There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!
-------Larry Laker
Bits n Pieces
I’m watching the Duke-Furman game, the camera focuses on Mike Krzyzewski Coach K. A thought crossed my mind so I decided to check his bio. Did you realize his first three teams at the school finished 17-13, 10-17 and 11-17? Do you believe a coach would last very long today with a losing record? Of course 1980 was a generation ago much has changed in the collegiate world since then including patience.
There was no denying DeMarcus Cousins had talent when he arrived in the NBA. The tantrums he often displayed at Kentucky followed him into the NBA. I thought “this guy is never gonna get it.” Play mad but control your temper to allow you to remain on the court. It “appears” maturity has finally set in; his Kings probably won’t win the Western Conference however he’s been a key contributor to their improved play.
I often think to myself Footlocker and other companies don’t need me to pimp their marketing efforts. You need to check out the latest James Harden commercial for the sports apparel store. I won’t give it away I think it’s really funny---check it out when you have a chance.
As Gomer Pyle would say “surprise, surprise. “ November 28 the Eastern Conference team with the best record----allow me to introduce you to the Toronto Raptors. But wait there’s more, in the Western Conference it’s not the Thunder, Clippers or somebody else leading the way. It’s the Grizzlies, technically Memphis is kinda in the east but that’s a discussion for another time. Both Toronto and Memphis are tied with the same
13-2 record.
Dear ESPN,
I’ve come to the conclusion you have assigned extra duties for your on-air personalities. The additional duty is to report daily the horrible 2014-15 Lakers. This is my discovery after the teams Sunday night victory over the Raptors. Their 4-13 record is better than the 76ers, in no particular order there are other teams sharing the “worst label.” In the Western Conference the Wolves, in the east it’s the Pistons, Hornets, Knicks and Celtics. It should be pointed out the Thunder are a better team at 5-12 however they have an excuse, injuries. I forgot the Lakers have injuries too, oh well I guess it doesn’t matter when you just love to hate the Lakers especially Kobe. Can you do me a favor please; forward this email to Charles Barkley at TNT. Barkley also belongs to the group informing us just how turrible the Lakers are.
Sincerely,
Larry Laker
Splash brothers
Bet you hadn’t thought about this fact, the Splash Brothers backcourt are sons of former NBA players. Shooting guard Klay Thompson’s dad Mychal currently serves as one of the radio voices for Laker basketball. The elder Thompson had a 14-year NBA career and was a valued member of a 2X NBA Champion Laker team. Point guard Steph Curry’s dad Dell spent 16 years as a shooting guard in the NBA with a number of teams. The elder Curry also works in radio serving as commentator for Hornets basketball. Although Klay and Step are early in their NBA careers it’s easy to see both are on the path to exceed numbers produced by their fathers while still early in their careers. How valuable are they, at the time Kevin Love was on the trading block the Warriors attempted to secure his services.
Why is Love in Northern Ohio rather than California? The Warriors refused to include Thompson’s name in any trade. As for Curry we believed he could score but could he become adept at distributing the ball as a point? He’s falls into the category of a “shoot-first” point guard (24.0 ppg) but managed to also produce 8.5 assists per game. Curry’s assist total placed him 5th in the NBA last season. With a youthful back court of Thompson (24) and Curry (26) we can understand why Warrior fans are excited about the future. I watched the brothers “shoot-down” my Lakers in a pre-season game recently, unbelievably quick with the shot.
Reason #5 why I love college basketball
I love Dick Vitale, Dickey V.’s enthusiasm for the game in legendary. I know a number of folk’s claim he refuses to discuss problems that exist in the sport. When questioned I’ve not heard him refuse to answer a question. He and Jay Bilas (whom I also like) are from different generations. Bilas will take on all comers when discussing the evils that exist within the game.
As for Vitale he claims he is going to cut-back on the number of games this season. “Diaper dandy,” “baby” and “aircraft carrier” are just a few of the terms he’s directly responsible. An example of his enthusiasm, years ago I’m watching a game in the family room. My wife walks through on the way to the kitchen, on hearing the animated Vitale for the first time she said; “what’s wrong with that guy?” Vitale is 75-years old now so we can understand why he might want to reduce his broadcast schedule.
Craig Sager
The man has been missing this season; he’s been battling leukemia but claims he’ll return in February. I’m referring to Craig Sager TNT sideline reporter, it’s been my belief the outlandish suits he’s sports sometimes draw more attention than his questions. Sager is a serious competent reporter, he asks insightful questions and the suits. Well I’m unsure where that started but it’s become a trademark of his.
Sager is another NBA personality with Kansas City connections. He once served as anchor for one of the local television stations in Kansas City before moving to Atlanta and Turner Sports. Sager’s covered a variety of sports for the network since his 1981 hire although he‘s more closely identified with the NBA. Sager has roamed the sidelines covering NBA games for 17 years on TNT. I for one look forward to his return and yes his bizarre clothing stylings.
