Basketball from a fans perspective
Breathe again
The large exhale heard over the nation late Monday evening may have been Warriors owner Joe Lacob breathing again. Remember the pronouncement his Warriors were built for the future? That future could have come to a screeching halt against the Thunder. We are sure he must be breathing easier at least for now; the Warriors must now defend their championship against LeBron and the Cavs. I’m prepared for the loud boos (from one side) as I pick the 2016 NBA Champion in tomorrow’s edition of Words eye view.
What was he thinking?
Kids change their minds all the time, adults as well. When I read Zach Brown left school lets just say I wasn’t shocked, the next portion of his life does shock me. Who is Zach Brown you ask, he’s a 7 foot center and Top 30 prospect in the Class of 2017. After the Miami talent committed to UConn he headed to Putnam Science Academy a Connecticut prep school. The Putnam basketball coach announced earlier in the spring Brown would “no longer play for Putnam.” It was reported he’d returned home to Miami and there is where the real trouble begins. He was arrested by local police and charged with “armed robbery, robbery by sudden snatching and credit card fraud.”
Much earlier details of Brown’s youth and how he and his brother endured a dysfunctional home life was provided by the media. After he and his brother they were abandoned a family took them in however that didn’t work out either. A foster family took them in and provided a stable home environment. This is written about a talented basketball player but it could be any inner-city youth’s story. Our guess the large numbers of scholarships will began to shrink regardless of the outcome regarding Brown. This is hope Brown manages to turn his life around and become a good citizen with or without basketball in his life.
Celebrity fans
The television cameras always locate them in the stands. I’m referring to the actors, actresses, musicians and others who are regularly spotted at NBA games. There are far too many to list however a number stand out because of their allegiance and knowledge (when interviewed) on the game. All I need to say is Jack and you know whom I’m referencing. He was the Joker in Batman, Frank Costello in The Departed and creepy Jack Torrance in The Shining. I believe Jack Nicholson once claimed he’d been a Laker season ticket holder since 1970. 3,000 plus miles away in Madison Square Garden we can locate actor, director and social activist Spike Lee down front rooting for his Knicks.
The long-time season ticket holder is actually from Brooklyn but continues to voice his preference (and money) in the direction of the Knickerbockers. A number might not be familiar with Dyan Cannon, as she has aged her movie roles have dwindled. Cannon first became a Laker fan during the days of Jerry West and Elgin Baylor right up to and including Kobe Bryant. Other NBA fans include actor Denzel Washington, rapper/actors Ice Cube and Snoop Dog. They are joined by musician Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Entrepanuer Jay-Z once a Nets owner and Will Smith also make the list. Actor Michael Rappaport, Justin Timberlake, Justin Bieber and Usher also have an NBA connection.
Help Wanted----a center
A general overhaul is required by the Lakers, they need to add either Ben Simmons or Brandon Ingram to the youthful lineup. Both are potentially talented small forwards however veteran Roy Hibbert has been a total bust. The Lakers have Julius Randle at power forward, Simmons or Ingram at small forward and Clarkson/Russell at the guards. Who do they plug in at center---how about Joakim Noah? The Lakers could go after Durant, DeRozen, Whiteside or somebody else maybe. I believe Noah is the more viable player to sign, NBA Defensive Player of the Year two years ago. His coach reduced his role to that of a reserve player before Noah succumbed to season ending surgery in January for his separated shoulder.
The 6-11 Noah has never been a great scorer during his nine-year career however he doesn’t demand the ball; in addition he has other valuable attributes that enhance his game. He rebounds the basketball and plays tough defense and is swift up and down the court attributes always admired since he arrived from Florida. At age 31 if he’s fully healthy he should have 4-5 years left to play and he’s indicated his time is up with Bulls management. Could you see a change of scenery maybe on the west coast could prove beneficial for him? He would resolve that hole in the middle that’s existed since Shaq departed for South Beach. It’s my belief they could pay Noah easier than the amount Durant, DeRozen or Whiteside might demand. Noah would provide a veteran face to that of the youthful Lakers.
