Basketball from a fans perspective
ESPN is not the only culprit
The other day I mentioned Stephen A. Smith and his rant regarding the networks ranking of NBA players. My complaint was aimed at the host however a portion I reserved for the network. I’ve since discovered ESPN is not the only “guilty” party, SI.com NBA page and maybe others I omitted has run similar accounts. I’m unsure why this is required for some as for others their view might be similar to mine.
If you read LeBron James is the number one player in the NBA that’s likely to cause many to nod their head in agreement. At the same time if you read “Kyrie Irving is better than Isaiah Thomas or vice-versa” that becomes a subject of debate. Perhaps that is the basis for these polls; they prove nothing but fodder for discussion.
This might be over
By the time you read this might be a non-issue, once again LaVar managed to make the story about himself rather than his sons. Again I have no problem with his effort to create his own shoe line; the problem is his over the top arrogance. He’s releasing a signature shoe for his youngest son and the possible consequence was mentioned. His response was to issue a profanity and state the “NCAA is not my boss,” I believe we recognize that but we also recognize the responsibility of the NCAA even during times of decisions we disagree with.
Once upon a time the NBA drafted players out of high school its likely there will be no change in policy in the next two years. There is an out for LaVar if he chooses; I mentioned a number of athletes bypassed the NCAA by playing in Europe or Asia for a year and return in time for the NBA Draft. This could be the path for Melo otherwise he and Daddy must deal with the NCAA. In the end if the NCAA deems Melo a professional I’m unsure what direction LaVar might head.
Exclusive company
It’s been reported the Lakers plan on retiring both Kobe jersey numbers. Number 8 and 24 will be hosted to the rafters in December to join those of:
Wilt Chamberlain #13
Elgin Baylor #22
Gail Goodrich #25
Magic Johnson #32
Kareem Abdul Jabbar #33
Shaquille O’Neal #34
Jerry West #44
James Worthy #42
Jamal Wilkes #52
Why the rush?
The Charlotte Hornets arrived in the NBA in 1988 as an expansion team. The team would move to New Orleans in 2002 but retain the Hornet name. Two years later the NBA expanded once again and Charlotte was awarded a franchise which became the Bobcats. Tom Benson owner of the team wanted a name more closely identified with the Crescent City thus the Pelicans were born in 2013. Once the name change in New Orleans Michael Jordan petitioned the NBA for his franchise to become the Hornets once again. In 2008 the Sonics moved from Seattle to Oklahoma City and were re-branded the Thunder.
Where am I going with this story you ask? If you note the dates Charlotte waited exactly two years before they received another franchise. As for Seattle that’s been a completely different story. It’s been 9 going on 10 years since the NBA bounced a basketball in Key Arena. This is an easy fix for the NBA, since the league was in such a rush to return to Charlotte why not Seattle can you say “Steve Ballmer?” This is all speculation on my part however why build a new arena in Los Angeles when a refurbished Key Arena will be ready before you can construct a new one.
