Basketball from a fans perspective
Another one
Last Sunday I wrote Ray Allen and Derek Fisher were contemplating a return to the court, we can add one more name to the mix of returning players. Emeka Okafor is discussing a return to action; he last played in the NBA in 2012-13. Even more interesting he’s attempting a comeback at an age (34) most basketball players are considering retirement. I’m not hating on any of these former players it’s just the fact I hate to see an athlete play past their prime years. In the case of Okafor he's attempting to return from injury.
Bits and Pieces
Brent Barry played for six teams during his NBA career (Clippers, Heat, Bulls, Sonics, Spurs and Rockets). So you can see he packed and unpacked his suitcase in a number of cities over the 14-years he played. We are unsure if it’s the city or the team the Sonics appear to be his favorite team. Every time we witness this NBA TV commentator without a suit he’s sporting a Sonics jersey.
I’m not claiming NBA TV is the best however they were the first, NBA-TV went on the air in March of 1999. Other sports soon followed, NFL Network was live November 2003 and MLB Network’s start date was January 2009. NBA TV is owned by the National Basketball Association. NBA TV has a world-wide audience (over 40 countries) we could say with a degree of certainty there are few areas of the world you might be unable to view NBA TV. The network broadcasts 24 hours a day and has a lineup of 19 programs less selected NBA games during the regular season.
While viewing the Venezuela-USA basketball game we discovered Kobe Bryant’s cousin was in the game. John Cox wasn’t playing for Team USA it was Venezuela. He led the way for Venezuela scoring 19 points although his team fell to Team USA. On the relationship question John “Chubby” Cox his dad is the sister of Pam Bryant wife of Joe “Jellybean” Bryant they are the parents of Kobe Bryant. Chubby played pro basketball in Caracas Venezuela where he met and married his wife.
Adidas is smiling from ear to ear; they announced the signing of Bucks rookie Thon Maker. No details were mentioned other than it was a multi-year contract. The smile is not just for Maker Adidas has also signed a number of high profile picks from the 2016 draft. Jaylen Brown Celtics, Wade Baldwin Grizzlies, Brandon Ingram Lakers and Jamal Murray Nuggets.
Memorabilia
Are you a collector of sports memorabilia? Collecting memorabilia can be quite expensive depending on your purchase. I have a friend with a stadium seat from Denver’s old Mile High Stadium. The stadium built in 1948 was utilized by the Broncos and other sports teams and venues. It was demolished in 2002. I’ve mentioned my collection of Laker stuff which is fairly significant.
Although my efforts have been driven by the desire for Laker gear lately I want to venture into purchasing other teams stuff. Not just any teams stuff Hall of Fame jerseys. I’d mentioned in the past I spotted a Nate Archibald Kansas City Kings jersey. Archibald’s number 10 is hanging in the rafters of Sacramento’s arena although he never played in the city, that’s another story. Recently I came across a Julius Erving jersey, this is not just any Dr. J. jersey it’s the New York Nets number 32.
Is he just being nice?
Talk about playing under pressure this season that’s Laker Brandon Ingram. New Warrior Kevin Durant said; “Brandon Ingram is further along than he was at that age,” in addition “Like I’m like looking in the mirror.” If Ingram didn’t feel any stress before he must certainly feel that way after this comparison Durant made about him.
Durant and Ingram stand 6-9 however as a 19-year old Durant came into the NBA at a slim 215 pounds while Ingram is a skinny 190 pounds. As for the Warriors who sacrifices his game to accommodate the offense of Durant? It’s just speculation on my part however I believe it might be two players. I nominate Klay Thompson and Draymon Green to see the basketball much less next season.
