Basketball from a fans perspective

This is interesting
We had questions if the Thunder could adapt their game this season with no Kevin Durant in the lineup. Could Russell Westbrook raise his game to a higher level?  We might have questions if we consider the first two games.  This tidbit from game two, Westbrook led the way in an overtime win versus the Suns with another triple-double.  The Thunder point guard had an amazing game with 51 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists but took 44 shots while shooting 39% from the floor the Thunder team registered a total of 96 field goal attempts.    

This is not intended as a knock on the Suns the question can Westbrook continue this pace against the Warriors, Cavs and others.  The team needs to nominate somebody on the team to step up; they will certainly not go very far in the playoffs if this trend continues through the season.  For one thing teams are not dumb they will figure out a method to slow (notice I didn’t say stop) Westbrook.  In addition if this pace continues Westbrook is likely to worn out by the time the playoffs begin.  

You don’t say
The NBA connection in Vegas is well known, it’s the Lakers “second” home.  In addition NBA Summer League is held at the Thomas and Mack Center located on the UNLV campus.  Stories circulate on a yearly basis “the NBA is headed to Las Vegas.”  With the opening in spring of the T-Mobile Center there will be an NHL team for the 2017-18 season.  There is also an indication the NFL Raiders plan on locating to the city from Oakland.  Construction of a 65,000 seat stadium has been signed by the governor of the state.  As for the NBA they would share space in the T-Mobile Center with the NHL team.  The CEO of MGM Resorts International 50% owner of the arena claims an NBA team is headed to Las Vegas.  

Most interesting is his claim “It will not be an expansion team it will be an existing franchise.” Let’s explore his statement a littler further.  It was rumored a few years back Milwaukee might relocate.  With a new arena on the horizon I doubt it’s the Bucks.  The Kings are also secure beginning this season in a brand new building.  There is an outside chance he could be discussing the Pelicans with infighting occurring between the owner and members of his family but even that’s a question mark.  Bottom line I have no idea what franchise he’s hinting might move to Vegas.  Expansion possible franchise move doubtful.

Old versus New
Ol skool terminology is used to describe much of the music of the ‘50’s, ‘60’s and ’70’s as for hip-hop I’m unsure if that is the term to describe a portion of today’s music.  The point I’m attempting to make over the course of this past summer we’ve heard many discussions (arguments in some cases) from an earlier generation of NBA players versus those of today.  

At the dawn of another NBA season let’s just say we should place all discussion in the rear-view mirror.  Sure I’ve taken sides on occasions however I can state with conviction some of the best basketball witnessed is played in the 21st Century.  Dr. J. versus LeBron James, Kareem Abdul Jabbar versus Boogie Cousins, its difficult to hold an argument sometimes when there is a Hall of Fame player in the discussion. Let’s all agree to disagree without being disagreeable. 

Downtown Detroit
The Little Caesars Arena under construction in Detroit might soon be the new home of the Pistons.  I’d mentioned previously The Palace at Auburn Hills is the only NBA arena located outside the city limits all other arenas are located in the city, in some instances in the downtown area.  The Palace is 40 miles from downtown Detroit and maybe more depending on your starting point.   That might soon change, owner Tom Gore is negotiating an arrangement for the Pistons to move back to Detroit.

The Pistons have played their home games in The Palace sine 1988 and prior to that home was the Pontiac Superdome.  Technically the team has not played in Detroit since 1978 when they moved from Cobo Hall in downtown Detroit.  As for the arena Mike Illitch owns the NHL Red Wings and the baseball Tigers, he's also the founder and owner of Little Caesars Pizza.  I wish he'd come forth with a different name, oh well you can't have everything you want.