Basketball from a fans perspective
The Fix
NBA Board of Governors has voted to address the complaints regarding the draft. For years we’ve heard complaints in a number of circles that teams were losing on purpose, losing to improve their opportunity to secure a high draft pick. I’m sure a devious mind will figure out a method to void the fix but I'm not sure how. In 2019 the three teams with the worst record will all have an equal opportunity to secure the top draft pick.
The dominoes begin falling
Remember what occurred with the Mizzou hire of Cuonzo Martin? The school hired Michael Porter Sr. as an assistant coach his son was the number one prospect in the Class of 2017. The son became the first domino and there after several other prospects committed to Mizzou. So there we have it dominoes that fell in place rebuilding Mizzou basketball. The recent Justice Department news has seen the opposite occur, players committed earlier are now backing out on their promise.
Rivals prospects Anfernee Simons (16) and Courtney Ramey (39) hearing the Pitino news de-committed from Louisville. In Alabama and Auburn University E. J. Montgomery (28) announced he’s no longer committed to the school. This Justice Department probe is wide-ranging so don’t be surprised if the number doesn’t grow, the three athletes mentioned are the first thus far however there will be other dominoes.
I‘ve changed my mind
Sometimes I can be easily persuaded to change my mind; this might be one of those occasions. If you’ve watched NBA TV over the years they profile each team prior to the start of the season. The 2017-18 Cavs are a veteran team and have a great deal of firepower in the starting lineup and off the bench. Much of the additions were acquired in the off-season.
Isaiah Thomas (out until January)
Derrick Rose
Dwyane Wade
Jae Crowder
Jose Calderon
Ante Zizic
The off-season acquisitions might comprise a starting lineup, most likely they will comprise a very deep bench. The Cavs have got to be the favorites for the Eastern Conference Championship. Beyond that who knows if they are capable of winning another championship.
“Death Penalty”
Tony Kornheiser co-host of ESPN’s Pardon the Interruption said; “I believe Louisville will receive the Death Penalty.” For those who might be unfamiliar with the term the NCAA has the power to shut down a sports program for at least a year. The last time the Death Penalty occurred in basketball was the 1973-74 and 1974-75 seasons. Southwestern Louisiana State (now the University of Louisiana-Lafayette) was the school cited.
Self imposed Death Penalties have occurred by the administrations at the University of San Francisco (1982) and Tulane University (1985). All this is just talk at this stage the Death Penalty has not been rendered although we can state with truth Louisville is a repeat NCAA violator excluding the latest incident. There is an outside chance the 2013 NCAA Championship might be erased from the record book although that might be unlikely. Syracuse was not punished for offenses occurring in 2003 when they won their championship.
