Basketball from a fans perspective
I missed it
Try as I can there are just too many games for me (and maybe you) to see, I’m sure sorry I missed this one. LSU’s Ben Simmons had one of those games that have NBA scouts excited. Simmons line against Marquette read 21 points, 20 rebounds 7 assists 2 steals and only 3 turnovers in 40 minutes of action. Unfortunately Simmons needed a little more assistance as the Tigers came up one point short losing 81-80. Now we understand why scouts claim they are unsure what position the 6-10 240 pound Simmons will play in the NBA.
The other team Charles-----the other one!
Last week I noted Charles Barkley seems to constantly remind us the “turrible” state of the Lakers. Perhaps he is concentrating on the wrong Los Angeles team maybe he needs to dissect the co-tenants of the Staples Centers. After a loss on Sunday to the Raptors (91-80) yelling was later heard in the Clipper locker room. The season is still young we are not yet in December but. Sunday evening Vince Cellini of NBA TV reminded us a long ago Michael Ray Richardson quote. Many reading this might be too young to remember Richardson or the quote for that matter. .
Playing for the ’81-’82 Knicks Richardson was questioned about his teams poor play he made a statement which has become classic; “The ship be sinking.” The season is still young and one game below .500 (6-7 as this is written) is not awful but the expectations for this team is an NBA Championship. Lance Stephenson, Paul Pierce and Josh Smith added to the Clipper roster in the off season have all been starters with previous teams. Perhaps that’s part of the problem, there is an adjustment period required for this trio. Doc prove me wrong, can you coach this collection of souls?
Totally confusing
I’ve always believed a governing body is required for collegiate sports. Left to their own devices schools are tempted and continue to be tempted to cheat in some form or another. The only issue I’m not sure in the 21st Century if the NCAA is the institution to administrate judgment. The NCAA has proven time and time again they are out of step with many issues facing athletes of today. This is a re-visit of the issue regarding foreign nationals and the issue of eligibility.
The Kansas City Star printed a copy of the letter the University of Kansas wrote to the NCAA. The letter involved the eligibility issue that’s besieged Cheick Diallo. I have no copyright privilege so I cannot print it let’s just say it’s a “smoking gun” accusation on the NCAA. Coach Bill Self has “danced” around this issue preferring to take the high road. The gloves have come off as he dealt out a personal share of criticism of the NCAA. I could be off-base in my remarks on the other hand.
The NBA Draft
Drafting players has no scientific principles applied to it as far as I am aware. Teams scout prospects then the NBA Combine occurs. Next up the prospects are invited for individual workouts, in addition teams send out inquiries regarding character and other issues. It’s likely I’ve missed a step or two however you get the point. With all the checks in place Michael Olowokandi and Kwame Brown were still drafted number one, you say you don’t remember them? Olowokandi was made the 1st pick in the 1998 draft by the Clippers any by 2007 he was no longer in the league. He played for 4 NBA teams over that time and this 7 foot player left the association with career numbers of 8.3 ppg and 6.8 rebounds.
As for Brown he was the first pick in the 2001 draft by the Wizards and played for 7 NBA teams before leaving in 2013. Brown’s career numbers 6.6 ppg and 5.5 rebounds per game this despite the fact he stood 6-11 and weighed 270 pounds. There are other Big Men overlooked however I wanted to discuss these busts in relation to Kristaps Porzingis. The youngster has played but 15 games as this is written he’s yet to hit the “rookie wall” yet. Despite Stephen A. Smith’s ranting the day after the draft I believe the Knicks have drafted a gem in Porzingis. Interesting in that Smith has been rather quiet on his comments instead preferring to concentrate on the NFL,college football and LeBron James.
