BREAKING NEWS
It’s being reported the Celtics will give the Cavs a 2020 2nd round pick as an addition to the Kyrie Irving-Isaiah Thomas trade.
A bull’s-eye aimed at them
Mike Rutherford of SB Nation on August 30 has placed a target clearly on the back of the Mizzou Tigers. In the publication he chooses the Tigers as………are you ready for this? Rutherford places them as the number 25 basketball team in the nation; on the surface doesn’t sound bad however there are a number of factors to consider. The Tigers were winners in a grand total of 8 games last season so there begins the concern. From 8 wins to potentially competing for the SEC crown.
Rutherford looked at LSU and Ben Simmons (which I had earlier) and pointed the team did not play up to expectations. I’m trying to remember the last time a Mizzou team was in the Top 25, I believe we’d have to return to the Haith era. In 2011-12 the Haith led Mizzou team finished the season 30-5 and earned a trip to the NCAA Tournament. I will repeat my late spring statement I hope for improvement and will leave it at that. The high expectations are scary for this Mizzou fan all I can do is watch the games as you will.
He’s got a new job
A large percentage of athletes are not prepared for life after basketball. A number become broadcasters while even smaller groups become assistant coaches. A meager number are similar to Elton Brand beginning work in at team’s front office. Former Duke player Brand was drafted by the Bulls in 1999 and played for a number of teams concluding his career in 2016 with the Sixers. The Sixers made and announcement that Brand has been named GM of the Delaware 87ers the G League affiliate of the team. Congratulations to Brand in this new endeavor in his life.
Road trip……maybe
At this point we have no idea the ultimate destination of number two Class of 2018 prospect Zion Williamson. Most of the usual suspects Duke, North Carolina, Kansas and Carolina along with a host of other schools are attempting to lure this 5-star prospect to their campus. The 6-7 230 pound Williamson has been compared to LeBron James which is really unfair.
As a 17-year old Zion’s physical stature is comparable to that of LeBron at the same age. One scouting source indicates there is a 60% chance Williamson will enroll at Kansas. As mentioned above we have no idea of his destination however I’ve made a decision. If this should play out in the manner projected and Williamson is at Kansas I plan on a road trip to Lawrence (KS) to see him play.
Best of the Best
Teams might contain the greatest number of talent assembled without adequate leadership a team might often fail to achieve greatness. From 1948 up to the present day Laker history has contained the names of outstanding, average and a few duds in the team‘s coaching ranks. You might ask who is the best of the best, that’s a difficult answer however I will attempt to provide my view with a glimpse of their resume.
1. Pat Riley 1981-1990, 4 championships
2. John Kundla 1947-1959, 5 championships
3. Phil Jackson 1999-2004, 2005-2011, 5 championships
4. Fred Schaus 1960-1967 0 championship
5. Bill Sharman 1971-1976 1 championship
All the coaches mentioned won one or more championships you might question why I included the late Fred Schaus in this group. Under Schaus the Lakers dominated the west during the early to mid ‘60’s however there was huge impediment once they reached the championship round. It wasn’t a talent issue the Lakers had that, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, Rudy LaRusso and others. Year after year they would find themselves matched against the Celtics and incomparable Bill Russell plus Bob Cousy, Sam Jones and company.
