Basketball from a fans perspective
Not the least bit shocking
The NBA schedule for 2017-18 has been rolled out. Although I haven’t made the count myself I’m depending on Brian Windhorst who covers the NBA for ESPN. Windhorst claims the Sixers will be featured on more nationally televised games than the Knicks. Not shocking maybe not even in the category of a surprise if this plays out as Windhorst indicates. The draft, free-agency and the return of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid are positives.
The Sixers in 2017-18 will be a team that just might be good enough to qualify for the 8th slot in the “weak” Eastern Conference. If nothing else they appear entertaining if all bodies remain healthy. The Knicks, the poor Knicks are headed in the opposite direction despite front-office changes. IF Carmelo Anthony and Kristaps Porzingis are not traded the blocks are in place however the foundation of the “building” is very, very weak.
The rich keep getting .....you know
Rivals listed Marvin Bagley III as the number one prospect in the Class of 2018. On Tuesday morning the 6-11 power forward was replaced at the top of the list by R.J. Barrett Montverde Academy small forward. Bagley re-classified and moved into the Class of 2017, with this move he committed to Duke.
On Sunday it was 5-star prospect Tre Jones 6-1 point guard and number 8 prospect in the Class of 2018 who is headed to Duke, the only downside to this news neither might become teammates. It’s likely Bagley might be headed to NBA after but one year or then again he might not play at all. Commitment and NCAA clearance is required its pointed out. We must await the NCAA findings to determine if Bagley plays.
Is it broken?
The “ugly“ jump shot of Laker rookie Lonzo Ball was scrutinized prior to draft night and immediately thereafter. The conversation continued throughout Summer League as a number of former players and analysts provided us their view of Ball’s shot mechanics. Questioned about Ball I believe Magic Johnson might have addressed this issue better than anyone thus far. ‘Jamal Wilkes had one of the ugliest jump shots but it went in.’ Just in case some of you are too young Wilkes shot was hosted toward the basket above his head and near his right ear. I attempted to locate video demonstrating the Wilkes shot, see it on YouTube and draw your own conclusions.
In the case of Wilkes it was simple he indicated as a youth his shot was always blocked playing against older kids. He adjusted his shot in the manner described and it was rarely blocked. As for Magic early in his NBA career it wasn’t an ugly shot it was a lack of one. Shooting a lay up or dunk was about the only shot Magic had NO range beyond about 10 feet. Much later in his career practice eventually allowed Magic to even become an effective 3-point shooter. Back to Lonzo Ball like anyone else he can and should be coached on his shot but don’t go overboard coaches. Ball’s been shooting the ball in that manner since elementary school. If you haven't seen Wilkes shot paste the link below in your browser.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GF2KKLTWoAQ
