Basketball from a fans perspective
I didn’t read it
Just read the headline and not the story. NBADraft.net ran a story by DeAngelo Russell where he made the case for the Lakers to draft him with the number two pick tomorrow. From all reports I’ve read and heard most basketball folks believe he’s got a real good chance to become an NBA superstar. Russell is 6-4 195 pounds and can play either guard position. Sorry DeAngelo but Larry Laker figures the number two pick should be either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor. Draft the Big Man, draft the Big Man, I’ll say it for the last time draft a Big Man.
This is different
The football school (Alabama) beat out the basketball school (Kansas) for a prospect. Even more interesting Coach Avery Johnson has been on the job about 3 months; although he’s served as head coach at NBA stops he’s got no college coaching experience. Contrast that with Bill Self coach at Kansas since 2003 in addition to tasting success at the college level he‘s got an NCAA Championship on his resume. As for the prospect I speak of 6-5 215 pound shooting guard Kobie Eubanks, he’s a Rivals 4-star talent in the Class of 2015.
Don’t expect a Christmas card
Knicks President Phil Jackson shouldn’t expect a Christmas card or anything else from LeBron James, the Zen Master made news once again. “He (LeBron) might travel every other time he catches the ball.” This is right up there with his comment about the Warriors early in the 2015 playoffs. You might remember he voiced critical remarks about jump shooting teams of course it was a slam at the Warriors. After they won the NBA Championship he was forced to congratulate them. If you know the Zen Masters history it’s really Phil Jackson being Phil Jackson. He revels in making outstanding statements and comments at time. While coaching the Lakers he once said; “Sacramento is like a cow two or something similar.” Kings fans begin bringing cow bells to Lakers-Kings games to ring during lulls in the game. On the other hand despite his congratulatory effort he shouldn’t expect anything from the Warriors either.
On second thought
I’m intrigue by Kristaps Porzingis, first he’s only 19-years old, and second he’s 7-2 and 230 pounds. Third and probably most important this youngster from Latvia is talented. Looking at the 2015 draft we knew he would be drafted but consider his movement. Once he was projected to be drafted somewhere in the middle of the first round. He’s seen his draft stock steadily rise as he’s worked out for a number of NBA teams.
A few weeks back he moved into the lottery now it’s reported he could be drafted as high as number three. I hate to do this (make comparisons) but his game reminds me of Dirk Nowatski. Maybe part of my belief is based on his ability to shot from the 3-point line. Let’s see the Lakers could draft Porzingis and move Julius Randle to small forward. The Lakers pick is still based on the Wolves choice.
I was mesmerized
Listening to former ABA/NBA and ESPN analyst Hubie Brown is mesmerizing. First off it’s difficult to believe he’s 81-years old, I listened intently as the coach discussed various aspects of the game. The OG (old guy) with his vast background is knowledgeable and can discuss Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell in the same breath as LeBron James and Kobe Bryant. Brown has coached, scouted or broadcast games of literally thousands of NBA players over the course of his career.
Interesting Brown might not be held in the same high esteem I do, I once held a discussion with a co-worker with Brown the subject. The acquaintance was critical of Brown because of his gift of gab. I defended Brown by stating “he knows the game.” I’m not sure if the co-worker accepted my explanation however he never mentioned Brown’s name to me again. One more worthy note in 2005 Brown was honored with a selection to the Naismith Hall of Fame as a game contributor.
