Basketball from a fans perspective
Bits n Pieces
I went back to April 4th 2011, that’s the date Words eye view was first published. If I checked over any of the 2011 editions I’d discovered numerous changes in that time. In any event it’s certainly an enjoyable pursuit by the self-proclaimed number one basketball fan in the world. I’m bragging but I’m sure you get the idea.
Shaka Smart is a coach I believed would be successful no matter the location. He won a VCU but could he win at Texas might be a question for a number of folks. Don’t count me in the number questioning Smart‘s coaching ability. I believed this first year at Texas would be an adjustment period not being familiar with the roster or it‘s ability. Well Smart’s Longhorn team managed to beat number 15 Baylor 67-59. In addition Texas accomplished the feat on the road. The Longhorns stand 15-7 as this is written, they might not qualify this year for the NCAA Tourney but they are definitely on the way.
Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports is a media member I hold in high regard. He’s reporting a story I find a little difficult to believe. He says free agent Kevin Durant might leave the Thunder for the Warriors. I could foresee nothing but negatives if this move were to occur. You might be able to uncover your own or maybe you would be okay with this move.
Wouda, shouda, couda
I’m sitting in from of the television watching the Bulls play the Clippers. Chris Paul is running the point for the Clippers and my mind drifted. I wondered how Laker history would have turned out less circumstances. They might be struggling but they could have Chris Paul at the point backed up by D’Angelo Russell. Jordan Clarkson would be the two guard, Kobe would be the three. Pau Gasol would alternate between the power forward and center position. Of course this lineup would never occur because of in my view a bizarre set of circumstances. To refresh your memory the NBA had taken over ownership of the Hornets (Pelicans) franchise. The league was seeking a buyer for the team and based on this fact former NBA Commissioner Stern voided the Chris Paul trade.
The trade was voided “In the best interests of the NBA” whatever that means. It didn’t matter about the city rather it was the team. About a week later Paul was traded in an approved trade to the Clippers. As for Gasol this was a different matter, he was allowed to leave in free-agency. I believe a significant number of Laker fans were indirectly responsible for running Gasol out of town. They complained loudly at times about what Gasol couldn’t do rather then focus on what he could. Gasol is into his second year with the Bulls, his numbers won’t wow anybody but he’s provided steady play. This wouda, shouda, couda scenario could have worked; Kobe could go into retirement knowing he left the team in good shape. Oh well it didn’t occur no use crying about the outcome just rebuild the present team.
Kansas City?
The NBA coaching profession is comprised of 30 individuals. What are the odds two head coaches in the NBA would have both played high school basketball in the Kansas City Metro. Tyronn Lue from Raytown a Kansas City suburb was hired to replace the fired David Blatt, no interim tag on Lue the job is his to win or lose. Earl Watson also benefited with a coaching change. Jeff Hornacek was fired by Suns management believing the team had underperformed. Several years ago Hornacek had succeded in turning the team around.
The Suns poor start allowed Watson a chance to determine if he could change the fortunes of the Suns. In his youth Watson played basketball at Washington High School in Kansas City (KS), after graduation he headed to UCLA (1997-2001). He would be drafted by Sonics in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft. Watson played for a number of NBA teams before serving as an assistant with the Austin Spurs of the D-League and later being hired to serve on the coaching staff of the Suns.
