There is a distinction between lack of talent and lack of effort!
-------Larry Laker

I apologize
That’s the sentence often stated or “that’s not what I meant” or “my statement was taken out of context.” We have all gotten in trouble for making statements that come back to bite us. A tweet or “hot” microphone and we are caught with our pants down. Kentucky guard Andrew Harrison was caught making a racial remark about Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky. UConn women’s Coach Geno Auriemma making a critical remark about the men’s game. Later he claimed he said it as a fan his latest response, “It was taken out of context.” I know this falls on deaf ears however next time learn to button your lip. That old adage; “engage brain before speaking.” I’m not trying to prohibit free speech just think.

Another milestone
LeBron James continues to surpass standards set by past NBA players. I mentioned previously his milestones are occurring on a weekly or monthly basis. The latest accomplishment LeBron moved past Knicks center Patrick Ewing. LeBron has now registered 24,837 points and counting. Can he catch number one Kareem Abdul Jabbar (38,387) in the latter portion of his career?

NBA future?
The Kings signed Sim Bhullar from Reno (NV) of the NBA D-League. Bhullar becomes the first Indian player on an NBA roster. As you might be aware Bhullar was born in Canada although his parents emigrated there from India. Bhullar at 7-5 and 360 pounds becomes one of the largest in height and weight in the NBA. He’s shown promise although there remains a question if the NBA is in his future. Meanwhile in South Beach Hassan Whiteside’s game continues to grow. His numbers projected over a full game; 17.7 ppg, 15.3 rebounds and 3.8 blocked shots and a .622 shooting percentage. It appears Whiteside has an NBA future with the Heat or some other NBA franchise.

Portsmouth Invitational
This tournament is a display of basketball talent for NBA scouts; it runs from April 8-11.
No underclassmen are invited to this event it’s a senior only evaluation. Don‘t kid yourself the NBA draft will not be all freshman and sophomores. A number of the 2015 class might be participates who will emerge from Portsmouth. I‘m always reminded of former Mizzou forward DeMarre Carroll. I’m sure he was spotted by NBA scouts however solid play in this event may have been the deciding factor in him being drafted.  After being drafted in the first round by the Grizzlies he signed with the Hawks in 2013.

We could make the same statement regarding the Bulls Jimmy Butler. His outstanding play would lead to him being named MVP in the 2011 tournament. Did the Bulls draft him based on Portsmouth? We don’t have the answer however we can now acknowledge his value to the Bulls. Carroll and Butler are just two to emerge from the tournament I’m sure I’m overlooking others. Those who fail to be drafted in the NBA are likely to dot the roster of a European or Asian team.

I’ve got to say it
Let’s just say Bo Ryan’s comment about “rented players” was stated after a very tough loss in a championship game. His comment was unnecessary and oh so wrong based on the past, I’ll give you an example. The NBA allowed high school players in the draft for many years a large chorus was singing the same tune. “They (high school athletes) are ruining the college game by going straight to the NBA.”

The chorus is still around however this time the tune has changed. “Those one and done players are ruining the college game by going to the NBA after one year.” I have changed my view on this subject as often as the sun rises in the east. Let’s say this is the last view and hopefully I will not change positions. In addition this should address this issue and conclude any further discussion on my part.

*Allow high school players in the draft again.
*Players deciding to attend college must remain enrolled for two years.
*If a player is not drafted he should be allowed to return to school but must enroll in a new school.

He made it
The Class of 2015 for the Naismith Hall of Fame was announced earlier this year. One of the honorees will be Spencer Haywood, if you are a certain age his name might not be familiar to you. Haywood’s ABA and NBA stats are 20.3 ppg along with 10.3 rebounds good numbers but not outstanding. Haywood alone is directly responsible for early entry into pro basketball. Haywood won a gold medal for the U.S. in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. In 1969 he would leave the University of Detroit for the ABA; in that day there was no early entry in NBA. Haywood had an outstanding rookie season leading the league with 30.0 ppg while grabbing almost 20 rebounds a game. Outstanding numbers for a 6-8 225 pound forward.

He would be named ABA Rookie of the Year and league MVP. As for the basis of his selection to the Hall of Fame as mentioned earlier his court case changed the landscape of professional basketball. “In 1970, despite the NBA’s eligibility rules, Haywood joined the Seattle SuperSonics, and with SuperSonics owner Sam Schulman launched an anti-trust suit against the league (Haywood v. National Basketball Association). The case went all the way to U.S. Supreme Court before the NBA agreed to a settlement.” (1) Haywood would later become involved with drugs and was released by the Lakers in 1980. He would play in Italy one year and returned to the NBA with the Bullets (Wizards). Haywood’s career concluded after the 1983 season.

1. "Spencer Haywood, the NBA Draft and the Legal Battle That Shaped the League". Bleacher Report. 2011-05-06