He said it
Former coach and current ESPN basketball analyst Seth Greenberg description of a current college team. Greenberg said; “They got guys shooting who can’t guard and guys guarding who can’t shoot.” I think that might say it all about this team.
“Actions speak louder than words”
At the time NBA fans discuss the Spurs talk always gravitates to Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili or Tony Parker. Kawhi Leonard’s name comes up but it’s likely he’s an afterthought although he‘s become a valued member of the Spurs. There is a clear reason; Leonard is one of those guys who believe his actions on the court speak volumes about his volume of work. There is no requirement on his part to discuss his game----it’s just plain good. In 2011 Leonard would become the 15th pick in the first round by the Pacers his draft rights were traded to the Spurs that evening. Leonard played at San Diego State for Steve Fisher one of the best coaches at the collegiate level.
Fisher too receives little praise when discussing quality coaches/teachers of the game. Because San Diego State games are on television so late those in Midwest and East Coast time zones had little opportunity to see Leonard play. Once he reached the NBA that first year with the Spurs playing part-time he managed to score 7.9 ppg. Since then he’s raised his scoring average each year, Leonard is no one-dimensional player he excels on the defensive end too. The 6-7 230 pound Leonard was NBA Finals MVP in 2014 and All NBA Defensive Second Team. In 2015 he was All NBA Defensive First Team and NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
It‘s not just me
"Austin Rivers on Clipper hate: People feel like our team complains" was the headline. NBA writer James Herbert wrote the article for CBSSports.com. First allow a disclaimer I wrote a critical story regarding the Clippers awhile back. It was written at a time the Clippers were not playing particularly good basketball. Although Blake Griffin has been injured since Christmas they have actually played better ball with him out of the lineup. Although the team has seen an improvement in play do we perceive the Clippers as being any different from previous Clipper teams?
The biggest obstacle in front of them is lacking bench strength allowing for deep playoff run. If we check the Western Conference the Warriors, Spurs and Thunder appear to have the power. Can the Clippers win the Western Conference Championship? Of course they won’t face all the aforementioned power teams. All is necessary for this team to accomplish is to win and win big; it’s not enough to make the playoffs every season and lose in the second round.
“Don’t be that guy!”
Two realities, the 76ers are terrible (worst than my Lakers) and Jahlil Okafor is a talent. Okafor has had a couple of off the court issues which might point out his sometimes lack of maturity, as for his dad that’s a different matter. Let’s set the stage for this explanation, in a recent game Okafor’s dad is seated behind the 76er bench. He’s yelling at 76er Coach Brett Brown, reports indicate it got so bad Okafor on the bench had to ask his dad to dial it down. We know the 76ers are bad, in addition we could see Okafor might be frustrated with losing. As for his dad that’s another story, “What was he thinking?”
