Basketball from a fans perspective

　
“How Ya Like Me Now”    
A 1987 rap song from Kool Moe Dee was titled; “How Ya Like Me Now.” Phil Jackson the Zen Master could be stating that toward ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith. Smith has voice consistent criticism of everything Jackson’s done or not done since the mid-point of the basketball season. J.R. Smith had an outstanding playoff game for the Cavs and Smith voiced his objection that Jackson had traded him. The NBA Draft and the Zen Master’s selection of 7-3 center Kristaps Porzingis provided Smith another opportunity to go off on Jackson. Later the trade of Tim Hardaway Jr. for rookie combo guard Jerian Grant from Notre Dame was added.   

During the early portion of free agency the team received affirmation from talented swingman Aaron Affalo he would become a Knick. Later 7-1 center Robin Lopez late of Portland also agreed to come on board. 6-8 forward Derrick Williams left the Kings and also signed with the Knicks. Smith no longer is able to claim the Zen Master is not working to improve the team one of the criticisms we’ve heard continually from Smith. The Knicks might not yet be championship material but Smith and others need to zip it up with their continuing Phil Jackson diatribe.

Surprising
It might appear I’m gloating far from it I’m just reporting the facts. DeAndre Jordan has decided in favor of the Mavs over a return to the Clippers. It took me back; we heard stories three years ago Kobe Bryant was “responsible” for driving Dwight Howard out of town. Who do we blame for Andre Jordan leaving? Is it Chris Paul whom we begin hearing rumors he and Jordan didn’t get along? The diminutive point guard was reported to have encountered problems with Jordan. The Clippers have no center having allowed back-up Steve Hawes to leave earlier.

Now Jordan is on his way to the Mavs despite the fact the Clippers held his “Bird” rights. Oh, did I forget the Lakers held Howard’s Bird rights too? For those who might not be familiar with the term Bird rights this is a brief explanation. The Clippers and the Lakers in the past could re-sign Jordan and Howard at a larger sum than the Mavs and Lakers.  I guess sometimes money might not be quite as important as we are first led to believe. Hey Kobe move over you have company in the “running out of town” department, welcome Chris Paul to the team.

He ain’t got no hair
George Karl is gonna pull out what remaining hair he’s got left at some point real soon. You remember earlier he attempted to trade 7 foot center Boogie Cousins the Kings best player. Cousins is a handful and certainly had a past history of immaturity. On top of this the Kings reached out to Rajon Rondo former Celtic and Mavs point guard. Reports are they have signed Rondo to a 1-year deal, never a good shooter but good point guard skills which have eroded in recent years. After the Celtics traded him to the Mavs his game went even further south. The time spent with the Mavs was certainly less than stellar, at one point the refused to run a play Coach Carlisle designed. This upcoming season will be quite interesting for the Kings.

It’s still a move
Laker fans are certainly not jumping up and down with excitement. The team made a move although it wasn’t the one most fans believed would occur. Unable to secure the services of a free-agent the Lakers traded for a Big Man. Roy Hibbert had worn out his welcome with the Pacers. After playing at an All-Star level his game regressed. Whether if was a change in the offense, personnel or something else Hibbert fell out of favor. The Pacers traded him for a box of cracker jacks and a soda. Just kiddin’, the Lakers will give up their second round draft choice plus cash and take on Hibbert's $15 million dollar contract

There is no need for the 7-2 260 pound center to score the Lakers desperately need a rim protector a defensive presence he’s exhibited in the past. The Lakers had little problem scoring their defense is what caused them to lose a record number of games.  It seems Hibbert has been around forever however he’s only 28-years old (29 in December). If and that’s a large if he can resurrect his career he should have 5 or 6 productive seasons remaining. If Hibbert is unable to provide the rim protection the team seeks there are alternatives. Perhaps rookie Robert Upshaw, a draft choice or trade will be made for a Big Man next season