I'll take the new guy
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has only been on the job since February 1, 2014. His NFL counterpart Commissioner Roger Goodell assumed office in September of 2006. We might tend to believe the more seasoned Goodell would have an advantage in handling controversial issues, not true. Controversy arose in the NBA from Donald Sterling comments Silver was swift. After investigating the matter Silver banned Sterling from attending games and forced Sterling to sale the team. The sale took time to complete because it had to be resolved in a civil court. The NBA made its decision quickly and forthright.
As for Mr. Goodell with the exception of a revised domestic violence policy he's remained pretty much secluded regarding the Ray Rice assault. The release of the latest elevator tape by TMZ Sports have proven the NFL drug its feet investigating the February 2014 assault of Rice's then fiancee. The larger issue is the conflicting stories emanating from the NFL office and elsewhere. "We (the NFL) requested the tape but didn't receive it" while another report indicated; "The NFL never made such a request." As for commissioners right now I'll take Adam Silver's leadership and speedy action over that exhibited thus far by Roger Goodell.
Make no mistake about it!
Don’t misunderstand me; Larry Laker remains a loyal fan of Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. I remain a fan of the Black Mamba despite the diminishing returns he offers on the court after 19 All-Pro seasons. A number of remember after Shaquille O’Neal left the Lakers they suffered a downturn (much like this past season). At the time Kobe made loud noises announcing his intentions to seek a trade. Of course a change in the fortunes changed Kobe’s mind. Because the trade never occurred I can only speculate on what I might have done but here’s what I believe would have occurred.
I know my loyalties would have been divided; I would have remained a fan of Kobe and due to my long-time allegiance to the Lakers would have remained a fan. I’m unsure if this same exists for my wife’s cousin, Jerry appears to have changed teams. After hearing him laud the exploits of LeBron and the Heat for the last four years the tone of his conversation has now switched to the Cavs and their off-season moves. Once the season begins I wonder if Jerry will root for LeBron and the Heat. In early September I’m unsure if that’s the case.
I’m not so sure
Answers.com contained an account of “The All-Time Top 10 NBA busts.” The list consisted of high school players who were drafted but failed to establish careers. I’m not going to detail the entire list if you are a student of the game the names are probably familiar. You might remember the name Kwame Brown drafted number one in 2001 by the Wizards. After failing with the Wizards he bounced around the league playing for a number of NBA teams. Robert Swift was the 12th pick in the 2004 draft by the Sonics, Swift is only 28 years old but last played in the NBA in 2009.
These two and others were not talented enough to play at the NBA level while injuries impacted others. One of those “others” may have been Jonathan Bender from Picayune Mississippi. The 7 foot 230 pound Bender was the 5th pick in the first round of the 1999 NBA Draft. A draft day trade sent him from the Raptors to the Pacers. Injuries would curtail the NBA career of this former McDonalds All-American. Kwame Brown and Robert Swift couldn’t play at the NBA level we can only guess what Bender might have accomplished if not beset by injuries.
Do they miss the cut
Anxiously I’ve followed Scott Gleeson’s column in USA Today everyday. Gleeson is forecasting his field of 68 for the NCAA Tournament next spring. The anxiety on my part does he see enough in my Mizzou Tigers to include them? As mentioned previously departed Coach Haith did not leave the cupboard bare as did Mike Anderson before him.
In addition new Coach Kim Anderson and staff have stepped in adding additional talent to the roster. The returning talent plus freshman plus a new coaching scheme totals a gigantic mystery for the Mizzou faithful. Gleeson has listed teams 68 through 44 as this is written, there is no intention to knock any team but surely Mizzou even with its multitude of changes should be better than either Robert Morris (67) or Texas Southern (68).
A hire outside the box
Most of you are probably unfamiliar with Marist College located in Poughkeepsie (NY). The New York school competes in the MAAC along with conference rivals Iona, Rider and Niagara just to name a few. Marist hired Coach Mike Maker to replace Jeff Bower, it should be noted Maker was a highly successful coach at the Division III level.
If this account sounds familiar it should, I’m referring to Mizzou hiring Kim Anderson. Anderson too had several successful seasons at Division II University of Central Missouri. Anderson was hired coming off an NCAA Division II Championship appearance. Perhaps the key difference for Maker and Anderson will be the recruiting process because both have tasted past coaching success.
