I’m curious
Stories have circulated regarding Phil Jackson’s impact with the Knicks. We are viewing this portrait as it’s placed on the easel, he‘s only beginning to paint his masterpiece. . We have no idea how many different combinations of paint will eventually be required to complete his work. This account is not intended to be complete; it only reflects a few of the questions we could foresee. For the time being general manager Steve Mills will remain with the team and report to Phil Jackson. Jackson now has his man in place hiring Derek Fisher. Fisher is certainly familiar with the triangle offense which most likely becomes the teams’ offense.
Finally the roster and there lies most of the problems of this team. The Knicks roster is an assortment of one-dimensional players who are paid far more than they contribute. One upon a time Amare Stoudamire was a valued player, injuries have robbed him of much of the offensive skill he once possessed. Cleanthony Early and Shane Larkin wil add youth along with newcomer veterans Jose Calderon and Samuel Dalenmbert. The key of course remains Carmelo Anthony. He seems to be receptive to the Jackson hire indicating “he’d adapt his game with the change.” Exactly what is Anthony saying; Jackson will not be coaching this team.
No “Love“ here
I respect Coach K. however I believe he’s off-base but he’s not alone. Several in the media have agreed with the coach the Cavs should acquire Kevin Love even if it means trading Andrew Wiggins. I heard a reporter describe Love as “A double-double machine, “I’ve never stated Love was untalented or even unwanted it becomes a matter of what you get. ESPN’s Chris Broussard is the first media person I heard provides details. Broussard said Wiggins plus 2013 number one Andrew Bennett and the Cavs 2015 pick would be included in any trade. A signed Wiggins cannot be traded for 30 days according to the NBA. For reasons unknown the Bulls are also attempting to acquire Love. My question might be why? They signed free agent Pau Gasol, in addition the Bulls have also acquired Nikola Mirotić 6-10 power forward that played for Real Madrid (Spain).
He’s skipping school
Mustang Nation has been in frenzy the last few years, the arrival of senior citizen Coach Larry Brown revitalized SMU’s basketball program. The school barely missed the NCAA Tournament this past season and even made an appearance in the Top 25. Last fall Dallas native Emmanuel Mudiay verbally committed to this improving SMU program. In the school’s basketball history it’s believed the school had never been a destination by such a high profile prospect. The 6-5 200 pound point guard was rated the number two prospect in the Class of 2014 by Rivals.com. Now for the bad news, recently Mudiay announced he’d changed his mind on SMU.
Mudiay will be on his way to China to play professionally; he will sign a 1-year contract for $1.2 million dollars and return in time for the 2015 NBA Draft. This is where the D-League fails to live up to what it was intended to do. Despite the perils of an 18-year old journeying to another country it appears Mudiay is willing, besides the fact the pay ain’t bad. I am unfamiliar with basketball in China, I have no idea how much instruction Mudiay will receive. It’s likely the NBA D-League can provide superior coaching but cannot offer the monetary reward. There might be other high school talent desiring to play in the NBA who might chance playing in Europe or Asia over one and done in college.
Choices
Our lives are full of choices, do we choose university A or university B? After graduating we are faced with employment choices, which perspective position is the best for us? Yes we are faced with choices even NBA players face this dilemma. LeBron chose to go home, Carmelo chose the money, and Bosh chose another city but changed his mind and decided on the money. The Rockets Chandler Parson deciding between Dallas and Houston chose Dallas. Parsons is just one of the many free-agents left to make a choice of a possible destination. We must include Pau Gasol, faced with the choice of three possibly four teams including the Lakers chose the Bulls. Luol Deng chose the Heat while debating a team. Choices are good as long as you make what you hope is the correct one.
Collegiate Hall of Fame
This not a knock on Shaquille O’Neal just the facts as I understand them. The Collegiate Hall of Fame in Kansas City announced “The Big Aristotle” or whatever name he is currently utilizing will be enshrined in November. At some date in the future he will be accorded the same honor in the Naismith Hall of Fame. As for other former players being honored this year Shaq is the only one who failed to play four years. The others Darrell Griffith of Louisville, Grant Hill of Duke and Zelmo Beatty of NAIA Prairie View all played four years. We must take into consideration Griffith, Hill and Beatty all played in a different era; they played in an era when players didn’t leave school early. Shaq’s LSU numbers are certainly considerable, 22 points and 14 rebounds a year for his 3 college years. Perhaps this is the future, outstanding collegiate players enshrined in the Collegiate Hall of Fame who don’t play 4 years.
Still no coach
I think all Laker fans are curious, the roster has practically been assembled and still there is no head coach. The question of a coach first surfaced last month prior to the draft. General Manager Mitch Kupchek had clearly stated; “There is no requirement to have a coach in place for the draft." Okay Mitch we understood that, what’s the holdup now? For all those folks who believe the Lakers are waiting for Doc Rivers to resign forget that. With lawsuits emanating daily from the Sterling camp you really believe he’d allow Rivers to break a contract? We can forget about Rivers as Laker coach I believe it’s either Byron Scott or a high profile college coach.
