Bits n Pieces
Chris Paul was out of the lineup that was a negative but Blake Griffin was in so that’s a positive. Joel Embiid was sidelined with a knee contusion and yet the Sixers won the game. The Clippers had the Sixers down by 19 points yet lost the game 121-110, the win was the Sixers first against the Clippers in like forever.
The Big 12-SEC challenge will prove interesting this year. The game most interesting is #2 Kansas versus #4 Kentucky late Saturday afternoon. That game is the single one matching two Top 25 teams. The others #25 Florida is at Oklahoma and #5 Baylor plays Ole Miss.
Hopefully the information I uncovered is correct. My confusion over the Lakers first round draft choice is clear now; I’ve checked two other draft sites. If the Lakers finish 1, 2 or 3 they maintain their pick, they lose the pick if they finish 4th or higher in the lottery. Since the draft is weighted the Nets have a 25% chance of being awarded the first pick the Lakers 19.9%.
Purdue has a 17-4 record as this is written aiding greatly to the cause has been Caleb Swanigan. The 6-9 250 pound forward has been a double-double man in his sophomore year at Purdue. Only 3 games he’s failed to reach double figures so far this season. Considering he was once an overweight teen at 6-2 and nearly 400 pounds he’s come a long, long way.
Do you trade for a veteran?
Southern California has a number of positives. The area has warm weather, Hollywood, television and commercial opportunities. It’s also home to the Lakers who must come to a conclusion, they require a veteran presence in the lineup. This is not just any veteran but one good enough to provide effective leadership. Despite the advantages of Los Angeles the present day Lakers are not going to attract any high profile athletes. A trade becomes a quick fix and addresses a number of the problems we’ve witnessed thus far this season.
The question becomes do the Lakers make a trade exchanging youth for a veteran or continue to draft and develop talent? The upside a proven veteran can help lead the Lakers into the playoffs, the downside is clear. The skilled veteran fails to provide the leadership anticipated and the youthful player(s) traded excels in his new home. Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith of TNT made a statement which brings this discussion into perspective. Smith said; ‘Unless you are making a trade for a veteran who demands a double-team a trade is of no use. The deadline is February 23 so there remains time for a decision.
International game
A number of college teams across the nation could make a similar claim however the spotlight is on New Mexico State. The university in Las Cruces has 16 players on its roster 7 of them international players. France, Ivory Coast and Canada are all represented on NMSU’s roster. Should I refer to Canadians as international players? Our northern neighbors are really not international; they speak the same language as us, drive many of the same vehicles and purchase similar products.
