Basketball from a fans perspective
Congratulations
Andre Iguodala was named MVP of the 2015 NBA Championship. Going into the series most of the experts believed Steph Curry would be accorded the honor. As late as the morning of Game 6 many in the media were stating win or loss LeBron James could be considered for MVP. The only sour note is the LeBron contingent which includes Mike Greenberg of ESPN; he’s sticking to his original thought. We realize Iguodala only started the last three games, does that really matter? Iguodala scored he defended and in the end he won. Greenberg is looking strictly at LeBron’s numbers which were outstanding. The fact is LeBron’s team won 2 games Iguodala’s won 4.
Can we wait a little bit?
This time I have no particular host at ESPN to aim my slings and arrows. This subject was discussed on three different programs by the network the day after the championship series concluded. This is not exactly worded as listed but close; “Is this Warriors team one of the all time best teams.” I didn’t bother with listening to anyone’s response because I didn’t believe the question to be valid. Why the rush can we simply reflect on the victory and leave it at that?
The Warriors have won-------hmmmmm let me think for a moment one championship.
I certainly have no desire to take anything away from the Warriors so I hope fans realize I‘m not attempting to trash their team. From October 2014 through June 16 the Warriors were the best team in the NBA. Can they or rather should they be discussed in the same breath as those Championship Celtic, Laker and Bulls teams of the past? We might include the Olajuwon Rockets who managed to repeat as NBA Champions.
You figure it out
I’m a fan; you must leave me and several others out of the equation. Reports are the NBA Championship ratings were outstanding according to the ABC Network. How outstanding you might ask? The television numbers were the highest for an NBA Championship since the Jordan Bulls in 1998.
Marketing the product
Does the NBA know how to market itself, you better bet they do. The kick off Summer League game in Las Vegas has the Wolves facing the Lakers. This July 10 game is likely to see Jahlil Okafor matched against Karl-Anthony Towns. Two weeks prior to the draft we believe we know (mock draft sites) which jersey each will slip on however nothing is assured as this is written.
Kansas basketball
The 2014-15 season was disappointing for most Kansas fans. Sure they won the Big 12 Conference for the umpteen time but the post-season was a far different matter. They were eliminated by their state rival the Wichita State Shockers. The Jayhawks planned in the off-season is to re-tool after losing Kelly Oubre and Cliff Alexander to the NBA. It’s good to have a national reputation (Kansas) and a nationally recognized coach (Bill Self) to aid in recruiting. LaGerald Vick a 6-5 shooting guard from Memphis may be the last piece of the puzzle. Earlier 6-9 225 pound forward Cheick Diallo and Carlton Bragg with similar height and weight committed to Kansas.
These high profile recruits will join point guard Frank Mason III, shooting guard Wayne Selden Jr. and small forward Perry Ellis and remaining letterman. There is no method to predict the impact of these freshman and others. Last season Kelly Oubre Jr. had an up and down season before declaring for the NBA draft. We could make the same statement regarding Cliff Alexander who played sparingly and then the NCAA forced him to the bench while investigating improprieties in his recruiting. Alexander also decided in favor of the NBA. Both Diallo and Bragg will provide the Jayhawks help in a missing element last season an inside game.
Not for me
The Clippers unveiled new uniforms for next season. See them for yourself, I’m not impressed but that might be intended. A talk program host said; “They are designed to appeal to kids not the older generation.” I am far removed from my youth days so I understand (and appreciate) what this host said. As I stated above check them out for yourself and make your own judgment.
