Basketball from a fans perspective
I purposely didn’t write
Words eye view began publishing in 2011, since that time I’ve attempted to avoid discussions surrounding political issues. It was clear to me the sport we love should be the focus and that’s the tone I’ve attempted over the years. President Obama has been mentioned but only on those occasions an NBA Championship team might visit the White House.
The 2016 presidential election has changed my view; it’s changed because basketball coaches in the NBA and college have voiced concerns about the election of Donald Trump as president of the nation. The first (to my knowledge) to speak out was Stan Van Gundy Detroit Pistons coach, next up the Spurs Gregg Popovich followed by Steve Kerr of the Warriors.
This afternoon (Saturday) I’m reading Coaches Rick Pitino at Louisville and Shaka Smart of Texas added their voices to the growing list. This might eventually become a title wave because we are yet to hear from any NFL or MLB players or coaches. Trump’s rhetoric, his disparaging remarks about women and minorities has upset a number of people in America.
Are words going to change Donald Trump I seriously doubt it however those around him might influence him to change some of his language. I hope you will continue reading Words eye view despite this changing direction of the publication. I believe it is important this one time to take a stand against bigotry even though it might emanate from the White House no less.
You wonder why
I refuse to place Russell Westbrook in this group you’re probably asking what group I am referring to. That small number of players you want to take the shot when the game is on the line. Michael Jordan had a commercial at one time, he described “how many times he took the shot and missed.” There is a difference in taking “the shot” versus a bad shot. Russell Westbrook once again provided us of a bad shot. Friday’s game the Clippers held a 110-108 lead with seconds left in the game. Westbrook ball in his hands and with the clock ticking down took a difficult 3-point shot when a 2-point basket might have tied the game.
As speedy and elusive as Westbrook is I believe he could have driven around the defender and at least had a lay-up which would have tied the game. Instead Westbrook takes a leaning 3-point shot which missed its mark. A commentator said; “He (Westbrook) might have thought he needed a three-point basket and was trying to get fouled.” That calls for a great deal of speculation on the part of the viewer. I really don’t believe it’s an ego issue with Westbrook he is one of those players who never “saw a shot he didn’t like.” No longer competing for shots with Durant I thought we might witness a different Westbrook. Unfortunately it appears the mercurial point guard is incapable of making changes to his game.
1946
The game was actually played November 1, 1946; 70 years ago to be exact the Basketball Association of America would play its first game. In the game the Toronto Huskies would face the New York Knicks in Toronto’s Maple Leaf Garden. The Knicks would be winners in that first game 68-66 as for the Huskies they would only play the 1946-47 season disbanding in the summer.
In honor of that inaugural game the NBA decided to turn back the clock on Saturday night November 12th. The Raptors were decked out in Huskies jerseys and the Knicks in replica 1946 Knicks jerseys. This time the outcome was different as the Huskies (Raptors) beat the Knicks 118-107 in the Air Canada Centre.
I voted for the first time
Shaquille O’Neal’s feature Shaqtin’ A Fool has been around for a few years as part of the TNT telecast of the NBA. If you are not familiar with the feature each week bloopers of five NBA players are viewed. You can cast your vote by logging on to NBA TV Shaqtin’ A Fool. For the first time ever I voted but just like the presidential election my vote remains secret. Check out the videos and make your choice known.
