Basketball from a fans perspective

　
It’s not just me
I came across a fan letter which I’ll share with you; I’m paraphrasing it. “Stephen A. Smith (ESPN) complaining about the Knicks picking Kristaps Porzingis in the draft. He’s wrong most of the time when discussing basketball.” We can always argue whether veteran player A is better than player B and that’s okay. How can you make a similar statement regarding a player who has never played in the NBA? My dispute with Smith and others they give us the impression Phil Jackson is purposely sabotaging a re-building effort. Another point of discussion NBA teams scout these prospects a number of times ahead of the draft. We (including Smith) don’t have access to the scouting information they might compile.

Despite terminology utilized drafting good players is not an exact science. Smith’s contention is the Knicks don’t have time to wait 2-3 years for Porzingis to develop and adjust to the rigors of the NBA. I’d like to point out last season’s team won a grand total of 17 games, I question Smith and others to name a player the Knicks could have drafted to turn this team around in one season. In addition if Smith knows as much about basketball as he purports why is he not working for the Knicks or some other NBA franchise?  Finally we hear from former Laker great James Worthy who said; *“He’s (Porzingis) a freak of nature. He’s a combination of Dirk Nowitzki and Kevin Durant. It’s a good pick for the Knicks."

*New York Post

Bits n Pieces
By now you are aware Deron Williams asked for and received a buyout from the Nets. It’s reported (and it makes sense) he’ll sign with the Mavs. You ask the question why Texas and why the Mavs. Although D-Will was born in West Virginia he grew up and attended high school in The Colony (TX) a suburb of Dallas. He’s not the D-Will we remember from the Utah Jazz but should assist the team at the point.

Are you ready for some college basketball? October 16 is the date set for Big Blue Madness tip off. This is Kentucky‘s annual scrimmage where fans will have their first opportunity to see the freshman and remaining Wildcats. Believe it or not there are returning letterman to the Kentucky program.

“Closing the borders” on recruiting was initiated by Mizzou football Coach Gary Pinkel.
He emphasized focusing on every high profile high school player in the state. I looked forward to this slogan being utilized by Mizzou basketball. Jayson Tatum Rivals 5-star prospect and the number three in the Class of 2016 announced his commitment. Tatum a 6-8 205 pound small forward chose Duke over Mizzou and several other programs. Did I forget to inform you Tatum lives in St. Louis, I guess for now closing the borders only applies to Mizzou football.

One letter writer claimed angry letters aimed at Austin Rivers was hate mail from Laker fans. Another made this statement which makes more sense to me. “If Rivers had stayed in college he’d be graduating now, 3 additional years under Coach K and he would have been ready. In addition there was no financial reason for him to leave school early.”

?????
I walked into the building and a friend asked me the question; “What’s going on with Portland”? Laker fans were certainly aware of LaMarcus Aldridge as their team was attempting to sign the free agent power forward. Most of us were so busy keeping up with the comings and goings of other free agents we totally neglected the Blazers.  I’m sure their fans noted the mass exodus out of Portland. 

Free agent center Robin Lopez signed with the Knicks, backup shooting guard Aaron Affalo signed with the Nuggets. Shooting guard Wesley Matthews saddled up and headed to play for the Mavs and Mark Cuban. Small forward Nicholas Batum was traded to the Hornets for power forward Noah Vonleh and guard Gerald Henderson. Consider this tidbit Batum was the only trade to date the others left as free agents.

The match up
Prior to the draft I made note the Wolves-Lakers Summer League Game would be telecast on NBA-TV. I also mentioned it would be the first match up between the Wolves Karl-Anthony Towns and Jahlil Okafor of the Lakers. A strange thing happened on the way to the game the Lakers didn’t draft Okafor instead they favored 6-5 combo guard D’Angelo Russell. The Wolves won an entertaining game 81-68; I was impressed with Towns as he scored 12 points and moved smoothly on the court. As for the 6-5 Russell he would score 8 points grabbed 5 rebounds and dish out 6 assists along with 3 steals.

I admit my curiosity forced me to focus on Russell over others on the court. Both players will face bumps in the road this upcoming season however it’s clear to me. Baring injury the NBA post Kobe, post LeBron will remain in good hands. The majority of games in the Las Vegas portion of Summer League are played in the Cox Pavilion. The demand for tickets to this game meant it was held in the more spacious Thomas & Mack Arena. The attendees certainly favored the Lakers, Los Angeles and Southern Cal is a 4-5 hour drive to Las Vegas.