Basketball from a fans perspective
Doom and gloom
Despite the dire predictions of one Charles Barkley Team USA managed to beat Serbia 96-66 to win Olympic gold. I didn't know what to expect because Team USA only managed a competitive 94-91 victory over Serbia earlier. I was unable to see the game from the beginning. Arriving home and turning on the television I discovered Team USA had a 13-point lead. At the end of the 3rd quarter it was Team USA 79 Serbia 43. I’m anxiously waiting for the Barkley explanation, I believe he will take an “I told you so” response.
“Stay in your lane”
Bulls guard Jimmy Butler is very good, so good in fact he may have been indirectly responsible for Derrick Rose being traded. Calm down fans I didn’t say Butler did anything intentional to force the hand of management. In any event Butler said the other day he “could play in the NFL.” According to the numbers the Bulls guard stands 6-7 and checks in at 220 pounds certainly big enough to play in the NFL. Unlike a number of athletes his bio only indicates a basketball background no high school play.
Not only does Butler claim he could play in the NFL he even names two current NFL players he believes he‘s better. Several months ago my pastor pointed to a fact all drivers are aware. He said “The white lines on the street or interstate are to ensure you stay in your lane, you cannot drive in your lane and the person next to you too.” We could make that same statement regarding Jimmy Butler; you are an excellent NBA player as for the NFL that’s another question. It might be best if you “stayed in your lane (NBA).”
Bits n Pieces
Sometimes I think thoughts and wonder hmmmmm! Up the road from us Perry Ellis has toiled the last four years for the Kansas Jayhawks, he was the go-to guy for the Jayhawks. When I first heard his name years ago I immediately thought of the designer. Guess what Perry Ellis the baller signed with Perry Ellis the designer, the player is now the spokesman for the designer.
You agree with this from ESPN’s Jay Bilas? He would like to see drafted players return to college. That’s not quite a strange as it might sound at first. Bilas says NBA “stash” players in Europe and the D-League providing evidence the draft picks are not ready to play in the NBA. Whether the NCAA would agree is another story.
76ers Coach Brett Brown intends to be a man of his word. He stated during summer league Ben Simmons might play the point this upcoming season. He’s reaffirmed that view recently indicating Simmons will play some point especially when he grabs defensive rebounds.
Not exactly shocking news, LeBron James indicated his desire to become an NBA owner. His financial plan has extended into a number of varied areas. The game that’s provided him riches would appear natural. He would join the group that includes Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal and Grant Hill and others. Magic Johnson sold his interest in the Lakers when he became a Dodger owner.
This town
“This town ain’t big enough for both of us.” that was often the line expressed in numerous western movies. The combatants faced off against one another often in gun duel. This is not that serious however we have the same situation played out. Just my imagination not so according to Clippers owner Steve Ballmer. He’s made it known he’s uncomfortable with the present lease arrangements at Staples Center. The Clippers are tied down and cannot move anywhere for years. This two team arrangement has always been strange for a number of reasons.
How the Clippers arrived in Los Angeles is interesting in itself having moved from San Diego. Former owner Donald Sterling moved the team without NBA permission however he waited. The late Al Davis Raiders owner wanted to move his NFL Raiders to Los Angeles. The NFL said no and Davis said okay and filed an anti-trust lawsuit against the league. Two years later the court ruled in favor of Davis and he moved the Raider. This was the opening Sterling needed wanting out of San Diego. The Clippers have called Los Angeles home for a number of years could San Diego have eventually worked? That’s a question none of us can answer.
