Basketball from a fans perspective
It’s complete
The front office reorganization of the Clippers is now complete. On Wednesday Michael Winger was hired as the teams’ general manager. Doc Rivers is now free to coach the team without any player distractions other than the usual. Complaints about minutes, personality issues and injuries.
Bits n Pieces
The number one pick in the NBA Draft traded for the number 60 pick. It occurred with Kyrie Irving for Isaiah Thomas; Irving was the number one pick in the 2011 draft by the Cavs. In the same draft in the second round with the 60th and last pick the Kings selected Thomas. Of course Thomas would eventually wind up with the Celtics before the trade.
Ben Simmons has been pronounced ready for action. A reminder Simmons missed last season with a foot injury. As for Joel Embiid that’s a different story the Sixers are yet to announce his availability. I’ve read he’s been working out conducting light drills but nothing heavy. Based on what we witnessed in 20+ games hopefully he’ll be able to play.
You remember Mitchell Robinson don’t you? He's the 5-star prospect in the Class of 2017; Robinson signed with Western Kentucky and then left almost as soon as he arrived on campus. After he left the school reports indicated he was searching for another college. It is now reported the 7 foot Robinson is working out in preparation for the 2018 NBA draft. I’m unable to locate his birth date however if his “19th birthday falls during or before the calendar year of the draft” he would be eligible.
Say what?
How about part II of an earlier story, remember Steve Ballmer’s desire to own his own arena? Ballmer has made it known he’s tired of being a co-tenant of the Lakers, Kings and other entertainment venues. Ballmer is true to his word going out and securing an agreement with the City of Inglewood for land acquisition. The plan has been halted temporarily by a law suit.
The short version of the story the Clipper arena would be construction about two miles south of the Forum. The problem dueling concerts, the owner of the Forum now is MSG. MSG of course owns the Knicks, Rangers, broadcast networks and of course Madison Square Garden. We are at the beginning stage of this issue; this is not the first time legal matters have stalled a stadium or arena project.
The wait might be over
Rockets center Yao Ming retired in 2011, since that year the NBA has hoped for another quality Chinese player to arrive on our shores. In a brief but short NBA career the 7-6 Ming proved he could play at the NBA level. With can state with conviction few other Chinese players have tasted similar success to Ming.
In 2016 the Rockets made Zhou Qi the 43rd pick in the second round; did they draft Qi with Yao Ming in mind? Qi remained in China last year but is now in Houston determined to make the Rockets team; he signed a 4-year contract so he’s got ample time to develop and adjust to the rigors of NBA play. As for the physical part scouts claim the 7-1 210 pound Qi will play the power forward position although eventually he’ll move to the center position.
