Basketball from a fans perspective
Alarming L. A. basketball
We know my Lakers are bad it’s the other team the Clippers. It wasn’t surprising the Clippers were beaten by the Spurs, after all the Spurs continue to be one of the best teams in the NBA. Saturday’s results caught me completely off guard because I was pre-occupied with other activities. I was shocked, yes shocked when I read the box score Rockets 107 Clippers 97.
The Rockets managed to win over my Lakers but haven’t beaten too many other teams lately. The Rockets win over the Clippers squared their record at 14-14. As for the Clippers many predicted they would emerge as Western Conference Champions in 2016. The loss against the Rockets left them with a 16-12 record 6-7 on the road. If the season ended today the Clippers would make the playoffs but at some point they must begin to play better.
Signed, Sealed, (partly) Delivered
Mizzou commits for 2016 signed on the dotted line last Wednesday. 6-6 Willie Jackson, 6-9 Reed Nikko and 6-10 Mitchell Smith all signed letters of intent; the three are Rivals 3-star prospects. Nikko and Smith need to hit the weight room both are skinny based on their height.
See--it’s not just me
The reported news of Dwight Howard and his discontent broke I waited. I waited for members of the media to formulate their opinion mine was made up at the time he left my Lakers. Stephen A. Smith of ESPN’s First Take defended Howard which came as no surprise to any of us. In the discussion Smith said; “Dwight called me as he was preparing to leave the Lakers.” Former coach and current ESPN analyst Seth Greenberg said; “Why is any one shocked about Dwight Howard. The guy is not a winning player. A player that makes others better. It’s always someone else!” Remember the feud between Howard and Shaq both claiming the Superman label. Veteran sportswriter Woody Paige might have had the best comment; “Dwight Howard is not Superman he’s Clark Kent.”
I’m not smart enough to get inside the head of Howard but consider this. Howard had problems in Orlando with Coach Stan Van Gundy he’s outta there forcing a trade which would become the Lakers. After a year free agent Howard left Los Angeles indicating there were “problems” with Kobe he’s out once again. His cross country journey finds him landing in Houston and it‘s now nearly three years later. “Houston we have a problem” were the words of Apollo 13 astronauts and the unconfirmed words of Dwight Howard. It’s reported Howard appears to have issues with teammate James Hardin. Keep in mind I never said Howard wasn’t talented but as I stated previously he appears to have maturity issues. Howard’s probably not going to improve portions of his physical game he does have time to improve his mental approach to the game.
Undefeated
As this is written the SMU Mustangs are undefeated, they stand 9-0. Don’t expect to see Larry Brown’s team in post-season play. Currently they are number 18 in the AP Top 25 poll however the coach has just returned from NCAA mandated suspension. The coach has served his suspension but the NCAA is not finished with the Mustangs yet. They are prohibited from any post-season play which also includes the NIT Tournament. Can SMU win the American Athletic Conference this season? Everyone in the media is not in agreement however it appears the majority I've read believe the Mustangs are the best team in the conference despite probation.
