Basketball from a fans perspective
Should I be nervous?
Remember the date Larry Laker predicted the Warriors would not break the all-time won loss record established by the Jordan Bulls? Saturday morning as this is written the Warriors stand 65 up and 7 down a total of 72 games. They have 10 games remaining in the regular season, three road games @ Utah, Memphis and San Antonio in that order. The remaining home games are: Philly, Washington, Boston, Portland, San Antonio and Memphis. Is my prediction still safe or should I be nervous?
“Super Friends”
LeBron James is bothering me on a number of levels. I’d reach a point of forgiveness, he returned to Cleveland and all was well in the land. We are into his second year “home” the Cavs have the best record in the East Conference and it’s possible they could play for a championship. All is not right with LeBron, as we begin the countdown to the end of the season he announces “I want to play with my friends.”
The difficulty his “Super Friends” play for the Heat, Knicks, and Clippers and LeBron remains a Cavalier at least for now. This might be the latest indication of his dissatisfaction with the Cavs. He appears unhappy despite moves made by management to placate him. Example the Cavs traded for the player he wanted (Love), got the coach he wanted (Lue) and made a trade in February Channing Frye and LeBron still appears dejected.
One of the Super Friends Carmelo Anthony made his intentions known. He indicated he wanted a warm weather climate. Carmelo has dealt with the cold, cold New York winters of New York for several years now. It appears he doesn’t want to endure Cleveland‘s cold, cold winters. Could there be a return to South Beach for LeBron and the Super Friends? For clarity purposes I must inform you this view expressed by LeBron was February Bleacher Report released in the middle of March.
Is he a point?
We can’t figure out Michigan State’s Denzel Valentine not his game the position he plays. The 6-6 220 pound athlete appears skilled at more than one position on the court. Is he a shooting guard (19.0 ppg) a point (7 assists a game) or a point-forward (7 rebounds a game)? I remember last season scouts questioned whether D’Angelo Russell at 190 pounds might be to slight for NBA play.
We don’t believe that will be an issue for Valentine packing a solid 220 pounds on his frame. As usual it’s never easy to project him or anyone else at the next level; Valentine is listed number 16 on one team’s mock draft and 19 on another. This we can state with certainly he will be drafted how he manages to adjust to NBA play is strictly ability, opportunity and continued growth of his game.
Bits n Pieces
One grew up in Melbourne Australia the other in Louisville Kentucky probably 10,000 plus air miles apart. Despite the mileage difference they share a common bond. LSU’s Ben Simmons and Laker point guard D’Angelo Russell were teammates at Montverde Academy. This private college preparatory school is located in the Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford metro. I ain’t sayn’ nothing just providing information.
This is a partial apology on my part; I’ve made several not nice comments about the Clippers. After viewing them implode once again I realize M.I.A. Blake Griffin is important to the well-being of this team. In a manner of speaking this is his fault he could have returned by now if not for the off court fight. You remember he is still facing a four game suspension once he returns to action.
I don’t know what to read in this move by Laker GM Mitch Kupchak. He flew to Israel recently on a scouting mission. The purpose of his journey to the Middle East was to check out 7-1 forward Dragan Bender. Bender from Croatia plays for Macabbi Tel Aviv and is a Top 10 draft prospect for 2016. He’s a skinny 216 pounds and certainly must gain weight to play in the NBA. Is it necessary for Bender to pack on another 40 pounds probably not, muscle is more important than weight. Whether he plays power forward or center he must avoid being pushed around.
