Asian or is it African?
Although Manu Ginobili is from Argentina I believe he might be the first, the term “Euro” step came into usage applied primarily to the Spurs Ginobili. During Tuesday nights Kansas Kansas State game Svi Mykhaliuk of Kansas passed the ball inbounds and then took the return pass. He began racing down the court toward his basket and sank what turned out to be the winning basket, Kansas 90-Kansas State 88. Not apparent to the crowd or the announcers Mykhaliuk took four steps without dribbling the ball clearly a travel.
Not only did those in attendance at Allen Fieldhouse miss the obvious travel so did the television audience. In addition the three officials on the court also missed blowing the whistle on the play. After the fact it was announced the travel could not be reviewed only the clock. Mykhaliuk has now coined a new term his step was no Euro step it was an Asian or African step. If you check you can see both continents are much larger in landmass than Europe about the size of the large step Mykhaliuk took.
The future!!
Laker fans see the PO-TEN-TIAL of this puerile team; it was certainly evident last night as they beat the Grizzlies 116-102. It was more than Julius Randle’s 19 point 14 rebound 11 assist game. It was more than D’Angelo Russell and Swaggy P. highly accurate 3-point shooting. Timofey Mozgov wasn’t bad either tossing in 14 points or clogging the lane playing defense effectively.
Jordan Clarkson and Lou Williams combined for 30 points off the bench but I believe you get the idea it was a team effort that earned the victory. For me the most encouraging part with a “matador” defense for much of December the Lakers actually stopped the Grizzlies from scoring. Another difference the “young” Lakers didn’t surrender a lead they held which has often been the case resulting in a loss.
It’s
The Pacers faced the Pistons on Tuesday evening in the Palace at Auburn Hills. We are a long day’s journey from November 19, 2004, that was the evening of the “Malice in the Palace.” A fight broke out on the court between the Pacers and Pistons, eventually several fans would be involved.
It was a huge black-eye for NBA basketball at the time numerous suspensions of players and criminal charges filed against some of the fans involved. The only “fight” on Monday was on the court and it involved no fists as the Pacers won the game 121-116. The next time the Pacers face the Pistons in a home game the location will be different. The teams will meet next season at the 21,000 seat Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit.
Bits n Pieces
Class of 2017 prospects is the focus currently however there is a noteworthy junior prospect. Zion Williamson is a 6-6 230 pound forward from Spartanburg (SC). This Rivals 5-star prospect has numerous schools with offers on the table for him to attend. He’s the number two prospect in the Class of 2018 so it’s likely no decision will be made at least until the fall of 2017; keep an eye out for this youngster.
I’ve mentioned on several occasions location greatly aids a player when he first arrives in the NBA. Kay Fielder is in the wrong location, it says he ain’t gonna get much playing time. See the 5-9 rookie guard from Oakland (MI) is on the Cavs bench where it’s likely he will remain. His place on the bench has nothing to do with his talent its just too many larger bodies in front of him. Isaiah Thomas clearly demonstrated his talent early on however it took a trade to the Celtics to convince the NBA Thomas had star quality. Interesting both players are the same height.
The question is posed for a number of reasons. The chief one we have a number of ‘journalists‘ who seem to believe the more controversy I can stir up the more readers or viewers I gain. David Aldridge is not like that guy; he never played the game but is passionate about his work without being flamboyant. Over the years Aldridge has worked for a number of media outlets covering the NBA. Turner Sports, ESPN and NBA TV he’s worked for all, his low-key reporting is always appreciated by this writer versus those over the top guys. You know who they are they are. They want to be the story rather than the story itself.
I’m surprised; the Hawks announced they would retire jersey number 44 worn by Pete Maravich although the date has not be finalized. You would think this might have been accomplished earlier after all he’s been enshrined in the Naismith and College Basketball Hall of Fame, selected as one of the Top 50 All-Time NBA players. The number 7 he wore in New Orleans has been retired by the Jazz and the Pelicans, his college team LSU retired number 23.
