Basketball from a fans perspective
Tampering
Magic Johnson could be guilty; I mentioned earlier the Pacers contacted the NBA accusing the Lakers of tampering with Paul George. Let’s see if we can piece this puzzle together, Palmdale (CA) is an hour and 10 minutes and 65 miles from Staples Center. Palmdale is George's home town in addition he played his college basketball at Cal-State Fresno which is about 221 miles from Staples Center.
George grew up a Lakers fan however once the NBA Draft occurred it was the Pacers who were in a position to draft him. Paul George with pending free-agency let it be known he’d like to play for the Lakers. As I stated at the beginning Magic could be guilty of tampering, if the Lakers are found guilty of tampering they must accept the punishment the NBA mandates.
The basis
We had an idea why LaVar Ball is so determined to place his BBB shoes on the market? I attempted to provide research on the athletic shoe apparel line. Although these are not current figures it provides you clear evidence for why. “U.S. athletic footwear industry grew 8% to $17.2 billion in 2015.” *NPD indicates “The three major players Nike, Adidas and Under Armour led the way.” The athletic shoe line has continued to grow at an ever increasing rate.
At this point the ceiling is undetermined if there is one for the basketball shoe market. Provides us proof why LaVar Ball is attempting to break into this market. Entertainer Jay Z reported he’d purchased 3 pair of BBB shoes? Let’s see that totals $1,485.00 less tax for his purchase, we can guess he might be able to afford them. Jay Z stated he believed in the marketing effort of LaVar Ball but explained there were elements of this effort Ball hadn’t handled well. Say that again Jay Z I hope you might listen to him?
*NPD & Forbes
Gotham City
Allow me a disclaimer; I’m a believer in Phil Jackson. Although a front office role with the Knicks would be different I thought he’d turn the franchise around. Needless to say that didn’t occur, PJ was asked to leave so he headed to Montana with his pockets stuffed with a cash payout. What remains is not much in fact I believe the Sixers (provided Embiid is healthy) might move ahead of the Knicks. With Carmelo and Porzingis they remain a superior team to the Nets but not by much. Jeff Hornacek has a job on his hands with this mixed bag of players. The first two names are likely starters the balance is my guess.
Carmelo Anthony-small forward
Kristaps Porzingis-power forward
Willy Hernangomez/Joakim Noah-center
Tim Hardaway Jr.-shooting guard
Ron Baker/Frank Ntilikina-point guard
I don’t believe the projected starters plus a bench of Michael Beasley, Ramon Sessions and others is likely to drive fear in the hearts of the opposition. As for P.J. it’s not the fact he didn’t make an effort the moves (Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and others) blew up in his face. Celebrity fans Spike Lee and Michael Rapaport have expressed their frustration with the Knicks slow progress to return to a competitive level.
Can he play?
I’m not sure however I believe the Celtics Semi Ojeleye can. Unfamiliar with the name a quick background. When he graduated from Ottawa HS (Ottawa Kansas) he’d set the all-time scoring record for the State of Kansas. Ojeleye “escaped” from the clutches of Bill Self and headed to Duke, buried on a deep Duke bench Ojeleye transferred to SMU in Dallas.
The 6-8 power forward proved he could play at this level leading the Mustangs in scoring at nearly 19 points and 7 rebounds a game. Ojeleye was a red shirt junior and could have returned to SMU but decided the time was right for a move, Ojeleye would declare for the 2017 NBA Draft. The June draft would find the Celtics choosing Ojeleye as the 37th pick in the second round. It appears he might gain a spot on the roster however it’s likely to be in a reserve role. Whatever the future holds for son of Nigerian immigrants he will be successful that I believe.
