David who?
In June the Cavs announced they hired David Blatt as head coach, most of us probably had a puzzled look on face asking the question “who is David Blatt”? The media noted LeBron James is returning to Cleveland to play for a coach nobody knows. David Blatt might be an unknown however his coaching resume is quite extensive. He was a point guard at Princeton and played for the legendary Pete Carril while at the school. When he graduated in 1981 Blatt was not drafted however he begins a playing career in Israel. In 1993 Blatt begin coaching and that led him to several stops in both Israel and Russia. No one can argue he will have an adjustment period to the NBA, no one can make the clam he’s an inexperienced coach.
Part II
This story is titled Part II due to its connection to the Blatt story. Several of you might remember I wrote a number of college coaches are approached each year as perspective NBA coaches. It seemed the same names were always mentioned by the media. You know them, Calipari, Coach K. and Self, there are others but those are just a few. Recently Kansas Coach Bill Self reveals the Cavs contacted him about filling the head coaching position. He provided no further details but the story is interesting, did Self responding in the negative open the door for Blatt? You think Self might be regretting his decision now that LeBron’s on the scene?
He ain’t LeBron or Carmelo
Allow me to explain upfront I’m partial to Jeremy Lin; I’ve been a fan of Lin since his Harvard days. Although Ivy League basketball is not always readily available on television I managed to view several games. After seeing Lin’s name on several mock draft sites I believed he was headed to some NBA team I hope it would be the Lakers. That was not the case as he had several brief stops before “arriving” with D’Antoni’s Knicks and “Linsanity”. He would sign a free-agent contract with the Rockets that summer. His trade to the Lakers was surprising no shocking to this Laker fan. He’d been rumored headed to Philly but the deal fell through. The Lakers obtained Lin surrendering a player they received in a trade who most likely will never appear in an NBA jersey.
The Lakers received a future 1st round pick and a 2015 second round pick as well in the trade. Lin is signed to a 1-year deal and the better news his contract will not impact the Lakers salary cap next season. The Lakers should be active in the free agent market in 2015. I read someone described him in this manner; “Lin is part of the new breed point guards, a shoot first point guard. “ Holdover Kendall Marshall is the opposite skillful at passing but a reluctant shooter. I don’t believe Lin’s shoot first mentally will conflict with Kobe Bryant. My other concern is Lin’s defense, it’s unnecessary for him to be a great defender but he must be adequate. Lin lost playing time last season to Patrick Beverly who Coach McHale believed was a better defender.
They dominate the market
Basketball shoe endorsements are more prominent in the NBA than any other sport. NFL, MLB and MSL athletes all endorse shoes but it is certainly more prominent in the NBA. Nike dominates the basketball shoe market world wide; in fact it was pointed out the corporation controls 92% of the athletic shoe market. Leadership in the world extends to NBA players too; think seven of the top ten shoe contracts are paid by Nike. Dwight Howard, Dwayne Wade and Derrick Rose are in the top ten and the only top ten not under contract to Nike.
First he’s stayin’ now he’s going?
David Blatt stated “there was no way the Cavs would trade Andrew Wiggins.” There was no reason to doubt the statement made by the Cavs coach, recently news has changed on the matter. Late reports on a number of news sources state the trade is being discussed again. 2014 number one pick Wiggins headed to the Wolves in exchange for Kevin Love. Once again Blatt claims these are rumors sparked by the media. Wiggins is on a tear in the NBA Summer League, although it’s not the regular season he looks good. Most recently he scored 21 points and grabbed 5 rebounds and played sparkling defense. I believe Kevin Love is a talent however Chris Broussard of ESPN is claiming the Cavs have offered Wiggins, 2013 pick Anthony Bennett and their number one pick in 2015. Bennett playing better during the summer this certainly would appear lopsided in favor of the Wolves.
