Basketball from a fans perspective
Headed for the NBA
We were surprised Kansas freshman Josh Jackson declared for the 2017 draft. I’m joking with you, it was a foregone conclusion he would be one and done at Kansas. All the projections I’ve seen place Jackson no lower than at the very least the fourth pick in the first round. Some projections indicate Jackson might even be chosen number two.
A heavy heart
I stated it would be difficult to provide updates on all the playoff games. The only instance would be an unusual game situation; we had that on Sunday between the Celtics and Bulls. To lose a love one is devastating; athletes are no different from us in this regard. Chyna Thomas 22-year old sister of Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas died in an automobile accident Saturday morning. Would Isaiah, could Isaiah play in the Celtics first playoff game on Sunday afternoon
Could Thomas play with such a heavy heart was the question. The photo’s of Avery Bradley consoling him on the bench at shoot-around or the other photo shooting with tears clearly obvious. As for the game the Celtics came up short 106-102 however the game was close due to the effort of Thomas. Thomas shot .556 from the floor scoring 33 points and dishing out 6 assists and grabbing 5 rebounds, R.I.P. Chyna Thomas.
Check the east coast
Folks looking at the Lakers and discussion centered on the teams dysfunction at the top. The “war” between the Buss family has been much in the news although it now appears over. Ready for the next flashpoint, how about 3,000 miles east? The Knicks expected to be improved in 2016 2017 have played in a similar manner to the old Knicks. NBA teams conduct exit interviews with each roster member It was reported Kristaps Porzingis skipped his.
The indication he’s “upset” with the turmoil that existed on the Knicks this past season. Phil Jackson making news once again by simply stating Carmelo Anthony might be “better off some place else. “ All this drama and not a peep out of Coach Jeff Hornacek as this is written. Those are the principles however I‘m not prepared to offer any solutions just the report. Oh yes I do have one, I‘m sure the Lakers could find space somewhere on their roster should the Latvian youngster decides he wants to play for another team. .
The Muni
A discussion of college and pro basketball in Kansas City begins at a building surprising to many. You might have thought this was a discussion on Sprint Center (2007) or Kemper Arena (1974). Sprint’s served as host for numerous NCAA Tournament games since its opening; Sprint has also witnessed NBA and NHL exhibitions and a number of college basketball games. As for Kemper it’s also been host for NCAA games, the former NHL Scouts and NBA Kings and for a brief period the NAIA Tournament. Kemper has now been sold to private interests to be developed as a youth and fitness facility.
This discussion ends discussing venerable Municipal Auditorium which first opened its doors in 1936. Muni as its nicknamed has served host to 10 NCAA and 73 NAIA Championship games and continues the count. Due to occupancy issues the Muni will no longer serve as the site for NCAA venues, basketball has been moved to the larger Sprint Center. Muni was the original “home” of the Kansas City Kings prior to Kemper Arena being built. The 10,000 seat arena continues to serve the NAIA as championship central and its now home to the University of Kansas City Kangaroos.
I’m not THAT relaxed!
As a Mizzou fan I’m pleased Michael Porter Jr. is on the roster. It’s only going to be one year I’m not foolish enough to believe he’s playing past his freshman year. This is written ahead so I have no idea the number of future prospects Coach Cuonzo has recruited. At the same time the realist in me looks at last years LSU team. Ben Simmons arrived on campus with all the tools and talent, a funny thing occurred on the way to the NCAA Tournament---there was no appearance by LSU.
We discover after the fact a number of Simmons teammates resented all the attention the youngster was receiving. LSU barely competed (19-14) even with the talented Simmons in the lineup. The end result Coach Jones was fired a year after the talented Simmons departed for the NBA. At the beginning I believe (I could be wrong) Martin is a better coach than Jones. Mizzou might show slight improvement and don’t expect to see a repeat of the LSU fiasco. Sorry LSU fans just calling it as I see it.
