Basketball from a fans perspective
Multiple choice
Choose one or more, no penalty for an incorrect choice. The winner of the
Jazz-Clippers series is:
a. Quin Snyder
b. Doc Rivers
c. Jazz reserves
d. Steve Ballmer
e. Joe Johnson
f. Chris Paul
g. Austin Rivers
Their hands might be tied
Despite the talent of Russell Westbrook how does the Thunder improve in the off season? Well they could draft a quality player in the 2017 draft that’s a beginning. The down-side even the most talented rookie is often not prepared for the rigors of the NBA, there is an adjustment period. The Thunder could sign a talented free-agent or two--that helps however that too is an issue.
Can small market Oklahoma City attract quality free-agent(s)? Considering the current Thunder payroll is there $$$ available to make a pitch to a potential free-agent? I heard David Aldridge this morning tossing out props to Sam Presti; I’m not as sold on the GM as Aldridge is. Presti could make a trade or series of trades for a quality player but that’s no guarantee either.
There remains hope
The Missouri Valley Conference or The Valley is losing Wichita State. Expansion is on the horizon to replace this 10 school conference. It appears the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee is leading according to reports. University of Missouri-Kansas City loses out this time but wait there’s more. The report indicated the conference is exploring adding at least three schools at some point in the future.
It’s likely this is his niche
I tried to be faithful to Kim Anderson, I believe to a degree he was placed in a no-win situation at Mizzou. His loyalty to the program was key to accepting the job; Anderson should have been hired in 1999 at the time Norm Stewart was forced out. Anderson a Mizzou player and assistant coach had deep ties and they were revealed. Years later (2014) he accepted the job when he could have easily said no.
Despite success at the Division II level Anderson was over-matched at Division I not because he couldn’t coach he couldn’t recruit. Couldn’t recruit at a level allowing his Mizzou squad to be competitive. He was asked to leave March 5th and the 24th he accepted the job at Division II Pittsburg State (KS). His .745 winning percentage at the University of Central Missouri provides proof he can coach. I have a connection at Pittsburg State so I hope I’m able to obtain some inside information into the future.
A numbers game
182 players applied for early-entry for this years NBA Draft. We understand the financial reward they all seek, secondly their desire often from childhood to play in the NBA. This is key 60 players will be chosen in the draft however there is no guarantee any of the early entry players are going to be chosen. Let’s just say for sake of argument all 182 have hired agents they are unable to return to college. 60 of the number are drafted, my math indicates 122 players would remain. What’s next you ask for those who remain undrafted; well there is Euro League basketball, play in Australia or the NBA D-League.
