Basketball from a fans perspective

Polls

Last season we discussed the polls and the plain fact they really don’t prove much.  Apart from UCLA in the Wooden/Alcindor era rarely has a number one remained number one throughout the season.  The proof of who’s the best will not be revealed until April 2, 2018, at about 9:50 or so Central Time the winner will be revealed, this is written the Top Five in both polls is pretty much the same. 

Villanova, Michigan State, Duke, Arizona State.  The positioning is somewhat different between the AP Top 25 and USA Today Coaches poll however the same teams are there just in different order with six teams in the Top 25 the Big 12 Conference is pounding its chest over the numbers.  I have no argument except to say to them see you in March.   

Maybe surprising

The NFL Carolina Panthers will soon have a “for sale” sign placed in front of the building, according to Forbes the franchise is valued at $2.3 billion dollars.  Interesting in the fact I discovered there are four NBA franchises who exceed the net worth of the Panthers.  The figures are billion: the Knicks $3.3, Lakers $3, Warriors $2.6 and Bulls $2.5.  Yes, I’m a little surprised of course these are estimated figures however I tend to believe they are likely accurate.  

Bait and Switch

The term above is familiar to most of you, for me it simply says one thing but has a hidden or other meaning.  Example, the ESPN headline read: “Phil won’t attend Bryant ceremony.”  A reference to the retirement of Kobe Bryant’s jersey ceremony.  If you click on the article it indicates Phil Jackson contacted Kobe indicating, he would be unable to attend.  Yes, he will not be there for the event however the headline would appear to be an issue.  What do you think, am I correct or just reading something there that might not exist? 

"Amazing Grace and Chuck"

In a 1987 release the Nuggets Alex English was a cast member of the movie Amazing Grace and Chuck.  The interesting point the movie was not a sports or basketball movie although English was cast as a basketball player named Amazing Grace Smith.   Even more interesting English played in a Celtics jersey.  Drafted by the Bucks he would later play for the Pacers however it was the Nuggets where the NBA first truly took notice of his talent and ability. 

The slim smooth shooting 6-7 190 pound forward scored over 25,000 points during a 16-year NBA career.  English is one of the few players whose managed enshrinement in the College and Naismith Hall of Fame.  His Nugget number 2 and University of South Carolina 22 jerseys have been retired at both locations.  That ain’t too bad a career for a guy drafted 23rd in the second round of the 1976 draft.