I wondered
My memory is not what it should be at times so I depend on others. The question was based on the Andrew Wiggins trade. First round draft choices have been traded in the past however I questioned if the first pick in the NBA Draft ever been traded. No one could answer my question I had to consult the web. In 1993 first pick Chris Webber was drafted by the Magic and before the evening concluded was traded to the Warriors.

Why?
There is no method to verify this report since it originated from TMZ however keep in mind it was TMZ that detailed the physical altercation between Ravens running back Ray Rice and his fiancée (now his wife). Later TMZ secured the infamous audio recording of Donald Sterling. Back to the matter at hand, I’d written earlier Michael Beasley had been in Los Angeles to work out for the Lakers. In the earlier report it was detailed the talent Beasley possessed but also mentioned his past. Beasley had exhibited a number of immature actions off the court over his NBA career this is the latest. According to TMZ Beasley rented a Porsche 911 while in the city, the problem Beasley failed to return it. A tow truck had to be dispatched to recover the vehicle. The rental (less the tow we guess) amounted to $1,744.34. With this latest incident I would be surprised if the Lakers sign him.

NBA making history
Why should anyone be shocked or surprised the NBA would make history once again? The NBA has long been the leader among major professional sports in hiring and promoting diversity with minorities and women. The Spurs announced Tuesday they will hire Becky Hammon as an assistant coach, she will assume duties immediately after the WNBA is completed. Hammon a 16-year WNBA veteran will become the first full-time assistant female coach in the NBA. Could we foresee a female head coach in the NBA one day?

He was overlooked again
The Naismith Hall of Fame passed over Spencer Haywood again. I believe his exclusion might be based on the later portion of his professional career; there were a number of drug related issues. Haywood was outstanding on the basketball court at the time he burst on the national scene in 1967-68. At Trinidad Junior College in Colorado he averaged 28 points and 22 rebounds a game before heading for Detroit and the University of the same name. This 6-8 power forward scored 32 points while snatching 21 rebounds a game. He was ready for the NBA but the NBA wasn’t ready for him, at that time there was no early entry. The NBA did not draft underclassmen.

That was the NBA the ABA in operation at the time had no reservations about drafting and signing underclassmen.  Haywood signed with the ABA Denver Rockets and tore up the league averaging 30 points and 19.5 rebounds a game. He was named Rookie of the Year and league MVP, the next season he left for the Sonics of the NBA. Sam Schulman then owner of the Sonics filed an anti-trust law suit against the NBA due to them not allowing Haywood to play; the suit eventually went to the Supreme Court before the NBA settled. Haywood played for a number of NBA teams before closing out his career in 1983 with the Washington Bullets. Perhaps his honesty may have worked against him, he’s spoken openly of his cocaine addition in the latter years of his NBA career. His addition caused disagreements with his coaches and teammates and likely shortened his NBA career. Despite a shortened career he still managed to finish averaging 20 points and 10 rebounds a game.

What to expect
We have no idea what to expect from Mizzou’s 2014-15 team. As mentioned previously a new coach (Kim Anderson) is in place with a brand-new system. The offense, well the bulk of team scoring departed with Jabari Brown and Jordan Clarkson left for the NBA plus graduating seniors. Unlike the last coaching change the cupboard is not exactly bare this time. The departed Frank Haith left the program in pretty good shape however it’s a good news bad news situation. The good 9 letterman return that played collegiate minutes last season. The bad is really not real bad, 5 freshmen arrive in Columbia.

It’s yet to be determined who plays major minutes in the fall and winter for Mizzou. We might envision Keith Shamburger playing major minutes for a couple of reasons. This senior transfer played point guard for Hawaii last season and brings a veteran presence to this young team. It will be interesting to see how Anderson and staff mold this mix of freshman and returnees. Mizzou will receive an early season test as they head to Hawaii in late November. Maui Invitational Tournament particiipants include Purdue, Kansas State, Arizona, Pittsburg, Chaminade, BYU, San Diego State and Mizzou.