Basketball from a fans perspective
Tight end
I’m watching Chino Hills High
School versus Spartanburg Day, Zion Williamson of Spartanburg is Rivals number
three prospect in the Class of 2018. I
believe this might be the first time his talent is on display for a national
television audience on ESPN. The graphic
people posted his measurements, 6 feet 6 inches and 272 pounds. My first thought, if Williamson doesn’t make
it in the NBA perhaps the NFL might be in his future as a tight end.
All-pro tight end Antonio Gates
of the Chargers played college basketball at Kent State. An interesting development occurred, I tuned
into the game to scout Williamson but was just as impressed with a Chino Hills
Class of 2019 prospect. His name is
Onyeka Okongwu and he’s a 6 foot 8 inch 215 pound forward, Rivals list him as
the number 21 prospect next year. In any
event Okongwu went up, around and over Spartanburg defenders on his way to a
35-point 14 rebound game which led to a 70-64 victory over Chino Hills.
A new coach
The talk began with LaVar Ball
stating Luke Walton had lost control of the Laker team. The story marinated, at least two NBA coaches
came out in support of Walton. Later rookie
Kyle Kuzma voiced support of Walton and then the story took another turn. Late in the week former Grizzly coach David
Fizdale’s name was mentioned as a possible replacement for Walton. So far, no comment from owner Jeanie Buss, GM
Rob Pelinka or President of Basketball Operations Magic Johnson. It seems Walton is being attacked on all
sides including some members of the media.
This morning at the barber shop
one of the patrons who is a Laker fan made this statement. “Magic and Pelinka didn’t hire Walton, they
owe no allegiance to him.” He went on to
state: “Walton’s stint at Golden State might be misleading, he took over a
veteran team during Steve Kerr’s absence.
Rookie coach and rookie team requires a veteran coach.” Technically Walton is not a rookie coach the
2017-18 season is his second at the helm, so my friend is incorrect there, as
for the balance of his statement you become the judge. NOTE: After
this was completed owner Jeanie Buss sent out a tweet in support of the
beleaguered coach.
The forgotten Celtic
You know the names, currently its
Irving and Hayward. In an earlier period,
there was Bird, McHale and Robert Parrish, much earlier it was Russell, Cousy
and the Jones boys. Did I forget someone
there might be several, but one stands out?
He played in what I refer to as the “in-between era”. Russell had retired however Bird was yet to
arrive and this player Celtic fans of this generation might overlook him.
His name is Jo Jo White, he spent
97% of his 12-year career as a member of the Celtics who drafted him in
1969. White was a valued member of the
first post-Russell NBA Championship at point guard in 1974. White from St. Louis played his college
basketball at Kansas (1965-1969). Toward
the end of his tenure he was traded to the Warriors and later the Kansas City
Kings. How good was the former Celtic,
after his career concluded White was elected to the Naismith Hall of Fame? Check his bio out for further detail, Jo Jo
White a Celtic fans should know.
Who do you Trust
Rapper turn actor Ice Cube was on
ESPN’s First Take. He was asked who was on his “Mount
Rushmore” of Lakers. Consider Cube grew
up in Los Angeles and has followed the Lakers since he was a child. "Kobe is on there, Magic, Karrer, for sure. And I would say Jerry West. The to me is the Mount Rushmore of the Lakers." the co-host of the program Stephen A. Smith born and raised in
New York City indicated he would include Shaquille O’Neal in the group. Guess what,
Smith is entitled to his own opinion however consider this fact. Although Kareem began his NBA career with the
Bucks he finished it with 14 years as a Laker.
Shaq was a major contributor to three consecutive championships and
numerous playoff and regular season wins.
Shaq’s jersey hangs in Staples Center, Ice Cube was asked for his assessment,
I believe his view might be more significant than the opinion of Smith.
