Basketball from a fans perspective


Questions remain
I’m not sure now of last years prevailing thought, everyone believed in the Thunder. The question was could they entertain an NBA Championship? They had Kevin Durant, they had Russell Westbrook in other words it appeared they had all the tools. Then the injuries set in Serge Ibaka would play but 64 games, Triple-Double Westbrook played a mere 67 games. The key in my view Durant was limited to 27 games and sidelined twice. Although the Thunder managed to finish 45-37 in the tough Western Conference they missed the playoffs. Key injuries plus loss of confidence in Scotty Brooks likely contributed to him being fired.     

Scotty Brooks was replaced by long-time Florida Coach Billy Donovan. If everyone returns healthy they should compete; can they win the West and an NBA Championship? Injuries aside the biggest issue might be who is in charge? Westbrook can pass the ball but most times appears to look for his shot; I’ve witnessed games Westbrook was a scoring dynamo. I’ve seen others where he took shot after shot no matter where he was on the court missing. Durant (when healthy) is the best shooter on this team; he should demand the ball be delivered to him. Will this team come together and rise to the level many believed they are capable of. That question and others will remain unanswered until June 2016.

I have no idea
Three words might apply for Robert Upshaw troubled, talented and undrafted.  All the terms might apply to the former Fresno State and Washington Husky player.  He played for both programs and both dismissed him despite his budding talent.  No school so why not try the NBA Upshaw applied for the 2015 NBA Draft.  His hopes were dashed when all 30 teams took a pass on him; his history was probably the cause.  The 7 foot 258 pound center would wind up playing for the Lakers Summer League team and though raw played respectable basketball.  

During the summer reports circulated the Lakers “had signed him,” despite the reports the Lakers stated they hadn‘t signed him.  Despite the reports Upshaw insisted on several occasions “He would be a Laker.”  He is indeed a Laker finally; the team announced Upshaw was signed to a two-year deal.  Although Upshaw failed to play a full season for Washington his minutes based on a full game are quite interesting.  17 points and 13 rebounds along with 7 block shots a game are outstanding.  What should we expect from Upshaw you might ask, I have no idea just speculation.  The Laker roster currently stands at 18.

It’s likely
Allen “The Answer” Iverson is eligible for the Naismith Hall of Fame in 2016, is he a likely choice you ask?  Allow me to remind some of you and inform others how insightful I’ve been in the past.  I encountered a Bulls fan during the Jordan era with a question.  Terry asked me; “You think Dennis Rodman will ever be elected to the Hall of Fame?”  I thought for a moment about his question before I issued an emphatic no.  “He was outstanding at rebounding for an athlete 6-7 in addition he was a great defender, his antics both on and off the court might impact his selection.”

I’ve never believed my word is the last word and once again that turned out to be the case for Rodman.  In 2011 Rodman’s number was retired by the Bulls and later that year he was enshrined in the Naismith Hall of Fame.  As for Iverson similar questions regarding his behavior have dogged him since his high school days.  I have stated in the past and will repeat pound for pound the 6-foot (?) 155 pound Iverson might be the toughest player to ever play the game.    

Comparison
A handful of off-spring has taken up basketball the sport of their fathers.  Just a few, the Barry brothers followed their father Rick; we have Joe Bryant and his son Kobe.  More recently the Curry brothers have become news following their dad Dell.  With the exception of a single Barry brother all others have managed NBA careers.  At this point we have no idea if Shareef O’Neal is good enough to even play at the collegiate level.

The 6-8 O’Neal son of Shaquille is just entering his sophomore year of high school; he’s “undersized” in height and weight in comparison to his famous dad.  The younger O’Neal is a wing and appears to have some skills that might outshine his dad one day in the not too far off future.  Video of him in action is available just in case you want to check him out.