Basketball from a fans perspective
Once upon a time
The Converse Shoe Company with its iconic Chuck Taylor shoe once ruled the basketball world. Every youngster in America wore them or at least wanted a pair. Long before Nike and others would come on the scene Converse was the shoe. Sure there were other companies in the business however Chucks dominated the market. They were worn by athletes at the high school, college and pro level. As the shoe industry grew Chucks fell out of favor, Converse begin to develop other lines of shoes. Truth is Dr. J., Magic, Bird and others wore their signature version of Converse.
As Chuck Taylors’ popularity on the court waned they became a fashion accessory as many in the younger generation adopted them. The shoe has changed so little if you compared a 1917 pair (if they were available) and a pair from 2015 you could view little variation. Converse now owned by Nike announced a “new” shoe Chuck Taylor II will be available at the end of July. According to Converse the Chuck II will have an additional layer of cushioning in the sole which will distinguish from the original. It really doesn’t matter if they are edition I or II the shoe will sale and continue into the future.
He’s Kobe
Everybody and their brother have given us their view of the Laker press conference. Last week one of the questions ask of the new Lakers was “Has Kobe contacted you since you arrived? “ None of the trio could answer the question since it was evident Kobe had not talked or text them. This becomes front page news on sports websites and a topic of discussion by ESPN, Fox Sports and CBSSports Network. Personally I think this issue has been blown way out of proportion but you probably guessed that I would say that. What does Charles Barkley think you might ask this from Sir Charles?
"Do I think it's unusual? No. Kobe is a loner. He's obviously one of the 10 greatest basketball players ever, and he's always treated me with respect but he's a loner. He's got a one-track mind as far as basketball goes, and I don't think he's the type of guy -- doesn't make him a bad guy -- who's gonna reach out to guys like that. He will see them in training camp.” If I placed myself in the role of Kobe I would have attempted to contact my new teammates but that’s me, as Barkley indicated Kobe is a different type of dude.
Midnight Madness
This year the first college basketball scrimmage can be held Friday October 10. How and when did this practice begin? First of all there is no set date it can vary from year to year. As for the question former Maryland Coach Lefty Driesell is credited with beginning the practice. His Maryland team began play at 12:03 a.m. October 15, 1971. Midnight Madness spread across the nation to a number of schools. It continues to this day although a number of D-1 schools have abandoned the practice or never implemented it. Duke, Kentucky, Kansas and UCLA are several schools where Midnight Madness reins supreme, as for Mizzou interest has waned over the years.
I had to read it again
The ESPN headline jumped off the page at me; “7-foot Thon Maker breaks ankles.” My first thought this is terrible the highly rated Class of 2016 prospect is hurt, then I re-read the story. The account detailed although Maker is a 7-footer he’s got guard-like skills. You must see the video to fully appreciate it, Maker crosses over the player guarding him who fell to the floor while Maker takes his shot and sinks the basket. A fan commented the player guarding him tripped over his own foot which is true. Does it really matter the (Hay)-Maker was delivered and the defender was on the floor.
Is this gonna work?
Almost everyone agreed fans and the media the lack of a bench was a key reason the Clippers failed to advance in the playoffs. The teams’ starters were forced to play far too many minutes. We are weeks from training camp but let’s do a quick assessment of the new and improved Clippers. After first appearing to leave the fold DeAndre Jordan left Mark Cuban and his Mavs waiting on a call that would never come. All starters return with the exception of Matt Barnes who will be replaced by Paul Pierce. Added to the roster; Lance Stephenson, Wesley Johnson, Cole Aldrich, Josh Smith and Pablo Prigioni.
This mix of veterans should certainly provide the Clippers much needed depth but raises a larger question. Will there be enough minutes and shots for this assemblage of talent with the newcomers plus those returning? I’m no harbinger of doom but I believe if Doc Rivers can win a championship with this mix I’m going to declare him coach of the year right now. Clipper fans before you get upset with me I didn’t make one negative comment regarding the talent. Can this gathering of talent win an NBA Championship of course they can. It will require time management by the coaching staff and those unused to coming off the bench become acquainted with playing limit minutes.
