Basketball from a fans perspective

He’s blowing up this season thus far

I just checked, the Knicks Kristaps Porzingis is lighting up the scoreboard this season.  The Latvian youngster is scoring at nearly a 30 ppg clip and he Knicks are .500 3-3 as this is written.  Two keys for me, item one the triangle offense is dead, the departure of Phil Jackson and the triangle becomes a thing of the past.  Item two no Carmelo Anthony to slow the offense.     

I’m not trying to him under the bus kick him under the bus however Carmelo fans don’t want to admit it but as talented as he is the Knicks offense slowed considerably with him in the lineup.  Finally, I have the opportunity once again to laugh at Stephen A. Smith, the Knicks certainly remain a work in progress however they have talent at the power forward position.  I wonder if Smith conducted any research on Porzingis before beginning his rant over the airways at the time the Knicks chose him in the draft.   

Are we sure they are the best?

The Wednesday morning Pacific standings could be a little misleading, the Clippers are listed in first place and the Warriors in second.  When the teams met this past Monday the Warriors ran on, around and through the Clippers defense to the tune of 141-113.  You say the winning team gave up 113 points…..yes, they did however the Clippers gave up an enormous 141 points. Allow me to point out once again one game fails to make a season however it might be an indicator of a team’s ability. 

The forgotten man

In all the Embiid/Simmons/Fultz Sixer hoopla we forgot him, the him in this instance is Jahlil Okafor.  You remember don’t you he was the third pick in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft.  Although I read there were maturity issues Okafor had a decent rookie season.  Nearly 18 points and 7 rebounds a game and then he became part of the three-headed center of Joel Embiid/Nerlens Noel/Jahlil Okafor. 

When Embiid became the dominant lead it was guessed either Noel or Okafor would be traded.  Noel was traded to the Mavs leaving Okafor to play caddy to Embiid but from all reports has accepted this role.  Reports are circulating Okafor is on the trading block once again as talks heat up.  Okafor’s rookie numbers prove the 6-11 270 pound can play successfully at the NBA level. Although the game has changed there is always a requirement for a talented big man. 

Bits n Pieces

The Cavs departed GM claims he didn’t want to draft Anthony Bennett in 2013.  We know the story Bennett would become the 1^st pick and that would be the highlight, for Bennett it was all downhill after that.  He’s no longer in the NBA and is playing in Turkey however the story doesn’t end there.  The GM goes on to claim he was outvoted 9-1 with him casting the one dissenting vote.  He said he wanted to draft Ben McLemore who was chosen by the Kings.  This is my spin, I’m not so sure the Cavs would have been any better with McLemore in the lineup.  The former Kansas Jayhawk is now with the Grizzlies and we are still unsure if he can play successfully at the NBA level. 

He’s a former player although you might have difficulty believing it.  It’s his broadcast moxie, he’s knowledgeable and insightful working as an analyst for ESPN.  I’m referring to Jay Bilas who played for Coach K at Duke (1982-1986).  Bilas was drafted in 1986 by the Mavs but never played for them instead he became a world traveler playing for several Euro teams.  1989-92 he went back to Duke serving as an assistant coach.  Bilas would join ESPN in 1995 providing analysis on the college game and its talent.  On occasion he’s provided expertise on NBA draft potential.    

It’s early however as this is written the Sixers have the same won-loss record as the Cavs (3-4) who’d have thunk it?  The duo of Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid appear to be shaping into a talented team.  If rookie Markelle Fultz can return healthy and play to the level of a number one pick the Sixers could sneak into the playoffs.  I make the statement however don’t hold your breath waiting for it this season. 

I’m guilty, sometimes I’m too focused on points scored by a player.  Isiah Thomas and Kevin McHale studio host for NBA TV were discussing Lonzo Ball prior to the Lakers game against the Pistons.  Thomas said; “We focus on points scored, Magic Johnson totally dominated us in a game and scored but 10 points.”  Both sang the praises of Lonzo, McHale mentioned; “(Patrick) Beverly played tough defense on Lonzo, he’s got to become adjusted to play in the NBA.