Basketball from a fans perspective

Note
DeAndre Jordan apologized to Mark Cuban in a tweet, no phone call or text message.  This is the last report by me, there are several stories circulating on the events that are plain not true.  Chris Broussard apologized to Mark Cuban, this ESPN reporter had tweeted a story "his sources" had provided him that turn out to be a lie.     

Difference of opinion
You remember Charles Barkley don’t you? The “Mouth of the South” is well known for speaking the truth according to Barkley, the only problem he’s often guilty of sticking his foot in his mouth. An example after Yao Ming was drafted in 2002 Barkley made a bet with his TNT co-host Kenny Smith; “If Yao (Ming) scored 19 points in a game this year, he would kiss Smith’s behind.” Of course we are aware Yao averaged more than 19 points a year or more except three during his nearly 10-year NBA career. This is Barkley’s latest declaration; “The Lakers trading for (Roy) Hibbert is not going to help them.” By the way I don’t remember if Barkley ever paid his Yao Ming bet. How bout those on the opposite side of the Barkley statement, former NBA executive Tom Penn and Coach P.J. Carlesimo were asked the same question later. Penn and Carlesimo made a similar declaration, “In the tough Western Conference it’s likely they (the Lakers) will not make the playoffs.”

They added this caveat unlike Barkley they believe the Lakers will be a better team. Many believe in Barkley’s words for a different reason, they accept as true “small ball” will now become the norm based on the success of the Warriors. Sorry folks ESPN’s Jay Bilas said it best recently when asked the question; “If you have the chance to draft a Big Man (or trade for one) you do it.” I’ve read and heard a number of negative comments regarding Hibbert; “He can’t do this or he’s not that.” I’m prompted to ask the question is there anything he does correctly? As a Laker fan I’m hoping a change of scenery will prove beneficial to Hibbert. As for the offense if he gives me 12-10-3 and clogs the lane I’m happy. What does GM Mitch Kupchak say; "Getting a rim protector and a force in the paint is something we have not had."

Who is correct?
I thought to re-visit the DeAndre Jordan story one more time; I decided this after reading comments by his former and current coach Doc Rivers. Rivers on the defensive hearing criticism says there is nothing wrong with DJ’s failure to contact Mavs owner Mark Cuban. Rivers claims he faced the same situation the prior week as DJ never talked to him either. Others use the term “tampering” as it applies to reports of Clippers players, coach and owner holding DJ hostage in his own home. Rivers claims that report is an exaggeration of the truth. What do you think; I’m sure you’ve heard a story DJ is not the first player to back out on a promise. This was DJ’s decision as a free-agent, my issue he should have responded at some manner to Cuban. Am I wrong for stating this wasn’t settled satisfactorily? In closing Brevin Knight NBA TV said; “The pressure is off Rivers the GM (with the re-commit from DJ) and now returns to Rivers the coach once again.”

Bits n Pieces
Is NYC large enough both twin brothers Brook and Robin Lopez? Brook’s played for the Nets for several years. Although a free agent instead of changing teams he decided in favor of his old team. His brother Robin playing for the Blazers also became a free agent. Unlike his twin he chose another team he’s heading east to play for the Knicks.

The issue of early entrance into the NBA continues to concern me.  My chief concern is checking DraftExpress.com’s 2016 mock draft and discovering 8 of the first 10 just graduated high school. They have yet to walk onto a college campus and they are already projected into the NBA. Of course my chief concern an 18-year old is generally recognized as an adult despite what we might believe. Other than entering into binding contracts (I believe age 19) and purchase of alcohol an 18-year old has the same rights as a 28 or
38-year old.

Brooklyn thing---I guess
Professional sports teams almost always have the city name on the front of their uniforms; there are exceptions in spite of this. If we check out New York City we have the New York Yankees and New York Mets baseball teams; there are New York Giants and New York Jets of the NFL. In hockey we have the Rangers and Islanders both have New York in front of their name. The NBA has the New York Knicks an original NBA franchise and the Brooklyn Nets. All the sport franchises have New York on the front of their jersey except the Nets. Why the exception with the Nets franchise? A brief history lesson, in 1967 the New Jersey Americans were an original ABA franchise. From 1967 to 1976 locating to the city they became the New York Nets (ABA) and joined the NBA under that name.

The franchise moved back to New Jersey in 1977 being renamed New Jersey; they would remain in the state until 2012. In the fall of that year Barclays Center would open in Brooklyn and the team would be renamed once again. Why didn’t they follow the lead of the other franchises and become the New York Nets? The Dodgers baseball team (now in Los Angeles) began play in 1884 with the name Brooklyn on the front of the jersey. The team would play in Brooklyn until 1957 until they moved west to Los Angeles. The 73-year history of a team with the borough name continued to resonate with residents despite the fact most are probably too young to even remember why. Once the decision was made for the move to the borough it was certain the name Brooklyn would be re-born, of course the NBA had to approve the name change. Now you know why the franchise name is Brooklyn Nets rather than New York.