Basketball from a fans perspective
Moving swiftly in Lakerland
By the time this is read the Lakers will announce Rob Pelinka as their GM replacing Mitch Kupchak. Pelinka’s background includes ownership of Landmark Sports Agency, he might be better known as the agent for Kobe Bryant. This is Pelinka’s first role with an NBA team, the college basketball player who became an attorney who would become sports agent has now become an NBA GM. The 6-6 Pelinka has not served in any capacity in the NBA in the past however he’s got vast amount of background as a sports agent.
I’m not exactly sure how this situation will develop but we must guess he will divest himself of his sports agency. The front office moves appear complete, long time public relations spokesman John Black (26 years) was also among the departed. We can feel sorry for everyone who lost their job except Jimmy Buss. Jeannie’s brother remains an owner but one who is no longer in charge of basketball operations. It should be of note Pelinka was a member of the Fab 5 team at Michigan. The freshmen team of Webber, Rose, Howard, King and Jackson who almost won the NCAA Championship. We didn’t take note of Pelinka at the time because he spent limited minutes on the court but check out where he is now.
He might be okay
Backcourt injuries suffered by the Clippers have allowed Austin Rivers to play major minutes. He’s played well as a starter, I have been highly critical of Rivers in the past. A component of my complaint I believe Rivers is really not a point guard although he‘s point guard size (6-4). He’s been “made” point guard despite limited skills in that area, he’s actually better suited for the shooting guard. On the depth chart J.J. Redick is in front of him and a more consistent shooter.
My secondary complaint has been his role on a team coached by his father. I’ve mentioned this previously this past summer Rivers was a free agent. Media reports indicated there were few teams willing to sign him based on what he might command. President of Basketball Operations for the Clippers decided to re-sign Austin. The responsible party for the decision was Doc Rivers who serves in both roles for the Clippers. There is talk that Rivers might be traded to provide additional depth for the Clippers I wouldn’t hold my breath on that one.
Pay me
I have been on both sides of the “pay for play” issue, I’m still not 100% sure I’m pro or con. I just read an article on ESPN.com indicating a number of colleges and universities now own aircraft not lease they owned them. I guess we could say private colleges might be understandable but the story indicated many state universities also own aircraft. It was pointed out coaches often fly from point A to point B on recruiting trips specifically for football and basketball.
In addition administrators of the school utilize this method for their travel as well. For example if Bill Self wants to recruit a kid in California how does he accomplish this feat? It’s probably far easier to fly from Lawrence Municipal Airport three miles from the city than to drive 50 miles to Kansas City International Airport in Missouri. I’m not picking on Self just playing Devils Advocate; a school can spend large sums to acquire an aircraft plus pay a pilot and the maintenance but cannot pay the athletes?
Bits n Pieces
Gary Trent Jr. plays the game at a high level same as dad. Gary Trent Sr. played at Ohio University and in the NBA and Europe for a number of years. Senior stood 6-8 and weighed a hefty 250 pounds, junior stands 6-5 and checks in at 200 pounds. Dad was known for his ability to rebound the basketball Junior for his shooting. The McDonald’s All-American is headed to Duke to play for Coach K.
If the Lakers finish with any of the top three picks I’m okay. None of the freshman have announced yet (notice I said freshmen). Markelle Fultz Washington, Lonzo Ball UCLA, Josh Jackson Kansas and Dennis Smith NC State. I didn’t miscount there are four names on my list; I’ll take anyone of them.
Remember all the snickers when the Hornets changed their team name? A number expressed the belief they thought Pelicans was funny. I would ask them the question what’s any funnier than Thunder? Not the team but the fact somebody managed to name a sports team after a weather event that occurs throughout the world.
After being absence for two years Mizzou will be a participant in the SEC-Big 12 Challenge next season. It’s already being reported Bill Self does not won’t to play Mizzou. As I’ve indicated I have no issues with Kansas players it’s Self and those Kansas fans that are all-knowing. They never see anything wrong with the program on or off the court.
