Basketball from a fans perspective
Published Monday through Friday
Feel good story
Many of you might be familiar with the Caleb Swanigan story. Growing up in an unstable home he was adopted as a pre-teen but that’s only part of the story. It was reported in high school he stood 6-2 but weighed a hefty 360 pounds. His adopted father put him on a strict diet and conditioning routine. By the time he was a high school senior Swanigan raised his game to the level of a McDonald’s All American.
Two years at Purdue and he was ready for the NBA or so he believed. The Blazers would make Swanigan the 26th pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft. Swanigan distinguished himself earning All NBA Summer League First Team. The 6-9 youngster scored nearly 15 points and grabbed 10 rebounds a game for the Blazers. This is no indication of future success but considering where Swangian’s come from I cannot help but root for a successful NBA career for him.
Don‘t know his game
My Lakers signed free agent shooting guard 6-5 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. I admit I’ve seen few Piston games since Pope was drafted in 2013. The truth is I’m really unsure if I ever witnessed his play period. He was the number eight pick in the draft that year from Georgia, he’s scored in double figures three of his first four seasons in the association.
A number of scouts indicate Pope not only has the ability to score but has a defensive presence on the court. Pope is only signed to a 1-year contract so Laker fans must adopt a wait and see how the Magic-Pelinka plan works out for Pope. Despite his veteran status Pope is only 24 years old and could have a long and successful tenure with the Lakers.
Celebrity owner
The news of the Rockets sale sparks stories regarding potential buyers. A number of “fat-cat’s live in the Houston area and certainly could be considered on a short list. One potential celebrity owner was born and raised in Houston. Queen B., Beyonce certainly has the financial clout to afford the purchase even with partners. You said Beyonce has no interest in owning an NBA team that might be true but consider she was once an owner. Husband Jay-Z owned a small portion of the Brooklyn Nets, was it his money or hers?
Oprah Winfrey and partners were in the bidding process for the Clippers before they were eventually sold to Steve Ballmer. Junior Bridgeman had an extensive playing career in the NBA; he’s made a great deal of money since his retirement. Bridgeman along with allies could also afford to purchase the Rockets. The names mentioned are purely speculation; one thing for sure there will be no shortage of potential suitors to purchase the franchise. This name is official Dikembe Mutombo who once played for the Rockets indicates he will put together a group to purchase the team.
He’s “Ball (ling) “
I’m attributing this to the Lonzo Ball factor, it’s the fact the media seems to be paying far more attention to summer ball. I can correct some facets for them, Summer League is not playoff basketball its not even regular season NBA. July is the time rookies and a number of second year players’ work on various aspects of their game. Players have look amazing in the summer however when regular season begins many have the deer in the headlights look.
I would be less than honest if I said I didn’t have a desire to see Ball in action against NBA competition that would be ridiculous. Ball and others are going to have up and down years in the NBA however one rookie will stand out. That rookie will be announced as Rookie of the Year. Who that might be at this stage I have no idea stay tuned for the result. Sure as I’m sitting here a rookie will have an outstanding game over that of Fultz, Ball or Tatum
