Basketball from a fans perspective
Another giant gone
Nate Thurmond closely associated with the Warriors died on Saturday at the age of 74 succumbing to leukemia. Warriors fans under a certain age might ask; “Who is he?” Thurmond was one of basketballs’ greats selected a member of the Top 50 NBA Players of all-time and elected to the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame. When the Warriors drafted Thurmond in 1963 the Warriors had Wilt Chamberlain playing center which meant a position change was required. The 6-11 Thurmond was forced to play the power forward position, in 1965 Chamberlain was traded to the 76ers allowing Thurmond to return to the center position.
The majority of Thurmond’s career was spent as a member of the Warriors although he played for the Bulls and Cavs. Thurmond’s defense and shot-blocking speak volumes about his talent and ability; Kareem Abdul Jabbar once said Thurmond was the toughest opposing center he faced throughout his playing career. We have no idea how many blocked shots Thurmond registered in his career the NBA did not begin counting blocked shots until his 11th year in the league. With that Thurmond holds a record that will never ever be eclipsed. While a member of the Bulls Thurmond recorded a quadruple-double against the Hawks 22 points, 14 rebounds, 13 assists and 12 blocked shots in the space of 45 minutes. R.I.P. Nate Thurmond another giant gone.
“I’m not too smart”
Why do I always fall into the trap, you know the one where you compare one player to another in an effort to determine whose better. This time its ESPN’s Mike & Mike and they are debating “Who is best in the era Tim Duncan or Kobe Bryant?” Why an issue for debate is might be the first question, a power forward versus a shooting guard. They never had to guard one another with the exception of switches, if this were a Kobe-Jordan debate okay otherwise the point is?
Duncan and Kobe won five NBA Championships, Duncan was League MVP twice compared to Kobe’s single occasion. Duncan won three Finals MVP while Kobe only won two. As for scoring Kobe leads the way with 33,643 points while Duncan registered 26,496. 6,306 assists for Kobe compared to 4,225 for Duncan. Duncan at 6-11 is clearly the leader without checking the records. Without explanation Mike Golic picked Duncan over Kobe so to balance this out I’m picking Kobe over Duncan.
“Half full-half empty”
Recently I held a conversation with a Kansas basketball fan. I said; “You realize Josh Jackson is either the number one or number two prospect depending on your source.” I was referring to the 6-7 guard from San Diego who was an April 2016 commit to Kansas. We also discussed those folks who claim to be fans who are critical of Bill Self. I mentioned to him I have a co-worker (Kansas graduate) whose complained about Self the last two years about losing in the NCAA tourney. Question how many active coaches have won NCAA Championships? By my quick count there are 11 active coaches who won one or more championships. That’s 11 out of roughly 500 or so Division I basketball coaches. I’d rather go to the Big Dance every season and chance winning versus not appearing at all.
NBA Summer League-Las Vegas
A number of the games have been quite interesting although they can be sloppy at times. Guys haven’t had much practice or time together--errant passes plenty of air balls. With that said still some good ball. Mystery man Thon Maker scored 15 point and snatched down 13 rebounds against the Cavs in his first game for the Bucks. Despite struggles with shooting Ben Simmons can play the game?
Coach Brett Brown interviewed used the term “point forward” in describing the youngster; finally he said “Simmons could play the point.” Brandon Ingram had a good first game and a so-so second one. Against the 76ers Laker D’Angelo Russell did his best Kobe imitation scoring the winning basket on a 3-point shot with 1.8 seconds left in the game. The Pelicans Buddy Hield has struggled with his shot however in time he will adjust. Kris Dunn has looked good for the Wolves, Ricky Rubio might have heard that across the Atlantic in Spain.
Tick…tick…tick
The clock continues to tick on the careers of several NBA players. We knew 39-year old Kobe Bryant was making one more swing around the NBA. The retirement of 40-year old Tim Duncan caught us off guard as he retired this month. After hinting the 2015-16 might be his last Duncan made it official. The clock continues to tick for Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett and Vince Carter as well.
As a spot starter and reserve the 38-year old Pierce might have had his worst season in his career on the way to the Hall of Fame. Will the 40-year old Garnett suit up for his 22nd NBA season remains a question? His production suffered as much as Pierce for the Wolves. 39-year old Vince Carter is headed into his 19th year in the NBA as just an average player. Kobe and Duncan decided enough was enough and yielded to Father Time. As for the players mention the too must yield whether this season or next.
