Tall point guards
In an earlier time even in the NBA point guards were on the small size, most stood between 5-7 and 6-2. Oscar Robertson at 6-5 was the same height and weight of most small forwards of that time period. A few years later Magic Johnson would break the mold when he arrived in 1979 standing 6 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 225 pounds. Up to that time he may have been the tallest point guard in NBA history. Magic was taller than many small forwards and the same height as a number of power forwards.
In 1993 the Magic drafted 6-7 Penny Hardaway who was quite successful until injuries beset him and curtailed his career. The tall point guard is not that unusual anymore, so Brett Brown’s statement is not exactly surprising based on the player he’s discussing and the players passing skills. Ben Simmons who stands 6 feet 10 inches and 240 pounds will become the Sixers point guard once he returns from injury. This may not prove to be a permanent move so we must wait until January to see if Brown follows through on his plan.
There is no question the passing skills of Simmons its defense that might cause problems for him. Small speedy point guards often present problems for taller point guards, Magic Johnson, Penny and others could do whatever they wanted on offense seeing over the top of the defense. On defense they had problems with the “Isiah Thomas” type speedy point guard. The Sixer lineup should be interesting if this change is implemented. Technically the Bucks Giannis Antetokounmpo with point guard skills is a small forward but stands 6-11.
Bits n Pieces
Watching the Sixers-Rockets game on NBA TV Rocket color commentator Clyde Drexler claims Joel Embiid now stands 7 feet 2 inches tall. If that’s the case he’s still growing because when he was drafted in the NBA from Kansas he was listed as an even 7 feet. Despite the optimism of Embiid the Sixers are still in last place. Where is Ben Simmons when you need him?
I’ve always worked days I off work and headed home no later than 6:00 p.m. I never worked a 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. or 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift. My brother once held an 11-7 job and one day in conversation he informed me he usually didn’t go to bed until 12:00 or 1:00 p.m. I ask the question; “Aren’t you ready for bed when you get home?” His response caused me to laugh out loud; “You don’t go to be bed when you get home at 6:00 p.m. do you?” So it is with the 24-hour marathon of college basketball on ESPN. There are individuals it’s likely beneficial to a number of folks to witness a live game rather than one recorded.
Captain Obvious might be only familiar to those with an American television feed. The commercials feature an actor usually in a military type uniform informing us the advantage of using Hotels.com when traveling. The actor is white and James Harden is black however both have extensive beards. For me instead of the “The Beard” James Harden will now be known as “Capt Obvious” to me.
We hear the word once again “tank”, this time it was Mavs owner Mark Cuban making the statement his team wasn’t tanking. As this is written the Mavs sit in last place in both conferences and are likely to hold that position by the time this is being read. The conversation of NBA teams losing on purpose to enhance draft position will never disappear. It will not fade away until the NBA decides to revise the draft and I have no proposals.
ESPN.com detailed a video history of the Lakers downfall in the standings titled; “Lakers dynasty derailed“. One of the several issues mentioned was the trade for Chris Paul which was voided by the league. For those who might be unfamiliar with the story or have forgotten a quick review. Chris Paul then playing for the Hornets (Pelicans now) was about to become a free-agent rather than lose him with no compensation a trade was worked out with the Lakers.
The Lakers would send Lamar Odom, Luis Scola, Kevin Martin and Goran Dragic would have come from the Rockets for Paul. This portion of the story is strictly New York Times December 8, 2011. Veteran NBA writer Howard Beck indicates “The trade became null and void because of one owner. He claims Dan Gilbert (yes that Dan Gilbert) wrote a letter to Commissioner Stern complaining about the trade. Gilbert wanted Stern to call for a league vote on whether the trade should be approved.”
As for my part I could uncover no further information as to a league vote. Commissioner Stern did step in and nullify the trade. This one fact alone did not cause the slid of this legendary franchise to lottery level but it certainly didn’t help. I repeat again I will give David Stern his props he really grew the NBA during his tenure. The trade that never occurred will always be a millstone around David Stern’s neck to me.
