Basketball from a fans perspective
Bits n Pieces
The retirement of Amar’e Stoudemire is not surprising after 14 years. The surprising part he’s retiring a Knick. His best most productive time was spent as a member of the Suns. More interesting is he claims he approached the Suns about retiring and they “showed no interest.”
Dwayne Wade arrives and announces at the introductory pre-conference. “This is Jimmy Butler’s team”, we must read between the lines. Last season there appeared to be turmoil between Rose and Butler exactly whose team was it? Wade’s coming in the door squelching any potential conflicts.
Josh Howard had a 9-year career mostly in a reserve role for four NBA teams. The Wolves were his last NBA team little did we realize he was headed to the coaching ranks? Howard has been hired as head coach of the Piedmont International in Winston-Salem (NC). Piedmont is an NCAA Division II program.
Mizzou assistant Corey Tate leaving for St. Louis University. Tate’s from St. Louis we understand that portion of the story. The following questions cause us to scratch our heads. Why now in addition he’s leaving for another assistant job. He was only on Kim Anderson’s staff one year certainly, puzzling.
Does he stay or go?
The destination of Russell Westbrook is in question. He’s not going anywhere immediately but will likely be traded at some point. The Thunder is now his team no sharing the basketball with Kevin Durant. This could be good and bad depending on your perspective. I happen to be one of those who believe Westbrook is extremely talented but plays erratic at times. If Westbrook is traded possible destinations could be the Lakers or Knicks.
Westbrook is “home” if traded to the Lakers but who would they give up? Brandon Ingram, D’Angelo Russell or Jordan Clarkson could be packaged individually along with others for Westbrook. As for the Knicks they could package several players however their roster appears limited with talented youngsters. Kristaps Porzingis might be the only lure but do you trade him at age 20 for a 27-year old Westbrook? At this point the Knicks would appear slightly better (32 wins) versus the Lakers.
Revamped Bulls
The 2016-17 Bulls cannot be fully assessed until the end of the season, let’s check out the possible starting lineup.
Rajon Rondo-point
Dwayne Wade-shooting guard
Jimmy Butler-small forward.
Taj Gibson-power forward
Robin Lopez-center.
On the surface this looks to be veteran lineup however questions remain. Rondo has worn out his welcome in Boston, Dallas and Sacramento when motivated he’s talented. As for the two guard no argument on Wade’s ability but the injury bug must be mentioned. Butler has morphed into a star but he too has an injury history. Power forward Gibson is a hard-nosed defender and can score the basketball on occasion, Lopez will be adequate at center. The reserves are a mix of veterans and youngsters. Draft pick Denzel Valentine shows potential talent given time to adjust to NBA play. The Bulls are coming off a 42-40 season after expecting to compete for the Eastern Conference Championship.
