Basketball from a fans perspective
NBA DRAFT 2015
I checked several mock draft sites and none were anywhere near the actual events of last Thursday night.
*The Lakers completely fooled me. I have believed for weeks they would chose either
Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor. I almost fell off my chair when the commissioner said; D'Angello Russell. I’ve read a number of stories indicating Russell might be the best talent in this draft. The Lakers passing a Big Man over a smaller player might be a throwback. I’ve often mentioned the Tom Landry Dallas Cowboys would draft the best talent available. They would draft a player even having one (Jordan Clarkson) playing the same position. No Big Man are they looking ahead toward free agency which begins next week?
*Speaking of Jahlil Okafor the 76ers and Sam Henke chose another center. They have chosen Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid and now Jahlil Okafor, three centers in three years. Embiid’s health might be a concern but let’s assume he’s okay. As mentioned previously Henke owned the second round as he continues to stockpile draft choices. It would appear at some point Philly fans are going to ask what’s going on. Stockpiling draft choices, trading away rookie of the year does Henke really have a clue what he’s trying to accomplish? Having bunches of players without an improved team certainly serves no purpose.
*Knick fans are upset with the team for the Kristaps Porzingis selection at four. The 7-1
(or 7-3) Latvian is extremely skinny and by all accounts needs two or three years to develop his game. That’s not pleasing for fans who suffered through the Knicks worst season ever. Carmelo Anthony is or will soon turn 31, that’s not exactly ancient but does he have the time left to help improve the Knicks. *Frank Isola of the New York Daily News made a statement which holds true. I’m paraphrasing his comment. “Folks watch 3 minutes of figure skating in the Olympics or 3 Final Four games and figure they have all the information needed to decide who the best draft pick is." Maybe the Zen Master will prove correct with this pick in the future.
*If you are a talent and want to play in the NBA you should hope Kentucky recruits you. Coach Cal almost guarantees your name will be circulated among NBA scouts and front office staff. Kentucky managed to tie its previous record with six (6) players being drafted in the first and second round. Aaron Harrison’s brother was drafted however the NBA passed on selecting him. He might be picked up as a free agent however.
*The NBA in a continuing effort to market NBA basketball set it sites on Asia special ally India. Last season Sim Bhullar (Canadian whose parents emigrated from India) was signed and appeared in a Kings game. Technically we could say he was the first but not really. The Mavs made Satnam Singh Bhamara the 22nd pick in the second round. The 7-1 290 pound Bhamara becomes the first player from India to be drafted. All reports indicate he’s headed for the D-League but eventually make an NBA roster.
*I wonder if ESPN’s Mike Greenberg believes what he says sometimes. “The Lakers passing over Okafor for Russell has signaled a change in the NBA. The success of the Warriors with small ball is why” Even more interesting he ask guest Chris Broussard and his view of the situation was totally different. Broussard said; “Half the NBA general managers would have chosen Okafor.” Certainly the NBA landscape has changed but not to the extent Greenberg seems to continually express, he's a party of one with his take. For someone with a long history in sports media he certainly expresses strange ideas at times.
*I have but one question for Stephen A. Smith, Mr. Smith in your most bombastic style you were critical of Phil Jackson and the Knicks for their pick of Kristaps Porzingis. Who where the Knicks going to choose talented enough to turn this team around next season? You provided us several names but in your heart of hearts do you really believe they could lead the Knicks into the playoffs?
*Not connected but the story broke during the draft. I’d reported earlier George Karl’s desire to trade Boogie Cousins. Further it was indicated the Kings owner had voiced opposition to trading his star player. Now Chris Broussard of ESPN is reporting the Kings might fire Karl. Come on that can't be true the guy has only been on the job since February would they fire him? As dysfunctional as the Kings front office has been I guess it's possible.
