Basketball from a fans perspective
No way is this record ever tied
In sports a number of records exist we believe will never be tied or broken. Last season we witnessed Russell Westbrook tie the triple-double record established by Oscar Robertson. The Big O set the record during the 1961-62 season for the Cincinnati Royals (Kings). It’s been said “Never say never” however I am going to make the statement in this instance. One NBA record that will never be equaled is that of the late Wilt Chamberlain.
The Big Dipper as he was nicknamed played a total of 1,205 games during his career 1,045 regular season and 160 playoff games. Imagine this he was an active player for 15 years in the NBA and NEVER EVER fouled out of a single game. We have no method to check now however after a few years did officials give Chamberlain a break, did he receive 5 fouls numerous times and after a time officials failed to make the call with the established streak at risk.
I hope it’s not true
A news report broke late Sunday night, “Rick Pitino selling his house, laying low” read the headline. A further statement indicated the coach said he would be vindicated once the investigation was complete. I don’t wish to read more into this story than is there however if it’s true it raises a key question for me. It’s a fact Pitino likely will never return to head the program at Louisville although he‘s only been suspended for now. The question I might ask the coach why the rush to leave town if you are innocent?
Wild, Wild West
What should we expect from the Western Conference this season? I have no idea except it should be very very competitive, adding Carmelo Anthony makes the race even more competitive. Last season the Warriors won 67 games the Spurs 61 and the Rockets 55, the Blazers with the last playoff spot finished 41-41. The power in the NBA is most definitely in the Western Conference. Teams on the outside looking in were the Nuggets, Mavs and Pelicans; will they be improved as well? Could the Wolves and Lakers move upward, possibly but they must eclipse the Kings who finished in front of them last season. .
Bits n Pieces
What do I expect of the 2017-18 Lakers you ask? A number of variables exist injuries, team chemistry plus the opposition. The Lakers finished last season 26-56 and fourth place in the Western Division, the assessment is subject to correction at the mid-point of the season. The infusion of rookies Lonzo Ball, Kyle Kuzma and others continue the roster makeover. In addition the continued maturity of Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram and Larry Nance Jr. is a plus. Veterans Brook Lopez, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Corey Brewer and Luol Deng should provide stability for this youthful team. Much as I’d like to see them make the playoffs I’m not going to be ridiculous. A 10 win improvement would be satisfactory to me…..anything beyond that would a ++++.
Former player, coach and analyst Doug Collins has a new job. Collins has been hired by the Bulls one of the teams he once coached as a senior advisor. There is no evidence of his role other that to “advise” on Bulls affairs. This I found interesting, Collins will report to vice-president of basketball operations John Paxton a former player he once coached. Doug Collins is one of those guys I’ve always enjoyed explaining the game while a television analysis.
This might be a repeat of an earlier story but thought history is always worth a repeat. Across the state in St. Louis the NBA existed before the Hawks arrived. The St. Louis Bombers were an original Basketball Associate of America team founded in 1946. In 1949 they along with other BAA teams would merge and become the NBA. 1950 saw the team fold along with several other teams. In 1955 the Milwaukee Hawks moved to St. Louis and remained there until 1968 when the franchise moved to Atlanta.
