Basketball from a fans perspective
Compared to whom?
I read an ESPN.com headline which caused me to smile; the story was a comparison of Steve Kerr’s won-loss record to the Zen Master Phil Jackson. If it sounds as though I’m critical of Kerr that’s not the case it’s my belief a number in the media and several fans are the real culprit. You heard the talk regarding Phil Jackson‘s coaching. “He never built a team with the Bulls or the Lakers; they were complete when he arrived.” While the statement might be true he still provided them directions that lead his teams to championships.
The same could be said for Kerr, under his leadership the Warriors were 67-15 with an NBA Championship. The recently completed season they broke the Bulls won-loss record finishing 73-9 and might be on the verge of a second championship. How about these numbers, under Mark Jackson’s last two years the Warriors record was 47-35 and then 51-31. The Warriors made the playoffs for the first time in five years under Jackson‘s coaching. Is it possible we only see greatness in front of us (Kerr) rather than what might have occurred in the past (Jackson)?
Gonzaga
The Spokane (WA) School is a winner every year; they have one of the best coaches in the nation few make a note of. The names Calipari, Coach K., Williams and Self receive all the national coverage. I stated few notice him but that’s his name Mark Few and we almost never hear his name in the conversation of great coaches.
The coach is now in his 17th year has a 466-111 (.808) record, in 2006-07 his Bulldog team won 23 games the lowest total under his leadership. His Gonzaga teams have won 30 games twice and 3X witnessed them winning 29. Two years ago Few’s team advanced to the Elite Eight the highest finish ever and that might be the problem. His teams have not tasted success in the NCAA Tournament and perhaps that enters into minds at the time you compile a list of good coaches.
Bits n Pieces
Over the years a number of prominent centers have played for the Lakers, Mikan, Chamberlain, Kareem and Shaq just a few of the names. Might one more name be added to the list? Mamadou N’Diaye originally from Senegal in West Africa is a 7-5 300 pound prospect from the University of California-Irvine. N’Diaye has been invited to a workout with the Lakers and the Rockets.
According to the report he’s not hired an agent so it’s possible he could return to Irvine for his senior year. His numbers this past season 12.1 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game in 23 minutes of action per game. Also invited for a workout is Indiana point guard Yogi Ferrell. The 6-1 Ferrell scored at a 17.3 ppg and dished out 5.6 assists for the Hoosiers.
Expansion is the name of the game in the Big 12. Although the league once was comprised of 12 teams it now contains only 10 teams. Expansions have been mandated for football however basketball will be affected just as well. The schools likely at the top of the Big 12 list are Houston and Memphis, Colorado State, Cincinnati and UConn have also been mentioned. I’m not the decider however I find most interesting the schools which might be added all have richer basketball programs (Colorado State might the exception) than football.
I’m going to briefly discuss the Draymon Green/Klay Thompson post-game comments. The NBA was a different game in the ‘70’s; the Warriors are very, very good. To compare teams (and individuals) in different eras resolves nothing. Ol skool says; “Hand checking allowed the game to be played differently.” 40 year olds and younger say; “We have zone defenses to deal with.” I intend to take no sides in this type of discussion (argument).
Writing today
Covering the NBA in the internet/social network age I come across bizarre stories at times. This one is perhaps the most strange and unusual I’ve read in a long, long time. I’m not going to name the source just report the story as it was written. “The Lakers propose to trade their pick to the 76ers in exchange for Jahlil Okafor. The 76ers would place Brandon Ingram at shooting guard and Ben Simmons at small forward. The Lakers would gain the center they so vitally need.” I cannot imagine who might have concocted such a peculiar story wrong on so many levels. Portions of this account might be correct let’s explore them bit by bit.
The Lakers do need a center---true, the Lakers could trade their pick---true. As for the balance it makes no sense on so many levels. Okafor is a talent although he’s yet to prove after but one season he’s an All-Pro center. So the Lakers trade the potential of a number two pick (Simmons or Ingram) for a center that’s really yet to be tested. Besides the fact if the Lakers were that thrilled about him they could have drafted Okafor last year. Simmons and Ingram play the same position small forward so in this set-up Ingram becomes a shooting guard---makes little sense in the real world. I have no idea of future events I can guarantee this the Lakers will not trade the pick for Jahlil Okafor.
