Basketball from a fans perspective
Trade the pick
Journalist and noted Laker hater Bill Simmons has provided us a narrative. He claims; “Two reliable sources inform him the Lakers will trade their first round pick for a veteran player“. He further indicates that player is; “Likely to be the Pacers Paul George.” There exist a number of problems with this story beginning with Simmons. George is only 26 years old; he recovered from that devastating broken leg to lead the Pacers this year in scoring. Fact is George had his highest average since his arrival in the NBA in addition led in rebounds and assists.
We believe Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram will be stars but that’s yet to be proven. Who do the Lakers give up besides one of the two to make this trade work? It could be 23-year old Jordan Clarkson or 20-year old D’Angelo Russell plus cash. With his 2015-16 return why would the Pacers consider trading George? Number two the Lakers have no problem scoring the "absent" Laker defense was and is the main issue. George could aid the defense but cannot resolve the larger topic the defense. I never say never however anytime Simmons is in the middle of a story especially one involving the Lakers I become very skeptical.
A legion
According to the dictionary a Roman legion consisted of a minimum of 3,000 men. The number of potential candidates for the Rockets head coach position is not quite that sizeable however it’s noteworthy. Former Suns Coach Jeff Hornacek and Stephen Silas Hornet assistant are to be interviewed. J.B. Bickerstaff (interim coach), Chris Finch, Sam Cassell and Mike D’Antoni have already been interviewed. Bickerstaff later withdrew his name, no word if Patrick Ewing might also interview for the position.
“All That Jazz” plus basketball
The late Bob Fossee directed a movie about his life in a 1979 movie titled “All that Jazz.” As for Wayman Tisdale it was “All That Jazz plus basketball.” The late Wayman Tisdale was an accomplished jazz bassist. His discography consists of 10 recordings beginning in 1995. It’s likely a number of basketball fans never realized Tisdale was a pro in the jazz field. On the other hand many in the music industry probably didn’t realize Tisdale was an All-American basketball player. Tisdale was a 3X First Team All-American and 3X All Big Eight Player of the Year while enrolled at Oklahoma.
Tisdale became the second pick in the 1985 draft by the Indiana Pacers. The 6-9 240 pound power forward had a 12-year NBA career playing for the Pacers and Kings and concluded his career with the Suns. He would leave the NBA with a scoring average of 15.3 ppg and 6.1 rebounds. The former basketball player devoted the balance of his life to the music he loved once retired. Tisdale died in 2009 at age 44 from cancer related health issues. Tisdale was honored with enshrinement in the College Basketball Hall of Fame in November of 2009.
No need to rush
6-11 220 pound Ivan Rabb had a fairly good freshman season at Cal. In today’s “hurry-up” climate this freshman decided in favor of the NBA. He announced he was headed to the NBA but later would change his mind. Coach Cuzono Martin informed Rabb it was likely he would not be a high draft pick, draft ability but not as high as Rabb might hope. At least this makes more sense over the decision made by Brannen Green of Kansas. The draft combine didn’t enter into Rabb’s decision and unlike Green he didn’t hire an agent. He can return to Cal for his sophomore year.
