‘Trust the process’
Former GM Sam Hinkle coined the phrase “Trust the process.” It would become the key sentence for Sixers fans to remain hopeful for the future. I attempted to point out earlier Sixer and NBA fans are excited about the prospects of the upcoming season. Is Ben Simmons ready--check, is Markelle Fultz ready--check how about Joel Embiid--we think so. It’s reported Embiid is working on non-contact drills and indicates he will be ready once training camp opens.
As indicted the promise of the season is exciting but much of the promise depends on the health of Embiid. In 31 games last season Embiid averaged 20 points 8 rebounds and 5 blocks a game imagine duplicating those same numbers over the course of 70 or 80 games. A roster member might be able to step into the void if Embiid is absent for a significant number of games but the hope that is not the case.
Detroit Gems
Since I often raise history questions I thought it was worth a re-visit of an earlier published account, in 1946 the Gems came into existence in Detroit (MI). This National Basketball League was a disaster on the court (4-40) and at the box office. In 1947 the team was sold two businessmen from Minneapolis and moved to Minnesota. Moving to the “Land of 10,000 Lakes” the team was re-named the Lakers. For those asking why Lakers remains in place we can only speculate.
In 1960 when then owner Bob Short moved the team to Los Angeles it wasn’t as important then as it is now to change the name of a franchise. In baseball the baseball braves began play in Boston moved to Milwaukee and home is Atlanta since 1966. The A’s or Athletics called Philadelphia home until 1955 when they moved to Kansas City later Oakland. So the Lakers remain the Lakers despite no major lakes being located nearby. I know what you are thinking the Pacific Ocean doesn’t count.
Never heard of him
If you hear the name Terrence Phillips your first response might be; “Never heard of him” or better yet “who is he“? Phillips might be one of the keys to a successful 2017-18 Mizzou season. I know all the noise this summer has revolved around the Porter brothers, Jeremiah Tilmon and others. It’s very likely Phillips will be the team’s principal point guard as he led Mizzou in assists (4.4) last season. The assist total might appear insignificant however the team Mizzou had on the court last season was offensively challenged, at times they had problems shooting the ball in the ocean. The 5-11 Phillips from SoCal led the Tigers in assists for the second straight year; in his junior year Coach Martin will expect him to be the glue that holds this young bunch of players together.
New players
In the middle of summer Les Alexander announced he intended to sale the Rockets. A couple of celebrity names were mentioned entertainer Beyonce (a Houston native) and Diekembe Mutombo former Rockets player. More recently two non-celebrity names have been mentioned as potential buyers they are Tilman Fertitta and Dan Friedkin. Fertitta is a Houston businessman with a reported net worth of $2.8 billion dollars. As for Friedkin he’s CEO of Gulf States Toyota and his net worth is projected at $3.1 billion dollars. There is one fact that is indisputable there are always a number of potential buyers who desire to own an NBA franchise every time a team is placed on the market.
