Basketball from a fans perspective

He says
Kevin Ding is a basketball beat writer who often covers the Lakers.  When he is writing or discussing the Lakers I usually read or listen to him.  Ding has actually confirmed what I wrote a few weeks ago; “If the Lakers cannot swing a trade they will buy-out Nick Young’s contract.”  Young is one of those players whose skill level has eroded over the last few years.  He’s only 31 he could catch on with another NBA team and provide valuable minutes in a reserve role.  

The silence is deafening
Where are they, all those folks who lined up informing us “Kobe Bryant should retire?” Well he’s now retired but others who might also need to retire remain on the court.  Earlier it was mentioned those out of the game attempting a comeback. There are others who continue to play past their prime, what about them?  You are strangely quiet after informing me and others the last two years ago “Kobe needed to retire.”  

After debating all summer soon to be 39-year old Paul Pierce has decided to return to the Clippers.  Jason Terry who will also turn the same age is searching for a roster spot on an NBA team.  I wish I could locate someone or somebody to tell these two should retire.  Don’t misunderstand if both feel they still have game they shouldn’t retire.  It’s clear up to a point Kobe Bryant believed he could still play at a high level.

Team USA
I returned to the Charles Barkley comments regarding the construction of Team USA. The former “Mound of Rebound” has more basketball expertise than me, there is one key point Barkley is not always correct in his observations.  Until Team USA played Argentina there were close matches against France, Serbia and Australia.  Despite the manner Team USA was built Barkley has fallen into the same trap as a number of other Americans. This is no Dream or even Redeem Team, just an assembly of very good NBA players.  

The best basketball in the world is still played in the NBA however there are factors to consider. The rest of the world is now providing NBA players and many teams Team USA faces have NBA quality players.  This fact alone lends credibility to the fact the world is catching up with us.  I don’t know if Team USA beats Spain today this is written ahead of the game.  Whatever occurs as an American I remain proud of this team despite Barkley’s commentary.

The revolving door
Jim Sterk is the new athletic director at Mizzou; the school’s athletic department has been in free-fall mode.  Long-time (and successful) football coach Gary Pinkel’s illness forced him to the sidelines.  Hiring from within we don’t know assistant Barry Odom as head coach, we must wait and see.  As for our sport basketball that’s been a far different subject for another time.  Mike Alden hired Gary Pinkel however he also hired Quin Snyder, Mike Anderson and Frank Haith.  

Pinkel’s last hire was Kim Anderson from Division II University of Central Missouri. After stepping aside Mack Rhoades took over and the Mizzou faithful might have believed things were okay.  Apparently not so Rhoades left after but 15 months to take over the troubled Baylor program.  Perhaps the folks in SoCal are familiar with Sterk having served as AD for San Diego State University.  CBSSports.com claims “San Diego State’s two main sports, basketball and football, have thrived under Sterk who is leaving the Aztecs after six-plus years.”  This Mizzou fan will adopt a wait and see attitude.     

I’m no germaphonic
On more than one occasion I’ve mentioned my desire to purchase volumes of sports memorabilia mostly basketball.  Unfortunately a number of these items are far beyond my economic means.  As for SCP Auctions they have no worry about my interest in this item.  Sharpshooter Steph Curry is among the best of the best in NBA but his mouth guard, why in the world would someone want it? Consider this the item is priced at a healthy $1,500?  I wonder if the cost includes a can of Lysol Disinfectant.