Sometimes
I’m unsure if I wrote something or not so if this is a repeat forgive me. This morning at the barber shop the television was tuned to NBA TV. A commercial mentioned drafted names and one was Marcus Smart. My barber knows I’m a Laker fan, I said; “I wish the Lakers had drafted him.” My barber didn’t show me any sympathy stating; “he (Smart) was gone don’t cry about it.” I’m satisfied with the Julius Randle pick more on him later.  Most of the draft experts had the Lakers picking either Smart or Dante Exum. Both Smart and Exum could be considered more combo than pure point guard; I believe the Nash era (if it ever existed) is over. 

I’m unsure if this is Kendall Marshall’s team, or somebody else. I thought prior to the draft and still maintain my view the Lakers require a floor leader (besides Kobe). I certainly don’t want to appear trashing future Hall of Fame guard Nash. The problem in his two years with the team Nash has barely seen the floor due to injuries. Adding to the negativity is Nash himself stating; “I’m in it (Lakers) for the money” certainly is not viewed in the best light with some Laker fans. In closing as for Randle I’m okay with the pick, he should provide them an inside presence which was sorely lacking this past season. 

An early season test
Have you had an opportunity to check out Kentucky’s non-con schedule? They will play Kansas, Texas, North Carolina, UCLA and Louisville prior to SEC play. Leading up to the NCAA selections a number of schools are criticized for their strength of schedule. Win or lose I don’t think anyone could complain about what Kentucky has done. This schedule will provide the Wildcats a test and certainly prepare them for the NCAA Tourney.

Jason Kidd
I held a conversation with a friend regarding the strange recent journey of Jason Kidd. My friend said; “Kidd didn’t know Larry Drew (former coach) had not been advised of being terminated in advance of Kidd‘s hire.” I agreed with him and stated a major portion of the finger pointing on the shoulders of Bucks management. Can I forgive Kidd of course, I can. Further can I forgive the inept manner of this termination and hire by management of course. I certainly wouldn’t assign a percentage however Kidd shares blame too. This change was ego driven; Kidd wanted a hand in player personnel matters the Nets said no. One of the new Bucks owner had been a minority owner with the Nets, he and Kidd knew each other. I’m unsure who approached who first we know the ultimate outcome.

“The Polish Hammer”
At the time I sat down to write this story I believed Marcin Gortat was the first NBA player born in Poland. I was incorrect; research indicates he’s actually the fourth from Poland the best to date. Gortat arrived in the NBA with the Orlando Magic journeyed to Phoenix and finally to Washington. Playing for the Wizards “The Polish Hammer” became an important key to the team securing a playoff berth. His numbers were average (13.9 ppg and 9.5 rebounds) but it was on court presence that secured his future with the Wizards. Gortat was a free agent however the Wizards secured the continued services of this 6-11 240 pound center. The Wizards will sign Gortat to a 5-year contract valued at $60 million dollars.

Best conference
ESPN.com ran a series on the best college coaches in the nation. The poll found Billy Donovan (Florida) finishing number one and John Calipari (Kentucky) number two. I thought it interesting the SEC is viewed in several circles as a “football” conference. All other sports including basketball finish behind football in popularity. All that is required is to check NFL rosters, they are loaded with former SEC football talent. What I find interesting the ESPN poll claims the two best basketball coaches in the country are at football dominate SEC schools.

Which is true?
There is no method to confirm the Ramona Shelburne report short of the Lakers affirming it. Last Friday I detailed a claim by Brandon Tierney which may or may not be true. CBSSports radio host Brandon Tierney claimed “The Lakers have little room to sign free agents due to the Kobe contract.” ESPN’s Shelburne reported on Thursday; “The Lakers have offered Carmelo Anthony a 4-year $97 million dollar contract.” If her figures are even close to accurate it confirms for me Tierney’s statement is totally inaccurate. SI.com claims the Lakers have offered Anthony a 4-year $95 million dollar contract.

Is that all the money out there for Anthony, of course not? The Knicks can offer him the largest compensation package and it’s likely the Rockets, Mavs and Bulls can exceed the Laker offer too. The only exception is the Heat who plan on retaining the services of LeBron, Wade and Bosh. It’s possible even with Pat Riley’s skill the Heat may find it difficult to bankroll the trio and at the same time pay the amount of salary Anthony might command. For Tierney to state “they don‘t have the money is inaccurate and misleading.