“Ripped from the headlines”
That was the tag line from the long-running television series Law and Order. I don‘t remember if it was used on any of the spin-off versions of the popular series. If you recall the television program first a crime was committed then the investigation portion of the purported crime and arrest, the second half of the program dealt with the trial.
We are in the trial portion of the Derrick Rose civil trial for rape. As for the investigation portion the Los Angeles detective was conducting a separate criminal investigation. Whitter police received a phone call regarding a suicide and discovered the detective wounded who later died at the hospital. As this is written we are unsure if it’s a homicide or suicide but certainly unusual and tragic at the same time.
No surprise
This was reported previously and now it’s confirmed. The 2016-17 season will be the last for Paul Pierce future Hall of Fame candidate. Pierce is currently playing for the Clippers but also spent time with the Nets and Wizards. He spent the first 15 years of his NBA career as a member of the Boston Celtics. At the end of the 2016-17 season Pierce will sign a 1-day contract and retire a Celtic.
What should we expect for an encore?
Speaking of Rookie of the Year 2016 Karl-Anthony Towns was the overwhelming winner. It was well deserve based on the above average rookie year for the former Kentucky power forward. Towns received all of the first-place votes finishing with 650 points. Finishing in second place was the Knicks Kristaps Porzingis. He hit the rookie wall the second half of the season as his field goal percentage dropped however his scoring went up slightly. Now that he’s got a year under his belt in the NBA what should we expect for an encore? I expect an upgrade in all offensive areas and a better defensive game over last season.
Every time I think of Porzigis two individuals come to mine. The 10-year old youngster at last years draft so upset with the pick he took a selfie crying at the time Porzingis was announced. Somewhere near the middle portion of the season that same youngster was sporting a Porzingis jersey. Stephen A. Smith the supposed ESPN’s basketball “expert.” The day and maybe up to a week after the pick Smith was crying and moaning how Phil Jackson and the Knicks “Had lost their everlasting mind.” Smith too had a change of heart near the middle of the season.
Its life not just money
We’ve known for awhile Chris Bosh had a health issue with blood clots. The Heat’s doctors are yet to clear him for action. He’s been “fighting” with the front office over the issue of play. In all likelihood they will keep him off the court as long as possible for financial reasons. I believe we can all understand Bosh wants back to play but for me it’s different. I certainly have no desire to see another Reggie Lewis or Hank Gathers die on the court.
Point guard or shooting guard?
It’s an exhibition game so I’ll try not to read too much into it. D’Angelo Russell lead the way with 33 points as the Lakers defeated the Suns 124-114 in a recent game. The Lakers roster indicates Russell is a point guard however he only contributed 3 assists to the match. Just in case you think he might have shot the ball too much he was .684 from the floor. Many believe Russell might have been a mistake pick last year lets just say it was a surprise choice for me. As for his rookie year Russell had two issues last year which he want face this season one is removed (Coach Scott) the other remains (Nick Young).
Has Russell made peace with Scott over his release of a detrimental tape Russell released to the media?
Russell claims it was a mistake so I guess we must take his word for it. This we know minus a shooting percentage that could be improved (.410) Russell at 13.2 ppg had a good but not great rookie year. 3.3 assists while leading the team in steals. He appears to have a good relation with his new coach so much that an outsider former Spurs guard Stephen Jackson accused him of “brown nosing.” The youngster came into the NBA as a teen but had his 20th birthday prior to the end of the season. Youth will be served despite the bumps that often occur in the road. I still don’t have an answer is he a point or shooting guard?
