Oh no, not again
Kobe Bryant was injured in Tuesdays game, he will miss a minimum of six weeks after suffering a fracture of the lateral tibial. Additional comment in Monday's edition of Words eye view.
They have money to burn
The Rockets would trade disgruntled center Omer Asik by December 19th. That story has been circulating for a few weeks now after Coach McHale discovered he and Howard could not be twin towers. As I pointed out previously we fans especially those of the Lakers need only look at this past season. Either Howard couldn’t or wouldn’t adapt to D’Antoni’s system with Gasol in the lineup. It’s not close to midnight as this is written but it appears a trade (at least for now) will not occur. Asik was reported to be headed to either the Celtics or 76ers but neither appeared to be finalized. The money to burn headline, Asik is being paid $10 million dollars a year to occupy a seat on the bench. I think I could swap places with Asik since there is no requirement for me to play center.
How long are you given a free pass?
Colin Cowherd of ESPN was discussing NFL football and its coaches one morning. He made the statement “how long does a coach receive a free pass when he‘s no longer been on the sidelines?” I believe Cowherd was referring to the fact at the time job openings occur the same few names always are mentioned. He pointed out two names always mentioned one of them being Jon Gruden. It was Cowherd’s belief winning a championship one time does not guarantee a life-time free pass. He pointed out Gruden and others as television analysts have removed themselves from the coaching ranks.
I don’t believe Cowherd was picking on Gruden and neither am I however it’s been 5 years since he last served as head coach. It’s been even further for his Super Bowl win (2003). Cowherd was discussing the NFL however I agree with his assessment. The same issue whether it’s media driven or not exists in the NBA. Former Knicks and Rocket Coach Jeff Van Gundy’s name continues to crop up whenever a coaching position opens. There is a key difference in my view; Gruden did lead his team to a successful Super Bowl win. Van Gundy teams have played in one NBA finals over the course of his 11 year coaching career.
Isn’t that interesting?
Someone points out a fact you were aware you had not voice it. A friend said; “have you noticed the kids who attend mid-majors (his word) remain in school four years. This is unlike the one and done players who might attend Kansas or Kentucky. These teams actually have a number of seniors. I said, “You realize the location of the school has nothing to do with a players NBA ability? Doug McDermott at Creighton will be drafted in June. Last year’s Rookie of the Year Damian Lillard played at Weber State.” An NBA team might be better served drafting an athlete from one of the smaller schools. Four years of play under their belt might better prepare them for NBA play.
What did they accomplish?
According to a panel of sports economists assembled by ESPN they claim the draft “fails to make bad teams good.” First off I have no economics degree however I think I can agree with most of their conclusions. I might ask the question is it really necessary to build your team through the draft? The number of NBA teams who are playoff bound and capable of winning a championship is small.
Of the 30 NBA teams realistically only 6 or 7 NBA teams in serious contention every season.
Teams rise and fall, as example a few years back the Blazers looked as though they were going to move up. Through a series of incidents they fell back as a contender. They have moved back to the contender status after a several player moves. The question is easier answered than implemented. It’s my belief if you must have an anchor you can build around. There are three keys; capable coaching, first-rate front office and quality scouting are essential to deep playoff runs in successive seasons.
