’re not trading him” stance on Asik they took earlier? Howard couldn’t play with 7-footer Pau Gasol how does it become easier with the 7-foot Asik the question might be asked?
“The World Wide Leader”
I’m not sure if ESPN still uses the catch phrase above, I thought of it do to the recent statement by its broadcast president. ESPN’s contract with the NBA expires after the 2015-16 season; President John Skinner says “they will do all they can to retain the broadcast rights.” This is news on several levels, first of all the first warning shot has been fired at Fox Sports 1. The recently re-branded Speed Channel intends to extend its telecasting footprint. The second portion is for NBA haters, they maintain the stance that nobody is watching the NBA anymore. Corporations such as the Disney Channel owner of ABC/ESPN make few moves considered unprofitable. If they believed the NBA was so unnecessary to their bottom line they would drop the broadcast like a hot potato. Despite the cynics we can safely conclude advertising dollars and viewers make the NBA profitable and well worth broadcasting.
I wonder if----
Hearnes Center former home of the Mizzou basketball team will re-open for basketball on October 25. The old arena built opened in 1972 is still in use for wrestling and volleyball, men’s’ and women’s’ basketball moved into Mizzou Arena. In 2004. An exhibition game against Oklahoma City University will be played but that’s only a portion of the story. The 1993-94 team has been invited to the game along with former Coach Norm Stewart. That team went undefeated 14-0 in the Big Eight and finished 28-4 will be honored. The team was led by guard Melvin Booker with an 18.1 scoring average and 4.5 assists per game, the elder Booker will be on hand for the game. Devin Booker Rivals 4-Star and number 27 player in the Class of 2014 may also attend. As was mentioned previously Mizzou has an offer on the table for 6-5 Devin. You suppose this might be one more effort to lure the son to Columbia?
