Basketball from a fans perspective
Free agency
At 12:01 a.m. Eastern time this morning NBA free agency became official, most players are likely to re-sign with their existing teams. Others will seek greener pastures either monetary, improved teams or the prospect of playing time.
You say what?
Who Do You Trust was the title of a 1950’s television quiz show, the late Johnny Carson served as host before his departure for the Tonight Show. Who do you trust in this instance refers to ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and the Knicks Carmelo Anthony. The first story; ESPN’s Smith says; “I was talking to my sources and they claim he’s (Anthony) furious with (Phil) Jackson’s decision.” Later reports indicate Carmelo Anthony calls the Kristaps Porzingis pick a steal on Instagram. Which Anthony response was correct, the one Smith communicated or the social media response?
Bits n Pieces
Do you choose the prize behind door number one or door number two? That’s the decision facing Larry Nance Jr. Last week the 6-9 forward was chosen by the Lakers as the 27th pick in the 2015 NBA Draft. Earlier in the week the Harlem Globetrotters chose Nance, which team should we suppose will be his choice?
About a month or so ago Knicks, Liberty, MSG and Cablevision owner James Dolan hired Isiah Thomas as president of WNBA Liberty. In addition to president Thomas would become part-owner of the team pending league approval. The WNBA has handed down its decision; the attempt to become an owner would be suspended for an undesignated time-frame. The WNBA cannot prevent the hire of Thomas as president however ownership of a franchise is a far different matter.
Here’s a post-draft thought for you to consider. I’d long indicated either Karl-Anthony Towns or Jahlil Okafor was okay to me. Its evident Laker management had a totally different thought process than me. I have nothing but gut to back up this statement; I believe if the Wolves had selected Okafor the Lakers would have picked Towns. The selection of D’Angelo Russell indicates whatever occurs at the center position the Lakers intend to play a much speedier game. Towns is much swifter up and down the court over Okafor. I hope this is not seen as a knock at Okafor his skills lay in other areas on the court.
It’s difficult to be patient when you are a loser i.e. Knicks. Knick fans need to chill, a number of Knick fans want Phil Jackson gone and for Kristaps Porzingis to remain in Latvia. I believe Kristaps Porzingis (7-1 or 7-3? 220 pounds) will be a star unfortunately for Knick fans it’s going to be several years before they witness the finished product. Porzingis is a realist, hearing Knick fans boo his selection he acknowledges they were unhappy. Patience Knick fans time will tell.
Throwback
Remember Robert Upshaw, he was the troubled 7-footer dismissed by two schools Fresno State and Washington. He submitted his name for NBA early entry then a health issue cropped up, needless to say Upshaw was passed over in the June 25th NBA draft. The health issue is a non-issue having been fully evaluated; Upshaw’s maturity issues trumped anything related to health. Upshaw has been signed to play for the Laker Summer League team in Las Vegas. His shot-blocking skill might lead to a contract for the regular season. From DraftExpress.com; "Very few teams question Upshaw's talent on the court. It's his history of off-court issues that is scaring many away at the moment. With thaat said, it is incredibily difficult to find a player in Upsahw's mold these days, so it won't be a surprise if someone decides to roll the dice and see if they get him on the right track."
The draft
Major League Baseball also conducted its draft recently. A local sports anchor discussing the Royals selection said; “The baseball draft isn’t very exciting.” It’s clear to me why and I’ll explain briefly. If we look at the NBA Draft we are sure any one selected in the first round will gain a roster spot immediately on an NBA team. As rookies they might not see a great deal of action but it’s highly likely we’ll see them play during their rookie year.
In baseball high school and college players are drafted, in the case of those in high school they could sign or decide to attend college. The collegiate players might simply decide to remain in school. In addition whether we are discussing high school or college players once they sign with a big league team they are immediately sent to a minor league team. Once a baseball player is in the minors we may or never see them at the major league level.
