Basketball from a fans perspective
He didn’t know?
Actor, Knicks and NBA fan Michael Rapaport says the Michael Jordan shooting exhibition at his camp was pure baloney. Joining the crew of ESPN’s Sportsnation Rapaport voiced his view of basketball camps and MJ. I’ve known for quite awhile the actor is “basketball-savvy” however I’m shocked he didn’t know MJ. The owner of the Hornets and former NBA player never loses at anything.
“Dream Team”
I’m not exactly sure how this could be accomplished; I’d like basketball to be returned to the amateur ranks. Team USA was formed in 1992 after international losses in which a segment of the populace believed an in balance existed. A number of foreign nations utilized talent from professional leagues while Team USA was comprised of collegiate players. The Dream Team rolled winning the gold medal and the die was cast. The prospect of assembling a team every four years isn’t difficult it’s the other part.
A number of NBA players often play into the middle June and have little break before they are on the court once again. Injury is the prime concern for an NBA, who could forget the devastating injury Paul George suffered. His injury caused him to miss the 2014-15 NBA season. The “door was cracked then forced opened” so it’s highly likely we’ll never return to pure “amateur” basketball again. The only problem I could see for a return to college players is the “Paul George” factor at least NBA contracts protect an injured player.
Bits n Pieces
The Bulls now have a veteran backcourt with the acquisition of Rajon Rondo and Dwayne Wade. That is the plus side for Chicago fans the downside might be age. Wade will be 35 and Rondo 31 before the 2016-17 is complete, neither very old however that might be the oldest starting backcourt in the NBA.
Point guard Marcelo Huertas figured to be “odd man” out signed to a 1-year contract last season. The growth of rookie D’Angelo Russell and the July trade for point guard Jose Calderon would lead us to believe the Lakers would release the 33-year old Brazilian. Turns out this view was not correct in a somewhat surprise move the Lakers signed Huertas to a 2-year contract.
The Dinka people of South Sudan are among the worlds tallest. In recent time’s talent from this African nation have arrived in the NBA and other professional leagues. The late Manute Bol 7-7 might have been the first to play in the NBA. Later arrivals would be Luol Deng 6-8 now with the Lakers and 6-10 Ater Majok drafted by the Lakers but playing in Europe. On June 23 the Bucks selected 7-1 Thon Maker as the tenth pick in the 2016 draft. Tucked away at Cheshire Academy in Connecticut is 7-3 Chol Marial the youngster is reported to have a 7-11 inch wingspan. Just entering high school store the name in your memory banks.
At the time Tom Benson purchased the “Hornets” he wanted a name change reflecting New Orleans tradition. Benson approached the Jazz about acquiring the name. The Jazz citing their history with the name declined Benson’s request. For those who might be unaware the New Orleans Jazz was an NBA expansion team which later moved to Salt Lake City where they retained the Jazz name. In any event a contest was held in New Orleans and the Hornets would be re-born as the Pelicans. Much later the Bobcats would acquire the Hornet nickname. Confused I hope not.
“Little” Big Man
It might appear I have a fixation with big men who play the game and I admit it. Face it at the time Dr. Naismith designed the game he didn’t have guys in mind 6-10 or taller playing basketball. Eventually the game developed into a Big Mans game. In reality I love to see players closer to my size make an impact in college and the NBA. The Hawks made Kahlil Ameer “Kay” Felder the number 54 pick in the 2016 draft but traded his rights to the Cavs.
Matthew Dellavedova is now a member of the Bucks so it’s possible the 5-9 Felder might be able to make the final cut. Felder’s college numbers at Oakland (MI) proved he’s got skill, 24.4 ppg and 9.3 assists. It would be outstanding if a mid-major talent could earn a roster spot on an NBA team. Did I mention Felder had the second highest vertical registered at the draft combine with 44 inches?
