Basketball from a fans perspective
The “New” New York Knicks
It’s possible by the time this is printed there might be additions to the Knicks roster. Free-agent signings and trades will allow the Knicks to send out almost a new team next season including its coach. It appears Phil Jackson has given permission for Jeff Hornacek to use his offense rather than be tied to the triangle. That’s the supposed word from Phil Jackson according to media sources. With the exception of Porzingis and Anthony the lineup is likely to feature three new starters.
Derrick Rose-point guard
Courtney Lee-shooting guard
Carmelo Anthony-small forward
Kristaps Porzingis-power forward
Joakim Noah-center
More interesting Steph Marbury has pronounced the Knicks making progress and praising Phil Jackson’s leadership and direction. He went one step further and said previous administrations didn’t have owner Jim Dolan’s ear. Marbury believes all operations of the Knicks now run through Jackson. Madison Square Garden might be rocking again this winter provided this crew is able to remain healthy.
The coach
I indicated at the time of the hire I was under whelmed with the choice of Luke Walton as Lakers coach. I had no issues with him it was the fact he’d experienced a half-season coaching a veteran Warriors team. Byron Scott had previous coaching experience but his hire turned out to be a tragic mistake. In hindsight I question if Scott was set up for failure but that’s another story. As for Walton I have no issue except I hope Laker fans are not expecting 73-9. At this point we are unsure of the offense. I found it interesting (7-1 275 pound) Timofey Mozgov’s reasoning for signing with the Lakers was an assurance from Walton.
Mozgov indicated his new coach told him; “We are going to use you a lot.” On the surface that sounds unlike Warrior small-ball to me what do you think? In the second round the Lakers drafted 7-1 265 pound Ivica Zubac who will require seasoning. In summer league play Zubac has been a back to the basket center. It’s said his game resembles that of the Grizzlies Marc Gasol. Coming off a 17 win season it’s my belief Walton will inherit a better team than Scott it’s up to Walton to prove he can drive the vehicle he’s the director.
Bits n Pieces
I’m sure if you’ve followed basketball any length of time you’ve heard the statement “You can’t teach height. “ In the case of the Sacramento Kings the question might be “Can a team have too many tall guys on the roster?” They have starter DeMarcus Cousins 6-11 power forward Willie Cauley-Stein 7 foot and reserve 7 foot Kosta Koufos from last season. They hold the draft rights to 6-11 Skai Labissiere which they secured in the 2016 draft and have added 7-1 Georgios Papagiannis. Count it that’s over 35 feet in five players on the roster.
I mentioned this previously but believe several might have not seen it. I’m Kansas City proud, no local team however the metro area is represented on the NBA scene. Head coaches Tyronn Lue of the NBA Champion Cavs and Earl Watson Phoenix Suns. Current assistant coach Larry Drew has served as a head coach at a couple of stops. As for players there are the Wolves Brandon Rush, Willie Cauley-Stein of the Kings, Alec Burks Jazz and Willie Reed Heat. I believe that is the entire active Kansas City NBA connection, hopefully no one is overlooked.
There are at least two phrases I’m tired of hearing already and it’s not August yet. “Ben Simmons can’t shoot” and “Brandon Ingram is skinny.” There might have been others however Magic Johnson always comes to mind not for assists but shooting. Magic had to work on his shot once in the NBA, by the time he retired he was fairly good (notice I didn’t say great). As for Ingram I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard; “He’s consuming 5,000 calories a day” Ingram just might be one of those guys who might never weigh 240 pounds or more.
You might have forgotten my question by now, for reasons I couldn’t understand Thon Maker was omitted on several prospects sites in the Class of 2017. Of course he‘s in the NBA now but why was he not listed? I might be mistaken but I believed it may have been the fact he played his last two years of high school basketball in Canada. Consider this Simi Shittu is number 11 on ESPN Recruiting Nation and number 7 on Rivals list of 2018 prospects. Shittu hails from Burlington Ontario Canada, how come he’s listed you ask? The 6-8 210 pound forward is playing his high school ball at Montverde Academy in Florida USA.
