Basketball from a fans perspective
Fo Fo Fo
Translation for the above, before the beginning of the 1983 playoffs Moses Malone was asked for his prediction of the outcome. His prediction each series win for the 76ers would be a sweep, four four and four. Yesterday we received word Moses Malone had died, Malone was a 3-time NBA Finals MVP and was 60 years old. Of the overabundance of players of that era I believe Malone never received the accolades of other lesser talented. A fairly good scorer however Moses was a furious rebounded and defender. Malone would preside another high school player and 76er center by one year. He was drafted by the Utah Stars of the ABA while Darryl Dawkins was drafted in 1975 by the 76ers. I have maintained the Kings would still have Kansas City emblazon on their jerseys if they hadn’t been so tight with dollars or just plain lacked vision.
In the 1976 ABA-NBA merger the Nets, Spurs, Nuggets and Pacers came into the NBA intact. The players belonging to teams that folded were placed in a pool to be drafted by NBA teams. The draft was held with the worst team record wise the opportunity to pick first. The Kings with the third worst record drafted guard Ron Boone a serviceable player who played with them for two years. Two picks later the Blazers selected Moses Malone, imagine drafting a 6-2 guard over the 6-10 Malone. The ABA had turned a corner in the eyes of many in developing quality talent, Malone averaged 17.2 points and 12.9 rebounds a game in his two-year ABA employment. Early reports indicate Malone had passed away in his sleep. First Darryl Dawkins on August 27 and Malone September 13 two 76er centers. R.I.P. to both these giants of the game.
Hall of Fame
I was happy for Jo Jo White the Naismith Hall of Fame finally managed to call his name. At times the numbers don’t often impart the complete picture of an event or player and that’s the case with White. This talented athlete graduated high school in St. Louis but instead of Mizzou he headed west to play his college ball at Kansas. White was a gold medal winner in the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. In addition he was a 7X NBA All Star and 2X NBA Champion (1974, 1976) including NBA Finals MVP (1976).
Have any idea how good an athlete he was you ask? Good enough to be drafted by the NFL Cowboys and MLB Reds, we could debate whether he might have found success if he’d chosen the other sports. Favoring the NBA and the Celtics would lead White to a 12-year NBA career the bulk spent wearing the green and white of the Celtics. The timing of his induction although late in life (68 years) is still rewarding for him. White suffered a serious health set back but is now recovered and should be able to enjoy this honor the balance of his life. Congratulations to Jo Jo White and all the other inductees.
Speaking of the Hall
Love him or hate him John Calipari is exceptional, Friday evening he did something I’ve never witnessed previously and probably never will again. Beginning his acceptance speech in the Naismith Hall of Fame he requested all his former players in attendance to come up on the stage. They begin walking toward the stage UMass, Memphis and Kentucky players 64 former players who played for Calipari at one. The coach is not unique in one aspect, if you coach long enough you certainly can impact such a larger gathering. It shouldn’t be lost on any of us the fact this many former players took time out from busy schedules to travel to Springfield (MA). They did this to honor their former coach, what does that say about the love and respect for John Calipari?
History versus fact
Can you guess which NBA team has the highest payroll? If you guessed it’s the Cavs you are mistaken, how about the Heat----wrong again. Maybe it’s the Lakers with the $25,000,000 salary they are paying Kobe Bryant? Wrong again it’s the Thunder of Oklahoma City at the top of the payroll pyramid. The Cavs sit at the third position, as for the Lakers with the astronomical money they are paying Kobe sit in the middle at the 15th position. So Kobe haters please refrain from stating; “The Lakers are handicapped signing players because of Kobe’s salary.” The Lakers may indeed have issues signing free agents however it has nothing to do with limited funds.
Davidson College
Are you familiar with Davidson College? Probably before Steph Curry arrived few of you were probably aware the school even existed. Believe it or not Curry is not the first NBA player from the North Carolina school. The first NBA player from the school was Fred Hetzel who arrived in the NBA in 1966 and played through 1971. Brandon Williams played 18 games in the association from 1998 to 2003.
The next Davidson player would become league MVP and go on to win an NBA Championship. That league MVP is named Stephen Curry. As for the school this liberal arts college is located in Davidson about 30 miles north of Charlotte. The school has sent six (6) players including Steph into the NBA. Doesn’t matter your size (Steph) or how small the size of your school (Davidson) if you have talent and can play the NBA will beat a path to your door.
